Issue 21 - 23 September 2024
Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2026  – Closing 1 October

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2026 – Closing 1 October

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2026 are now open. Registration will close on Tuesday 1 October 2024.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 19 October 2024.

External applicants apply online here

Current MLC School students apply online here

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.

Edna Curtis Scholarship For Daughters of Old Girls

Edna Curtis Scholarship For Daughters of Old Girls

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

The Edna Curtis Scholarship is awarded for Year 7 entry 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. This a half 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 Lunch 2024

Sapphires’ Chapel Service and Lunch 2024

MLC School warmly invites all Old Girls who graduated 51 years and beyond to the 2024 Sapphires Chapel Service and Luncheon.

Tuesday 22 October 2024
11am Chapel Service
12pm Lunch
MLC School
​Rowley Street, Burwood

$40 for a 2 course lunch and drinks

Click here to register

2025 Reunions – Registrations Open

2025 Reunions – Registrations Open

Saturday 3 May 2025
2pm – 5pm

MLC School

Catch up with friends from your school days and reacquaint yourself with those you may have lost touch with over drinks and canapés.

The day will see multiple reunions at the School, with each reunion in its own space.  

We hope to see as many Old Girls here as possible. If you would like to help rally your year group, please contact Jillian Avramis by email.

Click the relevant reunion above to RSVP.

Class of 2015 10-year Reunion

Class of 2005 20-year Reunion

Class of 1995 30-year Reunion

Class of 1985 40-year Reunion

Class of 1975 50-year Reunion

 

From the Principal

Congratulations to all our Year 12 students on successfully completing Term 3, and are one step closer to becoming Old Girls. The dedication and hard work shown throughout this term have been truly commendable. As the exam period approaches, we extend our best wishes to everyone. Remember to stay focused, believe in your abilities, and take care of your well-being during this crucial time. Good luck, and we are confident that great success awaits each of them!

The Class of 2024’s week has been filled with ‘lasts’ including their final lessons, assemblies, and chapel service. Our Old Girls hosted the traditional Chocolate Recess and welcomed them to the Old Girl community. There were many Old Girl mums in Year 12, it is always heartening to see the ongoing connections across the generations.

Our final day of celebration began with the unveiling of the commemorative pavers dedicated to members of the graduating class. Following this, we gathered for a magnificent Valedictory Service and Assembly that filled Potts Hall to capacity, concluding with the traditional whole school guard of honour for the graduating class. To cap off a wonderful day, staff, and families came together to dance the night away at the Valedictory Dinner, creating memories that will last a lifetime

As 2024 Olympics took place, it is exciting to know that many remarkable MLC School alumni were part of Australia’s delegation:

  • Keesja Gofers (2007) – Water Polo (silver medallist)
  • Ella Beere (2016) – Canoe (Women’s Sprint)
  • Breanna Scott (2019) – Gymnastics (Women’s Artistic Gymnastics)

We also had three Old Girls officiating:

  • Carolyn Broderick (1982) Medical Director of Australian Olympic Team (first female Medical Director of an Australian Olympic Team).
  • Anne Gripper (1982) as a representative of the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) Executive Committee and Chairperson of the Integrity Commission.
  • Holly Edstein (2009) Sports Dietitian within the Performance Services team

Old Girl, Amanda Shahala (2003) was part of the ABC commentary team as well.

As a special mention, we congratulate MLC School staff member Scott Carpenter (Head of Senior School Operations) and family, whose daughter Ellie Carpenter represented Australia as Vice-Captain of the Matildas.

Can you read about the results of the our Old Girl Olympians in this newsletter.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Join Our Exciting New MLC School Alumnae Clubs! 

Join Our Exciting New MLC School Alumnae Clubs! 

We’re thrilled to introduce our brand-new alumnae clubs on community.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

These clubs are designed exclusively for our Old Girls, providing a space to network, socialise, and connect with fellow alumnae. Whether you’re reminiscing about your cohort days, exploring industry-specific interests, or connecting with international and Australian alumnae, our clubs offer a vibrant community just for you. 

