From The Principal

Health and Wellbeing services at MLC School

A recent Australian Psychological Society (APS) member survey found that 88% of psychologists had seen an increase in demand for their services, equalling the previous record increase set in June 2021. The survey also found that 1 in 3 (33%) psychologists were unable to take new clients, up from 1 in 5 (22%) in June 2021. Before the pandemic, only 1 in 100 psychologists were not taking new clients.

We are very fortunate to have a team of psychologists and counsellors available to our students to provide support around school-based issues. Generally, we can offer between one and six counselling sessions at school. If there is a need for more support, then we contact the family and refer the student to external counselling providers, especially if the issue is long standing, or needs intensive support.

There is no doubt that academic progress can be impacted when a child is physically or mentally unwell or when she is feeling concerned or upset. And, as outlined in our Strategic Plan, we are committed to “a proactive approach to the care of each girl, supporting her wellbeing at school and beyond”.

To ensure that we take a holistic approach to student care, earlier this year we completed the relocation of all Senior School health and wellbeing services so that our Heads of Year, School Nurses, Counsellors, and Psychologists are co-located and easily accessible to students. This move is part of our commitment to putting the ‘girl at the heart’ of our decision making and planning. By co-locating these services, staff are not only easily available to the girls but can work together to determine the best way to assist each student.

In the Junior School, each student’s regular contact with their class teacher and access to the first aid room provides a similar ‘full girl’ view. Where there is a need for more specialised school-based assistance, the school nurses or psychologists are also involved.

While their work usually goes unseen by most, on behalf of the whole School community, I would like to acknowledge the expertise and commitment of our Counselling Team, Pastoral Care Team, Chaplains and those who work alongside them to care for our most vulnerable students.

https://www.agsa.org.au/research/balancing-academic-pressures-supporting-girls-mental-health-stentiford-et-al-2021/

https://psychology.org.au/about-us/news-and-media/media-releases/2022/bleak-new-figures-confirm-depth-of-mental-health-c

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

School Tour Days for 2023

The next MLC School tour day will be held on Tuesday 28 February from 10.30am. Numbers are limited and registration is required. To register your attendance click on the button below, scroll down the page and please note which tour you would like to attend. There’s no need for you to miss out on the chance to secure a place for your daughter at MLC School.

We now have waiting lists for many of the year entries, so it is recommended that application be made by your daughter’s first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. The School is currently interviewing girls who will commence in Pre-K to Year 11 in 2025  If you would like to apply for the few places available please follow the link to our online application form here.

Applications for all years are processed in the order in which they are received. For updated information, please view our online prospectus package.

If you have other enquiries about the enrolment process, please contact Nerida Coman, our Registrar, by email or phone 02 8741 3165.

Tuesday 28 February 2023 at 10.30am. Register here

Thursday 26 May 2023 at 10.30am. Register here

Other tours will be announced later in the year:

• August 2023 date to be confirmed
• November 2023 date to be confirmed

A Very Happy and Safe Christmas from MLC School

2022 is drawing to a close – On behalf of Lisa Moloney (Principal) and all School Staff, we thank you for your interest in MLC School and wish you a very Happy Christmas and safe Holiday Season.

MLC School will be closed from Thursday, 22 December 2022 to Wednesday 4 January 2023, re-opening on Thursday 5 January 2023.

See you all in 2023!

HSC Selections for Dance and Drama

OnSTAGE (Drama)

We are proud to announce the selection of 2022 year 12 students for OnSTAGE, a collection of the best drama works presented at the 2022 HSC examination.

Congratulations to Amelia for her performance of The Countess, a self-devised work in the style of Restoration Comedy. Amelia was selected from approximately 3000 students and only a handful perform at the live exhibition.

Congratulations to our group (Amelia, Layla, Juliette, Anna and Sophie) who performed The Death of Theatre, a devised piece which was clever and sophisticated. The girls are the ‘reserve’ group in case any of the 8 groups pull out or experiences sickness. They deserve their success for their hard work.

CALLBACK (Dance)

Our wonderful success was also replicated in Dance as Madison has been selected for CALLBACK, the performance of outstanding works from the Dance HSC Examination 2022. Madison’s Core Composition was excellent and its inclusion was well deserved.

OnStage Nominations

Eight students have been nominated for OnStage for their HSC Drama projects. This is an outstanding achievement and recognition of the high standard of their work.

