Issue 17 - 25 September 2023

Our newest Old Girls – farewell to the Class of 2023

Farewell Year 12

The end of the term was a whirlwind of Year 12 farewells and celebrations as the Class of 2023 marked their graduation from MLC School. I extend my gratitude to each student for their invaluable contributions to our School throughout their time here.

Our celebrations started with the traditional Old Girls Union (OGU) Chocolate Recess held early on their final week. The girls’ final day commenced with the unveiling of the commemorative pavers dedicated for those who chose to mare their time at MLC School in this enduring way. Following this, we gathered for a magnificent Valedictory Service and Assembly that filled Potts Hall to capacity and concluded with the traditional whole school guard of honour for the graduating class. That night, students, staff and families came together for at the Valedictory Dinner.

I wish the very best to the members of our graduating class as they prepare for their upcoming final exams. They have each made a positive difference to MLC School through their hard work and dedication and we look forward to seeing their journey in the future.

Active Service

As the world is constantly evolving, we understand the importance of equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. We will continue to integrate real-world experiences to ensure that our students are well-prepared to take on whatever the future holds. We encourage students to embrace their curiosity, question the world around them, actively promote kindness, and foster a positive learning atmosphere where everyone’s unique talents are recognised and valued. On this, we are delighted to announce our renewed connection with the Exodus Foundation Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Ashfield, where our students will help prepare the lunch service one Friday each month to feed those in need. In partnership, our Looming with Love girls are planning to hand loom beanies to donate at Exodus for those needing some extra warmth.

We are continuing to explore new opportunities to engage our girls in active service with the community.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2025 Close 5 October

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2025 are now open to all current MLC School students. There is a special category for daughters of Old Girls entering Year 7, 2025. Registration will close on Thursday 5 October 2023.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023.

Current MLC School students – please click here for registration and payment.

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.

Sapphires Chapel Service and Luncheon

MLC School warmly invites all Old Girls who graduated 51 years and beyond to the 2023 Sapphires Chapel Service and Luncheon.

Tuesday 10 October 2023
11am Chapel Service
12pm Lunch
MLC School
Rowley Street, Burwood

$40 for a 2 course lunch and drinks

Click Link to Register

Old Girl Emily Sun (2009) Presents Violin Masterclass

In late July, esteemed MLC School Old Girl, Professor Emily Sun, presented a public violin masterclass featuring three of our hard-working violin students.

Fiona (Year 11) opened the class with a beautiful performance of JS Bach’s heartbreaking G minor Sonata opening Adagio. Following this, Josephine (Year 8) transported the audience to the opera stage with a thrilling performance of Hubay’s virtuosic Carman Fantasy. Daisy (Year 11) rounded out the class with an impressive interpretation of Mendelsohn’s E minor concerto.

The three students responded well to Prof Sun’s prompts to reconsider their ideas regarding interpretation and technique. To revaluate one’s understanding of a piece and violin playing is hard enough already, but to do so on the spot in front of an audience of their peers, teachers, parents, students from other schools, and Prof Goetz Richter (Prof Violin University of Sydney) is incredibly admirable.

While Fiona, Josephine, and Daisy all performed incredibly at the beginning of each class, their true talent came through in their capacity to reflect upon and evolve their playing in such a short period of time – the audience audibly impressed by each student’s ability to adapt.

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout of parents, senior students, and even keen Junior School students!

Thank you Prof Emily Sun for the inspiration and fine teaching you imparted on our students that afternoon. Listening to the girls talk after the class, I cannot overstate the impact you have had on them. Read more about Emily here

Well done to Fiona, Josephine, and Daisy!

With thanks,

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Click on the image gallery for full size images

A Zero-Waste Message from Old Girl and Alumnae Award Winner

Old Girl Dr Anita Vandyke (2004), who recently received the MLC School Young Alumnae Award for Social Welfare and Impact returned for a Middle Years Assembly Initially an aerospace engineer, but also Doctor of Medicine, Anita has led an inspiring life that strives to promote zero-waste living and mindful consumption which can be read about in her best-selling book, A Zero Waste Life: in thirty days.

