From the Principal

Over my years at MLC School, one question that parents and students have regularly asked me is whether we have considered a sister school partnership with Queen Salote College in Tonga.

I am delighted to inform you that a small delegation from MLC School visited Tonga and explored the possibilities of a partnership with Queen Salote College.

Our connection with the Kingdom of Tonga goes back some way. The first official record of our relationship is recorded in the 1935 edition of Excelsior, in which it is reported that in August 1935, Her Majesty the Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote Tupou III visited MLC School and addressed the student body who showed their appreciation through ‘a great storm of enthusiastic clapping’ and singing the School song for her. The Excelsior article that chronicles her visit refers to the fact that in the years prior, there had been several Tongan girls attending MLC School, many of whom were now ‘conspicuous in Tonga’.

Our records also show that Jeanette Loy (Maddox, 1960) MLC School Old Girl, former staff member and former member of the School Council was appointed Headmistress of Queen Salote School from 1971-1973. It appears that her appointment led to further connection between our schools with the MLC School 5^th Form girls of 1972 deciding to support the education of a Tongan girl at Queen Salote school and through her university years.

Our visit was busy one. Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd, Council Chair Dr Eve Tsironis, Council Member Dr David Mulford and I completed an exciting schedule which included an opportunity to meet the Principal, students and staff from Queen Salote College, attendance at the Centenary Church Sunday service, a meeting with the Australian High Commissioner and an audience with Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u. Our visit coincided with the 98^th Anniversary celebrations at Queen Salote College and the events were live streamed from the School to Tongan communities around the world. Our long-standing relationship was mentioned regularly by members of the Church, the Community, and the School Executive and they are very keen to build our connections further.

Thank you to all who contacted me to share information about their connections with Tonga and Queen Salote College in particular. 

We see many possibilities for MLC School and Queen Salote College to work together for the benefit of students and staff at both schools and I look forward to sharing further information once we have had time to reflect and plan.

In this newsletter we also look at International Women’s Day celebrations at the School, it made me consider all the remarkable women who comprise our community – our parents, staff, Old Girls and our students. MLC School has always fought to break down barriers and challenge notions of gender pigeonholing. As a woman, I am proud to be part of the ongoing legacy of this great school and its history of putting girls and women at the forefront. The School plays an important role in empowering women through education. Every day, I see and am astounded by, the impact that women connected with the School make on the lives of those around us and in wider spheres.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Scholarship opportunities for Year 7 to Year 11

MLC School’s main scholarship application process commences much earlier than many other schools.

MLC School opens scholarship applications around 18 months before the intended year of entry for those looking at Year 7 to Year 11 scholarships. 

Applications for entry in Year 7 to Year 11 2026:

Monday 1 July 2024 – Scholarship registration opens
Tuesday 1 October 2024 – Scholarship registration closes
Saturday 19 October 2024 – Year 7 to Year 11 2026 Scholarship Testing Day

Music scholarships are also available for Year 7 in 2026 for applicants who achieve excellent results on the entrance examination and are exceptional musicians on their chosen instrument. Successful Music Scholarship applicants are required to participate in the full music program offered by MLC School for the duration of their time at the School. 

Additionally, MLC School have recently introduced the Edna Curtis (daughter of an Old Girl) Scholarships for Year 7 in 2026. The Edna Curtis Scholarship is awarded to the applicant who achieves excellent results on the entrance examination and successfully meets the ‘all rounder’ criteria but is also the daughter of a former student of the School. The half scholarship is awarded by the Old Girls’ Union (OGU).

For more information about scholarships please visit our website, or contact our Registrar Melissa Pollett on 02 8741 3161 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

All Rounder Scholarships for Year 5

MLC School offers an All-Rounder Scholarship for girls entering Year 5 in the following year. It is open to prospective students and those enrolled in Year 4 at the School. The scholarship offers 50% tuition fee relief for Year 5 to Year 12 (subject to conditions). Applications generally open in May each year with testing in August.

All Rounder Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential, together with achievement and potential in two or more of the following areas:

• Leadership 
• Cultural/creative/performing arts
• Service 
• Sport

Candidates with strong evidence in one or more of the above areas are encouraged to apply. This evidence could include representative selection, awards, honours or other recognition.

Applications for entry in Year 5 2025:

Monday 29 April 2024 – Scholarship registration opens
Tuesday 30 July 2024 – Scholarship registration closes
Saturday 10 August 2024 – Year 5 2025 Scholarship Testing Day

Shortlisted candidates will then 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 Melissa Pollett on 02 8741 3161 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

An Update on the Performing Arts and Sports Centre

Over the past few months, the School has progressed design and planning for a new Performing Arts and Sports Centre and our longer-term plans to expand and refurbish the existing Aquatic Centre. We are pleased to be able to share more details of the proposal and invite feedback from our School community and neighbours. 

