M e r c e d e s C o l l e g e

Dear Parents, Staff and Students of the Mercedes College Community,

Some Exciting NewsThis year Mercedes College students entered the ASX Schools Sharemarket Game as part of their Business Studies course in Year 11. We were very excited to learn last week that John Forsyth 11LB won both the South Australian Division and the National Division of the competition. As a result of John’s efforts he has been invited to Sydney for the national presentations and has won a cash prize for himself and the College.

This is a most impressive effort and I congratulate John and his teacher Mr James Reichstein on this success. I am sure there will be a number of the staff talking to John about supporting them with their portfolios in the hope of early retirement!

Staffing NewsI write with news that Mr Peter Williams has informed me that he will be retiring at the end of this year. Peter has been a long serving staff member at the College and has devoted his life to the education of young people. In recent years he has been an inspiration to us all in his role as Director of Mission, a role which has enabled him to support the spiritual development of all members of our community.

Peter has worked tirelessly in all that he has done and has been an extremely popular member of our College community. I will never forget the lengthy standing ovation he received when I announced him as the recipient of the 2007 Mercy Award.

After speaking with Peter I am sure that he will not be completely lost to the College as, after a period of rest and recreation next year, he is keen to continue his involvement in the service activities that we offer students.

Following our Parent Mass in the Ursula Frayne Chapel (Strathspey) at 7:00pm on 26 November, we will have a gathering in The Parlour and this will be a great opportunity if you would like to farewell Peter. If you are interested in attending please RSVP to Shauna by Wednesday 18 November 2009.

Later this year we will be farewelling Ms Lelita Baldock and Mr Mark Routley who have both chosen to pursue their careers in International Schools. Lelita will be moving to England and Mark to Germany. Both these teachers have begun their teaching careers at Mercedes and we wish them every success in their exciting new ventures. Ms Mishka Ammann will be

leaving us to take a position at the University Senior College in Adelaide, as an Art Teacher, while Ms Lucy Cardone who has been with us this for the past year will be concluding her contract. We wish them well in their future endeavours and thank them for being part of our community.

To date we have employed four new staff members, Mr Eoin McEvoy who will join us from OLSH where he has been Head of English and Humanities and Ms Jodie Papadopolous from St Francis de Sales College who has been a key English and Humanities teacher. I have also offered two contract positions to Ms Helen Ayliffe, from Loreto who will join us as a French, English, RE teacher and Ms Frances O’Connor from Kildare College who will teach Maths.

Exam TimeThe Year 12 class have begun their examinations this week. Even though they are well prepared this is still a stressful time. I know you will join with me in praying that each performs to the best of their abilities and that their subsequent results will enable them to pursue their future dreams.

Yours sincerely

Peter DawPrincipal

From the Principal Issue No 17 -6 November, 2009

COMING EVENTSNOVEMBER9-20 Year 12 Exams10 Middle School Induction Evening11 Orientation Walk Remembrance Day Ceremony13 Last Day Year 11 Students

16 Council Meeting16-20 Year 11 Exams17 R-5 New Parent Evening18-19 Year 8 Musical Performance20 Sports Assembly (8-12) Year 12 Graduation Ball

Electronic NewsletterThe College will be moving to electronic newsletters from the beginning of 2010. Recipients will receive an email containing a link to the electronic version of the newsletter on the College’s website. We will be trialing this process starting with the next newsletter to iron out any problems we encounter. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact the Development Department on 8372 3266

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 2

A Friday Thought

A happy sad experience. A sense of gratitude for what has been and a sense of loss for our community. Such are the mixed feelings as we experience the graduation of our Senior students. Those young people who, while receiving much have also given much and have helped shape the spirit which is uniquely Mercedes. Each year, students speak of the challenges which their final year has brought, the assignment preparation, the grappling with new concepts, the exams, the unknowing of all that the future will bring. But they also speak of the joys of the year. The sense of fulfilment, the support from family, friends and teachers. The new and stronger friendships forged, sometimes in the cauldron of powerful life challenges.

In the midst of this, we have an awareness of the perceptions of others. The perceptions of those who know 17 and 18 year-olds only through the media. The perception of one’s contemporaries whose often jaundiced view sees mainly threat, societal disruption and discontinuity with the past in young people. So, one of the great gifts of being a teacher in the midst of teenagers is to know that so much of this is myth, so much is media beat-up and sensationalism, focussing on the few who give the rest a bad name.

