Dear Mercedes College Families
As we reach the end of Week Three of Term One, it has been a joy to see our students settling into the rhythm of the school year, reconnecting with friends, embracing new challenges and rediscovering the energy that comes from being together as a learning community. Across classrooms, co-curricular spaces and community gatherings, students are already demonstrating confidence, curiosity and a strong sense of belonging.
It has been wonderful to witness students across all year levels settling into their routines and embracing new opportunities. Our Year 7 students concluded Transition Week with a vibrant circus-themed experience, supporting their growing confidence and sense of belonging as they begin their secondary journey. Across the College, students are finding their place, building friendships and engaging enthusiastically in both academic and co-curricular life.
Our First Nations students experienced a particularly meaningful start to 2026, beginning with their participation in the MADALAH and First Nations Welcome Ceremony at Kaarta Koomba (Kings Park), where they connected with culture, Country and peers from across Perth through shared storytelling and cultural experiences. This was followed by a special First Nations Welcome Morning Tea at Mercedes College, where students and families gathered alongside staff and community partners to celebrate identity, connection and belonging.
Senior students and families came together for the Year 12 Information Night and Careers Mini Expo, which offered valuable guidance as our graduating cohort begins their final year. Representatives from Universities, TAFE and the WA Defence Force attended, encouraging students to explore a range of pathways and possibilities for life beyond school.
Meanwhile, our Year 8 students were inspired through their participation in the Halogen Young Leaders Day, engaging with ideas of leadership, purpose and personal growth as they continue developing their confidence and voice.
A key priority of our community is to support students to navigate the digital world safely. We were grateful to welcome online safety specialist Paul Litherland, who offered significant insights for both parents and students. His sessions offered practical strategies and opened important conversations around responsible online behaviour, helping families and young people feel informed and empowered.
This commitment to partnership with families was further reflected in our Parent Information Evening and P&F Sundowner, where parents gathered to connect, learn and celebrate the strong community that supports our students’ growth and wellbeing.
This week we gathered as a community to mark the beginning of the Lenten season with our Ash Wednesday liturgy. Students and staff were invited to receive ashes on their foreheads, which remind us that we are human, imperfect and yet, always invited to begin again anew. We spoke to the students about the invitation of Ash Wednesday to intentionally reflect to create space for growth, towards our better selves. A chance to intentionally breathe, reflect, reset, and recognise that life will always move in cycles. High seasons and low seasons, winter before spring, adolescence before adulting, fasting before feasting, trust before certainty, planting before harvesting.
A spirit of reflection and gratitude was evident as our Alma May Beard Committee of students and staff attended the Applecross RSL Vyner Brooke Memorial Service on Sunday 15 February, honouring the courage and sacrifice of those nurses who served, including former student Alma May Beard. Their participation demonstrated respect, leadership and a deep understanding of the importance of remembrance.
The Arts began the year with remarkable energy, and auditions are underway for our upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast. It has been inspiring to see students step forward with courage and creativity, embracing the opportunity to challenge themselves and contribute to the vibrant artistic life of our College.
Today our Student Representative Council undertook a Training Day for student leadership across the school. They worked together and in Year Groups, heard from guest speaker Kate Molinari from STRIIDE Leadership, and were commissioned with their student leader badges. We wish this collective well as they step into their student leadership ministry this year.
This afternoon staff members at Mercedes College will gather in the Chapel to celebrate and remember the life and gifts of former Deputy Principal, Mrs Rosa Speranza, who died on Friday 13 February 2026. Mrs Speranza was a driving force for social justice during her time at Mercedes from 2007 to 2016. She established the Social Justice Immersion, our College involvement with The Big Issue Street Soccer, the Mini-Mercies and was instrumental in the staff and student Camino de Merced to New Norcia. Mrs Speranza will be remembered by our community as a woman of great mercy, whose presence will live on through memories, connections, and experiences of care in action. We send our prayers and loving intentions to Rosa’s close family and friends, and to all those in our community who are mourning the loss of her earthly presence.
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.