Some clubs include:

  • Your Cohort (Class of 1994, Class of 2023 etc.)
  • Regional Clubs (Old Girls in the UK, Old Girls in Hong Kong) 
  • Industry Clubs (Medical and Healthcare, Law, Retail etc.)

How to Join: 

  1. Already have an online profile? 

     2. Not yet a member? 

  • Visit the website: www.community.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au 
  • Scroll down and click “Join” 
  • Complete a brief form to become an online member.   
  • A member of our team will approve the registration 
  • Visit the club page here 

Can’t find a club you’re looking for? Contact us to discuss creating a new one. Some ideas may include clubs for specific industries, professions, universities, or regional areas.  

We encourage you to invite other alumnae to help build the online community.

If you’re interested in becoming a group administrator and leading a club, please let us know. 

Thank you for being part of the MLC School legacy. We look forward to staying connected. 

 Warm regards, 

– Michele Dunn 
Head of Marketing and Community Relations 

Click here for Community Clubs

MLC School Old Girls Olympic Updates

MLC School Old Girls Olympic Updates

Congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Keesja Gofers (2007) and the Stingers!

The MLC School community is bursting with pride as we celebrate Keesja Gofers and the Stingers on their Silver Medal Women’s for Women’s Water Polo at the Paris Olympics!

Your incredible effort, unwavering commitment, and teamwork have truly stood out. Well done, Keesja and the Stingers!

A huge congrats to all our Old Girls for all their efforts at the Paris Olympics this year. Your hard work and dedication is truly inspiring.

Also, a congratulations to MLC School Old Girl Ella Beere (2016) and her teammate Aly Bull.

In an incredible performance, Ella and Aly have advanced to the semi-finals in the Women’s K2 500m event, eliminating the world champions from the Netherlands!They finished second-fastest in the quarter-finals with a time of 1:41.39.

The MLC School Community was cheering as they competed on Friday 9 August, and we are very proud of her outstanding efforts at her Olympic debut. Ella and Aly achieved:  

  • 7th Place – Canoe Sprint Women’s Kayak Double (WK2) 500m 
  • 8th Place – Canoe Sprint Women’s Kayak Four (WK4) 500

Well done Ella!

Congrats to Breanna Scott (2019) and the entire Australian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team on their 10th place, amazing effort!

Our Bond Old Girls

Our Bond Old Girls

At Bond University, three of our recent Old Girls attended the orientation week ‘White Coat Ceremony’ for students about to commence their medical studies. Pictured are MLC School Old Girls: Dalia Alsaad (2023), Trinity Elghitany (2022) and Keiralyn Dao (2023), who will all be studying medicine together for the next five years.

Keiralyn’s mother, Caitlyn told us this exciting news and kindly sent us the photo. She said it was “so special that these young ladies are reunited”.

Caitlyn also told us that our 2019 School Captain, Jessica Kuo (2019), who is also studying medicine at the University, is the President of Medical Students Society of Bond University, a student body that represents over 1000 medical students from all five years of the medical degree.

Lisa Moloney, MLC School Principal, said that she was not surprised that these MLC School Old Girls were doing so well, and that she was delighted to hear of their continued success and reconnection.

– Barbara Hoffman
Archivist

Debating Triumph – MLC School Takes Archdale Shield

Debating Triumph – MLC School Takes Archdale Shield

MLC School clinched the prestigious 2024 Archdale Shield, edging out the competition by a single point! This incredible achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of all 60 of our Archdale debaters who have shown unwavering commitment over the past four months.

The Grand Finals of the Archdale debating competition took place at Abbotsleigh, with our Year 8, Year 10, and Year 11 teams showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. Competing against 24 girls’ schools across three pools, our teams navigated a challenging series of seven preliminary debates, followed by intense Quarter and Semi-finals, to reach the coveted Grand Finals.

