Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd
A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd
S P R I N G 20
16
01 Welcome from the Principal
02 170th Anniversary Celebration
06 Year 7 Celebrate 100 Days
07 Young writers make their Mark
08 IT Angels
10 Catholic Performing Arts Festival Results
11 Co-curricular / Learning
13 House Results
14 Mercy Day
16 Mercy in Action
19 Staff Profi le
20 Community
24 Victoria Square Alumni/MCA
29 Upcoming Events
ALEGRIA is the offi cial biannual
magazine of the Mercedes College.
Editor: Julie Cameron
Design: Four In One
Please direct all correspondence to:
ALEGRIA
Mercedes College
PO Box 6553, East Perth WA 6892
T: (08) 9323 1323
F: (08) 9323 1333
Email: [email protected]
www.mercedes.wa.edu.au
A Ministry of Mercy Education Ltd ABN 69 154 531 870
W H A T ’ S I N S I D E
1
Welcome to Alegria ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllleeeeeeeeeeeegggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaae Message from the Principal
1
This edition of ‘Alegria’ continues our
celebration of the life of the Mercedes
College community in its 170th year.
Few schools in Australia can match the
tradition of our College with a continuous
history of educating young people on
the school’s original site. The focus of
Catherine McAuley, Ursula Frayne and
the Mercy Sisters on making a positive
difference to the lives of others lives on in
our students, staff and parents.
A powerful endorsement of the College is
the fact that generations of families have
chosen Mercedes as the school of choice
for the education of their daughters. In
this edition there is a focus on our four
generation families and their memories of
the College and reasons for selecting the
school for their daughters.
Other articles that refer to the 170th
anniversary of the College include the
Sisters retracing the steps of Ursula
Frayne and the pioneer sisters including
a trip by boat. This same experience was
replicated for our own Year 7 students
on Mercy Day and for some primary
school students that have the Mercy
charism as part of their school heritage.
It was a wonderful opportunity to impart
information about the early sisters to
representatives from these primary
schools so that they could take the
information back to their peers. All Mercy
Day activities had a historical fl avour with
questions about the pioneer sisters and
the establishment of the College.
Our Music Tour to Ireland and England, as
well as celebrating our focus on excellence,
gave students an opportunity to visit the
Mercy International Centre at Baggot
Street. This was the home established
by Catherine McAuley to support the
homeless and vulnerable especially women
and children. Our tour students and staff
found this experience to be a once in a
lifetime opportunity.
The Mercy ethos of the College with
its focus on service as a Mercy value is
highlighted in the articles on Mercy in
Action. Frog Jog, Fashion for Compassion
and the Staff Service Day for example
all outline the importance of helping
others. The Staff Service Day gave staff
members a chance to experience what we
ask of our students and to role model the
importance of such activities.
The Mercy value of excellence is an
important part of daily life at the
College. The success of our students in
the Catholic Performing Arts Festival
including the Angelico Exhibition, writing
competitions, Mock Law Trials, debating,
athletics, volleyball and House Film all
attest to the importance placed on
students achieving a personal best in what
they do. Students are also challenged to
keep abreast of changes in the workplace
and the impact this can have on future
careers. The visit by the IT angels to
SpaceCubed and the diverse range
of Certifi cate courses on offer are all
examples of this focus of the College.
The pastoral care of our students is
something we take seriously especially the
transition of students from primary to
secondary school. The article on 100 Days
for the Year 7 is indicative of the emphasis
our staff members place on caring for
each student and the importance of
the role of signifi cant adults such as
Year Level Coordinators and Homeroom
Teachers in the lives of our students.
Mercedes College is a lively community
with many events and opportunities for
ex-students to be involved in alumni
activities. In this edition you will read about
key events such as Presentation Evening,
All Years’ Reunion, Mothers/Fathers’ Day
Breakfasts and so on.
Enjoy what this edition of ‘Alegria’ has
to offer and keep it as a memento of
our 170th Anniversary. I like to think that
Catherine McAuley and Ursula Frayne
would be proud of what was started
all those years ago and how we have
continued their legacy.
Mrs Kerrie Fraser
Mercedes College has a rich history
spanning 170 years in the Mercy
education of young girls and boys from
Perth and its surrounding country towns.
Many things have changed, but the
tradition of being a Mercy school and the
values it upholds continues to enrich the
lives of the families who send their young
girls to Mercedes College today.
We are very proud to have a number of
families who have had four generations
attend the College; our ‘4 Generation
Families’: the Roberts Family, the
Peacock Family and the Lyons Family.
Mercedes
Stands the
Test of Time
The Roberts family’s journey began
with Mary, who sadly passed away in
September at the wonderful age of 98.
Mary began her education at St Joseph’s
College in 1924. However, as one of 11
children, Mary missed a lot school often
having to help out with looking after her
siblings and doing chores around the
house. Mary’s daughter Moya followed
in 1949 when she was six years old,
followed by her grand-daughter Sonya in
1982, and great grand-daughters Emily
(Year 11) and Madeline (Year 8). Sonya
is also a long time, passionate staff
member at the College, teaching in the
Home Economics learning area for many
years. The College values of Compassion,
Justice, Service, Integrity and Excellence
are important to the family along with
the holistic education the College
offers. For the Roberts family they are
fortunate to have a legacy of their time
at Mercedes as all four of them, including
Mary, featured in the College’s fi rst video
on its “4 Generation Families”. The video
can be viewed on the College website at
www.mercedes.wa.edu.au.
Emily
Sonya Mary Moya
Madeline
3
The Peacocks began their journey around
1915 when their great grandfather Joe
Mitchell (dec.), came to St Joseph’s College
from Collie as a child. Joe married and
became
a Bank
Manager.
Joe’s two
children
Lorraine
(dec.) and
Vincent
began
at Our Lady’s College in 1942. Lorraine
married and had fi ve children and her two
daughters, Christine and Erin followed at
Our Lady’s in 1979 and 1981 respectively.
Lorraine was Head Girl in 1954 and had
fond memories of her time here at Victoria
Square, including the Mercy tradition of
helping others and the fun-fi lled days of
mischievous practical jokes played on the
nuns. Music, which has a strong tradition
at the College, played an important part
in the lives of the Peacock family, as did
sport. Christine’s daughter Annalise
began her journey in Year 7 this year.
For Christine, the caring and supportive
nature of the College community was an
important factor in her family’s decision to
continue their journey
with the College.
Jenny Lyons’ family tradition goes back
to her grandmother, Violet Padley (nee
Castle), named after Lake Violet where
she came from in Wiluna. Violet and her
sister Molly came to board at Our Lady’s
College in 1909. Years later following her
marriage, Violet’s son John attended
Victoria Square and later married Marion
Plunkett. Marion and her sister Gillian
were also students at Our Lady’s College
in 1955 and 1960. John and Marion’s three
daughters Jenny, Alison and Veronica
followed in 1982, 1987 and 1988. These
generations have wonderful memories
of their time at school – Marion fondly
recalls her homeroom teacher, Sister
Anna Maria, who today remains in contact
with some of her former students. Music
also played an important part in Violet’s
school life and this came through in
later generations with Marion and Jenny
enjoying the music and choir activities at
school. Jenny’s daughter, Angela (Year 8)
is now immersed in College life and will,
just like her predecessors no doubt, have
wonderful memories of life at Victoria
Square.
All of these families have one thing in
common: They all wanted to have the
rich education that Mercedes College
provided to them. Being immersed in
the story of the Sisters of Mercy, who
founded the College back in 1846, and the
College’s Mercy values of Compassion,
Justice, Service, Integrity and Excellence,
sets the College apart.
It is a great strength, it’s lasting, and
enriches the lives of the whole school
community.
Marion Erin JennyAnnalise Christine
Erin
Violet
Joe
Lorraine
Very early t his year all the Sisters of
Mercy in Perth received an outline of
some of the activities and gatherings
that would take place during this year
to celebrate 170 years since the fi rst
Sisters of Mercy arrived in Perth.
On January 9 we had the opportunity to
celebrate with our Mercy colleagues and
friends to retrace the original boat trip
that Ursula and her companions made
from Fremantle to Perth in 1846.
A month later on 9 April we enjoyed
a pilgrimage entitled ‘Walking in their
Footsteps’ with colleagues and friends
again. It was a spiritual pilgrimage – a
journey to a holy place. We began our
pilgrimage at the Bell Tower on Riverside
Drive. There was an atmosphere of
great excitement and joy as crowds
of us gathered together, chatted and
laughed as we waited for the appropriate
time to start our pilgrimage. We were
encouraged to stop at various places
and focus on the words of Ursula Frayne
where she described her impressions and
those of her companions as they walked
that fi rst pilgrimage. We did this at the
Bell Tower, Stirling Gardens, Council
House and the Pro-Cathedral.
