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.
As we reflect on the events of 2024, we are filled with gratitude for the unwavering support of our Old Girls. This year has been marked by numerous achievements and memorable moments, all made possible by the strong foundation laid by our alumnae. We extend our heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued dedication and contributions to our community.
Early this term, we hosted our annual Sapphires’ Chapel Service and Lunch, celebrating our oldest alumnae who graduated over 51 years ago, between 1949 and 1973. These women shared many stories and memories.
In welcoming them back, I highlighted our current projects and acknowledged the significant impact these alumnae have had on their communities and professions, serving as role models for our current students and young alumnae.
I spoke with Sandra Bates AM (Ross, 1955), former Artistic and Governing Director of the Ensemble Theatre. She reminded me that the most important aspect of their time at MLC School was the friendships formed, which have endured through the years.
As I mingled with the attendees, it was evident that the bonds formed during their school years—through shared experiences, challenges, and triumphs—have lasted a lifetime. These friendships, filled with shared memories and joy, are a testament to the social and emotional learning that occurs alongside academic education.
Reflecting on this, I realised that our current students are also forming lifelong friendships that will provide support and joy throughout their lives, just as our Sapphires have experienced.
I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward to an equally wonderful year in 2025.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
The School applauds all the students from the Class of 2024.
Year 12 is about so much more than the final exams. Our Year 12 students were involved and committed leaders who helped shape the life and culture of the School. We look forward to following their journey as Old Girls.
For over 20 years, MLC School has offered students the option to complete their study via the Higher School Certificate or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program.
Please note: The School relies on students providing permission for ATAR information to be shared.
Individual Highlights
Congratulations to:
Jody Feng – IB Score 43 – ATAR 99.05
Remaining anonymous – IB Score 43 – ATAR 99.05
Fiona Feng – IB Score 43 – ATAR 98.90
Moira Peach – ATAR 98.70
Cara Britton – IB Score 43 – ATAR 99.05
Annabel Andrews – IB Score 42 – ATAR 98.40
Elizabeth Bieri – IB Score 42 – ATAR 98.40
Danielle Dib – IB Score 42 – ATAR 98.40
Kaylie Keogh – ATAR 98.30
Isabelle Lin – IB Score 42 – ATAR 98.15
Some IB students have requested re-marks so these scores are subject to change.
2024 is drawing to a close – this is your last Old Girls’ newsletter for the year!
MLC School will be closed from Monday 23 December 2024 to Friday 3 January 2025, re-opening on Monday 6 January 2025.
On behalf of Lisa Moloney (Principal) and all School Staff, we wish you a very Happy Christmas and safe Holiday Season.
See you all in 2025!
We’re thrilled to introduce our 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:
How to Join:
2. Not yet a member?
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.
– Michele Dunn
Head of Marketing and Community Relations
As the president of the Old Girls’ Union, I am excited to share the impactful initiatives and contributions we have made this year. Our collective efforts have enriched the experiences of current students and strengthened our community. Here’s a summary of our key projects and expenditures:
It has been another wonderful year for the Old Girls’ Union, and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the committee each term and working with the School leaders. We are grateful for your continued support and engagement, which makes these initiatives possible.
– Elizabeth Ritchie
President, Old Girls Union
In October, the School hosted the annual Sapphires luncheon. Our Sapphires are our oldest alumnae – those who graduated more than 51 years ago. Women in attendance graduated between 1949 and 1973 and as you can imagine, they had many a story to tell and lots of memories to share.
In welcoming our Old Girls back to the School, I referred to some of the current projects and priorities that we are working on and acknowledged the remarkable impact that the Old Girls in attendance had made on their communities and chosen professions and how important they are as role models for our current students and young alumni.
Afterwards, I was chatting to Sandra Bates AM (Ross, 1955) who was the ‘Artistic and Governing Director of the Ensemble Theatre, Australia’s longest, continuously running professional theatre company, for 30 years from 1986 to 2017. Under her stewardship, the Ensemble grew to one of the world’s most respected playhouses. She championed Australian works; both the well-loved classics and new works; and is renowned as the longest serving Artistic Director in Australia’. She said “Lisa, you didn’t acknowledge the most important thing about our time at MLC School, it’s about friendships. By comparison, the rest doesn’t matter”.
She has certainly given me food for thought. As I chatted with the various groups present, it was quite clear that many of the friendships made during their time at MLC School have endured until the current day. The shared experiences of passing exams, the camaraderie of surviving demanding teachers and even the shared sadness when life takes an unfortunate turn, creating a bond that is often unparalleled. The trials and triumphs faced together during these formative years forge connections that are deeply ingrained. Whether it is the late-night study sessions, the shared lunches, learning a new skill at the same time, or the collective anxiety before a big exam, these moments lay the groundwork for lifelong friendships.
As I scanned the room that day, I also saw that one of the most beautiful aspects of lifelong friendships is the treasure trove of shared memories and the joy that they bring. Recounting stories from school days, laughing about old jokes, and reminiscing about past adventures, our old girls filled the room with laughter and joyous chatter.
