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MercyVine Mercedes College C o m i n g E v e n t s 8 December End Term 4 12:30pm 1 February 2007 Term 1 commences 8 February 4-7 Swimming Carnival – Payneham Pool 9 February 8-12 Swimming Carnival – Payneham Pool F r o m t h e P r i n c i p a l Issue No 19 – 8 December, 2006 D e a r P a r e n t s , S t a f f , S t u d e n t s a n d F r i e n d s o f t h e M e r c e d e s C o l l e g e C o m m u n i t y In these last weeks of the year there have been many exciting events at the College. We have seen our Year 5 students present their work and formally graduate from the Junior School; the Year 8 students showed a diversity of talents in their ‘Man of Steel’ musical performance; the Year 10 and 11 students displayed their academic prowess in their final examinations; a variety of sporting achievements were recognised at a presentation assembly; our musicians performed at the annual French Festival at Carrick Hill; the Year 12 students graduated at a wonderful dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre and the Junior School students showed their musical prowess and had great fun at the annual Carols in the Sunken Garden. In all these activities we have not only celebrated the talent of our young people but have been grateful for the commitment of the staff and parents. Success is never achieved in isolation and the success of our students is no exception. Shane Murphy and Ryan Stor prepared the Year 5 students, the Arts staff worked together to prepare the students for the Year 8 production, Adam Hooper, Adrienne Cullity and the other music staff spent countless hours in supporting our young musicians. Bill Deegan and many others meticulously prepared the venue and programme for the Graduation Ball. As we reach the end of 2006, I thank all the staff at this College for their commitment and loyalty and look forward to another exciting year in 2007. Our community continues to excel as we strive to do the best we can in all we do. T h e F u t u r e S A C E You have possibly read that the current SACE Certificate offered to Year 11 and 12 students in this state, is undergoing change and we will keep you informed of the details as they emerge further next year. However, I would like to correct one aspect which has been incorrectly reported. Initially it was stated in the media that as part of the Future SACE, students would need to pass English and Maths at the Year 12 level – this is not correct. The fact is that students will need to show they have achieved an appropriate level of literacy and numeracy attainment at Year 11. We will clarify details further next year. Staff News As has been reported earlier we are farewelling a number of staff at the end of the year. Jim Goodall is leaving us to take on the Principalship of Bayview College in Portland Victoria. Noela Grudnoff is leaving to take on the role as a private Special Education Consultant and I expect we will see her back in this capacity. Ilana Culshaw and Rob Gauvin are leaving us to enjoy a well deserved retirement. Kate White is taking up a new position at another College. Jill Everingham, Jodie Edwards, Gaynor Petrilli and Laura Tew are leaving us at the end of their contracts. Alessandra Miles will take maternity leave and Gail Millar-Luke will be on special leave for the year. We also farewell Sonia Chiappin, who has been on leave for a number of years is and now moving to a new College in 2007. We will miss all these staff, not only because they have given so much to the College, but because they have been wonderful staff members who have enriched our community with their presence. I wish them all every success in the future. On the other hand we welcome a number of new staff who will bring much experience and skill to Mercedes and I look forward to their contribution in the coming years. T h a n k s f r o m I n d o n e s i a Earlier this term we had a casual day where we raised money for Catholic Charities and the Desa Ban region of Indonesia. This week I received a letter of thanks from David Booth MBE who is the chairman of the East Bali Poverty Project thanking me for our donation which will support a number of young people to have improved dental care. Thank you to all who donated and in particular Janet Bartold who initiated our connection with this project. T h e Y e a r E n d s As this is the last Mercy Vine for 2006, I would like to farewell those families who are leaving the College. I hope you have enjoyed your time at Mercedes and I wish you every success in the future. To all members of our community, I pray that you have a Christmas filled with joy and wonderful memories and that the new year is one filled with hope. Peter Daw Principal

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Page 1: M e r c e d e s C o l l e g e Mercy Vine

Mercy VineM e r c e d e s C o l l e g e

Coming Events

8 December End Term 4 12:30pm

1 February 2007 Term 1 commences 8 February 4-7 Swimming Carnival – Payneham Pool 9 February 8-12 Swimming Carnival – Payneham

Pool

From the Principal Issue No 19 – 8 December, 2006

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

In these last weeks of the year there have been many exciting events at the College. We have seen our Year 5 students present their work and formally graduate from the Junior School; the Year 8 students showed a diversity of talents in their ‘Man of Steel’ musical performance; the Year 10 and 11 students displayed their academic prowess in their final examinations; a variety of sporting achievements were recognised at a presentation assembly; our musicians performed at the annual French Festival at Carrick Hill; the Year 12 students graduated at a wonderful dinner at the Adelaide Convention Centre and the Junior School students showed their musical prowess and had great fun at the annual Carols in the Sunken Garden. In all these activities we have not only celebrated the talent of our young people but have been grateful for the commitment of the staff and parents. Success is never achieved in isolation and the success of our students is no exception. Shane Murphy and Ryan Stor prepared the Year 5 students, the Arts staff worked together to prepare the students for the Year 8 production, Adam Hooper, Adrienne Cullity and the other music staff spent countless hours in supporting our young musicians. Bill Deegan and many others meticulously prepared the venue and programme for the Graduation Ball. As we reach the end of 2006, I thank all the staff at this College for their commitment and loyalty and look forward to another exciting year in 2007. Our community continues to excel as we strive to do the best we can in all we do.

The Future SACE You have possibly read that the current SACE Certificate offered to Year 11 and 12 students in this state, is undergoing change and we will keep you informed of the details as they emerge further next year. However, I would like to correct one aspect which has been incorrectly reported. Initially it was stated in the media that as part of the Future SACE, students would need to pass English and Maths at the Year 12 level – this is not correct. The fact is that students will need to show they have achieved an appropriate level of literacy and numeracy attainment at Year 11. We will clarify details further next year.

Staff News As has been reported earlier we are farewelling a number of staff at the end of the year. Jim Goodall is leaving us to take on the Principalship of Bayview College in Portland Victoria. Noela Grudnoff is leaving to take on the role as a private Special Education Consultant and I expect we will see her back in this capacity. Ilana Culshaw and Rob Gauvin are leaving us to enjoy a well deserved retirement. Kate White is taking up a new position at another College. Jill Everingham,

Jodie Edwards, Gaynor Petrilli and Laura Tew are leaving us at the end of their contracts. Alessandra Miles will take maternity leave and Gail Millar-Luke will be on special leave for the year. We also farewell Sonia Chiappin, who has been on leave for a number of years is and now moving to a new College in 2007.

We will miss all these staff, not only because they have given so much to the College, but because they have been wonderful staff members who have enriched our community with their presence. I wish them all every success in the future.

On the other hand we welcome a number of new staff who will bring much experience and skill to Mercedes and I look forward to their contribution in the coming years.

Thanks from Indonesia Earlier this term we had a casual day where we raised money for Catholic Charities and the Desa Ban region of Indonesia. This week I received a letter of thanks from David Booth MBE who is the chairman of the East Bali Poverty Project thanking me for our donation which will support a number of young people to have improved dental care. Thank you to all who donated and in particular Janet Bartold who initiated our connection with this project.

