Mercy VineM e r c e d e s C o l l e g e

Coming Events

27-28 November Year 10 Exams 27-29 November Student Leadership Conference 29 November Year 11 2007 Transition Day 30 November Year 12 2007 Transition Day 30-1 December Year 10 Work Observation 4-6 December Year 10 2007 Transition Days 8 December End Term 4 12:30pm

From the Principal Issue No 18 – 24 November, 2006

Dear Parents, Staff, Students and Friends of the Mercedes College Community

As Christians we are challenged to consider ways by which we can make better the lives of those with whom we come into contact. We know through considering the words of Jesus that we can do this in many ways. Staff members at Mercedes College make a difference in the lives of the students with whom they work and do so regardless of whether or not their efforts are recognised. The teachers at this school are very generous with their time and skill, with only the expectation that their efforts will assist our young people to develop their spiritual awareness, academic knowledge, physical prowess and social skills. Although this is the norm, occasionally staff members are acknowledged in formal ways and this week I am pleased to be able to inform you of three such events.

The Archbishop’s Award for Services to Education Each year the Archbishop of Adelaide recognises a member of the Catholic Education community with a special award. In 2006 I am pleased to announce this award was presented to Penny Penhall, Coordinator of the Learning Assistance Programme (LAP) at Mercedes College. Penny

also coordinates the programme nationally and increasingly is influencing international educators as they pursue LAP in their schools. Penny has worked tirelessly to maintain this programme, sometimes against great odds. I thank Penny for her work and know that through LAP she has made a significant difference in the lives of many. Congratulations Penny!

An acknowledgement by her peers For the last eleven years Madame Lesley Davies has been President of the SA French Teachers’ Association – a feat in itself. During this time she has worked to provide opportunities for French teachers across Australia to share their professional knowledge and experience with their colleagues. In July this year this vision became a reality, as Lesley led the inaugural conference of the Federation of Associations of Teachers of French in Australia (FAFTA). Madame Davies has a passion for the teaching of language in general and French in particular, and the education community is the stronger for her commitment. Congratulations Lesley!

An acknowledgement by the wider community One of the pleasures of my job is when I receive letters from the wider community commending the staff and students of this College. One teacher who receives his fair share of commendations is Steve Wasilewski. The STEP programme Steve coordinates challenges our students to go beyond their comfort zone and look at life and learning from different perspectives. As part of this programme Steve coordinates the annual Mimili Trek. From reports I have received from the student attendees this was once again a life changing experience for many of them. Steve would be the first to say he is just one of a team, but it is clear that he leads this team extremely well. Congratulations Steve!

It is pleasing that these three staff members have been formally recognised, but I know they would join with me in congratulating all other staff for the work each of them does above and beyond the call of duty. The Australian Government asks schools to report to their communities about the value added aspects of their school. I will have no difficulty with this as I believe I could find examples of how each and every staff member of this College adds value to the learning experiences of our students.

Congratulations I wish to congratulate the following staff members who have recently become parents: Andrea Bishop on the birth of her daughter Jemima Claire Luke Borda on the birth of his son Oliver James Jane Trengove on the birth of her daughter Harper Albert Sabadin on the birth of his daughter Loredana Sophia Alessandra Miles on the birth of her daughter Angelle Charlize Best wishes to you all.

Student Success For the first time this year the Archbishop has offered each school two awards to recognise two students who have achieved excellence in the areas of community service, RE studies and general outstanding involvement in school life. This year I am pleased to congratulate Elizabeth Heuzenroeder (12LB) and Chris Cormack (12JL). Elizabeth and Chris were presented with their awards at the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony at the College last month and at the 6:00pm Mass at St Francis Xavier Cathedral last Sunday. (continued page 3)

Peter Daw Principal

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A Friday thought… The temperature is on the increase, the Barmy Army is in Australia, the only talk of footy is about the Draft and supermarkets are stocking up on sunscreen. Must be summer.

Tonight, as 135 of our young people, their families and friends celebrate the completion of Year Twelve and final exams, we have reason to ponder the world into which they are moving. The forthcoming weeks will bring, for them and for us, an opportunity to reflect. They will bring hot weather, the beach and plenty of sunshine, features so often remarked upon by people coming from places of seemingly endless cloud and damp in Europe.

But what is the prospect? What of the future? Even for non experts like myself, the reality of climate change and its potentially catastrophic effects are cause to question the direction of government policies around the world. Green issues are now very much mainstream, as illustrated by John Howard’s recent statements about the environment.

But the gap between the world’s rich and poor is critical. The International Energy Agency, in a report prepared for the recent G20 meeting in Melbourne, said that developing countries will be responsible for almost three quarters of the increase in global carbon dioxide emissions between now and 2030. For those of us pinning our hopes on renewable energy sources as a big part of the solution, the agency said that such sources will still only account for two per cent of production in 2030. Oil and gas would still be the main source of energy in the next quarter century and probably well beyond. Startlingly, it maintained that even if governments around the world implemented energy-saving policies they were now considering, global energy demand would still rise by 37 per cent in the next 25 years.

The rich/poor divide, of course, exacerbates the issue, because it is the developing nations, where poverty is very real, which are reluctant to rein in the pollution which contributes to them ‘catching up’ with the more ‘developed’ countries. As federal treasurer Peter Costello, who chaired the G20 meeting, commented, “Some of the developing countries feel they are going through this process of industrialisation that is going to bring huge energy demands, and they feel that emissions caps will make that energy more expensive. In fact, some say that emissions caps will hurt the poor”.

So we have the issue of Australia and other ‘developed’ nations now becoming environmentally conscious – but some might argue that we have the luxury of being able to be so because we have the good things of life denied those in poorer countries.

What are we to make of this huge challenge? Surely, as we remember that we are mere stewards of this earth and that we are called by our God to nurture it, there has never been a better time for the term globalisation to assume its true meaning. A meaning which acknowledges the need for global solutions, a sharing of both resources and ideas, a supportiveness which recognises that we are all sisters and brothers, and a genuine compassion which challenges national barriers. A search for answers which will benefit all. Today’s graduates will contribute mightily to a wonderful new world. But they look to us to bring about change in the here and now.