The proposal aims to:

• Build a sense of School community by providing a space for whole of School assemblies and Chapel services
• Support the performing arts with upgraded learning facilities and a space to host concerts, theatrical performances, lectures, and meetings
• Improve sporting facilities including more teaching spaces, wet weather venues and a new learn to swim pool.

The proposal will be designed and delivered with our students and neighbours in mind. We are currently working with a range of technical experts to understand how potential impacts associated with construction and operation of these facilities can be appropriately mitigated, including minimising disruptions to our learning environment.

Please click on the button below to find out more, including how you can provide feedback on the proposal.

Performing Arts and Sports Centre

The Problem with League Tables

There is a propensity in the Australian media to attempt to compare and rank schools on all manner of criteria. Newspapers regularly feature stories where you can look up the level of government funding received, the gender pay gap, contributions to building programs and the list goes on. Any reasonable person understands that the associated commentary may be biased by the views of the publication and that the data is often a single measure from which very limited conclusions can be drawn without additional context or information. Of more concern is when they rank schools based on unnuanced assessment data.

Every year we see the publication of league tables using the results from NAPLAN. Taking data from the My School website publications use average scores in each of the domains tested in NAPLAN to compare schools. This superficial treatment of the data does not reflect the true achievements of the students who have undertaken the testing. It does not account for schools with a high proportion of students from diverse language backgrounds or those with communities where there is a larger population of learners with diverse needs. More importantly, it does not show the growth of individual students as they develop as learners.

As a diagnostic tool to support teachers in differentiating the learning for the students in front of them NAPLAN is a useful tool. At MLC School this is our focus; we do not reduce the richness and rigour of our academic program by hot housing students with test preparation, but instead take it as a single measure on a single day that is used in conjunction with other evidence of student learning to assess where they are now and what they need to continue to grow.

The treatment of the Higher School Certificate (HSC) data is even more problematic. Each year the Sydney Morning Herald produces a league table of what are purportedly the top schools in NSW. But what do they mean by top? This data is in no way nuanced by contextual information and uses the simplistic calculation of number of Band 6 scores achieved as a percentage of examinations sat as the measure of success.

The first and most obvious issue with this is that it compares the results of cohorts from selective schools with that of general entry schools such as MLC School. If a school’s population is made up of the most academically able students, then they have a obvious advantage in the calculations. What we should celebrate are those schools who accept students of a broad range of abilities and support them to achieve outstanding academic results. MLC School is a general entry school with a very diverse student population and yet we maintain a median ATAR of 90 and above, surely this is a better measure of success?

The list of the top achieving schools only uses HSC data. It does not include any results from students completing the IB Diploma Programme (IB DP). In 2023 over 50 percent of our Year 12 cohort at MLC School completed the IB DP, so the figures do not represent the overall achievement of our cohort. If the results of the entire cohort were to be used for the ranking of schools our position would be substantially higher. Like in the HSC, our IB Diploma results are outstanding, and MLC School compares exceptionally well with leading schools both here in Australia and globally.

Finally, the simplistic nature of these tables is not nuanced to the complexity of the courses on offer. The ranking is worked out by calculating the number of Band 6 results achieved by each school as a percentage of the number of subjects attempted to create a success rate score that schools are then ranked on. The weakness of this method is that it does not consider schools such as ours, who encourage their students to attempt the most academically challenging courses they can in their areas of interest. In many cases a high Band 5 result will be of equal or greater value than a low Band 6 result for the calculation of their ATAR.  The added benefit is that the girls have studied the subjects they are passionate about or that will be of use in their preparation for tertiary study. Our focus is on what will prepare the girls for their futures and enabling each girl to achieve her personal best.

As a community we need to stay focused on an education that develops the whole girl and does not reduce them to a number and a rank. We must remember that they are not defined by their ATAR nor should the quality of their education be judged on this. Academic merit is important; however, it is the social and emotional building blocks; the confidence to take bold approaches to challenges; the skills to embrace calculated risks; and the leadership opportunities that prepare our girls for career and life success that are also markers of a successful education. These are all things we do well exceptionally well at MLC School.