The Year Ends As this is the last Mercy Vine for 2006, I would like to farewell those families who are leaving the College. I hope you have enjoyed your time at Mercedes and I wish you every success in the future.

To all members of our community, I pray that you have a Christmas filled with joy and wonderful memories and that the new year is one filled with hope.

Peter Daw Principal

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Mercedes College Newsletter Page 2

A Friday thought… I have occasionally wondered about the reasons for the naming of Christmas Island – was it a special Christmas event, was it an unusual Christmas commemoration unique to the island? A little research revealed the name has its origins in the day of arrival of Captain William Mynors of the East India Ship Company vessel, the Royal Mary , who named the island when he arrived on Christmas Day, 25 December, 1643. The island’s Tourism Association website informs us that Christmas Island is “a dot in the Indian Ocean, located 2600km north-west of Perth, Western Australia. Even though it is an Australian Territory, its closest neighbour is Java, 360km away.” Why this interest? Well, in these days leading up to Christmas, that celebration embraced both by the religious and secular in our society, that celebration which universally acknowledges and highlights the importance of giving, of welcoming and of love, I was confronted by the irony, the paradox, not to mention the shame, that an island of this name – of all names – should be the site of Australia’s new detention centre. Sometimes described as “Australia’s Guantanamo Bay”, the 800-bed, $240 million centre will have security comparable in parts to a maximum security prison. Bedroom cameras, electric fences and electronically controlled doors allowing centre-wide lock-downs are part of the plan. In justification, the Department of Immigration has said that “while the Government’s policies have been successful in stemming the flow of unauthorised boat arrivals, the capacity needs to be available should unauthorised arrival numbers start increasing.” However, the Chair of the Australian Bishops’ Committee for Migrants and Refugees, Bishop Joe Grech, has strong concerns. “With the centre being located in such an isolated place, from a pastoral point of view it makes it virtually impossible for us to provide what is necessary. There can’t be regular visits from chaplains and there can’t be volunteers going to visit these people as we are doing at the moment at other detention centres because access to the island is very difficult. It’s a major concern because part of our work as the Church is to help those in need.” Bishop Grech asked how the $240 million spent in building this new facility could be justified when “there’s plenty of room” on the mainland at Baxter and Villawood detention centres. “This new detention centre is raising a lot of questions rather than answers,” he said. Sr Susan Connelly, of Mary MacKillop East Timor (formerly Mary MacKillop Institute of East Timorese studies), is “appalled” by the “ridiculous amount of money” spent on building the centre “which would have been better spent elsewhere.” “Locking these people up in detention centres is inhumane and goes against the teaching of the Gospel,” she said. “Detention centres are not better than the countries they have left behind.” So, with Christmas but two weeks away, the shopping in full swing and the carols in the supermarkets reminding us of the reason for the season, perhaps we might spare a thought for all in detention centres. Perhaps we might consider, too, a letter to our government challenging refugee policies which

contradict both the spirit and teachings of Jesus, who with Joseph and Mary was also a refugee. In these days leading up to Christmas, we will give and receive cards, all of which wish joy to the recipient, few of which make a connection with Jesus. I thought the card I received from Mercy Sister Janet Mead and all at the Adelaide Day Centre, perhaps best captured something of the Christmas spirit. It reads: At Christmas, we pray

that no powerful nation shall harass the poor; that no door will be shut on those who need to find it open; that barbed wire and angry soldiers may not be found in Bethlehem; that wise men and wise women might appear to lead us; that this Christmas, our hearts may become a manger and the rumour become a reality that Christ has come among us.

May your Christmas be blessed and may the gift of his peace be yours.

Peter Williams MITCHAM HILL BUS 2007 Mercedes College provides a bus service to students from Reynella to the College via Old Reynella, Happy Valley, Flagstaff Hill, Aberfoyle Park, Craigburn, Coromandel Valley, Hawthorndene, Blackwood, Glenalta, Belair, Clapham to Torrens Park. We are looking for any expressions of interest from families who would use this bus service in 2007 in an effort to:

Ø Give the Mitcham Hills families the best possible service

Ø To ensure that providing the service to these families remains viable for Mercedes College

Ø To ensure that the service is affordable and is available and utilised by as many families as possible in the Mitcham Hill area.

If any families from Reynella to Torrens Park would like to use this service in 2007, but are not currently able to do so because the route taken does not service their area, please contact me. Currently full time bus passes are issued and school fee accounts are debited $170 per term per child. Casual passes can be purchased for $6 per trip. One option that has been suggested is to divert the bus from the Blackwood round-about down Shepherd’s Hill Road, through Bellevue Heights, Pasadena, Panorama to Torrens Park. If this will advantage any new travellers/disadvantage any current travellers, please contact me. Thank you to all families who have supported this service and we wish you all a safe and h appy Festive Season.

Heather Burns Telephone: 8372 3221

[email protected]

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From the Junior School

The roller-coaster ride that has been this term has come to an end. As with any year there have been many ups and downs and hopefully the memories will be fond ones. Sadly, we farewell families and staff who are leaving, knowing that their contribution to the Mercedes story has been significant and appreciated. On the other hand it is with great anticipation that we look to 2007 with many new students and families starting and a few new faces in the teaching ranks to welcome.

The recently held Carols in the Garden was a wonderful event full of fun and colour. Adrienne Cullity must be congratulated for coordinating the evening, ensuring everything was just right, (I’m not too sure about old Santa, though!)

The Year 5 IB PYP Exhibition and Graduation was an opportunity for the community to, firstly observe the talents of our students and how well they have absorbed the philosophy and practices of the PYP programme, and secondly to farewell our Year 5 students as they move into the Middle School. We will miss the children and families even though they will still be part of our community.

Two significant awards are given at the Graduation. The Junior School Spirit Award and the Junior School Graduation Award.

This year’s Junior School Spirit recipient displays a caring nature and maturity, having a sense of justice and concern for others. His perceptive yet sensitive nature has ensured that teachers and fellow class mates hold him in high regard

as he takes initiative and is there ready to lend a hand in any situation. Class mates consider him a wonderful mate and loyal friend. He is a positive role model, standing up for what he believes is right and not being influenced by others around him. He has many other fine qualities and is very worthy of the award. The 2006 Spirit Award goes to Ed Cronin.

The Junior School Graduation Award is awarded to the student who consistently displays a real commitment to learning, who is motivated and who shares their learning with others. This year the Graduation Award has been awarded to an outstanding young learner who has consistently endeavoured to develop the skills and attitudes required to be a life long learner. She is hard working, has a positive attitude to learning and is

a real inquirer, always asking questions to further her understanding and to improve her knowledge. The winner of the Junior School Graduation Award for 2006 is Caitlin Connell.

On behalf of the Junior School, I would like to thank students, parents, families and staff for a wonderful year and wish you all a happy and holy Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday.

