Newsletter Issue No. 7 – May 21, 2004 MERCEDES COLLEGE Principal’s Report Issue No 7 – May 21, 2004

The recent rain and colder weather has confirmed that winter has arrived. In the College Calendar regular pattern of the school year, Terms 2 &3 bring the requirements of the winter 31/5-4/6/04 Year 12 Major Production uniform, which I think is the smartest of our uniforms. It is perhaps timely to 2-4/6/04 Year 10 Exams remind students and parents of our expectations, as there seems to be a current trend 3-4/6/04 Year 8 Retreat 7/6/04 Year 11 Swot Vac amongst a number of students to casualise and compromise the formality of this 8/6-11/6/04 Yr 11 Exams uniform. The school tie is a compulsory part of the uniform – including for Year 12 students with the Year 12 jumper; similarly, the blazer always needs to be worn coming to and from school – regardless of the mode of transport. If a student is A Friday thought… dropped at school by car , he/she still needs to wear a blazer. A current problem – At first glance I thought that it was simp ly headline grabbing associated with current fashion is the use of hair colouring that is unnatural, as well as hyperbole. Terry McCarthy, St Vincent de Paul social justice scruffy or unbrushed presentation (especially by boys). Our regulations are clear, that spokesman, had likened tax cuts as “nothing short of WMDs – weapons of mass destruction for society”. However, his further hair products can only be used that produce a natural and neat appearance. comments in support of this view certainly gave pause for thought. He said that millions of Australians already in dire Wint er sport commences fully this Saturday – with a large number of teams entered straits are now facing a further decline in essential government services. in primary and secondary competitions. Again, it is timely to re-enforce the expectations of Mercedes College of its students in inter-school sporting “Our government services are already in steep decline. Will Budget tax cuts preclude essential expenditure and decimate competitions, such that ou r College is represented and presented well in public. these services even further? Tax cuts may please many Students need to ensure that they wear the full College sports uniform on and off the people as governments offer them to catch votes, but look at field. Other variations, such as non-school jumpers or rugby tops or socks, are not the human cost, particularly for low and middle income Australians. They have no choice but to rely on the permitted. At a higher level, we expect our students to display loyal commitment to Government for the essential services needed to survive, and their team and exemplary sportsmanship in competitions. I wish our teams success as they continue to suffer so too will ’s long-term prosperity. Tax cuts are indeed social WMDs, because they this season and look forward to meeting parents on the sidelines in encouraging our destroy the prospect of a fair society.” teams. In the wash -up from the Federal budget there has been much discussion of winners and losers. There has been almost A highlight of the last fortnight was the success of Year 7 student, Montana Mitchell, unanimous agreement that political considerations were at the in winning the Grand Final of the Junior School Heads Association Junior Orator forefront of decisions about who should receive from the largesse of the government. Hence, those who are identified competition. Montana is a seasoned and experienced public speaker and debater, by the psephologists and spin doctors as swinging voters were having previously been to the semi-finals and finals of this prestigious competition. to gain most. If you live in electorates such as Makin, Kingston She is the first Mercedes College winner for 10 years – and thoroughly deserves her or Adelaide, you are very much the focus of attention. On the other side of politics, a senior Labor politician was equally success, as she has excellent skills and is a great contributor to her school. conscious of political considerations as he mused on whether the “precision bombing” of the government would be as effective as a “carpet bombing” approach which would target Thanks to Clare Kiesewetter and Liz Watson of the Parents and Friends Association voters more broadly, especially those who, it has been for a thoroughly enjoyable Women’s Cocktail Party at the Radisson Playford Hotel. suggested, were left out as they neither earn more than $52000 It was a great opportunity to meet and speak with many women of the College. or are raising children.

Somehow, the words political considerations have come to Finally, an important diary change – our published school calendar shows that the encompass the primary focus of many of our decision -makers. The words are, of course, code for “what will work to ensure our Staff Retreat (non-school day for students) is on Friday 27 August; this is now re-election”, in other words the ideology of self-interest. Is Friday 3 September to coincide with Royal Adelaide Show which is on from 3-11 there another approach? Can there still be a process of decision-making which actually has the real needs of the whole September. electorate as central rather than specific targetting for electoral gain? Is there another way which would recognize that, for instance, even with tax relief to specific groups the emergency wards in public hospitals will still be overflowing, maternity services at the QEH will still be closed, public housing will still be grossly inadequate and there will still be vast needs for funding of primary, secondary and tertiary education in Catherine Alcock Australia?

Principal The vision needed is one which recognizes all as equal, worthy of respect and dignity and which promotes a fair distribution of the goods of the earth to all regardless of income or political significance. Such a vision, of course, is found in the Gospels. Such a vision is encapsulated in Jesus’ words “in this will all men and women know that you are my disciples that you have love for one another”. Both Federal Cabinet and their Labor counterparts could do worse than begin each meeting with these words. Peter Williams

1 MERCEDES COLLEGE From the Finance Office Thank you to those families who have forwarded payment for their Term II school fee account and those families who have entered into a periodic payment agreement to meet their 2004 school fee commitment.

