{"id":5376,"date":"2025-12-18T11:12:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-18T11:12:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc-futuris\/?post_type=article&p=5376"},"modified":"2025-12-18T23:48:28","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T23:48:28","slug":"from-the-principal-25","status":"publish","type":"article","link":"https:\/\/www.thebuzz.net.au\/mlc-futuris\/article\/from-the-principal-25\/","title":{"rendered":"From the Principal"},"content":{"rendered":"

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As we look back on MLC School\u2019s (almost) 140 years of excellence in girls\u2019 education, we are taking the opportunity to reflect on why having an empowering learning environment is as critical today as it was in 1886.<\/p>\n

Our new \u2018Dare To be More\u2019<\/em> podcast series launched this term and in the first episode I took the opportunity to share some important insights about our School’s mission, values, and the unique environment that fosters growth and empowerment for our girls.<\/p>\n

The podcast is available on <\/span>Apple Podcasts<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Spotify<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Amazon Music<\/span><\/a>, and all major podcast platforms. Simply search for ‘MLC School Dare to Be More’<\/em>.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

From the moment that I first walked through the gates of MLC School, I was struck by a strong sense of self that our students develop during their time here. I noted that there is something about the way that an MLC School student holds herself, the confidence with which she speaks and her absolute belief that she can achieve anything that she puts her mind and efforts to. This belief in the potential of our girls is a cornerstone of our educational philosophy and one that has stood the test of time over our 140 years. At this term\u2019s Sapphires’ Luncheon for those who graduated more than 51 years ago, I saw these same qualities in our oldest graduates. Please read more about this year’s Sapphires event in this article<\/a>, where you can access the full gallery and hear from our 2026 School Captain.<\/p>\n

I would love to say that the need for single sex education for girls had diminished over the years. But with the rise of anti-feminist influencers; AI tools designed to degrade and misrepresent women; and the removal of women\u2019s rights as part of the political agenda in some countries; the need for girls to develop a strong sense of self before having to confront these realities is as important as ever. As one Old Girl said, ‘By the time I got into the workforce and people tried to tell me I couldn\u2019t do something because of my gender it was too late, because I already knew that I could.’<\/p>\n

In an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald<\/em>, it was noted that the number of girls studying Economics at the HSC had fallen significantly in recent years. University of Cambridge law student Lucy Koder, who topped HSC Economics in 2021, said that while many students at her former girls private school studied Economics, she worries that perceptions about difficulty or tall poppy syndrome in co-educational schools might lead girls, who would excel in the course, to turn away from it. This observation reflects research commissioned and reported by the International Coalition of Girls Schools,<\/em> which shows that girls\u2019 school graduates are six times more likely<\/strong> to consider majoring in mathematics, science, and technology compared to girls who attended co-educational schools; and reports that research studies conducted around the world \u2013 Australia, Caribbean, Switzerland, United Kingdom, and United States \u2013 find that girls\u2019 schools foster increased confidence and interest in mathematics.<\/p>\n

Of course, attending a girls\u2019 school is only part of the puzzle, it is essential that we continue to encourage and support our students to take risks in their learning. The concept of ‘Dare To Be More’<\/em> is more than just a tagline. It’s about challenging ourselves as learners and as people, stepping a little bit outside our comfort zone every day. This approach encourages our students to be resilient and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Watching our Year 6 girls at camp this week, I was struck by their willingness to try new things; persevere as they learned to surf; and support for each other as they each tried something new. It is only through trying new things, even when they are hard, that we learn and I was thrilled to see this in action.<\/p>\n

We need to continue to promote the importance of girls’ schools and the importance of raising young women who know that they can in an environment where they are valued for who they are and what they can do, as well as their academic efforts.<\/p>\n

As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to our mission and values, ensuring that our students are prepared to lead and make a positive impact in the world. We are proud of our legacy and excited for the future, knowing that our students will continue to embody the spirit of daring to be more.<\/p>\n

Wishing our community a safe and restful break. We look forward to an inspiring 2026.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2013 Lisa Moloney
\n<\/strong><\/em>Principal<\/p>\n

PS: In exciting news, we launched the new MLC School mascot, Millicent, the bear to all students \u2013 isn\u2019t she gorgeous?! See the images below.\u00a0<\/p>\n