M e r c e d e s C o l l e g e

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

Welcome BackWelcome back to Term 4. This promises to be a very busy term and I am sure the time will pass rapidly. It is hard to believe that we are only six weeks away from the end of the year!This term I am pleased to welcome a number of new families who have joined us at different levels across the College. I am also pleased to welcome back Franca Iskra from Long Service Leave.

The New BuildingI am pleased to report that substantial progress is being made. The foundations have been poured. You will remember that we are building a two-storey facility with the ground floor being a new gymnasium for our Junior School and the second floor a staff area. This will mean that the space that has been used by staff in Strathspey will be converted into a performance space for our Junior School students. This building will make a difference to the College and I am looking forward to its conclusion at the end of March next year.

International AccreditationYou may remember that in 2006 the College was granted accreditation by the international accrediting organisation, the Council of International Schools (CIS). We are the only Catholic school in Adelaide to undergo this prestigious process and we are one of only two in Australia. Although we were granted accreditation without conditions it did not mean that the Visiting Team at the time, which comprised 15 educators from around the globe, did not provide us with some very valuable feedback. They certainly did!

As part of our ongoing commitment to improvement and being a school of excellence we have been working on these recommendations. 2011 will represent our fifth year of accreditation by the CIS and as a result we will host a further visit by another group of international educators to assist us to analyse our progress so far.

This term we will be beginning our preparations for this visit and I will keep you informed of the details as we move closer to the visit. CIS accreditation is a mark of excellence for a school and I hope, amongst many other reasons, provides you with confidence that you have made a wise decision to send your children to Mercedes.

Year 12 GraduationThis week we have farewelled our 2010 Year 12 students who have concluded formal lessons and are now undergoing their final exam preparations. The Graduation Assembly and the Year 12 Mass were wonderful celebrations and combined were fitting recognitions of an impressive class of young people. I know you will join with me in including this wonderful group of young people in your prayers. They are well prepared and have worked hard throughout the year and I am sure they will achieve to the best of their abilities.

Mary MacKillop PrayerEver generous God,You inspired Saint Mary MacKillopto live her life faithful to the Gospel of Jesus Christand constant in bringing hope and encouragementto those who were disheartened, lonely or needy.With confidence in your generous providenceand through the intercession of Saint Mary MacKillopWe ask that you grant our request...We ask that our faith and hope be fired afresh by the Holy Spiritso that we too, like Mary MacKillop, may live with courage, trust and openness.Ever generous God hear our prayer.We ask this through Jesus Christ. Amen.

Yours sincerely

Peter DawPrincipal

From the Principal Issue No 16 - 22 October 2010

OCTOBER21- Nov 2 MGIS Exchange27 R-12 Art Exhibition 3.45 – 7.30pm Official Opening @ 6:00pm28 Soloist Concert (2)29 Reception 2011 Transition Visit 8.40 – 11.00am R-5 Sports Day Music is Fun Band30 SAAS Rd 3

NOVEMBER1-19 Yr 12 Exams3 Rec-1 Mini Musos 2.00pm5 Reception 2011 Transition Visit 8.40 – 11.00am 6-11 Sports Assembly12 Induction Day

COMING EVENTS

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 2

Director Of Mission

Recently, all year levels in the Middle and Senior School, except Year 12, were given an opportunity to learn more about the works of the Sisters of Mercy (Mercy Works Inc) in four overseas countries. Sister Cathy Solano spoke about the projects undertaken by the Ssters in Sudan, New Guinea, Pakistan and Timor Leste.

Sr Cathy had a very engaging style and informative Powerpoint. This aided our students to see real people and real faces behind our calls for generous donations. When we can realise that world poverty is not an abstract notion but a confronting reality,

then it is easier to adjust our priorities and make a sustained commitment to social justice. I believe this was the effect of the messages brought to us by Sister Cathy.

Ian HamiltonDirector of Mission

Mass for Mercedes Parents7.30pm Tuesday 2 November 2010

Ursula Frayne Chapel Strathspey(Followed by refreshments in The Parlour).

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 3

From the Junior School

It is hard to believe we are now in Term 4! Even many of the children have expressed how quickly the year has passed. A touch of sun and some time to relax and rejuvenate over the break has seen the children return to school with energy and enthusiasm. The sharing of holiday stories of catching up with family and friends whether in Adelaide or beyond has been a highlight of each classroom.

First EucharistLast Friday night saw 20 of our Year 3 students celebrate their First Eucharist at St Paul’s Monastery. The excitement of this special time in becoming full members of the Catholic Church was most evident. Fr Brendan, as always, engaged the congregation with humour and relevance, while imparting key messages such as the invitation and challenge to live and interact with others like Jesus. On behalf of the community I thank Fr Brendan for his ongoing support and leadership.