The due date for payment is 31 May 2004. If you are unable to forward payment in full by this date and have not made recent contact with the College, please contact me on 8372 3221. Heather Burns Finance office [email protected]

RESERVE THIS DATE Saturday October 30 Adelaide Convention Centre

Mercedes College GALA JUBILEE BALL · Wine · Dine · Dance · Reminisce · Remember · CELEBRATE with the Mercedes Community, past and present.

If you would like to assist in planning, organising a table, contacting old scholars or in any way, please contact Suzanne Moorhead, Development Office, 8372 3200.

CatholicCatholic TheologicalTheological College College Presents:Presents: EUCHARISTEUCHARIST IN IN THE THE CATHOLIC CATHOLIC TRADITIONTRADITION Venue:Venue: CatholicCatholic TheologicalTheological College AdelaideAdelaide CollegeCollege ofof DivinityDivinity CampusCampus 3434 LipsettLipsett TerraceTerrace BrooklynBrooklyn Park Park 5032 5032

When:When: SATURDAYSATURDAY 2929 MAYMAY –– 9.30am9.30am toto 3.30pm3.30pm Cost:Cost: $10$10 –– BYOBYO LLunchunch (Tea(Tea andand CoffeeCoffee provided)provided) ToTo RegisterRegister pleaseplease phonephone 84168416 84608460 oror emailemail [email protected]@flinders.edu.au

CONGRATULATIONS Morgan Mitchell (8LS) joined the Royal Australian Navy Cadets last year and attends each Friday night at Port Adelaide’s training unit, TS Adelaide. At the end of the year he was awarded the Jean Stewart Junior Sailors Award for most outstanding Naval Recruit for 2003.

Most recently, Morgan participated in the ANZAC Day Parade as a representative of the Royal Australian Navy Cadets. He proudly carried the flag introducing the veterans from the Royal Australian Navy who served in Vietnam, and marched the length of the parade. He then stood as a Naval Cadet in the guard of honour at the Cross of Sacrifice Service before the Governor of , alongside representatives of the Royal Australian Army and the Royal Australian Air Force. Morgan met many veterans that day. We congratulate Morgan on his commitment for serving his community in this capacity.

2 MERCEDES COLLEGE

News from the Junior School June 22 R-12 Class Photos and Portraits (full winter uniform required) Dear Parents July 2 End of Term Two (3.30 pm) Frank Ali Thank you for your cooperation on the day the Union took Head of Junior School action and school finished early. It went very smoothly from our end and hopefully staff was able to get their point across, Music News too. From Strathspey You may not have noticed but I have been on several and Beyond workshops, seminars and conferences lately. One of the most recent was an excellent and practical seminar on the Habits of Mind and how they might be employed in the thinking Dates for Diaries process. These Habits of Mind are not too dissimilar to the · JUNE 17 WINTER CONCERT in Hall 7.00pm IBPYP Student Profiles and are actually useful in all spheres This will be primarily be a middle/senior school music of endeavour. concert. Items advised by Mr Hooper. · JUNE 24 STRING CONCERT in Hall 7.00pm The Habits are: This will be for all students who play strings in any · Questioning and Posing Problems; ensemble or small group combinations (to be decided), · Thinking and Communicating with Clarity and especially Year 3 and 5 groups. Precision; Remaining Open to Continuous Learning; · AUGUST 4 JUBILEE CONCERT in TOWN HALL · Applying Past Knowledge to New Situations; 7.00pm. · Man aging Impulsivity; This will be a showcase of past and present students. Items will be notified by either Mr Hooper, Mrs Riber or · Finding Humour; myself within the next 2 weeks. · Striving for Accuracy; · Taking Responsible Risks; Since the last newsletter the Year 9/10 band attended the · Thinking Interdependently; Mitcham Council Youth Day and rocked their way to · Persisting; popularity. Well done boys! That same week Mr Hooper · Responding with Wonderment and Awe; took the Stage Band to Kalyra and brightened up the morning · Gathering Data Through All Senses; of the older residents. From what I here both the audience · Creating, Imagining and Innovating; and players had a delightful morning. Thank you to all.

· Thinking About Your Thinki ng – Metacognition; As mentioned the Year 5 String group and Fleur-De-Lis string · Listening and Understanding With Empathy and ensembles played to the chattering hub of the mothers Thinking Flexibly. attending the Cocktail Party. I would like to thank the girls for Quite an impressive list and I am very keen to learn more the way they presented in their uniforms and also their about these attributes and will share further with you in the behaviour. future. Another thank you arrived for the four flute girls and Kathryn With the winter Extra Curricular Programme in full swing it is Sharp for the way they conducted themselves at the great to know that so many are involved in a multitude of Springfield House Fashion Parade for the Parkinson’s interests. The participants represent their team and school Association. They were well received and I believe that they with pride and hopefully have a great deal of fun while were able to see some of the wonderful clothes, too. learning the skills of their particular activity. Parents too, have been and are, great supporters of their children barracking Now to auditions and performances! Please try to encourage with enthusiasm and fairness and assisting teams with various your student to practice in the next few weeks. Not only tasks. instruments but the choir students who will be performing in public in only a few weeks time. They must have all their This is another reminder to parents and children about road work from memory! safety and out of bounds areas. The roadway on the eastern side of the school alongside the Reception classrooms is only a Lucy Doherty has kindly given some of her time to help me thoroughfare for service vehicles and should not be accessed with the Receptions and Year 1 choirs. It is fantastic to have by parents and is definitely an out of bounds area for children. an extra person and help with the reading and the folders. We have witnessed some near accidents and want to warn all of these dangers. Access to classrooms from the staff carpark Please remind your students to watch out for Bulletins in the is also not permitted. next few weeks, as vital organizational things are given out and sometimes not passed on.

