Issue 24 - 1 July 2025
Applications for Entry and School Tour Day for 2025

Applications for Entry and School Tour Day for 2025

The School has waiting lists for many year entries, so it is recommended that an application is made by your daughter’s first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. Applications for all years are processed in the order in which they are received. For updated information, please view our online prospectus package.

The School is currently interviewing girls who will commence in Pre-K to Year 11 in 2027  If you would like to apply for the few places available please follow the link to our online application form here. Interviews for entry in 2028 will commence in October, so you are urged to make an application soon to be considered.

It is always advisable to take a tour of the School as things have changed over the years. The next available MLC School tour day will be held on Tuesday 19 August at 10.30am, followed by 13 November at 10.30am. Why do we hold out tours on school days? It’s so you can see the School in action, nothing is set up, nothing is out of the ordinary – you get a real taste of what a day at MLC School is like.

Numbers are limited and registration is required for all tour days. To register your attendance click on the button below, scroll down the page and click the tour you would like to attend.

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

Register for a tour

Year 7 to Year 11 in 2027 Scholarship Dates

Year 7 to Year 11 in 2027 Scholarship Dates

MLC School Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2027 are now open and will close on Wednesday 1 October 2025.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 18 October 2025.

Register here

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

Year 5 Scholarships for 2026 entry now open

Year 5 Scholarships for 2026 entry now open

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 2026:

Monday 28 April 2025 – Scholarship registration opened
Tuesday 29 July 2025 – Scholarship registration closes
Saturday 9 August 2025 – Year 5 2026 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 Nerida Coman on 02 8741 3161 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

From the Principal

We have reached the end of another successful term at MLC School. We began the term with the iconic Opera House concert, Fate, Fortune, Fantasy. Students have excelled in various fields including Sport, da Vinci Decathlon, Academic competitions, Music, Dance, Drama, and Debating. They have also made significant contributions to the community through their service projects as part of their International Baccalaureate study, meal preparations at the Exodus Foundation Loaves and Fishes restaurant and supporting a wide range charities. 

There has also been an enormous amount done behind the scenes with our Masterplan update progressing well; our AI and data strategies are being reviewed and implemented; there has been great progress on our Academic improvement initiatives; and ongoing investment and upgrades to our grounds and facilities.

At the beginning of the term, we held several significant community events that have reminded us all of the rich history and strong community of which we are a part. Early in May at both the Alumnae Awards Dinner and the School reunions I was struck by the number of times that our Old Girls referred to the fact that through their schooling at MLC School, they grew up knowing that they could do anything that they set their minds to. They were free from the stereotypes and limitations in society that they first encountered at university or work. As one Old Girl said, ‘by the time someone tried to tell me I couldn’t, I already knew that I could’. 

As we close this vibrant term, we celebrate not only the accomplishments of our students but also the enduring spirit of MLC School. From The Sydney Opera House stage to community kitchens, from academic excellence to heartfelt service, our students continue to embody the School Values of Courage, Compassion, and Curiosity. The stories shared by our Old Girls during the Alumnae events are a powerful reminder that an MLC School education is more than academic – it is transformational. We look forward to welcoming new families into this dynamic and empowering community, where every girl is inspired to ‘Dare to be More’.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

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!

MLC School Annual Report 2024

MLC School Annual Report 2024

The MLC School Annual Report for 2024 is now available and can be accessed via the publications tab on the MLC School website, or by clicking on the button below.

2024 Annual Report

The girl is at the heart of MLC School’s Pastoral Care program

The girl is at the heart of MLC School’s Pastoral Care program

We invite you to watch the latest video detailing the comprehensive Pastoral Care program at MLC School.

Hear from our Wellbeing Captain and key staff members who work behind the scenes and directly with students.

MLC School’s initiatives are dedicated to supporting growth and wellbeing, ensuring girls thrive both personally and academically.

Dedicated staff are committed to the development of social-emotional learning, wellbeing monitoring and our whole-school holistic approach. If any student requires individual support, there is a support network here to provide assistance as a team. We are committed to ensuring that every student feels supported and empowered to achieve their personal best.

Working together to support your child’s growth and development is fundamental for all us at MLC School.

17th MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert – Fate, Fortune, and Fantasy

17th MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert – Fate, Fortune, and Fantasy

Congratulations to all the performers, members of the backstage crew and staff involved in the 17th MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert – Fate, Fortune, and Fantasy.