The mood was one of reverence,
excitement and privilege as we moved
closer to the Convent at Victoria Square.
We were encouraged to refl ect as we
entered the Pro-Cathedral and as we
walked on the grassed triangular area in
front of the Convent.
When we arrived at the Convent we had
a beautiful prayer service entitled ‘Called
to the Ministry of Mercy. Prayer for the
Opening of Local Doors of Mercy’. Again
it was a beautiful reverent refl ective
time listening to the Mercy prayers and a
quote from Pope Francis’ Misericordiae
Vultus – the Face of Mercy. After this we
had a sumptuous morning tea and some
of us got home before the rain!
Sr Breda O’Reilly
Pastoral Ministry
Retracing Ursula Frayne’s Steps
Students and their teachers from 14
Catholic primary schools joined with
Catholic Education WA staff for an
adventure down the Swan River as they
re-enacted the story of the arrival of
the Sisters of Mercy back in 1846.
The students began their journey on
31 August boarding buses in the city
to take them to Santa Maria College,
where they were met by Sr Ursula
Frayne (played by Lisa Speranza,
Mercedes College, RE Teacher). From
there they boarded their boat for their
journey down the river.
Students were provided with a gift
of a pilgrim shell, a Mercy Medal and
a copy of Sr Frayne’s Life and Times.
Along the way the students listened as
Sr Frayne told the Sisters’ story - how
they arrived on Australian shores on
the bark, Elizabeth, and how they were
transferred to a small boat before
making the arduous journey up the river
and landing on the shores of the colony.
Students were also provided with
audio podcasts, organised by Mercedes
College Archivist and Sacristan, Vedette
Lendich, which helped to bring the story
alive on their iPads and headphones.
After arriving at Barrack Street
Jetty, the group followed Sr
Frayne to places of historical
signifi cance in the city.
Students learned that
although the Sisters
had no accommodation
organised, within
the month they
had established a
convent and school
that would become
the basis for Mercy
education in Australia
today.
Students Take a Trip Back to 1846
ation
5
74 members of the Mercedes/Trinity
Chorale departed on a musical experience
of a lifetime at the end of Term 2. We
spent the following two weeks travelling
around Ireland and the UK seeing sights
and sharing experiences we will never
forget.
We took part in International Music
Festival run by Dr Janet Galván, Director
of Choral Music at Ithaca College in
New York. Two choirs from the USA,
the Princeton Girl Choir and the Choral
Society of West Georgia, joined us to
form a massed choir of 130 members. Our
students had a wonderful time getting
to know new people who all shared the
same passion for music and singing. We
attended workshops which culminated in
two Festival Gala Concerts, one in Belfast
and one in Dublin.
We drove from Dublin to Waterford,
Cobh, Cork, Kilkenny and Belfast,
learning about the history of Ireland and
Northern Ireland with many singalongs
on the bus. We visited Malahide Castle,
the Titanic Experience, the Waterford
Crystal Factory and saw sights such
as the Belfast Peace wall, Big Ben and
Buckingham palace, rounding out our
musical experiences with plenty of
culture.
One of the most enlightening and
fulfi lling days was our tour of the Mercy
International Centre in Dublin. The Sisters
welcomed us with such kindness and
gratitude and we were able to perform
for them in their beautiful Chapel. The
girls learnt about Catherine McAuley and
gained a real insight into how her work
that led to the foundation of Mercedes
College. We walked in her footsteps,
prayed where she prayed, and saw where
she spent her days - and of course we
fi nished the day with a comfortable cup
of tea!
When touring City Hall in Belfast, we met
their Lord Mayor. He invited us to sing in
the foyer under the raised dome. It was
one of the most exquisite acoustics and
one of the most moving performances we
experienced on the tour.
Preparations for this tour began in
December 2015 and the students and
staff dedicated many hours to ensuring
performances were of the highest quality.
The girls shared their talents and
represented the College in a professional,
proud and respectful way.
Claire Glendinning and Jan Lawson
Music Department
Singing where our College Founder was Born - Ireland
With great excitement and fan-fare we celebrated the
fantastic learning that has taken place over the last 100 days
that Year 7 students have spent in high school at Mercedes
College. We paused to refl ect on what we have achieved in the
last 100 days, and what learning and new experiences we have
embraced. It was indeed a time to refl ect and think of our
achievements but also a time to perhaps set some new goals
and commit to an openness to even more opportunities.
The 100th day of high school is more than just a milestone
worth noting - it was the perfect time to have fun with
the number 100. The activities provided each student with
experiences of team building, creativity and refl ection.
Students focused on 100 ways they had shown mercy to others,
100 pieces of knowledge they had gained and 100 things they
have learnt about the new friends they have made. Year 7s were
also provided with the opportunity to write a letter to their
future selves. It is hoped that these letters will be returned to
them as young mercy women who graduate from the College in
2021.
Students also enjoyed the competitive 100 Days of High School
quiz with a small group from Wright taking home fi rst prize.
Moving out into the sunshine of the College oval, students
worked diligently to form the phrase “Year 7 100 Days”, which
was photographed from above and also by a drone. Their
treat at the end - a cup cake with a rice paper ‘100 day’ edible
message.
Melissa Trolio
Year 7 Co-ordinator
Celebrating 100 Days of High School
7
AUSTRALIAN CATHOLICS YOUNG JOURNALIST
COMPETITION
In the Year of Mercy, it was wonderful to hear that Year 7
ALP student Jessica Pendal won the Intermediate Section
of the Australian Catholics Young Journalist Award for her
poem “Joy by Name, Joy by Nature”.
The competition, which focused on the Year of Mercy,
required students to write about someone inspiring in
their community. Jessica immediately thought about her
neighbour Joy Barrett; a woman who inspires through all
that she gives and does for others.
Jessica said Joy was an active member of her church
helping a range of people in need. She helps care for
families of women in prison providing clothing items for
their children, and packs fi lled with essential items for
women who have had babies.
“She also assists in running a club on Friday evenings for
homeless and people with disabilities and regularly visits the
elderly in nursing homes nearby.”
Jessica hopes to be able to help at Joy’s club in the future,
so she too can help make a difference in the lives of those
less fortunate. Jessica’s poem was published in the Spring
edition of the Australian Catholics
magazine.magazine.
Our Young Writers Make their Mark
SOUTH PERTH YOUNG WRITERS COMPETITION
Year 8 ALP student Lily Graves
won fi rst place in the Junior
Secondary category of the
South Perth Young Writers’
competition with her short
story “Sooner or Later”. She
also won the prestigious
Christobel Mattingley
Bronze Medallion for the
most outstanding entry
in the competition, a truly
commendable feat. This prize
has only been awarded twenty
times in the 30-year history of
the writers’ awards.
In addition, the College
received a letter from the Fremantle Literature Centre
commending both girls in the Talented Young Writers’
program for their participation in a special WA Day writing
activity. The visiting authors, Phillip Gwynne and Archie
Fusillo, and all of the team at the centre expressed their
delight with the work that the student produced in such a
short time frame.
GEN Z COMPETITION
Congratulations to Jessica O’Brien and Zoe Manson for
winning The West Australian’s GEN Z competition. They won
a place on The West’s junior editorial panel and each receive
a $100!
The students will join a small group of students (from Years
7 to 12) on October 23 to fi nd out what goes on behind
the scenes at The West Australian, how news stories are
selected and how your daily newspaper is produced.
In addition, the students will meet some key editorial staff,
and help decide which stories make it into the Monday,
October 24 edition of The West Australian. This special
edition will give a voice to WA’s younger generation in
celebration of Children’s Week and the West will publish a
selection of entries from students around WA who entered
the competition.
Students will stay at Newspaper House to pull their fi rst
copies of YOUR GEN Z edition off the presses.
In August the IT Angels were given a snapshot of the world
of start-ups and social enterprises when they visited the
SpaceCubed city offi ce.
This amazing space, located in the old Reserve Bank, is
fi lled with interesting, quirky workspaces. SpaceCubed is all
about creating a community of entrepreneurs, developing
programs that members can access and providing networking
opportunities.
From its humble beginnings a few years ago, SpaceCubed now
has 750 members who share the space with other like-minded
individuals who are willing to share information and be mentors
to others.
The General Manager, Ophelie Rat said more women were
now entering the once male dominated fi eld of technology.
She introduced two young women to the students, Marianne
Annereau and Anna Powell. Both have used SpaceCubed to help
develop their business ideas.
Marianne explained that after graduating in 1997 it took her
10 years to fi nd what she was wanted to do. She began her
business, becoming the offi cial 360-degree photographer
in Perth for the Google Streetview app, enabling customers
to walk through the inside of businesses. Marianne’s http://
businessphotos.com.au is the only Google Street View provider
for Perth.