Letters will be coming home re the major events so please ask Dates to Remember for these also! May 26 University of NSW Writing Competition Celine Beaton June 11 Loud Shirt Day – Casuals and $2 Donation Music Coordinator June 16 University of NSW Maths Competition 3 MERCEDES COLLEGE News from the Middle School teamwork and effort; skills needed in the later years of schooling. This camp continues to be one vehicle for personal

growth with the aim of building self-esteem in all students. Dear Parents On their return to school today, the students will be tired but

they will also feel a huge sense of achievement having Last week, Montana Mitchell (Year 7) won the Grand Final of successfully completed this challenging task. Thank you to the the Junior Orator competition conducted by the Junior Home Group Teachers in Year 9: Mr Mellor, Dr Craig, Mr Schools Heads Association of Australia. Montana has Brice, Mrs Ray and Mr Prosser as well as Mr Hooper for participated in this competition since Year 5, reaching the Grand Final in her first attempt and she reached the Semi - attending the camp and Mr Thornton for his part in Finals last Year. This is a prestigious feat and Montana organizing the programme. competed against highly skilled orators from a range of Independent Schools from around Adelaide. Her prepared Students have been advised of a College blitz on the way they speech was entitled ‘Lessons from the Past’ and woven into present to school. A few students have been reminded about the speech were the endeavours and commitment of the keeping their hair neat and tidy. Please continue to support founders of Mercedes, the Sisters of Mercy. With permission the College so that all of our students look their best at all times. here is an extract from Montana’s speech. Anthony Coles

“I am in Year 7, and in my classroom, when I’m studying Head of Middle School

about the great world around me, I learn from my teachers, who have many years of experience. They guide me through the maze of my education, by sharing their own wealth of MS Readathon experiences. My school, Mercedes College, has a long and solid tradition of For 25 years, Ms Readathon has actively encouraged literacy development and an enthusiasm for reading in Australian the values and the spirit of the Mercy Sisters, from their children. Students read books at their own level while raising founding in 1880. The heroism and endurance of the Mercy funds for people with multiple sclerosis through sponsorship Sister pioneers are honoured to this day. per book-read or a flat donation for their effort. MS is a The lessons from their past, have been central to the building of young person’s disease and is the most common disease of the my principles which I will carry on in my future and share with central nervous system among young Australians aged 20 to others. 40. Currently around 22, 000 Australians have multiple I have learnt the lessons of Compassion by being aware of sclerosis. others’ needs; the lesson of Loyalty, by supporting all others; the lesson of Justice, by respecting others; the lesson of Registrations are now open for the 2004 Ms Readathon. Integrity , by being honest; the lesson of Responsibility, Interested students can collect their registration card from the Carmel Bourke Library during May and June and send it in to by working well; and the lesson of Mutual Respect, by receive their official ‘MS Readathon Starters Pack’. The MS recognising the dignity of others. Readathon kick-starts on Monday June 21 and runs through to It is these values that shape the person I am, and which I use Friday July 30 2004. The MS Readathon is open to students in my dealings within my school, my neighbourhood, my of all ages. Every student who completes the Readathon will country, and the world. Sadly, many have not learnt from receive a Certificate of Appreciation and a reading reward these lessons from the past. depending on the amount of sponsorship money they raise. Further details can be obtained on the MS Readathon’s official I am sure the Sisters of Mercy would be proud of Montana’s website: www.msreadathon.org.au achievement but more importantly they would be delighted that the values and ethos of Mercedes College continues in the Premier’s Reading Challenge tradition that they worked so hard to establish. In our Jubilee The Premier of South Australia, Mike Rann, is challenging all year it was a fitting sub-topic that Montana was able to students from Reception to Year 9 to read 12 books from the communicate in such a public forum. On behalf of the start of Term 1 and before 10 September, 2004. At least 8 Mercedes College community I congratulate Montana on her books must be chosen from the appropriate Premier’s achievement and also thank her for highlighting the Sisters of Reading Challenge booklist. A maximum of 4 books can be Mercy and the Mercy Keys that are central to our work with books that are not on the Premier’s Reading Ch allenge the young people at Mercedes. Booklist. They must be of a similar standard to books on the list. To receive a certificate students are challenged to read 12 Congratulations to the Year 9 Boys Basketball Team who won books from the start of the 2004 school year and before 10 the BASA invitational schools carnival held last Thursday and September, 2004. Friday. The team was able to gel to beat the best basketball Please visit the website schools in Adelaide and we look forward to their ongoing www.premiersreadingchallenge.sa.edu.au for further details. development. Copies of the booklists are displayed in the Carmel Bourke Library and books can be found in specially labelled tubs in This week our students in Year 9 have braved the elements to the Glass Room. Additional reading records can also be participate in the Year 9 Bushwalking Camp. The challenges picked up from the library. of walking with a backpack full of gear, cooking and setting up Melissa Buske a tent is not easy for those students who are not used to this Teacher Librarian type of activity. The skills learnt will encourage independence,