Rather than performing, these girls chose a project which accounts for 30% of their final HSC mark. The projects nominated are:

• Critical Analysis Research
• Design Poster and Promotion
• Critical Analysis – Theatre reviews
• Design Lighting
• Design Costume
• Design Set
• Design Lighting
• Critical Analysis Research

– Lisa Jinga
Head of Department – Dance, Drama and Entertainment (DDE)

Outstanding HSC Performances in Music

Two MLC School girls have received an Encore selection for HSC Music 2022 with another being nominated for inclusion.

This means that their performance programs were outstanding and amongst the best performance works in the State. 

Jacqueline –  Encore Nomination for Performance

Jade – Encore Selection for Performance – ‘Gothic Carousel’

Ruby – Encore Selection for Composition – ‘Soliloquy for Winter Solstice’

– Elizabeth Gilberthorpe
Assistant Director of Music

Exceptional HSC Works Gain ArtExpress, Shape and InTech Selections and Nominations

MLC School girls have received a number of nominations into the following Exhibitions and Showcases that highlight the outstanding quality of work being produced across the State and in our exceptional students. The nomination itself is the highest honour with those being selected to appear in the exhibition amongst the State’s best.

ArtExpress Excellence in Visual Arts Nominations and Selections

• Photomedia and time based work ‘Confined by the Clock’ was nominated.
• Printmaking work ‘Feathered Phobia’ was nominated and selected and will be appearing at two locations in rotating exhibitions at The Armory, Sydney Olympic Park SOPA and the Hawkesbury Regional Art Gallery.
• Printmaking work ‘Accepting Purple’ was nominated and selected and will be in the Glasshouse Regional Gallery in Port Macquarie.

Shape exemplary major projects by Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students nominations

Design and Technology

• Nomination for product design of a bespoke casing for computer gaming

Industrial Technology Multimedia

• Nomination for 3D modelling and 3D Animated mystery game trailer
• Nomination for 2D Platform Pixel Style Game
• Nomination for 3D modelling and 3D Animated short film

InTech, the annual exhibition of outstanding Major Projects developed by HSC Industrial Technology students nominations

Industrial Technology Multimedia works were also nominated

• 3D modelling and 3D Animated mystery game trailer
• 2D Platform Pixel Style Game
• 3D modelling and 3D Animated short film

We are delighted with the recognition and success for all of the students nominated. 

– Sally Marks
Head of Department – Design, Art and Technology (DART)
Visual Arts

Click on the image gallery to view full sized images.

MLC School Takes Out Major Award in National Dance Festival

MLC School won a NATIONAL STORY AWARD – for excellence in performing arts and raising awareness about History for their performance ‘Guernica’ as part of the 2022 National Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival.

Wakakirri is Australia’s largest performing arts event for schools with over 180 taking part in 2022. Participating schools are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’ to create and perform story-dances that reflect students’ thoughts, ideas and aspirations. Wakakirri Festival Director Adam Loxley said “The standard of performance and the stories being told by schools this year was exceptional so MLC School should be very proud of their award”.

MLC School’s story description:
Picasso’s compelling 20th century anti-war protest artwork of the Nazi bombing of Guernica reflects the visceral, violent international tensions, that continue to highlight the actions occurring in the world today. Wakakirri panel member Scott Irwin described the performance as “Breathtaking. A visually stunning and emotionally powerful piece exploring Picasso’s ‘Guernica’.”

The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. Schools participate by creating Story-Dances which they perform in live theatres in capital cities and selected regional areas around Australia. Schools in remote and regional areas can participate via Wakakirri Video. Wakakirri’s sponsors include The Victorian Government, Reconciliation Australia, Muffin Break and the McCusker Charitable Foundation.

Congratulations to all of our students and staff involved.

Pre-Kindergarten’s Christmas Concert

The Pre-Kindergarten students were thrilled to perform their end of year Christmas Concert for their parents, family members and friends.  Our studio was filled with love!

The girls sang the verses to ‘Christmas Comes’ accompanied by Miss G on ukulele, which intertwined with other songs  and drama, to form our nativity. It was a wonderful performance.

Morning tea followed in our playground and we delighted to have a surprise visitor – Santa!

It was a wonderful way to celebrate the wonderful year in Pre-Kindergarten.

