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

From the Principal Issue No 4 - 19 March, 2010

MARCH/APRIL22-24 Year 6 Camp 1 - Wirraway25 Photo Day (Summer Sports), Leadership, Co-Curricular26 Caritas Day Rec/1/2 Class Party29-31 Year 7 Camp Kuitpo Forest

31 Orientation Walk SASSSA Athletics 8-12 Santos (9-3:30pm) Year 12 Learning Reviews (4.00pm-9.00pm) 1 End of Term 1 (3:30pm) 2 Good Friday20 Students Return

COMING EVENTS

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

The BER Building SiteI am sure if you have visited the College of late you would be asking yourself why we have a vacant building site. The area enclosed by the fence adjacent to the Tuckshop will be the site of our new Junior School Mulit Purpose Hall and Staff Area. Unfortunately at the moment we have fallen victim to the enormous amount of building work that is happening in schools around the country which has caused delays for us. We are working feverishly to remedy these issues but as you appreciate these things take time. The BER process is an unusual one, as we do not control as many factors as we would in a normal programme.

I look forward to the eventual finished product but clearly we will have to show some patience. I thank you for your understanding and assure you that we are doing all we can to ensure that the College gets the best result for the grant money that we have received from the Australian Government.

Our International Nature in ActionRecently the annual World Culture Club Dinner was held at the Ming Palace Restaurant in the city. Some 100 students, staff and Homestay Parents attended the dinner and it was a most successful evening. There was much fun and laughter as local and International students alike enjoyed a wonderful meal. Mrs Kala Nathan-Thompson, Mrs Robyn Halliday and the whole International Team work very hard to provide opportunities for both our International and local students to gain a better understanding of cultures different from their own.

Last week, after two and half weeks as our guests, we farewelled our Quebec visitors. Clearly these young people had a wonderful time here and were greatly taken by their experiences in Adelaide and South Australia. We will have many very positive ambassadors when they return home. Thank you to all our families who opened their homes to host our visitors and make them feel so welcome.

College CouncilThe 2010 Mercedes College Council has met and commenced its valuable work on your behalf. The Council considers many aspects of the College’s governance including financial, educational, marketing and development and most important the faith and spiritual dimension of the College.

Membership of the 2010 Mercedes College Council is:

Ms Colleen Tomlian ChairpersonMr Tony Ward Deputy ChairpersonMs Marie Dorrington Representing the ArchbishopMr Andrew KirkbrideMs Samiko Munro-CallistoMr Tim RogersMr Peter RyanMr Peter ShanahanDr Deirdre WhiteMr Peter Daw Executive OfficerMr Steve Bowley Secretary

I thank these people for their commitment and dedication to our College.

Yours sincerely,

Peter DawPrincipal

Photo from the World Culture Club Dinner

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 2

Remembering?

At the core of the Easter ceremonies is a call to memory. This may seem a little remote until you think of someone who is not now physically present to you but alive in your memory. In a sense, memory is another type of presence; a real presence. Our willingness to hold someone in our thoughts and prayers; our willingness to remember them, is a sign of reverence and love.

So it is that we remember Jesus in Holy Week and Easter. We seek to

actively engage with the events from Palm (Passion) Sunday through to Easter Day and beyond. The events are dramatic and emotional. They swing from acclaim to detestation.

A Friday Thought...

Remembering?

At the core of the Easter ceremonies is a call to memory. This may seem a little remote until you think of someone who is not now physically present to you but alive in your memory. In a sense, memory is another type of presence; a real presence. Our willingness to hold someone in our thoughts and prayers; our willingness to remember them, is a sign of reverence and love.

So it is that we remember Jesus in Holy Week and Easter. We seek to actively engage with the events from Palm (Passion) Sunday through to Easter Day and beyond. The events are dramatic and emotional. They swing from acclaim to detestation. They involve some of the baser aspects of life: selfishness, cruelty, betrayal and torture. They also lift us to a contemplation of the sublime: utter self-giving; hope and transformation. The death of Jesus is not the last chapter: something more powerful than ignominy is at work here. It is divine love.

Wherever possible, the normal thing for Mercedes families should be participation in at least some the Easter ceremonies (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Day). It will transform a long weekend into an act of the most profound remembrance. This is at the heart of our identity at this school.

