Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Key Dates
Principal’s Report
Thursday 23 October
Yr 7 - 11 Awards Rehearsals
Trinity Presentation Night 7pm
“To be persuasive we must be believable; to be believable we must be
credible; credible we must be truthful." Edward R. Murrow
Friday 24 October
Early Finish 2.20pm
Presentation Evening - 7pm , Concert
Hall
Wednesday 29 October
RE 7.1 MASS
Friday 31 October
ACC inclusive Sports day
Monday 3 November
WACE Exams Start
Wednesday 5 November
RE 7.2 MASS
Staff Forum 3 - 4.30pm
Thursday 6 November
Yr11 Prac Exams
Yr11 Final Eucharistic
Liturgy Chapel 8.20 - 9.20am
Yr 8 - 12 Triathlon
Yr 7 Reflection Day
Art Exhibition Opening Night
Sunday 30 November
Music Under the Stars - The Quarry
Amphitheatre 5.30 - 8.30pm
What a wonderful two weeks of celebrations we’ve had! Firstly we had the
opportunity to say thank you to the 2014 Prefects. Led by Head Girl, Sarah
Berhanu, and Deputy Head Girl, Shaye Guillory, the Prefect Council proved
themselves to be outstanding leaders and role models and we thank them for
their service to the College. On the first Monday of term the group participated
in their final Liturgy in the Chapel and it was lovely hearing the girls share their
memories and stories as we walked to significant spaces within the College
grounds. The Liturgy was followed by a dinner for the girls and their parents.
Then on Wednesday of last week it was time to commission our 2015 Prefects
at our Wednesday morning Mass. The girls recited their commitment to lead
the student body in a way that reflected and brought to life our College values,
received their Prefect badge and were then anointed with oil. Following the
Mass, the girls and their parents (and a few grandparents) enjoyed a beautiful
morning tea. These girls too will be an exceptional group of leaders and I wish
them well for the journey ahead.
This week has been graduation. Congratulations to the Class of 2014 who
conducted themselves with such dignity and grace as they returned to school
for their final Assembly, morning tea with the staff and a farewell from the
whole College community. The Graduation Mass on Tuesday last was a
beautiful celebration of the lives, gifts and talents of all these young Mercy
women. The Graduation dinner in Catherine’s Garden was beautiful - delicious
food, wonderful company, and all under the watchful gaze of Catherine
McAuley. She would be so proud of these girls. Thank you sincerely to Jackie
Stacey and the wonderful Mums and Dads who generously gave of their time
to set up the garden and serve everyone on the night. You made it such a
special night for the girls.
As this newsletter is uploaded onto the website, preparations are in full swing
for Presentation Evening tonight. I look forward to seeing many of our parents
and other family members, past students and friends of the College for this
annual celebration of College life.
So, two weeks of Term 4 gone already and all in a whirlwind of activities.
Insight from Catherine
“We should praise and bless the
hand that wounds us, and exhibit a
calm, quiet appearance.”
Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Firstly, thank you to the parents who ensured their daughter/s returned to
school in an impeccable summer uniform. Most of the girls look wonderful,
uniforms the correct length, hats on, hair ribbons the correct colour, no makeup
and the right amount of jewellery. Of course some girls have grown over the
winter months and uniforms need to be let down. Dresses should be just above
the knee so parents please teach your daughter to let her hem down if needed.
We continue this term with a focus on our College value of integrity. I really
believe that this is the most challenging value for us to put into action and
embed in our daily lives. I particularly like this week’s quote – “to be credible we
must be truthful. Sometimes being truthful means standing out from our peers,
withstanding the pressure that tries to force us into covering things up when we
know we have done the wrong thing”. Integrity means never blaming others for
our shortfalls. Integrity means being true to ourselves and to what we know is
the right thing to do. As parents we can help our children develop integrity by
letting them take responsibility for their actions rather than stepping in to fight
their battles.
Last week I also had the joy of spending time with a group of Dads of
Mercedes, just sharing a few drinks and talking about College life and their
daughters. I am so grateful for the generosity of these Dads. The Mums of
Mercedes too contribute so much and both groups have done much to grow
the sense of community amongst our parents. Of course, as we sat around the
table last week we all acknowledged the work of Jackie Stacey, our Parent
Liaison Person.