As one traverses further through the years of teaching, there is often the question posed: are young people different now, in comparison with ‘the old days’? From my understanding, there is a sense that, while some of the challenges they face are new, the innate striving for all that is good is as strong in today’s young people as it ever was. That, while there is the inevitable pushing of the boundaries, there is a central purpose to be an other-centred and caring person, one who will become a loving, involved and valuable member of our Australian society.

In his stirring homily at the final World Youth Day Mass at Randwick last year, an experience which many of us were privileged to share, Pope Benedict issued a challenge to the young people of today, a challenge which is offered to all who have graduated and are moving to a new stage in their lives. He asserted that...

drawing upon faith’s rich vision, a new generation of Christians is being called to help build a world in which God’s gift of life is welcomed, respected and cherished – not rejected, feared as a threat and destroyed. A new age in which love is not greedy or self-seeking, but pure, faithful and genuinely free, open to others, respectful of their dignity, seeking their good, radiating joy and beauty. A new age in which hope liberates us from the shallowness, apathy and self-absorption which deaden our souls and poison our relationships. Dear young friends, the Lord is asking you to be prophets of this new age, messengers of his love, drawing people to the Father and building a future of hope for all humanity.

In the spirit of Pope Benedict’s challenge, we invite our graduating young people to reflect upon and make his words their own as, with gratitude for all they have offered us, we assure them of our ongoing prayers that they will find happiness and fulfilment in their lives.

Peter WilliamsDirector of Mission

CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPEAL 2009

Please send along the following items by

Friday 27 November

Tinned goods, baby food, Christmas cakes, tea, coffee,

biscuits, etc.

Your $ donations will help purchase goods for the Appeal.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 3

From the Junior School

R-5 Sports Fun DayThe Junior School Sports Fun Day proved to be exciting as students demonstrated their sporting talents and team spirit while having lots of fun. Whilst the weather was warmer than we have experienced of late, the scheduled rotations for a drink, rest and sun block reapplication were appreciated by students and staff. A fun day was had by all. Congratulations to Barry who took out the trophy for the day.

I would like to especially thank Mr Simon Munn for organising such a successful and enjoyable day. Thank you also to Mrs Tracey Cramond, Mr Matt Smith and Mr Jeff Wray for their support leading up to and on the day.

First Communion and ConfirmationIt was a delight to witness a number of our Year 3 students receive First Communion and Confirmation recently. What was clearly evident was the sense of pride and sacredness shown by the students for this important Catholic tradition.

I would like to especially thank Fr Brendan Connell, Mrs Irena Hollis, Mrs Franca Iskra, Mrs Gail Millar-Luke and Mrs Pauline Crocker for their support and work in ensuring a special and memorable time in our young children’s lives. Congratulations to all students!

Transition Visits and R/1 Parent NightOver the past three weeks, we have been delighted to get to know our Term 1 2010 Reception students. Students have arrived brimming with enthusiasm each Friday from 9:00am - 11:00am to participate in a range of activities which have enabled them to become familiar with staff, their peers and the Mercedes College setting. Along with other processes we have implemented, we feel that our new students will have a smooth and positive transition into our community.

A Parent Information Night for new families will be held on Tuesday 17 November to provide information about the Mercedes College Community, along with general information about the range of learning programmes provided.

Induction DayAll students from Reception to Year 8 have been placed in their 2010 class for Induction Day. I would like to thank the Junior School Staff for the many hours they have spent in order to ensure well balanced classes. As indicated in an earlier newsletter, balance of gender, mixed ability and, social and emotional considerations were taken into account. We know that this is an exciting time, as students continue into 2010 with some of their peers, and also have the wonderful opportunity of forging new friendships with other students.

CongratulationsI would like to congratulate many of our Year 3-5 students for participating in some or all of the International Competitions and Assessments (ICAS) over this year.

Recently we received the last of the results which were for English and Mathematics. The following students were acknowledged at our assembly for their special achievements. Certificates have been distributed to all participating students.

EnglishCredit

DistinctionTia Callisto Katrina Cao

MathematicsCredit

Distinction

Junior School Dates to RememberNovember6 Induction Day9 Camp Quality Puppet Show13 Music is Fun Band RCO Excursion15 Drama & Speech End of Year Performance17 Junior School New Parent Evening23 Primary Catholic Schools Athletics25 Year 5 IBPYP Exhibition and Graduation26 LAP Mass27 Year 5 French Picnic Junior School Carols/Mass December2 Years 3-5 Picnic Day at Burnside Pool4 End of Term – 12:30 dismissal

Julie HannAssistant Principal, Head of Junior School

Anna CernevCatherine DiamondHugo LauderMollie M.Marc SubicJoanna Barry-MurphyGiorgia Brown