Ian Hamilton Director of Mission

They involve some of the baser aspects of life: selfishness, cruelty, betrayal and torture. They also lift us to a contemplation of the sublime: utter self-giving; hope and transformation. The death of Jesus is not the last chapter: something more powerful than ignominy is at work here. It is divine love.

Wherever possible, the normal thing for Mercedes families should be participation in at least some of the Easter ceremonies (Palm Sunday, Holy Thursday, Good Friday, the Easter Vigil and Easter Day). It will transform a long weekend into an act of the most profound remembrance. This is at the heart of our identity at this school.

Ian HamiltonDirector of Mission

Southern Cross Goes Online

The March edition of the Southern Cross newspaper is available online by following

the link

www.thesoutherncross.org.au.

Free hard copies are still distributed through schools.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 3

From the Junior School

Year 5 CampThe recent camp to Victor Harbor provided a range of opportunities for our Year 5 students and their teachers to learn together, be creative, engage in physical activities and social interactions, and to have fun. A wonderful aspect of camp is the chance for teachers to see students in a different light, as well as vice versa. Mrs Melissa Buske, Mr Ryan Stor, Ms Lara McEvoy, Mr Simon Munn, Mademoiselle Belinda Reed and Mr Shane Murphy are to be commended for their professionalism and dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of all students in their care. Taking students on camp is a significant endeavour and I know parents and students were grateful for this experience.

I would also like to commend the students on their exemplary behaviour and the way in which they interacted with peers, teachers and guides. Personnel from the camp site, along with guides from the centres visited made comment the students’ manners and their interest in learning.

Class PartiesAs you would be aware, there are two class parties scheduled this term, one this week and the other next week. The purpose of these is to provide the opportunity for parents to meet together in an informal environment without children.

They present a wonderful opportunity for parents new to the school and those with work commitments to meet others. They are also designed to continue to foster existing friendships. We are blessed with a very friendly community and, as such, I encourage you to try to attend the relevant party. Please bring nibbles and a bottle to share.

I would like to especially thank the following families for their generosity in offering their homes: Paul and Tara Henry for the Years 3, 4 and 5 Class Party, and Tim and Rebecca Haysman for the Reception, 1 and 2 Class Party.

Reminder: boys shorts and long pantsA two year changeover is provided for changes to the Mercedes College uniform. All boys should now be wearing the dark charcoal shorts and pants as the changeover period has concluded. If you have not had the opportunity to do this yet, please ensure that your son has the correct uniform by the commencement of Term 2. The College Shop times are included below for your information.

Monday & Tuesday: 8:00am – 2:00pmWednesday: 8:00am – 12:00noonThursday & Friday: 11:00am – 4:00pm

*Pupil Free Days: Shop closedFriday End of Term 3&4: 11:00am – 2:00pmMonday & Tuesday: 8:00am – 2:00pm

Junior School Dates to Remember

19 March R-3 Swimming Carnival Yr 3/4/5 Class Party 7:00pm23 March French Film Excursion – Year 4 students25 March Summer Sports Co-Curricular and Leadership Photo Day26 March Caritas Day R/1/2 Class Party 7:00pm1 April End of Term 12 April Good Friday20 April Term 2 Commences27 April R-11 Learning Reviews

Julie HannAssistant Principal Head of Junior School

Junior School Assembly Awards The following students received Learner Profile, PYP Attitude and Action Awards at a Junior School Assembly on Wednesday 3 March. Congratulations and well done to the following students:

(Caring) - Claudia Colangelo(Communicator) - Isabella Rogers(Principled) - Sofia McGough(Risk Taker) - Maddy Drew and Dakota Gordon(Confidence) - Havier Ruciak(Enthusiasm) - Charlotte Sorrell and Julia Green(Thinker) - Panav Singh, Monika Mezic and Shyanne Karam(Inquirer) – Joa Poskey-Miles(Action) - Harmony Gordon and Lachlan Chisholm(Reflective) - Gian-Luis Della Porta