This term’s Senior School theme is environmentalism, and as the climate crisis continues to escalate, for example, I believe it is incredibly important to incorporate environmentally conscious practices in our lives as individuals, and as a school community. Anita spoke to many of the ways that we can be everyday environmental activists, by investing in reusable resources, buying second-hand, eating green, and contributing to community initiatives. By taking these small steps, we have a cumulative effect in securing a sustainable future. Thank you to Anita for visiting us and sharing your experience and valuable advice.

– Sarah (Year 11)
on behalf of the Environmental Society

Please click on the image gallery to view full size images

The images and screenshots come from various pages on Anita’s Zero Waste website.

Archdale Grand Final Success

The Senior Centre was buzzing when the annual Archdale Debating Grand Final was held at MLC School. As the 2022 Overall Champions it was the School’s role to host the 2023 Grand Final. There were 22 teams representing 13 different girls’ schools in attendance on the night to decide the winners in each of 11 different age divisions. The competition began back in May with 25 schools competing and for the Grand Final it came down to the best two teams in each division.

MLC School had three teams competing on the night, they were nervous but determined to give their best effort.

The Year 8 Team were victorious against Canberra Girls Grammar and very excited winners of the Junior Invitational Division.
The Year 9 – Year 10 Team put in a strong performance against Pymble to proudly win the Intermediate Invitational Division.
The dedicated Year 9 team put in a huge effort in a very close debate against Abbotsleigh but lost in a split decision by the panel of three Adjudicators.

Hosting the Grand Final would not have been possible without the help of the rest of the Archdale debating team who manned the registration desk, guided guests around the building, chaired and timed debates and enthusiastically supported our finalist teams. All these debaters were wonderful ambassadors for the School on the night.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

NAIDOC Week at MLC School was an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures the elders are highly regarded people. They lead and provide support to the community, as well as teaching and passing down knowledge.

During our chapel service on the staff professional development day, we were fortunate to hear from Pastor Susan Russell. She shared her family history of being part of the Stolen Generations and how she has had to reconnect with her Wiradjuri culture. This was followed by a session of looking at the origins of NAIDOC Week, learning about Torres Strait Islander culture and an information session on the Voice referendum.

In the Senior School, NAIDOC Week was the focus of the Tuesday chapel service and was part of the school assembly. The Junior School had a number of activities planned throughout the week. In the library there was bracelet making in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours at lunchtime. During sport lessons the girls were learning Aboriginal games.

The Year 4 classes spent time with Tarli and Vikki from Malima Indigenous Weaving and Education weaving. All the class have been learning how to welcome people in an Aboriginal language which was part of the NAIDOC Week assembly. The assembly focused on the MLC School Value of Respect and how that is understood in Aboriginal culture.

NAIDOC week has provided us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and appreciate the sophistication, uniqueness and beauty of First Nations culture.

– Tim Lennon

Director of Indigenous Education

Relive the Magic of Stories – the Sydney Opera House 16th Biennial Concert

The School’s 16th Biennial Concert at the Sydney Opera House made a welcome return on 22 May.

The preparations and excitement level built over many months of planning and rehearsals, culminating in a magical evening with performances thrilling audiences and participants alike. It was truly a night to remember.

For those who couldn’t attend and for those who would like to relive the experience, there are two recordings available for you to access. You will need a password to access each link below – the password is Music.

Showcase link

Highlights link

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

MLC School extends offering for Elite Athletes

MLC School has recently joined 32 other like-minded International Baccalaureate (IB) Schools around the world that are keen to support their student athletes achieve excellent results both on the sporting field and in the classroom. Accreditation as an Athlete Friendly Education Centre (AFEC) through the World Academy of Sport is an internationally recognised credential for schools and we are delighted to have achieved this at MLC School.

The life of a student athlete involves a significant time commitment by the students and their families. At MLC School we have always encouraged our students to pursue their dreams and this accreditation will enable us to further support our students in this.

The AFEC accreditation process was very thorough, focusing on the strengths of the organisation and the student athletes. It was an opportunity for MLC School to evaluate our existing structures and curriculum. It also highlighted our already strong practices that are in place to support student athletes.