I would also like to especially thank Mrs Irena Hollis and Mrs Pauline Crocker who so ably prepared the children, not only for this special ceremony but also in terms of the children’s faith development. Thank you to parents and extended family for the support you have provided, I am sure each child will hold the memory of this night for many years to come.

Special Friends’ MorningIt was an absolute joy to see so many family and friends join us for Special Friends’ morning at the end of last term. The children were so excited to share aspects of their learning, show their classroom and perform at assembly.

We were also treated with the presence of some of our Mercy Sisters, and were delighted to discover that Sister Pat and Sister Pauline were members of the founding sisters of MercedesCollegein 1954.

I would like to especially thank our wonderful MP&FA who organised and served a delicious Morning Tea for our visitors. We feel blessed to have such enthusiastic support.

ICAS CompetitionsWe have continued to perform extremely well in the 2010 ICAS competitions. I congratulate all students for their efforts and particularly acknowledge the following students for their outstanding achievements.

ICAS English CompetitionHigh DistinctionMadeline Jordan

DistinctionCatherine Lloyd Erin MoranAna Maric Sophie Jordan

CreditCaitlin Duong Michael SamarasGiulia Carrocci Anna CernevIsobel Chambers Catherine DiamondHugo Lauder Mollie MJaclin Ardill Isabelle Gardener

ICAS Maths CompetitionHigh DistinctionMadeline Jordan Matthew Forrest

DistinctionDarcy Herriot Catherine LloydCatherine Diamond Matthew KrivicicMollie M

CreditCaitlin Duong Sean GreenErin Moran Michael SamarasImogen Walters Ruby EvangelouNicholas Filosi Hugo LauderJessica Sexton Brenton Duong

As always there are a number of activities and events planned for the term. Please ensure you note the following important dates on your calendar.

Junior School Dates October 27 Yr 3 Noarlunga Reef Excursion R-12 Art Exhibition29 Music is Fun Band R-5 Sports Day (start time 11:20am)November3 R/1 Mini Musos Concert 5 2MW Mass9 Junior School New Parent Evening 7:00pm 12 Induction Day13/14 Marion Swimming Carnival16 Middle School Induction Evening 7:00pm18 R-5 Hocus Pocus Performance22 Yrs 4-7 Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival24 Yr 5 Exhibition and Graduation26 Yr 5 French Picnic End of Year Junior School Mass at St Ignatius, 7:00pm December3 End of Term 4

Julie HannAssistant Principal, Head of Junior School

Junior School Assembly Awards

The following students received Learner Profile, PYP Attitude and Action Awards at the Junior School Assembly on Thursday 23 September 2010. Congratulations and well done to the following students:

Commitment - Tessa Moran, Harriet McConnell-Daish

Creativity – Cameron Niblett Risk Taker – Hope Schwarz, Harriet McConnell-Daish, Vesace Pessios

Communicators - Briony Pierson, Alexandra Gray, Sophia Zachos

Curiosity – Anthony Rositano

Enthusiasm – Aspen Wagner, Elliot West, Annabelle Moran

Thinker – Giorgia Brown

Knowledgeable – Andre Colotti-Perez, Zac Town, Catherine Diamond

Shane MurphyJunior School and PYP Coordinator

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 4

Junior School French Poetry Competition Winner

In Term 3 the Junior School Students entered the French Poetry Competition run by the South Australian French Teachers’ Association. To enter the competition students were asked to recite a French poem with expression and correct pronunciation. The winners from Mercedes College had their recitations recorded and sent in to be judged against other students in the state. I am pleased to announce that we have a winner from Mercedes College! Catherine Diamond (4TB) won the Year 4/5 category which means she was judged the best in the state for her recital. She will be presented with her award at the Alliance Française Prize Giving Ceremony at St Peter’s College on Monday 18 October where she will also recite the poem. Bravo Catherine!

Belinda ReedJunior School French Teacher

From the Middle School

Welcome back to the start of the final term for 2010. It is hard to believe that we are now approaching the end of the year and in all probability we will look back in around six weeks time and wonder where the year has gone. With this in mind I urge all of the Middle School students to ensure that they hit the ground running this term. I encourage them to utilise the pages in the diary at the start of this term to set some personal and academic goals they would like to achieve by the end of the year. Having done so they can then ensure that everything they do over the coming weeks is a positive step towards them achieving their aspirations. I wish everyone a happy and productive Term 4.

Uniforms and HatsI would like to remind students and parents of some of the requirements of the uniform at this time of the year. Parental assistance in maintaining these standards is greatly appreciated.

• The Mercedes College Sun Protection Policy requires Middle School students to wear their hats at recess and lunch time during Term 4. All Middle School students are expected to have either a bucket style hat or cap that they can wear to satisfy this policy. Understandably the first week was a little scratchy in this regard but I would ask that parents help reinforce the importance of students protecting their skin from the harmful effects of the sun by wearing their hats at the appropriate times throughout the remainder of the year. • Students who choose to wear a long sleeve garment to and from school, perhaps due to slightly cooler weather, are reminded that it is the blazer that must be worn as the outer garment, and not the jumper.• Girls’ dresses must cover their knees and boys need to wear their shirts tucked in and have only one button undone on their shirts.

