From The Principal

Boarders Chapel Service and Lunch

On Friday 22 July, we welcomed back a group of Old Girls who were boarders at MLC School. They represented leaving years from 1951 to 1975.

It is interesting to reflect on this part of our history as many may not be aware of how integral boarding is to the fabric of the School. Certainly, when I meet Old Girls, their experiences as boarders is one they reflect on most vividly and the bonds they share are unique.

 Thank you to Archivist, Barbara Hoffman for her notes: 

“When MLC School opened on 27 January 1886, most of the 12 students enrolled were Boarders. By the late 1890s the number of Boarders had increased to 55. Over the next 60 years, the Boarding House population steadily increased, reaching its peak of 130 (its maximum capacity) in the 1950s and 1960s.

In 1976, a few months before the destructive fire of 7 January 1977, the idea to cease boarding at MLC School was already being considered by the School’s administrators. Boarding numbers had steadily declined from 130 Boarders in 1970 to below half that number by 1976.

Boarding at MLC School was established to accommodate students from rural and regional areas, and traditionally they had been both the heart of the Boarding House and the reason for its existence. Due to the devastating 1970s rural recession, the number of rural and regional Boarders plummeted, and by the 1970s the boarding population had changed to a blend of overseas students and local senior students who were boarding from Monday to Friday only.

The fire in January 1977 completely destroyed or significantly damaged most of the Boarders’ accommodations: sleeping dormitories, bathrooms, sitting rooms, kitchens, and dining room.  

Since the demand for boarding at MLC School was not there, the School Council decided not to rebuild the damaged and destroyed boarding areas and to phase out boarding at MLC School by the end of 1979.”

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Image: Some of our boarders with examples of the uniforms of the day

Sapphires Lunch and Chapel Service

We are delighted to report that over 100 of our Sapphires have already booked for the Sapphires Luncheon to be held on Thursday 13 October 2022. A Chapel Service is held at 11am before the luncheon.

This event is open to all Old Girls who graduated 51 years and beyond. If you have not yet booked and would like to there’s still time and you will be very warmly welcomed. Bookings are open until Friday 30 September 2022.

Thursday 13 October 2022
11am Chapel Service
12noon–2pm 2-course lunch
Potts Hall, MLC School

Click here to book

If you would like to attend and are experiencing any difficulties with transport or other arrangements, please get in touch with us. Update your details online to ensure you receive your invitation. For more information or to register your interest in this event, please contact MLC School Event Coordinator Jillian Avramis on (02) 8741 3180 or via email.

Please note: the event is subject to change based on NSW Health guidelines and restrictions. Possible changes to these events will be communicated in a timely manner.

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships for 2024 Entry Reminder

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2024 will close on Thursday 6 October 2022.

Did you know that there is a Scholarship specifically for the daughter of an Old Girl?

Edna Curtis (daughter of an Old Girl) Scholarships – Year 7 2024

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).

The Examination Day for Year 7 to Year 11 2024 Scholarships will be held on Saturday 15 October 2022 at MLC School.

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 3165 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Meet the Principal in London

The evening is one for MLC School Old Girls, families who have enrolled their daughters at the School and prospective families who are considering MLC School for their daughter. Please share this invitation with those you feel would be interested in the opportunity to meet Lisa Moloney.

Wednesday 28 September 2022

Vale Queen Elizabeth II

We acknowledge the sad news of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II, who served the Commonwealth for 70 years. She will be remembered for her tireless dedication to duty and service; ability to navigate the monarchy through enormous social change; her nobility and stoicism; and her enduring commitment to the Crown. It’s unlikely we will see a reign such as this ever again. She was also a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. I extend her family, the condolences of the entire MLC School community. Vale.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

MLC School is Top Debating Girls’ School

MLC School won two age groups in the Archdale Grand Finals and was named the Top Debating Girls school for 2022.

Held at SCEGGS Darlinghurst, the undefeated Year 8A team and ISDA Champions took the Affirmative side against Kambala and were narrowly defeated.

The Year 8B team are FED (Friday Evening Debating) Champions and were also undefeated this season. They took the Negative side against Kambala and were the winners.

The Year 9 team are previous Archdale Champions and were determined to defeat Mount Saint Benedicts in their debate. They were named the winners after a long nervous wait as the three adjudicators conferred.

There was much celebration from the students, coaches, and proud parents and our new Debating Captain was also there to lend support. The smiles in the photos as we clutch our trophies says it all.

