Issue 21 - 23 September 2024
Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2026  – Close 1 October

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2026 – Close 1 October

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2026 are now open. Registration will close on Tuesday 1 October 2024.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 19 October 2024.

External applicants apply online here

Current MLC School students 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.

From the Principal

Progress on Phase 1 of MLC School’s Performing Arts and Sports Centre (PASC) project

As part of our commitment to continual improvement and to support the involvement of our future students in the many activities provided by MLC School, the plans for the PASC are well underway, and the development application has been lodged. The architect, BVN, also designed our award-winning Senior School building.

As well as a state of the art teaching and rehearsal spaces and a 400-seat theatre, phase 1 includes double indoor netball/multi-purpose courts (with retractable seating so that the area can also be used a venue for whole school assemblies). Phase 2 will involve a further upgrade of all current sports facilities and associated staff facilities, a new learn to swim pool, and separation of the entrance and facilities for our students so that they do not need to compete with the general public when entering, exiting, or getting changed. It is all very exciting, and I look forward to sharing detail of the design in the near future.

NAPLAN 2024

We are pleased to announce the outstanding results of our students in the recent NAPLAN assessments.

NAPLAN is a useful measure of cohort achievement and growth against National Benchmarks but should be considered as just one part of the bigger picture of a child’s academic progress. At MLC School we have a range of tools and measures to track progress and ensure our programs are tailored to each student’s particular needs.

We are pleased to report that yet again, MLC School students have performed very strongly; a summary of the results are included below. These are strong foundations from which our students will continue to build.

  • 90% of students at MLC School achieved in the top 2 bands across all domains in NAPLAN.
  • 97% of Year 3 students achieved in the top 2 bands for Writing.
  • 95% of Year 3 students achieved in the top 2 bands for Reading.
  • 97% of Year 7 students achieved in the top 2 bands for Spelling.
  • 95% of Year 7 students achieved in the top 2 bands for Reading, Numeracy and Writing.
  • 96% of Year 9 students achieved in the top 2 bands for Reading.
  • 95% of Year 9 students achieved in the top 2 bands in Spelling

These impressive results reflect the dedication and hard work of our students and staff. We are proud of our students’ achievements and remain committed to providing an environment that fosters academic excellence and personal growth. Congratulations to all our students for their outstanding performance in the NAPLAN assessments.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Learning in the Senior School 2024

Learning in the Senior School 2024

Watch the video below to hear directly from our Heads of Department and gain valuable insights into MLC School’s academic leadership.

 

Experience our Virtual Tour!

Experience our Virtual Tour!

Our virtual tour is up and running! Click the link below to explore the MLC School’s Junior and Senior Campuses.

Watch Now!

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Lifers visit Junior School

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Lifers visit Junior School

At the end of Term 3, a group of our Year 12 students, who have been with MLC School since Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by visiting the Junior School. This special visit was filled with joy and laughter as they engaged with the current Pre-K and Kindergarten students.

The Year 12 girls spent the day playing games, reading stories, and sharing their experiences with the younger students. It was heartwarming to see the bonds formed as the older girls reminisced about their own early days at MLC School.

A highlight of the visit was reuniting with their former Pre-Kindergarten teacher and taking a group photo. The students and their teacher shared fond memories, reflecting on how much they have grown and the wonderful journey they have had at MLC School.

This visit not only provided a delightful experience for the younger students but also allowed the Year 12 girls to appreciate their educational journey and the strong foundation built during their early years at MLC School.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students for their dedication and the positive role models they have become. Their visit was a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of our School community.

MLC School Old Girls Olympic Updates

MLC School Old Girls Olympic Updates

Congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Keesja Gofers (2007) and the Stingers!

The MLC School community is bursting with pride as we celebrate Keesja Gofers and the Stingers on their Silver Medal Women’s for Women’s Water Polo at the Paris Olympics!

Your incredible effort, unwavering commitment, and teamwork have truly stood out. Well done, Keesja and the Stingers!

A huge congrats to all our Old Girls for all their efforts at the Paris Olympics this year. Your hard work and dedication is truly inspiring.

Also, a congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Ella Beere (2016) and her teammate Aly Bull.

In an incredible performance, Ella and Aly have advanced to the semi-finals in the Women’s K2 500m event, eliminating the world champions from the Netherlands!They finished second-fastest in the quarter-finals with a time of 1:41.39.