4 MERCEDES COLLEGE News from the Senior School Read questions carefully before beginning · Second Term in the Senior School is particularly significant. Ask yourself what the examiner wants, as it is easy to read All students will be facing tests/ examinations in all subjects. your own interpretation into a question. In order to best prepare for these each student should be · Read all directions and follow them carefully. following a distinct study schedule. These mid-year Trial · Read all choices before writing your answer. Examinations help to prepare them for this final years Make a plan first SACE/IB exams. Year 10 have their examination scheduled · For essays, allow 10-15% of essay time. from Wednesday 2 June until Friday 4, Year 11 from Tuesday · This saves you from wandering off the track and running 8 June until Friday 11 (Monday 7 is Swot Vac), Year 12 from out of time. Tuesday 15 June until Friday 18, (Friday 11 June is Swot Vac). · It makes it easier for examiners to follow your argument. The following article will be useful in guiding your · If you are short of time, write an introduction, outline the son/daughter to achieve the best he/she can. argument in note form, and then write your conclusion.

Begin with answers you know best Hints on preparing for exams · This helps your confidence. Keep a positive attitude Set out answers clearly · Remind yourself of all the good consequences of success. · Write legibly. · Recall past successes. · Use diagrams instead of words, where appropriate. · If stress gets the better of you, remember there are ways Review and proofread of dealing with it. Counsellors offer strategies to combat · Leave at least 10 minutes for this. stress. · Pay particular attention to spelling of names and Keep fit and healthy important terminology. · For peak performance keep regular, proper eating, Multiple Choice Exams sleeping and exercise patterns. · If there is a penalty for guessing, leave a blank instead of · Take regular recreation breaks. guessing. Draw up a revision timetable early · Don’t choose too soon. Read all the options and pick the · Allocate your time so that all topics have been covered best and most completely correct, eg, ‘all of the above’ separately, in short sessions, before exam week and then rather than one correct alternative. again just before the exam. · Don’t spend too long on any one question. · Take time off from jobs or other activities, if necessary. To overcome panic · Work to a varied flexible plan. · Breathe slowly, think of success, look at your plan, leave a Find out exactly what is required for the test/exam question and go on to the next one or begin with what · What will be covered and what will be omitted (refer to you know best. course outline)? Acknowledgements · List the things that you must know and rank them in Information has been adapted from Flinders University Health and Counselling importance. Service pamphlets ‘Examinations’ and ‘Preparing for Exams’ and from Percy, D. Study Tactics, Melbourne: Macmillan · Know what types of questions to expect (essay, short answer, or multiple choice, etc) It was pleasing to hear very positive reports from Mr · Find out how many questions, total time, and how marks Thornton and indeed the students in regard to the Outdoor are distributed over the questions. Education Camp. Although quite exhausted through physical · Check equipment needed, eg, special pencils, calculator, exertion, a wonderful time was had by all. Mr Thornton, quite or tests for open book exams. specifically mentioned some of the group as natural leaders. · Get copies of previous exams, if possible. As they move into Year 12, hopefully, they will use such skills as School SRC, or Sports Leaders. · Talk to friends who have done the course before for advice on what to expect. The last of the Parent / Teacher Interviews may be over for · Form a study group to fi re questions at each other. the Semester but that doesn’t mean our lines of · Allot study time in proportion to how much the communication are closed. Feel free to contact the Home test/exam counts towards the final grade. Group Teacher, Tutor, Year Level Coordinator, School Psychologist or myself in regard to any issue you feel relevant.

In the Exam Room I would like to extend to you all an invitation to attend the Check Year 12 Major Production, X -stacy, at the Star Theatre on · That you have all pages, questions, answer sheets, scrap Thursday 3 June beginning at 7.00pm. Tickets can be paper, etc. purchased at The College Shop. I would like to acknowledge Make a time schedule the wonderful work put into this production by Ms Tanya · Determine how many questions and what kinds. Caruso and the Year 12 Drama class. Although somewhat · Consider the weighting of marks each question carries. controversial in its content the journey undertaken by the · Estimate how long each part will take to finish. young people in the play and the outcome are enlightening · Expect to work quickly if there are many questions. and uplifting. · Allow time for choosing, planning, writing, checking and I look forward to working with you all throughout the winter proofreading. term. God bless. Tony O’Doherty · Check the time after each part is completed. Head of Senior School 5 MERCEDES COLLEGE TREE MANAGEMENT Part 2 – The 4 but in how they came to be planted, by whom, to commemorate what event etc. Types and Eras In the last edition I introduced you to the likely changes Selection of Tree Species – Fit for Purpose that are to occur in our major tree scape over the next few The age of the trees vary greatly over the site, with several years, and thought it important to summarise the major significant plantings coinciding with key stages in the elements of the plan in this edition to provide some properties development. In addition, the species selected, background and context for the plan. provide some insight into the purpose or function the property served at that particular time. The majority of trees In this instalment, I will try to explain the different are contemporary with three main ages of the property categories of trees we have on the property along with the how and why the College has got to look as it does today. 1890 to 1900 As a country property and working farm, most of the endemic Types of Significant Trees species and old growth was removed to clear the land and for The plan identifies 4 different categories of significant tree. fire wood and building.