MGIS ExchangeOn Thursday 21 October we welcomed a group of 12 students and 2 staff from Mahatma Gandhi International School, Ahmedabad, India to Mercedes. They will be staying with families from our school and engaging in a variety of different educational and tourist type activities through until 2 November. Final notification that they were attending came through quite late last term and I would like to thank Ms Tanya Bahnisch for the outstanding work that she has done to get a programme up and running in very limited time. Other staff who have assisted with the preparations and who will be involved with the running of the programme include Mr Peter Thornton, Ms Esther Lamb, Mr Jarrad McCabe and Mr Damian Vahlis. I would also like to thank the students, parents and staff who have agreed to billet our visitors during their stay. During the first week of their stay the MGIS group will tour Carrick Hill, visit the Museum, Art Gallery and Zoo. They will also walk up to Mt. Lofty and visit the Tandanya Cultural Centre. We will include some up dates of the Exchange in the next Mercy Vine so that you can all be aware of what our visitors have been involved in.

Induction DayInduction Day is scheduled for Friday 12 November, Week 5. This is an opportunity for existing and new Middle School students to meet one another and begin the process of preparing for the 2011 academic year. Students from our current Year 6-8 classes, along with all of the students starting at Mercedes in 2011, will be involved in a range of orientation activities through out the day which are designed to help make the transition process at the start of next year an easier and more comfortable one for everyone involved.

State Legislation on Child Safety Restraint in Vehicles

Please be aware of the new State Legislation on Child Safety Restraint in vehicles, which affects children 7 years and under. Copies of this information is available at Strathspey Reception.

Welcome to the School Dental Service

All Preschool, Primary School and Secondary School students, aged 18 years, are eligible for oral health care with the School Dental Service.

All dental care is free for preschool clients.Children who are dependants of holders of the following concessions are eligible to receive free dental care:

• Centrelink Concession Card• Department of Veterans Affairs Pensioner Concession Card• School Card

For Primary and Secondary School children who are not dependants of holders of the above concessions, a fee will apply for each course of general dental care provided.

Children over the age of 16 who do not attend an educational institution or do not have a health care card are not eligible to attend School Dental Clinics.

For more information about appointments and fees, contact your local School Dental Clinic on 8271 0371.

Lost Property

Several items of named, lost property are available at Strathspey Reception

Please ask at the Reception desk.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 5

Induction Day is followed by the Middle School Information Night for 2011 Year 6 and Year 8 parents to be held on Tuesday 16 November. Notices have been sent home to the relevant families with details of this event. Existing parents who have children moving in to Year 8 are welcome to attend but may feel that they already have a good understanding of the Middle School structures, curriculum and pastoral care discussed on this night.

Middle School Leaders 2011The process for the selection of Middle School Leaders for 2011 is now underway. Year 8 students were informed of the process towards the end of last term and those who were interested in applying for these positions have already completed and handed in their nomination form. Interviews with these prospective leaders will take place in the middle of this term after which some of the students will be selected to move on in the process and speak to the 2011 Middle School cohort at a Middle School Assembly. Voting for the 2011 Middle School Leaders will take place following this assembly. We are extremely lucky to have a large number of outstanding applicants and the selection process will be a difficult one. I would like to thank all of the students who have nominated for these important roles. It is not easy to put yourself ‘out there’ at the risk of not achieving what you set out to do and we should all admire those students who are prepared to demonstrate one of the important characteristics of the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile – that of being a Risk Taker!

On a Personal NoteI would like to thank the entire Mercedes Community for the wonderful support of myself and my family following the passing of my mother during the first week of term. Both the Mercedes Staff and the Mercedes Parents and Friends Association sent flowers which certainly helped brighten up what has been a difficult time. It was particularly humbling to have members of the community attend Mum’s funeral on Saturday 16 October. I had a number of non-Mercedes people comment to me about how respectful it was for students from Mercedes to attend in uniform (especially on a Saturday morning).

Your thoughts and prayers have been greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Paul WadsworthAssistant Principal, Head of Middle School

Australian Mathematics Competition 2010A number of Middle School students recently participated in the Australian Mathematics Competition for 2010. We congratulate the following students who achieved High Distinction and Distinction Certificates.

High Distinction Daniel Subic (Yr 8) Grace Huang (Yr 9)

Yr 8 DistinctionLachlan McNamara Thomas DaveyEdward Hundertmark Costas RizosJulian Di-Ubaldo Jed WatersEllen Watson Will Dacombe-BirdAlex Zollo

Yr 6 Distinction Rainier Junanta Sean MillerNathan Duong Annthony Nicholas

Yr 7 Distinction Tom Munn

Yr 9 DistinctionsAngus Burns Lia KimWill Cernev Angelica Hannam

Our congratulations also go to the large number of other students who received Credit, Proficiency and Participation Awards in this competition.

