Dear Mercedes College Families,
We continue our special year celebrating 180 years of Mercedes College and I am pleased to share with our community our 180 Video telling the story of our humble beginnings. The video reflects on the moment the first student walked through Victoria Square in 1846 and was welcomed by Ursula Frayne, marking the beginning of Mercy education in Western Australia. The video honours the courageous vision of the Sisters of Mercy who dedicated their lives to education and service. While the role of the Sisters continues to evolve over time, their legacy shapes the spirit and values of our College. Watching this story unfold reminds us that the Mercy mission remains a living legacy through the young people we educate today, and in the community we continue to build together.
Student leadership is flourishing at Mercedes, and recently our Years 8 to 11 Student Representative Council gathered for their Leadership Training Day. The day provided students with the opportunity to reflect on what it means to lead with integrity and purpose while strengthening student voice within our College community. I thank the staff who guided the day and our guest facilitator Kate Molinari from STRIIDE, who challenged students to think about the first impressions they make as leaders.
It was a pleasure to gather with many members of our extended community at the Mercedes College 180 Community High Tea, held at the Westin on Sunday 21 February. The afternoon was a warm celebration of Mercy heritage. Alumni, staff and community members shared memories and reflected on the impact of Mercedes across generations. The performance by the 180 Mercedes College Alumni (MCA) choir was a highlight of the event. I thank all those who shared their stories in the memory booth as contributions to the 180 Stories project. These stories help preserve the voices and memories of the past.
It was a pleasure to welcome back Alumni last week, who returned to inspire our Year 11 Students with reflections on their journeys since leaving Mercedes. It provided a powerful reminder that there is no single pathway after school. All three Alumni emphasised that their Mercedes experience and instilled values, helped to shape their confidence and sense of purpose beyond school. One Alumni spoke about the lasting impact of studying Religious Education. She shared how the foundational lessons, and formed understanding of the importance of reflection, empathy and service, continue to guide her approach to study, career and relationships. Moments like this remind us that a Mercedes education helps girls to develop academically but also wholistically into compassionate, inclusive young people who confidently carry mercy values into the world.
Our students have embraced many wonderful co-curricular opportunities in recent weeks. Two Year 11 students undertook an incredible Duke of Edinburgh Youth Adventure Voyage aboard the STS Leeuwin II, developing sailing skills, teamwork and resilience during a week at sea. They were challenged to step beyond their comfort zones while building skills in leadership and independence.
Sport continues to be a vibrant part of College life, and our Interhouse Swimming Carnival was one of the most spirited carnivals in recent memory. The participation, colour, chants and energy throughout the stadium created an atmosphere of extraordinary House pride. Our House Prefects and House Teacher Leaders did an exceptional job rallying their Houses in the lead-up to the carnival, helping to create the strong student attendance and enthusiasm we witnessed on the day.
Congratulations to McAuley House who were crowned Champion House, and to Frayne House who claimed the Team Event Champion title. The day also saw impressive individual performances, including a new Year 12 50m Breaststroke record set by Year 12 student and a record-breaking performance by the Year 9 Wright House freestyle relay team.
Our Inclusive Education students enjoyed the ACC Inclusive Education Beach Carnival, where students demonstrated teamwork, enthusiasm and courage while connecting with students from other schools. It was particularly exciting to hear Evie place second overall in the girls’ pursuit event, and to welcome students Amiti-Rose and Eliora as fantastic new members of the team.
We were delighted to welcome more than 100 prospective families to campus for our Twilight Tour, offering them the opportunity to explore Mercedes in a unique after-hours setting. Our Year 12 Prefects guided the tours and shared their experiences with future families. Even without the usual bustle of the school day, the warmth and spirit of our community was clearly evident.
Today our College hosted the Tom Sherrington Big Classroom Conference, which saw 100 leaders and educators from all sectors and systems in both Primary and Secondary come together to talk about our core business of teaching and learning. The energy of the room was remarkable. Educators experienced in-person with Tom Sherrington and enjoyed the practical inter-active first-hand knowledge about our craft. The attendees then consider strategies for the professional growth of teachers in their own contexts.
Finally, I congratulate the students who were announced this week as the cast of our upcoming College production of Beauty and the Beast. The enthusiasm and courage shown by students during the audition process is always inspiring, and we look forward to seeing this wonderful story brought to life later this year.
As we continue through this milestone year celebrating 180 years of Mercedes College, we remain deeply grateful for the generations of students, staff, Sisters, families and alumni who have shaped the Mercy story of our College. Together we continue to honour that legacy while looking forward with hope and 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.