Daniel SiwekMichael DaveyBenjamin FilosiChloe McGoughCaitlin PrenticeAnton SubicCaoimhe Willshire-Agnew

Matthew KrivicicCatherine DiamondDaniela JaudHugo LauderGrace PihirMarc SubicGiorgia BrownKatrina CaoBrenton DuongLucy GarlandJacqueline HarrisSophie Jordan

Isaac PenglisJackson PikeOliver BriffaMichael DaveyIsaac DevlinAlexander DiamondBenjamin FilosiChloe McGoughJoshua MorganAnthony NicholasCallum Richards

Lachlan ChisholmNicholas FilosiMatthew Forrest

Mollie M.Nathan Duong

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Junior School Assembly AwardsCongratulations and well done to the following students for receiving Learner Profile, PYP Attitude and Action Awards at our Junior School Assembly on Friday 30 October 2009.

Julia Green, Lauren Frew, Sam Thomas and Jade Muller-Freely for being Caring

Anthony Colangelo for being Knowledgeable

Helen Pavloudis, Gabby Kenny-Agbodo, Hannah Sexton, Giles Lauder, Alex Barry-Murphy and Alessia Chiarolli for being Risk-Takers

Isabella Mennillo, Owen Hodgson, Angus Scott, Vesace Pessios, Aidan Lloyd, Helena Manavis, Flynn Rogers, Connor Patterson, Gian-Luis Della Porta, Sam Royal and Chelsea Green for demonstrating Commitment

Jacqueline Harris, Benjamin Filosi, Sophie Browne, Ned Allen, Gabrielle Maffei and Rainier Juanta for demonstrating Co-operation

Sophia Zachos for demonstrating that she is Principled

Georgina Edwards and Sophie Waters for being Communicators

Sofia Jenkin for demonstrating Action

Jack Grubb and Sofia Fabbian for demonstrating Enthusiasm

Nicholas Young, Ned Allen, Hugh Rackley, Clementine M. and Caitlin Duong for being Thinkers

Andrew Rungie and Angelo Koren for demonstrating Confidence

Elli Goldsworthy for demonstrating Independence

Joa Poskey-Miles for demonstrating Curiosity

Shane MurphyJunior School and PYP Coordinator/Year 3

Fom the Middle School

Induction DayInduction Day for 2010 was held today (Friday 6 November). We welcomed many new students to the College, particularly at Year 6 and Year 8, and the day gave new and current students the opportunity to meet one another, experience some of the curriculum and get to know their new Home Group teachers. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Home Group teachers and other teaching staff who conducted sessions on the day, as well as those who took reliefs in order for the day to run smoothly. Thanks also to the MPFA for helping make our new parents welcome with a wonderful morning tea. We look forward to seeing all of our new students again at the beginning of next year and hope that Induction Day has made their integration into our community just that little bit easier.

Middle School New Parent Information NightA reminder to parents of 2010 Year 6 and Year 8 students that the Middle School Information Night will be held in Gleeson Hall on Tuesday 10 November starting at 7:30pm. The evening will provide parents with information about Middle School policies and procedures as well as giving new parents an opportunity to see the Home Group areas, and to meet other parents and the Year Level Home Group teachers.

Year 8 Musical – The WizOur Year 8 students and teachers are continuing to gear up for the upcoming Year 8 Musical. All of the Year 8 students are working on different aspects of the production through their

Arts rotations and I would like to congratulate them all on their contributions so far and remind them that the work that they are putting in now will help ensure that ‘it is right on the night’. The production is a mammoth undertaking involving countless numbers of rehearsals for actors and musicians, costume fits, make-up trials, designing and making of sets, posters and tickets. The final production is a celebration of this work and I am sure that it will be a worthwhile and memorable experience for all of the students. The Musical will be performed on Wednesday 18 November and Thursday 19 November and I encourage you all to come along and support the students and staff with your presence.

Bucket HatsWe are continuing to implement our policy of Middle School students wearing a bucket hat at recess and lunch times during Term 4. Many of our students have embraced this policy, reflecting good sun protection behaviours, some are resisting. Staff will continue to remind and encourage students to be sun smart, and it would be helpful if parents could also reinforce this message at home. Students who are “out of uniform” will be issued with red uniform cards.

Being Boys: First Steps to ManhoodBeing Boys, along with the Break Free Programme for Girls, is an important component of the pastoral care programme that we offer at Year 9 level. One of the groups who have participated in the course this year has just returned from their culmination camp. Below is an account of the camp and the activities that the boys were involved in.