The Australian English Competition, ICAS, Results for 2010We are delighted to announce the students’ results for this prestigious competition for 2010. There were 6 students at Mercedes College who achieved a High Distinction, and we congratulate them on this effort. They are listed below. Another 49 students achieved a Distinction in this competition and they are also to be commended on these results. High DistinctionYear 9Grace Cooper Alistair CameronYear 8Daniel Subic William RossNicole PraschifkaYear 7Thomas Munn

DistinctionYear 10Kyle Taplin Aidan ScanlonTess Ryan Ruby McNamaraRoshni Kalampattel Georgina JuniperTiffany Jansons Gilbert HallahanToby Goodfellow Mark ChuThomas Barone

Year 9Justin Valladares Alexandra TilsonNicholas Shanahan Maurice ShanahanElleni Penfold Lulu MillerAngelica Hannam Drew GreenstreetTom Edwards Matthew DeGennaroCaitlin Connell Alexandra Blunden

Year 8Elizabeth Clare Symes Julia Saracini PalomboSage Prime Edan HabelCasidhe Goldsworthy James EidChloe Dunstan Julian Di UbaldoNed Connell Daniel ChidiacMorgan Brooks Lana BaroneRonan Banks Isabel Bambacas

Year 7Samuel Traynor Alexander TeicherRuby Schutz Oliver PlateKatrina Manolakis Thomas De HeusTommy Cronin

Year 6Jasmine Volis Eliza ScrymgourThomas Ross Rainier JuantaSalina Wing Yee Chu

Elizabeth BondarEnglish Coordinator

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 6

From the Senior School

And so we farewell our Year 12 class of 2010. This is a Year level of which we are all particularly proud. When we look at our Mercy Keys and relate them to this group of emerging adults, we can only do so in awe. Their devotion to the keys of Loyalty, Compassion, Respect, Integrity, Responsibility, Mutual Respect and Justice are beyond question. It is with great confidence that we watch them move on with their lives. They tell me often that Mercedes is a special place for them and it is on the eve of their leaving that I have asked them that very difficult question – ‘What makes Mercedes special?’ I have summarised some of their comments as follows:

A close and friendly community.I love Mercedes.A friendly and supportive environment.A close community dedicated to academic excellence.I like the buildings.A very welcoming community.It is “chiller”, very friendly and teachers are cool, unlike other schools.A school with a great friendly community.Mercedes is like home – everyone is so friendly and there is something exciting going on.Home away from home – I’ve made life long friendships.I love the teachers/students – great environment – very friendly.Supportive environment within the Year 12 cohort.Mercedes is a friendly and welcoming place where good friends are made and kept for life.I’ve had the best moments of my life here.

And so we bid them farewell; our blessings go with them.

We also welcome our Year 11 cohort who now become the Senior Students of the College. I look forward to working with them and their Leadership Team in 2011.

On behalf of our departing Year 12 students, thank you!

As usual if you need to discuss any issue with me, feel free to contact me at your convenience.

God Bless.

Tony O’DohertyAssistant Principal, Head of Senior School

Music News

The Music Department would like to inform you of some changes for next year.

Firstly the charges for individual Music lessons from next year will be $27 per lesson.

Instrumental lessons will be offered for the following:Piano – 2 teachersJazz Piano ViolaSaxophone CelloTrumpet/Trombone Voice – only for Year 6 upwards Violin – 2 teachers GuitarFlute Drums – only for Year 4 upwards

Would you keep in mind when enrolling students in the individual lessons that these lessons are charged by the teacher and not the school and it is expected that every student attends each lesson

unless the teacher is notified.Our College is a very busy one and it is easy for students to sometimes forget times. If communication is kept open and emails are a good way to do this, then both parties can keep informed of upcoming excursions, exams or any other disruptions.

We do not expect the Music teacher to reimburse or make up lessons if the student forgets their allocated time and their teacher is not notified.

Hire charges for all instruments will have to increase also and they are:• Year 3 Instrumental Programme - $250 • Year 5 Instrumental Programme - $340• Continuing Students - $340 for all instruments

From 2012 Recorders will be offered at Year 4 only. In 2011 there will be no Recorder in the Year 2 classes.

Ensembles will remain the same as this year and will of course be monitored. If the need arises a new ensemble will be formed. This will be dependent upon the expertise of any new students coming into the school and the composition of their instruments.