The MLC School Community was cheering as they competed on Friday 9 August, and we are very proud of her outstanding efforts at her Olympic debut. Ella and Aly achieved:  

  • 7th Place – Canoe Sprint Women’s Kayak Double (WK2) 500m 
  • 8th Place – Canoe Sprint Women’s Kayak Four (WK4) 500

Well done Ella!

Congrats to Breanna Scott (2019) and the entire Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team on their 10th place, amazing effort!

Immersive Learning in the Senior School

Immersive Learning in the Senior School

At MLC School, immersive learning is central to our educational approach. We believe education goes beyond the classroom, involving diverse experiences that foster critical thinking and personal growth. Our Experiential Learning Program includes co-curricular activities, service projects, and outdoor education, all designed to push students into real-world learning environments. This not only enhances academic knowledge but also equips students with essential life skills for success in an ever-changing world. Below are a few highlights of the immersive experience in the Senior School this term.

Year 8 Immersion – Central West ‘Sense of place’

In the middle of Term 3, Year 8 traveled to Central West as part of their immersion trip. Below are some reflections of the students;

‘Our Year 8 immersion was an amazing experience which opened up my perspective of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander spirituality. Learning about the history of Australia through our time on country has truly been an immense learning journey. The hands on experience allowed us to connect deeply with the land and its stories, offering a richer understanding of the rich and diverse cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.’
– Emma Sugianto

‘Immersion was an amazing experience that helped me gain a deeper understanding and helped grow the knowledge I have on racism, colonisation, country and so much more. I’m so glad I’ve had this experience and absolutely loved the things I learned and grew from.’
– Roma Nadubeedi

– Kylie Bickerstaff
Head of Year 8

Year 9 and Year 10 students attend TEDx Sydney Youth

In Term 3, 15 students from across Year 9 and Year 10 travelled to Riverside Theatre to attend TEDx Sydney Youth. The event was centred on the theme of CTRL> SHIFT where there was an understanding of coming of age in a world with so much change and uncertainty, the next generation are looking to redefine the future.

Below are reflections from students who attended:

‘During our excursion to the TEDx Sydney Youth event, we were inspired by guest speakers, ranging from activists to CEO’s who educated us on various aspects of the theme ‘CTRL>SHIFT’. This theme circulated around the ideology that our world is ever changing, and as leaders of the future, we must see ourselves as the controllers and shifters of our future, rather than passive observers. The diverse perspectives shared by the speakers broadened our understanding of leadership and innovation in various fields.’            
– Leylim Ozer (Year 10)

‘Overall, the TedX Sydney Youth event was a wonderful opportunity to hear the voices of our future. We were able to challenge our perceptions of major societal issues, including biotechnology, educational inequity, feminism and transportation. Alongside engaging presentations, we enjoyed captivating musical and dance performances led by the talented youth of our society. The day left us feeling ready to embrace the possibility of redefining our future through the power of voice and leadership.’
Anna Obaid (Year 10): 

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 7

Year 11 Biology visits Mt Annan Botanical Gardens

Year 11 Biology students visited Mt Annan Botanical Gardens to participate in the Biological Diversity program. 

Students engaged with hands on sessions by Taronga zoo, Australian Museum and the Australian Botanic Gardens to observe specimens on Australian flora and fauna to explore their evolution and adaptations.

A walk through the gardens to explore the diversity of eucalypts, analysing fossilised remains of extinct and extant fauna and meeting animals from the zoo mobile were some of the experiences students enjoyed on the day.

– Hallie Kim
Teacher

Click on gallery to view full images

100 Days of Kindergarten

100 Days of Kindergarten

We are thrilled to congratulate our Kindergarten students on reaching their 100th day of school this term! The students had a fantastic time dressing up as 100-year-olds and parading through the Early Years playground. They also shared their imaginative thoughts on what it might be like to live to 100 years old.

A heartfelt thank you to our dedicated Kindergarten teachers for their incredible work with the students. It was lovely to see our Kindergarten parents out in force to celebrate this special milestone and we thank them for their support of the event.

Click here for the full Facebook album.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Book Week at MLC School

Book Week at MLC School

What an incredible Book Week we had this year, filled with a variety of exciting events. From engaging author visits and a bustling Book Fair to fun reading activities, there was something for everyone. A special highlight was our Principal, Lisa Moloney, delighting everyone by reading an award-winning book while dressed in a Peter Rabbit onesie (please see the photo below). The joy and enthusiasm were palpable throughout the week.

