Building befitting a Mercy heritage
Schools
The opening and blessing of a $26.6m sports and arts precinct last month was a highlight for the Mercedes College community as it celebrates its 70th anniversary.
Principal Andrew Balkwill paid tribute to the “determined, strong and independent Sisters” who established Mercedes College in 1954 with a few students.
The new Yitpi Centre.
“From that small beginning, we stand here 70 years later, in a magnificent building, with 1500 people – a thriving and flourishing community,” he said.
With a design brief to build something “befitting of our Mercy heritage” and drawing on the Mercedes Way of educating students in mind, body and spirit, Mr Balkwill said the Yitpi Centre would help create stronger connections and collaboration across the arts and sports disciplines.
“We wanted a building that used space designed to welcome, to be a place where we teach and learn, where we test ourselves in the sporting and artistic pursuits and where our whole community can gather in prayer and liturgical celebration,” he said.
“Importantly, as buildings are nothing without the people inside, this had to complement our vision and values, our strong sense of community and a place created for joy and to live life to the full.”
The college’s Mercy heritage has been honoured in Founders Lane and Coolock Atrium, named after the house in which Catherine McAuley lived in Dublin in 1822.
Deputy principal Narelle Sandercock, Archbishop O’Regan, Jan Richardson, Deacon Andrew Kirkbride and principal Andrew Balkwill.
Coolock House was important to the early mission when it was sold to build a larger home for homeless women and servant girls.
“It reminds us that the mission take priority,” Mr Balkwill said.
The name Gleeson for the new arts performance space honours Bishop James Gleeson who made a significant contribution to Mercedes College during his time as the first rector in residence.
The word Yitpi, meaning soul in Kaurna language, acknowledges the land that the college is on and its significance to First Nations people.
A liturgy and blessing by Archbishop Patrick O’Regan included a liturgical dance and music performed by college choirs.
Sisters of Mercy and former Mercedes teachers Pat McAuley and Cynthia Griffin and old scholar Jan Richardson from the class of 1957 were among the invited guests.
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