– Gina Zucco, Rachael Borg, Ellie Monda, Vicki Liubinskas
Pre-Kindergarten Team

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Kindergarten to Year 2 Swimming Intensive

For the first two weeks of Term 4 Kindergarten to Year 2 students participated in the Swim Intensive program at the MLC School Aquatic Centre.

Some students were very excited and some were a little nervous, but everyone was swimming with happy beautiful smiles on their faces.

The Intensive Swimming Program caters for all levels of ability, from non-swimmer groups to more advanced stroke development groups. It has been great to see personal achievements throughout the Year groups. Girls who were scared to put their faces in the water are now doing so, and girls improving their breathing and stroke technique are now able to swim 33m. Amazing well done everyone!

To finish the program, the Kindergarten to Year students joined students in Year 3 to Year 5 for a fun House Swimming Carnival today. This was a fantastic way for parents to come and see how much their daughters have improved over the two weeks. And well-done parents for getting the swimmers washed and back in the bag for the next day!

– Michelle Hiss
Junior School Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Teacher

Click on the image gallery below to view full-sized images.

 

 

 

Year 5 Canberra Immersion

Year 5 students participated in an education tour of the national capital over three days and two nights. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy, including visiting Parliament House, The War Memorial, CSIRO, museums and art galleries, National Archives MOAD and Electoral Education office to name a few. Students had fun at the pool on the first night, and Questacon the second night. It was surprisingly chilly with the snow spotted on the local mountains

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government contributed funding of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. 

– Amber Bidwell
Year 5 teacher

Click on the image gallery to view full sized images.

 

Author Sue Whiting Visits Year 5 and Year 6

Sue Whiting, an author of multiple books, visited Year 5 and Year 6 in the Senior School Library on Friday 21 October. She spoke about her books and experiences and explained her inspiration behind three of her books.

Her latest book Tilda was partially based on the little information she knew of her grandmother. It tells the story of a young girl Matilda who lives in an orphanage in Adelaide while her father fights in the Boer war. After talking about her books, she had some students participate in a quiz based on the year 1901, the year her book is set. It was a very fun and enjoyable time.

– Vivian (Year 6) and Emily (Year 6)

Languages Day 2022

We were delighted to relaunch our annual Languages Day after a couple of years of not being able to run it! Languages Day goes hand in hand with the ethos of our school as we want our students to become open minded, enquiring, knowledgeable and respectful citizens of the world.

Students from Year 6 to Year 9 were immersed in a range of vibrant and engaging activities and workshops which aimed to further their understanding of language and culture. These ranged from French story-telling, drama and crêpe making to Indonesian dance, exploring traditional Indonesian island costumes and Taiko drumming, to Chinese bracelet making, Italian Commedia dell’arte, Japanese origami and manga and finally Aboriginal basket weaving! We even had a guest appearance with the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Mr Vedi Kurnia Buana, paying us a visit in the afternoon! Students were also able to purchase a lunch that showcased the cuisines of different cultures. It was a colourful and exciting day where culture and language came to life and where diversity was celebrated and embraced.

Here are a few reflections from some of our Year 7 students:

‘Anna Jajah told us about the story of Peau D’Âne (Donkey Skin), her favourite movie, partly in French and partly in English and got us to get in groups afterwards and act out what we thought happened at the end. I really enjoyed hearing Anna tell us the story and see how we slowly started understanding what she was saying in French from actions and context.’ – Thea (Year 7)

‘One activity that I was able to participate in was the making of Chinese bracelets. They  consisted of a row of continuous, complex knots known as ‘lucky knots,’ which supposedly gave and trapped good luck in the knots of the bracelet. The purpose of the activity was to build friendship, as well as give us opportunities to complete a Chinese good-luck ritual. – Josephine (Year 7)

‘I liked the Italian drama because it was interesting and was funny, especially when the actors acted as different people! It was entertaining and funny to watch as the audience.’ – Lindsay (Year 7)

Please visit the MLC School Facebook page to view more photos from the day.

– Louisa Macdonald
Head of Department – Languages

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White Ribbon Day at MLC School

MLC School Captains hosted a discussion on White Ribbon Day (18 November). The panel of MLC School students and Newington College students focused on raising awareness about domestic violence issues in Australia.

