From the Principal: Term 2, Week 8 2026

Dear Mercedes College Families,

As we move into the final weeks of Term 2, I would like to acknowledge the sustained focus, resilience and determination demonstrated by our students during what has been a particularly busy period across the College.

To our Year 12 students, I extend my sincere congratulations on completing your first Semester of learning and examinations. This is a significant milestone in the final year of schooling, and we are incredibly proud of the commitment you have shown. It was wonderful to welcome students back to campus this week; their presence was missed. Our Year 10 and Year 11 students continue to navigate their remaining examinations this week. I wish them every success and encourage them to maintain purposeful effort and to balance study, with rest and playful downtime.

On the 25 May 2026, Pope Leo XIV circulated worldwide his first official letter, which is called a ‘papal encyclical’. It was titled Magnifica Humanitas. The communication touched on a question that frequently surfaces in my own thinking, and certainly in conversations with others:  What does it mean for learning, relationships, and schools, let alone humanity as we move further into the age of artificial intelligence (AI)?

In exploring this question, and the many, many that naturally follow, I have been drawn to the discussion on AI presented by Pope Leo XIV in his encyclical. He used two scriptural passages to compare the approach humans adopted when building the Tower of Babel versus the approach taken by the humans who rebuilt Jerusalem. The story of the Tower of Babel depicted the impact of human pride, achievement and advancement, when untethered from meaning, human connection and faith. The story highlights the danger in putting too much glory in human doing, building higher and faster, without equal focus on human being. Building in this manner can, at first, look and sound impressive and efficient, yet ultimately it fragmented people from relationships, purpose, and faith, and the Tower of Babel collapsed. The story suggests that when ambition and progress are placed before a shared understanding of what constitutes humanness, common good, and the role of faith, humanity breaks down. What began as a collective human project in Babel, moved towards disintegration and collapse. Pope Leo XIV highlighted the contrast that existed in the story of rebuilding Jerusalem. In this story, the build is constructed slowly through the integration of diverse voices, who listen to, and learn from and with, each other, all while focusing on different aspects of the build. Learning from the collective, building for the collective, from the ground up, with a common home front of mind. In the encyclical, the Pope puts forward an approach for the use and development of technology and AI as tools with potential; likening the future challenge of AI to a shared human building project. Key to the project, is human discernment and decision-making around the origins or source, alongside intention and human impact. Technology orientated towards the purpose of the common good, can benefit humanity as a collective.

“Scientific discoveries are talents entrusted to humanity so that they may bear fruit (cf. Mt 25:14-30).  Technology has the power to heal, connect, educate and protect our common home; but it can also divide, exclude and generate new forms of injustice. In the abstract, technology in and of itself is not a solution to humanity’s problems, just as it is not inherently evil. In practice, however, technology is never neutral, because it takes on the characteristics of those who devise, finance, regulate and use it. Therefore, the primary choice is not between a “yes” or “no” to technology, but rather between constructing Babel or rebuilding Jerusalem.”

“The Church reminds us, with a firm yet humble voice, that true fulfilment is not achieved by eliminating weakness but through harmonious growth. It is found where freedom and responsibility are intertwined with mutual care and true solidarity, and where progress is measured by the dignity of each person and the good of all peoples.” (Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, 2026)

As a diverse community of families, staff and students in a Catholic school in the Mercy Tradition, we must recognise and acknowledge that we are building every day, in one way or another. As technology and AI continue to advance, our faith and Mercy values, which are human and universal, coupled with the Mercedes vision to Aspire, Excel and Lead, become even more central to our school as a learning community. We focus on cultivating faith, relationships and virtue, and the responsible and informed use of AI and technology; forming adaptable and community-minded young adults, who connect, who learn, who do, and who become. Then we face whatever emerges together, for in doing so, or rather in being so, we build a future for all.

Last week, our College community continued to engage with National Reconciliation Week, embracing the 2026 theme “All In”. This theme represents a call to collective responsibility, learning and action. Across the week of celebrations, students took part in meaningful experiences that strengthened understanding and connection to First Nation’s histories, cultures and perspectives. These reflections and student-led initiatives across the College continue to remind us of the importance of walking forward together, in respect and unity.

It has also been wonderful to see the breadth of student engagement across our Faith, Pastoral Care, Academic and Co-curricular programs throughout the last two weeks. Our Year 7 students recently participated in their Reflection Day, centred on the theme “Your Year of Growth”. Through workshops and discussion, students were invited to reflect on identity, values and the strengths they bring to their communities, creating a thoughtful and enriching day of self-awareness and connection.

Year 9 students enjoyed their recent Social with Trinity College. Students took to the ballroom dance floor with confidence after weeks of preparation. The evening provided a valuable opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, strengthen friendships and celebrate the term. It was the culmination of their ballroom dancing lessons in an engaging and social setting.

At the ACC Cross Country Carnival, students delivered outstanding performances, with the Year 9 girls crowned as the U/15 Champion Team following a term of dedicated training and commitment. Congratulations to our two individual podium finishes.  At the SAS Winter Carnival, our Year 7 Netball and Year 7 and 8 Soccer Teams both secured the division wins, reflecting exceptional teamwork and determination. Meanwhile, Year 7 students proudly represented the College at the AFLW Dockers Cup, demonstrating great enthusiasm and resilience throughout their first AFL Carnival at Mercedes.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for the Year 12 led Ponytail Project next week, with students once again stepping forward to #rockthechop in an extraordinary display of generosity and courage. This year, the student fundraising initiative has already raised an amazing total of $40,137, surpassing their initial fundraising goal with flying colours, in support of cancer research and services. We are incredibly proud of the compassion and commitment shown across our community in support of this important cause, which has touched so many of our families in a personal and profound way.

We continue to look forward to our upcoming College production of Beauty and the Beast the Musical, with rehearsals and preparations well underway as our talented cast, musicians and creative team prepare to bring this much-loved story to life at the Regal Theatre. Tickets are selling fast, get in quick to Be our Guest, Be our Guest, Be our Guest!

The last two weeks of term it is an important time to finish strongly and reflect on the experiences, learning and growth that has taken place across the Semester. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support of our College community. It is through the shared commitment of students, staff and families that we continue to foster a connected learning community of care.

Warm regards,

Dr Lucie McCrory

PRINCIPAL