Shane MurphyJunior School and PYP Coordinator

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From the Middle School

Year 7 RetreatThe Year 7 Retreat took place at the Nunyara Conference Centre in Belair on Tuesday 9 March. Teachers and students enjoyed a pleasant autumn day together engaging in a number of activities and games with a focus on relationships and inclusion. A good day was had by all. I would like to thank the Year 7 Religious Education and Home Group teachers and Mr Ian Hamilton (our Director of Mission) for the work put in to organise and run this day. The following student reflections about the Retreat come from a few of the students in 7JD. I really liked the Retreat because it made me think about other people and why everyone is equally important. We also did some activities to help us work in groups. Henry Morrison At the Retreat I learned that some people share the same fears as me and that some people are more like me than I thought. Kieren Holland At the Retreat I learned to include other people and that just because they look different doesn’t mean they’re not Human Beings. Lucas Krivicic Retreat was a great experience. We did some fun games, heard stories and listened to Gospel readings. It was a fun day! Matthew Micale On Retreat we learned about including and excluding fellow classmates. We participated in a number of different activities which helped us recognise the difference between these two actions. I had a great time on Retreat! Georgia Penglis On Retreat we learned about inclusion and exclusion. It was really relaxing and I learned a lot about how people feel. I really liked the activities we did because it helped us learn about group work. Bridget Borghesan

Middle School CampsYear 6 CampsThe first group of intrepid Year 6 campers (Mrs Colleen O’Connell’s and Mrs Tamara Smith’s classes) headed off to Wirraway Homestead on Monday 15 March. The staff and students were involved in a range of outdoor activities, including horse riding, archery and a low ropes course, as well as enjoying the opportunity of spending some time together. Mr Martin Richard’s class will be going on camp next Monday. We look forward to catching up with these students on their return and hope to have some camp reflections from them in our final newsletter for the term.

The Year 7 and 9 students are also preparing for their upcoming camps. The Year 7s will be orienteering, mountain bike riding and lightweight camping at the Seonne Hills Campsite at Piccadilly during the last week of this term, whilst the Year 9s are currently attending preparation and information sessions about their Grampians Bushwalking Camp which takes place in Week 5 of Term 2.

We wish all of the students and staff involved in these activities well and look forward to hearing about the wonderful experiences that they have whilst away on camp.

Earth HourDid you know that:• 10ofthehottestyearsonrecordhaveoccurredinthelast

14 years• 2005wasthehottestyearsincerecordkeepingbegan.(Aust.

Bureau of Meteorology)• Almost70%ofAustralia’sgreenhousegasemissionscome

from energy production• Onemillionspeciesworldwidefaceextinctionduetoclimate

change• IPCCclimatemodelprojectionsindicatethataverageglobal

surface temperature will likely rise a further 1.1 to 6.4 °C during the twenty-first century

• Morethan95%oftheGreatBarrierReefwillbedestroyedby 2050 if carbon dioxide emissions are not reduced

If you are concerned about the issue of global warming and would like to be involved in taking an active step to help reduce the global carbon footprint, you may like to consider being involved in the upcoming Earth Hour.

Last year Earth Hour triggered people to “switch off” all over the world – from the Eiffel Tower in Paris to Times Square in New York. Millions of people in over 4,000 towns and municipalities in 88 countries took part. This year Earth Hour is taking place at 8:30pm on 27 March 2010. Companies, individuals and families are encouraged to turn off their lights for just one hour. Perhaps this could be something that you do as a family to begin, or continue, your commitment to making a positive difference for our world.

Healthy breakfast: The best way to begin your dayAt the recent immunisations I was amazed by the number of Year 8 and 9 students who reported that they had come to school having not had any breakfast. The number was significant, and concerning, especially given that this occurred on a day when the College had gone to lengths to particularly highlight the need to eat a good breakfast prior to students having their vaccinations.Breakfast is considered by many to be the most important meal of the day. According to contemporary research, children and adolescents who eat a healthy breakfast are more likely to have better concentration, problem-solving skills and eye-hand coordination. They may also be more alert, creative and less likely to miss days of school - all very good reasons for students to start the day with a healthy breakfast.

Paul WadsworthAssistant Principal Head of Middle School

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From the Senior School

It is always a surprise to note the end of first term rushing towards us. Easter is a matter of a few weeks away and reports are already being organised. Reflecting on the past weeks once again illustrates just how busy a place Mercedes is. It really only seems a short time ago that the term began and we were welcoming new staff and students. Our staff Eucharist and Inaugural Mass prepared us for what lay ahead.