The concert was a wonderful mix of challenging, traditional works juxtaposed against sing-along favorites; there really was something for everyone. The performance of Old Girl Alice Chance’s composition ‘How will we know til we go’ involved the MLC School massed Choir, Senior School Choir, Angeli Choir and the Symphony Orchestra and was a highlight. Alice graduated from MLC School in 2011 and is currently our Head of Composition. It was in her final year at MLC School that Alice really started to believe that she could become a composer. She went on to study composition in Sydney and Paris and was awarded the 2024 APRA AMCOS Work of the Year: Large Ensemble for her work ‘The Changing Landscape’.  Alice remembers her time singing from the stalls in the Opera House and thinking ‘one day my work will be performed here.’ I truly hope that our current students felt equally inspired to dream because of their involvement.

While the concert was a collective effort and our students were truly remarkable, our Music staff deserve particular recognition. Thank you and congratulations to our wonderful music staff and all our music tutors.

Click here to view the social media highlights video.

Click on gallery to view full images

 

Alumnae Awards 2025

Alumnae Awards 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 Alumnae Award Winners

On Friday 2 May, members of the MLC School community gathered to recognise the achievements of some of our most outstanding Old Girls.

The MLC School Alumnae Awards started in 2020 and aim to celebrate Old Girls who are prepared to think differently; have courage and conviction; and lead with passion.

There are MLC School Alumnae Awards and Young Alumnae Awards (for those under the age of 40 years) for those shown to have made a significant impact in their field of endeavour in one or more of the award categories:

We congratulate the following 2025 award recipients:

  • Cynthia Gunn (1960) – Alumnae Award for Contribution to MLC School
  • Carol Edds (Hamilton, 1968) – Alumnae Award for Professional Achievement and Academia
  • Jane Noake (1974) – Alumnae Award for Sporting Achievement and Philanthropic Endeavours
  • Anne Gripper (1982) – Alumnae Award for Sporting Achievement and Philanthropic Endeavours
  • Ani Satchcroft (Satchithananda, 1998) – Alumnae Award for Professional Achievement
  • Tara Sarathy (2001) – Alumnae Award for Social Welfare and Impact
  • Amanda Shalala (2003) – Young Alumnae Award for Professional Achievement
  • Alice Chance (2011) – Young Alumnae Award for Cultural Contribution
  • Cynthia Farah (2012) – Young Alumnae Award for Professional Achievement

I encourage you to read the full details about each of our award winners on the School’s website.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

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The Queen’s Visit Continues to Generate News!

The Queen’s Visit Continues to Generate News!

MLC School’s relationship with Tonga dates back to August 1935, when Queen Sālote Tupou III visited MLC School and was warmly received by the students. Historically, several Tongan girls attended MLC School, becoming notable figures in Tonga. Jeanette Loy (Maddox, 1960), an MLC School alumna and former staff member, served as Headmistress of Queen Salote School from 1971-1973, strengthening the connection between the two institutions. In 1972, MLC School’s 5th Form girls supported the education of a Tongan girl at Queen Salote School and through her university years.

When Her Majesty Queen Nanasipau’u of Tonga recently visited MLC School, her visit marked a significant milestone in the relationship between MLC School and Queen Salote College. The visit included a formal ceremony, a Chapel Service, and a tour of the Senior Centre, where the Queen interacted with students and staff. The event also featured a VIP luncheon with Tongan and Indigenous performances.

Her Majesty’s visit generated a lot of interest and excitement and showcased MLC School – please see the links below to news stories covering this historic and cultural occasion.

MLC School visit highlights 

Instagram Link

Facebook Videos Link

Television Coverage

News feature broadcast on TV in Australia and across the Pacific region, also on the ABC News youtube.
The Queen’s visit is covered form 2:04 minutes in.

YouTube Link

NSW Tongan Sport Association girls perform for the Queen at MLC School 

Instagram Link here

Facebook Reels link here

Sister schools in Tonga reignite their sisterhood 

Instagram Link here

Facebook Link here

ABC Article

Article Link here

 

Celebrations of Learning

Celebrations of Learning

Celebrations of Learning in the Junior School are joyful and reflective events that honour the growth, creativity, and achievements of students across all year levels. Held throughout the year, these occasions invite families into the learning spaces to witness firsthand the diverse ways students express their understanding—through writing, visual arts, music, drama, and collaborative projects  Whether it’s Pre-Kindergarten storytelling or Year 5 studio showcases, each celebration is a testament to the school’s commitment to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and community engagement.
 
Pre-Kindergarten
Recently, our Pre-Kindergarten girls proudly hosted their Celebration of Learning, welcoming parents into their studio and specialist areas to share the excitement of their school experiences. Families enjoyed a heartwarming student performance of songs, followed by engaging visits to our specialist areas – STEM, Art and Library – where the girls showcased their creativity, curiosity, and enthusiasm for learning. It was a joyful morning of connection and celebration!
 
