MLC School extends offering for Elite Athletes

MLC School has recently joined 32 other like-minded International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools around the world that are keen to support their student athletes achieve excellent results both on the sporting field and in the classroom. Accreditation as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) through the World Academy of Sport is an internationally recognised credential for schools and we are delighted to have achieved this at MLC School.

The life of a student athlete involves a significant time commitment by the students and their families. At MLC School we have always encouraged our students to pursue their dreams and this accreditation will enable us to further support our students in this.

The AFEC accreditation process was very thorough, focusing on the strengths of the organisation and the student athletes. It was an opportunity for MLC School to evaluate our existing structures and curriculum. It also highlighted our already strong practices that are in place to support student athletes.

The feedback from the accreditation panel after their visit was incredibly positive. They were extremely impressed with our school and said it was one of the best they had ever visited.  We already had in place the majority of the structures to successfully meet the criteria. They were also particularly impressed with the student athletes they met with, including Isabella (Year 12), Lucy (Year 12) and Taara (Year 11). This is high praise given one of the panel members was a former Olympian herself.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Pic: Staff member, Andrew Simos and athlete Isabella with the AFEC accreditation plaque and certificate

2023 Australian of the Year, Tarryn Brumfitt at Parent Forum 13 November

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2025 – Close 5 October

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2025 are now open to all current MLC School students. Registration will close on Thursday 5 October 2023.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023.

External applicants apply online here

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School for an activity morning. Please note that not all shortlisted candidates will be offered a scholarship.

For more information about scholarships please visit our website, or contact our Registrar Nerida Coman on 02 8741 3165 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Pre-Kindergarten Welcomes Some Very Special Visitors

In the last week of the school term, Pre-Kindergarten welcomed some very special visitors. Year 12 students who commenced at MLC School in Pre-Kindergarten 14 years ago returned where they started their educational journey. 

After the welcome, all the students played together.  Memories returned with the Year 12 students recalling and sharing what they enjoyed in Pre-Kindergarten. Our Pre-Kindergarten students enjoyed showing what they enjoy engaging in during their school day.

The Year 12 students presented the Pre-Kindergarten students with a special story Pearl Goes to Preschool by Julia Fortenberry which will stay in the Library.  

Our Pre-Kindergarten students had some words of advice to the Year 12 students – be friends, be kind and have fun – some wisdom shown from four and five year olds!

We wish all the Year 12 students happiness in their future.

– Gina Zucco, Miss Shen (casual teacher), Ellie Monda, Vicki Liubinskas, Rachael Borg (absent)
Pre-Kindergarten Team

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Kindergarten Celebrates 100 Days of School

National Science Week 2023 in the Junior School STEM Lab

The MLC Junior School STEM Lab celebrated National Science Week 2023 and its theme, ‘Innovation: Powering Future Industries’ by inviting students to make a beaded binary bracelet in the lunch break. 

Students coded the initial letter of their first name into binary (the system of 0s and 1s that comprise the basis of computer language) and used that code to make a two-colour bracelet. 

Year 1 to Year 4 had their own lunch break to make their bracelet while Year 5 showed their leadership skills by teaming up with their Kindergarten buddies to make theirs together.

– Bede Schofield
STEAM Lab Coordinator

The Joy Of Book Week in Junior School

The Junior School came alive with the presence of book characters roaming the hallways as students immersed themselves in the final day of festivities for Book Week 2023. The Book Parade was a joyous celebration of literature as was the house reading activity which followed. Students were so lucky to have a group of fabulous mums helping out at the book fair, ensuring that those students looking for books found just what they were after. 

It was a week of fun for all, with students reflecting on their favourite celebrations throughout the week as follows: 

‘My favourite part of book week was the teacher dance. It was amazing to see all of the teachers dressed up and dancing to the book week theme song, I feel better when I’m reading!! I also loved the morning videos. This is because they were fun and the sing-a-long was catchy. We knew that each day one of our teachers would read a story about people who inspired them. It was great.’

– Chloe (Year 5)

‘The teacher dance and the parade were the highlightJus of book week for me because it helped to make Book Week so fun. I also loved the morning sing-a-longs because we all got into it.”

– Jessica (Year 5)

‘I loved the Book Parade, the teacher dance, Indigenous Literacy Day activities….All of Book Week really!’