It certainly reminded me that during our school years, we are in a constant state of learning not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. How remarkable it is to realise that your daughters may well be forming friendships that will last a lifetime, provide support at difficult times and in time, the opportunity to laugh and reconnect when they too become Sapphires.
Eminent Alumnae – Sandra Bates AM (Ross 1955)
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
Click here to view full Facebook Album
Click on gallery to view full images
During the final term of 2024, the Sports Department held the annual Sports Awards. This evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of our athletes for this year.
We were lucky to have Keesja Gofers (2007) as our guest speaker. She shared some valuable insights into the highs and lows of being an athlete. We were in awe of her determination, resilience and perseverance as she worked to reach her goal of being an Olympian.
Keesja enrolled at MLC School in 1999 into Year 4. In her final year at MLC School in 2007, she Sports Captain, an HSC High Achiever, awarded the Senior Athletics Champion and Intermediate Swimming Champion prizes and received an MLC School Blue for Sport: all the while maintaining a rigorous National and International training and competing schedule.
While completing her HSC years, Keesja represented the University of Sydney in various national water polo championships including the Opens National League and represented NSW in both the Interstate Challenge and the Australian All Schools championships; often being crowned MVP.
In 2006, Keesja was part of the Australian Under 20s team which won gold in the international tournament in Greece, and in 2007, she was selected to be a member of the Australian All Schools team which travelled to NZ, Canada and the USA. She was also selected to represent the Australian All Schools team in the Trans-Tasman Cup and was part of the Australian under 20s water polo team who won the World Championship in Portugal.
In 2010, Keesja become a member of the Australian Stingers Waterpolo squad and attended her first Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Since then, she has competed at two more Games: the 2020 Tokyo Games and this year’s 2024 Paris Games, where the Stingers won the silver medal. An impressive achievement considering Keesja and her husband Scott welcomed their first child, daughter Teleri, just the year before.
Keesja was known at MLC School as a true sportsperson. Not only did she compete and perform outstandingly at National and International competitions, but she also gave her best for MLC School, representing the school every chance she had. She swam, ran, played basketball, netball, and, of course, water polo for MLC School. It was said that every team she was a member of was stronger for her presence. In her role as the 2007 Sports Captain, Keesja led by example; she was always one of the first to put her hand up to volunteer to help MLC School achieve sporting success.
Keesja’s contribution to sporting life is exemplary and she was, and still is, a wonderful ambassador for her School and her country.
– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport
The 2024 academic year for Year 3 to Year 6 officially came to a close on Thursday 5 December 2024, with our Junior School Speech Day and 139th Speech Night at the ICC in Darling Harbour.
Congratulations to all students on their incredible progress and growth in learning this year!
A big thank you to the School’s dedicated staff and supportive parents for their unwavering commitment to every girl’s success.
More photos have been shared on our Facebook page
We are excited to announce that the videos of MLC School’s Town Hall Concert “Music: The Food of Love”, are now available for viewing. This spectacular event showcased the incredible musical talents of our students and is now accessible to everyone.
To watch the videos, please use the link below or scan the QR code provided. Note that the videos are password protected for your security.
Password: MUSIC2024
OR
Scan the QR code:
Enjoy the performances and celebrate the musical achievements of our students!
We are excited to share the footage from our 2024 Dance Showcase, titled Fortitude: Stories of Resilience, which took place on Sunday 8 September 2024, at the NIDA Parade Theatre. This year’s showcase celebrated the inspiring narratives of individuals who have triumphed over adversity throughout history.
At MLC School, we view dance as a vital communicative art form. Our program emphasises critical thinking and non-verbal communication, encouraging students to transcend traditional aesthetics. Fortitude: Stories of Resilience allowed our dancers to explore movement as a means of storytelling, showcasing the strength and courage of both renowned figures and unsung heroes. We encouraged each student to integrate their personal perspectives into the thematic narrative, ensuring an authentic representation of overcoming challenges.
We invite you to enjoy the showcase footage and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dancers.
You will need to use the password DANCESHOW24
– Jenna Skepper
Dance Coordinator
Excelling in STEM: Our Students Shine at the Sydney Science Park Challenge
On Monday 21 October, six Year 9 students and seven Year 6 students from MLC School participated in the prestigious Sydney Science Park STEM Cross Schools Grand Final Challenge Day. This exciting event brought together students from various schools to collaborate on a STEM challenge linked to a key stakeholder in the Sydney Science Park Development.
Innovative Learning Experience
Our students were immersed in a dynamic Design Sprint, which included:
By the end of the day, each group pitched their innovative solutions and presented their models to a panel of judges. We are incredibly proud to congratulate Stephanie (Year 9), who played a crucial role in her team’s impressive second-place finish!
– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)
Click on the image gallery for full-size images.