With thanks to parents for attending and to our wonderful specialist teachers for joining us for this special celebration.
 
– Pre-K Team
Click on gallery to view full images 
 
Year 5

Year 5 began their Celebration of Learning this morning, with the poem, ‘Core of My Heart,’ by Dorothea Mackellar. After the poem, we were with our parents and shared things we have learned this semester. We had to share our Writing, CLP, STEM, Art, and Maths. For Writing we shared paragraphs about our chosen natural disaster. For CLP, we shared a Wild Weather fact card we had made about a drought. For STEM we shared the 3D printed name tags we had made. We also shared our sun safety playgrounds that we had planned on a piece of paper. For Art, we showed our parents our bushfire artwork, where we had painted the foreground, mid-ground, and background of a scene from a bushfire. Finally, we demonstrated how we could solve problems using the Area Model in Maths. To conclude the Celebration of Learning, we sang and danced a Canadian song with some kind parents! This was an extraordinary day of learning, sharing, dancing, and singing.’
– Nancy and Charlotte 

‘The Year 5 Celebration of Learning was such an excitement. Everyone looked around, look for their families, and when they did, their faces lit up. Even if your special guest did not attend you could always join a group and share all your fabulous learning. It was an amazing morning, telling my mum about all my learning, whether it was Writing, Mathematics, Music, or STEM. Year 5 has been a journey so far, and showing our parents what we have done during our Semester 1 was surely unforgettable.’
– Sienna

‘Our Celebration of Learning was lots of fun! There were plenty of things to show our parents that it was hard to try and show them all to them, in the hour that we had – shows how much we learn! I bet that our parents loved the poem, and it was fun reciting it. I hope they had fun (and a good laugh) watching our dance. Some were even included in it. Celebration of Learning is a wonderful time to show our parents what we have learnt, and when we do, we get a warm feeling inside us. I can’t wait to see how much we have grown for our Celebration of Learning next semester.’
– Hayley

‘Year 5 thoroughly enjoyed this semester’s Celebration of Learning that took place on Thursday 12 June. Year five showcased work from subjects such as Writing, CLP, Visual arts, STEM, Library, and Mathematics. We also showed our parents learning such as a recital of ‘Core of my Heart’, by Dorothea McKellar, and a live music performance and song. It meant so much to Year five to see how many of our guests showed up for this incredibly special event.

‘We showed our special people important things we had learnt, as education is an important part of our lives. It meant a lot for our parents and guardians to show up, as we also learn by having support and love from our special people. As Mahatma Gandhi said, ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.’ Learning is not always about academics, it is also about learning the life lessons we need to be able to grow.’
– Beatrice

‘This is my first year at MLC School. Already I have learned so many new things. Celebration of Learning is a chance to showcase those new concepts and abilities to your parents. It is also a time to connect with your family over learning. Because learning isn’t just about being the best. It isn’t about getting good marks. It’s about learning new concepts and enjoying learning them. Celebration of Learning is a chance to be proud of our work and share the learning journey that we have been through to get there. And sometimes learning is hard, and you want to give up. But there is always a way out. 

During Celebration of Learning, we shared our work from Writing, where we showed our informative writing. We demonstrated Mathematics skills, teaching our parents how to do an area model. We showed our parents our work in STEM, in which we had made 3D printed name tags. And we got our family to complete Two Stars and a Wish – two things that they thought we did well, and one thing they thought we could improve on.

I enjoyed Celebration of Learning very much, and I think my Mum did too. She is proud of my work. I’m already looking forward to our next one.’
– Layla

‘This term on a Thursday Year 5 had their Celebration of Learning in week 7. In the Year 5 Celebration of Learning we displayed lots of things we have been learning about in the past semester in the DLH. The teachers and parents saw 5W, 5N, 5O and 5C recite a poem called, ‘Core of My Heart’, by Dorothea Mackellar. We had lots of challenging work to show, and we felt confident to show our achievements. Year 5 have been working on a song and dance called Land of the Silver Birch. It is about Canada, its lovely nature, and animals. It was great morning with our parents spending time with them. It was also a wonderful experience for those who are new. The Celebration of Learning was splendid.’
– Sadie and Maiya

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Inspiring Futures: More Opportunities for Girls in STEM

Inspiring Futures: More Opportunities for Girls in STEM

Our School has a proud and enduring legacy of empowering girls to excel in Science and Mathematics. For decades, our students have defied stereotypes, embraced intellectual challenges, and paved the way for a new generation of women in STEM. You can read about some of our esteemed alumni scientists and mathematicians here. Which MLC School Old Girl will your daughter follow in the footsteps of?

In 2025, we are building on our legacy with renewed purpose and an expanded range of opportunities designed to inspire, challenge, and support girls to see themselves as the scientists, engineers, and innovators of the future.