Further reading: https://www.educationreview.com.au/2024/02/league-tables-are-damaging-education-in-nsw/

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Immersion Plays an Important Role at MLC School

At MLC School, camps and excursions play a pivotal role in enriching the educational experience and fostering holistic development among students. By immersing students in diverse settings, such as outdoor camps, cultural excursions, and community service projects, MLC School cultivates resilience, adaptability, and leadership skills. Through hands-on activities and experiential learning, students gain practical knowledge and apply classroom concepts in authentic contexts, deepening their understanding and appreciation of the world around them.

Here are a few of the recent trips our girls embarked on.

Year 7 Adventurers Camp

On Wednesday 7 February, Year 7 along with 13 of their teachers travelled to Killalea Regional Park to participate in three action packed days of activities. The Adventurers Camp is always an exciting time for the Year 7 cohort as they come together to experience the new, the challenging and the fun together. The time away was centred on establishing positive relationships not only with each other but also with key staff who will be supporting them across the year. Students shared tents with one another, learned how to cook with each other, managed sharing facilities with 160 of their (hopefully now) closest friends and attempted to problem solve together.  

Over the course of the three days students took part in:  

• Indigenous cultural workshops where they learnt about the local flora and fauna to the South Coast.
• Surfing lessons, where some students confidently stood up and showed off their skills on the waves.
• Mountain biking! With students sometimes getting on a bike for the first time in several years or months and working hard to navigate some tricky (and hilly) terrain!
• Canoeing and swimming! While the wind interrupted this for some, many got to experience a paddle up and down the river, learning about who steers and who powers the canoes.
• Team building activities, which culminated in an Olympic-styled tournament. In their House groups rather than showing off their sporting prowess they had to problem solve, show off their balance, work out puzzles and riddles and show strong team support. 
• Cooking lessons which involved them safely using their trangias to create a gourmet dinner. Slicing and dicing ingredients, stirring the pot so the sauce didn’t stick and boiling up pasta.

– Bridget Kovats 
Head of Year 7

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 10 PASS Surf Awareness Excursion

Year 10 PASS classes hit Bondi Beach for a surf excursion with ‘Lets go Surfing’ linked to our learning and assessment in the unit “Promoting Active Lifestyles.” Boogie boarding stole the show for me as it was more of a group task. We all surfed, many managing to stand up for varying lengths of time which was also entertaining. Despite the rain later in the morning, the day emphasised the importance of health and how easy fitness integration can be.

– Georgia (Year 10)

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Year 6 Immersion

Year 6 girls have spent this week at Chowder Bay and Sydney Zoo as part of their Immersion experience learning about animal adaptations and their marine biology study. I had the privilege of visiting the Year 6 students onsite and having dinner with the classes that had their sleep over on Wednesday night.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 9 and Year 10 Photography and Digital Media Excursion

Year 9 and Year 10 Photography and Digital Media students travelled to Alchemy Studio and Darkroom in St Peters to experience a full day immersive program in a professional photography setting. Alchemy is a studio in the Sydney film and tv production industry offering full studio photography, darkroom, video and gaffing services.

Owner and professional photographer Nick Gascoigne introduced students to a range of professional lighting systems and methods, portrait photography techniques, branding and product photography techniques, the cyclorama backdrop and DSLR tips and tricks. The day concluded with a comprehensive Q&A exploring topics including education, gaining work experience, income sources, international opportunities and how to navigate working as a photographer in Sydney’s creative industry.

Year 9 and Year 10 Photography and Digital Media students thoroughly enjoyed this excursion, with many expressing a strong passion for the photography industry and a desire to learn more about it. The high quality outcome of their photos is a testament to the incredible skills learnt on the day.

– Camille Softley
Teacher – Design Art and Technology (DART)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 11 Business Students Combine to Explore Concepts in Context

Our Year 11 Business students embarked on an exciting educational journey to Taronga Zoo, delving deep into the intricate world of one of Sydney’s longstanding tourism businesses. This thrilling excursion was not only an opportunity for our budding entrepreneurs to explore one of Australia’s most iconic attractions but also a chance to gain invaluable insights into the inner workings of marketing processes within a unique social enterprise.

One of the highlights of the trip was the exploration of Taronga Zoo’s marketing strategies. Students were provided with a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s innovative marketing processes, which have played a pivotal role in attracting visitors and fostering engagement. From digital campaigns to experiential marketing initiatives, students gained a deeper appreciation for the multifaceted approaches employed by Taronga Zoo to reach and captivate their audience.

Moreover, the excursion served as a lens through which students could examine corporate social responsibility (CSR) from a unique perspective. By witnessing firsthand the zoo’s conservation efforts and community outreach programs, students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of CSR in fostering positive social impact while maintaining business viability.