Let’s Be the Change and do what we can to contribute to a nation free of all forms of gendered violence, harassment, and disrespect. #letsbethechange #mlcschool

Please click on the gallery below to view full sized photographs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year 9 PASS students visit the SCG

In November, Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students were lucky enough to go on an excursion to the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The purpose of the excursion was to expand our understanding on Australia’s Sporting Identity. We heard many great stories about the great cricket teams and players, the significance of the field and special sporting moments that have been played there. It was an amazing excursion that widened my understanding of the important role this iconic venue has had in Australia’s sporting history, which will also help me in my upcoming assessment task. It was very interesting and was definitely a valuable experience for our PASS classes.

– Alexis (Year 9)

 

 

 

 

Year 12 Geography Fieldwork: Breakfast Point & Barangaroo

Year 12 Geography students embarked on their compulsory fieldwork excursion to investigate how urban renewal projects transform the nature and character of suburbs. Fieldwork is a vital component of Year 12 Geography as it allows students to develop their skills in curating primary data sources and enables them to have a greater appreciation of the diversity of urban places in Sydney. 

Students firstly travelled to Breakfast Point to investigate the changing nature and character of the suburb which was previously Mortlake Gas Works. As a class students completed a transect of the commercial hub of the area as well as collecting evidence for spatial exclusion. Students looked at how supermarkets such as IGA tailor their products and services to suit the needs of the community and how the Rosecorp development has transformed the nature of the area.

From there students travelled to Barangaroo to explore the role of urban renewal in creating a financial and hospitality hub. Students created a transect which mapped the changes from an old shipping port to a finance centre. Students also collected evidence on how the urban renewal project embedded Indigenous voices and transformed the nature of the suburb economically and environmentally. 

I would also like to extend a huge thank you to Christopher Highman for leading this excursion and sharing his expertise in urban design.  

– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment

MLC School Girls and New Zealand Textile Experiences

During Term 4, a group of MLC School girls travelled to New Zealand for a series of Textile Workshops.

Below is a reflection from the Workshop held by NZ Textile Experiences.

‘How wonderful is Robyn Langford bringing her 36 technology students (and three teachers) from Sydney’s MLC School to Nelson to experience hands-on workshops:

• Harakeke Weaving
• Screen Printing
• Small Loom Weaving
• Contemporary Felt Making

It was a real kiwi experience using natural materials, sustainable resources and designs unique to New Zealand. Everyone had an awesome day of fun learning and creativity.’

Duke of Edinburgh Adventurous Journey 2022

During the Term 3 holidays, 18 students working towards a silver or gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award travelled to Central Australia to complete their Adventurous Journey. Spanning seven days, the trip involved exploring the region through challenging hikes and investigating its biodiversity. We also spent time learning about the Indigenous culture of the Anangu and Arrernte people who are the traditional owners of the land we travelled through.

As the trip was for both the Silver and Gold award, a variety of students from Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 participated. By the end of the trip many new friendships had been formed across the different year groups and we became a strong unit. I am proud to have completed this challenge and to have done so alongside such an amazing group of people who pushed me to do my best.

The trip itself involved the circumnavigation of Uluru, hiking through Kata Tjuta on the Valley of the Winds trail and walking along the rim of Kings Canyon and into the Garden of Eden. Experiencing this new environment that was almost otherworldly was stunning. However, in completing all these trails we were working our way up to the final hike on Mount Sonder. This was by far the biggest item on our itinerary and involved a 2am wake up to hike 9km in the dark, up the Mountain, in order to watch the sunrise from its peak. We were guided by the light of our head torches alone and had to put on and then take off layers to regulate body temperature whilst hiking. Due to the arduous nature of the trip and the development of blisters amongst some group members, we set a slower and steady pace to make sure everyone was comfortable and stayed together, practising compassion. As a result, we only reached the second highest peak by the time the sun started rising. Nevertheless, what we had achieved was still incredible and the view was breath-taking all the same, as the sun gradually revealed the landscape we had been traversing. The hike was made all the more rewarding by the effort we had put in. By 10.30am in the morning we had walked back down the mountain and already completed over 25,000 steps!

Personally, this trip was transformative in fostering resilience and perseverance. Not only were the hiking trails difficult, but we also had to manage a climate which is so different from Sydney, with extreme temperature variants. However, every student persevered and problem-solved to manage hydration, sun protection, fatigue and blisters. We all worked as a team to support and encourage one another, developing our collaboration and communication skills.