Globally, women remain underrepresented in STEM fields. According to UNESCO, only 35% of STEM students in higher education are women. Even when women do contribute to scientific progress, their work is often overlooked—a phenomenon known as the Matilda Effect, where their achievements are historically attributed to male colleagues or supervisors. Chiara Biscarini, co-chair of the UNESCO Chair on “Water Resources Management and Culture,” puts it simply: “Young women need to know that they belong in STEM as much as men.”

That belief is at the heart of what we do. We are deeply committed to giving our girls every opportunity to flourish in Science and Maths, and we are proud to already offer a vibrant suite of co-curricular STEM programs. Our STEM Academy (Year 1 to Year 10) nurtures curiosity and inquiry from the earliest years of schooling. Students in Year 5 to Year 6 can take part in Junior Robotics competitions, while our Senior Robotics teams develop advanced design and coding skills and regularly compete in challenges. These rich learning experiences have helped shape a strong culture of STEM engagement across the school. You can read more about our Junior School STEM curricular and co-curricular offerings in the next newsletter.

In 2025, we are taking the next step: building that passion directly into the Senior School curriculum.

For the first time, Engineering Studies will be offered as a Stage 5 elective in 2026. This is a dynamic, hands-on course that introduces students to real-world engineering principles across civil, mechanical, environmental, and biomedical fields. Girls will engage in design-thinking, critical problem-solving, and collaborative projects that mirror the work of engineers in industry and academia. It’s a course that not only builds skills but also builds identity, a powerful chance for students to see themselves as future engineers.

In another exciting first, we have launched an Accelerated Mathematics pathway, with our inaugural cohort of Year 10 students now completing Year 11 Advanced Mathematics. This acceleration provides gifted and highly motivated students with the opportunity to deepen their mathematical thinking and access the HSC curriculum earlier. We are currently testing Year 9 students to assess their suitability for entry into this pathway next year.

These developments are more than just timetable additions, they are statements of belief in our students’ capacity and potential. At every turn, we are striving to dismantle the invisible barriers that still limit girls’ participation in STEM and replace them with opportunity, encouragement, and a culture of possibility.

Our future scientists, mathematicians, and engineers are already among us. We can’t wait to see what they will create, discover, and change in the world. Don’t forget to read a little about some of our Old Girls who are excelling in science, mathematics and technology.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

STEM initiatives at our Junior School

Our Junior and Senior Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Co-curricular Robotics students have been busy working on their submissions into the RoboCup and VEX robotics competitions. 

RoboCup

We have 46 students in Year 5 – Year 12 who will be entering the RoboCup OnStage, Rescue and, for the first time, Maze Division at the RoboCup NSW Open later this year. In addition to our weekly afternoon sessions many of these students attended a Robotics Workshop in May where they were able to work with judges and students from other schools on their entries into the competition.

Vex 

Expanding our robotics offering, MLC School will also be entering a team into the VEX IQ robotics competition for the first time this year. Our inaugural team of Year 6 students have had a visit from one of the Trinity Preparatory teams at the end of last term to get them started on some basics of the competition. The students who have had a term of coding Lego Spike Prime robots in class have been busy learning the new VEX system and are eagerly awaiting the announcement of the 2025-2026 VEXIQ competition. 

You can read more about STEM in the Junior School Curriculum in this newsletter.

– Marie Cassar
STEM Co-Curricular Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

STEM in the Junior School Curriculum – Semester 1 Wrap Up

STEM in the Junior School Curriculum – Semester 1 Wrap Up

It has been a busy and productive semester in STEM in the Junior School. Our students have engaged in various exciting projects that have fostered curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) is a key part of our Junior School curriculum, inspiring and challenging students with hands-on experiences to enrich their theoretical knowledge. Our STEM program integrates seamlessly into the classroom through Collaborative Learning Projects (CLP), covering Science and Technology, History, and Geography. These units follow an inquiry-based learning model, engaging students in collaborative learning and promoting engineering-design principles.

Pre-Kindergarten explored the five senses: touch, sight, sound, taste, and smell. By focusing on each sense individually, they learned how each sense provided them with information about their world and affected the way they interacted with it. Additionally, students investigated the world around them through experiments that helped them understand the how and why of everyday phenomena. These investigations included topics such as why it rains, where plants come from, and how volcanoes work.

Kindergarten investigated the properties and purposes of various materials. They explored how different materials could be used and how their properties affected their functionality. Through hands-on experiments, students observed and identified the characteristics of materials they encountered at home or in the classroom. Building on this knowledge, students used the engineering design cycle (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) to design and construct a house for ‘he fourth little pig that could withstand an attack from the big bad wolf.