– Eloise (Year 5)

‘My favourite part of Book Week was the Book Parade because we got to dress up as our favourite book characters.

– Lydia (Year 5)

‘Indigenous Literacy Day and the smoking ceremony was my favourite because I liked watching the girls dancing.’

– Alexia (Year 1)

‘I really loved the Book Week Bingo run by the Library Monitors and the song, because I LOVE to sing.’

– Ariela (Year 1)

‘We loved the Book Week performance because the character of Henry was so funny. We really loved the moves and learnt that you have to look after your friends.’

– Elizabeth and Emma (Year 1)

– Jody Gilroy
Teacher Librarian

Please click on image gallery for full size images. A full album of Book Week photos will be available on the MLC School Facebook page shortly.

Year 5 Collaborative Learning Project

The Year 5 Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) for term 3 was ‘Earth is part of an interconnected system that affects our daily lives.’

The students joined a live presentation by Katherine Bennell-Pegg, the first Australian to be trained as an astronaut. She was very inspirational especially because she was a young successful woman.

From the learning in this term’s novels and the Year 5 Collaborative Learning Project, the students have discovered that learning about Physics, Astrophysics and Astronomy is within their reach, and they too could be an astronaut. (Instead of being like the girls in the novel ‘I Love you Michael Collins’ where the girls wanted to marry an astronaut.)

– Susan Blanche
Junior School Teacher

Writing a Book in a Day

Select students from Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 participated in a wholesome event held by the Kid’s Cancer Project called ‘write a book in a day’. As the name of the event suggests, this involved the students staying at school for the whole day (not really, but it was still a 12 hour day from 8am-8pm!) to compose an entire book start to finish.

It was a fun and creative challenge which was perfect for unlocking creativity whilst building teamwork and resilience in our girls.

The girls managed to raise over $3500 collectively to contribute towards the kid’s cancer project where the funds will contribute towards childhood cancer research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.

The books composed by our girls will be judged against other books created from students all over Australia with the best book being published and donated to kids with cancer.

We are very proud of all the efforts and dedication shown from our girls and hope the books they have created makes a difference to the kids in need. 

– Eddie Park
Junior School Teacher

– Danielle Collins
Senior School Librarian

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

A Very Successful Colour Day

🌈Colour Day🌈

Mooramoora House hosted ‘Colour Day’. It was a remarkable day, where the Junior School campus was surrounded by an explosion of bright colours to support Project Help India.

The assistance from our vibrant students has made a significant impact to this charity. The rainbow bracelets, representing hope and unity, were sold out in no time! We raised a total of $1191.35 and the proceeds will go a long way in providing crucial aid to those in need in India. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us in spreading love and support. Together, we’ve proven that a small act of kindness can paint a brighter future.

– Madeline Woods
House Patron – Mooramoora

Archdale Grand Final Success

The Senior Centre was buzzing when the annual Archdale Debating Grand Final was held at MLC School.  As the 2022 Overall Champions it was the School’s role to host the 2023 Grand Final. There were 22 teams representing 13 different girls’ schools in attendance on the night to decide the winners in each of 11 different age divisions.  The competition began back in May with 25 schools competing and for the Grand Final it came down to the best two teams in each division. 

MLC School had three teams competing on the night, they were nervous but determined to give their best effort. 

• The Year 8 Team were victorious against Canberra Girls Grammar and very excited winners of the Junior Invitational Division.
• The Year 9 – Year 10 Team put in a strong performance against Pymble to proudly win the Intermediate Invitational Division. 
• The dedicated Year 9 team put in a huge effort in a very close debate against Abbotsleigh but lost in a split decision by the panel of three Adjudicators.

Hosting the Grand Final would not have been possible without the help of the rest of the Archdale debating team who manned the registration desk, guided guests around the building, chaired and timed debates and enthusiastically supported our finalist teams. All these debaters were wonderful ambassadors for the School on the night.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Success for MLC School at RoboCup Junior NSW Open 

In late August, 23 students in six teams from the MLC Junior and Senior Schools attended the RoboCup Junior NSW Open and competed in the Primary and Secondary Onstage divisions. For the first time we also had eight students represent MLC School in the Secondary Rescue Line Division.