During Term 3, every Friday after school, 15 boys would meet up with Mr Jarrad McCabe to have our Friday “Being Boys” session. In these sessions, we would discuss issues that growing boys, such as ourselves, face everyday.

On Monday 26 October, the Being Boys group were rewarded with a truly memorable camp to Douglas Scrub. On this camp, we learnt about teamwork and communications through a number of enjoyable tasks and activities. These activities were conducted by Ian Richards, from the outdoor-based company, “Rock Solid Adventure.”

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 5

On Wednesday 28 October, the final day of the camp, we were lucky enough to join Mr Munn with a day of fishing on his family boat. For many of us, this was a new experience that we all greatly enjoyed.

During the Being Boys Programme and camp, we learnt a lot about ourselves and our peers, some of whom we initially did not know that well. All of us would recommend this programme to up-and-coming Year 9 boys because it is a life-changing experience.

We would like to thank Mr McCabe for giving us the opportunity to take part in this programme, and we would also like to thank Mr Smith and Mr Munn for their supervision and input on the Being Boys Camp.

Aden O’Sullivan (9LV) and Jahan Emery (9LV)

I too would like to thank Mr Jarrad McCabe for his coordination of the Being Boys Programme throughout the year, and Mr Craig Smith and Mr Simon Munn for their involvement during the camps. Well done to everyone who has been involved in Being Boys this year.

Paul WadsworthAssistant Principal, Head of Middle School

Canberra Odyssey 2009The excursion during Week 4 of Term 3 took a group of 42 Year 10 students to the Nation’s Capital, the politically thriving Canberra. In collaboration with the Humanities cohort, the trip was educational, insightful and entertaining!

The majority of our visit embraced many political icons. We visited both Old and New Parliament Houses and observed how the political system in our Nation functions. Acting out a number of role plays that enabled us to debate and pass pieces of legislation was a particular highlight, with many students exhibiting their potential as future Leaders of our country. In addition to the role plays, we were able to observe Parliament in action, observing a number of debates and questions from current members of the political parties, including catching a glimpse of our Prime Minister, Mr Kevin Rudd!

Our Odyssey did not, however, simply focus on the political side of Canberra. Our Capital offers many other remarkable places, such as, The National Museum. A highlight at the museum was seeing Phar Lap’s heart – truly massive! We were also taken on a number of other tours, including one with the elite athletes at the Australian Institute of Sport, and another experiencing scientific adventures and puzzles at both the CSIRO Centre and Questacon. We got to see our country and people through the eyes of artists at the National Gallery of Australia and National Portrait Gallery. Finally, we felt the courage and tragedy of our Anzacs at the War Memorial.

The culture and artistic influences within Canberra were really shown, at both the movies and the National Theatre. At the theatre, we were able to watch the unbelievably notable performance of Traces, a group of 4 performers who combine acrobatics, dance and drama into the show. The Odyssey identified tremendous aspects of our Nation, with its style, people, culture, arts and history; Canberra was an eventful and amazing experience.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Federal Government for assisting us via the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate, together with Mr Moffat, Ms Siviour, Ms Siakew, Mr Wasilewski and Mrs Morse for their support throughout the trip.

Louise Nairn, Year 10SW

From the Senior School

Last week the College farewelled our Year 12 cohort with the Graduation Mass and Assembly. These occasions enable us to celebrate the growth of our students both spiritually and academically. The organisation behind such special occasions must be recognised and I thank the teams led by Mrs Elizabeth Bondar (Mass) and Mr Michael Francis (Assembly). There are always highlights and special moments and this year I would like to congratulate the Student Leaders for their wonderful farewell speeches at the Assembly. Also Ms

Lelita Baldock, Mr Matthew O’Callaghan and the students who participated in the Mass; moments our students and parents will always remember.

As we move slowly towards the end of another year at Mercedes, staff are busy organising the class lists for 2010. Occasionally parents/students have special requests and these are given careful consideration. However, I do need to state that great care is taken to ensure each student is placed where experienced teachers believe he/she would be best suited. Friendships are not part of the criteria.

Examinations for all students in the Senior School have become part of their preparation for moving on. Other than in Year 12 these examinations are mainly for practice. It is important that all students prepare properly and are further guided by their results as they prepare for 2010. During the final week of the year our Year 9, 10 and 11 students will have a day put aside for transition lessons.

I extend an invitation to you all to attend our excellent 6-12 Art Exhibition as well as the Year 10 Personal Project Exhibition, which will be held later in the term.

Last Friday I and 80 others attended an entertaining evening put together by our talented Year 11 Drama students and our staff thespians; they all deserve to be congratulated on this excellent production which was directed by Mr Ashley Coats. Once again I look forward to catching up with you at your convenience. Until then God Bless.