Year 1 began the year with a series of digital technology upskilling lessons. These lessons on how best to use hardware and software help lay the foundation for their educational journey as masters of technology rather than simply consumers. Year 1 students learned how to take high quality photos, present visual information in graphics, and developed their block coding skills by using Blue-Bot robots and the companion app.

Year 2 will have two exciting terms of STEM next semester so stay tuned to find out what they will be investigating exploring and creating soon!

Year 3 enjoyed a semester full of STEM projects and experiments, beginning with the development of their block coding skills using the Code Agent in Minecraft Education. They built on their understanding of algorithms and the process of computational thinking, with an introduction to nested loops and ‘if, then’ commands. 

For Term 2, they used STEM lessons to enrich their CLP investigations into states of matter, properties of materials, and forms of energy.  With thermometers and pipettes in hand, Year 3 students stretched, dripped, and measured their way through experiments that tested material properties such as elasticity, absorbency, and thermal conductivity and insulation.

Year 4 investigated the effect of contact and non-contact forces on the behaviour of objects with several hands-on investigations. Before diving into their engineering design task, students had to conduct some ‘arduous’ research at the local arcade to understand the forces at play. Armed with this knowledge, they worked collaboratively to apply their understanding of forces using the Engineering-Design Process (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) to design and create a cardboard arcade machine. They considered resources, investigated materials, components, tools, and techniques, developed criteria for success, and evaluated their design ideas and solutions. 

Year 5 entered a new dimension in STEM lessons, learning how to 3D model using the Makers Empire app.  After upskilling on the fundamentals of 3D modelling, they brought their learning on sun safety from their PDHPE lessons into a cross-curricula collaboration in STEM lessons. They utilised the Engineering-Design Process (ask, imagine, plan, create, improve) in small groups to design a sun-safe playground for a section of the MLC Junior School playground. Members in each group took charge of a portion of their on-paper design to convert into a 3D depiction. The basic components of these models will be 3D-printed early in Term 3 and the students will embellish the prints with handcrafted elements to complete a scale representation of their proposed playground.

Year 6 Students extended their CLP investigations into animal adaptation through hands-on activities and robotics engineering using Spike Prime LEGO robotics kits. They used block-based coding to explore how animals survive and thrive in challenging environments and created animatronic robots to mimic these unique adaptations.

Additionally, students learned about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and its responsible use. They considered the risks and benefits of generative AI. With the assistance of Microsoft CoPilot and carefully crafted prompts, students planned, conducted, and critically evaluated AI-generated scientific investigations.

Marie Cassar and Bede Schofield
Junior School STEM Teachers

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Year 5 Sun Safety Workshop

Year 5 Sun Safety Workshop

Year 5 students have been learning about sun safety this term. They discussed UV radiation, skin damage, proper sunscreen application, Australians’ risk of skin cancer, and protection strategies. This week, students attended a sun safety workshop featuring Channel 7 reporter Kirstie Fitzpatrick, dermatologist Dr. Phillip Tong, representatives from SC Johnson sunscreen, MakMar shade designers, and senior students from Kambala with UV cameras. They learned about sun damage and even saw projections of their appearance at age 77.

On Thursday 19th Year 5 had a fun and educational day filled with so many vital facts that year five will use for the rest of our lives! There were many ways that year five not only got to learn about the sun but also about the different types of skin! At one point in the sun safe workshop, we got to analyse our skin and see how we could protect it even more. We got to try varied materials that could make sun sails and shade which will help us in our STEM/PDHPE project. We took part in quiz at the end to see how much we took away from the workshop. I now know that keeping our skin safe and healthy from the sun is vital for our future!
Mila (Year 5)

People in Australia don’t realise how much damage the sun does to us. We have a hole in the ozone layer, which increases our risk of getting sunburn, and in turn, melanoma and other types of skin cancer. I learned all of this Thursday this week, when Year 5 had a sun safety workshop. We learnt about how much damage the sun really does to us, what our skin looks like under a UV light, and much more. And we went hands-on and got our own sample of sunscreen.  I learned lots of things, and I am now very aware about sun safety, skin cancer and the importance of sunscreen.
 – Layla (Year 5)

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Celebrating Mia’s Artistic Achievement

Celebrating Mia’s Artistic Achievement

We are thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievement of Mia, a talented Year 6 student whose creativity and originality have earned her a place in the spotlight—twice!

Mia’s captivating artwork, titled My Curious Spirit, has been selected for display in the prestigious Young Archies exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Out of more than 3,200 entries, Mia’s piece stood out for its imagination and emotional depth, earning her a place alongside some of the most promising young artists in the country.