During Term 4 we will be having a few small concerts and they are as follows:• R-12 Art Exhibition featuring Ensemble performances and soloists Wednesday 27 October• String Concert in The Parlour Thursday 28 October 7:00pm• Flute Concert in The Parlour Tuesday 2 November 7:00pm• Mini Musos for Receptions & Year 1 Wednesday 3 November 2:00pm under The Marquee• Year 8 Musical 17-18 November in Gleeson Hall• Guitar Concert in the Drama Room Wednesday 1 December 7:00pm

This term we would like to welcome Heather Lander as our new Cello teacher for the Year 3 Instrumental Programme.

In the last Mercy Vine I mentioned all the students who had participated in the Catholic Schools’ Mercy Festival but I neglected to mention Damien Quick who participated in the Secondary Boys’ Vocal Ensemble for each night of this festival.

He did a wonderful job and he told me that “It was an honour to represent Mercedes at such a big event and I have come away from the experience with new friends, fresh ideas and new pathways to explore in my musical education”. Thank you Damien for all the time you spent at rehearsals and performances.

Celine Beaton-SmithMusic Coordinator

French FestivalYes, it’s that time again - as it now happens every two years - for the French Festival at Carrick Hill. This Festival’s focus is the Island of La Réunion; a French department in the Indian Ocean (near Mauritius):

Musicians from La Réunion, Food and Wine, tourism, French market stalls, theatre.

Check the site: www.frenchfestival.org.au

Many of our students from different year levels, starting in the Junior School, will be performing on Saturday 13 November.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 7

Friday 12 November - Sunset Concert in the Gardens

There are flyers at the College Reception (McAuley and Strathspey) for more information about the event.

Languages In-Country Experience

For students of FrenchPreparations are in their final stage for the trip to Paris and Quebec for those students (38 of them) who enrolled in the Quebec Exchange and hosted their Quebec “twin” earlier this year. Some exciting events are booked for Paris. I’m sure that the stock of cold weather clothes is being closely examined!

For students of IndonesianPreparation is well under way for the Borneo/Malaysia Study Tour with St John’s next year.

A small group of Year 9 Indonesian language students will be joining with St John’s Grammar School for the Indonesian Study Tour in April next year. Students will be visiting St Teresa’s School, the Indonesian Consulate, Cultural Centre and many other indigenous and wildlife attractions.

Lesley DaviesLanguages Coordinator

Mercedes College Art Sale

Following a highly successful cultural exchange with Year 7 Art students at Mercedes College and Anangu artists, we are proud to be invited to sell our artwork at this years Art Exhibition on Wednesday 27 October.

In July the students were taught basket weaving and shown

traditional dot painting with the help of Alec Baker, Peter Mungkuri, Mary Brumby and Rosie Baker who are renowned artists from Iwantja Arts, Indulkana, APY Lands in far north SA.This exchange is an annual event with Mimili and Indulkana Communities as a way to form relationships, enrich experiences

and gain a greater understanding of Aboriginal people and their art and is enjoyed by all participants.

Paintings and other handmade crafts will be for sale at the exhibition at wholesale prices-see you there!

International Students Programme Report

International Students get to meet some of the Aussie Locals!Late last term, several of the new International Students were taken by staff members Mrs Robyn Halliday, Mrs Anne Eitzen and Mrs Clare Yeates, to the Cleland Wildlife Park. Many of the students got a chance to pat Kangaroos, feed Emus and hold Koalas. They also saw Potoroos, Pelicans, Wallabies, Dingoes and a range of Parrots and birdlife. It was an enjoyable day for both the staff and the students.

Students who attended this outing were Carlo Giovanzana (11VH) from Italy, Estella Urban (10DT) from Germany, from Hong Kong LAU Tsz Kit (10JR), TSOI Yu Wan ((9CG), from Korea KIM Lia (9AK), and from China ZHANG Zhi Yan (8SS), JIN Luyao (10KW), LI Zhichao (11CL), DONG Ze Ming, KWOK Tsz Kin, and SHI Meng Xin who are studying at the Language Centre.

Activities like this are organised by Mrs Robyn Halliday of the International Student Programme as part of the school’s orientation programme to Australia and school social events for the International Students studying at Mercedes College.

Leeanne MoriartyInternational Marketing and Enrolments Coordinator

Finance News

School FeesTerm 4 2010 fee accounts will be forwarded to all families early in November and the due date for payment is 30 November 2010.

To those families that have already attended to clearance of their Term 3 2010 account, thank you.

To those families that have an account balance outstanding, please forward your remittance at the earliest opportunity. If we have not received payment or any communication from you a

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 8

$50 late payment fee, to cover the costs involved in the follow up of payment, will be added to your Term 4 2010 fee account.

If you have not already entered into a written formal agreement and will be unable to clear fees by the end of the calendar year it is essential that you contact me in the Finance Office at your earliest possible opportunity.

Heather BurnsFinance Office

email: hburns@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au Telephone: 8372 3221

Family Matters

Facebook UpdateOn 19 October, over 100 Mercedes parents and friends attended an informative and entertaining evening with Susan McLean Cyber-safety expert, hosted by the MP&FA.