Rare Endemic Native Old Growth Plantings contemporary with the house’s construction – Unfortunately, there are too few endemic native species on the including the Sugar Gums (fast growing and majestic) to property that are “old growth”. There are, however, several create the majesty of borders and other species to provide food and shelter for stock. examples including River Red Gum and Southern Blue Gum mainly in the North West corner of the College Grounds. 1920 to 1930 Some of these specimens are very old with one estimated to As a Residential College owned by the University of Adelaide be up to 350 years old. Allepo Pines – Public Building Nationalist Fervor,

Rare Exotic Raywood Pines – connections with Government House, major public building In addition, the survey identified several rare exotic species. These include the Raywood pine (similar to Claret Ash) 1940 to 1950 surrounding Strathspey, the carob “false chocolate” hedging As a private house for very wealthy Australian family – Exotic bordering the Delamere Car park and the “Pepper “ Trees in European Species – English Country Garden – Amenity the staff car park. plantings.

These trees are historically significant because of the 1950 to current connection with pioneering South Australia and the size and As a College from the 1950s there has been very little planting maturity of the specimens rather than the rarity of the trees for future generations and the College is now experiencing the themselves. inappropriate nature of the selections made for high density

traffic and school life. Many of the trees in the grounds are contemporary with the house and where planted at the time the land was developed in It is appropriate that the College in its second 50 years plant the 1890s. They were selected because of their drought trees that are fit for its purpose – that of running a school. tolerance and their ability to provide shade or feed for stock. In the last instalment, I want to talk about the tree With the introduction of reticulated water into the removal and replacement programmes, that will help metropolitan area in the 1920s many of these drought tolerant shape the College for the next 50 years as well as species were removed as the demand for “thirstier” more outlining some exciting developments for how we might exotic species grew with suburban development and recognize the contribution of the current tree scape to the expansion. amenity of the College. Steve Bowley Significant Native Business Manager There are also other species which are “significant” in terms of the legislation but are not rare and not endemic to the Mitcham/Springfield area. The Sugar Gum (EUCALYPTUS cladocalyx) which is native to the Southern Flinders Ranges is one such species. Tuckshop Roster

Week 5 Many of these are considered unsuitable for high density areas Mon 24 L Van Den Brink, M Maxted, T Garrand (such as schools or playgrounds), due to their propensity to Tue 25 A Gore, J Burns drop limbs and high risk of termite or borer attack which weakens tree structure. Wed 26 F Robinson, K O’Keefe, A O’Fathartaigh Thu 27 J Alexander, A Lawless, J Madsen Significant Exotic Fri 28 J McGrath, J Raffen Finally, there are significant trees (in terms of the legislation) Week 6 that are subject to on-going investigation. For example - the Mon 31 S Hearne, P Borghesan, S Souvertjis Aleppo Pine trees along the Fullarton Road edge of the Oval Tue 1 S Anderson, A Dungey that may well prove to be descendants of the “Lone Pine” tree Wed 2 L Callus, K Brien, J Doherty from the Gallipoli peninsula. There are several other Thurs 3 M Lovell, D Rowe examples of exotic species in the area of the “Golden Path” Fri 4 A Keam, K Sloan, S McLean that do not fit into the existing tree scape without explanation. The significance of these trees is not in the trees themselves 6 MERCEDES COLLEGE CAREERS and COURSES CORNER · Quality educational prizes Bookings and information: 8222 9311, fax: 8222 9399, email: [email protected] Career One Expo I was pleased to hear that a number of Mercedes College students attended the Career One Expo at the Wayville Showgrounds on Saturday May 7. To those who were unable International Year of Rice 2004 to attend, do not worry, I have picked up a pile of resources in the Adelaide Botanic Garden and can put you in touch with representatives from a number “One can live without nearly everything on earth and in of different industries and tertiary institutions. Also, the heaven but rice.” Australian Tertiary Expo will be held at the same venue on Chinese saying Tuesday June 8 from 11.00am to 8.30pm. See below for details. Rice is life for thousands of millions of people. It is a staple food for more than half of the world and is deeply embedded The Australian Tertiary Expo in the cultural heritage of people throughout Asia.