– Henry Wijanto
Assistant Head of Department – Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

North Queensland Experience (Year 11)

As part of their North Queensland Experience trip, the girls have really enjoyed their visit to the Daintree Rainforest, the Cairns night markets, and now two days snorkeling on the reef. They are about to embark on an Aboriginal immersion, hunting and gathering near Port Douglas, followed by more rainforest learning for the next day.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 11

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Moreover, camps and excursions provide invaluable opportunities for building meaningful relationships among peers and teachers, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie within the MLC School community. These experiences not only enhance academic achievement but also nurture personal growth, social responsibility, and lifelong learning among students at MLC School.

Launch of MLC School Reconciliation Action Plan

Worimi, that’s Dharug for hello.

In the spirit of unity and understanding, we recently marked a significant milestone in our school’s commitment to fostering a deeper connection between non-Indigenous people and First Nations Peoples with the launch of MLC School’s Reconciliation Action Plan at Assembly.

Recently at a meeting I attended, a respected Aboriginal elder remarked, “Don’t expect Aboriginal People to show up for your reconciliation events. After the referendum, reconciliation is finished for me.” This powerful statement served as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding reconciliation efforts and the imperative need to bridge the divide that exists within our community.

In the wake of the recent referendum, it has become evident that the path to reconciliation requires more effort and commitment than ever before. The referendum results have not only highlighted existing disparities but have also emphasised the critical need for meaningful action towards reconciliation. This is where our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) comes into play.

Our RAP is not just a document; it’s a commitment to creating a future where every member of our School community, especially our First Nations students, can thrive. It aims to:

• Educate: Integrate Aboriginal history and culture authentically across subjects, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of First Nations perspectives.
• Connect: Offer opportunities for students to meet and work with Aboriginal People, both at school and on Country, fostering personal connections and mutual respect.
• Listen: Embrace the voices and aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, ensuring that our actions reflect their needs and desires.
• Respect: Build a culturally sustainable school environment where collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is paramount.
• Celebrate: Highlight the rich history and culture of Aboriginal people, acknowledging their significant contributions to our shared history.

Our goal is to nurture fearless thinkers with the moral courage to transform the relationship between First Nations peoples and the wider Australian community. We envision an Australia where disparities in life expectancy, educational attainment, and government collaboration are a thing of the past.

I extend my deepest gratitude to the RAP Working Committee – staff members Sally Marks, Louise Gilroy, Rev Sally, Rev Vinnie, community members Aunty Deb Lennis, Mrs Cicinelli, students Zara and Divya – for their tireless efforts in shaping this vision.

For those eager to learn more about our Reconciliation Action Plan, I invite you to explore the Narragunnawali website. Together, let’s take this step forward in our journey of reconciliation, working hand in hand to create a future where respect, understanding, and shared support are not just aspirations but the foundation of life for every Australian.

Together, we can make a difference. Let’s embrace this journey of reconciliation with open hearts and minds.

Yours in unity and understanding.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

MLC School Old Girl Named for Paris Olympics

Congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Ella Beere, our 2016 Sport Captain, recently announced on the Australian Olympic team for Sprint Kayaking.

Ella is the front seat paddler in the K4 event and together with her team, are thrilled to be given the opportunity to race on the World’s biggest stage in August.

‘MLC School has been a big part of my journey as a paddler. I took up the sport in Year 10 and my teachers and peers empowered me to be able to race at Junior Worlds in my final two years of school (2015 and 2016) and also complete my HSC. I even studied French from Year 7 to 10 and now I get to compete in Paris. It is a dream come true.’

I have been in touch with Ella, and she has said “I really miss the MLC School sports department… Some of my most treasured memories from school come from there. The squad is living on the Gold Coast until we go away but when I am in NSW next, I would love to come in. I’m very excited to give it my all in Paris.”

We wish Ella and the team all the best for August in Paris and will be cheering her on!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Congratulations to our Sports teams 

MLC School’s sports teams consistently demonstrate their prowess in interschool competitions, establishing themselves as formidable opponents across various disciplines. Through a combination of dedicated training, strategic coaching, and unwavering determination, these teams consistently achieve success on the field, court, and track. Their achievements not only reflect individual talent but also highlight the collective effort and spirit of the MLC School community. With a focus on excellence and a commitment to representing their school with distinction, MLC’s School sports teams continue to raise the bar in interschool sporting competitions.

Each weekend sees hundreds of students from across the School competing in interschool sporting competitions. At the end of the term, we saw the final rounds of many of these competitions, with many of our teams earning the Premiership.  