Frank Ali Assistant Principal, Head of Junior School

The IB Learner Profile Our final Junior School Assembly for the 2006 school year ended on a high note with numerous PYP Learner Profile awards being presented to students for a wide variety of attributes. The Caring awards are a regular feature as Mercedes students readily display a caring approach towards others and their surroundings. Congratulations to Hugo Lauder, Aidan Banks and Liam Rippon who ensured the ROR area of responsibility was clear of litter and remained clean over recent weeks.

Being Principled is a challenge in today’s world. Principled students act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness, justice and respect for the dignity of each individual, group or community. They take responsibility for their own actions and the consequences that accompany them. Two Junior School students have clearly displayed thes e values throughout their interactions at school. Caitlin Prentice and Lachie Abbot stood up for their beliefs and what they knew was right, even speaking up when others would not. Both have demonstrated strength of character and we applaud these positive attributes especially as they set an example for others to follow.

Special recognition was also given to Hudson Hardman for being a Risk Taker. Hudson has recently demonstrated newly acquired reading skills by reading books to many Junior School classes. At the End of Year LAP Mass Hudson read the book he made with his volunteer, Helen, to all who were present. He clearly displayed courage by rising to meet these challenges. A Risk Taker award was also presented to Sofia Hunter for taking risks in tackling activities and tasks during Physical Education lessons.

A Thinker award was presented to Magnus Gillam who has worked diligently to improve his organisation and aspects of his school work throughout the year. He should feel very proud of his efforts which have culminated in a successful end to 2006. A Thinker award was also presented to Matthew Lovell who thinks critically and creatively, making sound decisions and solving complex problems.

A Communicator award was presented to Isabella Hunter fo r sharing her ideas freely in group work and for being a terrific listener. An Open-Minded award was presented to Ryan Sparrow for listening to other people’s opinions freely and being non-judgmental. An Inquirer award was presented to Lily Davis and Tommy Cronin for being excited about finding information about their current unit of inquiry and finding information to share with their class. Finally, Reflective students always give thoughtful consideration to their own learning and experiences. They are able to assess and understand their strengths and limitations in order to support their learning and personal development. We congratulate Lauren Connell and Tori Lindholm who continually strive for excellence by reflecting on their own learning. They have remained focused on their learning goals throughout the year.

We have been fortunate to celebrate the achievements of so many Junior School students since beginning the Learner Profile Awards. We know students from Mercedes College strive to make these attributes part of their lives and will continue to work towards achieving them at school as well as in their home environment.

Melissa Buske, Loretta Romano Acting PYP Coordinators

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From the Middle School

New Pastoral Care Structure 2007 will see a new Pastoral Care structure established in the Middle School with Year Level Coordinators in place at Year 9, Year 8 and Year 6/7. The Year Level Coordinators will work closely with the Home Group teachers, students and parents, as well as the Head of Middle School to further improve the high quality of pastoral care and discipline implemented within the Middle School. I am pleased to announce that the following appointments have been made for next year. Year 6/7 Coordinator Ms Tanya Bahnisch Year 8 Coordinator Mr Fergus Grant Year 9 Coordinator Mr Michael Ebert

(New staff member in 2007) We congratulate these staff members and wish them well in this important work. Middle School Leaders for 2007 Earlier this term all Year 8 students were invited to apply for the position of Middle School Leader. Following the nomination process, short-listed students were asked to give a short address to the Year 5-8 students, indicating why they would make a good leader for 2007. These speeches were well written and entertaining and I thank all of the nominated students for the preparation and thought that went into them. Students then returned to their classrooms and voted for their preferred candidates. The student and staff votes have been counted and I would like to congratulate Marcus Doherty, Henry Jones, Annabel Lampard and Georgina Manos who will take up the Middle School Leadership positions for 2007. The Middle School Leaders work closely with the Head of Middle School to ensure that the student voice is being heard and to assist with numerous activities throughout the year, including Assemblies, Orientation Walks and Induction day. The voting process has also allowed our SRC executives for 2007 to be selected. Congratulations to Peter Brookes, Christina Georgas, Joshua Lee, Melissa Lorenzetti, Nicholas Maher and Georgina Watson. These students will work closely with the Year Level Coordinators to assist in the running of the SRC across the Middle School. We wish these students well in their leadership positions next year and once again thank all of the students who nominated to be part of the voting process. Academic Awards for Semester 2 At the final assembly for the year we recognised the students from Year 6-11 who received academic awards for Semester Two. In the Middle School this means that these students received marks placing them in the top 15% of students in their cohort. Congratulations to the following students for their academic achievements this semester. Year 9 Henry Arrowsmith Alexis Brassil-Hedger Claire Campbell Matthew Crocker

Year 8 Lauren Astrauskas Michael Barone Tessa Bell Peter Brookes

Olivia D’Arienzo Joshua Fardell Anna Gawlik William Gloster Amy Hoile Christian Holgar Alyse Jansons David Lane Jaime Liew Montana Mitchell Anisa Mackenzie Charlotte McHaffie Jacob Paul Laura Rossi Lara Schemeczko Ella Shanahan Shanice Sri Hayley Taeuber Valerie Thompson Isabel Van Den Brink

Brendan Browne Sarah De Gennaro Catherine Fairlie Jessica Gore Emily Gray Eliza Harvey Rahul Kalampattel James Kavaleros Sarita Kidson Margaret Kyprianou Melissa Lorenzetti Nicholas Maher Georgina Manos Phillip Mundy Anastasia Rizos Lucy Roberts Steven Rossi Frances Ryan Hannah Snelling Laura Stewart Brigid Symes Bridget Trnovsky Georgina Watson

Year 7 Jessica Bajger Nicholas Davis Naomi Francis Mia Gaynor Jessica Greenstreet Nicholas Hundertmark Bernadette Klavins Nikki Manolakis Gabriella McEvoy Erin Murray Emma Rajic Alexandra Schemeczko Jordan Sideris Alison Thomson Joshua Weber

Year 6 Paige Adey Fergal Banks Louisa Edwards Thomas Jaccarini Laurence Lacoon-Williamson Jessie Lee Thomas Maegraith Alice O’Connell Sarah Palmer Joyce Rabbah Lachlan Raffen Tess Ryan Ashlinn Sambrook Charlotte Venn Jola Young

End of year I would like to thank the parents of the College for their support this year and the students for their enthusiastic and successful involvement in the academic, spiritual and sporting pursuits in which they were involved. Thanks also to the wonderfully dedicated and supportive staff who have given their all in working with and for the students during 2006. On behalf of the Middle School I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all again at the beginning of the new school year.

Paul Wadsworth Assistant Principal, Head of Middle School

TUCKSHOP

Marisa and Miriam would like to give a special thanks to all the Tuckshop Volunteers. In particular they would like to especially thank Charmaine Michos, Karen Shrimpton, Simiko Callisto, Catherine Burnard, Betty Kyprianou, Susan Anderson and Don Westley for their extraordinary support and generosity. We wish you all a wonderful Christmas.