A big thank you to the talented and dedicated Archdale debating coaches, all the parents who have quietly supported me and all the debaters throughout the year. 

* The Archdale Shield award goes to the School who has accumulated the most points throughout the competition.

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Click on the image gallery below to view full-sized images.

 

 

Farewell to Frances Booth

After eight years of exemplary service at MLC School, the last four and a half as Deputy Principal, Frances Booth has been appointed Principal of Korowa Anglican Girls’ School in Melbourne. 

Parents, staff and Old Girls were invited to afternoon tea to formally wish Frances all the best as she moves on to this wonderful new opportunity.

The Music department and girls performed a musical surprise for Frances – an unnamed source suggests there may have been a tear or two…..

Thank you Frances, the MLC School community wishes you the very best – you will be greatly missed.

Please click on the gallery below for full sized pictures.

Chocolate Recess to Farewell Year 12

As Year 12 girls prepare to farewell the School, their Year 12 Final Chapel Service was held, followed by the wildly popular OGU Chocolate Recess.

The sun was shining, the chocolate was flowing and the smiles and joy were abundant.

A very special and heart-felt thank you to the OGU. This beautiful morning tea and the gratefully accepted hot chocolate gift packs (with their encouraging message) were a big hit with the Year 12 students. 

Please click on gallery below for full sized photographs.

MLC School Boarders Chapel Service and Lunch

As Principal, Lisa Moloney writes in her feature, on Friday 22 July, Potts Hall was alive with the sound of Boarders reminiscing about their time at MLC School.

These Old Girls represented leaving years from 1951 to 1975 and had a wonderful day on campus. The letters shared below illustrate the special bond that these Old Girls share.

“Thank you so much to all involved in the organisation and presentation of the Boarders’ Lunch last Friday. I attended knowing that there would be just two others from my year going, but everyone was so welcoming and eager to share stories. It all added up to a most enjoyable and memorable event. Congratulations”.

Julie Davis (Caldwell, 1956)

“I would like to thank you and all others involved for organising such a wonderful get together of the Old Boarders from MLC School.  The catch up was so special and memorable.  It is amazing how on many days we cannot remember what we had for breakfast but we can relive our time at Methodist Ladies College like it was yesterday with such clarity. 

The Chapel Service was such a beautiful beginning for our get together.  Reverend Sally certainly gave a thought provoking Reflection which I have tried to share with my family, but I need a written copy to do it justice.  Just another example of the short term memory!!  Please give our organist a very special thank you as I so enjoyed his music and even more so once learning he had just returned from overseas.  Singing the school hymn and song are always special but my favourite is The Lord’s Prayer as this was quite unique to school and rarely sung elsewhere.  Thank you all so much.
Are you aware that when we were at school, after breakfast each morning Mr O’Rielly or the head house mistress would lead us in prayer and then we sang the Doxology.  One of the talented music students would play the piano for this and the tune was classical.  However, one of the girls found an up beat tune which she played to our delight.  A little note, she only played it once!!

The Potts Hall was so beautifully decorated and the meal was delicious.  However, the company and memories was what we were there for and to reconnect with old friends was such a treasure.

The students who shared our reunion were all beautiful girls who conducted themselves with grace and pride, please pass on my appreciation.  However, I also noted and was impressed with the students walking between classes and chatting with their friends.  Maybe, they were threatened to be on their best behaviour because “The Old Girls” were visiting, but I don’t think so.  They were all natural and showing their pride in being an MLC School girl.

Once again please pass my thanks to all involved and I especially thank you for your organisation. Until next time”

Anne Wise (Furnell, 1965)

Please click on the gallery below to see full sized photographs. Click here to visit the Facebook boarders album.

Lucy Claims Excellence in Journalism Award – Again!

The Annual Kennedy Awards for excellence in journalism was held on Friday 12 August 2022, at Royal Randwick in Sydney.

More than 400 people attended the Annual gala dinner where the awards honoured 34 categories. 

Old Girl Lucy Cormack (2009) – state political reporter and the Herald’s state political editor, Alexandra Smith claimed the outstanding political reporting award for their coverage of the John Barilaro’s New York trade posting saga.

Lucy Cormack – Kennedy Awards 2022

Lucy is an MLC School Alumnae Award winner – you can read more on the MLC School website.

Congratulations Lucy from all of us in the MLC School community.