Peter Williams

Preparation for Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion Parents who would like their children to prepare for Reconciliation, Confirmation and First Communion in the Catholic Parishes of Colonel Light Gardens, Goodwood and Kingswood in 2007 are invited to attend an Introductory Parent Meeting on Tuesday 6 February at 7:30pm in the Kingswood Parish Hall, 35 Cambridge Terrace, Kingswood (next door to the Church). Further information from Sr Jasmine ph 0415 214 858 or email: jasmine@kingswoodparish.com

CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL Please send along the following items by Monday 27 November . Tinned Jams, fruits, hams, baby food, mustards, mayonnaise, pickles, sauces, biscuits, sweets, Christmas cakes, puddings, cans of soft drink, tea, coffee. Your donation in $s will help purchase goods for the Appeal. Thank you for your support in the past.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 3

From the Junior School Sports Day was an exiting and enjoyable day for all concerned. Great weather helped create the atmosphere for the myriad of fun activities which kept the children involved and challenged. A large number of parents and families attended to support

the children. Congratulations to all concerned, especially Paul Jarvis and Simon Munn, and to the winning House, Barry. Of course, the staff comfortably defeated a strong parent relay team. Thanks to Margie and Chris Abbott for donating the oranges and Liz Watson for cutting them up. Induction Day this year was a

successful day for all our new and current students. An absence of tears was unusual but welcome and hopefully everyone ended up comfortable and happy. Thanks to the Junior School parents for accepting where your children have been placed for 2007 classes. The hard working MP&FA again supported the day by providing morning tea and also drinks on New Parents Evening – much appreciated. Mrs Noela Grudnoff has been at Mercedes College for 17 years and has established herself as a pre-eminent educator. In particular she has ensured the students have been given the best possible start particularly in the area of Literacy. Much of the success of the Junior Primary section of the College is due to her great efforts and unsurpassed knowledge of early children and primary education. Noela’s intimate understanding of the IB Primary Years Programme has been invaluable to the school and beyond. She was instrumental in introducing the Listening Programme which has assisted many, many students across the whole school. Although Noela will still have a presence at the College through her proposed consultancy role, she is resigning from her teaching commitments. Personally I have learnt an enormous amount from Noela about many educational matters and innovations, and am indebted to her. She will be missed by the children in particular, and by colleagues and parents alike. We are sure she will be as successful in her exciting new pursuits as she was as a teacher. Under the name of Applied Learning Tuition, Noela will specialise in assisting young people with learning difficulties so as to improve their capabilities by building their learning skills and strategies and gaining the confiden ce necessary to be responsible for their own learning and personal development. I am sure she will still have a role to play with the children in our Junior School and beyond. Dates to Remember: 28 November Year 5 Musical Interlude Marquee (11am) 30 November Year 2 Recorder performance – JS Music

Room (11:30am) 1 December Carols in the Sunken Garden (6-8:00pm) 4 December Strings Concert (St Augustine’s, Unley) 6 December Junior School Picnic/Excursion Day 7 December End of Year Mass (7:00pm St Raphael’s) 8 December End of Term 12:30pm dismissal

Frank Ali Assistant Principal, Head of Junior School

The Principal’s Report (cont) Sport and House Captains for 2007 I am pleased to announce the following student leadership appointments for 2007. College Sport Leaders Elizabeth O’Fathartaigh James O’Connell Barry House Captains Madeline Collins Tom Chisholm Dalton House Captains Zoe Anastassiadis Jack Almond Fitzpatrick House Captain Leah Gerlach Mitchell Browne McAuley House Captains Elizabeth Glamuzina Scott Tregenza My congratulations to all these students. I know they will serve the College well throughout 2007. Year 12 Parent Cocktail Party Last Friday evening parents of the 2006 Year 12 students gathered at the College so we could acknowledge the completion of what can be a very challenging year for all the family. The evening also gave us the opportunity to particularly thank those families who are leaving us at the end of the year. It was good to be able to assure all these families that they will always be welcomed members of our wider Mercedes College community. I take this opportunity to thank all the staff and parents whose presence made the evening so enjoyable. In particular, I acknowledge our Coordinator of Marketing and Development, Ms Suzanne Moorhead and her assistant Ms Alecia Cooper who worked so hard. Blazers Parents are asked to dry clean student blazers during the holidays in preparation for the new year. Even though the blazer does not need to be worn during the summer terms there are a number of formal occasions in Term 1 which require them to be worn. Thank you for your support. Comparative Grade Data As directed by the Commonwealth Government’s School Assistance Act, the College will provide data re the comparative grades for your child if requested. Due to our administrative roll-over of information from 2006 to 2007 this information will only be available until 6 December 2006. If you wish to receive this information please make a written request to Mrs Shauna Allen, Personal Assistant to the Principal, BEFORE 6 December . Police Check During 2007 police check operations in relation to all employees and volunteers will be administered and determined by the Police Check Unit at the Catholic Diocesan Centre, the Archdiocese of Adelaide. All records currently located at the Catholic Education Office will be transferred to the Police Check Unit. Please note the procedure for police check remains the same – the National Police Certificate form is to be completed and brought into Shauna Allen with your original documents.

Peter Daw

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From the Middle School 2006 Visual Arts Exhibition The 6-12 Visual Arts Exhibition showcased the work of the Year 12 Art and Design students, also highlighting a selection of work by students from Years 6-11. Many parents, students and families attended the evening and enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and the opportunity to view the wonderful art talents of our Middle and Senior School students. Congratulations to all students involved and especially to the Middle School students who received awards for their efforts and talents in Art and Design. Language Studies The College received some reports during the week indicating results for Mercedes students who study languages through the Ethnic Schools Board. Congratulations to the following students who learn a language through these schools. These commitments are over and above the work that they do here at Mercedes. Well done!