The College Swimming Carnival yet again produced a wonderful occasion for all involved. This was followed shortly after with Sports Day and just this week Mercedes competed in and dominated the Catholic Schools Athletics Carnival. Congratulations to all involved.

The Senior School has developed further initiatives with the formalising of a mentoring system involving students and trained nominated teachers along with an Alcohol Education Team who will be working with student groups in Year 10.

We were well represented at the Governors Merit Ceremony at Government House where many of our students from 2009 received certificates acknowledging their academic excellence. Just a few weeks ago we had the reunion of most members of the Class of 2009 and it was wonderful to hear how they were all doing, who was moving into Tertiary Education, those who were taking a gap year and those who are moving into the workplace.

The Canadian students from Quebec spent 15 days with us, seeing and enjoying the sights of Adelaide and South Australia whilst attending classes. Madame Lesley Davies and the team deserve to be congratulated on the traditional biannual event.

Orientation Walks, Outdoor Education excursions, the STEP occasions and Class Parties added to the busyness of Term 1 2010.

I hope you all had a wonderful St Patrick’s Day during the week and I look forward to catching up with you in the near future.

Until then, God Bless.

Tony O’DohertyAssistant Principal Head of Senior School

ACARA releases draft K-10 Australian Curriculum for national consultation

On Monday 1 March 2010, the Deputy Prime Minister and the Federal Education Minister, Hon Julia Gillard, released the draft K – 10 Australian Curriculum for English, Mathematics, Science and History for public consultation. The consultation period closes on 23 May 2010.

The draft Australian Curriculum for these learning areas is available online at www.australiancurriculum.edu.au.

The easiest way to provide feedback is by visiting the consultation website. Once you have registered for this website, you can read, review, download or print any, or all, of the draft K-10 Australian Curriculum.

As you view the curriculum on the website, you can provide feedback by using rating scales and/or writing comments with the click of a feedback button. The consultation website is also

the place where individuals and groups can complete an online feedback survey.

This is a unique opportunity for you to have your say and contribute to the Australian Curriculum.

The draft documents for the same four learning areas in senior secondary years will be available for public consultation between April and June 2010.

ACARA will refine the draft curriculum in response to the feedback from both the K-10 and senior years’ national consultation, and will publish the final version of the K-12 Australian Curriculum in English, Mathematics, Science and History in September 2010.

Mr Adrian ChiarolliDirector of Curriculum and Learning

email: achiarolli@mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.au tel: 83723253

Family Matters

Managing Homework

With half of Term 1 already completed, students across all year levels are now receiving regular homework and many Senior School students have submitted summative assessment tasks. Some students seem to be experiencing difficulty managing their work load, possibly on top of regular out of school commitments or simply because their organisational and time management skills are still developing.

The primary purposes of homework are to develop student self discipline, initiative and creativity; consolidate learning occurring at school; involve parents in the learning process; enable teachers to assess student’s understanding of work covered in class; and to establish study habits that can be continued into the final years of schooling and beyond. These aims apply for home reading tasks for Junior Primary students through to students in the Senior School. Regular homework practice enables students to develop their skills and confidence as successful learners.

The following strategies encourage students to take responsibility for their work. Organisational and time management skills are also encouraged through this approach. Students learn that homework is a finite period of time and that work can be completed within that time, with help able to be provided, if requested appropriately.

• When the student comes home from school, parents canoffer a half hour timeframe for that night when they will be available to help with homework, if assistance is required.

• Ifhelpissoughtwithinthishalfhour,parentscanoffer5minutes and then withdraw leaving the student to complete homework alone, to avoid dependency.

• Parents offer another 5 minutes checking time after thestudent has worked on the homework, but the request must be made before the half hour time period expires.

• If the student becomes upset or negative during thehomework period, this is managed as a behaviour problem; parents withdraw immediately or follow through with appropriate consequences.

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 6

• If help is sought from parents outside of the half hourtimeframe, parents do not assist. The student completes homework alone or is encouraged to take this up with the teacher the next day.

• Parents may request that teachers follow through withconsequences for incomplete homework, eg, completing the work at school in lesson time, or during lunch time.

• Ifhomeworkisincompletebutparentsfeelthestudenthasput in a reasonable effort, they may enter a diary note for the relevant teacher, indicating that the student has worked well, but needs help with specific aspects of their work.