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From the Senior School

As we started the year full of optimism and celebration, so we end it. I thank you all for your input into the College and look forward to catching up in 2007. Have a happy and holy Christmas. I would like to continue our celebrations by congratulating all the Academic Award winners for Semester 2, 2006.

Year 10 Patrick Anastassiadis Katherine Andrews Katy Castley Angela Chan Nicholas Cirillo Michelle Cruickshank Dominic Davies Natasha De Agrela Alessandro De Ieso Olivia Ebert Nicole Fisher Emily Gore Andrew Heuzenroeder Stephen Heuzenroeder Edwina Hill Elizabeth Howie Kwen, Oh Ryong Michael Lawless Walter Marsh Eleanor McCann Emily McCullough Morgan Mitchell Nichola Mundy Michael O’Flaherty Dominic Parker Holly Ritson Alexandra Rowledge Mollie Ryan John Springbett Alexandra Wisdom Christina Zafiris

Year 11 Brooke Adey Sophie Anderson Lucy Arrowsmith Anna Bardsley-Jones Emma Bartrop Andrew Brookes Natalie Castree Sarah Castree Katherine Challis Thomas Chisholm Lucy Doherty Tom Everett Andrea Fairlie Jessica Furfari Leah Gerlach Louise Gillard Jessica Goodchild Laura Gray Mark Horne Anna Hurley James Khabbaz Michael Khabbaz Oskar Majewski Christopher O’Callaghan Lauren Petch Porscha Ryan Kieran Shanahan Christopher Somers Dominic Symes Francesca Trott Karolinka Wicik Zhang, Jian Kai Zhang, Qiuzhe Zheng, Kai Peng Zhou, You

Tony O’Doherty Assistant Principal

Head of Senior School

Bronze Leaf on the Tree of Hope awarded to Mercedes College

On the 28 November, three of the Middle School Leaders, Alexander Kedzior, Shanice Sri and Georgina Collins, along with Mrs Janet Bartold, visited the Burns Unit at the Royal Adelaide Hospital. We were there to be presented with a bronze leaf to show the hospital’s appreciation for the money ($100) the staff and students at Mercedes raised to aid the Burns Unit. When we arrived, we were greeted by Julian Burton, a victim of the Bali Bombings who also started a fund organisation for the Burns Unit in Adelaide. Julian took us into the Burns Unit which was recently upgraded. The Burns Unit originally had about three to four rooms sharing one bathroom on the opposite end of where it is now located. Now, however, along with the help of money raised and donated by many organisations, the Burns Unit has a total of eight rooms each fitted with individual bathrooms, a waiting room, a small physiotherapy area and a kitchen. We were also fortunate enough to meet with Dr John Greenwood, one of the world’s leading burns doctors. He was one of the first doctors flown in to help with the burns victims of the Bali Bombings. Dr Greenwood gave us a tour of the Burns Unit including the operation rooms and a recovery room. After the tour, we took a look at the tree on which our bronze leaf was attached. Overall, it was a great learning experience for all of us.

Middle School Leaders From The Finance Office We would like to take this opportunity to thank Mercedes College families for their support and commitment. Given that we are shortly to embark on the biggest capital works ever undertaken at the College and the preliminary “head” costs are now being incurred, the College is relying on all fees being met by the end of the current school year to cover the building costs and salaries and wages during the holiday period. Families who have entered into a periodic payment arrangement, and have not negotiated extended terms to pay fees, are requested to ensure payments clear their 2006 fee commitment by 29 December 2006. Periodic payments will continue to be processed during the holiday break if your authority does not have a final payment date. For those families who are experiencing difficulties, or are unable to comply with the fee policy (all fees billed during a year are

continued next page

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM Urban Myth Theatre of Youth is performing Shakespeare's classic A Midsummer Night's Dream on the Unley Village Green on Thursday 7, to Saturday 9 December and tickets are still available. Watch out for our own Eleanor Kay as Mustard Seed and Ella Shanahan as a magical fairy.

From 6pm the Village Green will have arts and craft stalls, roving entertainment, a BBQ and bar facilities. The performance will start at 8pm. Tickets are available from BASS on 131 246. Prices are $20 Adults, $12 Concession. Special family tickets are available at $55 for a family of 4 (2 adults and 2 concessions), $75 for a family of 6 (2 adults and 4 concessions) and $95 for a family of 8 (2 adults and 6 concessions). This will be a lovely way to start the school holidays!

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From the Finance Office (cont) paid within 30 days from date of invoice or within the same calendar year if on a periodic payment arrangement with the College) are requested to contact the Finance Office as a matter of urgency. Thank you to the families who have arranged in advance periodic payments for 2007 fees. The Finance Office will be closed from 22 December 2006 to 8 January 2007. Staff will be available at any other time during the holiday break. We wish all the Mercedes College Community a happy and festive Christmas and best wishes for the New Year.

Heather Burns On behalf of Mercedes College Finance Staff

Administration: Heather Burns 8372 3221 [email protected] Accountant: Craig Tilbrook 8372 3277 [email protected] Business Manager: Steve Bowley 8372 3222 [email protected] Family Matters Christmas time is by and large a festive, joyous time of the year, to which young and old alike look forward. It is a time for family and friends and celebration. However, for many families who have experienced separation or the death of someone close, Christmas time can bring mixed emotions, including a sense of sadness and loss. The range of bitter sweet emotions at this time can make it difficult to know just what to feel and how to cope and where to turn. While we may be able to celebrate the season with those we love, we are also acutely reminded of those who are no longer with us and mourn their loss more deeply. The religious celebrations which occur at this time of the year can help to reinforce a sense of community and connectedness, particularly for those who may be feeling alone and isolated. Connecting with our spiritual lives can also be a source of great emotional comfort. This is the time of year when those who are grieving require our support, care and understanding, so that they are able to mourn their losses and find comfort in the support of family and friends. Additional support may also be required and a range of telephone counselling support services are available including Lifeline (131114), Kids Help Line (1800 551 800), Youth Health Line (1300 131 719) and Crisis Care (131 611). In addition services such as Centacare Catholic Family Services (8210 8200) are able to be contacted for personal support, with the office closed only between December 25 2006 and January 1 2007 inclusive. As this very busy and full school year draws to a close, I would like to extend my very best wishes to all members of the Mercedes College Community for a happy and joyous Christmas and a safe and relaxing start to the New Year. I look forward to renewing our contact in 2007!

Anne Way College Psychologist

Learning Assistance Programme The Annual LAP Mass was held on 30 November 2006 at the Monastery. This Mass is an important occasion where we can all come together to celebrate a happy year. We were delighted that many students, volunteers, parents and staff attended the celebration. Father Brendan conducted the Mass with his usual engaging manner and enthusiasm, while Brother Gary provided the music and the beautiful images that accompanied the songs. The milk carton Christmas tree, the candles and the wonderful music performed by Jessie Caines, Jordan Sideris, Gaby McEvoy and Charlotte Twizell made the Mass very special indeed.