We are so proud of all our teams.  They put in many hours after school, during lunchtimes, and in the holidays. They showed incredible resilience both on the day and in the lead up to the competition. Thank you to the parents and carers who gave their full support to help us get the teams through the long journey to the competition day.

We had some incredible results placing 1^st and 2^nd in the Primary Onstage Novice Division, 1^st and 2^nd in the Secondary Onstage Novice Division, and 3^rd and 6^th in Secondary Rescue Line. Well done to all our teams;

• ‘MLC School Eaca’s’ (Year 6)– 1^st Place Primary Onstage
• ‘MLC School Fuzzy Bears‘ (Year 5) – 2^nd Place Primary Onstage 
• ‘MLC School P^3‘ (Year 10) – 1^st Place Secondary Onstage
• ‘MLC School Moonwalkers‘ (Years 7 and 8)– 2^nd Place Secondary Onstage
• ‘MLC School Space Rescuers‘ (Years 7 and 8) – 3^rd Place Secondary Rescue
• ‘MLC School We’re Crying‘  (Years 9 and 10)– 6^th Place Secondary Rescue

– Marie Cassar and Bede Schofield
STEM Lab Coordinators

Success at the da Vinci Decathlon

A number of students from MLC School had the opportunity of participating in the 2023 annual da Vinci Decathlon. The competition requires skills and knowledge from a broad range of subjects including, Cartography (Geography), Codebreaking, Art and Poetry, Legacy (similar to general knowledge questions) and more.

It was really exciting to be back in-person for the competition this year at Knox Grammar School, as it allowed us to work and talk with other students from different schools across the state. Overall, the competition was an amazing experience which enabled us to develop our teamwork skills and practice completing questions under pressure.

Additionally, the Year 9 Team placed in the top three for two subjects and Year 6 took out 3rd place in Creative Producers!

– Year 11 da Vinci Decathlon Team

Tournament Of Minds – MLC School Receives Spirit Award

Imagine being locked in strange room with an unknown adult. Imagine having to spend three hours and ten minutes scripting a play that responds to a challenge that barely makes sense and then imagine performing in front of over a hundred people.  Well, that is what three of our Tournament of Minds (ToM) teams did in early September.

We were so proud of the three teams that competed in the State Final of ToM for 2023.  They were enthusiastic, engaged and truly collaborative. So much so they were awarded the Spirit of ToM Shield given to teams that embraced the idea of sharing, caring and supporting each other and those around them.

One team nearly made it through to the National Finals, narrowly missing out but being awarded honours in their Social Science division.  Well done to our Year 9 and 10 students! 

While Tournament of Minds is over for now, we know there is energy and excitement as girls contemplate next year’s event.

– Jan Falls and Megan Westwood
Teacher, Mind Challenges Coordinator and Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Wakakirri Senior Team Receives State Award

Australian Music Day – Igniting Creativity

MLC School welcomed students from 15 state and private schools for our annual Australian Music Day event. In total, approximately 350 students were involved over the two days, including our Elective Music students, for a series of exciting sessions focusing on musical creativity.

Two programs were on offer. In Program 1, students worked with the multi-talented Connor Malanos, learning how beatboxing and exploring one’s voice can lead to creative and personal forms of musical expression. First Nations composer and double bass player Allara wowed students with her unique mix of music and spoken word. Students also learned more about how music can connect to culture and a sense of place.

In Program 2, Elizabeth Jigalin and our own Head of Strings, James Larsen, provided students with fun yet useful tools for exploring compositional ideas through a sense of play and experimentation. Arcadia Winds presented engaging sessions on how to compose for wind quintet, with students given the opportunity to create new works for the ensemble. In the final session, students were treated to a performance by Arcadia Winds of composer Elizabeth Younan’s Shoreditch Grind.

Overall, the day was a great success, with students leaving feeling excited about applying newfound skills and creative ideas in the future!

– Tristan Coelho
Head of Composition

Click on image galley for full size images.

Round Square Week

The week starting Monday 19 June was MLC School’s annual Round Square Week. The week was based around the six Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service and was an opportunity for the MLC School community to get involved in the Round Square program and participate in a wide variety of games, activities, presentations and discussion groups.