My highlight was sleeping under the stars in swags each night, which none of us had done before. We took on this daunting new experience with enthusiasm and got to experience the night sky free of the light-pollution which we are accustomed to, living in urban areas. We witnessed many shooting stars and the Milky Way in its full glory, which was spectacular, and fell asleep each night to the call of dingos.

We are so grateful for this once in a lifetime opportunity! Thank you to MLC School’s Duke of Edinburgh program, run by Glen Mole, for offering such an incredible trip.

– Claudia (Year 11)
Gold Award Participant

Please click on the gallery to view full sized photographs.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Round Square International Conference Delivers a Life Experience

For the first time since 2019, the annual Round Square International Conference returned this year hosted in the United Kingdom. This incredible journey started at 3am at Sydney airport on the first day of the holidays (17 September) with eight girls and three teachers from MLC School, eventually to join students and teachers of 140 schools from across the world.

Round Square is an international organisation of nearly 200 schools that follow the 6 IDEALS developed by educator Kurt Hahn. The IDEALS are Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service and are the underlying values for both Round Square at MLC School and all schools internationally. Annually, Round Square hosts a conference where schools can meet, collaborate and unite with a rotating host country and school. 2022 was the first conference since the pandemic and was jointly hosted by six schools across the United Kingdom, AKS Lytham, Felsted School, Latymer Upper School, Ryde School with Upper Chine, Cobham Hall and the Box Hill School.

Leaving Sydney on time we landed in London after 22 hours of flying and dived into the trip head first. After a day of sightseeing in London and marking off some historic sites from our bucket list we ventured to Oxford University for the start of the Round Square International Conference for 2022. Staying in the Queen’s College on campus, the first day was full of new names, new faces and ice breakers and we found ourselves quickly finding the value of google maps by getting lost in the large site.

We met Lisa Moloney (Principal) in Oxford completing the MLC School delegation for the conference. The theme for the week was ‘Take Less, Be More’ with a focus on sustainability in all elements of life both environmentally and ethically in our community and as leaders. Over the next three days we participated in fascinating keynote speakers from Emily Penn (researcher and oceans activist), Ben Fogle (adventurer and film director), and Dieter Helm (economics and climate professor) alongside a speaker panel of Round Square alumni and charity directors from across the world. Each of these presentations were later broken down and discussed in small ‘baraza’ groups questioning both our individual and community perspectives.

Each evening saw dinners in the Oxford dining hall and exciting and interactive activities. The first evening was filled with a cultural night of performances featuring traditional Japanese dancing, South African Gumboot dancing and other performances from across the world. The second evening was our opportunity to immerse ourselves in other cultures participating in the Ceilidh folk dancing from Scotland and Ireland which was one of the highlights of the trip.

Travelling to Surrey for the second half of our conference, hosted by the Box Hill School, saw a trip to London for a West End performance of Mary Poppins, conservation talks and a trip to Marwell Zoo focusing on rescue and protection programs, and gorgeous hikes through the surrounding country-side. The next three days saw the international delegation bonding through card games, dancing and music at the campsite at High Ashurst as we built connections and made memories we will never forget. By the end of the week all eight of the students left the conference with incredible, long-term friendships, new ideas and dreams for the future with a new perspective on our own role in society.

The delegation then returned to London to explore the city, seeing a performance of Mamma Mia, visiting the Tower of London, the Globe Theatre, Buckingham Palace, the British Museum and Westminster. Leaving London, we travelled on the Eurostar to Paris for four days to visit Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and many more incredible locations before travelling back to Sydney.

After 16 days we landed at home following one of the best adventures of a lifetime. The conference was an amazing opportunity for us to meet students from across the world, compare our outlooks, opinions and dreams for the future and be able to collaborate on the issues that affect us all.

– Elizabeth (Year 11)

MLC School celebrates 20 years of being a Round Square school in 2022.

Please click on the gallery below for full sized photographs.

 

 

 

Lucis Spring/Summer 2022 Issue

The Spring/Summer issue of Lucis reflects on the steps MLC School has taken to gain greater insight and understanding around Indigenous Recognition and Reconciliation.

Performing Arts is also a focus with performances and creative displays now back on the School calendar.

The digital version can be viewed here.

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