Dear Mercedes College Families
As Term 3 concludes I have been reflecting over the last few days on just how much activity has filled these past weeks at Mercedes College. It has been a busy term, but among the many demands of College life, there have been countless moments that have reminded me of what makes this community so special. Seeing students step forward, support one another, embrace new experiences and take pride in their achievements.
Health and Physical Education Week provided an opportunity to focus on the importance of both physical and social wellbeing. R U OK? Day encouraged students to check in with those around them and reinforced the importance of connection, relationships and looking out for one another. The annual Student versus Staff Volleyball Match then brought HPE Week to a close, with students and staff coming together in Coady for an energetic and spirited match. While the staff took the win, the afternoon was ultimately about participation, teamwork and College spirit.
Year 8 students enjoyed their annual Social and 80s Quiz Night with their Trinity College brother cohort, providing an opportunity to spend time together, building friendships and enjoying friendly competition.
Our students have continued to engage with opportunities beyond the classroom and develop their understanding of the wider community. Through the Youth Climate Action Fund, students explored local sustainability challenges and developed ideas for projects that may contribute to climate action. It was a pleasure to welcome the Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds back to Mercedes College as part of this work, and the College is grateful for the ongoing relationship with the City of Perth and the opportunities this provides for our students.
On Wednesday the College announced the appointment of the 2027 Year 12 Student Prefect Council. At a whole-school assembly, the 22 students were celebrated, including Sophia McMillan as Head Girl and Poppy Bartlett as Deputy Head Girl. The handover ceremony from the current 2026 Prefect Council provided a significant moment of transition as our Year 12 students prepare to conclude their time as students of Mercedes College. Congratulations to all 22 students who will take on these leadership responsibilities in 2027, and to every student who put themselves forward and participated in the selection process.
Sport has been another source of wonderful achievement this term. At the ACC Interschool Athletics Carnival, the girls produced an exceptional result, recording 27 individual first-place finishes, three winning relay teams and 51 personal bests. Their athleticism, dedication and teamwork saw Mercedes College claim the Overall Girls’ Shield in Division B and earn promotion to Division A for next year. This is a wonderful achievement and a reflection of the effort and commitment shown by our students. Students also represented Mercedes College at the IE ACC Athletics Carnival, demonstrating commitment and College spirit throughout the day.
The arts have provided students with opportunities to develop their skills and share their talents. The annual Dance Showcase Trilogy brought together students from Years 7 to 12 for an evening of performances that demonstrated a high level of talent, commitment and dedication. The wonderful feedback received following the showcase was a fitting recognition of the work that our staff and students put into developing their skills and preparing for the stage.
The Catholic Performing Arts Festival concluded last week, marking the end of eight weeks of performances featuring more than 200 Mercedes artists. Throughout the Festival, students achieved an outstanding 91 Excellence and Outstanding Awards across instrumental, vocal and ensemble categories. Further success was celebrated through a number of Festival Shield and Special Award recipients, including recognition for four combined Trinity/Mercedes ensembles and two guitar duets. The College also proudly acknowledges students who received scholarships, along with those selected to perform at the Festival Finale Concert, a wonderful recognition of their talent and dedication. The Festival concluded on another significant note for Mercedes College, with the College receiving the Sustained Improvement Award, recognising the growth and development of the Music program over the past five years.
Our Year 9 to 11 Media students had the opportunity to visit Perth Film Studios, providing an insight into the screen industry and the career opportunities available within this field. Experiences such as this allow students to connect their learning with the world beyond the College and consider the possibilities that may lie ahead.
There has been exciting progress on the new Technologies Precinct. Students had the opportunity to tour the construction site and participate in a Women in Engineering and Construction session, hearing from women involved in the project about their roles. It was a valuable opportunity for students to see the Precinct taking shape while considering the many pathways that contribute to a project of this scale. Construction continues to progress towards the Precinct’s opening at the beginning of 2027. Families can learn more about this space through the Mercedes College Technologies Precinct page on the College website.
As Term 3 concludes, tomorrow the Mercedes College community will come together to celebrate Mercy Day, a much-loved tradition and an important day in the life of the College. It is a time to reflect on the legacy of Catherine McAuley, who opened the first House of Mercy in Dublin on 24 September 1827, and on the values of compassion, education and service that continue to shape Mercy education today. Mercy Day is one of the College’s largest fundraising events and a much-loved part of the school year. I look forward to seeing our students, staff and families come together tomorrow to celebrate the Mercy spirit and the sense of community that makes this day so special.
Tomorrow will also mark the final full day for our Year 12 students. This is an important milestone for our Class of 2026 and their families as they prepare to celebrate the completion of their secondary schooling and the many contributions they have made to Mercedes College.
Following on from the news that Mrs Kirsty Murphy will be moving to Salvado Catholic College, Mercedes College undertook a recruitment process to attract and appoint a new Deputy Principal from 2027. It is my pleasure to share with you that Mrs Kalo Bell will be the next Deputy Principal at Mercedes College. For further information on Mrs Bell, please read the Announcement.
As we reach the end of a full and rewarding term, I thank our families for their continued support and cooperation. I hope the break provides an opportunity for our students, staff and families to rest and reconnect and enjoy the fine weather, before returning to the final term of the 2026 school year.
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.