I ask the whole College community to keep Jackie, her husband Michael, and
her girls, Beverley, Shanice and Chantelle, in your thoughts as they mourn the
passing of Jackie’s Mum, Hortense. Jackie’s Mum has been a huge part of the
family’s life and she will be sadly missed. The funeral is tomorrow and the
family will be in our prayers.
Peace and best wishes.
Sheena Barber, Principal
The College community is invited to an exhibition of art and design works by
students from Years 7-10.
Opening night is Thursday 6 November at 6 pm. All welcome. Click HERE for
more information.
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Pastoral Care News
Year 7/8 Learning Community
Year 7 - Melissa Trolio
Welcome back to the College community for what looks set to be a very exciting, busy and joyful term. Firstly I would like to
thank Mrs Hannah Lalor for taking on the position of Year Seven Coorindator during Term 3. It was wonderful knowing that
your daughters were very well cared for. Please be reminded about uniform requirements for Term 4 - dresses should sit on
the knee and the summer hat is to be worn at all times. In week three each homeroom will begin to host a mass on
Wednesday mornings in the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. All parents are invited to attend these masses. Please also
note that on Wednesday 3 December all families and grandparents are invited to the Year 7 end of year mass held in St
Mary’s Cathedral. An invitation will follow shortly. I am looking forward to seeing you all on Friday Evening when the girls
perform at Presentation Evening.
Year 8 - Michelle Lloyd
Welcome back to Term 4. I cannot believe that we are now in the final term for the year – I know it will fly by. I hope that all
families had a relaxing and refreshing holiday and are ready to face the busy challenges that Term 4 brings. It was wonderful
to see how well groomed the Year 8 students were with the return to school. It might be timely however to look the length of
your daughter’s school dress as I think there have been some major growth spurts over the holidays!
Lots of congratulations are due to the Year 8s this week. Firstly, my congratulations must go to all of the Year 8 prize
winners. They are to be congratulated on outstanding results over the year culminating in the receiving of their prizes on
Friday night. Secondly to all of the Year 8s who will represent the College so well at Presentation Evening, wether it be as a
member of the audience or as a performer. Well done Year 8s!
This week we welcomed Ms Rebecca Bryant to our Year 8 assembly. Ms Bryant spoke to the girls about nominations for
Student Representative Council (SRC) for 2015 and the process that needs to be followed. Our current SRC representatives
and our Environmental Stewards have been outstanding role models for their peers and we know this will continue as the girls
strive for leadership positions in 2015.
Year 9/10 Learning Community
Year 10 - Sherrin Adams
It is hard to believe that it is Term Four already and that Year 10 exams are soon to be with us. I encourage all of the girls to
get organized early so they are able to face these exams with confidence. Mid- year some left their study far too late and
consequently did not have the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge prior to each exam.
Parents will soon receive a Letter concerning Dragon Boating, a very exciting date in the Year 10 calendar. In PE classes the
girls are swimming, as competence and confidence are needed for participation in this water based activity.
Congratulations to the Year 10s who will be receiving awards on Friday at Presentation Evening.
Year 11/12 Learning Community
Year 11 - Bernadette Dell
As the Year 12s prepare for their WACE examinations, we have seen the Year 11s step up to leadership and show
responsibility and initiative. The girls have been very prominent in their completion of important roles and it was great to see so
many Year 11s assisting at the beautiful graduation ceremony on Tuesday. We will soon be conducting the election for deputy
prefects to assist the 2015 prefects in their duties and I am sure we will have many girls willing to offer their services for these
roles.
The exams loom so the girls should be organizing their notes and preparing for intensive revision. When these exams are
over, many girls will begin a well-earned rest but need to remember that it would be wise to prepare for the demands of Year
12 by pre-reading texts and addressing any areas that require more work.
The letter for the Ball will be distributed just prior to the exams. Students and parents are reminded to keep this school event
in perspective. This is a social event for Catholic school girls and the style of dress and the costs incurred should reflect this.
Year 12 - Marianne Morphett
We fare welled the Class of 2014 at the school assembly this week and thanked them for the contribution they have made to
the Mercedes’ community over their time with us. As the first Year seven students to enter Mercedes they hold a unique place
in the history of the College. The Graduation ceremony held in the Cathedral later that evening provided a beautiful and
spiritual conclusion to this phase of their lives.