While Susan covered a variety of topics in her presentation, I wanted to highlight the information provided in regard to Facebook.

Officially Facebook does not allow anyone under the age of 13 to have an account; however, this does not seem to be stopping an increasing number of Primary School students from joining the social networking site. The consequences of children who are too young to fully understand the implications of sharing information in cyber space is now becoming apparent. Some are being pressured into posting compromising images of themselves, while others are inexperienced to realise that they are ‘chatting’ with a potential predator rather than a friend.

Susan’s clear message was that parents do not allow children under 13 to establish and operate Facebook sites.Her advice to parents was “This is parenting in the 21st century.

Saying that ‘I don’t understand it’ just doesn’t cut it anymore. Teens are often not aware that their words and or photos, which may have been intended for a small audience, sometimes find their way to a larger one, often with both unexpected and undesirable consequences.”

This message comes at a time when the Australian Federal Police have launched an anti sexting educational video warning teenagers of the risk of sending provocative images from their mobile phones. The video lasting nearly 2 minutes can be viewed at http://player.video.news.com.au/news/#1585254291

It ends with the tag line “Think you know what happens to your images, who will see them, how it will affect you. Think again.” The aim is to make young people aware that if they send an image it can end up anywhere and permanently.

The video is supported by Think U Know, an Internet safety programme delivering interactive training to parents, carers and teachers through primary and secondary schools across Australia.

If you were unable to attend the evening with Susan or were not able to obtain a copy of her handouts, please contact me via email (away@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au) and I will forward this information to you.

Our appreciation is once again extended to the MP&FA for their support of the evening with Susan McLean.

Anne WayCollege Psychologist

MOSA Networking Breakfast Following a very successful inaugural Networking Breakfast held on 15 September, the Mercedes Old Scholars Association plans to hold Networking Breakfasts on a regular basis. We would like to invite parents, old scholars and all members of the Mercedes Community to attend our next breakfast (and final one for 2010) on Thursday 18 November at Urban Bistro at 7:30am. The guest speaker is Mercedes parent and world renowned Cricket identity Darren Lehmann. Event details below.

Anne MorseExecutive Officer MOSA

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 9

Old Scholar Band Delamare Single Launch

Old Scholar band Delamare are selling tickets for their single launch at an all ages event at Fowlers on North Terrace, on Sunday 7 November at 4:00pm. Tickets are $12.00 and available from Strathspey Reception, Mercedes College.

For more information visit www.myspace.com/delamare

News From the MP&FA

The MP&FA are ready for a busy Term 4 as we welcome new families to the College community and farewell others, in particular Year 12 students and parents, during the next two months.

Congratulations, SamOn behalf of the MP&FA I would like to congratulate Mr Sam Arnold, this year’s recipient of the Mercy Award. Sam is the very essence of the MP&FA and what our Mercy Keys represent. He is always ready, willing and able to help, well beyond what is required, and a friend to all. Sam’s enthusiasm and dedication to the College is outstanding and certainly appreciated by all his friends on the Committee.

Cybersaftey LectureThank you to everyone who supported the Cyberspace Information Evening for Parents. I’m sure everyone went home well informed and ready to ask more questions. Many thanks to Guest Speaker, Ms Susan McLean, who has opened our eyes to the world of Cybersafety. The MP&FA are very pleased to sponsor such important educational events for parents. Many thanks to Mrs Anne Way for organising the very successful lecture.

Year 12 Graduation AssemblyA fortnight into Term 4 and we have farewelled our Year 12 students as they leave to prepare for their exams. After an inspirational Year 12 Graduation Assembly we wish them well during the next stage of swotvac and their exams (as well as their parents!) Many thanks to everyone who helped at the Year 12 Graduation Assembly Morning Tea, it was most appreciated.

Class Party HostsWould you like to be a Class Party Host for 2011? Parties are held during Term One and are proudly coordinated and assisted by the MP&FA.

If you are interested please call Jenny Dunstan for further information on 0414 860 400 or jen.dunstan@internode.on.net We would love to hear from you.

MP&FA AGMThe MP&FA AGM will be held on Wednesday 3 November, 2010 at 7:30pm in the Parlour at Strathespey. All welcome.

Jenny DunstanChairperson, MP&FA

jen.dunstan@internode.on.net 0414 860 400

News From The Sports Desk

Two Ekiden Relay teams, along with a number of young development teams featuring middle distance athletes developed by Gary Zeuner lined up against the best in the state. Both the girls and the boy’s teams performed very well with the girls winning the State Championship to St Peter’s Girls. The boys were second by the smallest of margins to SIC. This was a most fitting final performance from the six Year twelves who competed. The boys team consisted of only two Year 12s in Cameron Clarke and Harrison Hughes. Most runners were classified in the top three times for their respective legs. Runners now move towards training for the 50kms Relay events in Week 5.