A feature of the Mass was the reflections from students and volunteers and we thank everyone who took part. It was very heartening to hear of the wonderful achievements and special bonds which have been developed this year. In 2006 we have welcomed over 100 students and volunteers to LAP and have enjoyed their company immensely. Thank you for entrusting your children to our care. 2007 promises to be exciting as we plan a major international LAP conference in Munich, Germany. Cathy and I wish our LAP family a very happy Christmas and a safe and relaxing holiday.

Penny Penhall and Cathy Cronin LAP Coordinators

Music Exam Results We congratulate all our music students who have successfully completed exams this year. In particular we congratulate the following students who recently received their results. 2006 ANZCA (Australia & New Zealand Cultural Arts Ltd) Modern Guitar Grade 1 Naomi Francis, Year 7, 91/100, Honours Thomas Press, Y ear 7, 95/100, First Class Honours Grade 2 Thomas Gordon, Year 8, 90/100, Honours Grade 3 Michael O’Flaherty, Year 10, 91/100, Honours Michael Lawless, Year 10, 90/100, Honours Christian Romano, Year 8, 74.5/100, Credit We also commend Ben Yeates for gaining Honours in his cello exam and William Twizell who gained Honours in his first piano exam.

Robin Pratt

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Music Exam Results (cont) Congratulations to the following students who were successful in their recent AMEB Music Theory Exams. First Grade Charlotte Venn Honours (99) James Venn Honours Marc Vieceli Honours Alice O’Connell Honours Nicholas Davis Honours James D’Alessandro Credit Third Grade Lauren Astrauskas High Distinction (98) Sarita Kidson Credit Allegra McCormack Credit Adeo McCormack Credit

Joanne Barac Music It has been a very busy, yet successful term in the Music department! The students have all been busy preparing for their various performances, ranging from individual exams (with many fantastic results) to Carols Night, musicals, string concerts, band and solo performances, and the end of year Mass. The Year 2 and 4 students have also been busy making their choices for their band and string programmes next year. In all, the students can feel very proud of their contribution to the Music Programme at Mercedes College.

At this point I would also like to extend a very big thank you to the very talented and supportive Music teachers here at Mercedes College. The peripatetic teachers and the Music faculty all work very hard throughout the year to make things run smoothly and give all the students many different opportunities to be involved in music. Many thanks to you all.

During the week I received an email from Celine Beaton-Smith. She is having a wonderful time but says she does miss us! We look forward to having Celine back next year to lead us through another great year of making music. I would also like to say thank you to Adrienne Cullity who has worked with great enthusiasm and vitality this term teaching the Junior School classes and for organising the fun Carols Night held last Friday in the Rose Garden.

On behalf of the Music Department I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year. Enjoy the holidays and I look forward to seeing you all in 2007.

Beatrice Lemm, Music Teacher

The Year 8 musical ‘Man of Steel’ was presented on 22 and 23 November at the Star Theatre. The music students learnt 20 new pieces over the second semester which provided all the music for the show. Our ensemble consisted of 6 flutes, 3 guitars, 4 keyboards, 2 Percussion, 4 saxophones, 1 trumpet and 3 violins. Congratulations to the Year 8 Music students who were extremely professional throughout the whole process, resulting in a highly polished performance. Many thanks must go to the instrumental staff for their assistance in preparing the students for such a major piece of work.

Adam Hooper, Music Teacher

MERCEDES PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (MP&FA) Email: [email protected]

AGM The Mercedes College Parents & Friends Association held its AGM on Wednesday, 29 November 2006. The following parents were elected as office bearers for 2007:

Chairperson: Mary Odlum Vice Chairperson: Liz Watson Secretary: Fiona Ayres Vice-Secretary: Susie Smith Treasurer: Helen Scanlon

Thanks go to Matthew Howie for doing a wonderful job as Treasurer over the past two years. I would also like to acknowledge the hard work of Karen Brien who is taking a year off from the Committee in 2007. The MPFA 2006 Committee have done an excellent job and I look forward to working with the 2007 Committee. Thanks also to all the Class Reps for their assistance in spreading the hand of friendship within the Mercedes Community.

If you would like to join the MP&FA for 2007, please come along to our next meeting which will be Tuesday, 6 February 2007, at 7:30pm in the Staff Room, Strathspey.

Morning Tea in the Sunken Garden Day 1 of Term 1, Thursday, 1 February 2007 from 8:45am Please join us for a coffee or tea on the first day back of Term 1. We will be holding our morning tea in the Sunken Garden due to the Rose Garden being unavailable.

Class Parties 2007 – Please put these dates in your diary A wonderful Mercedes tradition inviting all parents to get together with others of the same class level. These parties are hosted in family homes and are a fun way to meet the teachers, catch up with old friends and make new ones. So, mark your calendar, book a baby sitter, bring a small plate to share and a bottle of something you like to drink. We look forward to seeing you there!

Reception, Years 1 & 2 23 February (Week 4), Fiona and Peter Ayres Years 3, 4 & 5 23 March (Week 8), Fiona and Nick Twizell Years 6 & 7 9 March (Week 6), Sinead and Michael Shanahan Year 8 2 March (Week 5), Julia and David Martin Years 9 & 10 16 March (Week 7), Colleen and Robert Tomlian Years 11 & 12 30 March (Week 9), Cheryl and Ray Khabbaz

More details to follow in the first Mercy Vine in 2007.

Happy Holidays On behalf of the MP&FA, I would like to thank all the families who have supported and attended MP&FA events this year. I hope everyone enjoys the summer holidays, have a great Christmas and New Year!

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MP&FA (cont)

Contact Details If you wish to contact the MP&FA please do so – either by email ([email protected]) or by phone, (Mary Odlum Mob: 0403 360 648).

Mary Odlum Chairperson

Mercedes Parents & Friends Association Speech and Drama Speech and Drama has proven to be very successful this year. The following is a list of results achieved by many students for the Eisteddfod and Examinations. Speech and Drama Communication Eisteddfod First Place Open Age Group Improvisation – Chris Bierton, Katherine, Challis, Annalise Hogan, Benjamin Reichstein – The Wedding Under 10 Humorous Recital – Georgia Penglis Under 15 Group Improvisation – Nikita Adama, Emma Blackman, Todd Fogarty, William Gloster, Alex Graham, Lucy Mickan – Space Under 13 A Prepared Talk – Alice O’Connell – Sport Second Place Open Age 20th Century Literature – Lucy Pickering – Clueless by Amy Heckering Under 15 Original Poem – Lucy Pickering – Over Now Under 15 Group Improvisation – Alexis Brassil-Hedger, Sarah Grant, Caitlin Maxted, Ruby Opozda-Westley, Alexandra O’Sullivan, Clare Reichstein, Ella Shanahan – Courtroom Under 10 Memorised Poem – Georgia Penglis – Disobedience by AA Milne Third Place Under 13 Group Improvisation – Glenn Mulders, Jesse Cordoma, Laura Head, Andrew Hogan – Last Under 10 Memorised Poem – Sarah Reynolds Under 15 Prepared Prose Reading – Lucy Pickering – Alice in Wonderland – Lewis Carol Drama and Performance Theory Second Grade – Lucy Pickering – Received C+ Drama and Communication Examinations Introductory Grade – “Who am I?” Chloe Dunstan, Charlotte Raffen, Jewel Tan – Received B. “Sugar and Spice House” Emily Abbot, Morgan Brooks, Declan Kerrish, Sarah Reynolds, Hannah Willats – Received C+. First Grade – “The Big One” Ashlinn Sambrook, Christian Belperio, Alexandra Bonato, Alice O’Connell – Received C. “In the Laboratory of Dr Death” Charlotte Venn, Laura Head, Andrew Hogan, Jesse Cordoma, Madeleine Lindholm – Received A. Second Grade – “The Lost Imagination” Sophie Arnold, Courtney Birrell, Naomi Melick, Glenn Mulders, Renee Tamblyn – Received B+. Third Grade – “Faster, Higher, Stronger” Christian Bonato, Georgia Grant, Caitlin Hunter, Rochelle Nemer, Dahna Risborg – Received B. Drama and Performance Practical Preliminary – Ana Maric B+.

