Dear Mercedes College Families
I warmly welcome our students, families, and staff to the beginning of the 2026 school year. This year holds particular significance as Mercedes College proudly marks 180 years of Mercy Education in Western Australia. It is a time to reflect with gratitude on our shared heritage, while looking ahead with hope and purpose.
Founded in 1846 by the Sisters of Mercy, led by Ursula Frayne, Mercedes College began with a simple yet courageous vision: to educate young women in the spirit of Mercy. Today, situated within our beautiful heritage precinct in the heart of the City of Perth, the College remains a living expression of that vision, grounded in faith, shaped by future-focused learning, and guided by Mercy values.
The year began with celebration as the Class of 2026 gathered for the Year 12 Ball, their first major milestone as senior students. Inspired by A Starry Night, the evening was a joyful occasion of connection and pride, marking the beginning of their final year together.
Our newest cohort, the Year 7 students, have made an impressive transition to high school life and have been active in developing connections and learning about the Mercedes way. We look forward to getting to know these fine young women as the years unfold.
Our first day of Term 1 for 2026, Monday 2 February, marked the commencement of our 180 Anniversary Celebrations, with the community gathering at St Mary’s Cathedral for the Opening and Anniversary Mass. The mass was a powerful moment of appreciation, unity and reflection. The celebration began with a liturgical dance performance that told the mercy story at Mercedes beginning with Ursula Frayne and the first and only student who arrived at the gates, followed closely by five others, 180 years ago. The wonderful music and singing added to the specialness of this important occasion. At the conclusion of the mass we were delighted to formally welcome Mrs Huggins as Vice Principal, marking a significant moment in our community’s leadership.
To commemorate our 180 Anniversary, after mass the College held a ceremony on campus to bless and unveil a new statue. ‘The First Student’ bronze statue stands proudly opposite St Joseph’s and next to the gates on Victoria Avenue. She reminds us of the story of our humble beginnings, and the zeal, courage and faith of the early Sisters of Mercy, who established our College on Monday 2 February 1846 with minimal resources and a single student.
On Tuesday we gathered to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025 at the whole school Excellence Assembly. The ceremony recognised excellence in student achievement across academic, vocational, and creative pathways and reflected the dedication and commitment of students and teachers to holistic growth. It was lovely to welcome back and celebrate our newest Alumni. Four of our graduates were also in attendance at the CEWA Academic Excellence Awards alongside the highest achieving students from Catholic schools in the state.
Student leadership remains a defining feature of life at Mercedes College, and on Wednesday this week the Class of 2026 were formally commissioned as our senior leaders during the Year 12 Commissioning Mass. Each student affirmed their commitment to lead with compassion, integrity, and responsibility as they begin their final year at the College.
As we continue this special 180 anniversary year, we do so with gratitude for those who have gone before us. We have confidence in the young women in our community, who will continue the mercy legacy and in doing so, will shape the future. We look forward to a year of holistic growth, connection, learning, and shared purpose.
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.
