Principal Report
Dear Mercedes College Families
As we move into our Term 3 break for 2025, we take time to reflect on the wonderful energy, creativity, and community spirit that continues to define Mercedes College. Over the past fortnight, our students and staff have embraced a wide range of achievements across the arts, sport, leadership, academics and community events.
At the Formal Assembly on Wednesday, we congratulated a huge number of students who received awards across the Spirit of the Arts, Angelico, Australian Mathematics Competition and Commendations for Academic and Mercy Value Awards. It was a wonderful celebration of participation and achievement. The demeanor and poise of all girls in the audience was recognised and should be applauded. The Assembly also give the whole school an opportunity to congratulate our outgoing Year 12 Student Prefects for 2025 and welcome, with anticipation and energy, our newly announced incoming Student Prefect Body for 2026. It was a poignant reminder that each of us creates a legacy with our lives for our time in a place, that we pass on to others, who then evolve that legacy as a natural cycle of life. We look forward to further celebrating the outgoing 2025 leadership team in the coming weeks, at the same time as inducting our incoming 2026 student leaders.
I had the pleasure of presenting with our Head of Professional Growth, Mr Jamie Clark, last week at the Mercy Ministry Companions Conference in Melbourne Extending Horizons as People of Hope and Hospitality. Our workshop unpacked our Mercedes vision for the conditions for growth in a school, and the processes and model required to develop teacher practices that consciously align the science of learning.
Our Year 9 students enjoyed the annual Amazing Race with Trinity College last week. The afternoon provided a wonderful opportunity for the girls to strengthen friendships, build connections, and enjoy time together with their peers. In what has already been a significant year, with the Rite Journey and preparation for their senior years ahead, it was heartening to see them take this chance to relax and have fun with the Trinity cohort. I thank Miss Guida and the Year 9 Pastoral Team for organising such a meaningful and memorable event.
The Catholic Performing Arts Festival concluded with exceptional performances across five weeks. Mercedes students delivered 82 performances, with 88% achieving Outstanding or Excellence Awards. The festival celebrated technical skill and artistry as well as the dedication and passion of our students and the Music Department, whose guidance ensures every performer can shine.
Last Friday we held a liturgy of the word ceremony to bless and install our Ursula Frayne statue in her new home outside the Frayne and Holy Cross Buildings, watching over St Josephs and the Cathedral from the heart of the school. The sisters joined us for this blessing and installation. It was a touching ceremony for those who were present. It is a pleasure to see the girls interacting with the statue on a daily basis and even dressing her up with their scarves! Her presence in the heart of the school continues to be enjoyed by all.
It is Mercy Day tomorrow, which is one of our biggest celebrations of the year and we are looking forward to a vibrant and joyful close to the term. Please keep an eye on our socials to see snippets of the day in action. It will be a very special day for our Year 12 students, as Mercy Day traditionally marks the beginning of the end of their journey through school. The whole week has provided special moments for our Year 12 students. On Monday, the girls received their graduation bears and opened the letters they had written to themselves every year since Year 7. Additionally, there was a special cohort photo to commemorate the Class of 2025. Tonight the Year 12s will gather in the evening in Cody to present awards, participate in Just Dance and watch a movie together.
The moments during the week were filled with reflection, laughter, and emotion as the cohort celebrated their growth and achievements. While their formal farewell is yet to come, we acknowledge the remarkable contribution of the Class of 2025 to our College community, along with their Head of Year, Mr Pearsall, and wish the students every success as they look towards the next chapter.
I wish to thank all our staff and students for a great term. I sincerely hope you enjoy a well-earned restful and enjoyable holiday period. We look forward to the girls returning to school in the warmer weather on Monday 13 October, refreshed and ready for Term 4, and in full summer uniform.
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.