Kevin Hsiao 6CO – Mandarin Olena Vorona 8SR – French Melissa Lorenzetti 8SR – Italian Shannen Graham 8AS – French Michael Barone 8AS – Italian Dorota Gieroba 8AS – Polish

Year 8 Musical The Middle School Musical, “Man of Steel”, showcased the performing arts of our Year 8 students. It was fantastic to see our Year 8s performing passionately for their audience and so obviously enjoying themselves in the process. This production was the end product of a semester of dedicated work for students and staff across both the performing and visual arts faculties, and I would like to congratulate everyone involved in its planning, preparation and implementation. Casual Day: Giving generously to help our neighbours “On Monday 13 November the Year 8 Indonesian students put their culinary skills to work to raise money for various

charity groups. With some expert assistance from Anna Hurley (Yr 11), Leon Patsis (Yr 10), Mr Wadsworth and Mr de Boar, the spicy aroma of the Indonesian BBQ proved irresistible and everything was sold. The Year 8 Indonesian students also raised some money at recess time by selling Indonesian sweet treats,

including ‘Turtle’ biscuits. The proceeds for the day will benefit: • The John Fawcett Foundation for Eye and Facial

Reconstructive Surgery in remote villages. As little as $5 can help restore vision for one person and change their quality of life forever.

• The ‘Adopt-a-Nest’ programme where Year 8 Indonesian students will sponsor two nests in the Bali Green Sea Turtle Conservation Programme. This will be an ongoing Indonesian Environmental project.

• Our continued support of the East Bali Poverty Project. This year our donation will assist the Introductory Dental

Programme for the children of the very remote villages of East Bali. Mercedes College is one of only a few Australian schools to be listed as an International sponsor and can be very proud to be associated with such a successful organisation.

• The Casual Day was also held to support the Catholic Charities Appeal which will assist organisations such as Catherine House, Centacare and the Hutt Street Meal and Day Centre, in their efforts to bring a Christmas meal to those in need.

We would like to thank all staff and students for supporting these charities and a very special thank you to Michael Angelakis for the generous donation of 1000 Gourmet chicken satés and 250 crumbed prawns. Approximately $2200 was raised in total.” Janet Bartold

Health Coordinator Year 8 Indonesian Students

End of year Over the next few weeks individual classes and year levels will be involved in various activities celebrating the past year and bringing into focus the achievements and successes which have taken place. This will include some activities focused around Health and Social Education during the last week of term.

On Friday 8 December students in Year 6-11 will gather in Gleeson Hall to acknowledge the academic success of individual students. Parents of Middle School students who are receiving awards will be notified in the coming weeks. During this assembly we will also recognise the transition the Year 9 students will make into the Senior School next year. School ends on Friday 8 November at 12:30pm.

Paul Wadsworth Assistant Principal, Head of Middle School

Tuckshop Roster Week 7 Mon 27 Nov M Belperio, A Cousins, K Fogarty Tues 28 Nov J Robinson, K Patterson, V Forsyth Wed 29 Nov J Grant, D Bergamin, R Fisher Thur 30 Nov L Laidlaw, L Krivicic, J Moran Fri 1 Dec J Barac, C Michos, A Kelly Week 8 Mon 4 Dec F Vieraitis, S Koumi, L Heaslip Tues 5 Dec L McBride, J Kavaleros, S Kuerschner Wed 6 Dec F Twizell, C Snelling, J Ardill Thur 7 Dec K Shrimpton, S Mundy, D Furfari Friday 8 Dec Term Ends 12:30pm French Festival 06 Brittany 25 & 26 November, Carrick Hill Alliance Française d’Adelaide www.frenchfestival.org.au You are invited to come and experience some of France’s most popular musicians against a backdrop of great food and wine in one of the State’s most majestic estates, Carrick Hill. With a Brittany theme, the Alliance Française presents a vibrant and dynamic line up of artists and acts in two jam-packed days to enlighten your senses.

Lesley Davies

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From the Senior School

Student Leadership In recent weeks the Senior School, as well as having examinations, has been heavily involved with electing the student leadership team for 2007. Those of us fortunate enough to attend the Inaugural Mass at the start of the year are regularly impressed by the large number and quality of students who have chosen to be leaders at Mercedes. Indeed during my time at the College, we have moved on from six Senior School leaders and eight SRC executives to over fifty students representing all areas of College life. As a result of the growth in our leadership numbers, our Principal, Mr Peter Daw, charged me with the auspicious task of defining what leadership is and further clarifying the various dimensions of student leadership. I remember when I first came to Mercedes in 1989, Sister Monica Gallivan presented me with a history of the Sisters entitled “Centenary, the Sister of Mercy, South Australia 1880-1980”. It was to this I turned to record what the Sisters noted as qualities which empowered students to be leaders in their own community. A recurring theme indicated that leadership is a product of loyalty. The College motto “Loyal en Tout” (Loyal in Everything) said it all. Everyone involved in the Mercedes community, and particularly those who are blessed with leadership, must “ever keep ourselves loyal to the truth and the sacred profession of friendship”. Leadership is given to those who give to others and subsequently it should be both harmonious and all embracing. All our student leaders should possess an apostolic spirit which allows and encourages them to carry out their roles in a fostering, spiritual and temporal manner.

Moving back now to the more mundane task of clarifying the various dimensions of student leadership at Mercedes, a chart has been developed which best depicts the roles of our senior student leaders. If you are interest in viewing this chart please see me. This is the final week for our Year 12 SACE and IB students who are sitting examinations. Their final rite of passage is the Graduation Ball, held at the Convention Centre tonight. I would like to thank Mr Bill Deegan, his year level tutors, Mrs Jill Leahy and Ms Sam Reynolds for the hard work they have put into the preparation for such a wonderful evening. Although every year is special, this year has a particular significance. Mr Jim Goodall has been a major contributor for the last 17 years. He has not only done the ground work in helping set up and plan the evening, but has also helped out as a waiter, an MC, a cook, and of course most importantly, it was Jim who created the College band (JJ and the Boys) who have been entertaining us for so many years. I wish he and his wife Mary, a wonderful future as Principal in Portland, Victoria, and guarantee his love and enthusiasm will be in our memories for years to come.

One would imagine that as the past weeks have come and gone our daily routine would be gradually slowing. Of course that has not happened as Mercedes is personified by its constant vibrancy. Since the last Newsletter report I have been privileged to attend and open the 6-12 Art Exhibition; an occasion of growing significance displaying the quality visual art of so many of our students. A new dimension was added

this year with wonderful entertainment supplied by Mr Adam Hooper and the College Band. The exhibition itself was quite extraordinary both in content and quality. All the Art staff, ably led by Ms Jane Omond, deserve our congratulations.