Our Year 8B team demonstrated remarkable prowess, winning eight out of nine debates to secure their spot in the Grand Final. Despite a valiant effort, they narrowly lost in a split decision by the adjudicators.

The Year 10 team also showcased their debating excellence, winning eight out of nine debates. After a tough loss in last year’s Grand Final, they were determined to succeed this year. Facing Abbotsleigh, they argued the Negative case on the topic “That charities should not accept donations from people as a form of apology for wrongdoing.” Their compelling arguments earned them a unanimous victory from the adjudicators.

Our Year 11 Invitational team faced a formidable opponent from Canberra Girls Grammar, including two state debaters. Despite their rigorous training and dedication, they narrowly missed out on victory but delivered an outstanding performance.

The overall Archdale Shield victory is a collective triumph, reflecting the enthusiasm and dedication of our entire debating team. Congratulations to all our debaters for their incredible achievements and for bringing the Archdale Shield home to MLC School! 

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-Ordinator

Click on gallery to view full images

2024 MLC School G. A. Davey Cup House Competition

2024 MLC School G. A. Davey Cup House Competition

The MLC School House Competition has come to a very exciting end for 2024 with Booralee winning the prestigious G. A. Davey Cup.

The House competition at MLC School was was established in 1942 and is awarded to the House with the highest overall score in House Competitions throughout the year.

Mr and Mrs George Arthur Davey were generous MLC School benefactors. George Davey was a prominent member of the MLC School Council for 25 years (1930s to the 1950s).

These competitions embody the essence of School Spirit for the School we love.

There were six competitions on offer this year.

The Swimming and Athletics Carnivals, as well as the MLC School Rowing Challenge, have been part of the House Competition for many years.

Illuminate has also been in the competition for many years, however, this year the format was slightly different, with each House having to construct a House artefact.

There were two new competitions this year. The MLC School Olympics and House Debating, which were both great additions to the overall competition.

The MLC Olympics House Competition consisted of the following sports:

  • Basketball
  • Dodge Ball
  • Hockey
  • Oz Tag
  • Netball
  • Soccer
  • Volleyball
  • Water Polo

 

The winners of each respective House Competition were:

House Competition Event Winners
Swimming Carnival Booralee
Illuminate Abbeythorpe
MLC School House Olympics Abbeythorpe
House Rowing Challenge Wade
House Debating Challenge Joint Winners: Abbeythorpe, Booralee
Athletics Carnival Booralee

 

2024 Final Placings for G. A. Davey Cup

House Final Placings
Booralee 1st
Wade 2nd
Abbeythorpe 3rd
Lester 4th
Leawarra 5th
Mooramoora 6th
Churunga/Prescott/Sutton/Whitley Equal 7th

 

– Andrew Simos
Consultant – Professional Learning, PDHPE and Performance

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Performing Arts and Sports Centre and Aquatic Centre expansion – an update

Performing Arts and Sports Centre and Aquatic Centre expansion – an update

After hearing from Burwood Council, our neighbours and our School community, we are thrilled to announce that we have lodged plans for our proposed Performing Arts and Sports Centre and Aquatic Centre expansion with the NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI).

You can view the technical studies undertaken as part of our proposal on DPHI’s Major Projects Portal.

To find out more about the proposal and the next steps, click here.

This is the start of a very exciting new development for the School and will offer our students and staff outstanding facilities.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

OGU Chocolate Recess 2024

OGU Chocolate Recess 2024

The annual OGU Chocolate Recess is a tradition that all Year 12 students look forward to in their last week of their final term.

The MLC School Old Girls Union organised a chocolate filled morning tea and provided each student with a special hot chocolate gift pack. Their generosity and support made the event truly memorable.

A special note of appreciation goes to the Old Girls who dedicated their time to assist with the event. It was particularly heartwarming to see some of the Year 12 mums, who are also MLC School Old Girls, join on the day. Their presence added a special touch to the celebration.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day a success!