Congratulations to the MLC 5, MLC 12, MLC 14 and MLC 16 Tennis teams (did not play due to wet weather but were announced Premiers because they finished on top of the ladder) and to MLC 14 and MLC 21 Badminton teams which also won their competitions. 

In a highly contested AFL match that literally came down to the last minute, MLC 1 player Yasmin (Year 12) managed to score a goal in the dying moments to beat Meriden and take the Premiership. They joined MLC 5 who were named Premiers in their division, but did not play due to the wet weather.  

Not to be outdone, our Junior competitors also had their fair share of success with the Junior School Cross Country Team which competed at the IPSHA Cross Country on Wednesday and did our School proud in the way they represented us.  

Whether they win or lose, interschool sport has many benefits for those who participate: 

• It fosters teamwork and cooperation.
• It enhances communication and social skills. 
• It promotes discipline and responsibility. 
• It boosts confidence and self-esteem. 
• It improves physical and mental health. 
• And it enriches learning and creativity, as students apply the skills and knowledge they acquire from sport to other areas of study and life. 

Congratulations to all those who play for MLC School and a huge thank you to our coaches, Director of Sport Lisa Filby, Assistant Director of Sport Kylie Bickerstaff and Sports coordinators Rebecca Bimson and Lauren O’Shea. 

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Academic Care Sessions

MLC School prioritises academic care, ensuring personalised support for every student. With dedicated educators and tailored resources, such as tutoring and counseling, students receive the attention needed to excel academically. The school’s commitment to holistic development fosters a culture of success, empowering students to become confident, lifelong learners.

The Academic Care program was in full-swing this term, with students developing both their academic and physical wellbeing during the sessions. 

During Year 7 Academic Care, students completed an eLearning workshop regarding the basic features of PowerPoint. Additionally, there was a discussion exploring the similarities and differences found in using a Word document vs PowerPoint. The students’ participation was commendable, they should be congratulated for their diligent approach to learning. 

Year 8 had a lot of fun this for their session, taking a time out from ‘the Academic’, and focusing on ‘the Care’. The girls enjoyed team building games, lots of laughter and a new found strength in tunnel ball! 

Year 9 Students completed a session on how to work well in groups – we explored the purpose of groupwork (why); discussed positive and negative experiences of groupwork and the features that made a good group. This will be useful in their first transdisciplinary group project which combines geography and science. 

Year 10 Students spent time in a supervised study session, allowing them to get ahead with their assessment and homework. Moreover, the session served as an opportunity for students to develop their study and planning skills, as they look forward to having further ‘spares’ and study periods in the Senior Years. 

Year 12 students engaged in a ‘managing stress’ session. The focus for Year 12 was on recognising thought behaviours and their impact on our actions. Students develop strategies to challenge negative thoughts and take proactive steps in supporting themselves during stressful periods in their final years of secondary school. 

– David Posker-Hill 
Academic Care Coordinator 

Year 12 Chemistry – Investigating Equilibrium Reactions

At MLC School, we believe that practical lessons in are essential for students’ learning as they complement theory with hands-on experiences, deepening understanding of scientific concepts. Through experiments and activities, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and scientific inquiry. These lessons also foster curiosity, excitement about STEM subjects, and vital skills like teamwork and communication. Overall, practical science lessons play a crucial role in shaping scientifically literate individuals ready for future pursuits in research, industry, and everyday life.

Our Year 12 HSC Chemistry students investigated a number of colourful reversible chemical reactions. In these investigations they changed the conditions by adding ions to the colourful solutions to shift the position of the equilibrium towards either the reactants or the products. Equilibrium reactions such as the chromate/dichromate reaction and the iron thiocyanate reaction have different coloured reactants and products, so it is easy to visualise which way the position of equilibrium shifts. The principle behind these changes is named after Henry Louis Le Chatelier, a French chemist who presented his results in 1884 at the French Academy of Sciences.

– Felicity Cassidy Powell
Teacher

Year 9 Designs Micro Apartments

At MLC School, we prioritise fostering creativity in our students as a vital skill for their future success. Through various lessons and initiatives, we encourage them to think creatively in all areas of learning and problem solving.

In Year 9 Geography, students are investigating the challenges of overpopulation and urbanisation and the need for innovative solutions. Year 9 geography students were given the daunting yet exciting task to: design a living space that could accommodate the needs of individuals in densely populated cities.

Working in groups, students became urban planners, architects and interior designers aiming to design a 12 square metre micro apartment, which contained:

• A bedroom
• Kitchen
• Bathroom
• Study space
• Balcony

To accompany their floor plan students created a mood board of the furniture, colour scheme and all the essentials needed for everyday life. Each group also had to complete a walk through of their apartment to our guest judges, practising their sales and marketing skills to entice people to live in their apartment.