I also attended the Archbishop’s Inaugural Volleyball Championships and am proud to report that our Year 8 and Open squads finished second, beaten both times on a count back. I look forward to taking out first prize in 2007. Another significant experience was supervising a group of Year 10 students as they learnt the preliminary skills behind scuba diving as part of the wonderful STEP initiatives organised by Mr Steve Wasilewski. Last Saturday evening at the Graduation Cocktail Party, it was wonderful to catch up with so many of our Year 12 parents, for some of whom this will be their final year with us. Monday evening was a very special celebration with the school Council and I represented the Senior School at the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Exhibition and Graduation Ceremony for the Year 5 students on Tuesday. The vigour of youth combined with the daily demands of a modern College, ensure life is never dull. Congratulations to two of our students on receiving Merit Awards in their language studies at the School of Languages, Seung Hyun Lee (Korean), Nasreen Jawad (Persian).

If you need to contact me over any issue, feel free to do so at your convenience. God bless.

Tony O’Doherty Assistant Principal

Head of Senior School

SECOND HAND BOOK MARKET Monday 4 December, 4:00-6:00pm

If you are interested in selling your school books (they must be appropriate for 2007) come along at 3:30pm on Monday 4 December to the Senior Study to set up.

• Venue and trestles will be provided • You do the selling at the price you set • We retain 20% of your total sales

All profit will go towards the Year 12 cohort in 2007. Parents of Year 10, 11 and 12 students in 2007 may wish to come along and buy the relevant books. Most books will be sold for less than 60% original cost.

Tony O’Doherty STUDENT ABSENCES

Parents are reminded of their responsibility to contact the College if a student will be late to school or absent for the day.

Please ring McAuley Office on 8372 3241 or Reception on 8372 3200 BEFORE 9.30am. Upon the student’s return, please place a note in the diary regarding the absence for the Home Group/Class Teacher.

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Curriculum and Learning Changes – 2007 There will be some significant changes to the curriculum and learning programme through Reception to Year 12 next year. These changes have been brought upon by a number of requirements and identified needs:

• The Schools Assistance (Learning Together – Achievement Through Choice and Opportunity) Act 2004 has a number of specific restrictions, including a minimum of 2 hours of physical activity for students in Years 1-10 and the implementation of the National Safe Schools Framework;

• Feedback from the recent Council of International Schools (CIS) Accreditation;

• The International Baccalaureate Organisation has strongly advised to implement MYP Technology as a core subject rather than follow the integrated model currently used;

• Inequity in distribution of lessons in the Middle Years; • Restrictions in the opportunities for students in the IB

Diploma, particularly relating to Group 3 (Individuals and Societies) subjects;

• Disruptions to studies throughout the year due to assemblies and other meetings.

After long term consultation and planning with staff, the College will be implementing the following changes from the beginning of the 2007 school year: • Move to a 7 lesson day. This will involve a new

breakdown of times throughout the week:

Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri

Wed

Movement Bell 8:35 (Yr 6-12) 8:40 (R-5)

Pastoral Care 8:40 8:40 (extended) Prayer 8:50 9:05 Lesson 1 8:55 9:10 Lesson 2 9:45 9:55 Lesson 3 10:30 10:40 Recess 11:15 11:25 Lesson 4 11:35 11:45 Lesson 5 12:25 12:30 Lunch 1:10 1:15 Lesson 6 1:50 1:55 Lesson 7 2:40 2:40 Dismissal (from Lesson 7)

3:20 (R-2) 3:25 (Yr 3-12)

o The Junior School will have slightly different starting and finishing times. Staff will also allow for ‘grazing’ in R-2 to compensate for the longer time before recess.

o Dismissal will be from the last lesson of the day rather than from the home room.

o The extended admin period on Wednesdays will be used for a variety of activities including Year level or Level of Schooling meetings, special guests and administrative requirements such as sporting nominations. This time will also be used by the pastoral care programme to develop skills in goal setting, study skills and developing positive relationships.

• New curriculum areas will be introduced o Health and Wellbeing will be introduced as an R-12

framework. This will enable the supporting of student physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The majority of the content will be undertaken by the PE department who will have extra lessons provided in the new timetable structure. This will enable not only the 2 hours of physical activity requirements, but also time to implement a core Health programme in Years 6 to 10. Health and Well-being will also be implemented as part of a more structured pastoral care system (for example goal setting and personal planning), as well as a more explicit part of the Religious education programme (such as relationships and intercultural tolerance).

o Technology will be implemented as a core programme in Years 6-9 though there will be a number of areas where the integration of ICT will continue;

• Increased flexibility in Years 11 and 12 o The IB Diploma will have all subject groups run over

two years as opposed to the existing situation where Group 3 subjects must be completed in Year 11 (anticipated). This will also assist in students having a wider choice of subjects in Year 12 than can be undertaken at Higher Level;

o Extra study lessons will be available to Year 12 students. Though the timetable is still being constructed, it is anticipated that these extra study lessons will occur in the afternoon allowing for students to go home early. On some occasions, these lessons can be used for guest speakers, assemblies or as an extension to the Health and Well-being programme.

A document is in the process of being printed, entitled “An Overview of Curriculum and Learning at Mercedes College”, which will provide a snapshot of the R-12 learning programme. It will be available on request from the Registrar. If you have any queries regarding the changes being implemented for 2007, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Adrian Chiarolli, Director of Curriculum and Learning.

From the Finance Office Thank you to all families who have cleared their 2006 fee commitment to Mercedes College.

Given that we are shortly to embark on the biggest capital works ever undertaken at the College and the preliminary “head” costs are now being incurred, the College is relying on all fees being met by the end of the current school year to cover the building costs, salaries and wages during the holiday period.

To ensure our cash flow is not compromised, we are seeking assistance from all families in clearing their school fee commitments by the end of the school year. If you have not already entered into a formal agreement and are unable to clear fees by the end of the calendar year, it is essential that you contact Heather Burns in the Finance Office at the College at your earliest possible opportunity (email hburns@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au, telephone 8372 3221).