This Expo is held annually at the Wayville Showgrounds and In an unprecedented move the United Nations has devoted a is an excellent opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and year to a plant commodity to highlight the importance of especially Year 12 to hear about the tertiary options available developing sustainable rice production systems in order to to them. There will be representatives from each of the cope with an increasing world population. universities in South Australia as well as interstate university representatives. Also, all the TAFE Colleges will be represented as will many private learning institutions and the Activities and Displays Defence and Police forces. This is a huge one stop shop of · Visit the ‘Rice is Life’ exhibition to look at rice growing information and every Year 12 should attend. Year 11 and around the world and its associated cultural stories. Year 10 students should also attend to plan for the future. Museum of Economic Botany, opening hours Monday- The Expo will be held on Tuesday June 8 from 11.00am Thursday 11.00am to 3.00pm. to 8.30pm in the Ridley Centre at the Royal Adelaide Showgrounds and entry is free. · See the Living Rice Display in the House Pool. The display includes varieties like risotto, sushi, basmati Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test and newly developed varieties for Australian conditions that use less water. (UMAT) The UMAT Information booklets, complete with application · Find out where our food comes from along the Plants forms, arrived two weeks ago and I distributed them for People self-guiding trail in the Garden. immediately to interested Year 12 students. The closing date for registrations is Friday June 11 2004 and the Test date is Bookings and information: 8222 9311, fax: 8222 9399, email: Wednesday July 28 2004. Any stu dents who have not [email protected] received a booklet need only visit my office to collect a copy. I encourage all students and parents to read the booklet closely to ensure that all registration details are satisfied as no Australian Science Festival 18-22 August late registrations will be accepted. Bill Deegan Did you know your body produces a new batch of snot every Careers Counsellor 20 minutes? Your skin will crawl at the sight of live reptiles and stories of vicious sea beats. Let your mind boggle and you nostrils clench at the human body’s production of waste and its by-product ……. odour. SCIENCE NEWS SA Water World Environment Day Enjoy Actew AGL’s Amazing World of Science and visit the Quiz Trail in the Adelaide Botanic Garden on Friday interactive free Exhibition Hall featuring more than 20 June 4 dynamic workshops, 13 fantastic shows and special features. World Environment Day is a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the importance of the environment in sustaining life on www.sciencefestival.com.au or phone (02) 6207 5901. earth. The trail is fun, educational, informative and will Andrea Bishop provide many discussion points.

Features of the trail: STUDENT ABSENCES · Meet the animals from Zoophoria, Adelaide Zoo’s Parents are reminded of their responsibility to travelling zoo contact the College if a student will be late to · Short talks by Garden Guides and Garden staff at quiz school or absent for the day. Please ring McAuley Office on 8372 3241 or stations Reception on 8372 3200 BEFORE 9.30am. · Roving entertainment Upon the student’s return, please place a note in · SA Water Squirt Squad the diary regarding the absence for the Home · Interpretive signs with intriguing plant stories Group/Class Teacher. · Teacher information pack · Student quiz sheets 7 MERCEDES COLLEGE FAMILY MATTERS coordinator, Tine Flood-Hauge is Norwegian. Her children, Julia and Joakim, cannot quite understand why I can only

speak to them in English, as they are fluent in Norwegian, In this edition of the Newsletter, I Danish, Swedish and English! would like to draw to your attention, two valuable services for families. The CIS LAP programme supports students from

Centacare Catholic Family Services, Community Education Kindergarten to Year 12. In 2003, Tine reported that LAP program is promoting a Rebuilding Your Life course, “A volunteers had supported all of the Year 12 IBO French Divorce and Separation Recovery Workshop” for Terms 2 students and that they had all been successful. They were very proud of this achievement. and 3 at Fennescey House 33 Wakefield Street, Adelaide. The course is conducted over seven weeks, commencing June 21, Last week I received a message from Tine advising that the from 7:00pm to 9:00pm and offers an opportunity for healing School Board had offered her a position to manage the LAP and rediscovering self-confidence. The fee for the course is programme at CIS on a permanent basis as a paid member of $105.00 or $84.00 concession. To register for this course or staff. Up until now, Tine has conducted the programme in other educ ative programs offered by Centacare, please contact her own time as a volunteer. 8210 8200. So not only do we have an Australian princess in , The Safety Assist program is a voluntary network of we also have a wonderful LAP programme that has become a approved residences, offices, shops, public buildings and permanent and valued component in education at the public transport that display the Safety Assist sign as an Copenhagen International School. Tine is already planning to indication to people of all ages that reliable help is available. introduce LAP to local Danish schools. Maybe I will just have The program replaces the former Safety House Program and to go to Denmark and give her a hand! Wonderful, wonderful responds to a variety of needs ranging from being lost, injured, Copenhagen! bullied, frightened or feeling unsafe to needing to contact road Penny Penhall services or call for emergency services. Recent additions to LAP Coordinator the Safety Assist network include all metropolitan and rural National Bank branches and Surf Life Saving beach patrol MERCEDES COLLEGE SKI TOUR bases. July 11– 17, 2004 The program needs more Safety Assist premises in SA. Due to a shortfall in the student numbers participating in the Occupants are not expected to solve the problem but will Ski Tour we can now offer parents of students at the College contact police, family, ambulance or other appropriate agency the chance to join the Tour as a family group (preferably 4 to as the situation requires. You do not invite strangers into your 5 family members with their own room guaranteed). house. The person seeking help will wait outside your door while you call for assistance. The total cost of the Snow Tour package is $630.00 per person. This includes all coach transport – Adelaide to Please consider becoming Safety Assist members. Victoria return and to Remember, there are no restrictions on the times that and from the snow residents are required to be available at the premises. fields daily; 5 nights Businesses are also encouraged to join. This is a way for you accommodation; 5 to do something positive to help make your local area safer. days ski hire; 5 days