First Grade – Grace Berwald A, Mia Maric C, Georgia Penglis B+, Lucy Schapel C+. Second Grade – Sarah Reynolds A+, Ellen Watson B. Sixth Grade – Lucy Pickering A. Congratulations to all students involved and who have worked hard all year. I look forward to seeing what 2007 will bring. I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Peta Long Speech and Drama Director

News from the Sports Desk Term 4 Sport finished well for many teams. Tennis has two weeks to play before finishing on 16 December. Last Saturday I had the pleasure of watching some of our tennis players take on the best that many of the surrounding clubs can produce and our players performed very well. I also watched the Year 8 Cricket team take on Glenunga International High School at Waite Oval. Players were rotated in their bowling to ensure all contributed and, in a thrilling finish, Mercedes won by 2 runs to finish the season on a winning note. Congratulations to all players on a fine effort. On Sunday, I travelled to West Beach to watch our Sailing team compete against some very well equipped and professional looking outfits. It was great to see the event involve so many aspiring sailors, all keen to out-manoeuvre other boats in winds that were favourable early, but later changed to make sailing most difficult. Boats are loaned to schools for the racing programme of approximately 5-7 races around the course. This programme involved approximately 150 students from St Peters College, Wilderness, Westminster, Sacred Heart, Immanuel and Mercedes. The recent Sports Assembly featured the return of old scholar, Ryan Graney who has pursued a career that features his passion for heights. He scales skyscrapers making repairs to areas inaccessible to cranes. He is currently working at Torrens Island where he is X-raying the power station chimney stacks and reporting on their condition. Ryan spoke of his experiences as a climber in Germany and we saw footage of some of his climbs up cliffs and other areas offering great challenges to even the best climbers in the world. Players awarded Most Valuable Players were presented with trophies and we were entertained by Darcy Callus on piano. Thank you to students and staff for their efforts in preparing for the assembly. Staff recently reviewed Soccer across the College from R-12 and this culminated in an extensive report featuring recommendations in nine areas: coaching standards and education, referees, training, soccer coordination, equipment, player standards, staff and parental involvement, grading, soccer culture and competition. Anyone interested in the contents of this report can contact me. Work has already commenced on the recommendations from this report, namely a So ccer Referees Course which has now accredited five referees for 2007 with a further six organised for February 2007.

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News from the Sports Desk (cont) On Saturday, February 3 February from 9:00am-12:00noon, we will be conducting an induction for all summer coaches engaged by the College in 2007 at Mercedes. During this time Paul Jarvis and I will be delivering a course entitled “Essentials of Coaching” having recently completed a Presenters Course at the South Australian Sports Institute. We hope to repeat this course for coaches of winter teams prior to the commencement of the 2007 Winter Sporting Programme which will provide us with the opportunity to improve the standard of coaching we have to offer. Topics to be covered with our coaches include; why children play sport, helping children with winning and losing, respect for umpires and officials, what makes a good co ach, planning different types of training, organising and grouping children, teaching skills and game play, team building and providing feedback, preventing and managing behaviour problems, working with parents and the place for awards and medals. Recently, the Sporting Leadership Group for 2007 was finalised when the Sport Captains were appointed. Sport leaders, James O’Connell and Elizabeth O’Fathartaigh will lead the following House Captains: Barry House: Madeline Collins and Tom Chisholm; Dalton House: Zoe Anastassiadis and Jack Almond; Fitzpatrick House: Leah Gerlach and Mitchell Browne; McAuley House: Elizabeth Glamuzina and Scott Tregenza. In support of their work across the College and to assist with the delivery of their sport the following have been appointed: Athletics: Jessica Goodchild, Alex Christou, Dom Symes, Dom Davis, Henry Liu and Max Glodde. Badminton: Katrina Li and Chris Bierton. Basketball: Emilie Rennie,Caitlin Trnovsky, Francesca Trott, Nathan Chettle, Harry Einarson and King Wang. Cricket: Chris Alexandrides. Cross Country: Natalie Hughes, Jessica Goodchild, Dominic Symes and Dominic Davis. Football: Angus Kelly, Tim Fearon, Tom Beilby, Will Batty, James Almond, Lachlan Jones and James Khabbaz. Hockey: Amy Manfield, Kieran Shanahan, Nick Facareta and Robert Grover. Netball: Minnie McCreanor, Liz Glamuzina and Karolinka Wicik. Sailing: Sarah Castree, Lucy Arrowsmith and Christian Holgar. Soccer: Francesca Trott, Leah Gerlach, Enzo Ferraro, Max Glodde, Henry Liu, Nick Woodbridge, Matt Mykolajenko and Brandon Mannarino. Softball: Natalie Castree and Nichola Munday. Swimming: Sophie Anderson, Joshua White and Jyaes Tan. Table Tennis: Kai Peng Zheng. Tennis: Nicole Fisher, Katerina Paraskevopoulos, Max Glodde, Nathan Weber, Kieran Shanahan. Volleyball: Phil White, Sean Singh and Steve Soeffky. Beach Volleyball: Rose Lacoon-Williamson. Water Polo: Ben Tripodi These young leaders attended the Leadership Camp on Wednesday at Nunyara and mapped out the activities that will be delivered in the first three terms of 2007, after which they will hand over their roles to the 2008 leadership group. Medals will be presented to all Leaders at the Inaugural Mass early in Term 1.

In 2007, we look towards a student driven push for greater accountability by players at training, a more resolute commitment to the College and another strong showing in the 3rd Intercollegiate Winter Sport fixture against St Ignatius College at SIC mid Term 3. Sport captains will be driving this agenda quite solidly in 2007 and we again look forward to the outcomes which are anticipated. In relation to curriculum matters, Mrs Penhall coordinated PE staff in a full day of planning for the introduction of a comprehensive health programme and for the extension of physical education to 3 lessons per week in 2007 – a total of 4 lessons. Topics in Health and PE were planned and in some cases some health topics will be allocated across other curriculum areas such as RE, Humanities and Science. This PE initiative in particu lar has been prompted by a Federal Government requirement to provide all students with a minimum of 120 minutes of physical activity each week. It promises to provide students with an innovative and long awaited programme for Health and PE in 2007. I would like to thank Mrs Penhall for her very extensive organisation and planning of the course, which has made the generation of the Health and PE programme a most productive one. Thank you to all parents, coordinators and staff for the tremendous support provided during 2006. We look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year, fit healthy and prepared for a very exciting 2007.