The second speaker Anna, a marketing graduate from New
Zealand, found herself in a job with a fi lm producer, which she
had little knowledge about. With good support, in a few short
years she had travelled to San Francisco, the world’s hub of
start-ups, and to China where she was thrust into meetings
with investor heavyweights. Finding herself in Perth she took a
leap of faith to develop her own business idea. In under a year
Anna, with the help of SpaceCubed and through the networking
opportunities offered to her, she was successful in receiving a
grant and subsequently won the 2016 RAC Seedspark prize for
WA Start Up’s. The success has seen her partner with the RAC.
Anna’s ‘Yabble’ www.yabble.co business is now in the market
testing phase before she launches in Perth. After that she
plans to go national, and then to the UK.
Year 9 student, An Tran, said hearing the women speak was
really empowering. “It showed us that women can also achieve
great things in this type of industry”.
Julie Cameron
Marketing & Public Relations Manager
A Visit to SpaceCube
Ophelie Rat
Marianna Annareau
Anna Powell
Paul Reid
9
STEM on Show
The Library was buzzing yesterday lunch time (Wednesday
29 June) when the IT Angels ran a Pop Up MakerSpace. The
previous week the IT Angel students were provided with
a range of robots, Virtual Reality headsets, apps, coding
circuits, a Minecraft world, Augmented reality, 3D design
apps and simple electronic circuitry and challenged to turn
up to the Pop Up MakerSpace with something to show and
share related to STEM - Science, Technology, Engineering
and Maths.
With much excitement the IT Angel’s peers and teachers
took part in a range of activities including programmable
robots, printing 3D bracelets, a celery piano, a virtual
heart, Virtual tours through the human nervous system
and much more.
Part of developing students that are future ready means
encouraging them to make connections to their own
interests and to bridge their links between different
content areas through projects that excite and engage.
Everything we know about the way the world is evolving is
saying that STEM is becoming a more important part of
not only the technology sector, but every sector of the
economy—and, solving most of the world’s most important
problems. So STEM education is important for every
student, no matter what they want to do in life. In general,
“makerism” is also a culture of creation over consumption.
Via these-student driven activities where they are
agents of their own learning we see a range of excellent
outcomes:
� Empowers students to showcase their abilities.
� Encourages Teamwork - students work together to
solve problems.
� Promotes Student Engagement - students are focused
and on-task.
� Cultivates Creativity & Innovation - students become
creative and innovative.
� Encourage girls exploring STEM - development of skills
and understanding of cross-curriculum link
� Facilitates Critical Thinking - students develop
critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Paul Reid
Director of Learning Technology
At the recent Catholic Performing Arts Festival held at the Perth
Convention Centre, Mercedes College was awarded the Zenith Music
Commendation Award for Sustained Improvement. The results were
a fantastic achievement and reward for all the wonderful work the
Music Department and its students have achieved over the last fi ve
years.
The Mercedes/Trinity Chorale performed Sililiza and Total Praise,
from our performances in the Secondary Music section and the
Sacred Music Section of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival. The
Chorale was awarded the Shield for both of these sections. Year 11
student, Hannah Anderson also received the Shield for Secondary
Drama performance (Scripted Drama).
R E S U LT S
Monsignor Michael Keating Award
Hannah Anderson (Year 11) Shield: Secondary Solo Works (Scripted
Drama)
Benedictine Community of New Norcia Award
Mercedes/Trinity Chorale Shield: Sacred Choral Music (Secondary)
Loreto Sisters’ Award
Mercedes/Trinity Chorale Shield: Choral Singing (Secondary)
Orchestra Shield Playoff: Instrumental Ensembles
Mercedes/Trinity String
Shield Playoff: Instrumental Ensembles
Senior Percussion Ensemble
Shield Playoff: Instrumental Solo (Vibraphone)
Carissa Soares
Shield Playoff: Instrumental Duet (Marimba & Vibraphone)
Laura Saxon & Carissa Soares
HONOURABLE MENTION
Aimee Nguyen Inst. Solo (Flute)
Alex Heath Inst. Solo (Flute)
Alexandra Del Casale Inst. Solo (Flute)
Alice Farley Inst. Solo (Cello)
Aneeta Phan Sec. Piano Performance
Bethany Hunt Inst. Solo (Flute)
Bianca Metcalf Sec. Vocal Solo
Bronte Miltrup & Alex Heath Inst. Duet (Flute & Piano)
Caitlin Symons Sec. Vocal Solo
Carissa Soares Inst. Solo (Vibraphone)
Catherine O’Donoghue Sec. Solo Works (Scripted Drama)
Charlotte Greenway Inst. Solo (Double Bass)
Elisabeth Shaw Sec. Solo Works (Scripted Drama)
Ella Simpson Sec. Vocal Solo
Georgia Mola Sec. Solo Works (Original Drama)
Georgina Teakle Sec. Solo Works (Scripted Drama)
Grace Armstrong & Alex Di Dio Inst. Duet (Saxophone)
Grace Kay Inst. Solo (Saxophone)
Hannah Anderson Sec. Solo Works (Scripted Drama)
Iesha Palelei Sec. Solo Works (Original Drama)
Isabella Marchetti Sec. Solo Works (Scripted Drama)
Jayda D’Agostino Sec. Vocal Solo
Jessica Wade Inst. Solo (Violin)
Laura Saxon & Carissa Soares Inst. Duet (Marimba & Vibraphone)
Leanna de Souza Inst. Solo (Violin)
Madeline Gardiner Inst. Solo (Flute)
Mia Duplock Sec. Vocal Solo
Neve Havercroft Sec. Solo Works (Drama)
Nina O’Rourke & Euan MacMillan Sec. Vocal Duet
Sarah Cocks Sec. Solo Works (Original Drama)
Sinead Duffi n Sec. Solo Works (Original Drama)
Stephanie Shaw & Seamus Harrison Sec. Vocal Duet
Tess Metcalf Sec. Solo Works (Original Drama)
Mercedes/Trinity Chorale Sacred Choral
Mercedes/Trinity Chorale Sec. Choral Singing
Mercedes/Trinity String Orchestra Inst. Ensembles
Mercedes/Trinity Vocal Ensemble Sec. Choral Singing
Mercedes/Trinity Wind Band Sec. Concert Band
Mercedes/Trinity Wind Ensemble Sec. Concert Band
Mercedes/Trinity Wind Orchestra Sec. Concert Band
Salimi-Caitlin Symons & Putri Sunarko Contemporary Band
Saxophone Ensemble Inst. Ensembles
Select Choir Sec. Choral Singing
Senior Percussion Ensemble Inst. Ensembles
Vocal Ensemble Sec. Choral Singing
Merit Award
Angela Lawrence Inst. Solo (Saxophone)
Ania Malek Inst. Solo (Saxophone)
Charlie Teakle Inst. Solo (Trumpet)
Ella Simpson & Bianca Metcalf Sec. Vocal Duet
Holly Lobo-Davies Sec. Piano Performance
Jayda D’Agostino Sec. Piano Performance
Marcella Morton Inst. Solo (Saxophone)
Marisa Rocca Inst. Solo (Cello)
Natalie Lawrence Inst. Solo (Clarinet)
Sarah Henbury Inst. Solo (Clarinet)
Sofi a Ward Inst. Solo (Cello)
Veronica Fitzgerald Inst. Solo (Flute)
Choir Sec. Choral Singing
Flute Choir Inst. Ensembles
Mercedes/Trinity String Ensemble Inst. Ensembles
Year 7 Clarinet Ensemble Inst. Ensembles
Year 8 Clarinet Ensemble Inst. Ensembles
The Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Q u o t e f r o m C E W A
‘I would like to congratulate the Mercedes/Trinity Chorale
for their outstanding performances under the direction
of Ms Claire Glendinning and Dr Robert Braham. The level
of excellence is a credit to all those involved. The Choirs
had sung two different pieces of music, a very vibrant
and entertaining piece from the Choral Singing section
and then a moving, uplifting piece from the Sacred
Choral Section. This was an exceptional performance
to conclude the fi rst half of the evening. I would also
like to congratulate Mercedes College on winning the
prestigious Zenith Clock for the Zenith Commendation
Award for Sustained Improvement.’
Well done to the Music Department for all their hard
work in preparing the students. Excellent result.
11
Year 10 Georgia Clarke has just been awarded two prizes at the opening of the Angelico
Exhibition, Highly Commended in the Angelico Art Award category and fi rst place in the
Years 7-10 three dimensional category for her sculptural work “Merciful Heart”.
The Angelico Exhibition is part of the Catholic Performing Arts Festival and ran
throughout August at the Forrest Centre in Perth.