Interviews for 2025 Places Start Soon

Enrolment interviews start approximately two and a half years before the student’s starting year. Families with applications for 2025 will be contacted shortly for Interviews, starting with daughters of Old Girls and siblings of current families.

Old Girls of MLC School are given preference for their daughters to be offered a place at the School whenever possible, as long as their applications have been received three years prior to the year of entry. As many years are now moving to long waiting lists, such preference cannot be guaranteed if applications are received after that time,  

To ensure your daughter can progress to an enrolment interview, it is highly recommended that your application be made by her first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. Putting in an application the year before your desired starting year is likely to mean that we will be unable to find a place for your daughter.

For information on enrolment entry levels and enrolment steps please click here.

Should you wish to apply for your daughter you can now do so online here.

The enrolments team are always available to answer your questions, please contact either:

• Nerida Coman, Registrar by email or directly on 8741 3165, or
• Fadia Aoun, Enrolments Administrator by email or directly on 8741 3116

All applicants must observe the School’s enrolment procedures.

Carol Visits Year 6

Year 6 was very fortunate to have Old Girl Carol Edds (Hamilton, 1968) visit as a guest speaker.

In 1973, when Carol graduated from university with honours and a double major in Building and Quantity Surveying (as well as the University Prize for the top Quantity Surveying student) she became the first female graduate with a building degree in Australia. Despite her achievements she struggled to find employment in this male-dominated industry – especially when she was asked about her marital/motherhood status.

In line with learning about inequality and discrimination, the Year 6 girls were so interested to hear about how the attitudes towards women have changed over time. Carol was able to share her first hand experiences that directly related to our unit. She encouraged the girls to view any obstacles as a hurdle to be overcome, and to use them as a motivation to be the best they can be.

The girls were fascinated by the things Carol shared and we thank her for taking the time to visit us.

Students are always keen to hear experiences from our Old Girls. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact Archivist, Barbara Hoffman.

– Michelle Wyatt
Teacher – Junior School

Please click on the gallery below to view full sized photos.

 

A Silver Medal for Breanna at Commonwealth Games

Congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Breanna Scott (2019), part of the Australian women’s artistic gymnastics team, who won a silver medal at the Commonwealth Games.

Breanna and her teammates Georgia Godwin, Emily Whitehead, Kate McDonald and Romi Brown ensured Australia maintained their perfect record of medalling in the women’s team event at every Games since gymnastics was introduced in 1990.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Natasha Returns to Talk About Her Pathway to Medicine

Old Girl Natasha Eyles (2019) came back to school on Thursday 25 August 2022 to share her experience and knowledge in Medicine.

Her presentation was hosted by the newly relocated Careers Department in the Senior Centre and was open to all Year 9 to Year 12 girls who are interested in Pathways to Medicine.

Natasha Eyles (BClinSc) is currently studying as a Doctor of Medicine at Macquarie University.

If you would be interested in presenting to Senior students about your own career path, please contact Jo Cilia, Head of Careers and Academic Advising.

Click on gallery below to view full sized photographs.

STEM Update – RoboCup Winners!

Three MLC School teams with students from the Junior and Senior School competed in the RoboCup Junior NSW Open in the Onstage Division. OnStage challenges teams of students to design, build, and program robots to create a performance. This performance can be in the form of a dance in time with the beat of the music, or a theatrical presentation. Teams are scored on their performance and  technical interview.

We are so incredibly proud of all our teams. They put in many hours after school, during lunchtimes and in the school holidays overcoming many challenges. Congratulations to the Year 6 team whose surprise robot wedding turned robot disco dance party earnt them first place in the OnStage Primary Division and to the Year 7 team whose viral YouTube videos come to life earnt them second place in the OnStage Secondary Division.

– Marie Cassar and Bede Schofield
Junior School STEM Coordinators

Please click on the gallery below for full sized pictures and captions, the main picture shows Year 6 Robotic Revelations. 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay Tuned!

We’re Almost There!

We are in the ‘fine-tuning’ stages of our new project, which will help Old Girls connect with their own years, across groups and finding others across the world.

We will keep you updated!

A Fond Farewell to Peter Klampka

After teaching many generations of MLC School girls, Peter Klamka has announced his retirement at the end of the academic year.

Peter has served MLC School for 22 years, making his mark as an outstanding Head of History.

Along with his passion for Greek vases, he has run multiple classics tours, was instrumental in the development of IB History, (and organised and beat many of the staff in the staff footy tipping competition!)