Here is a summary of some groups’ key learnings:

• Our key learning was about different layouts of houses in densely populated areas such as Tokyo, Japan. We also focused on how to utilise space effectively. What we enjoyed particularly was collaborating with our peers in a fun group activity and planning the space as well as giving a walk through to other people. –
  Chelsea, Joanne, Nicola and Angela
• We loved the Tokyo Micro apartment activity as it was a hands-on, unique and creative experience that opened our eyes to the world of designing. By designing a Tokyo Micro apartment during our Geography lesson, we learnt how to maximise use in a small space. From this activity, we also learnt architectural design skills such as dimensions, overall design, colour schemes, and features.
  – Andrea and Eleanor
• I really liked the Tokyo Micro Apartment activity because it allowed me to visualise what a Japanese apartment may look like, and it helped me to understand how to pack the essentials into a small space, maximising sustainability.
  – Sacha
• The most enjoyable part of the activity would’ve been laying out our plan together. It’s satisfying watching your ideas ‘come to life’ and have them be to scale, allowing it to be more immersive. Honestly, the whole experience was really fun and elating.
  – Cheylene and Baylie

For us as teachers the micro apartments showed the power of authentic learning experiences in education. By immersing students in real-world challenges, we cultivate curiosity, creativity, and resilience.

– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and its Environment (HSIE)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Dissecting Geometry Mathematics Excursion

This term 45 enthusiastic students from Year 7 to Year 9 visited the iconic Sydney Opera House for a Maths workshop that explored the intricate geometric elements underlying the design and construction of the world-famous building. Students watched videos, examined sketches, and were treated to a talk from an architect that studied the mathematical beauty woven into every curve and angle of the Opera House.

Throughout the workshop students gained a deeper understanding of the role geometry plays in shaping not only the physical form but also the functionality and feelings associated with the Opera House. They learnt about how Utzon, the Danish architect, was stumped with how to create the famous sails, and how the solution came in the form of a perfect sphere. Students were then challenged to channel their newfound knowledge into crafting their own models inspired by geometric principles.

The budding engineers and architects produced a myriad of imaginative and, in some cases, ambitious models featuring delicate petals, honeycomb tiles, rocket cones and smooth domes. The students are to be commended on the spirit in which they engaged with the activities, as they not only deepened their mathematical understanding, but also sparked their creativity and appreciation for the application of mathematics to the world around us.

“I found the Opera House very educational, inspiring and fun in general. I thought the theory part about the geometric composition of the building was very fascinating. I never knew the Opera House was made entirely of circles! Even better, I gained a lot of inspiration of how to generate design ideas for various buildings, especially using geometric structures and even shapes in nature. Because I want to be an architect when I grow up, this has proved very useful and inspirational. The practical building part was also quite interesting – we had to overcome practical difficulties when building our design of a lotus petal public fountain where the petals wouldn’t curve enough, and they wouldn’t stay on the design. Overall, I found it quite a fun and educational experience.”
 – Bonnie (Year 7)

Year 5 Leadership Day

As part of our Year 5 ‘Learning about Leadership’ program, students participated in a Leadership Day program. Conducted by an expert external facilitator, the Year 5 girls had a fun day to discover, explore and learn more about leadership. Some of the activities included finding words and inspiration in the newspaper, looking at the perspective of others whilst working together, learning about body language, and many fun group cooperation activities. Some themes from the day included ‘leadership is not wearing a badge’, ‘leadership is caring for others’ and ‘leadership is about service’. Each girl will be applying and reflecting upon their new skills through their various roles as captains and monitors.

Here are some fascinating insights from the Year 5 students who participated:

Leadership Day was fun! We learnt about the qualities of a good Leader, and we got to work as a team. We spent the day in our portfolio groups doing team games and learning about team spirit. My take-away message from the day was, that leadership is being a good role model, caring and serving others.
– Qaylah

On Leadership Day, we had a presenter named Cameron who ran the Leadership Day and taught us fun games related to leadership. I had a wonderful time with all my friends, and the art captains and monitors. We made posters and learnt more about leadership, gained trust, and got to know each other better. I had a fantastic time and I’m sure that Year 5 students in the making, will enjoy this day as much as me!
– Mariella

On Leadership Day I learned that leadership was about being responsible and putting others’ needs before mine. My favourite activity was when our portfolio made a poster of all the goals we want to achieve this year, as a leader. I learned that communication is the key to good teamwork.
– Tara