Last Wednesday, our two KO Year 8/9 Boys and Girls Volleyball teams competed in a round robin tournament at Marion Recreation Centre and were placed 3rd and 2nd respectively. Congratulations to Tom Putland, Volleyball Coordinator and coaches Mr Chen Liu and Oscar Wardleworth for their input in getting these teams so well prepared. These players are the next wave of Volleyball players that will develop over the next few years. Recently the Yr 10 boy’s team qualified for the National Volleyball Championships by placing 3rd in the State Schools Cup, whilst the girls –with no Yr 12 players involved - won the title, coached by Tom West.

Saturday’s Cricket opening fizzled as games were unfortunately not played due to the inclement weather which prevented turf wickets from being prepared all over Adelaide. Five teams in the Senior School are being fielded with the 1st XI also contesting the SAAS 20/20 competition amongst 15 other Independents Schools in Adelaide. The first game is this Friday evening playing Pembroke School at Pembroke. Mr Jarrad McCabe has assumed the role of Cricket Coordinator for the Secondary part of the sporting programme.

A reminder that Cricket programmes were forwarded last week and a parent roster for Cricket scoring will be distributed. Parents will share a Saturday morning so please contribute to your son’s Cricket in this way. Whilst many young men may indicate a reluctance to have parents watching it is in all parties interests to have parents watching developments. We look forward to a good weekly turn out on Saturdays!

Congratulations to the players who have attended training with very few follow up’s in relation to absenteeism. It is important to reinforce the accountability aspects of sporting involvement, being among others, the improvement in skills and the development of a strong team ethic.

Thank you to Tennis players who recorded a 100% turn out on Saturday to ensure our teams started well in the Southern Districts Tennis Association. It was very much appreciated. With a number of players returning this week, teams will now settle, but there may be some movement up and down. Thanks to Matt Smith for his continued hard work in maintaining a high standard of Tennis at Mercedes. The Memorial Drive Tennis Team struggled against Immanuel in Pool A of the competition.

The Yr 10 Water Polo team played well against Rostrovor College to win 7/2 whilst the Yr 9 side were defeated by St Ignatius College 7/3. A great effort again from Dylan Scott, Alistair Cameron and Craig Theron in terms of their leadership in this sport. These boys were instrumental in organising two holiday coaching clinics at North Adelaide during the school holidays.

Bill GaynorSport Coordinator

MP&FA AGM

The MP&FA AGM will be held on Wednesday 3 November, 2010 at 7:30pm in the Parlour at Strathespey.

All welcome.

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 10

8-12 Girls Sport Report

Welcome back to Term 4 and the final round of sport for the year. Matches for Girls sport began Saturday 16 October and all the girls should be into the routine of regularly attending training and carrying through with their commitment to their chosen sport. Once again we have a large number of teams participating in the Catholic School Girls Competition this season with 2 Softball, 4 Basketball, 2 Water Polo, 4 Beach Volleyball and 9 Volleyball teams representing the College.As already mentioned training has begun, and it is very important that students attend all trainings and games, not only to improve their teamwork and skill levels but also to enhance and forge new friendships. If there are any issues regarding training times and days or if you are unable to make a game, it is vital that coaches (or myself) are notified well in advance and a replacement is organised. Any parents who have not received draws at this stage are welcome to email me jkerr@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au and one will be sent to you.

Unfortunately this term the Senior Softball competition did not go ahead due to a lack of nominations (Mercedes and St Ignatius were the only two nominations). This is largely due to the Year 12s leaving and is only a temporary set back. I tried very diligently to pursue other avenues in which our girls could participate but unfortunately this was to no avail. I can assure you that the competition will go ahead in Term 1 2011.

On Wednesday 13 October our Year 8/9 Girls and Boys Volleyball teams competed in the Knockout Competition which was held at the Marion Leisure Centre. This was a round robin competition with six Schools/Colleges competing throughout the day.

The first game of the day was against Adelaide High School. The girls took command of the game very quickly combining well together to work the ball over the net. Very consistent serving from Lilly, Caity and Georgia enabled Mercedes to take the lead in each set and this coupled with strong spiking from Monique and some great blocking at the net by Alicia, Lizzy and Sarah meant that the girls never looked like losing. The girls won their first game 3-0, with the scores for each set being 25-10, 25-16 and 25-14.

The second game of the day was against Marryatville High School. The girls knew that this was going to be the hardest game of the day and they were correct. Marryatville began strongly and led throughout the match but the girls fought valiantly to keep themselves in the game. The first set was very close but a few errors by Mercedes enabled Marryatville to take out the set 20-25. Once again in the second set Marryatville took quite a good lead but some very good serving by Georgia helped to bring Mercedes back into the game once again. Lizzy and Lilly combined well together at the net and some great rallies took place throughout this set. Unfortunately Mercedes had trouble getting their serves in first time and this meant that we lost the second set 19-25.