He is, however, probably best known for his alter-ego Bernie Klamka – the long haired hippy – entertaining generations of Year 10 students whilst recounting tales of the 60s.

He has been a blessing to all his colleagues over the years, and I must add a personal thanks for his support the past two years.

Peter is excited about what lies ahead, with more time to spend with his grandchildren, and a few more days spent at Long Jetty.

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

Please click on gallery below for full sized photographs

Father’s Day Breakfast

The Principal’s lawn and Boarder’s Quad was buzzing with the sound of fathers and their daughters at the recent Father’s Day breakfast!

All in all, over 400 were in attendance – including dads, granddads and special father figures. Looking at the photos below you can see the delight on all our girls’ faces, so proud to be there with their dads.

Café 1886 certainly came to the party –  preparing 300+ fruit cups, 300+ yogurts, 300+ croissants, 500+ bacon and egg muffins, 100s of waffles and serving over 200 coffees!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Head of Composition Honoured

Congratulations to Tristan Coelho, Head of Composition, on winning the APRA AMCOS Australian Music Centre Art Music Award for Chamber Work of the Year! Tristan’s winning piece Hokusai Mixtape for flute, viola, harp and electronics can be heard here along with some of Tristan’s other works. Tristan has been recently working very hard with our Year 12 students to help them complete their final compositions. We are fortunate have Tristan as part of the Music Department at MLC School. 

– Elizabeth Gilberthorpe
Assistant Director of Music

 

Senior Cadets attend Sandakan Remembrance Service

The Senior cadets from MLC School represented the School very well at the Memorial Service for the Sandakan Marches held in Burwood Park on Sunday morning 7 August 2022. It was a moving service as the various speakers recounted why it was taking place and why it was important in the history of the Burwood community. Our newly appointed CUOs read poems to the audience gathered which captured the sentiment and depth of sadness experienced by those POWs at Sandakan.

– Esther Maling
Cadet Coordinator

The link shared above is for the Australian War Memorial and gives some of the history of Sandakan.

 

Year 12 Student Dares To Be More

It’s been a big year for Caitlin Hartnett (Year 12).

Caitlin is an experienced sailor having been involved in the sport for many years. Most recently, she travelled to Spain to compete in the 29er World Championships for Sailing. Caitlin and her crew placed 58^th out of 250 boats – what a fantastic result!

The timing of this competition meant that Caitlin would be in Spain competing two weeks before HSC trials commenced. She managed to balance her Year 12 studies with a demanding training program.  She worked diligently to organise all her revision notes before she went away so she could refer to them when she wasn’t training or sailing during those weeks.

Caitlin personifies what it means to be an MLC School girl and we are very proud of her achievements.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

You will be able to read more about Caitlin in the next issue of Lucis Magazine.

Junior School Building Update

There’s always work being undertaken somewhere on the campus at MLC School.

For those Old Girls who passed through the current Junior School campus you might be interested to learn that big changes are afoot.

Renovations to our Junior School Art Studio, including new sinks and cabinetry, were completed during the July school holidays. As you enter the Junior School you can see fencing around the western side of the ground floor. It is very exciting to see construction work in action that will provide us with a new Year 5 studio, music rooms and practice rooms, PE storage, canteen, as well as extra internal and external student toilets. It is hoped that renovations will be ready for the 2023 school year.

The renovations are progressing very well. Our Site Manager has kindly taken a video of the renovations on the ground level on the western side. Please click on the link below to take a look at the progress.

Please click here to see video of site works

Bravo MLC School Musicians!

On the evening of Wednesday 15 June 2022, the Music Department was thrilled to present their first major concert since 2019 – ‘ReSounding Voices’.

Held at the landmark, Sydney Town Hall, the concert was an ‘atmospheric’ work, with pockets of musicians in each corner of the stage. The Music department worked with Director of Indigenous Education, Tim Lennon, on a piece, featuring traditional Indigenous sounds over the song Dawn Mantras by Australian composer Ross Edwards.

The concert, featured MLC School students from Year 6 to Year 12 and included works from the Symphonic Wind band and the Rock Orchestra. The finale included a choir, percussion, piano and bass, and a ballade from the 1980s. 

The concert was a celebration of different cultures and genres of Music reflecting the diversity of the school and the Music department. Below is a link to the concert video recordings for those not lucky enough to make it on the night or any who might be keen to relive the moment.

Click here, password is ‘Music’

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

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