The girls’ accomplishments will be celebrated on Presentation evening, including the announcement of special awards such as
the Dux of the College and the recipients of the Mercedes Medals. All Year Twelve students are required to attend a rehearsal
at the Concert Hall on Friday 24 October from 10.30 am until 12.00. The Prefects, however, need to be at the Concert Hall by
9.45am.
Presentation evening will be the last event for the girls as they begin to prepare for the WACE examinations. We wish the girls
success in their exams and in future endeavors.
Curriculum News
Habits of Mind Quote
“To waken interest and kindle enthusiasm is the sure way to teach easily and successfully.” Tyrone Edwards
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
For more information on WACE Exam boost and revision session please click HERE
For more information on CCGS October Revision Program please click HERE
General News
Farewell to Year 12 Students -
Clockwise L - R; Year 12s enjoying morning tea with staff, Mrs Barber signs Naome Emoko’s bear, Students
Reciving their MESA membership packs, Alexandra Kicks was the lucky gift winner from the MESA Facebook
competition, Mrs Barber recives a gift from theYear 12’s.
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Year 7 enrolment Interviews – 2017 are being conducted in Terms 1 & 2, 2015 for sisters of current and past Mercedes
students. If you have forgotten to enrol your younger daughter, please contact Mrs Julie Lamb on 9323 1340.
Languages - Angela Velletri
West Australian Association of Teachers of Italian Examinations
Mercedes College Award Winners
On Wednesday, 15 October, 3 Mercedes students were presented with prizes for their outstanding achievements in the WAATI
Examinations.
Congratulazioni to our two Year 10 students, Georgia Mola, who came second overall, Taylah Spano who came third and in
year 11, Alessia Pintabona took out second place. Not only did they receive lovely certificates they also received cheques as
prizes.
Many of our students received certificates for their fine efforts in both the Alliance Française and the WAATI Examinations.
Once results are finalised, they will be published.
Music News - Ms Claire Gamlin, Director of Music
Thank you
I would like to thank Mr Harry Oliff for the incredible amount of effort he put in to ensuring Term 3 ran smoothly. I could not be
more proud of the girls for their energy and dedication to the many performances that were conducted over the term, and thank
them for their hard work. The Music Department is continuing to operate just as I left it, which is a testament to the hard work of
Harry, in addition to Mr Paul Waterhouse and Mrs Sharon Beros, who I know worked even harder to make sure everything was
just right. We have some exciting concerts coming up (see Upcoming Performances below).
Thank you to Carissa Soares and Putri Sunarko who gave up their time to perform as part of Heritage Weekend, giving recitals
on the grand piano in the Convent. We are lucky to have such talented and generous musicians!
Upcoming Performances
There are two very exciting formal concerts at the end of this term. The first is our Music Showcase (postponed from Term 3),
which will take place at the Quarry Amphitheatre in City Beach.
This performance will feature all of the Mercedes Music Ensembles as well as the Mercedes/Trinity Wind Ensemble, the
Mercedes/Trinity String Ensemble and the Mercedes/Trinity Chorale. Ticket information will be available soon, so please get
your family and friends together and bring a picnic to support our Music Under the Stars.
After a very successful night at the Ellington Jazz Club last December, we will be hosting another performance there on
Monday 8 December . This is the week after school finishes, so please make sure the girls in Jazz Band and Jazz Ensemble
are free for this evening. Ticket information will be available soon.
Diary Dates
Presentation Night (Trinity) Thursday 23 October: Select Choir and Wind Orchestra
Presentation Night (Mercedes) Friday 24 October: Select Choir, Choir, Wind Orchestra, Chorale
Sunday 23 November: Music Tutor Concert – this will involve solo performances from girls learning an instrument/voice
through the Instrumental Program at Mercedes
Sunday 30 November: Music Under the Stars, Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach: All Mercedes Instrumental
Groups and Choirs, Mercedes/Trinity Wind Ensemble and String Ensemble
Monday 8 December: Jazz Evening at the Ellington: Jazz Band, Jazz Quartet
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Opti-Minds - Callie Steven
Following the last newsletter the College’s Opti-Minds Division 3 team of Sarah Coutinho, Anna Duong, Beth Shaw, Lily
McDermott, Vanessa Joe, Sarah Patman and Briana Bitt went to the National Final in Brisbane during the holidays. A day of
sightseeing was squeezed in before the competition involving 71 teams. It was a huge event involving a Youth Forum on future
issues affecting our society on Saturday and a very long competition day on Sunday 12 October.