Click on gallery to view full images

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Lifers visit Junior School

Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Lifers visit Junior School

At the end of Term 3, a group of our Year 12 students, who have been with MLC School since Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten, took a nostalgic trip down memory lane by visiting the Junior School. This special visit was filled with joy and laughter as they engaged with the current Pre-K and Kindergarten students.

The Year 12 girls spent the day playing games, reading stories, and sharing their experiences with the younger students. It was heartwarming to see the bonds formed as the older girls reminisced about their own early days at MLC School.

A highlight of the visit was reuniting with their former Pre-Kindergarten teacher and taking a group photo. The students and their teacher shared fond memories, reflecting on how much they have grown and the wonderful journey they have had at MLC School.

This visit not only provided a delightful experience for the younger students but also allowed the Year 12 girls to appreciate their educational journey and the strong foundation built during their early years at MLC School, before they soon become Old Girls.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students for their dedication and the positive role models they have become. Their visit was a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact of our School community.

 

100 Days of Kindergarten

100 Days of Kindergarten

As part of our annual tradition, Kindergarten students celebrated reaching their 100th day of school this term. The students had a fantastic time dressing up as 100-year-olds and parading through the Early Years playground. They also shared their imaginative thoughts on what it might be like to live to 100 years old.

It was lovely to see our Kindergarten parents out in force to celebrate this special milestone and we thank them for their support of the event.

Click here for the full Facebook album.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Ruth’s Amazing Cross Country Results

Ruth’s Amazing Cross Country Results

Congratulations to Ruth (Year 8) who won the gold medal at the All Schools National Cross Country Championship in the 12/13 years girls division. Ruth, who is a member of our Emerging Athlete Program, ran an incredibly strong race and won convincingly. We are so proud of her commitment and dedication to her sport.

Ruth also finished 4th at the Athletics Australia National Cross Country Championships in Launceston, in the U/14 Girls 3km. Runners were presented with a very difficult, hilly and muddy course, temperatures of 11 degrees, and with 50-60 km/h winds gusting to 100 km/h. Brutally tough conditions for athletes and spectators alike.

Ruth has had a fantastic cross-country season and should be extremely proud of her efforts. Well done, Ruth!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Ivy’s off to Nationals

Ivy’s off to Nationals

Congratulations to Ivy (Year 7) on her results in the recent NSW Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships. Ivy will soon travel to the Gold Coast to compete in the 2024 National Clubs Gymnastics Carnival. Ivy is a member of our emerging athlete program, and we are very proud of her achievements.

NSW State Club Championships

  • 1st place in Category 4 Group (Freehand)
  • 3rd place in Category 4 Trio (Ribbon)
  • 4th place in Category 4 Quad (Ball)
  • 1st place in Category 3 Group (Freehand)
  • 3rd place in Category 3 Quad (Rope)

NSW Intermediate State Championships

  • Level 7 Junior division
  • 3rd place in ball
  • 6th place in clubs
  • 6th place in ribbon
  • 5th place all-around

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

In Term 3, MLC School celebrated NAIDOC Week with a series of meaningful events. The week was not only a time for current students and staff to engage with the rich culture and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples but also a moment for our alumni to reflect on their own experiences and connections to these important themes.

Monday: A Powerful Reflection During the Chapel service for staff, Pastor Ray Minniecon, a highly respected pastor and descendant of the Kabi Kabi and Gurang Gurang nations of South-East Queensland, delivered a powerful and insightful reflection. He emphasized the importance of justice for First Nations Peoples in building the Kingdom of God, a message that resonates deeply with the values instilled in MLC School alumni.

Tuesday: Voices of Resilience Students heard from Larissa Minnieconn, Pastor Ray’s daughter and Chair of the Glebe NAIDOC Committee. As a founding member of Scarred Tree Indigenous Ministries, she spoke about the resilience of Aboriginal people and the significance of this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “Keep the fires burning, loud, blak, and proud.” Her message of resilience and pride is a testament to the enduring spirit that many MLC School alumni carry with them.