Anne WayCollege Psychologist

The Arts Launch February 2010

Looking back on the past few years at Mercedes, it is wonderful to see the level of participation and success in the Arts. Results academically from the previous two years demonstrate Arts to be the highest and second highest average scoring subject area of all of the subjects offered here at the Mercedes. Dux of 2009, David Lane, was a very talented guitarist and was a Yr 12 Music student. 2010 promises to be another exciting year for the Arts.

The Arts Launch for 2010 showcased a range of performance techniques and a high level of talent. We witnessed works of art, drama productions and music performances from talented Mercedes students much to the delight of the cohort. We thank the Year 9, 10 and 12 Rock Band’s for their performances. We were also delighted to witness a short scene from the 2009 Year 8 Musical, ‘The Wiz’, the IB Theatre Arts class play and the Year 11 SACE Drama 2010 production Amateurs. We also enjoyed examples of Year 9 and 10 film excerpts that were awarded prizes in 2009.

Our guest speaker for the afternoon was. Paul Dougherty an Australian bass player, vocalist and composer who later performed some of his hit music.

The highlight of the evening was the performance of the Chinese

Lion Procession performed by Lion Dancers from Grand Master Leong’s Wing Chun Kung Fu Muay Thai and Wushu Academy.

Overall the afternoon was a great success, and we hope you enjoy the Arts for 2010. Many thanks to the teachers who assisted the operation of the event and a special thanks to the Year 5 Music Captains Matthew, Connor, Kate and Sophie for their help.

Arts Leaders 2010Anastasia Rizos, Jessica Gore and Eliza Harvey

Damian Callinan - ‘Tell us (how to write) a joke’ - Fringe Performance

In this interactive workshop, comedian Damian Callinan involved all the Year 10 students on a ‘360 degree tour around the joke’. Damian is a well known face on Australian TV from his roles on Channel 10s ‘Skithouse’ and ‘Before the Game’. Drawing on his diverse range of skills in the medium, Damian assisted the group in finding their own way into writing comedy by revealing his own techniques. The workshop featured actual performance examples followed by a deconstruction of the creative process in stand-up, character and sketch comedy.

At the end of the hour, Damian commented on the polite, but responsive cohort and enjoyed performing to the group.

Ms Esther LambDrama Teacher

News from MP&FA

Class PartiesThe Year 3, 4 and 5 Class Party will be hosted by Mrs Tara and Mr Paul Henry tonight at 8:00pm in their home at 30 Mitchell Street, Millswood. Many thanks to Tara and Paul for their kind offer to host this party. The last party will be held on Friday 26 March at the home of Mrs Rebecca and Mr Tim Haysman at 1 Flinders Avenue, Colonel Light Gardens for Reception, 1 and 2 parents at 8:00pm. Please remember to bring a SMALL plate to share and drinks. These are great nights and a fabulous opportunity to catch up with other parents and enjoy the party.

Community DayThank you to the many people who have already volunteered to help at the Mercedes College Community Day on Sunday 2 May. The MP&FA will be responsible for the BBQ, Bar and Afternoon Tea and if you would like to help please let me know. If you could indicate which area/task and time you would prefer I will put together a roster closer to the event. This will be a fun day no matter what side of the bar or BBQ you are on. I would especially like to thank Mr Tony Adey for his invaluable expertise in coordinating the catering for this event.

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 7

Diary DatesThe Committee has formed various sub-committees to organise fundraisers and community events during the year and are currently in various stages of planning.Please note these dates for upcoming events:Mercedes College Community Day, Sunday 2 MayMingle In May, Friday 14 MayMen’s Dinner, Friday 25 JuneMercedes College Gala Ball,‘Viva Mercedes’ Saturday 7 AugustPlease note the Men’s Dinner was previously advertised in the last edition of the Mercy Vine as Friday 6 August and has now been changed to Friday 25 June. Further details of each event will be published in the Mercy Vine.

Entertainment BooksA reminder that the ever popular Entertainment Books will be available from The College Shop from 19 April. Pre book sales can now be accepted at the College Shop. Additional discount vouchers are available to purchasers who buy their books prior to Entertainment Books being available. To be eligible for additional vouchers you need to purchase your Entertainment Book prior to the books being available. Retain your Entertainment Book purchase receipt and present this at the College Shop to collect your Book once they are in stock. Books are $65 each with part proceeds donated back to the school and this represents great value. Many thanks to Mrs Helen Scanlon who has again taken on this project for another year which is most appreciated.