Megan Humphries, Adelina Holil, Sophie Woods, Julia Colangelo and Brittany Anderson also
had fabulous work in the exhibition.
Year 10
Exhibiti
Years 7
The Ang
through
Megan
had fab
Catholic Performing Arts Festival
Angelico Exhibition
On Saturday the 7th May six valiant
upper school students braved the rain
and cold to compete in the inaugural
Creative Edge Problem Solving
Challenge. Linked to Opti-Minds, this
challenge gives Years 11 and 12 an
opportunity to be creative and solve
different problems in a team.
There were three challenges that
the teams rotated through, requiring
different skills. Science, Engineering,
Literature, and Social Science skills
were all drawn upon to able to solve
these challenges effectively.
Mercedes College again proved that
they have a creative edge, with the
team of Lily McDermott, Annabel Haizer,
Monica Buckley, Izzy Rossaro, Alison
Roach and Vanessa Joe bringing home
fi rst place.
Callie Steven
English
Mercedes Prove they have the Creative Edge
The Law Society of Western Australia
holds the Interschool Mock-Law
Competition for students in Years 10,
11 and 12. The competition comprises
of six competitors (two witnesses,
two barristers, a court orderly or
judges associate and a solicitor) and
six reserves per team. Supported by
teachers, Tim Poga and Isaac Cook,
teams are given either a civil or criminal
case for each trial against another
school. Trials range from simple criminal
cases like stealing to complex civil
actions involving negligence. Trials are
held after hours in the Supreme Courts
and help students to develop their
public speaking skills. Unfortunately,
both teams narrowly missed fi nals.
Congratulations to Alexandra
Collins (Year 11) for winning the 2016
Jurisprudence Award for the Best
Barrister at Mercedes College and Eliza
Toohey, (Year 10) who won the Witness
Award.
MOCK LAW
Each year the Institute of Technology
(TAFE) offer Profi le Funded places
(fully paid for by the government) to
students who elect to attend TAFE one
day a week to study in a specifi c area.
This year the College has seven
students at Years 11 and 12 level
participating in this program and whilst
it is challenging juggling school work
and external study, there are many
benefi ts that include participating in
an adult learning environment, gaining
independence and communicating with
teachers and others away from their
‘normal’ school environment.
Students at the College are enrolled in
a wide range of courses ranging from
certifi cates in Beauty Therapy, Health,
Information Technology Networking,
Applied Fashion Design and Technology,
Building and Construction, and Media, a
new program this year.
At the completion of Year 12, students
can transition into the next certifi cate
level or fi nd employment.
One Year 12 student, Monica
Damianopoulos, has been successfully
accepted into the Ramsay Health
program that required her to
attend group interviews and submit
competitive documentation. She is very
excited to start working at Hollywood
Hospital for one day a week.
In addition, the College has fi fteen Year
11 students who began their Workplace
Learning programs mid-year. Students
gain enormous confi dence from being
in the workplace and they also have
the opportunity of further developing
important employability skills. Students
are often offered part time work by
their employer.
All students who participate in these
programs are expected to maintain
their school work and studies, and
submit assessments on time.
Cheryl Alach
Careers Co-ordinator
Four teams entered the WADL Interschool
Debating competition this year, with
twenty-one students making up two
teams at the Novice level (Year 8), and two
at the Junior level (Year 9-10). Debates
against some of Perth’s top Independent
and Public schools took place over Terms 1
and 2 with topics ranging from a proposal
at Novice level, ‘That public transport
should be free,’ to the contention in the
Junior competition that ‘Families whose
children perform well in school should
receive welfare payments’.
Teams were ably mentored by their
coaches, Mr Doria, Mr Beare, Mrs O’Toole
and Mrs McPherson. wAll teams improved
this year, scoring at least one win and Mr
Beare’s Novice team achieved four wins
out of fi ve, making it to the Preliminary
fi nal. Unfortunately, they lost narrowly to
Perth Modern. Congratulations to Vy Tran,
Sophia Wood, Gabriella Miocevich, Olivia
Pedretti and Lisa Le for their committed,
spirited efforts in their fi rst year of
debating.
The AHISA (Association of Heads of
Independent Schools of Australia)
debating competition is a demanding
competition debating fi ve topics over
fi ve consecutive weeks during Term 3.
Debate topics covered themes such as
Sport, Business and Economics, Media,
Ethics and Social Justice, and Indigenous
issues. Our Year 10 team of Mia Duplock,
Alysha D’Souza, Teehani Ralph and Jade
Mascarenhas were successful in winning
four out of fi ve debates against schools
such as Hale School, Aquinas College and
two St Mary’s teams. The only team to
defeat them was Scotch College, who won
the division. This was a very creditable
achievement by our girls and only made
possible by their commitment to meetings
and their preparedness to research and
edit their debates in their own time.
I am confi dent that all students enjoyed
their involvement in debating this year
and that the knowledge and skills they
developed will have a valuable impact on all
areas of their academic lives.
Mrs Anne McPherson
Other Study OpportunitiesInterschool Debating
WA State Volleyball School CupMercedes competed in the WA State Volleyball Schools Cup tournament from 1– 4
September. Six teams represented the College and for most girls, this was their
fi rst Schools Cup competition for volleyball.
All teams played extremely well. Four teams were undefeated in their pool games
and progressed through to the fi nals that were played on Father’s Day. All four
teams amazingly won their semi-fi nal and went on to win Gold in the Grand Final.
It was such an exciting day for both players, coaches and parents in which their
efforts, time and dedication to training and game play was rewarded with the gold
medal.
Congratulations to Nadia Pisano (Year 8 Div B), Morgan Aquino (Year 9 Div B),
Jasmine Serra (Year 10 Div A) and Taylah Stewart (Year 11 Div A) who won the Most
Valuable Player for their respective divisions.
Three of these teams are continuing their training in preparation for the Australian
Volleyball Schools Cup competition to be held in Melbourne in early December.
Ms Corinne Kirry
1313
H OU
SE
S
House Film 2016
L-R: Holly Van, Sarah Murphy, Rosie Monaghan, Grace Wojtowicz, Nina O’Rourke, Georgia Barton (Director),
Putri Sunarko (Assistant Director), Bridget Murphy, Alice Monaghan, Sienna Lee, Montana Godsell,
McDonald House
The House Film competition seems to
get better every year, and this year was a
standout! Six directors, one representing
each of the College Houses, were chosen
based on their ideas in Term 4 last year.
From that point, they planned, scripted,
storyboarded and casted their fi lms, all
before the end of the year. Come 2016, the
girls then had to fi nalise their fi lms and
their scripts, including planning costumes,
props and which locations around the
College they would use to fi lm.
The fi lming weekend was held on the last
weekend of Term 1, when the directors,
together with their wonderful cast and
crew, fi lmed the majority of the production
over three days. After this, the editing and
re-shooting began. The fi lms were due to
the judges by the end of Term 2, which
meant some long nights of editing to make
sure they were ready to go.
On 7 September, the House Film Festival
screening night was held at the Cygnet
Theatre in Como. This was a wonderful
evening, where the directors could
celebrate with friends and family, all the
work that had gone into this event.
Congratulations to all the Directors:
Ella Parker for Cooper, Sascha Coates
for Frayne, Sarah Clifford for McAuley,
Adrianna Rivas for Serisier, Olivia Jansen
for Wright, and the winning Director
and House for 2016, Georgia Barton for
McDonald for their fi lm The Murder at
Mustard Manor. All directors should be
incredibly proud of what they achieved
through the process of House Film.
The screening also showcased some
student work from Years 8-12, highlighting
the talent in this subject area.
Bridgette Sattler
Media Coordinator
Nina O’Rourke (Best Actress) and
Bridget Murphy (Best Supporting
Actress)
The Inter-House Athletics Carnival on Thursday 23rd June
proved to be a tense contest indeed. There were some very
close tussles between the girls, across all year levels, and the
fi nal result was not decided until the last relay race. The efforts
of each student involved in the track, fi eld and novelty events
were impressive and the girls are to be commended on their
attitude and participation.
The fi nal individual and team results are as follows:
INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONS
Yr Runner-Up Pts Champion Pts
7 Kate Armstrong 99 Alexandra Sartor 118
Kennedy Mauger
8 Mia Robinson 93 Olivia Henshall 118
9 Sarah Hillyer 131 Alexandra Versteeg 148
10 Jasmine Serra 96 Bronte Mitchell 115
11 Georgina Versteeg 155 Olivia Ridley 176
12 Tess Raven 125 Kate Martin 141
TEAMS
Athletics Shield Novelty
House Pts House Pts
1st McDonald 1910 1st McAuley 128
2nd Serisier 1906 2nd McDonald 126
3rd Cooper 1843 3rd Frayne 108
4th McAuley 1764 4th Cooper 92
5th Wright 1660 5th Serisier 90
6th Frayne 1558 6th Wright 86
Congratulations to McDonald House on winning the Athletics
Shield and well done to all of the students who participated on
the day.
