Dear Mercedes College Families
We are reaching the midway point of Week 4 in Term 4 and our Year 12 students studying ATAR Courses continue their WACE ATAR examinations. The Year 11 students are beginning to undertake their Semester 2 examinations ahead of their Retreat in the coming weeks. The broader College community has remained actively engaged in the many programs, excursions, events and experiences that characterise life in Term 4 at Mercedes College.
A highlight of the past fortnight was our annual Presentation Evening, held at Trinity College on Friday 23 October. The evening brought together students, families, staff, alumni and friends to celebrate the achievements of our students across Years 7 to 12 and to formally farewell the Class of 2026. It was wonderful to recognise the dedication, perseverance, and contributions of our students. Almost 200 awards were presented for academic achievement, leadership, service, and co-curricular excellence. The evening was further enriched by outstanding musical and dance performances, showcasing the many talents within our community. The launch of Voices of 180 Years, a publication commemorating the College’s history through the reflections of our graduating students, was another significant and memorable moment.
Our commitment to faith, justice, and reconciliation continues to be reflected in the experiences offered to students. It was pleasing to see our Year 7 to 9 First Nations students participate in the Walk for Reconciliation at Kaarta Koomba, joining others in celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Similarly, a group of Year 10 students attended the Seeds of Justice Conference with students from Mercy schools across Western Australia. These experiences encourage our students to deepen their understanding of social justice and to consider how they can contribute positively to the world around them.
The Mercy value of Compassion has been evident across the College. Our Year 8 students have embraced their Fierce Compassion Projects through a variety of fundraising and service initiatives, while Year 11 Children, Family and Community students have continued their involvement in the Uthando Doll Project, creating handmade dolls for vulnerable children in South Africa. These opportunities remind students that even small acts of kindness can have a meaningful impact on the lives of others.
Last week marked an important milestone in the life of the College as we commissioned our 2027 Prefects. During a special liturgy in the College Chapel and joined by our new MEL CEO from Victoria, Mrs Luci Quinn, our incoming student leaders formally began their leadership journey and received their badges as symbols of their commitment to service. Leadership at Mercedes College is grounded in compassion, integrity and a willingness to serve others, and I look forward to working alongside these students as they take on this important responsibility in the year ahead.
Across our classrooms, students continue to benefit from rich and engaging learning experiences. From the Young Writers Program and Year 8 Earth Science workshops to the Year 11 English research showcase, students have been exploring new ideas, developing skills and sharing their learning with confidence. We were also delighted to see two teams of Year 8 students represent the College at the Game Changer State Final, marking the first time Mercedes College has had two teams participate in the event.
The competition challenges students to use STEM to develop innovative solutions to real-world community problems, with more than 80 teams from 17 schools taking part this year. Both Mercedes teams received outstanding feedback from judges for the quality of their ideas, professionalism and presentation skills. One team was recognised with the Best Presentation Award in the Year 7 and 8 category, earning an invitation to participate in the Young Innovators Showcase later this year. Beyond the classroom, our Year 7 students proudly represented the College at the Super Series Carnival, demonstrating sporting teamwork, determination and school spirit throughout the day.
As we look ahead to the second half of Term 4, there is much to unfold across the College. This is a significant period for our senior students as they complete examinations and prepare for future pathways, while students across all year levels continue to embrace opportunities for growth, learning and service. I thank our families for their ongoing support and partnership throughout the year and wish all students every success in the busy weeks ahead.
Warm regards,
Dr Lucie McCrory
PRINCIPAL
Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)
All Australian governments implement an annual national data collection on school students with disability. This data collection does not apply just to students with an identified disability, but for all students in the College community that receive learning adjustments. Please click here for detailed information on NCCD.
Parent Code of Conduct
Our Parent Code of Conduct helps us identify how we interact and engage in partnership whilst keeping the best interests of students at the centre of our decision-making and care. Details of which can be found by clicking HERE.