One of the standout moments was the Book Parade, a cherished event, especially for our Year 6 students, as it is one of their final and most beloved experiences in the Junior School.

Click here for the Facebook album.

Click on gallery to view full images

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Jeans for Genes Day at Junior School

Jeans for Genes Day at Junior School

Following their Sunday Chapel service, the Booralee House hosted Jeans for Genes Day across the Junior School campus. Denim was to be seen everywhere (and our teachers took full advantage of the change to their dress code!). During the assembly there was a guest speaker talking about the significance of research into genes. We also had demonstrations of the girls’ yoyo skills (as we sold yoyos as part of our fundraiser). Year 3 student, Gem, is one of this year’s children on the Jeans for Genes Day poster.  It was wonderful for Booralee to support such a good cause.

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

In Term 3, we celebrated NAIDOC Week at MLC School with several events across the week. On Monday during the Chapel service for staff, we were given a powerful and insightful reflection from Pastor Ray Minniecon a highly respected pastor and a descendant of the Kabi Kabi nation and the Gurang Gurang nation of South-East Queensland. He spoke of how building the Kingdom Of God requires Christians to work for justice for First Nations Peoples.

On Tuesday during Chapel the student’s heard from Larissa Minnieconn, Pastor Ray’s daughter and the current Chair of the Glebe NAIDOC Committee and a founding member of Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries an Aboriginal, Torres Strait and Australian South Sea Islander ministry based in the inner city suburb of Glebe, Sydney. She spoke of the resilience of Aboriginal people and how this year’s NAIDOC week theme ‘Keep the fires burning, loud, blak, and proud,’ encapsulates the spirit and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

On Wednesday at Senior School Assembly the School was addressed by three of our First Nations students. Kirriana (Year 11), Tyra Riley (Year 11) and Marayah-Kai Johnson (Year 9) spoke eloquently about what their culture means to them and the cultural role models in their life. They shared the importance of NAIDOC Week for them and how they celebrate NAIDOC week.

On Thursday at the Junior School NAIDOC Week Assembly we had a smoking ceremony conducted by Aunty Calita Murray and a dance performance from the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers. The Buuja Buuja dancers, led by Wiradjuri Woman Rayma Johnson are a Sydney based traditional and contemporary fused dance group. A number of our First Nations students are members of the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers.

As we celebrated NAIDOC Week, we took the opportunity to deepen our understanding and committed ourselves to working together towards a more inclusive and equitable future. We honoured the resilience, strength, and wisdom of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and celebrate their rich cultural heritage with pride and passion.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 6 Excitement Day

Year 6 Excitement Day

In preparation for Year 7, our annual Excitement Day provided a fantastic opportunity for our Year 6 students to experience life in the Senior School and get to know some of our Executive Team and key learning areas.

The students had an absolute blast with a variety of engaging activities:

  • A thrilling Science lesson with Principal Lisa Moloney, featuring flying marshmallows!
  • An energetic PDHPE session in the sunshine with Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd.
  • Hands-on baking in the commercial kitchens with Head of Learning and Teaching Linda Emms.
  • An exploration of HSIE subjects with Head of Senior School Joanna Graffen.

Year 6 students showed great enthusiasm and curiosity throughout the day. Their excitement and eagerness to learn were truly inspiring and ensures a smooth transition in to the Senior School.

For those new to Year 7, the Orientation program includes an Experience Day as well as a Orientation Day where all students for Year 7 the following year have a chance to get together and build connections.

Ivy’s off to Nationals

Ivy’s off to Nationals

Congratulations to Ivy (Year 7) on her results in the recent NSW Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Ivy will soon travel to the Gold Coast to compete in the 2024 National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival. Ivy is a member of our emerging athlete program, and we are very proud of her achievements.

NSW State Club Championships

  • 1st place in Category 4 Group (Freehand)
  • 3rd place in Category 4 Trio (Ribbon)
  • 4th place in Category 4 Quad (Ball)
  • 1st place in Category 3 Group (Freehand)
  • 3rd place in Category 3 Quad (Rope)

NSW Intermediate State Championships

  • Level 7 Junior division
  • 3rd place in ball
  • 6th place in clubs
  • 6th place in ribbon
  • 5th place all-around

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

 

Ruth’s Amazing Cross Country Results

Ruth’s Amazing Cross Country Results

Congratulations to Ruth (Year 8) who won the gold medal at the All Schools National Cross Country Championship in the 12/13 years girls division. Ruth, who is a member of our Emerging Athlete Program, ran an incredibly strong race and won convincingly. We are so proud of her commitment and dedication to her sport.