Tony O’DohertyAssistant Principal, Head of Senior School

From the Year 12 Coordinator Again in 2009, our Graduation Ceremonies held on Friday 23 October were well supported by the Parents in our community. I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you, the parents and the students involved in Year 12 2009, for your willingness to be involved in College life and for making celebrations like the Graduation Assembly and Mass such special occasions. Many staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure these events a success and I would like to extend my thanks to these people also. As 2009 draws to a close, and as our Year 12 students are engaged in their final examinations, I would like to congratulate you all on a fine year.

Michael FrancisYear 12 Coordinator

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 6

International Students Holiday Activity

The competition was fierce between students as we used our allotted 2 hours of free arcade games at The Beach House, Glenelg on 6 October 2009.

We met in Victoria Square, caught the tram to Glenelg and then had great fun trying to be the best player at all the games.

Thankyou to QIAO Zhihao, CUI Qing Di, CHOI Oi Ieng, CHIANG Hoi Man, Carolin Hartmann, Karoline Keller, LAI Chau Wa, LAI Tung Wa, AN Zhicheng and Tony Newton for making it a great day.

Robyn HallidayCoordinator of Student Welfare and Accommodation

Music News from Strathspey and Beyond

Congratulations to the following students who were successful in the last round of piano exams.

AMEB Piano For Leisure Exams• Georgia Grant – (Grade 5)• Anna Koh - Grade 7 (B+ with merit)• Jessica Gore - Grade 8 (A Honours)• Sophie Jordan - Preliminary (A+)

Our next Piano Exams will be held in the next two weeks and Guitar exams will be held on 25 November - so still a lot going on for the private students!

Thank you to the students who performed so well at our Soloist Concert last week in The Parlour. It was lovely to have an intimate venue and excellent items.

The Receptions and Year 1s entertained their parents in their Mini Musicians Under The Marquee Concert this week, and were delighted to present what they had learnt in Choir this year. Thank you mini musicians, Mrs Adrienne Cullity and Mrs Beatrice Lemm.

Dates to remember for the remainder of the term are tabled below:

Celine Beaton-Smith Music Coordinator

Family Matters

Making the transition to the new school yearWe have just welcomed another new intake of students for the 2010 school year with our Induction Day and while preparing for the new school year can be an exciting time for continuing and new students, there can also be a degree of uncertainty and trepidation about what lies ahead, both academically and socially.

Students in the Middle School in particular, where we will see the greatest intake of new students, can experience the competing feelings of excitement about the possibility of making new friends and worry about the impact that the arrival of new students may have on existing friendships. This can make for a challenging time for students and parents to manage these competing feelings.

Some parents may find that students come home from Induction Day with lots to tell or not a great deal. There may be some joy in discovering friends who share the same Home Group or sadness that some friends are in different Home Groups.

How parents respond to potential sadness, upset or anger from students will be crucial to how students prepare themselves to commence their new school year – whether they see this as an opportunity to expand friendship connections or a threat to existing friendships; whether change is seen as exciting and positive or scary and negative.

Some tips for parents to consider when talking with their children about friendships and the potential the new school holds include:

• Allow your child to express how they are feeling and then normalise their reaction – it is normal to experience some changes in friendships and to feel anxious about the prospect of change – this initial reaction will settle

• Talk about your own school experiences and how you managed your own changing friendships

• Try to avoid becoming upset or angry if your child is, as this tends to reinforce their reaction that change is “bad”

• Avoid the temptation to want to step in and take control to “fix” the situation by seeking a change of Home Group. • Revisiting the skills required to meet and make new friends, including introducing yourself, beginning conversations, smiling, maintaining eye contact, listening and asking questions, joining a group activity or inviting others to join in

• Brainstorm some problem solving strategies, in terms of things your child can do to maintain existing friendships and make new ones

What When WhereMusic is Fun Band Friday 13 November Hall L1 & 2 for R-7

Final Year 5 Instrumental Mini Concert Tuesday 17 NovemberParents welcome

Marquee in Lesson 2 & 3

Year 8 Musical Wed /Thurs, 18/19 November Hall 7:30 pm

Final Year 3 Instrumental Mini Concert Thursday 19 NovemberParents welcome

Marquee in Lesson 2 & 3

JS Carols/Mass Friday 27 November Parents welcome

St Ignatius Church 6:30pm

Guitar Concert Thursday 3 December Drama Room 7:00pm

Year 6-11 Graduation Mass/Assembly Friday 4 December Hall

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 7

• Do a “reality check”. Is this an emotional reaction to new class placements not working to your child’s plan or is this an indication of a potential problem that could continue into the new school year

• Monitor your child’s progress and if concerned about how they are coping with the prospect of changing friendships, consult with College staff for ways to support your child through this time of change.