The third game of the day was against William Light School and the girls were determined to win this one. They combined well right from the beginning of the game with all the girls talking and encouraging each other. They won the first set 25-14. After some team rotations in the second set William Light took the lead, largely due to the girls being a little too confident and having a minor lapse in their concentration. After this initial scare the girls began to play better making fewer errors and with the help of some fantastic serving from Laura they eventually ran out winners 25-16. Good setting by Lilly and Monique and commanding serving by Claire gave the team a big lead in the start of the third set. The girls were starting to move a lot more around the court demonstrating strong

determination to get to the ball to win the point. They ended up winning the third set very convincingly 25-8.

Our next opponent was Unley High School and once again we were expecting a tough match. Georgia and Laura served consistently throughout the match winning many points off their serves. Strong return placements of the ball by Renee and some fabulous diving by Monique, Lilly and Alicia to get to the ball so that the girls could return it often resulted in Mercedes winning the points. The team did fall apart laughing in the second set when the ball was returned by Unley for Mercedes to serve hitting Lilly in the head as she was doing the Mercedes’ cheer. No injuries were sustained but Lilly did take quite a while to recover from her laughing fit and it was certainly the topic of conversation for the rest of the day. Once again we won the match 3-0, with the scores for each set being 25-4, 25-19 and 21-16.

The final game for the day was against St George. Once more consistent serving by Georgia enabled us to take a good lead early on. High-quality touches at the net from Renee and some great encouragement and play from Ashleigh saw Mercedes take the first set 25-16 and the second set 25-21. The girls then stepped up a notch sensing that the day was nearly over with Renee serving strongly in the third set to help Mercedes take a good lead which was then continued on by Claire who served out the game, serving 12 winning points in a row. The third set was won 25-9.

The girls ended the day in second position overall and as such did not make it through to the finals. They are to be commended on their spirit and commitment showing that even when they were losing they could combine together to fight back making the competition they provided to the other teams very strong indeed.

The team consisted of: Ashleigh Conroy, Alicia Espinosa, Claire Hannon, Monique Lindsay, Sarah Reynolds, Elizabeth Rogers, Caity Stevens, Renee Taylor, Laura Teicher, Lillian Wardleworth and Georgia Wright.

Jackie Kerr8-12 Girls Sport Coordinator

Mercedes College Tennis Club2010/11 SDTA Season

The 2010/11 Southern Districts Tennis season kicked off last weekend with 22 Mercedes College Tennis teams competing. Mercedes College has been one of largest clubs in the SDTA for the past 10 seasons.

Friday night was the official start to the season when the Premier League and Division 1 matches are played. We started with a home game at Blackwood TC but unfortunately the rain got the better of us and we were unable to complete any matches. The Drive Team match was also washed out on Saturday Morning unfortunately.

However, the SDTA on Saturday morning was slightly better weather and apart from some light showers we managed to have all 19 teams complete their matches. We had what I like to call a perfect morning. Every student that was expected to play on Saturday was there ready to go and the quality of matches I was able to watch were fantastic. Special mention must go to the Division 2 Girls and 4 Boys who both played very high quality matches. I received many positive comments from parents in regards to the high standard of play.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 11

I would like to take this chance to thank all players and parents for the 100% attendance and fantastic sportsmanship that was showed over the weekend.

Results were mixed with approximately half our teams having victories and one team even having a draw in the first week.

Mercedes College Tennis has organised a coffee business to visit Mercedes College each Saturday morning where they will sell coffee, drinks and food (including Gelato). They will be located near the Tennis Courts and Gleeson Hall so take advantage of the lovely food and drink. Thank you to Espresso Brothers for supplying the service.

I would also like to thank some coaches who are out on the courts 4 days a week making our players stronger every week. Paulis Pignata and Jarrad O’Sullivan are 2 of the most recent coaches to work with the students. With both boys reaching the pinnacle of junior Tennis by winning the Premier League title twice we look forward to them passing on their knowledge to the up and coming tennis stars.

I’d like to briefly mention our inaugural year of Mercedes College Old Scholars Tennis. We also began on Saturday at Mercedes College with 3 teams entered into the SDTA competition. Unfortunately the results didn’t go our way but all players enjoyed themselves and apart from a few sore bodies we’ll be back out there playing again next week. A special mention goes to Sharon Rigoni and Jarrad O’Sullivan for both winning their singles matches at their respective number 1 positions.

I look forward to many more successful weeks with some better weather and some great quality Tennis played.

Matt Smith Tennis Coordinator

Coles Sports for Schools

Mercedes College has registered for the Coles Sports for Schools promotion that is currently running at all Coles Supermarkets. There will be collection boxes at the Strathspey and McAuley Offices where you can leave your vouchers so we can put them towards sporting goods for the College.