Celebrating the Class of 2021

On Wednesday 23 February 2022, the School welcomed back the Old Girls from the Class of 2021, to recognise their efforts at the Assembly for Academic Achievement. Awards recognised Excellence in Academic Achievement for Subjects, Nominations in the Creative and Performing Arts, University Entrance, and NSW State Rankings.

A record 12 students received the highest possible ATAR of 99.95, but we celebrated the achievements of all the students of 2021 for prevailing over two years of lockdown and disruptions to all their planned final events.

For an overview of the results of the Class of 2021, please read our highlights publication.

If you would like to watch the recording of the Academic Achievement Assembly, please click here. Photos from the event can be found on the MLC School Facebook page.

Ros Pesman Medal

This year saw the introduction of a new recognition, the Ros Pesman Medal. The Medal is to be given to any student who attains a First in the State in an HSC subject. The inaugural Ros Pesman Medal was awarded to Elsa Tonkinwise (2021) for her First Place in the State in Ancient History. 

Ros Pesman (Cooper, 1954)

After achieving excellent academic results at MLC School, Ros began her studies at the University of Sydney (USyd). She graduated with a BA (Hons) degree and was later awarded a PhD from the University of London.

Returning to Australia, Ros took up a history lectureship at USyd. She was promoted to Senior Lecturer, then Associate Professor and finally to a personal chair in history.

Ros has an international reputation both within her field as well as within tertiary education leadership; she held many key leadership roles at USyd. Notably, she was the first woman to be elected Chair of the Academic Board and was the first woman appointed to the Challis Chair in History.

In 2012, Ros was awarded an AM for services to tertiary education through academic and administrative roles.

Ros achieved many firsts for women in academia and has served the discipline with great distinction. It is fitting that girls who achieve great distinction within their subject receive an award named in her honour.