ski lifts, lessons, breakfast and dinner whilst in Call Safer Communities Australia on 8373 0818 for application accommodation and morning tea on mountain. Not included: forms and further information. lunches in snow and meals en route; personal spending money Anne Way and ski clothing. Ski clothing hire is available at reasonable School Psychologist rates at the Bright Chalet.

LEARNING ASSISTANCE If interested please contact Mr Kingsley Head at the College ASAP. PROGRAMME Kingsley Head Did you watch the Royal Wedding? I admit it. I stayed up Ski Tour Coordinator until the wee small hours to see “the kiss” from the balcony. What a ray of sunshine and joy in a world of torture and war. I know that we all wish Mary and her Prince a lifetime of happiness. LOST

I have had the wonderful experience of walking around the Timon Sideris, Year 2MW, has lost one of streets of Copenhagen, past the Royal Palace, seeing the Little his hearing aids, possibly at school. If

Mermaid, the amazing architecture, the ice skaters, the found please return to Room 27 in the thousands of bicycle riders and the fantastic shops. Junior School or Strathspey.

Of course I wasn’t just there to sightsee! I was in Denmark to conduct LAP workshops at the Copenhagen International School. This school has had a well-established LAP programme for the past four years. Volunteers and students come from all corners of the world and their LAP 8 MERCEDES COLLEGE Languages Exchanges and Student Winter sport commenced amidst a flurry of Senior School organization to ensure teams in table tennis, soccer, hockey, Hosting cross country, basketball and football were ready to Quebec-Adelaide/ Mercedes-Rochebelle commence. The Year 10 Camp and the Year 12 Retreat complicated preparations somewhat, however, the first Exchange matches ironed out many of the cobwebs. Many students have taken the plunge and returned their expression of interest for hosting a Quebec student and Soccer and Cross Country were first out of the blocks with perhaps going to Quebec in January 2006. seven Senior Soccer teams playing Concordia College,

The student personal information sheets have arrived from my Glenunga International High School, Pulteney Grammar Quebec colleague, Mario Lamontagne! – in English! Included School , Scotch College and Prince Alfred College, whilst are their likes and dislikes and reasons for wanting to make the runners competed in the 100kms relay, a gruelling event from Oakbank to Banksia Park High School. Basketball trip here. I have the details of 26 girls and 13 boys. Their ages commenced with matches against St Ignatius College whilst are mostly 13 or 14. Cross Country kicked off the weekly competitions on 12 May Reasons for choosing the trip? Some of the comments: when we hosted the ISSA Wednesday event at Waite Oval. (verbatim) Matthew Dineen showed his great form by winning the Open “...I like to learn and discover new things/people/ places...I event. Mercedes also won the team event (Matt Dineen, Bill want to hear, learn a new way of talking, new culture and a Marsh, Jack Everett and Ben Bardsley-Jones) and the Junior new accent...to develop my skill to speak english and to see Boys were not to be outdone by also winning their team event how it is to live with my head upside down...to see kangaroos, comfortably from SHC, St Peters College and CBC. Tom koalas, etc ...above all, I would like to have a friend at the Everett, Dominic Symes, Angus Herriot, Tom Beilby and other side of the world...” Dominic Davis herald a new wave of running talent in the College, whilst Natalie Hughes finished a very impressive 4th Our students will also fill out forms like theirs and then the in the girl s section. She joined Sarah Forsyth and Nichola correspondence – email – will be able to start so that the Mundy to place 2nd in the teams. All runners will contest the matched students (referred to as “twins” by the Quebeckers) State Cross Country Championships this Friday at Oakbank. will know quite a lot about each other before the Quebeckers The table tennis teams in Years 8, 9 and Open have had their arrive next Fe bruary. first matches against St Johns Grammar School and Pembroke School and the season is now in full swing. If you are interested and haven’t yet returned your son’s / daughter’s expression of interest (for students of French Years Netball starts this weekend following a very busy few weeks of 8-11), please call me if you have any queries (direct line at the trials. Open Volleyball teams commenced last Friday night at College 8372 3204). There will be a meeting later this term. Scotch College, whilst the Year 8 teams will start this Thursday night. The College’s Year 9 Camp will delay the Indonesia/Makassar Exchange commencement of the season for two Year 9 teams until next For students of Indonesian (Years 8-12), a wonderful week at Unley Sport for All Centre. opportunity to host an Indonesian student from Sulawesi: our group of students arrive soon on 27 July and stay until 14 The Year 10 Hockey team featured in a close tussle with August. During this time they will be away for a few days in Prince Alfred College in their first game which resulted in a Kangaroo Island. Otherwise, they will need to be dropped at one all draw. Knockout draws have arrived related to Soccer school and picked up at normal times. If you are interested in for Open and Year 8/9 Boys, Open Boys Volleyball, Netball hosting a student but have not yet returned your expression of for Year 10 and Open Girls and Open and Year 8/9 Football. interest, please feel free to ring Janet Bartold on 8372 3256 if An Open and Year 10 Soccer Camp was conducted during the you have any queries holidays and 45 players slept over and prepared for the Lesley Davies coming season. Thank you to Matt Smith and Amanda Sergi Coordinator Languages for ensuring the camp went ahead by generously offering to supervise the players overnight during the holiday period.