But the recognition didn’t stop there. As part of the recent Vivid Sydney festival, Mia’s artwork was also projected onto a building as part of a collaborative public art display—an extraordinary moment that brought her vision to life on a grand scale.

Mia’s journey began with the MLC Junior School Portrait Competition, where her work was selected to represent the school in the Young Archies. Her piece, My Curious Spirit, blends childhood memory with imaginative transformation. In her own words:

“When I was little, I had a favourite stuffed toy. I would often hug it and bite it. This portrait blends my memory of biting the toy’s ear with things from my imagination. Half of my face transforms into my favourite animal – a cat. Cats are curious and adventurous, always wanting to explore and discover. This represents my way of seeing the world – mixing real experience with fantasy.”

Visitors can view Mia’s work at the Art Gallery of NSW from Saturday 10 May to Sunday 17 August 2025. For those eager to explore the full collection of finalists, the Young Archie competition 2025 gallery is also available online.

Congratulations once again to Mia for this remarkable accomplishment. We can’t wait to see where her artistic journey takes her next!

– Marian Doull
Teacher

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Immersive Learning at MLC School

Immersive Learning at MLC School

Art, Design and Languages – Japan Tour 2025

Over the Easter holidays, 21 students embarked on an unforgettable 11-day cultural and artistic journey through Japan. The adventure began in Tokyo, where highlights included visits to Meiji Shrine, Takeshita Street, Sensoji Temple, and the iconic Shibuya crossing. Students explored quirky pet cafés, attended a sumo training session, and created wax food samples. A visit to teamLab Borderless and the Sketch Aquarium offered immersive digital art experiences, while museum visits and a ramen bowl design session enriched their understanding of Japanese art and design.

A special highlight was connecting with students at Kogakuin Senior High School, fostering global friendships through shared classes and cultural exchange.

The group then traveled by Shinkansen to Kyoto, visiting Fushimi Inari Shrine, Kinkakuji, Nijo Castle, and Nishiki Markets. Students participated in traditional pottery and manga drawing workshops, deepening their appreciation for Japanese craftsmanship.

In Okayama, they explored Naoshima Island’s renowned art museums, including works by Monet and Kusama. The tour concluded with a joyful BBQ and heartfelt farewells.

This enriching experience was made possible by the dedication of staff and the support of families. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for our Art, Design, and Language students.

– Natasha Collins
Assistant Head of Department – Languages

Click on image gallery for full size images.

The Journey – Year 7 Camp in Blue Mountains

What a week we had at Year 7 camp at the middle of the term. A journey in so many ways! Physically, emotionally and socially, the Year 7 students were challenged and showed strength, courage and compassion. Watching students overcome their fears to abseil and see them achieve things they didn’t think they could do was brilliant. The students had fun, were great at trivia, worked in teams, cooked and camped in the dark and some were woken to the sounds of one of our science teachers, Martina singing to them in the morning. We are very proud of the girls and the way they approached the camp. They were fantastic and I hope they all enjoyed the experience.

– Claire White
Head of Year 7

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Reflections on the Year 9 Urban Challenge

I had the privilege of joining Year 9 on the Urban Challenge camp, and one of my favourite experiences was joining Year 9 on their service day, where they had the opportunity to cook meals for people in need at Our Big Kitchen and Kids Giving Back. Both programs gave the girls the opportunity to learn about important real-world issues, while also helping them develop compassion towards others and learn how to interact with others with kindness and respect – one of our MLC School graduate attributes. Speaking to many of the girls, this was one of their most memorable and meaningful days on the camp. Starting this term, all year 9 students have the opportunity to continue to build this compassion and kindness by volunteering at the Loaves and Fishes Free Restaurant through the Exodus Foundation.

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 9

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Year 11 Excursion to PhysXrehab

As part of their depth study in Health and Movement Science, Year 11 students attended an excursion to PhysXrehab. Under the guidance of sports scientists and physiotherapists, they explored optimal biomechanics and safe sporting techniques. Students analysed their running technique using Vuemotion AI technology and dynamometry and assessed throwing and jumping techniques with HumanTrak and force plates.

This hands-on experience gave students a deeper understanding of the technology used to enhance sports performance and support injury prevention in elite teams. It also allowed them to develop valuable skills and knowledge relevant to their future studies and personal athletic performance.

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Year 3 Fizzics Incursion

Our Year 3 girls attended a Fizzics Education Science Incursion. This term their CLP unit is “Properties Influence Purpose.” It provided a fantastic opportunity for the students to delve into the fascinating world of science. 

The incursion allowed the students to hypothesise and participate in a variety of fun hands-on experiments and activities. These activities were aimed at investigating different materials, their properties, and the states of matter. The girls loved exploring concepts such as solids, liquids, and gases, and seeing firsthand how the states of matetr can change under different conditions. 