The feedback from the accreditation panel after their visit was incredibly positive. They were extremely impressed with our school and said it was one of the best they had ever visited. We already had in place the majority of the structures to successfully meet the criteria. They were also particularly impressed with the student athletes they met with, including Isabella (Year 12), Lucy (Year 12) and Taara (Year 11). This is high praise given one of the panel members was a former Olympian herself.

Making something like this happen is always a team effort. My sincere thanks to Andrew Simos (Consultant – Professional Learning, PDHPE and Performance), Lisa Filby (Director of Sport) and Olivia Nolan (IB Coordinator) for all the work they have done behind the scenes to make this happen.

– Linda Emms
Acting Deputy Principal

Pic: Andrew Simos and Isabella with the AFEC accreditation plaque and certificate

Pre-Kindergarten Welcomes Some Very Special Visitors

In the last week of the school term, Pre-Kindergarten welcomed some very special visitors. Year 12 students who commenced at MLC School in Pre-Kindergarten 14 years ago returned where they started their educational journey.

After the welcome, all the students played together. Memories returned with the Year 12 students recalling and sharing what they enjoyed in Pre-Kindergarten. Our Pre-Kindergarten students enjoyed showing what they enjoy engaging in during their school day.

The Year 12 students presented the Pre-Kindergarten students with a special story Pearl Goes to Preschool by Julia Fortenberry which will stay in the Library.

Our Pre-Kindergarten students had some words of advice to the Year 12 students – be friends, be kind and have fun – some wisdom shown from four and five year olds!

We wish all the Year 12 students happiness in their future.

– Gina Zucco, Miss Shen (casual teacher), Ellie Monda, Vicki Liubinskas, Rachael Borg (absent)
Pre-Kindergarten Team

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Kindergarten Celebrates 100 Days of School

We’re thrilled to share the highlights of our ‘Kindergarten 100 Days of School’ celebration. Laughter, learning, and boundless enthusiasm filled the air, making it a truly memorable day.

After a colourful parade around the playground, the students embarked on an imaginative writing task with the help of their parents. They shared their dreams and aspirations, detailing what they hope to achieve by the time they turn 100.

The children’s eyes sparkled with pride as they showcased various creations made throughout the day. From charmingly decorated photo frames to 100-dot crowns, each piece spoke of the creativity that defines our kindergarten classes.

The excitement continued with a thrilling 100-number scavenger hunt, a lively exploration that had the little ones giggling as they searched for hidden numbers throughout the classroom and playground.

– Madeleine Spencer
Kindergarten Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

The Joy Of Book Week in Junior School

The Junior School came alive with the presence of book characters roaming the hallways as students immersed themselves in the final day of festivities for Book Week 2023. The Book Parade was a joyous celebration of literature as was the house reading activity which followed. Students were so lucky to have a group of fabulous mums helping out at the book fair, ensuring that those students looking for books found just what they were after.

It was a week of fun for all, with students reflecting on their favourite celebrations throughout the week as follows:

‘My favourite part of book week was the teacher dance. It was amazing to see all of the teachers dressed up and dancing to the book week theme song, I feel better when I’m reading!! I also loved the morning videos. This is because they were fun and the sing-a-long was catchy. We knew that each day one of our teachers would read a story about people who inspired them. It was great.’

– Chloe (Year 5)

‘The teacher dance and the parade were the highlightJus of book week for me because it helped to make Book Week so fun. I also loved the morning sing-a-longs because we all got into it.”

– Jessica (Year 5)

‘I loved the Book Parade, the teacher dance, Indigenous Literacy Day activities….All of Book Week really!’

– Eloise (Year 5)

‘My favourite part of Book Week was the Book Parade because we got to dress up as our favourite book characters.

– Lydia (Year 5)

‘Indigenous Literacy Day and the smoking ceremony was my favourite because I liked watching the girls dancing.’

– Alexia (Year 1)

‘I really loved the Book Week Bingo run by the Library Monitors and the song, because I LOVE to sing.’

– Ariela (Year 1)

‘We loved the Book Week performance because the character of Henry was so funny. We really loved the moves and learnt that you have to look after your friends.’