Bill Gaynor 8-12 Girls Sport The female students of Mercedes College continued to impress on the sporting arena throughout 2006. The girls maintained their high level of involvement through the weekly competition as well as annual sporting events. Both individual and team success was due to the high calibre of talent within our community, but the main driving force was the girls’ determination to do their best. Throughout the year Mercedes College fielded a total of 66 female teams in a wide range of sports including Softball, Basketball, Volleyball, Beach Volleyball, Netball, Soccer, Hockey, Water Polo and Tennis. Through the weekly SACSSGSA competition a committed number of students, parents, coaches and staff involved themselves in the Saturday morning sport competition. All teams can be congratulated on their success and improvement throughout the season, along with their fine representation of Mercedes College. At the start of the year we welcomed Basketball Coordinator Inga Young to the Senior Girls’ Basketball Programme. Inga was a student at Mercedes in 2005 and worked previously with the Junior Basketball players. Her efforts running the Girls Basketball in 2006 was greatly appreciated by all involved. We congratulate the Open B Gold side who took out the Term 4 Premiership in a close final against SHC. Beach Volleyball remained popular amongst the senior girls with ten teams being entered for the year. Each Tuesday and Wednesday evening saw the girls heading for the City Beach Complex and removing their sneakers for some fun in the sand. Captain Jayne Broadbridge worked well with the girls to

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News from the Sports Desk (cont) further develop their Volleyball skills. Encouragement and structured training sessions from Volleyball Coordinator Michael Murphy saw the Term 4 Volleyball competition attract 4 Y ear 8/9 teams. As a growing sport, we look forward to continual development in this area and thank Michael for all his work in 2006. Our Softball sides continued to dominate the Catholic Girls Competition in Term 1 with 4 of our 5 teams competing for premierships on finals weekend. Our Open A side led by coach Lorry Brown played Pulteney in a close game finishing second for the season. Our Open B side coached by Rob Pearce defeated Loreto in the final match and our Junior Gold team coached by Bernie Whitington played our Junior Green side led by Angela Perkins for the premiership with the Gold team finishing in first place. In Term 4, the Junior Green side again played for first place with a narrow loss to Loreto by one run finishing runners up. The Mercedes 9 female Tennis teams were competitive in the Southern District Competition through the Term 1 season. Three of our teams competed in the finals, each finishing runners up. We thank Tennis Coordinator Matt Smith for his organisation and coaching throughout the year. Our Netball season was again eagerly participated by a large number of female students. Whilst there was no team premierships, the 10C, 9B, 9C and 8C gold teams finished in second position. Our Soccer girls where also very successful with the Junior A team finishing runners up. Congratulations to our Junior B Soccer team who took out the premiership for season 2006. Coach Genevieve Healy was extremely proud of her team and looks forward to continuing her soccer involvement in 2007. A special thanks to Netball Coordinator Bree Woolley and Soccer Coordinator Matt Smith for all their organisation and tireless commitment to sport and female participation. The Sports calendar for Mercedes College saw the second year running of the St Ignatius/Mercedes Intercollegiate weekend. Mercedes hosted the day this year with great success. I was extremely proud of the three female teams who competed on the day with special mention to the Open Girls Soccer team and the Open B Y ear 11 teams who were successful in their matches. Congratulations to Liz O’Fathartaigh who was awarded best on ground for the soccer match. The Open A and B Netball sides also competed in fine form with Hannah Fahey awarded best on ground for the Open B Year 12 side and Elizabeth Glamuzina awarded best on ground for the Open B Y ear 11 side. Congratulations to all players who participated in the weekend. Mercedes College success in the Statewide Knockout Competitions throughout the year was varied in 2006. The Year 8 and Year 10 Statewide Knockout Basketball sides were both unsuccessful in their first round against Cabra College, as was the Year 9 Netball side against Marymount College. The Year 8/9 Soccer team however was extremely successful and progressed to the finals in Term 3. Their high level of talent and effective teamwork saw them play in the grand final against Henley HS. While they were unable to match the

strength of the Henley girls, they finished runners up in the State. Special mention to captains Francesca Biello and Katherine Ebbs, as well as Bridget Lindsay and Ella Shanahan for their determined efforts throughout the competition. Congratulations also to our Year 8/9 Softball girls who competed in the Statewide Competition in Term 4. The team successfully took out the State title for the second year running. Special mention goes to outstanding pitcher Georgina Thomas, and the excellent batting by Alyse Jansons and Amy Manfield in the finals series. It gives me great pleasure to acknowledge the success of our female students who where chosen to represent South Australia or Australia throughout 2006. Nadja Mayer (Yr 10) Weightlifting Sarah Castree (Yr 11) Weightlifting Francesca Biello (Yr 9) Soccer Georgina Thomas (Yr 9) Softball Hayley Taeuber (Yr 9) Diving Rachel Bugg (Yr 12) Diving Phoebe Haymes (Yr 10) Kayaking Finally, I would like to thank all the girls who participated in the College Sport programme throughout the year and I look forward to seeing you all competing in 2007. A huge thank you to the dedicated coordinators, PE and teaching staff, coaches, parents and grounds staff for their support and help in accommodating the large number of students so keen to participate.

8-12 Girls Sports Coordinator Alexandra Penhall

Athletics/Cross Country Runners – Holiday Running Training Following on from our successes of 2006; winning the SA Open Boys Knockout Cup on track, being placed in all of the major State Cross Country relays, gaining three Cross Country State selections and three Track and Field State selections, and winning at the Catholic Schools Secondary and Primary (Girls) Championships on track – achievements of which all Mercedes College students should be proud. I am offering holiday training for any College runners who would like to keep fit and start their preparations for what would almost certainly be a successful 2007 track and cross country preparation. This is open to sprinters and distance runners in any year level 4-12. These sessions are conducted at Waite Oval on Monday and Wednesday afternoons meeting at 5:35pm (except between 25 December and 7 January). The sessions will be conducted with my personal training group which has athletes at all levels from social runner to National and International level athletes between the ages of 10-50 plus. Why not come and try a session. I am sure you will enjoy it. Best wishes and God bless for the holiday season.