Anne WayCollege Psychologist

Cultural Art Exchange with IndonesiaMercedes College has been associated with the East Bali Poverty Project for 10 years. During this time we have provided donations for vaccinations, classroom and sports equipment, art materials and dental hygiene. As the students in East Bali have progressed from being largely illiterate to competent in Balinese, Bahasa Indonesia and English, we have been able to implement a successful pen pal programme.

As they are becoming more curious about Australia, we have decided to begin a Cultural Art Programme. Our Year 8 and 9 Indonesian students have studied some Aboriginal art techniques and sent letters describing the patterns. They have also made a 2010 calendar for the students, which also depicts a cultural or environmental aspect of Australia. We are looking forward to receiving some correspondence from the Balinese schools in the near future.

Janet BartoldLanguage Teacher

News From the MP&FA It has been a busy week. As you read this we have already celebrated the Year 12 Graduation Assembly, the R-12 Art Exhibition, featuring Year 12 IB and SACE work, the MP&FA AGM and the Induction Day morning tea in the Rose Garden, all of which have been happily assisted by the MP&FA and wonderful volunteers from our community.

Next week is no different and I look forward to seeing some of you at the Induction Evenings and other end of year events.

Again, thank you to everyone who has volunteered to help out at these important school occasions.

Jenny Dunstan, Chairperson, MP&FA0414 860 400, jen.dunstan@internode.on.net

News From the Sports Desk

Many of our KO teams have been winning their way into State Finals and have competed with distinction. The Year 9 Boys Volleyball Team were placed 4th behind Brighton and Heathfield (Specialist Volleyball Teams) with Hallett Cove coming 3rd. This team will travel to Melbourne in December to contest the Australian Schools Volleyball Championships. They will be joined by the Open Girls Volleyball Team who were placed 2nd in Pool B of the competition. They will also travel to Melbourne.

Sports AssemblyOn 20 November at 11:30am, the final Sports Assembly will be held in Gleeson Hall. All Captains of Sport and House Leaders will be presented with their badges for 2010. Additionally all students due to be presented with 2009 Sports Awards will be notified by letter. Parents are most welcome to attend this ceremony.

8-12 Girls SportIn the school holidays, Jessica Stratfold (Year 10) participated in the SAUCNA 17 & Under State Nationals that were held here in Adelaide. The team played well but we were pipped at the post

in the finals by AYC (Tasmania).

Jessica was selected in the Championship Team (made up of the best players from the tournament) as GK. To top her carnival off CANA (Combined Australia Netball Association) select a team to tour overseas in April/May 2010.

Next year they are off to New Zealand, and Jessica has been selected as a GK. She is very excited to be representing Australia and to wear the green and gold, playing the sport she loves.

Some students competed in The Powerade Schools Championships recently. Some special mentions go to Charlotte Venn (Year 9) who won the U/16 girls 3000m, Georgia Hughes (Year 9) who came 2nd in the U/15 girls 2000m Steeple Chase and Madeleine Favilla (Year 9) who placed 4th in the U/15 girls 800m. Eleanor Wardleworth (Year 10) was selected in the Futures Squad for Athletics SA where only 15 individuals are selected.

We congratulate the above mentioned students on their success and wish them all the best in their future sporting endeavours.

Carol Guirguis8-12 Girls Sport Coordinato

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Girls Sport Results

Track and FieldAttention moved two weekends ago to the Powerade Games Schools Track & Field Championships. Mercedes was represented by a small but talented group of Year 9 and 10 students who produced between them some very promising and on some instances outstanding performances. • Brendon Brown led the way winning Gold in the Pole Vault with a personal best 4.00m. • Charlotte Venn overcame a nervous start to the Championship finishing 4th in the U16 1500m with a win in the U16 3000m in personal best time on the Sunday.• Georgia Hughes after winning a long Tennis game for Mercedes under hot trying conditions in the morning, ran 2nd in the U15 Girls 2000m Steeple, not a bad effort considering her Tennis commitments.• Jesse Cordoma finished 4th in the U15 100m, 200m and 400m in strong fields. A pity his 100m heat and final were very close to his 400m Final.• Madeline Favilla (800m) and Aiden Offe (800m, 1500m and 3000m) also filled 4th placings running good early season times (personal bests in Aiden’s case) in their respective events.