Heather Burns Finance Office

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MERCEDES PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (MP&FA) Email: mpa@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au $19,000 Donation from the Second Hand Uniform Shop The Second Hand Uniform Shop, a service provided by the Mercedes College Parents & Friends, is run by parent volunteers, Jan Madsen, Anne-Marie Gray and Loretta Royal. At our final meeting of the 2006 MP&FA Committee, these hard working volunteers handed over a cheque for $19,000, profits made from the sale of Second Hand Uniform sold during 2005 and 2006. The volunteers requested a portion of this donation be used to purchase equipment for Athletics. The Committee approved up to $10,000 could be used toward the purchase of a Discus Cage which the Sports Department is keen to get for 2007. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Jan Madsen who has managed the Second Hand Uniform Shop for the past few years. Jan’s son Luke has just completed Year 12 and so Jan will be finishing up at the Second Hand Uniform Shop at the end of this term. I would also like to thank Anne-Marie Gray and Loretta Royal for their hard work to date and I am sincerely grateful they are able and willing to continue to provide such a great service to the Mercedes Community. Come along to our AGM on Wednesday, 29 November 2006 at 7.30pm in The Parlour, Strathspey and learn about the proposed Building Brogramme next year! Mr Peter Daw will show the plans of the new building and will explain how the College will manage during 2007 – the year of renovation. We welcome your attendance and there will be no pressure to join the Committee unless of course you are keen to do so! We would welcome some new faces – so please come along if you can. If you cannot attend the AGM but would like to be on the Committee, please email your contact details to mpa@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au Interested in being a Class Rep in 2007? As Term 4 and the end of the year is fast approaching and we start planning for 2007 – we invite all interested parents who would like to be a Class Rep for their class in 2007 to contact us. The role of the Class Rep is to act as a contact for all parents in your class. You are also encouraged to organise coffee mornings, get togethers for your class or year level to help parents to get to know each other. We usually have 2 class reps per class. If you are interested, please email your details to mpa@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au Contact Details If you wish to contact the MP&FA please do so – either by email or by phone (Mary Odlum Mob: 0403 360 648)

Mary Odlum Chairperson

Mercedes Parents & Friends Association

Family Matters Final exams have been the focus of much activity for Senior School students, teachers and parents over the last few weeks of this term extending into next week. Year 12 students completed their three week exam period today – and are beginning to relax and refresh. I am sure this is a much anticipated time for students and parents alike! Year 11 students completed their week of exams yesterday and our Year 10 students commence their exams next week. Exams are pressure situations, to which students react in a variety of ways. Many students experience a stress reaction to this pressure, which is quite normal and to be expected. A certain level of adrenaline in the system enables students to perform to their best, both physically and intellectually. However, it is important to monitor their progress for signs of distress and to take action to manage this if necessary. The value of the Year 10 exams is that students are exposed to the rigour of exam preparation and performance in advance of their final years of study – either SACE or the IB Diploma. Learning how they perform under timed exam situations enables students to identify their strengths and recognise areas that may require improvement, as well as avenues for further assistance. In Year 11 students are more familiar and comfortable with exam procedures and hence able to perform to their best. By the time final Year 12 exams arrive it is quite common to hear students make comments such as, “there were no surprises in that paper” and “I’m not as worried about exams now, because I know what to expect”. Performing well under pressure, to focus thoughts and manage stress reactions are life skills which students can learn to transfer from exam situations into many other situations, including employment and sport. Parents can expect students to react to the pressure of exams and can support them by encouraging them to set and focus on their goals, so that the exams do have relevance for where they want to head and to ensure a balance between study, health, diet and rest is maintained. It is a very good thing that the final exam period is followed by a holiday break for all!

Anne Way College Psychologist

Second Hand Uniform Shop – SALE Jumpers Sizes 18 – 28 $25.00 Blazers Sizes 11 – 13 We will change your freshly dry-cleaned blazer for one of the above sizes for $20.00 Located in Strathspey. Opening Hours: 8.30 – 10.00am each Tuesday during Term time only.

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Personal Project Exhibition

The third Annual Exhibition of Year 10 Personal Projects was held in Strathspey at the end of Term 3 when 131 students displayed their work for families, friends and members of the school community. This project holds an

important place in the Middle Years Programme. Since its aim is to reflect the student’s experience with the MYP it is completed in the final year of the programme and is a requirement for its successful completion.

The Personal Project, as students and their families are well aware, is not just the product it is an investigation which has

covered over two terms and has involved a realistic link to one or more of the areas of interaction. Students have all had a goal and to achieve this have had to analyse, synthesise and evaluate information. This information has been documented in a journal and ultimately utilised to create a formal report of the process.

Each year students demonstrate their interests through a diverse range of products. This year products included photographic exhibitions, artistic works, boat restoration, movies and DVDs, organisation of sporting events or coaching, garden restoration, creations, or herb growing, bikes, mosaics, belly dancing, family trees, comics, quilts, clothing, dinner parties and sweet making, to name a few.

Congratulations to all students on your projects. I would like to thank the many students who came to assist in setting up the Exhibition and those who hosted the evening, your enthusiasm was infectious! Thank you also to the parents who brought in the amazing pieces of work for display.

A special thank you must be extended to those staff who assisted with the setting up and helped on the night, in particular Elaine Grottick, Suzanne Moorhead, Liza Siviour, Bev Brown, Alessandra Miles, Julie Robertson and Janet Bartold.

Helen Barber Coordinator Personal Project

Year 10 Canberra Odyssey 2006 Australia, the lucky country, and the land of the ever-present ‘g’day mate’ is known throughout the world as a great democracy, a land of beauty rich and rare and above all mateship. Canberra, the democratic heart of Australia, never fails to make visitors reflect on this land’s past, present and future and also conjure a sense of national pride. From the indigenous peoples of our land to the early European settlers and presently the multi-racial southern land of today, Australia has always been a special place.

Truly designed to be a city reflecting on the past, yet incredibly modern, Canberra’s memorable features such as the National War Memorial, the National Gallery and of course Parliament House

display to all why we are glad to call Australia home. In the Exhibition Centre we suitably began our experience by remembering those that dreamed of a glorious capital of which each and every Australian can be proud. Following this, the cultural and artistic works found in the National Gallery achieved its goal of displaying our finest works from the land of beauty rich and rare.