I look forward to sharing the progress of each event with you over the next few weeks. There is a lot happening and we are in for a fabulous and very social year.

Jenny DunstanChairperson, MP&FA

jen.dunstan@internode.on.net 0414 860 400

World Culture Club (WCC) Annual DinnerThe main aim of WCC is to promote and celebrate

multiculturalism between our International and local students. On Friday 5 March, Ming’s Palace in the city was the venue that we celebrated the Chinese and Korean New Year.

It was a perfect evening as students, staff and Homestay parents totalling 110 people, mingled joyously. Amidst chitter-chatter, laughter, flashing of cameras, toasting the Chinese way by standing up and saying ‘Yum-Cha’ we enjoyed the banquet dinner prepared by Mr Ming himself.

Our International leaders, Anna Koh, Thomas Ma, Dorothy Chiang, Heidi Choi, Alvin Jin, Yin Ai Yang, Ken Wu, Hanna Lee and Richard Wu, all worked collaboratively with WCC Staff, Joshua Lee and Georgina Watson to make this a very special day. We will endeavour to celebrate and enjoy the presence of all the cultures within our school community and in our society today. There will be a key event in Term 2, we hope you will join us for this school event.

The theme for the evening was ‘Oriental Costume’ and we were treated to some rather interesting costumes. Prize winners for this evening were ;

Best Dressed Staff:Elaine Grottick and Carol Dart (Japanese twins)

Runners Up:Kingsley Head, John Brazzatti and Bev Brown

Best Dressed Students:Elfa Lai, Nick Marshall and Olivia Coats

Best Dressed Homestay Parents:Mr & Mrs Djemal

Highlights of Term 1• Orientationofnewstudents• BuddyProgrammeinfullswing• PeersupportinMathematicsandPhysics• MESPsupportinrecessandlunchtimes• Birthdaycelebrationsinthecity

Thanks to Ms Voula Papapetros, Mr John Saltans and Ms Elaine Grottick for their assistance in organising and promoting this event.

Kala Nathan-ThompsonAcademic Advisor, Coordinator of Learning Programmes,

WCC CoordinatorInternational Students Programme

College Shop NewsWinter Uniforms are to be worn for Term 2 and 3. Now is the time to come into the store for your Winter Uniform.All boys should now be wearing charcoal trousers/shorts.

Hat & Cap UpdateThe girls new formal hat has been very popular, with a mixed range of years taking up the option.The boys new formal hat should arrive in store early Term 2 (thanks to the Year 12s modelling the samples around the school).The new sports cap should also arrive early Term 2 (thanks to Mr Peter Daw who has been modelling the new logo on his cap) We will let you know when the stock arrives in store.

School Holiday Open TimesThursday 15, Friday 16, Monday 19 April-10:00am to 4:00pm. Lisa Rowe Manager Mercedes College Uniform Shop Phone: (08) 8372 0266 Fax: (08) 8338 0433 Email: mmercedes@gazal.com.au

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 8

Music Music NoteCongratulations to the Middle and Senior School students who performed so professionally at this year’s first Soloist Concert. Those involved were Jordan Sideris, Andrew Barber, Damien Quick, Jesse Cordoma, Nick Hundertmark, Alex Tilson, Harry Baulderstone, Lincoln Bennett, Adam Cooper, Tom Gordon, Jessica Gore, Eliza Harvey, Tessie Sideris, Steven Rossi, Brigid Symes and Jae Hyun Han. A great variety of instruments and genre were presented – well done.

Instrument hire fees are expected to be paid by today – please ensure that these are paid at The College Shop as soon as possible.

All instrumental lessons, both class and individual are running smoothly and students are now starting to enjoy their new instruments and ensembles.

If there are any students who learn an instrument outside the school please know that you are very welcome to join our ensembles.

Stay tuned!Celine Beaton-Smith

Music Coordinator

News From the Sports Desk

8-12 Girls Sport ReportAll teams have two minor rounds remaining for this season before we begin the play-off round. Our teams are progressing well with some particularly outstanding performances from our Year 8/9 Softball teams who are combining well together and experiencing continued success each week.