Greg Smith
Acting Head of Learning, Health and Physical Education
Interhouse Athletics
MERCY IN A
CT
ION
YEAR 7
To mark the 170th Anniversary of the arrival of the
fi rst Sisters of Mercy to WA and the founding of the
College, Mercy Day celebrations for our Year 7 students
included an exciting journey. “A Pilgrimage of Mercy:
In the Footsteps of Ursula Frayne” is a ritual journey
where stories are shared, challenges encountered and
transformation is possible.
Following Mass in the Cathedral, the Year 7s and
accompanying staff were transported to Fremantle to
retrace the steps of the Sisters of Mercy who came to
Australia in 1846, beginning in the town where the Sisters
landed on Australian soil. We then journeyed up the Swan
River by ferry to Barrack Street Jetty as the Sisters
did, and listened to Ursula Frayne’s refl ections via audio
tracks that had been prerecorded for our journey.
We travelled back to the College on foot, replicating the
same journey that Ursula Frayne and her companions
made. Our journey provided opportunities to stop at
T.Sharp & Co. where the Sisters found rooms to let on
the corner of Hay and Barrack Streets from Martha
Crisp, the location of the Sister’s leased cottage on
St Georges Terrace, diagonally opposite Perth’s fi rst
Government House and fi nally at St John’s Pro Cathedral,
where the missionaries gave thanks for a safe journey
and arrival.
Melissa Trolio
Year 7 Coordinator
YEAR 8
Mercy Day this year saw the students travel to The Maze
in Bullsbrook to complete a Mercy Treasure Hunt. The
girls were split into teams where they had to solve the
Mercy riddles they were given, which directed them to
different locations around the park. At each location the
teams needed to search for a hidden number, as well as
receive a piece of the puzzle from the staff member at
the post. Teams then needed to write the number they
had found corresponding to each clue in the boxes at the
bottom of their treasure hunt slip. Once all riddles were
solved, numbers found and puzzle pieces collected, the
teams sprinted for the treasure chest to use their code
they had found to unlock the chest and retrieve the last
piece of their puzzle. Once they assembled the jigsaw
puzzle they were then required to fi nd the secret word
‘Mercy’ embedded in their puzzle.
Alicia Sharpe
Year 8 Coordinator
YEAR 11
The Year 11s celebrated Mercy Day off campus in a ‘Hang
out with Mercy’ activity. The cohort was divided, with one
group attending Rockface in Northbridge, and the other
attending The HangOut in Bayswater. Working in small
groups they had to put together an eight-part timeline
of historic events that led to the establishment of our
College.
In groups of four girls were given eight envelopes, each
containing a different event in the historic timeline.
Climbers had to climb the wall and randomly place the
envelopes at varying heights until they reached the top.
Although the climbers were safe and securely harnessed
to the climbing ropes, knowing that their friends fi lling
the role of the belayer controlled the speed of their
descent was a challenge to some.
Climbers then took it in turn to ascend the wall to
collect an envelope. Upon returning to the ground the
group would open the envelope to hopefully discover
event number one. Unfortunately, if event one was not
contained in the envelope the climber would have to take
it back up the wall and select another. This process would
continue until fi nally event one was found. Following the
exciting discovery, climbers were swapped and event two
was the new target.
The activity allowed groups to work together
collaboratively and positively with one another, and a
wonderful way to bring Term 3 to a close.
Liam Smith
Year 11 Coordinator
Year 7 Coordinator
e
e
e
e
C
In
c
C
e
A
t
t
d
C
c
g
e
c
it
YYYYEYEYEYEAAAR 11
The Year 11s celebrated Me
out with Mercy’ activity. The
group attending Rockface
attending The HangOut in B
groups they had to put tog
of historic events that led
T
o
g
a
g
o
Mercy Day Adventure
15
YEAR 9
On Mercy Day, Year 9 had an enlightening and enjoyable
time engaging in a range of activities that were
designed to increase our appreciation of the richness of
indigenous culture. Olman Walley and his companions, who
conducted the program at Kings Park, introduced us to
a range of cultural activities as well as some important
statistics and facts about life for local people prior to
and since the arrival of Europeans. Everyone participated
with enthusiasm in the dancing, storytelling, art and
examination of artefacts.
Our fi nal concert involved students from Balga SHS
presenting traditional dances. We were also blessed with
good weather for all but the last ten minutes, when we
just had time to collect the lovely lunches prepared and
delivered by Mrs Stacey and her helpers and rush for
the buses. The ride home was full of excited discussions
about all we had seen, heard and experienced. The girls
were very grateful to have had this opportunity to
learn more about the fi rst peoples of our area and to
recognise that their culture is still so vibrant after all
the sad events of recent centuries.
Bernadette Dell
Year 9 Coordinator
YEAR 10
Following in the tradition of a “Comfortable Cup
of Tea”, the Year 10 girls and teachers enjoyed a
sumptuous High Tea on Mercy Day, with delicious fi nger
food being served by Year 10 mums.
We were privileged to host the Sisters of Mercy (our
living history), Monsignor Keating and Fr Brennan.
Another special guest was Anna Bruno, an ex-student
and contestant from My Kitchen Rules, who judged our
cookie baking competition. Anna was very impressed
with the standard of baking and found it very diffi cult
to award the prizes.
An historial quiz followed and the ‘dance-off’, with
six classes demonstrating to each other the dances
they have choreographed in PE during the year. A
fi tting conclusion to the activities came in the form of
chocolate treats and a gelato.
A big thank you to Jackie Stacey and the wonderful
mums who set up the hall, and those who served us.
The High Tea was a most enjoyable way to have fun
together.
Sherrin Adams
Year 10 Coordinator
YEAR 12
To celebrate the 170th Anniversary of Mercy education
and their fi nal Mercy Day at Mercedes College, Year 12
students were given the task of completing the Amazing
Race of Mercy.
Groups were sent off with one clue, which set them up
for a journey through the city. They were required to
locate staff members at signifi cant places, complete
challenges and use their clues to determine the correct
path leading them back to their starting point at the
College.
Challenges ranged from dressing up as Sir JJ Talbot
Hobbs, fi nding a hidden keyring among a vast display of
padlocks, to matching the talents of Percy Buttons – a
bronze sculpture of a street performer in Hay Street.
Signifi cant places, such as the Ursula Frayne
commemorative plaque on St George’s Terrace and the
arrival place of the Sisters at Barrack Street Jetty were
used as locations to complete challenges and receive
clues. Sharpe’s Stationery store located underneath the
house of Martha Crisp, who offered Ursula Frayne her
fi rst nights hospitality, provided the venue to hand out
a letter written by Ursula Frayne. This was then used by
the students with a code to determine the Latin word for
Mercy – Misericordia!
Treats were handed out along the way, including an ice
cream in the College colours, and keepsakes such as
prayer cards and a polaroid of their recreated 1920
Senior Class photograph, to remind them of their
memorable Amazing Race of Mercy.
Hannah Lalor
Year 12 Coordinator
ture is still so vibrant after all
nt centuries.
Year 9 Coordinator
p
b
S
c
a
u
c
h
fi
a
t
M
T
c
p
S
m
g
t
re
e
r
Year 10 Coordinator
on
2
or
In Term 2 the Year 8s and Year 10s came
together during Pastoral Care period to
listen to two amazing faith fi lled young
adults from Burundi - Fablice Manirakiza
from FLYBZ, and an amazing young
woman named Mimi, who is a women’s
rights advocate.
Both came from Tanzanian refugee
camps where their lives were hardly
worth living as they waited for someone
to rescue them. Fablice spoke about his
former life as a child soldier, escaping his
guerrilla army life in Burundi at age 11,
and how his faith has led him to where
he is today. He shared his unique story
through his music, which brought all the
girls to their feet, dancing and singing.
He has recently released a debut single
‘Child Soldier’ - a collaboration with
legendary Australian songwriter Paul
Kelly.
Mimi spoke about her work with young
females back in Burundi, as well as
encouraging young women to be true to
themselves, be compassionate and take
all the opportunities that come their
way. It was defi nitely an awe-inspiring
session and I’m sure the girls came away
ready to conquer the world!
Alicia Sharpe
Year 8 Co-ordinator
Refugees Share their Experiences
The Prefects chose the theme of
‘Mercedes Make Your Move’ for this year’s
Frog Jog which was held on the last day of
Term 2.