On our second day we journeyed to the heart of this land’s political happenings. Parliament House provided an in-depth overview of the crucial House of Representatives and the Senate where we witnessed an enticing stem cell debate. After a mock House of Reps debate, we visited the AEC, the old parliament house and the stunning National Portrait Gallery, which displayed portraits of James Cook, Ned Kelly, Princess Mary of Denmark and Deborah Mailman. On Wednesday we first visited Cockington Green a captivating world of miniatures within a charming English garden setting followed by an immersion into remembrance and respect in the unforgettable War Memorial, which faces Parliament House. Amazed at stories of horror, mateship and heroism, each exhibit aroused strong emotions in all. After an eerily emotive ‘Last Post’ we left this landmark and returned to our accommodation.

We would all like to thank the teachers Mr Gaynor, Mr Head, Mrs Culshaw and Mrs Harding for allowing us the opportunity to visit Canberra. It was a very rewarding and educational experience.

Michael Lawless 2007 College Council Elections – RESULTS!! One of the most important aspects of membership of the Mercedes Community is the right to vote to elect parent/caregiver representatives to the peak decision making body for the s chool – the Mercedes College Council. Four (4) persons who are parents or guardians of students at the school, and who are not employed by the school, are elected to serve on College Council for a period of two (2) financial years – commencing January 1, 2007. The election attracted 117 votes (14.8%) of the 788 families eligible to vote. The successful candidates (in alphabetical order) were:

ARNOLD, Sam (1 yr) WARD, Tony (2 yrs) TOMLIAN, Colleen (1 yr) WHITE, Deirdre (2 yrs)

Many thanks to all those who took part. Steve Bowley

College Council Secretary

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 9

Celebrating The Visual Arts One of the most exciting aspects of the latter part of the year is the opportunity to view the students’ creative responses to the world around them and to celebrate their successes. This year’s Annual Visual Arts Exhibition showcased work from both the Middle and Senior schools was overwhelmingly supported by the school community with over 400 people attending. The priority that parents give to the Visual Arts plays a fundamental role in developing student’s creative spirits and fostering them to develop a sense of the world around them and to explore and understand themselves. The International Baccalaureate Visual Art Exhibition held in Strathspey in October evidenced the achievements of our senior students and highly personal work is a credit to their engagement in the course. The SACE works incorporated in the Annual 6-12 Exhibition equally reflected student ability to respond with creative discernment. Year Twelve Academic Awards have been presented to Rebecca Zanol for SACE Stage 2 Visual Art Studies, Jonathan Burns for SACE Stage 2 Design Practical and Laura Cooper for SACE Stage 2 Design Practical. The SACE Year 12 Moderation presented a diversity of approaches with students exploring aspects of the importance of place, memory and identity. Design students work explored corporate identity, fashion design and housing construction. Congratulations to Laura Cooper, Jemmy Sham and Rebecca Zanol on having work selected for the SSABSA Art Show in April 2007. Our senior students are outstanding role models to aspiring students in the Visual Arts. This year a sample of Film from Year 9 and 10 was included in the exhibition and we look forward to the expansion of this subject in the future. Year 7 sculptured animals and Year 9 clay gods and goddesses highlighting students’ ability to creatively resolve 3-dimensional works. Pop Art featured in the curriculum across Design and Art with students working on posters, paintings, sets and props for the Year 8 Musical, as well as Year 9s assisting with the painting of a huge Comic book in conjunction with their study of Roy Lichenstein, whilst Year 10s continued the theme producing paintings of every day items on canvas. The Year 11 plant inspired drawings and Year 10 graphite self portraits, clearly evidenced the tonal skills of students in the school. Premier Art Supplies and Eckersley’s Art and Imagination have supported and encouraged young Design and Visual Art students at Mercedes, through offering Encouragement Awards for the last two years. This year they have increased their sponsorship by donating additional vouchers for students to select materials of their choice. The purpose of the awards is to acknowledge genuine engagement in the arts. The students, who received these awards on the night, have demonstrated a passion and emersion in the topics and themes undertaken. These students have demonstrated the capacity to synthesise theoretical knowledge and studio practice and their commitment to learning has been outstanding. Students are becoming increasingly visually literate and their ability to discern complex meanings, articulate and support interpretations are certainly skills for the future. This has been

an exciting year as students have explored their world through culturally inspired works and examined their own beliefs and understanding of self in a world in which the definitions and boundaries of values are challenged. Thank you for your support and involvement in the Arts this year.

Jane Omond Coordinator Arts 6-12

Encouragement Awards Year 6 Art Jessica Koumi Year 5 Design Paige Adey Year 7 Art Zakary Prideaux

Adam Hooper Year 7 Design Naomi Francis Year 8 Art Alexis Souvertjis Year 8 Design Margaret Kyprianou

Rahul Kalampattel Year 9 Art Katelyn Henke

Xavier Hundertmark Year 9 Design Elizabeth Marryat Year 10 Art Mitchell Roberts

Angela Chan Year 10 Design Bridget Slaven Year 11 SACE Stage 1 Art Lucinda McVicar Year 11 SACE Stage 1 Design Karolinka Wicik Year 11 IB Visual Arts Elizabeth Glamuzina Year 12 SACE Stage 2 Art Practical

Jonathan Burns

Year 12 SACE Stage 2 Visual Art Studies

Rebecca Zanol

Year 12 SACE Stage 2 Design Practical

Laura Cooper

Vocations

Perhaps the thought of Priesthood has crossed your mind at different times. If you would like to know more about Priesthood, contact Fr Dean Marin, on 8210 8244 (Tuesdays) or by email vocations@adelaide.catholic.org.au If you are 16 years old and older you are invited to the next Inquirer’s Mass for the Priesthood on Friday 1 December, 2006 at St Raphael’s Church, 21 Young Street, Parkside at 7:30pm.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 10