Once again this year our Tennis teams have experienced much success with 6 girls’ teams making the finals. Congratulations to the following teams and good luck for the finals; Div 1 (finished 3rd), Div 2 Green (finished 1st), Div 3 (finished 4th), Div 6 Gold (finished 2nd), Div 7 (finished 3rd) and Div 8 (finished 1st).

On Tuesday night 9 March, our girls represented the College in the Catholic School Girls Swimming Carnival which was held at the Adelaide Aquatics Centre. We competed in the A Grade competition against St Dominics, Loreto, St Aloysius, St Mary’s, Pedare, and St Ignatius. We finished in 4th position in the Junior Division and 6th in the Seniors, leaving us in 6th place overall. The competition was won by St Ignatius College who won all three of the divisions.

All of the girls are to be congratulated on their efforts as every one of them gave their best performances against very strongopposition. In particular congratulations go to Adrienne Scott who finished 3rd in the U/14 50m Backstroke and U/16 50m Breaststroke and 1st in the U/16 50m Freestyle, Mia Gaynor who finished 3rd in the 16+ 50m Breaststroke, Alice Deegan who finished 2nd in the U/16 50m Breaststroke and Cordelia McTaggart who finished 3rd in the U/14 50m Breaststroke. A very special thank you to all the girls who swam in events at the last minute.

I would also like to acknowledge our Senior Leaders who invested their time to attend and help in the smooth running of the carnival as official time keepers. I also extend my thanks to

Mrs Jodie Papadopoulos and Mr Anthony Kelly whose

enthusiasm and organisation for this event under what can only be described as somewhat trying circumstances is unsurpassed.

I would also like to acknowledge the parents and siblings who transport and support their children in these out of hours events. Without your support swimming would be an impossible task and your time and dedication to this sport is sincerely appreciated.

Whilst summer sport is fast coming to an end we are already busy organising teams, coaches and umpires for the winter season. At the moment trials are being conducted for all year levels for Netball so that girls can be placed in appropriate teams and divisions. In addition to this coaches and umpires are being finalised for both Soccer and Volleyball. If there are any budding coaches or umpires for these sports out there I would really appreciate hearing from you and subsequently including you as one of our wonderful team.

Below are the results to date for the weekend and mid week competitions:

Girls Sports Results for Week 3

Jackie Kerr8-12 Girls Sport Coordinator

BASKETBALL WEEK 3Senior A Mercedes 1 (54) def Sacred Heart 2 (29)

Senior B St Michael’s 2 (72) def Mercedes 1(16)

Mercedes 2 (48) def Sacred Heart 3 (35)

Junior B Mercedes 1 (24) def NMHS 1 (2)

VOLLEYBALLSenior A/B Nazareth 1 (2) def Mercedes 1 (1)

Loreto 1 (1) def Mercedes 2 (1) Countback

Senior B Mercedes 3 (3) def St Ignatius 4 (0)

Loreto 2 def Mercedes 4 - FORFEIT

Junior A/B Mercedes 1 (3) def Mercedes 2 (1)

Junior B Mercedes 3 (3) def OLSH 2 (1)

Marryatville 2 (3) def Mercedes 4 (0)

SOFTBALLSenior A Mercedes (10) def St Ignatius 1 (4)

Junior A/B Mercedes 1 (10) def Mercedes 2 (6)

BEACH VOLLEYBALL

Tuesday Mercedes 1 def Kildare 2 - FORFEIT

Marryatville 1 (3) def Mercedes 2 (0)

SAC 2 (2) def Mercedes 3 (1)

Mercedes 4 (2) def Marryatville 2 (1)

Wednesday Mercedes 6 (2) def Mercedes 7 (0)

Mercedes 8 (2) def NMHS 1 (1)

WATER POLOSenior Walford 2 def Mercedes 1 - FORFEIT

Junior St Dominics 1 (10) def Mercedes 1 (0)

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 9

1st XI Cricket Report

Match Report v Westminster School 2nd XI (27 February)

Coming off two wins in a row, the 1st XI took to the field against Westminster School 2nd XI, eager to make it three wins for the term. With opening bowlers Luke Crocker (3/8) and Henry Jones (2/9) on fire early, the side ripped through the Westminster top order to leave them in deep trouble at 6/18 after 17 overs. A small resistance followed from the lower order, but pleasingly, our bowlers finished the job, Westminster all out for 61 in just 26 overs.