Many thanks also to players and parents who have News from the Sports Desk communicated and negotiated variations to the expectation to An assembly was conducted recently to acknowledge the play various sports for the College. All have been negotiated performances of athletes last term at our own sports day, at to the mutual satisfaction of the College, Clubs and the swimming carnivals and at various athletics c arnivals. It was a individual. most successful term of sport and one that kept both students and PE Staff extremely busy. We rely on players being punctual for Saturday and mid-week commitments and on players attending training and being There are over 90 teams representing the College in winter prepared to make a solid commitment to teams. Any player sport and this, together with the limited availability of some not attending to these responsibilities will be issued with the coaches, is presenting many challenges when trying to allocate customary notification. Additionally, all players must be training space during the week. Oval and hall space is dressed in the appropriate uniform. It is a discourtesy to the particularly thin and in many cases teams have to share opposition to front in a different uniform – we want to avoid facilities due to the popularity of the sport and the high continued next page participation levels.

9 MERCEDES COLLEGE

News from the Sports Desk (cont) crowded start line, jostling for a position, maintaining pace, teams being penalized for attire that is not uniform. Referees overcoming obstacles and completing the course. have the power to prevent teams from starting when out of uniform. All runners performed well. Some outstanding results were st 1 Emma Rajic th These issues need to be supported by parents and guardians as 6 Alison Thomson they are a significant expectation of players. 13th Sam Roberts 6th Harrison Hughes th SASI Volleyball 7 Hayley Taeuber th Congratulations is extended to Chris Gosling who has been 18 Ciaran Banks 6th Alyse Jansons offered a full scholarship with the South Australian Volleyball 8th Lara Schemeczko program. He joins ten other boys from throughout South Australia in a very successful component of the Institute, Training continues twice weekly on Tuesday and Thursday at which was voted Program of the Year in 2003. By being 7.30am. Out next event will be at the Catholic Schools inducted into this program Chris will benefit by being exposed Championships to a specific strength and conditioning program, sports Irena Hollis psychology group sessions, drug awareness sessions with the Cross Country Coordinator Australian Sports Drug Agency, athlete career and education sessions, comprehensive medical and physio screenings, R-7 Sport Report instruction in core stability and preventative exercise and a fully integrated training program involving both beach and SAPSASA Representatives indoor disciplines. It is a great opportunity and we wish Chris Congratulations to Amy Hoile and Liam Sambrook who were well in his endeavours. selected in Netball and Football teams for Southern Heights in SAPSASA and they will be on exchange in W eek 5 this term. Basketball Peter Hoban was selected in the SASI U18 Basketball team Sports Day to tour USA in November and December, 2003. Later he was Thanks to all who participated valiantly and assisted with the selected to represent SA in the U 18 State team to compete smooth running of the Carnival. All events will be completed against other states in Newcastle, where the team made the soon. Currently Dalton House is leading the Carnival. final, only to be defeated narrowly by Vic Metro who have Tracey Ashmead won this competition nine times in the past eleven years. He R-7 Sport Coordinator w as then later selected in the U20 State team that went to Tasmania in February. Peter is currently playing ABA basketball with Forestville and his presence on the court on Saturday mornings in the ISSA schools competition is worth seeing.

Tom Gaynor was recently named MVP following his involvement in the SASI sponsored Junior Basketball Development Camp held at Fort Largs Academy. Tom was amongst 20 selected basketballers from across the state in his age group.

The Year 9 Boys Basketball team, coached by Ryan Turner, won the Schools State Championship last Friday at Forestville Stadium, going through the tournament undefeated. Keegan Brooksby was awarded the tournament MVP and was selected in the All Star Five. Another player to impress was Nathan Chettle who starred in most matches. Congratulations to Keegan, Tom Gaynor, Nathan Chettle, Tim Davies, Oliver Putland, Nelson Hedditch, Ben Gazzola, Harry Einarson and Lucas Vaccarella. Thi s was a superb effort from all players who defeated Adelaide HS, SHC, Pasadena HS and Cabra College to win the right to play Unley HS in the grand final. Mercedes was always in control of the final match emerging victors by 4 points. A great team effort. Bill Gaynor

Years 4-7 Cross Country After training for only two weeks Junior School Cross Country had its first event at Belair National Park on Tuesday 11 May. The Southern Heights SAPSASA event is open to local southern schools. It gave our runners experience in several aspects of competitive running, such as lining up at a 10