During this term’s Leadership Day, we learnt how to be a responsible and compassionate leader. We have learnt that being a leader is not about being the boss or the one that is in charge. Instead, it is more about including, encouraging, and showing others that teamwork is the key to success.
– Alicia

Last Monday all the Year 5 students had a Leadership Day. On that day we did fun activities and we learnt about to how to be a good leader.  We learnt that sometimes you can fail, but you can also get back up. Even though you might have risen to the top or first place, you still need the courage to go back down and redo it again. We might be leaders, but we are still not perfect, because we are still human. Leadership isn’t always about taking over and being the boss, we need to know when it is other people’s turn to speak, and we must realise that some people may do better at something than us, and that they should do what they are good at.

During Leadership Day we did lots of fun activities. Firstly, we had some string tied to a ring. Each one of us held the end of a piece of string and we tried to work together to put the ring into a stick. We also did multiple rounds of scissors paper rock, and we knelt when we lost, and stood up when we won. When we got to the last level we started again at the beginning. Another activity we did was to cut out words about leadership from a newspaper and stick them onto a poster. We created goals for our portfolio groups, and we wrote lots about leadership on a poster. At the end of the day, Year 5 all had fun, we learnt a lot, and we are all very excited to help at the Junior School and be amazing leaders.
– Jesselle

I know leadership is about working in a group, encouraging and helping other people if they are struggling or need help. I learnt that from Teamwork Tama, teamwork is important for leadership like helping others in your portfolio group if they are struggling to do something.
– Grace

Leadership Day was a very good experience for me. I learned that leading is not taking charge and being the boss, it is being a good teammate and doing your job.

My favourite activity was when we were partnered up and had to somehow untangle ourselves from ropes. This was overall a very good experience as I had lots of fun with my portfolio, and I learned lots about teamwork.
– Maya

Click on image gallery for full size images.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Girls Speak at NSW RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration

With ANZAC day approaching, many across the country are turning their attention towards the myriad commemorative events the will be held. On 4 April 2024, seven MLC School girls assisted at the NSW RSL and Schools Remember ANZAC Commemoration in Hyde Park.

During the service Sophia (Year 11) gave the memorial address, speaking in front of such dignitaries as the Premier of NSW, Mr Chris Minns. Sophia’s excellent commentary reminded the crowd of the role service men and women have played to defend and support Australia and her allies. Moreover, she reflected on the important role families played in supporting their loved ones serving abroad, and the country more widely in times of war. Importantly, Sophia beseeched the crowd to consider the importance of communication, respect, dignity and embracing diversity, as measures to encourage peace throughout the world.

Supporting the event were the following MLC School Year 9 Cadets serving as ushers: Nicola, Rose, Meena, Hannah, Adelaide, Soraya. These girls ensured; dignitaries were seated appropriately, schools knew where to locate themselves, and the wreath laying ceremony ran smoothly, as they handed wreaths to, and directed the official party where to place them.

It was an honour to attend in support of these fine students, who represented the School with dignity and pride.

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– David Posker-Hill
Head of Department – History and Religious Education

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Mosman Youth Art Prize Finalist

We are pleased to share the exciting news that Sihan (Year 12) Visual Arts (HSC) has been listed as an exhibition finalist in this year’s Mosman Youth Art Prize.

The Mosman Youth Art Prize exhibition features the diverse talents of the country’s young, aspiring and emerging artists and offers them the opportunity to exhibit their work in a public art gallery. Young artists aged between 12 – 21 submit artworks in a variety of media including: painting, sculpture, drawing, printmaking, video, photography and ceramics to win cash prizes, scholarships and art materials. Since its foundation in 1988 by local artist Ken Done AM, numerous artists have started their careers by winning the Mosman Youth Art Prize including Alex Seeton, Natasha Walsh and JD Reforma.

Sihan has entered her fantastic watercolour on paper artwork titled ‘Me’.

– Camille Softley
Teacher

Mavis Takes Out A Golden Prize

It is with great delight I announce that Mavis (Year 1), recently won 1st prize in the New York Golden Classical International Competition in piano for her category! She was invited to perform and receive her award in the prestigious Carnegie Hall. This is an immense achievement as it is a global competition, open to all nationalities. 

The purpose of the competition is to ‘Discover artists of outstanding personality and provide awards which can help launch international careers.’

We are all so proud of Mavis and her outstanding achievement, and it is testament to her hard work and dedication to her art.

Here is a photo of a very happy Mavis, with her Piano Teacher, Celine Kang, an MLC School Old Girl (Class of 2018 and Music Scholar), who is currently teaching here as a Piano and Oboe teacher.