Wednesday: Student Leadership At the Senior School Assembly, First Nations students Kirriana (Year 11), Tyra Riley (Year 11), and Marayah-Kai Johnson (Year 9) shared what their culture means to them and highlighted the importance of NAIDOC Week. Their eloquent speeches remind us of the leadership and cultural pride that MLC School fosters in its students, qualities that alumni continue to embody in their own lives.

Thursday: Cultural Celebrations The Junior School NAIDOC Week Assembly featured a smoking ceremony by Aunty Calita Murray and a dance performance by the Buuja Buuja Butterfly Dancers, led by Wiradjuri Woman Rayma Johnson. Many of our First Nations students are members of this dance group, showcasing their cultural heritage with pride. These celebrations are a reflection of the inclusive and supportive environment that MLC School provides, an environment that alumni fondly remember and continue to support.

As we celebrated NAIDOC Week, we deepened our understanding and commitment to working towards a more inclusive and equitable future. This commitment is shared by our alumni, who continue to honor and support First Nations cultures in their personal and professional lives.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

Click on image gallery for full size images.

 

Congratulations to Cloris

Congratulations to Cloris

During the Term 2 holidays, Cloris (Year 8) competed in the prestigious 40th NSW Secondary Schools Concerto Competition organised by the Ku-ring-gai Philharmonic Orchestra (KPO).

She was awarded the Barbara Robinson Award: $1,000 and a Perpetual Trophy donated by Ku-ring-gai Council and presented to the winner’s school to display for 12 months. Supported by The Violin Centre.

The convenor of the competition noted:

“Cloris played beautifully and was the Junior Winner for the Competition. The Junior Competitors are ’15 years and under’ and it was delightful to have international pianist Simon Tedeschi present Cloris with the trophy as he, like Cloris, was only 13 when he won the Junior Section at the very beginning of his career in 1994. They found his name on the trophy together!”

Congratulations Cloris.

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

Dance Showcase 2024 – Fortitude: Stories of Resilience

Dance Showcase 2024 – Fortitude: Stories of Resilience

In early September 2024, MLC School dancers took the stage at the NIDA Parade Theatre for the highly anticipated MLC School Dance Showcase, Fortitude: Stories of Resilience. This year’s showcase brings to life the powerful narratives of individuals who have triumphed over adversity throughout history. With our Pre-K to 12 Co-curricular Dance Program boasting over 450 enrolments across 27 classes per week in 2024, the evening featured more than 200 Year 3-12 Company and Ensemble dancers, alongside our Elective Dance classes.
 
Our philosophy as a school-based program has always been to approach dance as a communicative art form. We encourage students to move beyond traditional aesthetics, promoting critical thinking and non-verbal communication skills. Fortitude: Stories of Resilience allowed students to explore movement as a means of storytelling and expression, highlighting the strength and courage of both well-known figures and unsung heroes. Students were encouraged to infuse their personal perspectives into the thematic narrative, ensuring an authentic portrayal of overcoming adversity.
 
A heartfelt thank you goes out to Jess Dyson (Assistant Dance Coordinator) and Kate Drady (Dance and Entertainment Teacher) for their unwavering dedication, creativity, and investment of time into the program. Our gratitude also extends to our talented dance tutors — Miss Afamia, Miss Vanessa, Miss Claudia, Miss Annaliese, Miss Madi, Miss Ivy, Miss Tori, and Miss Jorja — for their passion and commitment. Your collective efforts in nurturing and developing a supportive and inclusive dance program are truly inspiring. Your dedication ensures that every student not only celebrates their love for dance but also feels valued and supported in their journey.
 
– Jenna Skepper
Dance Co-ordinator
 
Photos by WinkiPop
Click gallery to view full images
Have your details changed?

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 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