Ruth also finished 4th at the Athletics Australia National Cross Country Championships in Launceston, in the U/14 Girls 3km. Runners were presented with a very difficult, hilly and muddy course, temperatures of 11 degrees, and with 50-60 km/h winds gusting to 100 km/h. Brutally tough conditions for athletes and spectators alike.

Ruth has had a fantastic cross-country season and should be extremely proud of her efforts. Well done, Ruth!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Congratulations to Cloris

Congratulations to Cloris

During the Term 2 holidays, Cloris (Year 8) competed in the prestigious 40th NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition organised by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO).

She was awarded the Barbara Robinson Award: $1,000 and a Perpetual Trophy donated by Ku-ring-gai Council and presented to the winner’s school to display for 12 months. Supported by The Violin Centre.

The convenor of the competition noted:

“Cloris played beautifully and was the Junior Winner for the Competition. The Junior Competitors are ’15 years and under’ and it was delightful to have international pianist Simon Tedeschi present Cloris with the trophy as he, like Cloris, was only 13 when he won the Junior Section at the very beginning of his career in 1994. They found his name on the trophy together!”

Congratulations Cloris.

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

Debating Triumph

Debating Triumph

MLC School clinched the prestigious 2024 Archdale Shield, edging out the competition by a single point! This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all 60 of our Archdale debaters who have shown unwavering commitment over the past four months.

The Grand Finals of the Archdale debating competition took place at Abbotsleigh, with our Year 8, Year 10, and Year 11 teams showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. Competing against 24 girls’ schools across three pools, our teams navigated a challenging series of seven preliminary debates, followed by intense Quarter and Semi-finals, to reach the coveted Grand Finals.

Our Year 8B team demonstrated remarkable prowess, winning eight out of nine debates to secure their spot in the Grand Final. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly lost in a split decision by the adjudicators.

The Year 10 team also showcased their debating excellence, winning eight out of nine debates. After a tough loss in last year’s Grand Final, they were determined to succeed this year. Facing Abbotsleigh, they argued the Negative case on the topic “That charities should not accept donations from people as a form of apology for wrongdoing.” Their compelling arguments earned them a unanimous victory from the adjudicators.

Our Year 11 Invitational team faced a formidable opponent from Canberra Girls Grammar, including two state debaters. Despite their rigorous training and dedication, they narrowly missed out on victory but delivered an outstanding performance.

The overall Archdale Shield victory is a collective triumph, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of our entire debating team. Congratulations to all our debaters for their incredible achievements and for bringing the Archdale Shield home to MLC School! 

If you are interested in your daughter attending MLC School, we strongly encourage you to submit an application here. We may see them in the Archdale team soon.

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-Ordinator

Click on gallery to view full images

Dance Showcase 2024 – Fortitude: Stories of Resilience

Dance Showcase 2024 – Fortitude: Stories of Resilience

On Sunday, 8 September 2024, MLC School dancers took the stage at the NIDA Parade Theatre for the highly anticipated MLC School Dance Showcase, Fortitude: Stories of Resilience. This year’s showcase brings to life the powerful narratives of individuals who have triumphed over adversity throughout history. With our Pre-K to 12 Co-curricular Dance Program boasting over 450 enrolments across 27 classes per week in 2024, the evening featured more than 200 Year 3-12 Company and Ensemble dancers, alongside our Elective Dance classes.
 
Our philosophy as a school-based program has always been to approach dance as a communicative art form. We encourage students to move beyond traditional aesthetics, promoting critical thinking and non-verbal communication skills. Fortitude: Stories of Resilience allowed students to explore movement as a means of storytelling and expression, highlighting the strength and courage of both well-known figures and unsung heroes. Students were encouraged to infuse their personal perspectives into the thematic narrative, ensuring an authentic portrayal of overcoming adversity.
 
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Jess Dyson (Assistant Dance Coordinator) and Kate Drady (Dance and Entertainment Teacher) for their unwavering dedication, creativity, and investment of time into the program. Our gratitude also extends to our talented dance tutors — Miss Afamia, Miss Vanessa, Miss Claudia, Miss Annaliese, Miss Madi, Miss Ivy, Miss Tori, and Miss Jorja — for their passion and commitment. Your collective efforts in nurturing and developing a supportive and inclusive dance program are truly inspiring. Your dedication ensures that every student not only celebrates their love for dance but also feels valued and supported in their journey.
 