The aim was to encourage students and
staff to not only improve their physical
wellbeing but to inspire them to help out in
their local and global communities.
To begin the day, the whole school grooved
to some Zumba moves, before hearing
from guest speakers; Hannah from Sail,
who told us about her work educating
Sudanese refugees, and Professor
Izan from UWA, who spoke about the
challenges she faced as a woman, and how
she overcame these barriers.
After being inspired and fuelling
themselves for the task ahead, students
and staff made their way down to the
river. A beautiful sunny day greeted
runners and walkers. The more serious
runners set a brisk pace, while others
strolled around the bridges enjoying the
sunshine and the company of their friends
before they headed into their Term 2
holidays.
Every participant’s step helped this year’s
College major fundraiser, and the support
of human rights. A total of $25,000
was raised for the Mercy International
Association and their program to assist
victims of Human Traffi cking.
Madeleine Kruize
Deputy Prefect, Spirituality & Justice
Ministry
Frog Jog continues to Help those Less Fortunate
MERCY IN A
CT
ION
from FLYBZ, and an amazing young
woman named Mimi, who is a women’s
rights advocate.
Both came from Tanzanian refugee
camps where their lives were hardly
worth living as they waited for someone
he is today. He shared his unique story
through his music, which brought all the
girls to their feet, dancing and singing.
He has recently released a debut single
‘Child Soldier’ - a collaboration with
legendary Australian songwriter Paul
Kelly.
p
all the opportunities that come their
way. It was defi nitely an awe-inspiring
session and I’m sure the girls came away
ready to conquer the world!
Alicia Sharpe
Year 8 Co-ordinator
Earlier this year, Year 12 Indigenous
students, Kula-Lee Mckeon and Danikka
Calyon, proposed a Reconciliation Pathway
in front of the Frayne building late in
2015 and have since then been working to
complete the 31-meter long mosaic Wagyl.
The artwork aims to show the steps
our school has gone through to restore
mutual respect between the two cultures.
The Reconciliation Pathway was infl uenced
by the works of Reconciliation W.A., who
are focusing on the healing process
between the Church and the Indigenous
people.
Its design incorporates the six Nyoongar
seasons with our Mercedes College
culture; the House colours and their
namesakes. Each of the seasons have
been matched to a House and the mosaic
design shows animals, tracks, and things
of nature in an Aboriginal Artwork style. As
the Church has such a large presence in
the Mercedes community and the College’s
history, the Pathway will stand as a symbol
of harmony. The Mercy Reconciliation
Pathway was blessed on Tuesday 25
October.
Lisa Speranza
Religious Education
The Art to Restore Mutual Respect1717
Fashion for
Compassion
This year’s annual Fashion for
Compassion on 9 September was a
night full of style, surprise, enchantment
and entertainment. Hosted by the
Young Mercies the event raised funds for
the Street Soccer Ministry and included
student models showcasing work from
local designers, Ruck Rover and Brooklyn on
Beaufort, the College textiles and art students
and gorgeous gowns from the 2016 school ball.
We even gave a peek into the wardrobes of some
of the College’s most stylish staff members!
The College hall was transformed into an Arabian
marketplace, thanks to Arabian Nights Perth, allowing
over 300 guests to experience a truly amazing Arabian
night. The night was full of fabulous entertainment
including talented student singers dressed in stunning
gowns from Kylie’s Kloset, and an Aladdin inspired dance
choreographed by Taylah Vilardi, Alicia Casella and Julia Di
Grandi.
The Young Mercies raised over $3000 for Street Soccer. The
night’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the
generosity of the College community, including St Denis
Primary School for providing the catwalk, Krusty Kob Bakery
and Full Belly Catering, and the hard work and dedication of
many of the College staff and Year 11 and 12 Young Mercies.
Tess Metcalf (Year 12)
On Friday, 12 August all College staff participated in the
biannual Staff Service Day. Collectively they shared their
many gifts and talents, serving the needs of our community
and being an example of Mercy to others. Staff participated
in a range of activities such as; personal advocacy, assisting
migrants with language and conversation classes at Edmund
Rice Centre in Mirrabooka, working in the warehouse at
Good Samaritan Industries, cooking for our Street Soccer
Ministry, clearing rubbish from the Swan River and Heirrison
Island, assisting at Riding for the Disabled Association
and spending time alongside those most vulnerable in our
community at Ruah Community Services, St Bartholomew’s
House and The Shopfront, just to name a few.
Following the same procedures as the students, staff were
required to organise a placement or sign up for service,
complete an application form to have their placement
approved, participate in service and fi nally refl ect on their
experience. It was a wonderful day that allowed the staff to
refl ect on the words of Pope Francis to “hear the cry of the
earth and the cry of the poor” an important act for us in this
the Jubilee Year of Mercy, living out the College values and
being an example of Mercy to others within the community.
Mrs Emma Nofal
Staff Caught with their Hands Dirty
MERCY IN A
CT
ION
19
What made you decide to do teaching?
I signed on for a Bachelor of Science
at Curtin University with the intent
of becoming a Dietitian, but changed
courses before day one! Just couldn’t see
myself behind a hospital desk all day as a
career, so phoned the now non-existent
Consumer Studies Dept and swapped
to BAppSci.HEc and loved every minute
of it. I loved my own school days and had
a Home Ec teacher as a neighbour so I
completed a Grad Dip Ed to give myself
an option after graduating. I did my
teaching prac and loved it so decided to
continue.
Was this your fi rst teacher posting?
Yes!!! But have had so many opportunities
to swap roles and teach many areas over
the years I feel as though I have had such
varied experience without leaving the
walls of Mercedes.
Textiles is your specialty, but do you
teach in any other learning areas or have
a particular interest in any co-curricular
areas?
In my earlier years at Mercedes I have
taught Social Studies, PE and even
Computing but that was in the days
when if you owned a computer at home
then you were more advanced than the
students. I don’t think that is the case
any longer, so you wont see me teaching
computing again any time soon!
Obviously with extra curricular the sport
side expecially hockey is a passion of mine
but is closely rivalled by the opportunity
to lead one of the new Houses developed
in 2013, Go Cooper!… it’s like creating a
new chapter in the College’s history.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
The constant interaction with students
and parents. Teaching in a practical area
you see students in a totally different
light, a more relaxed, creative classroom
situation. I love seeing the girls develop
their skills and their self confi dence
throughout the year and achieve
something they never thought they could,
to be proud of what they have made.
Interacting outside of the classroom
on the sporting fi eld means that again
you see the girls in a positive, active
environment that just puts smiles on
faces (even if we lose).
What have you enjoyed about Mercedes?
I can honestly and easily say everything
- the students, staff, history and
traditions. Working with a great group of
teachers and support staff in our Home
Economics Department who have become
my best friends over the years. It has all
made it very easy to stick around for 30
years.
What do you enjoy outside of school?
It’s hard to see the line between work
and home life as outside of school I love
to be active and creative too. Sewing
and hockey usualy take up my non-work
hours along with a little DIY around the
house and peaceful gardening when it’s
not raining! I have been lucky enough
to do some traveling along the way; to
take photo’s of our magnifi cent natural
landscapes.
What are you known for?
Wearing orange! And I hope for my sense
of humour and fun. As they say ‘life is too
short to be miserable’.
Staff Profi le: Lorraine Brown
Lorraine Brown, one of Mercedes College’s
longest serving staff members, joined the
Technology and Enterprise Department
in 1986.
Recipients of thanks from the Catholic Education Offi ce for ‘30 years of service to Catholic
Education in Western Australia’.
Student NewsSSSSSSSSSSS
Ballroom Dancing
Sabrina Serra Year 10
Congratulations to Sabrina Serra and
her dance partner who competed at
the WDCAL Luna Park Ballroom Dancing
Championships. They received fi ve 1st
places and one 2nd place in Ballroom,
Latin and New Vogue. Sabrina will be going
to compete at the UK Internationals
event in London in the Junior Latin and
Junior Ballroom fi elds in October.
Cricket
Madeline Gardiner Year 7
The youngest player to be selected for a
Western Wolves State 17s cricket team.
She is seen here in her uniform set to
go to Dubbo, NSW for the nationals. She
hopes that other girls will try out for the
not so mainstream female sports.
Gymnastics
Makayla Felix Year 9
Makayla Felix represented Western
Australia as a Junior International
Rhythmic Gymnast at the 2016 Australian
Championships in Melbourne from the
29th May to 5th June 2016. She will also
attend the International Team Future
Advance Camp in Canberra in June at the
AIS.
Karate
Saba Clark Year 7
In May, Saba Clark was chosen as
a member of the WA State Karate
Team for 2016. Saba will represent
Western Australia at the 2016 National
Championships to be held in Melbourne
early August.