Once again faced with a small target to chase, we began cautiously on a difficult batting pitch and were soon in trouble at 2/12. However, the Westminster bowlers struggled for accuracy, gifting us with 15 wides, and soon enough, Henry Jones and Alexander Borghesan cruised to victory, the side reaching 3/62 with an incredible 27 overs remaining in the day.

Westminster School 2nd XI 61(L Crocker 3/8, A Borghesan 3/23, J Venn 2/8)

Mercedes College 1st XI 3/62(H Jones 19, A Borghesan 14*, B Kouts 6*)

Match Report v Wirreanda High School (3 March)

Full of confidence after three wins in a row, the side drew Wirreanda High School in Round 2 of the SSSSA Open Boys Knockout (Pool B – Metro South). Sent in to bat, we found ourselves in an unfamiliar situation, having bowled first on the previous three occasions.

Up against a quality bowling attack, our top order failed to occupy the crease, and we limped to 5/51 at the half way point, Luke Crocker and Alexander Borghesan in the middle of a promising partnership, having come together with the score at a measly 35.

However, the drinks break broke our momentum, with the lower order collapsing just as quickly as the top order, the side dismissed for 80 runs in what was one of the most disappointing batting displays in 1st XI history.

Nevertheless, we still felt a win was within grasp, particularly given the success of our bowling in previous matches. When Luke Crocker took two wickets in the first over to have Wirreanda reeling at 2/5, the match was poised for an exciting finish.

However, Wirreanda were too strong, and despite wickets falling, the target was simply too small, and they cruised to victory with plenty of time remaining. This loss knocked us out of the competition and perhaps highlighted some of the batting weaknesses of the side that may have been covered up in the previous three victories.

The side now eagerly awaits its final two matches of the 2009/10 season against Prince Alfred College 2nd XI and St Ignatius College 1st XI.

Mercedes College 1st XI 80(L Crocker 12, P Kerrish 10*, A Borghesan 10)

Wirreanda High School 5/81(L Crocker 3/15, J Venn 1/7, H Cooray 1/22)

Jarrad McCabe1st XI Coach

Boys Sport: Week 7

VolleyballOpen:Merc 1 defeated Immanuel 2-1Merc 2 drew with Woodcroft College 1-1Cricket1st X1: Mercedes 1 def PAC 22d X1: Mercedes def Scotch3rd X1: Mercedes def St Peter’s CollegeYear 9:Year 8: Marryatville High def MercedesWater PoloYear 8: Mercedes def BPSYear 10: Mercedes def St Peter’s College

AthleticsMercedes travelled to Santos Stadium for the Annual Intercollegiate Meeting of South Australian Co-ed Catholic Schools featuring two new entrants in Nazareth and St Michael’s College.

Our team who have been working quite solidly for the past few months performed very well to win three of the four age groups: U14, U/15 and Opens. The U/16 result is not as yet official.

Athletes are now preparing for the ultimate challenge on Wednesday 31 March at Santos Stadium when we compete in the “A” Grade Athletics against boys from Henley High, Kings Baptist, Loxton, Bordertown, Far West and Trinity College and girls from Henley High, Kings Baptist, Loxton, Mt Gambier, Immanuel, Walford and Trinity College.

Bill GaynorSport Coordinator

SDTA TENNIS - Finals SeriesCongratulations to all teams that made the finals for the 2009/10 SDTA season. Mercedes College Tennis Club entered 26 teams with 14 teams finishing in the finals. That is an outstanding effort and all students should be very proud. The following teams have made the top 4 in their division; Boys Premier League Boys, Division 1,2,6,7,10,12 & 13. The girls entered 10 teams with 6 making the top 4; Division 1,2,3,6,7 & 8. The Semi Finals and Grand Finals will be played over the next 2 weeks so best of luck to all students playing this weekend.

Matt SmithTennis Coordinator

Mercedes College NewsletterPage 10

Year12

8231 7776Office: 30th Floor, 91 King William St Adelaide SA 5000

www.aeg.sa.edu.auSeminar venue: St Mary’s College

AdelaideEducation Consultants

Autumn Seminars

Week 1: 6 - 9 Apr and or Week 2: 12 - 15 Apr 2010SACE Stage 2, Study Skills & Essay Writing

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 11