Principal Report
Dear Mercedes College Families
Over the past fortnight, our College has been filled with celebration, creativity, and community spirit, which will be showcased in this edition of Sorelle. Last week I attended the Australian Catholic Education Commission Conference in Cairns with Principals, Leaders and Catholic educators from across the country. We heard from many impressive keynote speakers about the future of faith education in Catholic schools, the Jubilee Year of Hope, the science of learning and instruction, and the importance of family engagement with schools. One of my favourite presentations was the Every Family presentation, which focused on the key relationship between the family and the school. The material presented has given me much to think about in terms of our engagement with our first partners, you the parents, in continuing to build the best culture possible for our Mercedes girls to thrive in. The presentation reminded me both as a parent and a Principal that every parent wants their child to ‘do well, be safe and feel love’ and that one of our desires as a parent is for ‘our children to exceed us in their quality of life’. The keynote highlighted the fact that parents look to schools to help make this desire happen for their children. Whilst the presentations and conversations at the conference were excellent, it was equally enjoyable to return to school and hear of the many wonderful experiences that our students and staff enjoyed together over the week.
Next week we will interview for our new Vice Principal, commencing 2026. I have invited our Head Girl, Billie-Rose to sit on the interview panel so that the panel members can consider student voice when discerning this most significant appointment, and future addition to our community. I have no doubt Billie-Rose will represent the views of our student body with clarity and pride. I am pleased to share with you that Miss Gemma Sharp has been successful in obtaining the Student Leadership Coordinator position at the College, commencing next year. Miss Sharp is excited to continue the great work of Mrs Morgan, who is stepping into the Head of Science in 2026, in shaping the leadership development of our students.
It was a delight to join our Year 7 students at their Barn Dance with Trinity College. The evening was filled with energy, laughter, and connection as students embraced the Wild West theme with enthusiasm. Dressed in farmer attire and cowboy hats, they showed fantastic spirit. The icebreaker activities, dancing, and shared meal created a warm and celebratory atmosphere. My thanks go to the Year 7 Pastoral Team, Support Staff, Head of Year 7 Mrs Webb, our prefects, and volunteers for their wonderful efforts in making the evening so enjoyable.
Another highlight of the fortnight was the Feast of the Assumption, celebrated with a whole-school Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral. The service was deeply moving, featuring a beautiful performance by our choir that uplifted the congregation. We are most grateful to everyone who contributed to the preparation and running of the Mass, ensuring it was both reverent and memorable.
Last week was English Week and our students had the opportunity to show their creativity with fun-tastic costumes for the Book Week Parade. From what I have heard, the parade was once again a standout, with students and staff bringing to life a spectacular array of book characters. The photos clearly show imagination and ingenuity on full display, with some truly outstanding costumes.
Our Year 10 students had a memorable night at their Dynamic Duo Celebration with Trinity College. From legendary pairings to creative costumes, the dedication to the theme was impressive. I was delighted to hear of the joy shared between the two schools at their final arranged social together. I extend thanks to the Year 10 Pastoral Team, Support Staff, Head of Year 10 Miss Giuttari, along with our prefects, for ensuring the evening was a great success.
This week we celebrated Arts Week at Mercedes, which has been filled with beautiful performances from a range of ensembles, alongside engaging artistic and media initiatives across the school. It has been a pleasure to both listen to and witness these displays of creativity, and I extend my gratitude to our whole Arts Department for curating such a rich and inspiring program.
We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of our students in the state Catholic Spirit of the Arts Festival. Congratulations to Lilli (Year 12), who received the prestigious Forrest Centre Tenant Award at the Angelico Art Exhibition. We also acknowledge Emilie-Grace (Year 11), Ella (Year 11), Aarna (Year 8), Mila (Year 8), and Caitlyn (Year 8), whose works were displayed in the exhibition. Special thanks to Mrs Fitzgerald and Ms Hosking for guiding and supporting our talented young artists. As the Catholic Spirit of the Arts Festival draws to a close, we look forward to sharing results from many of our high-performing ensembles and individual students who have represented our College with such talent and dedication.
Thank you once again for your continued support of our College and for helping us celebrate the many gifts of our students.
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.