Lacrosse
Libby Blair Year 10
Congratulations to Libby who competed
in the Under 18 Australian Lacrosse
Championships in June with the WA
girls team, claiming the title of National
Champions. Libby has also been selected
to play in the Australian All Stars team.
Congratulations and good luck Libby.
Three development teams are
also heading to the U15s Lacrosse
Tournament in Adelaide from 1-8 October.
Representing the Stars’ A Division is
Millie Doherty (Year 10) and Mackenzie
Peattie (Year 9), representing the Flames
A Division is Lauren Wolters (Year 10) and
Rosie Savage (Year 9).
Soccer
Morgan Aquino Year 9
After being identifi ed at the June
Nationals NTC Challenge in Canberra,
Morgan Aquino (Year 9) was invited to
attend the Young Matilda’s U16 camps in
Canberra in July before the fi nal selection
for the National team that will play in
Vietnam in September this year.
Trampolining
Cleo Thornett Year 10
Cleo was named State Champion for
Double Mini Trampoline (one of two events
under trampolining). She represented
WA at the National Championships in
June, coming 12th on Trampoline and won
an individual silver medal on double mini
trampoline. She also came second, along
with three other girls, in the Woman’s
Team Final, only just falling short on NSW.
Her result meant she earned a spot on
the Australian Team to compete in New
Zealand in October. She also gained
a spot in the national squad and was
recently fl own to the AIS in Canberra to
attend a Team Future Advance Camp,
which consisted of the top twelve
athletes across Australia.
Volleyball
Jasmine Serra & Tess Bowers Year 10
Jasmine and Tess have been chosen to
represent WA in the State Volleyball Team
and will go to Sydney in August for the
Nationals.
21
Madeline helps to Inspire Museum VisionMost children visit the museum with
their parents at least once during their
childhood, but Year 7 student Madeline has
taken visiting the museum to a new level.
After a successful application in 2015 to
be part of the Museum’s Youth Advisory
Panel, Madeline began working with thirty
other teenagers (aged 8 to 16) from
across WA to ensure the voices of WA
are at the centre of the new museum
redevelopment project. Their purpose is to
offer a young person’s perspective on the
contents and structure of the old and new
museum.
Volunteering their time four times a year,
the students provide input into existing
content, to see what is worth keeping;
and to see what other material can be
sourced. They also consider how accessible
the museum should be, what galleries
should be considered, and how technology
can be integrated into new exhibits.
Madeline said part of the project is to also
keep the community up-to-date with what
is happening with the museum. Recently
she was part of a group of people who
were fi lmed for a promotional video
which is now being used on the Museum’s
website.
In the video Madeline explains what it was
like to grow up in WA, her memories of
the old museum as a young child, and her
hopes for the new museum.
“I spoke about the uniqueness of the
WA landscape, of the beautiful marine
creatures I have encountered on the
Ningaloo Reef, and the cultural and
sporting opportunities that I have
experienced from living in such a vast
State.
“I wanted my memories of dinosaurs,
space and the mammal gallery to be
translated and added on to for a new
generation of children to be inspired to
learn about the world they live in”, she said.
Madeline said the fi lming was rather
stressful, but it was a new experience
for her, and she was very pleased to be a
part of this project and to represent the
interests of youth in this once in a lifetime
experience.
The $428.3M project due for completion
in 2020 will help shape the stories that will
represent WA for future generations.
Mother’s Day Breakfast
Out and About
DOMs Hamburger Lunch
Moth
23
Fathers Day Breakfast
MOMs High Tea
It has been a busy few months for the Mercedes College Alumni! We have settled into our new name and are
continuing to work with the College to support all Alumni.
The committee continues to meet each month to plan events and discuss the work of the Alumni. Each term we
continue to award a Living the Mercy Values Certifi cate to a chosen recipient in each year group. This is to recognise
students who represent the Mercy ethos in their everyday actions; an attribute all current and Alumni continue to
strive towards.
MCA committee members Janine Villanueva (Class of 2007) and Dominique Morgan (Class of 2007) recently spoke
to the Graduating Class of 2016 informing them of the work of the Mercedes College Alumni. We are excited to
welcome many new members from this cohort into the association at the Year 12 Graduation.
Our Secretary Rita Mola (nee Romeo class of 1984) represented MCA at an Inaugural Alumni casual forum held at
Santa Maria College in July. The forum provided the opportunity for members of various ex-students’ associations to
share information, ideas and stories in order to learn from the successes and problems experienced by other Alumni
groups.
Rita was able to bring back to our committee ideas for events and connecting with past students as well as
acknowledgment from other Alumni offi cers regarding the amazing work the Mercedes Alumni has achieved.
Some members of our committee met with ladies from the St Joseph’s Ex-students’ Association in June. It
was wonderful to share stories from our time at Victoria Square, laughing about our different experiences and
acknowledging the incredible history we share. It was amazing to see photos of our College before it became
Mercedes and recognise how active the school was within the Perth community being part of multiple historical
events in our city.
This group of Alumni is a very active community and we were all fi lled with admiration when hearing about the
work they undertake and support they provide to their members. MCA looks forward to continuing to build our
relationship with this group and learning from the experiences of these amazing women.
The committee has also been busy planning a major event for next year. We are very excited to invite all Mercedes
College Alumni to the inaugural Mercedes College All Years Reunion on Saturday 11 February 2.00 pm.
Mercedes College has a unique and long history which has resulted in the education of thousands of students and
the formation of thousands of friendships. This event will provide an opportunity for all past students to remember
and share stories and refl ect on their part of this amazing history. Guests will also be able to hear about the College
today and refl ect on over 170 Years of Mercy education at Victoria Square.
For further information and to RSVP please contact Joanna Creighton at 9323 1323 or by email on jcreighton@
mercedes.wa.edu.au
Our Facebook page – Mercedes College Victoria Square Alumni continues to provide members with updates as well
as regular Friday fl ashbacks. Please like our page to receive up to date information about MCA and access past
photos and information.
MCA is proud to be able to represent such a large amount of amazing women and we look forward to seeing you all
at the All Years Reunion next year.
Lucy FitzSimons (Class of 2008)
MCA Vice President
MCA Report
D A T E S F O R Y O U R D I A R Y
Wednesday 8 Febuary AGM
Saturday 11 Febuary All Years Reunion,
College Hall
Wednesday 15 March MCA Meeting
Wednesday 3 May MCA Meeting
Wednesday 14 June MCA Meeting
)
The College and the MCA is keen to hear from you. If you have any news about what you have been up to, please send
material to [email protected].
25
The Junior Year of 1954 and the Leaving
Year of 1956 have met a number of times
over the last 25 years. This year being
our 60th Anniversary, we met for lunch
at the Arthouse Café. Although we only
had seven attend (due to short notice), it
was magnifi cent to catch up again after
all these years. We have gathered quite
a lot of information about our class but
would appreciate anyone who can provide
additional information. If you think you
can assist please contact Jo Creighton
on 9323 1323 or email
Magnifi cent 7 Meet at Anniversary Reunion
L-R: Delta Toop (Grainger),
Eileen Quilty, Marian Cox (Shepherd), Moira
Churack (Kingston),
Maureen Smith (Kelly),
Elaine Pearce (Doig) and
Joan Bianchini (Donovan)
We have nearly 300 names on the St Joseph’s
Ex-students’ association mailing list. If you
would like to receive our newsletter for more
information, contact [email protected]
or phone 93441757.
Our next function will be held on Sunday
27 November 2106, at the Conference Hall,
Mercedes College. Registration 1.30. Everyone
welcome. Bring a friend. Great fun and
entertainment.
One of the main aims of our Association is to
ensure the history of St Joseph’s School is
gathered and preserved for the future.
Keeping our Memories Alive
Louise Arbuckle-Allen
1958-2016
Louise was the eldest of fi ve. Coming from a musical family she began violin studies at the
age of six and continued her musical training at Mercedes College. She was a member
of the school’s orchestra and participant in the Perth Music Festivals, and an invited
member of the University of WA Youth Orchestra.
Louise studied Social Sciences at WAIT, American Contemporary Literature at ECU, and in
recent years a Diploma in Interior Design at TAFE. She also loved to paint.
Over the past 35 years Louise taught violin to many students and was involved in the
co-ordination of the WA Philharmonics fi lm recordings, their performance with The
Australian Ballet’s Swan Lake, and also the Orchestra’s performances with the WA Ballet
Company.
Louise was a founding member of both ElectriClassic’s Chamber Orchestra and Encore
Chamber Orchestra; the latter being formed in 2009 to encourage former players to
reconnect with their instruments.