– Elizabeth and Emma (Year 1)

– Jody Gilroy
Teacher Librarian

Please click on image gallery for full size images. A full album of Book Week photos will be available on the MLC School Facebook page shortly.

‘Out of this World’ Performance by Year 3 to Year 6 Dancers at 2023 Wakakirri Challenge

In early August, 65 excited Year 3 to Year 6 Co-curricular dancers piled onto the buses and headed to NIDA Parade Theatre, to participate in the annual Wakakirri Story Dance Festival.

This year, their enchanting performance titled “Goldilocks and the Three Planets” followed the narrative of “Goldilocks” (Jasmine – Year 6) on a cosmic quest, fleeing a polluted Earth, to find a new home in outer space. Exploring the landscapes of flaming infernos to frozen wastelands, she finally makes her way back to Earth, reminding us to nurture and reflect on our actions for the precious planet we call home.

Our Dancers performed beautifully and communicated this storyline with grace, funk, and expression and were awarded the following awards on the evening.

Awards:

Ensemble Award for Group Dance
Creative Production Award for Overall Hair and Makeup
Production Award for Projection

Judges Comment:

“A colourful and thought-provoking story that is OUT OF THIS WORLD!”

We would like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of Year 11 VET Entertainment student, Megan, who created the graphic designs and animations for our scenic projection on the evening. Your contribution to the Junior School Wakakirri production reinforced the story telling for this years production. Your award was well-deserved.

– Jenna Skepper
Dance Co-ordinator

Australian Music Day – Igniting Creativity

MLC School welcomed students from 15 state and private schools for our annual Australian Music Day event. In total, approximately 350 students were involved over the two days, including our Elective Music students, for a series of exciting sessions focusing on musical creativity.

Two programs were on offer. In Program 1, students worked with the multi-talented Connor Malanos, learning how beatboxing and exploring one’s voice can lead to creative and personal forms of musical expression. First Nations composer and double bass player Allara wowed students with her unique mix of music and spoken word. Students also learned more about how music can connect to culture and a sense of place.

In Program 2, Elizabeth Jigalin and our own Head of Strings, James Larsen, provided students with fun yet useful tools for exploring compositional ideas through a sense of play and experimentation. Arcadia Winds presented engaging sessions on how to compose for wind quintet, with students given the opportunity to create new works for the ensemble. In the final session, students were treated to a performance by Arcadia Winds of composer Elizabeth Younan’s Shoreditch Grind.

Overall, the day was a great success, with students leaving feeling excited about applying newfound skills and creative ideas in the future!

– Tristan Coelho
Head of Composition

Click on image galley for full size images.

Have Your Details Changed?

Have you recently moved, changed your email or mobile phone numbers? Did you know that you can now update these details yourself and keep directly in touch with the School and others from your cohort? Please read the story about our new Old Girls’ Website here and start connecting directly.

Otherwise, please let us know on the ‘update here’ button below, so that we can continue to stay in touch.

Click here

2023 Australian of the Year, Tarryn Brumfitt at Parent Forum 13 November

The MLC School P&F sponsors a series of speakers for parents and Term 4 brings an exciting presenter to the School, Taryn Brumfitt.

Taryn Brumfitt is the founder of the global Body Image Movement and was recently named the 2023 Australian of the Year. She is co-Executive Director of The Embrace Collective, a bestselling author and an award-winning filmmaker/director of the inspiring documentaries Embrace and Embrace Kids.

Taryn is passionate about empowering students, teachers and parents to appreciate and be kind to their bodies; setting students up for a life free of judgement and shame about how they look. Taryn will cover several topics in her presentation, including why embracing your body is your superpower. She will detail the importance of ‘move, nourish, respect, enjoy’ and how these four pillars play a pivotal role in body acceptance and appreciation.

Taryn teaches resilience, how to stay positive through adversity, how to be your authentic self and more.

All members of the MLC School Community are invited to attend this important presentation.

Click here for more information on MLC School P&F Forums

Monday 13 November 2023
6pm-7.30pm

The Daphne Line Hall
MLC Junior School, Level 3, 12 Park Road , Burwood