Out of School Hours Care I hope by now you have all had time to peruse your December Vacation Care programmes and your children have found plenty of activities that will entice them to join us for a day or two (or more) in the hectic lead up to Christmas. At this stage, we are putting final touches to our Summer programme which will run from Monday January 8 until Wednesday 31 January. No need to panic! This hefty package will arrive via your child’s school bag by the end of next week. The Finance Department asks that October Vacation Care accounts are finalised before the end of the school year. Enrolment forms for 2007 are available from our OSHC room or from the reception desk in Strathspey. All families using the service must complete a new enrolment form even if you feel that relevant information has not changed. We appreciate that at this stage of the year there are an abundance of forms floating around kitchen tables and benches but you certainly cannot miss our revamped form printed on rather outstanding yellow paper! We are asking for some additional information next year so we hope you can assist us in keeping our records totally up to date by filling out one more form. I have also had a request from Centrelink which is directed towards full fee paying customers of our OSHC service. They are encouraging all parents who are not already linked up in the system to fill out a ‘Notification of full fee paying customers’ form so that you can claim Child Care Benefit as a lump sum in the future. This would also help us greatly when we are asked to provide data for the Australian Government. Families must contact the Family Assistance Office if they want to receive reduced child care fees. Many thanks for your assistance with all these matters. We are all enjoying working on Christmas projects at the moment, and in between children are very much enjoying making cubby houses and invading our wonderful new dress-ups. It does our hearts good to see so many children getting so much pleasure out of s imple pursuits! Nominations for OSHC Management Committee 2007 We are calling for nominations for new members of our Out of School Hours Care Management Committee for 2007. We have been very fortunate in having a very dedicated and supportive committee and we thank them for all they have done for us. Unfortunately, it is time for some of them to move on and we are hoping to find some new and enthusiastic parents who are keen to be part of an enthusiastic team. If you are interested in joining us - the commitment is not too onerous. We hold one meeting each term and appreciate parent input on these occasions. There will be nomination forms available in the OSHC room or at Reception in Strathspey. Please think seriously about this, if you have children attending OSHC, you may enjoy the opportunity to take part in decision making which will affect them in the future.

Debbie Goss

Australian Music Examinations Board – Results Congratulations to the following students who were successful in their recent practical exams.

Student Subject Grade Result Louisa Edwards Piano Preliminary B+ Eliza Grant Piano Preliminary B+ James Licciardi Piano Preliminary A William Twizell Piano Preliminary A+ Sophie Edwards Piano First Grade B Fergal Banks Piano Second Grade B Georgia Grant Piano Third Grade C+ Jennifer Quirk Piano Third Grade B+ A+ High Distinction, A Honours, B+ Credit with merit, B Credit, C+ Pass with merit, C Pass

Mrs Mary Wagstaff (LMusA, LTCL, MIMT) Piano and Theory Teacher

Congratulations to the following students who were successful in their recent AMEB Piano exams:

Joyce Rabbah A+ High Distinction James D’Alessandro A+ High Distinction Magnus Gillam A Honours

Preliminary

Maurice Shanahan B+ Credit with Merit Charlotte Venn A+ High Distinction James Venn A Honours Nicole Cruickshank B+ Credit with Merit

Grade 2

Marc Vieceli C+ Pass with Merit Grade 3 Alice O’Connell A Honours

Jessica Gore A+ High Distinction Lauren Astrauskas A Honours Georgina Watson A Honours

Grade 4

Dominic Davis B+ Credit with Merit Grade 7 Nathan Chettle A Honours

The AMEB has invited Jessica Gore to perform in this year’s Awards and High Achievers Concert. This is a wonderful achievement. Well done, Jessica. The end of year piano concert for my students will be held in the Drama Room on Tuesday 5 December at 7:00pm.

Joanne Barac THE COLLEGE SHOP

Normal Trading Times Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:15am – 2:00pm Thursday, Friday 11:00am – 4:15pm Additional Opening Times Induction Day Wednesday 8 November 8:15am – 4:15pm Final day of Term 4 Friday 8 December 8:15am – 12:00pm PLEASE NOTE: Final Trading Day 2006 Friday 8 December 8:15am – 12:00pm

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 11

News from the Sports Desk

Mercedes College Tennis Season Week 4 & 5 I need to start by saying a HUGE thank you to all tennis players currently playing in the SDTA competition. Except for the very start of the season we have had perfect attendance which is almost unheard of amongst the other tennis clubs. This has made my role a lot easier so I thank all parents and students who have done the right thing. I would like to briefly mention a few teams striving for a Premiership this season. Firstly, our Premier League Boys team is now firmly on top of the ladder and hopefully will not look back. The team consists of Max Glodde, Jarred O’Sullivan, Paulis Pignata, Dominic Parker and Nathan Weber. Congratulations so far boys, keep up the great results. Boys Divisions 9, 10 and 11 have also had a very solid start to the season with all three teams in the top three of their division. Girls Divisions 6, 8 and 9 are also striving for premierships this season. They are all currently in a very solid position so I hope we can keep going and start filling up the trophy cabinet again. Special mention for excellent results so far this season go to Michael O’Flaherty, Lachlan Raffen, Jordan D’Angelo, Stephen Pelkas, Nadja Maher, Sarah Grant, Rebecca McCarthy, Tessa Bell, Georgina Kokkotos, Mariah Kokkotos and Georgia Hughes. Thank you to all parents and players again for your support this season. Just one last reminder that the tennis season continues after school is finished. The last match will be played on 16 December – so if you are planning holidays please take this into consideration. Mercedes College Memorial Drive Team The Memorial Drive Competition comprises the best 6 students at Mercedes College. We are currently playing in the Division 2 competition with the goal to reach the Division 1 group for only the second time in the history of Mercedes College. We were very well placed going into the last round of matches so we now have to wait to find out the other school’s results to determine whether we made it or not. Best of luck to the team.

Matt Smith Tennis Coordinator

Cricket Year 10: Mercedes v Pulteney This game was played at Glenside Oval wicket, for the loss of the Flinders University turf pitch we have used in the past. On the first day of a 2-day match, Mercedes won the toss and decided to bat. Last week saw a fine performance against St Michael’s College where we made a huge score of 2 for 204 runs off 24 overs. We were expecting a similar outcome this week, however, in the same amount of time Mercedes was 6 for 85. Through

two superb batting performances by Patrick White and Dominic Davis, we came to a defendable total of 184. Mercedes was bowled out early and had a few overs to bowl in the first day. At the end of the first day Pulteney was 1 for 16 and looked a little shaky. Day 2 of the match saw us fielding the whole day. A quick early wicket from John Forde, playing his third game for the season, brought us into the game. It was a tough battle to the end but Pulteney beat us with 2 overs to go. The best of the bowling was J Forde with 2/19. Mercedes 184 lost to Pulteney 5 for 213.