In recent years, Louise was invited to join the Allegri Chamber Orchestra. In 2013, she was
instrumental in setting up the Louise Arbuckle Music Scholarship for a Year 7 student at
Mercedes College, and established a series of Concerts at the College’s beautiful Chapel
of Immaculate Conception.
Louise was married to Ashley Arbuckle, has three sons and three grandchildren.
Margaret Platt (Wyburn)
1935 - 2016
Margaret was born on the
December 1935 and passed away
on 23 January this year after
a long battle with cancer. Both
Margaret and her sister Ann
went to Our Lady’s College circa.
1941 to 1951. Back then many
families lived close by so the girls
used to walk to school every day.
Margaret married in 1962 and
moved to Mosman Park. Although
both her daughters attended
Iona Presentation College, she
was a proud ex-student always
attending her class reunions,
fetes or special morning teas.
Vale
L-R: Mrs Cheryl Alach - Careers Coordinator, Emma Port (2012), Joanna Creighton (2011), Kathryn Doyle (2011), Laura Cocks (2013),
Vanessa Tenaglia and Emily Roberts (Year 11 students).
Kathryn Doyle & Jessica
Pillera (2011)
Imagine the adrenaline rush of stepping
off the ledge of one of Perth’s tallest
buildings and taking a leap of faith for the
sick kids in the Abseil for PMH. Well that’s
what Kathryn Doyle and Jessica Pillera did
in May. After hearing the statistic that the
Princess Margaret Hospital takes care
of over 190 sick children every day, they
signed up for the challenge. Together they
started the team, ‘Abseilutely’ to raise
money to fund more research and better
treatments. They attended training days
to prepare them for the big leap. However,
the 28m abseil at the Statham’s Quarry
didn’t prepare them for stepping off the
ledge of QV1, abseiling down 40 stories
and 160m! Well done to their team which
raised over $3800 for the Foundation!
27
Alumni Share their
University ExperienceEarlier this year a group of ex-students returned to the
College, speaking to the Year 11’s about their University
experiences and courses. They also shared with students
how they went about making the important decision on
which career pathway they took, highlighting the pros and
cons of their courses and respective degrees.
Kathryn explained that her drama experience at school
and the enjoyment she got from aspects of stage design
led her to selecting an architectural course. Whilst Laura
and Jo enjoyed their experiences with the Media course
which led them both to completing a journalism and
marketing and PR courses.
All Alumni emphasized that students should explore
subject areas which they are passionate about and that
they do well in.
It was a great opportunity for the Year 11’s to hear fi rst-
hand, what life outside school is like.
Keeping up with Friends
Mary Teresa Michael1918 - 2016
Born in Yarloop on 28 February 1918, Mary was
the third of eleven children of James Aloysius
and Catherine Ellen Hoyne. When Mary was fi ve
the family moved to Perth and became a part of
the St Mary’s Cathedral parish. She began school
at St Joseph’s College Victoria Square when she
was six and enjoyed her school days. However,
being the eldest girl she missed a lot of school
because she was needed at home to help her
mother care for the family. In spite of this Mary
learned many valuable lessons from the Sisters
and later her amazing dressmaking skills can be
traced back to her school sewing lessons. Her
three sisters, Kathleen, Cecelia, and Bernice also
attended St Joseph’s and are still living locally
today.
Mary passed away on 5 September at the age
of 98. She is survived by her two children, six
grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and a
large extended family. All mourn her passing but
are very grateful to have had her in their lives.
Priscilla Gardiner (2011)
With a luminous and introspective
presence, Priscilla Gardner is a vocalist
and composer in the Perth music scene.
Graduating last year from the Western
Australian Academy of Performing Arts
with Honours with a Bachelor of Music in
Jazz Performance, she has performed in
Europe playing at the Terni Jazz Festival
in Umbria and at the Jazz Dock in Prague.
She draws inspiration from artists such as
Ella Fitzgerald, Katie Noonan, Billie Holiday,
Norma Winstone and Haitus Kayote,
bringing a unique style to a classic genre
of music, with what has been described as
a “pure and haunting tone.”
Last year Priscilla competed for the
esteemed James Morrison scholarship at
the Generations in Jazz Festival in Mount
Gambier. She is currently travelling and
performing nationally and working on her
own material, with the hopes of recording
her debut album for release next year.
Keeping up with Friends (Continue)
Laura Cox (2009)
Tom and Laura met while working at
Kmart 4 years ago. Laura is now working
at St. Maria Goretti Catholic Primary
School as an Education Assistant, while
Tom is working at Content Living, a home
builder. After 3 years together, they
celebrated their magical day on the 24
April 2016. It has always been Laura’s
dream to be married at Mercedes
College. They celebrated their day with
close friends and family. One of her
favourite memories on the day, was
being able to go back into Kmart to take
photos where we fi rst met!
Tessa Gallagher (nee Heal 1999)
After studying journalism at uni, I worked
in the world of newspapers for a few years
before jumping on a big jet plane for the
grey skies of London. It was during this
time that I fell head over heels not only for
the incredibly vibrant city of London, but
for travelling the world in general—mainly
Europe, North America and South America.
Moving back to Perth after four years
in London saw me land back smack bang
in the middle of the mining boom, so like
most of Perth at that time, I worked in
mining world in various investor relations,
marketing and communication roles.
I have since married, bought a house and
started a new job as editor for a website
called The Urban List. Since its launch last
year, The Urban List has already made big
strides in the Perth market with around
250,000 unique visitors to the site every
month. I am lucky to promote so many
incredible, creative and small business
in Perth. There’s so much going in Perth,
especially in the food and bar scene! I
spend my days creating and managing
content for the site and know how lucky I
am to be able to go to heaps of different
events, travel a lot and most importantly,
eat heaps of delicious food! It really is my
dream job.
Maddison Davies (2008)
After graduating from Mercedes, unsure
of what career path to take, Maddie
decided to take some time off before
launching herself into a university degree.
She worked as a law clerk for a short
period of time before working for Camp
America in Pennsylvania. On returning to
Perth she began studying a Physiotherapy
degree at Curtin University, the highlight
of which, was doing a practical placement
volunteering in Vietnam at the Hoa
Binh Social Protection Centre with a
group of Allied Health students, which
included Alicia Day (Speech Pathologist
– Class of 2011). Maddie now works as
a Physiotherapist at St John of God
Bunbury Hospital. She regularly catches
up with many school friends and recently
attended the wedding of Siobhan Cowan
(Class of 2008) and Daniel Brescacin.
Ingrid May (1997)
Since graduating with a Bachelor of
Education (Secondary) Ingrid taught in
a number of Catholic and Independent
schools in WA and Victoria. She has held
a number of positions including Head of
Learning PE and Health Education, Head
of Humanities, Middle School Curriculum
Leader, Head of Senior School Curriculum
and the Director of Learning and Teaching
(Prep-Year 12). She recently had a
daughter, Isabella May (below) who was
born on the 16 July at St.John of God
Hospital Ballarat. Ingrid is also studying
part time for a Masters of Education
(Educational Leadership).
Brittany Keen (2015)
Brittany has just commenced a full
4-scholarship at Ohio University (USA)
as a dual athlete in NCAA Division 1, Field
Hockey and Softball, whilst studying
Wildlife and Conservation (Zoology).She
started the hockey season off well as a
star on the forward line converting two
classy goals and receiving praise from
the coach, in their opening game victory.
She has also been selected in a Softball
squad with the prospect of representing
Australia in the upcoming World Series
Softball series in Korea.
29
Grandparents Mass & Morning TeaWednesday, 30 November 9 am. St Mary’s Cathedral
Parents and Grandparents of our Year 7 students are
invited to join us in the celebration of the Eucharist on this
very special occasion.
A morning tea in the Parish Centre, under the Cathedral, will
be served following the Mass.
RSVP to [email protected]
Celebrate over 170 Years of friendship and history at Victoria Square for the Mercedes College Alumni All Years Reunion. Check out the Mercedes College Victoria Square Alumni Facebook Page or contact Joanna Creighton at [email protected] or 9323 1366 for more information.
MERCEDES COLLEGE ALUMNI ALL YEARS REUNION
Saturday 11 February 2017 - College Hall
Sunday 6 November
Pagoda Resort & Spa Como
2-4pm
Families and friends please join the
College community for
our end of year celebration.
For more information visit
www.mercedes.wa.edu.au
HIGH TEA CELEBRATION
Sunday 6 Novem
Pagoda Resort & Sp
2-4pm
Families and friends please
College community fo
our end of year celebratio
For more information visi
www.mercedes.wa.edu.au
HIGH TEA CEL
2016 Art ExhibitionThursday 10th November
6pmSerisier Learning Centre
S E R V I C E • I N T E G R I T Y • J U S T I C E • E X C E L L E N C E • C O M P A S S I O N