Throughout the incursion, the girls were encouraged to ask questions and make predictions. It was a great learning experience! 

– Ariel Aguilella, Rachael Borg and Melanie Thierjung
Year 3 Teachers

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Debating Success

Debating Success

This term, MLC School was proud to see two of our own Old Girls return to the debating program—not as competitors, but as coaches. Esther Kim (2024) and Sarah Pearson (2022) brought their experience, enthusiasm, and deep understanding of debating to guide and inspire our younger students through a highly successful season.

The Friday Evening Debating (FED) Grand Final was held at St Joseph’s College, with MLC School proudly represented by three teams. While nerves were high, quiet confidence carried the day.

In the Grand Final, teams face a panel of three adjudicators and must choose their preferred topic from three options—after a coin toss determines their side. It’s a fast-paced process requiring sharp thinking and strategy.

Year 7A (Abira, Anaahat, Lauren, Elsa) argued the affirmative on “Children should support their parents financially in retirement.” Their compelling case earned them a unanimous win—no doubt pleasing many parents in the audience!

Year 9 (Taylor, Ingrid, Sarah, Pip, Bridget, Yolanda) had a standout season under the guidance of MLC School Old Girl Esther Kim, who made an impressive debut as coach. Their hard work and teamwork were rewarded with another unanimous win.

Year 10 (Yerina, Lindsay, Rebecca, Luella, Josephine), winners of the Year 9 and Year 8 trophies in previous years, rose to the challenge once again. Debating the affirmative on “The true crime genre has done more harm than good to society,” they drew on their passion for the genre to secure yet another unanimous victory.

Congratulations to the entire 40-strong FED team for a season filled with growth, teamwork, and success. A special thank you to Esther Kim (2024) for her inspiring leadership and for continuing the MLC School legacy through her coaching.

Meanwhile, our ten Year 6 debaters began the Independent Schools’ Debating Association (ISDA) competition in early February with little to no experience in competitive debating. Formed into two teams of five, each group trained under the guidance of dedicated coaches. Four months and many impressive wins later, both teams earned their place in the Grand Finals held last Friday evening.

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The ISDA competition is one of the most challenging school debating contests in Australia, so reaching the final two from a field of 32 teams is a major achievement.

Primary A (Peta, Rayna, Audrey, Caoimhe, Mikayla) took the Affirmative side against Knox Grammar on the motion “That we should not use AI at Primary and High schools.” It was a tightly contested debate judged by a panel of three. After a lengthy deliberation, our team narrowly lost in a 2–1 split decision—marking their first loss after 12 consecutive wins. A huge thank you to their coach, Angus, for his tireless support throughout the season.

Primary B (Alicia, Elana, Arielle, Audrey, Mariella) argued the Negative side on the same topic against Trinity Grammar. With a mixed-school audience and high tension, our team remained composed and delivered a strong case for the responsible use of AI in education. Their efforts were rewarded with a unanimous win, making them the 2025 champions of their division. Special thanks to their coach, MLC School Old Girl Sarah Pearson (2022), whose dedication and mentorship were instrumental in their success.

Overall, it was a stellar season for MLC School in the ISDA competition, with seven teams reaching the finals and four making it to the Quarter Finals. Thank you to all forty students for their commitment, and to the parents and carers who supported them every step of the way.

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A special acknowledgment to both Esther Kim and Sarah Pearson for continuing the MLC School tradition of excellence and giving back through their coaching.

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Sporting Excellence in Term 2 at MLC School

Sporting Excellence in Term 2 at MLC School

This term, it has been very exciting to witness the success of many of our MLC School sports teams and individual competitors. Sport continues to thrive at MLC School, with students achieving remarkable success across a wide range of disciplines. From the pool to the track, the dojo to the gym floor, our students have demonstrated dedication, talent, and school spirit.

We are currently reviewing our sports strategy and working hard to build team unity, school spirit and participation. We are already starting to see the benefits of this refreshed approach. Thank you to acting Directors of Sport Sarah Jauncey and Scott Carpenter and all the Sports staff for their efforts. I would also like to thank all the parents and carers who are supporting their children to attend training and for driving to venues all over Sydney (and beyond) to ensure that we field full teams in all games.

In swimming, Emi (Year 4) shone at the NSW PSSA Swimming Championships, placing 4th in the 50m freestyle and 2nd in the 50m butterfly. She also helped the CIS All Age Relay team secure gold and is now preparing to compete at Nationals in Melbourne—an incredible achievement! Fellow Year 4 student Gem also made waves, breaking two records in the S12 Multi-Class Freestyle and Backstroke finals.