The standard was very high this year, but again Mercedes triumphed, not only winning the overall award in the Social Sciences
category, but also winning the Spirit of Opti-Minds award making them our most successful team yet! The Spirit of Opti-Minds
award is given only at the discretion of the Director, at the recommendation of judges, to teams who display excellent behaviour
and teamwork throughout the weekend.
Our Division 3 team should feel very gratified by their achievements; I am very proud of what they have done and the excellent
way that they conducted themselves. Well done!
Social Sciences - Mr Tim Poga HOLA
Congratulations to Alannah Hall in Year 12.6 who came third in the state in the 3AB Politics and Law Constitutional Quiz. Alannah
demonstrated a very comprehensive understanding of the main features and fine print of the Australian Constitution in her entry.
WA Schools Constitutional Convention
Ten students from Year 11 Politics and Law attended the WA Schools Constitutional Convention in September and learnt about
the push for a referendum on Indigenous recognition in the Australian Constitution. Speakers at the convention included Fred
Chaney and members of Recognize.org. Students worked along side delegates from a number of Perth schools, including Trinity
College, and I may have the chance to attend the National Schools Convention in Canberra in 2015.
UNSW Maths Competition Results - Mr Peter Mee HOLA
On 12 August, virtually all of the Year 7 and 8 students took part in the UNSW Mathematics competition. Certificates have arrived, and students are commended for their achievements. Of particular note are the five students who achieved a Distinction:
Year 7: Cara Beckingham, Yunting Liu and Elizabeth Moschilla
Year 8: Veronica Fitzgerald and Abigail Moroney
Congratulations also to the 45 students who achieved a Credit, as listed below:
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
Year 7 Lila Anderson
Natasha Angelidis
Alexia Angelidis
Isabella Bellouard
Holly Brown
Lydia Childs
Emily Crock
Jordan D'rozario
Ghuinneth Dayoc
Leanna De souza
Sophie Farrar
Charlize Gosnell
Darcyy Guazzelli
Sarah Henbury
Angela Lawrence
Grace Marinelli
Lily Marthins
Bethany Mcdonald
Cara Mezzatesta
Keiko Mina
Kate O'hara
Mackenzie Peattie
Dominique Roberts
Lucie Wilcox
Year 8 Montserrat Calceron
Elena Damianopoulos
Eva Davidson
Amadea Foss
Nakita Gault
Margaret Hackwill
Alexandra Hortin
Lauren Kelly
Michelle Kolonnagama
Jaclyn Lau
Maya Matty
Ciara Mccormack
Erin Mincham
Bronte Mitchell
Sophie Mitchell
Celeste Muscat
Teehani Ralph
Vineeta Ravichandran
Mehak Satnani
Premajaa Shrestha
Georgia Thompson
These students will receive their certificates at an assembly.
Well done girls.
Student News
Success for Girls in National Lacrosse Championships
Three Year 8 students were selected in the Western Australia U15 Lacrosse
team to compete at the Australian Lacrosse Championships in the first week of
the holidays.
Libby Blair, Millie Doherty and Lauren Wolters were part of the Championship
winning team called the WA Stars. The girls played 6 games and were
undefeated all week, defeating Victoria Fire in the final 10-7.
Noticeboard
Healthy Bonds, Healthy Relationships - The Austrlain Rsychological Society and Association of Councelling Psychologists
invite you to come to a Free afternoon Seminar to learn about the impancts of healthy and unhealthy relationships on mental
well-being across the lifespan. Held from Sunday 9 - Saturday 15 November. Click HERE for more information.
WACE Help Weekend Classes & Master Classes or Middle School Saturday classes Yr 7, 8, 9 & 10 Saturday Classes:
Starting 18 October. Yr 11 & 12 Master Classes: Starting the week beginning 13 October. FINAL EXAM BOOST learn how to
achieve maximum marks. Yr 11 & 12 WACE Help Weekend Classes: Starting 18 October. FINAL EXAM BOOST. Small group
sessions allow you to ask questions, get individual support and strengthen your understanding. For More information click
HERE.
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Mercedes College Newsletter
Vol. 41 Number 16 / Week 2 Term Four / 23 October 2014
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