Interesting to note that Madeline beat two state runners in a very strong field in her 800m. • Brendan, Georgia and Eleanor Wardleworth are all qualified to compete for SA in the National All Schools Championships in Hobart (early December), while Georgia, Eleanor and Madeline Favilla will also compete for Mercedes College in the National Schools Knockout Cup Finals to be held in Melbourne Thursday 10 December 2009. This team consists of Francesca Biello (100m, Relay); Rhiannan Meuris-Pulfrey (100m, Shotput, Relay); Amy Hoile (200m Hurdles, Triple Jump, Relay); Marissa McKenzie (200m Hurdles, Triple Jump); Eleanor Wardleworth (400m, 1500m, Relay); Madeline Favilla (400m, Relay); Georgia Hughes (1500m, Relay); Charlotte Hawkins (Javelin) and Melissa Lorenzetti (Shotput, Javelin). This is a very good team with definite National Medal prospects.

Gary ZeunerCross Country Coach/Coordinator

1st XI Cricket ReportMercedes College 1st XI v Blackfriars Priory School 1st XI To kick off the 2009/10 season, Mercedes College played in a Twenty/20 game against Blackfriars Priory School, in Round 1 of the Twenty/20 Messenger Bowl. Batting first, the side began positively, scoring 5 runs per over for the first half of the innings. When Alexander Borghesan (29) and Harin Cooray (11) were together at the crease, the side looked in good touch order and seemed capable of posting a challenging target. At 3/82 and with 4 overs remaining, we looked to the likes of the big-hitting Henry Jones and Patrick McArthur, but unfortunately couldn’t get the ball to the boundary, with Blackfriars bowling tightly. The side finished on 8/99, a small total on what was a good batting pitch. Blackfriars started their innings positively and looked comfortable at 0/23 after 5 overs, but Reece Vieraitis brought the crowd to life with three quick wickets and had the game back on level pegging, Blackfriars at 3/34. However, when they needed to, Blackfriars steadied with some quality batting and ended up cruising to victory, reaching 4/100 in just 17 overs. This game marked the final appearance of Tom Humphreys (Year 12) in the 1st XI. Tom was an outstanding all-rounder for the side during his career, scoring 225 runs and taking 11 wickets in 13 matches since 2008. Mercedes College now plays Westminster School 1st XI in the next round of the Twenty/20 Messenger Bowl at Waite Oval. Mercedes College 8/99A Borghesan 29, M Crocker 24, H Cooray 11 Blackfriars Priory School 4/100R Vieraitis 3/12, K Chapman 1/11, H Jones 0/6

Jarrad McCabe1st XI Coach

2nd XI CRICKETIt was approximately 25 degrees and the Mercedes College Camels 2nd XI was in full pursuit after coming off a first round

17th Oct 24th OctBasketball

Senior 1 BYE def St Michaels (59-12)

Senior 2 lost to Pedare (47-18) lost (forfeit)

Senior 3 lost to Marryatville 1 (21-6) lost to SAC (44-13)

Junior 1 def Cabra (32-6)

Softball

Senior BYE def Pulteney 2

Junior BYE def St Ignatius

Volleyball

Senior 1 lost to OLSH 1 (0-3) lost to OLSH 2 (2-0)

Senior 2 lost to OLSH 3 (0-3) lost to Loreto 1 (0-3)

Junior A1 def OLSH 1 (2:2 / 71-70) def Loreto (2-2 / 65-62)

Junior B1 def St Ignaitus 2 (3:1) def St Ignatius 2 (4-0)

Junior B2 lost to Marryatville 1 (2-2/80-74)

lost 2 St Dominics 2 (2-2/74-65)

Junior B3 BYE lost to St Dominics 1 (0-4)

Beach Volleyball

Week 2 Week 3

Mercedes 1 lost to SAC 2 (0-3) def SAC 3 (forfeit)

Mercedes 2 def Mercedes 4 (3-0) lost to Mercedes 3 (1-2)

Mercedes 3 def SAC 3 (3-0) def Mercedes 2 (2-1)

Mercedes 4 lost to Mercedes 2 (0-3) lost to SAC 2 (0-2)

Mercedes 5 BYE lost to Mercedes 6 (2-2 / 60/69)

Mercedes 6 drew Nazareth (2-2) def Mercedes 5 (2-2 / 69-60)

Water Polo 15th Oct 22nd Oct 29th Oct

Senior def Loreto (5-3)

lost to SAC by 1 def to Annesley (12-2)

Junior lost to Loreto (6-5)

lost to Pembroke (13-1)

lost to Pembroke (13-1)