At the 2025 Australian Age Championships in Brisbane, MLC Marlins Isabel (Year 9), Madison (Year 10), Hailey (Year 11), and Annaliese (Year 12) competed against the nation’s best, showcasing their commitment and skill.

Cross country has also seen outstanding performances. At the IGSA Championships, Olivia (Year 8) won gold in the 14 Years division, and followed up with a victory at the NSWCIS Championships! She now advances to the NSW All Schools event in July.

In Taekwondo, Leylim (Year 11) placed 2nd in the Inner University Competition’s 2nd dan black belt traditional poomsae category, representing the MLC Emerging Athlete Program with pride.

Our Gymnastics squad had a fantastic competition in Tamworth, with standout performances from Isabella (Year 8), Mia (Year 9), Emma (Year 6), Olivia (Year 9), Hannah (Year 10), and Eloise (Year 6). A special mention goes to MLC School Old Girl and coach Eugenie Tan (2020), who placed 2nd Overall in Level 10 and was featured on Tamworth news.

Congratulations to all our athletes for their incredible achievements and for representing MLC School with excellence and enthusiasm.

 

Harriet Shines in Inaugural Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition

Harriet Shines in Inaugural Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition

Congratulations to Year 11 student Harriet, who proudly represented MLC School in the inaugural Dame Enid Lyons Oratory Competition for girls— and placed third in the grand final held at the iconic Sydney Opera House.

The competition, created to mirror the long-standing Lawrence Campbell Oratory Competition for boys, was established to ensure that the voices of young women are equally heard and celebrated.
From an initial pool of 26 students from schools across Sydney, Harriet advanced to the final 10, showcasing her exceptional talent and poise.

In the lead-up to the final, Harriet and the other finalists were invited to Admiralty House in Kirribilli to meet Her Excellency Sam Mostyn, the Governor-General of Australia. The Governor-General generously shared her insights into leadership, public service, and the journey to her current role. Harriet was especially inspired to learn that the Governor-General’s daughter is an MLC School Old Girl – an unexpected and proud connection.

That evening, the excitement continued at the Sydney Opera House. In front of a packed Drama Theatre audience – including coaches, family, friends, fellow students, and Principal Lisa Moloney –Harriet delivered a powerful eight-minute impromptu speech. With just 15 minutes to prepare using only palm cards and a pen, she tackled the topic: “For most of history, anonymous was a woman.” Her speech passionately explored the importance of single-sex education in empowering girls to speak up and be heard.

The judges faced a tough decision, with the top three speeches closely matched. Ultimately, Harriet was awarded third place, a remarkable achievement in such a prestigious and challenging competition.

We thank Harriet for her dedication, the extra hours of training, and for representing MLC School with such grace, intellect, and courage. Her performance was a true embodiment of what it means to “dare to be more.”

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The Great Gatsby Dazzles Audiences

The Great Gatsby Dazzles Audiences

The 2025 Senior Drama Production of The Great Gatsby was a dazzling success. Girls from Year 10 to Year 12 were involved in the show, which ran for four nights. Students wowed the audience with their superb performance skills, passion, organisation and dedication to the show.

The Dance, Drama and Entertainment (DDE) Department was so proud of all of the students involved, especially the Year 12 students, who have graced the Drama Theatre Stage for the last time.

Thank you to all staff involved, especially Alisha Vigna, Bojana Kvrgic and of course, Head of Department – Dance, Drama and Entertainment (DDE) Lisa Jinga.

– Kellie Cogin
Director

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Joint Science and Duke of Ed Trip – An Unforgettable Experience

Joint Science and Duke of Ed Trip – An Unforgettable Experience

A group of 18 enthusiastic science students, along with three dedicated staff members, embarked on a six-day kayaking adventure at Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth in Western Australia.

During this amazing journey, the students engaged in various scientific activities, including fish, bird, insect, and coral identification. They also conducted several scientific experiments, all the while meeting the requirements of their Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award adventurous journey.

The trip culminated in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to swim with whale sharks, where the students were thrilled to encounter a dugong, dolphins, a large stingray, and even an octopus. It was truly a remarkable and enriching experience for everyone involved.

Our Duke of Edinburgh team, in collaboration with the science department, is already working on plans for the 2026 tour. We are excited to build on the success of this trip and provide more students with similar unforgettable experiences in the future.

– Glen Mole
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader

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Lucis is Now Available Online

Lucis is Now Available Online

Lucis magazine is out now! Check your mailbox 📬 

In this issue you can read about learning the in the Junior School; find out about the power of music in educating our younger girls; gain insight into some of our Old Girls shaping academia, and much more. 

View the latest edition on our website.  
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