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

International Women’s Day Breakfast

MLC School has always pushed the boundaries of what women can and should be expected to do.

Thank you to those involved in our International Women’s Day Breakfast Forum, which is now a well established annual event.

Guest panellists enjoyed a lively discussion on the 2024 theme, #InspireInclusion.

Guests included:

• MLC School Old Girl Alison Mirams (1991) – Construction Professional
• Gaya Shrikumar – Head of HR – Pfizer
• MLC School Diversity Captain – Divya (Year 12)
• MLC School Community and Round Square Captain – Sarah (Year 12)
• MLC School Wellbeing Captain – Lily (Year 12)

Thank you to MLC School Vice Captain (Year 10 to Year 12), Georgie for moderating the event.

Harmony Day

On 5 April 2024, MLC School celebrated its inaugural Harmony Day. This event was a fantastic opportunity to appreciate the diverse cultures represented in our school community. As a country that is home to the world’s oldest continuous culture and a hub for newcomers from around the globe, Australia is a testament to multiculturalism.

The Senior School and Cafe were adorned with flags and orange decorations, symbolizing the spirit of diversity. Throughout the week, students were exposed to fascinating facts about Australia’s multicultural fabric via digital signage and announcements. The library featured books by authors from various cultures, offering students a chance to delve deeper into cultural issues and gain diverse perspectives.

Friday was designated as a mufti day, with students contributing a gold coin donation. The proceeds were donated to The House of Welcome, an Australian organization that provides shelter and fosters empowering communities for asylum seekers and refugees. Staff and students embraced the day by dressing in traditional cultural attire such as elaborate Chinese dress (cheongsam), colourful South Asian dress (lehengas and salwars), Middle Eastern headdress (keffiyeh), colours of their flags, sport jerseys of their country or wearing orange, a colour that signifies freedom of ideas and meaningful conversations in the context of Harmony Week.

The amphitheatre was abuzz with excitement during lunchtime performances by our Year 12 girls. The event kicked off with Cara’s Irish dance, followed by Lebanese drumming and dancing by Bariah, Danielle, Sara, and Sally. The energy was palpable as Aahana, Anikah, Seraya, Saalbhinii, Vishaalini, and I performed a Bollywood dance. The enthusiastic cheers and applause were so loud that I had difficulty introducing the performances! The performances concluded with an open dance floor where everyone had the chance to learn new dance moves and songs.

In conclusion, Harmony Day at MLC School was a resounding success, fostering a sense of inclusiveness, respect, and belonging among all students. It was a wonderful platform to celebrate our diverse community and learn about different cultures. I hope everyone enjoyed the day as much as I did, and I eagerly anticipate more opportunities to celebrate our diversity throughout the year.

– Divya
Year 12 – Diversity Captain

Junior School | Crazy Hair Day for the Worlds Greatest Shave

MLC School enthusiastically participated in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Students, staff, and families came together, shaving heads or dyeing hair to show support. Alongside the shave, MLC School organised a toy drive for the children at Westmead Hospital showcasing our commitment to giving back. As part of our long-standing MLC School values, these efforts fostered solidarity, empathy, and respect within our community, embodying our school’s spirit of generosity and compassion.

We hosted Crazy Hair Day, and the students raised more than $1500 for this very worthwhile charity. We collected 25 boxes of toys for Westmead Hospital. Teachers in the Junior School coloured, cut or shaved their hair at our lunch time event in front of the entire Junior School. A very brave student, Peita (Year 4), also cut her hair. These lengths of hair have been donated to make wigs. Well done to the Churunga Teachers, Captains, Monitors and Students for your hard work and thank you to the Junior School teachers, students and families for your creative hair styles, your participation and generous donations of money and toys.

– Susan Blanche
House Patron – Churunga

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Chinese Culture Week

This year, Chinese New Year fell on Saturday 10 February, an annual tradition celebrating the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar. This year is the Year of the Dragon. 

We celebrated Chinese New Year here at MLC School, in a variety of ways. 

 Our hallways were decorated with lanterns, fortune cookies have been savoured by all, and we heard about New Year’s traditions in a presentation from the Chinese Culture club at Senior School assembly. We also has the pleasure of watching the exuberant lion dance performance by a visiting professional troupe.

Events such as these are part of encouraging global perspective and understanding in our students, and building in them the cross-cultural competencies that will be essential in the world beyond school.

Overall, the girls had lots of fun celebrating Chinese New Year and were immersed in a week-long festival of Chinese culture and tradition!

– Helena Wang
Language Teacher

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