Tom Cooper

SSSSA 50km Schools’ Relay This last Cross Country event for 2006 was run along the Torrens Linear Park with near perfect conditions. Mercedes College was represented by two teams contesting the Year 9 and Year 10 categories.

For the second year running Mercedes College (3:07:53) finished a strong 2nd in the Year 10 category to Pembroke College (3:04:46). Both colleges staged a personal battle for much of the relay with Mercedes leading early before being overtaken at the end of the first round. Pembroke then led throughout with Mercedes challenging strongly, getting within eight seconds during the fourth leg before Pembroke was able to break away over the concluding stages. However, the Mercedes team was ten minutes clear of third placed “Shield Rival” St Ignatius College. This was certainly a whole team performance led by state champion runner, Dominic Davis, who covered his 10 kms (in three legs) in 31:35.

The team (in running order) comprised Dominic Davis, Michael O’Flaherty, Natalie Hughes, Jack Ayers and Hayley Taeuber, along with hard working pacers Ciaran

Banks and Carl Vogelzang. All thoroughly deserved their silver medals. The Year 9 team, which was in effect a Year 8/Year 9 team, did well to finish a credible 5th placing behind surprised winner Unley High School and Pembroke College. The team members were Phillip Mundy, Matthew Crocker, Brigid Symes and Sam Weber with pacers Alexander Kedzior, Ella Shanahan and Matthew Van Der Wijngaart.

continued next page

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 12

News from the Sports Desk (cont) All members of both teams deserve credit for the spirit in which they competed and the commitment they showed towards this event and in fact the whole cross country season. All improvement shown by these and other committed cross country runners this season has been a credit to all those involved. All runners should feel proud of the fact that they have been part of a Mercedes College team which has won or been placed in all of the 2006 Schools’ Relays, an achievement matched by only one other college in 2006, Pembroke.

Gary Zeuner 8-12 Girls Sport With the minor rounds completed, this Saturday marks grand final weekend for all teams. Students will be playing off for their final positions with a few teams competing for 1st position. We wish the girls every success in their final matches for the year and I look forward to reporting on team successes in the next Mercy Vine. Congratulations to all female athletes for awards received in today’s Sports Assembly. Congratulations also to the female high achievers for their success in their individual sporting pursuits. These students are: Nadja Maher (Yr 10) Weightlifting U16 Gold Medal. Sarah Castree (Yr 11) Weightlifting National Champion 53kg weight category. Francesca Biello (Yr 9) Soccer U15 State Team and Young Sensation Squad member. Margaret Kyprianou (Yr 8) Soccer SASI Training Squad Katherine Ebbs (Yr 8) Soccer U14 SAWSA Development Squad. Ella Moloney (Yr 8) Soccer U15 SAWSA Development Squad Georgina Thomas (Yr 9) Softball U16 State Softball Team and Pitching Academy member. Hayley Taeuber (Yr 9) Diving - achieved bronze in the 1m event at the Nationals and early this month Hayley set the new SA State Record in the 1m event. Rachel Bugg (Yr 12) Diving - represented Australia competing in Russia and Germany in March this year. She later competed in nationals in Term 2 and qualified for the World Juniors which took place in Malaysia during August. Here she achieved 5th place in the platform for the World Jnr A Elite category. Elizabeth Marryat (Yr 9) Rowing in the Australian Masters National Championships, receiving two Gold Medals. Phoebe Haymes (Yr 10) Kayaking - represented Australia in the 2006 Nationals in the U16 age group achieving a Bronze Medal in the 500m K2. As the year comes to a close we wish every success to the Year 8/9 Knockout side who compete in the State Finals on Monday 27 November at Softball headquarters West Beach. The team will be defending their title of 2005 State Champions.

Alexandra Penhall 8-12 Girls Sport Coordinator

Junior School Sports Day The Junior School Sports Day was held on Thursday November 16. Reception-Year 5 students spent the afternoon representing their house in a range of physical activities. The 3-legged race and sack race produced the usual number of spills and the decision not to use real eggs for the egg and spoon race proved to be a wise one. The Junior School staff did an excellent job in chaperoning the students around the circuit and the parental assistance they received was greatly appreciated. Year 10 PE students helped the day get off to a smooth start and it was fantastic to see the interaction between students from the Senior and Junior Schools. There were many parents, grandparents, siblings and other family members who came along for at least part of the day and the community atmosphere during the concluding stages was a real highlight. Barry House were the winners on the day and Year 5 students Alicia Espinosa, Aimee Pate and Selasi Kenny-Agbodo were presented with the shield at an assembly last Friday morning. Final points were Barry 990, Fitzpatrick 978, Dalton 977 and McAuley 901. SAPSASA Knockout Competitions Another busy couple of weeks for our Year 6/7 sporting teams in SAPSASA Knockout competitions. Our Softball team was most unlucky to miss a match due to rain and have had to have their trip to Salisbury delayed until late this week. Good luck girls. The Cricket team followed a narrow first round victory with a very comfortable second round win. They travelled to Kensington to take on Magill in their next match and did not get enough runs on the board to be competitive and were eliminated. Our Boy’s Tennis team split their tie with Heathfield PS 3 sets all but were eliminated by the game difference. SAPSASA Knockout Results Cricket Round 2: Mercedes 2/150 defeated Unity College (Murray Bridge) 58 Round 3: Mercedes 56 lost to Magill PS 8/85 Girl’s Softball: Mercedes vs Salisbury Downs PS, rescheduled due to rain Boys Tennis: Mercedes 3 sets/28 games lost to Heathfield PS 3 sets/30 games Saturday Sporting Competitions Please check your match schedules carefully in relation to the final round of competition. Most teams will have a match programmed for Saturday 9 December, the day after school breaks up. All competitors are expected to play the final match. If players are unavailable due to family holiday commitments then please make contact with me so that we are not forced to cancel games without adequate notice to our opposing schools.

Paul Jarvis R-7 Sport Coordinator