Gary Zeuner 0407 973 788

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News from the Sports Desk (cont) Junior School Sport SA Catholic Primary Schools Athletics Carnival Around 80 students from Years 4-7 headed for SANTOS Stadium on Monday 27 November to compete in Section 1 of the SACPSSA Athletics Carnival. Our students competed with determination despite the warm conditions and performed at a high standard. Our Under 10 Girls performed particularly well, taking out their division and Cassandra Meuris-Palfrey (5SM) recognised as Age Champion. Our girl’s team was awarded the shield as overall winners, while the boys finished sixth. This is the second year in a row the girls have won the title. SAPSASA Knockout Softball

Our Year 7 SAPSASA Knockout Softball team has made their way through to the Grand Final. The girls had a narrow semi-final win over St. Peter’s Girls School. Mercedes got off to a great start and held a 10-4 lead before Saints fought back and took a 12-11 advantage into the bottom of the final inning. Rosie Langford (7FG) made it home to level the game before Sarah Saad (7JO) drove the ball past centre field and brought two runners home. This year is the fourth year in a row that Dick Coombe has coached our team through to the final and we thank him for his efforts again this year. 2007 Mercedes College Swimming Carnival The Mercedes College Inter-house Carnival for swimming will occur early in Term 1 next year. This carnival involves all students in Years 4-7 and parents are very welcome. The Swimming Carnival will be held at Payneham Swimming Centre on Thursday 9 February. Nominations for events will occur during Week 1 of Term 1. School Holiday Cricket Coaching Clinics The Sturt District Cricket Club is co nducting coaching clinics on 19, 20 & 21 December at Price Memorial Oval - Angas Road, Hawthorn. The clinics will focus on skill development and enjoyment of cricket and are aimed at children aged 6 to 13. Each session runs from 9:00am until 12:00 noon and the cost for the three days is $50. For further information contact Jeremy Appleton, SACA Grade Cricket Officer on 8300 3838, 0408 490 079 or [email protected]. Good luck to all teams playing their final matches tomorrow. Huge thanks to all of the parents and family members for their support of sport in the younger years throughout 2006. It takes the efforts of a large number of people to provide the

sporting opportunities which have been available to our students throughout the year. Have a safe and happy holiday!

Paul Jarvis R-7 Sport Coordinator

Tennis Results Week 7

Boys Premier: Lost to Happy Valley by 1 Game Division 1: Defeated Bellevue Heights by 4 sets to 2 Division 2 Gold: Lost to Flagstaff Hill Division 2 Green: Lost to Happy Valley by 2 games (great effort boys) Division 3: Lost to Denman Division 4: Drew with Colonel Light West 3 sets all 27 games Division 5: Lost to Colonel Light West Division 6: Lost to Blackwood Division 7: Lost to O’Halloran Hill Division 8 Gold: Lost to Denman Division 8 Green: Lost to Kingswood Division 9: Defeated Goodwood by 2 sets and 9 games Division 10: Lost to Kingswood Division 11: Lost to Blackwood Division 12: Lost to Denman Girls Premier League: Defeated Goodwood by 4 sets & 14 games Division 3: Defeated Happy Valley by 2 games - well done girls Division 5: Lost to Blackwood Division 6: Defeated Denman by 4 sets and 11 games Division 8: Defeated Flagstaff Hill by 2 sets & 9 games Division 9: Defeated Goodwood by 4 games Division 10: Lost to O’Halloran Hill. Mercedes Water Polo Players There are 12 boys and approximately 7 girls who have nominated to play water polo in Term 1, 2007. An excellent opportunity exists during the holidays to commence the season with some good skills and knowledge of the game. This is being conducted by Jon Harmer from Blackfriars, a school with arguably the strongest water polo programme in the State.

HOLIDAY WATER POLO

Monday 15 to Friday 19 January inclusive

ADELAIDE AQUATIC CENTRE

2 timeslots 8:45am-10:15am

11:00am-12:30pm

Beginners and more advanced squad in each session.

Cost for 5 x 1.5hr session - $15 plus pool entry.

For bookings contact: Jon Harmer 0417 812 544 continued next page

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T 08 8372 3200 F 08 8379 9540 E [email protected] W www.mercedes.adl.catholic.edu.auABN 93 414 320 696 CRICOS Provider 00365D Catholic Church Endowment Society Inc. operating as Mercedes College

540 Ful larton Road Springfield South Austral ia 5062

Mercedes College Newsletter Page 12

News from the Sports Desk (cont)

The Sports Advisory Committee

The Sports Advisory Committee is a sub-committee of the Education Standing Committee of the College Council and is responsible for monitoring and reviewing the College sporting programme. This programme enriches the scope of the school’s offerings to students and contributes to the holistic education that is available to them.

The Sports Advisory Committee is responsible for: monitoring and reviewing the Extra Curricular Sports Programme within the sports policy approving the addition or deletion of sports within the Programmereporting to the College Council through the Education Standing Committee.

The Extra Curricular Sports Programme is funded by a combination of:

a school contribution/subsidy, as determined annually by the Finance Committee of the College Council the user pays principle

The Principal is to ensure that the Extra Curricular Sports Programme is conducted effectively with the parameters of the sports policy.

The Sports Coordinators Years R-7, 8-12 (Boys) and 8-12 (Girls) are responsible for all operational matters such as:

developing the Programme within this policy (resources, hire of staff and facilities) coordinating and managing the Extra Curricular Sports Programme budget managing student choice and participation developing operational procedures as required.

Membership of the Sports Advisory Committee Chairperson: Member of Education Standing Committee: Mrs Colleen Tomlian Executive Officer: (1) To be appointed for 2007 Sport Co-ordinators: (3) Primary R-7, Secondary 8-12

(Girls) and 8-12 (Boys)

Parent Representatives: Maximum of 6 2 - Junior School: Robyn Slutyers-Reynolds +vacancy 2 - Middle School: Greg Way, Carol Van Der Wijngaart 2 - Senior School: Rosemary Fisher + vacancy

Co-opted Members: Members co-opted by the Chairperson on the basis of expertise. Parent representatives are members for a two year term, based on an Expression of Interest.

The committee meets once per school term. Agenda items are developed in consultation with and between the Chairperson, Sport Coordinators and the Executive Officer.

The Committee reports to the Education Standing Committee and, as appropriate, makes recommendations regarding any significant changes to the Extra Curricular Sports Programme.

Communication Any parent who may wish to raise matters of concern or of interest with the College sporting programme are invited to speak directly with any member of the SAC or directly with the sport coordinators who may be contacted either by phone (8372 3249) or email: [email protected] (Chair) [email protected] (8-12 Boys) [email protected] (R-7) [email protected] (8-12 Girls)

Free Swimming Clinics

The Unley Swimming Club will be conducting a series of FREE stroke development clinics during the school holidays. Staring Saturday 9 December and held every Saturday morning during the school holidays, clinics will run from 7:30am-8:30am at the Unley Swimming Centre featuring appearances by some of South Australia’s top swimmers. Contact the Unley Swimming Club on 8276 2760 to book your place.

Dale Mazzachi Swimming Coordinator

THE COLLEGE SHOP

Final Trading Day 2006 Friday 8 December 8:15am – 12:00pm

2007 Trading Times Monday 15 January to Wednesday 31 January

9:00am to 4:00pm

From Thursday 1 February, The College Shop will revert to its normal trading times below.

Normal Trading Times Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 8:15am – 2:00pm Thursday, Friday 11:00am – 4:15pm