Round Square Week was full of activities ranging from dodgeball and bench ball on the hockey fields with the Junior School, an Interfaith Devotional Service celebrating our school’s diversity, the Environmental Club’s second-hand clothes thrift store as well as a Socratic Seminar discussing MLC School’s role in environmental action, mental health awareness and multiculturalism. On the Friday of Round Square Week the Senior School students wore mufti for the day, participating in the service and culture fair as well as incredible international dance performances.

Throughout the week, the Round Square team were raising money for the incredible KidzPositive Foundation based in South Africa with many students purchasing a 2023 Round Square Badge at the gates. The beaded badges are handmade by women affected by the stigma around HIV/AIDS, allowing for consistent income and employment that can be completed from home while caring for dependents. Alongside the Round Square Service project were many other awareness, advocacy and donation drives as part of the Service and Culture Fair.

The Service and Culture Fair was an opportunity for many of the student led groups, including language and culture clubs, Collective Voice, MLC School’s UNICEF Club alongside Year 11 CAS (creativity, activity, service) projects to be displayed to the school. Students were able to see the great range of service projects undertaken at MLC School and the many clubs they can get involved in. This fair, alongside our international dance performances saw the school celebrating the final day of term with music and fun and was a great way to end the week.

As a Round Square school, MLC School is also part of a much wider network of schools across the world. Closer to home the number of Round Square schools in NSW is expanding. Students and teachers from Barker College and Oxley College joined us on the final day of Round Square Week to collaborate on project ideas, how Round Square can work within each unique school environment and join in the celebration of Round Square at MLC School. It was awesome to work with these schools on how they’re incorporating Round Square on their campus’, gaining inspiration and ideas.

A big thank you to all of the students that helped organise Round Square Week in IDEALS Society meetings across the term as well as the Round Square Leadership Team that put in so much time and effort. Further, a massive thank you to Mr Maling and Rev Sally who supported the dreams and aspirations of the Round Square team and helped us to put together an incredible event. 

– Liz (Year 12)
2023 Round Square Captain

Main photo: Dodgeball on the Hockey Field with Junior School
Click on image gallery for full size images.

MLC School students excel in International Maths Olympiad Challenge

Last term students from MLC School were invited to take part in the International Maths Olympiad Challenge, which allowed them to compete against students all across the world. We are extremely proud to announce some outstanding results achieved by our participants:

International Maths Olympiad Elitist (top 20% of grade)

• Alice (Year 8)
• Sophia (Year 8)
• Bella (Year 9)
• Moira (Year 11)

International Maths Olympiad Champion (top 5% of grade)

• Chloe (Year 8)

Congratulations to these students on their achievement, and to all MLC School students who took part!

– Alex Schroder
Teacher, Mathematics

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

This week we celebrated NAIDOC at MLC School. It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures the elders are highly regarded people. They lead and provide support to the community, as well as teaching and passing down knowledge.

During our chapel service on the staff professional development day, we were fortunate to hear from Pastor Susan Russell. She shared her family history of being part of the Stolen Generations and how she has had to reconnect with her Wiradjuri culture. This was followed by a session of looking at the origins of NAIDOC Week, learning about Torres Strait Islander culture and an information session on the Voice referendum.

In the Senior School, NAIDOC Week was the focus of the Tuesday chapel service and was part of the school assembly. The Junior School had a number of activities planned throughout the week. In the library there was bracelet making in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours at lunchtime. During sport lessons the girls were learning Aboriginal games.

The Year 4 classes spent time with Tarli and Vikki from Malima Indigenous Weaving and Education weaving. All the class have been learning how to welcome people in an Aboriginal language which was part of the NAIDOC Week assembly. The assembly focused on the MLC School Value of Respect and how that is understood in Aboriginal culture.

NAIDOC week has provided us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and appreciate the sophistication, uniqueness and beauty of First Nations culture.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

Experience the Magic of Stories – the Sydney Opera House 16th Biennial Concert

The School’s 16th Biennial Concert at the Sydney Opera House made a welcome return on 22 May.

The preparations and excitement level built over many months of planning and rehearsals, culminating in a magical evening with performances thrilling audiences and participants alike. It was truly a night to remember.

For those who couldn’t attend and for those who would like to relive the experience, there are two recordings available for you to access. You will need a password to access each link below – the password is Music.

Showcase link 

Highlights link 

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

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