Principal Report
Dear Mercedes College Families
As we reach the middle of Term 2, I would like to wish families an enjoyable extra day off for the upcoming WA Day long weekend. I ask that we continue to keep our Year 11 and 12 students in our thoughts as many navigate their examinations. This mid-way point in term calls for continued focus, perseverance, and balance, and we are proud of the determination that students are showing.
Last week marked the much-anticipated opening of our newly renovated Learning Hub, a significant milestone in the continued enhancement of our learning environment. This revitalised space has undergone a transformation into a contemporary, flexible Hub designed to meet the evolving needs of our students. The students have embraced the new Learning Hub with enthusiasm, making full use of its resources for a variety of purposes. The opening could not have come at a more opportune time, with many of our students preparing for upcoming assessments and examinations. The Learning Hub now offers an ideal environment for concentration and revision, providing a calm and supportive space where students can work individually or in groups to consolidate their learning. We look forward to seeing the continued impact of this space on student engagement and achievement in the weeks and months ahead.
On Thursday 15 May, Mercedes College proudly held its annual Ponytail Project. The event demonstrated our students’ generosity and sense of social responsibility. This year, 30 students took part by volunteering to cut their ponytails off, donating their hair for wig-making. The individual efforts of these “Hair Choppers” raised an impressive $38,000 for the Cancer Council. With the addition of Year 12 fundraising initiatives, including a raffle, bake sale and ribbon sale, the total raised came in at $40,000, making this the most successful Ponytail Project in the College’s history. In the weeks leading up to the event, the Year 12 cohort showed outstanding initiative, rallying support from across the College community. Their energy, passion, and teamwork were on full display, creating an atmosphere of unity and purpose. True to his promise, Mr Pearsall shaved his head once the students surpassed the $20,000 target, and Mr Fleay also generously volunteered to cut his hair in support. Mr Mee was the MC for the event, whose light-hearted approach brought warmth and celebration to the day. Special mentions go to community members, past students, and industry professionals who helped make the event possible. We extend our congratulations to the Hair Choppers, Year 12 students, particularly our Prefects, Head Girl Billie-Rose, Deputy Head Girl Lucy, and Mr Pearsall, whose leadership and commitment helped achieve this outstanding result.
On Tuesday 20 May, we had the privilege of welcoming Sister Breda to our campus for a special morning tea in honour of her 80th birthday. Surrounded by Mercedes College staff, Sister Breda was celebrated with a beautiful floral arrangement and a stunning cake, lovingly made by Mrs Habib. The occasion was filled with warmth and reflection as colleagues shared memories and expressed their appreciation for her years of service. We extend our gratitude to Sister Breda for her lifelong dedication to our College community and to her legacy, one that continues to inspire and connect us in and through the spirit of mercy.
Over the weekend, a select group of students proudly represented the College at the Dancelife Unite Competition, competing against several secondary schools and dance studios. Our Elite Dance Team secured first place for both their jazz and lyrical routines and Year 12 students, Kealey Ward and Evian Paki took out first place for their duo. Additionally, the team were awarded the Energy Award for the jazz troupe, a personal favourite of mine. This group of girls have had amazing success over a short time together and I would like to thank each of them, for their energy and dedication. We would like to pay tribute to Miss Robinson who is their dedicated dance teacher. When the girls come together under passionate leadership, in alignment, with motivation and drive, aspirations to excel are brought to fruition. Well done to all involved.
This week, Mercedes College commemorated National Reconciliation Week with a range of thoughtful and engaging initiatives that invited reflection, learning, and cultural appreciation. In classrooms, students explored stories such as Franny, a modern-day freedom fighter, alongside other activities designed to deepen understanding of First Nation histories and perspectives. On Tuesday, a Reconciliation Week stall encouraged students to write and share their personal hopes for reconciliation. These messages were filled with empathy, unity, and a strong desire for meaningful change. Our First Nations students also took part in a MADALAH workshop and other special events, providing opportunities for connection, pride, and leadership. As a community, we continue to walk together on the path of reconciliation, committed to truth-telling, respect, and the celebration of First Nations cultures.
Last term, the Mercedes College community participated in the Diagnostic Inventory of School Alignment survey. We have recently received the results, which are positive and instructive. These results highlight the strong, supportive, and connected community we have built together. The low standard deviation in the scores indicates a high level of alignment in the experiences and perceptions in our community groups. As a school committed to continuous improvement, we are excited to use this valuable data to celebrate our strengths and address challenges, ensuring that Mercedes College continues to thrive as an exemplary educational institution. Thank you to students, parents and staff for providing your voice through the survey.
As we look ahead to the rest of Term 2, we remain grateful for the energy, generosity, and spirit of our students and staff. It is heartening to see our community come together in so many meaningful ways. We hope all our families enjoy the upcoming long weekend and find time for rest during what is a very full and vibrant period in the life of our College.
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.