– Jenna Skepper
Dance Co-ordinator
 
Photos by WinkiPop
Click gallery to view full images
Science Week 2024 – From the STEM Captain

Science Week 2024 – From the STEM Captain

In celebration of Science Week 2024, the Scholar Captain, Moira (Year 12), and I, along with the help of some amazing teachers, conducted a series of intriguing and unique experiments during Monday Lunchtime, to showcase the wonders of science and technology. Our aim was to spark curiosity and foster a love for science within the MLC School community.

We arranged a variety of hands-on experiments for students to enjoy, such as film canister rockets, cartesian diver, self-blooming flowers, oil colour cascade and making big bubbles! A teacher and a couple of Year 12 science students were positioned at each experiment, offering their knowledge to enrich students understandings as to how and why each reaction occurred.

We also featured a large demonstration called ‘Elephant’s Toothpaste’, where students watched from a safe distance as large volumes of colourful foam erupted into the sky. Overall, these experiments were highly successful, promoting participation, enhancing scientific understanding, and inspiring a greater passion for science and technology.

A special thank you to Mr Blackburn, Ms McAlister, Mr Tibbey, Ms Cassidy, Ms Ottoway and Ms An for their invaluable help!

– Kaylie (Year 12)
2024 STEM Captain

Click on image gallery for full size images.

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – IB Global Conference

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – IB Global Conference

Early in Term 3, I travelled with our Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen, to represent MLC School at the IB Global Conference in Washington DC. Across four days, we engaged with educators from 43 different countries as we explored the conference theme of Inspiring Learners, Realising Potential. With thought provoking keynotes from global thought leaders, we explored diverse topics including the role of education in the era of AI, modernisation of the educational context and the importance of human agency to lead in a complex world.

The conference was an opportunity to learn more about the current research focus of the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO) and some of the pilot programs they have initiated. It was particularly interesting to learn about the way in which they are engaging with current trends in education and their commitment to being more transparent about how they are working on these trends and seeking feedback from IB community. This was particularly evident in a session where Matt Glanville, the Director for Assessment at the IB, talked about how they are engaging with AI and the importance of preparing students for a world where this is increasingly becoming part of the workplace.

There was an opportunity to take a deep dive into the curriculum development space with Angela Rivière Head of Programme Development for the Diploma Programme and learn more about the review of the 16+ programs of which the Diploma is part, with the launch of the new programs scheduled for 2030. There are some new courses being developed that provide exciting opportunities and we look forward to discussing these with the teaching team once they become available.

As always it is interesting to spend time with colleagues from other systems and discuss how they approach learning and the challenges they face within their specific context. I am very grateful in Australia that we value teacher professional judgment and autonomy in the way we do after hearing how many of our peers find themselves in systems where standardised testing is mandated at both state and district levels.

But the greatest takeaway from the conference was this, the way in which the IB Diploma Programme is delivered at MLC School is world class and I am so incredibly proud of the staff both past and present who have built this extraordinary program.

– Linda Emms
From the Head of Learning and Teaching

MLC School wins Mock Trial

MLC School wins Mock Trial

On the Thursday 8 August, the MLC School Mock Trial team hosted Brigidine College St Ives for the first elimination round of the NSW Law Society Mock Trial competition. MLC School were assigned to the prosecution in a criminal matter in which the defendant, Parks Elmore, was charged with failing to leave the vicinity of a licenced premises.

Our case was led by instructing solicitor, Amy (Year 11), and barristers, Amelia (Year 10) and Olivia (Year 11), who had the onus of convincing the Magistrate that the defendant was guilty beyond reasonable doubt. Both Amelia and Olivia demonstrated their proficiency as cross-examiners, establishing clear lines of questioning that challenged the credibility of the defence witness. Equally as impressive were witnesses, Elena (Year 10) and Evelyn (Year 10), who presented their evidence with poise during Examination-in-Chief and Cross-Examination. The Magistrate was supported by Eve (Year 11), who ensured the trial was run effectively and all procedural guidelines were followed.

While the court ultimately dismissed the charges against Mr Elmore, the outstanding performances of all students meant that the MLC School team were declared the winners of the round and will progress further in the competition.

We extend our thanks to solicitor, Michael Duong, who volunteered to serve as the Magistrate for the trial and to all the students, staff and parents who came to support the team.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

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