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 9

victory against Immanuel College. On the hallowed oval at Scotch College we were all excited to play the local derby. With Captain Tim White losing the toss again and the Camels sent into bat again, we were off to a flyer with 2 of our young guns Harin Cooray and Jamie Conlon having an opening partnership of 26. With Jamie departing the crease at 9, Harin was still going strong whilst Tim had a solid Captains knock of 25. Scotch bowlers helped our cause with a total of 28 extras. Our middle order then collapsed and had trouble making runs. Harin Cooray carried his bat and finishing up at 34 not out. Patrick Blenkinsop and Jake Fox opened the bowling. The Scotch opening batters had trouble making double figures, making 10 runs before the first wicket fell. Jake and Patrick took 2 wickets apiece off 4 overs. Kane Cefai then took the ball in the 10th over and bowled a terrific spell taking 4 wickets for 16 runs off 5 overs. The rest of the wickets were taken by Harrison Hughes and Michael Goodchild who both took a wicket each.

Top bowlers: Kane Cefai 4/16, Jake Fox 2/16 and Patrick Blenkinsop with 2/21.

An outstanding performance by all.

The Mercedes College 2nd XI are having a perfect run so far with 2-0 after two one day games. They look forward to the next game which is a 2 day test match against Cabra Dominican College.

Kane Cefai2nd XI Vice Captain

AUSTRALASIAN UNDER 18 GAELIC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Tadhg Kennelly announced his retirement from AFL, returning to Ireland to fulfill his dream to play the national game, Gaelic Football. A group of students from Mercedes, Westminster, Sacred Heart and Blackwood decided to investigate the persuasive power that attracts sports personalities to this contagious game of Gaelic. Teams from Australia and New Zealand compete in the Australasian Championships in September each year. Westminster School hosted the Championships in 2008. The 2009 Australasian GAA Football Championships were held in Victoria at the end of September. In early June, Patrick Gillespie Senior Chaplain at Westminster School teamed up with Tony Conlon from Mercedes College to conjure up some Irish charm to recruit the South Australian Under 18 boys Gaelic squad. Only four members of the squad of 21 had previously had any experience in the game.

The Mercedes representatives were Jarred O’Sullivan, Kane Chapman, Lewis Einarson, Paul Van Mierle, Dominic Conlon, Domenic Parella, Patrick Blenkinsop, Sam Hussey and Jamie Conlon. The training sessions had to be arranged around Football, Basketball and Soccer commitments. The speed at which the skills were developed was unbelievable with many players exhibiting advanced mastery of the game.

The team performance exceeded expectation during the championships and would probably have taken the title, were it not for the loss of Sam Hussey to injury just days before the start of the championship. Domenic Parella in goal had a number of top class saves and inspired the team with his long and accurate kicking. Jarred O’ Sullivan led with confidence at the heart of the South Australian defence. Kane Chapman and Patrick Blenkinsop were solid in defence throughout the championship. Lewis Einarson was a tower of strength at midfield. Paul Van Mierle

was the top scorer and just missed out on the title of player of the championship. Jamie Conlon performed well in attack and was a constant threat. The players represented Mercedes College with distinction and the entire squad was complimented on their sportsmanship and general behaviour.

South Australia 4 – 7 (19 points) v Queensland 0 – 3 (3 points)

South Australia 1 – 6 (9 points) v Victoria 0 – 4 (4 points)

South Australia 3 – 4 (13 points) v Western Australia 3 – 6 (15 points)

Semi-FinalSouth Australia 3 – 5 (14 points) v Victoria 3 – 7 (16 points)

In one of the best games of the tournament, South Australia and Victoria went neck-and-neck for the entire semi-final. Victoria piled on the pressure from the start but had little joy against a defence capably marshalled by Jarred O’Sullivan and Kane Chapman. Late in the second half, Paul Van Mierle kicked a point from a free to give South Australia a single point lead but Victoria responded with a point to bring the scores level on the full time whistle. In extra time, it was still level at the break. Paul Van Mierle capped off a wonderful individual performance with a penalty goal early in the second extra-time half to put South Australia ahead. In the heated final stages of the game it was Victoria who held out to win by 2 points and go on to beat Western Australia comfortably in the final.

The competition was played with great sportsmanship throughout and many friendships were forged. With many of the players eligible to play again next year, the squad is looking forward to next years Australasian Gaelic Football Championships in New Zealand. In preparation for next year’s championships, a special Junior competition will be held at Kenilworth from mid November. Further details will be posted as they become available.

Lewis Einarson, Paul Van Mierle and Kane Chapman on the

interchange bench at the MCG

Jarred O’Sullivanclears the lines

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