Principal Report
Dear Mercedes College Families
Welcome to the 2025 academic year. It was wonderful to see our students return to campus this week, full of vibrancy and eager to connect. I offer a special mention to our new Year 7 students and their families and to those students and families across the school who joined the community this year. We are looking forward to getting to know you and extending our Mercy hospitality.
As mentioned in my return to school letter, we have been busy completing projects and maintenance works throughout the holidays. The pool has reopened, and we are delighted to once again utilise these facilities after the recent re-tiling. Swimming is a welcomed experience for the girls, especially during these hot days. The library renovation is due for completion by the start of Term 2 and is shaping up to be an inviting, functional, trendy and innovative space. The College continues to work with architects and consultants to ensure our first stage of the Capital Development Plan, the Hall renovation, commences in Semester Two.
The much-anticipated Year 12 Ball was held at the Westin Hotel just before the academic year commenced. The evening was a great success. The girls looked simply spectacular, and it was wonderful to witness their confidence, kindness, maturity and grace, especially in this sophisticated setting. Full credit to Head of Year 12, Mr Pearsall, for all his thoughtful preparations in the lead up to the event.
Our Year 7 students were warmly welcomed on Monday morning as they entered the gates. Mrs Webb, Head of Year 7, worked closely with the students to ensure they experienced a smooth transition to secondary school. Head of Year 10, Mrs Giuttari, trained the Peer Mentors well. They provided guidance, leadership and caring support to the Year 7 students during their transition. Despite the initial challenges for our newest community members, of a week filled with new experiences and the task of making new friends, it has been heartwarming to see them embrace their new environment with positivity. The adventure day at Ern Halliday Campground provided a fantastic opportunity for the girls to develop bonds with teachers and peers, as they participated in a variety of fun sports and games.
Staff and students gathered on Tuesday at our Excellence Assembly to celebrate success in the context of the academic achievements of our newest Alumni, the Class of 2024. It was lovely to have these students return to the College for this special occasion. Alongside the celebration of student excellence, we also shared our appreciation for our wonderful teachers and support staff who played a significant role in the students’ successes.
We were fortunate to hear former student Francesca De Nuccio (Class of 2017) speak passionately about her time at Mercedes. She shared her subsequent journey to establish an exciting career in television journalism with the ABC and Channel 7.
Special congratulations to Emily Ngo for achieving the highest ATAR score and to Eliza Ryan for her Certificate of Excellence in Mathematics Applications. Both girls were formally recognised and celebrated on Monday night at the prestigious Catholic Education Western Australia Awards Ceremony.
This week, our Year 12 students were officially commissioned as leaders of the College and proudly received their Senior badges. I encouraged the Year 12 students to be aware of their significant student-influence ability and to be intentional with their energy, remembering that emotions are contagious within a community. Year 12 students have a distinct opportunity to shape the rest of the student body. I have no doubt that this impressive group of young people will be infectious with their support, encouragement, positivity and will lead with the sense of sisterhood that has a palpable presence in this cohort.
This year, our theme is “Pilgrims of Hope,” inspired by the Catholic Church’s Jubilee 2025. This theme encourages us to journey together with a sense of optimism and faith, fostering a community where hope thrives.
As we embark on this new year, I am filled with anticipation to see each of our students blossom in her own unique way. We have a fantastic year ahead, brimming with opportunities for growth and achievement across a variety of areas, be it The Arts or Sports or Academic, Faith and service pursuits. There is much to look forward to.
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our community.
Warm regards
Dr Lucie McCroy
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.