Some Year 10 students took an incredible 4-day immersion trip to New Zealand, filled with adventure and cultural experiences. Here’s a glimpse of their exciting journey:
The group explored the magical glow worms in the Waitomo Caves, enjoyed a traditional Hāngī and cultural show, and visited a traditional living Māori village where they tasted corn cooked in geothermal hot springs. They also took a scenic gondola ride, raced down the luge, and experienced the thrill of a speed boat ride and swoop swing in Velocity Valley. Additionally, they visited a Kiwi fruit orchard, learning about the local agriculture.
This trip provided our students with unforgettable experiences and a deeper understanding of New Zealand’s rich culture and natural beauty.
What is Immersive Learning?
Immersive learning experiences aim to broaden horizons, encourage resilience and foster a growth mindset to underpin success in their senior years of schooling. The experiences also aim to provide lasting memories, whilst supporting the building of connections and the formation of lifelong friendships. These programs deepen the bonds between students, open new perspectives on the places visited and allow girls to meet significant personal and academic challenges prior to their entry to the senior years of high school.
Immersive learning experiences begin in our Junior School and continue on in the Senior School. Each one is unique in it’s design but they all have some common threads that link the experiences together. For example, each experience has a service learning component, each has an Indigenous component and each one is linked to curriculum and pastoral care outcomes.
Click on gallery to view all images
Early in Term 4, on a Friday evening and all day Saturday, MLC School hosted the IGSA (Independent Girls’ Schools Association) Festival of Speech 2024. This vibrant two-day event brought together girls from independent schools around NSW and ACT and provided a platform for young voices to shine through self-expression and creativity.
Throughout the festival, participants engaged in a variety of speech and performance activities, showcasing their talents and passion. The atmosphere was electric, filled with enthusiasm and camaraderie as students supported one another in their endeavours.
IGSA administers and convenes inter-school activities such as the IGSA Festival of Speech. The festival, which began in 1996, now sees participation from over 500 students from 27 schools. Girls from Year 7 to Year 11 can perform in areas such as drama, debating, poetry, prose readings, theatresports, current affairs, and religious and ethical questions.
The IGSA Festival of Speech is more than just a competition; it is a celebration of the power of words and the importance of communication. It provides a unique opportunity for girls to develop their public speaking skills, build confidence, and form lasting connections with their peers from other schools.
Moreover, this festival underscores the importance of girls’ education. By participating in such events, girls are given the chance to flourish in an environment that encourages intellectual growth and self-expression. The festival empowers them to voice their opinions, share their stories, and engage in meaningful dialogue, all of which are crucial for their personal and academic development.
Girls’ education is pivotal in shaping future leaders and change-makers. Events like the IGSA Festival of Speech play a significant role in fostering a sense of confidence and resilience in young women. They learn to articulate their thoughts clearly, stand up for their beliefs, and inspire others with their words. This not only prepares them for future challenges but also helps them to become active and informed citizens.
My gratitude extends to the large number of staff and students who volunteered their time and effort to ensure the smooth running of the festival. They welcomed guests; supported the various events, the conveners and judges. Their hard work and enthusiasm exemplify the ‘can do’ spirit of MLC School and the welcoming nature of our community.
The host of student volunteers (almost 100 students from Year 7, 8, 9 and 11) were exemplary ambassadors for the School. They showed themselves to be capable, resourceful young women. The entire event reflected positively on our facilities, staff, students and our professional approach to planning and event delivery.
My sincere thanks to Sarah Jauncey, Director of Co-curricular; Andrea Rowe, Debating Coordinator; and Jillian Avramis, Event Manager who were the driving force behind the festival. I received so many compliments and was extremely proud of our School.
Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the IGSA Festival of Speech 2024. Your contributions made this event a memorable and inspiring experience for all.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
Our talented Year 7 to Year 9 students and dedicated staff have produced another fabulous drama production.
This year’s play, Wendy & Peter Pan by Ella Hickson, was a vibrant reimagining of J.M. Barrie’s classic tale. Set in the magical world of Neverland, the story focused on Wendy’s perspective, exploring themes of courage, loss, and adventure.
The production delved deeper into Wendy’s character, portraying her as a strong and determined young woman on a quest to find her lost brothers.
With fast-paced action, humour, and heartfelt moments, Wendy & Peter Pan brought a fresh and modern take on a beloved story, making it a captivating experience for audiences of all ages.
Click on gallery to view full images
The Pre-K Rainbow Chapel and Celebration at MLC School was a truly magical event that brought together our youngest learners, their families, and the entire school community. The Chapel service, hosted by our enthusiastic Pre-K students, was a wonderful display of joy. Our School Chaplains Rev Vinnie and Pastor Caitlin and Principal, Lisa Moloney, led the service, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere that resonated with everyone present.
Parents’ faces beamed with pride as they watched their little ones participate in the service, singing songs and sharing messages of love and kindness. The Junior School campus was filled with an air of excitement and anticipation, which only grew as the service concluded.
The highlight of the day was undoubtedly the surprise visit from Santa Claus. The girls’ faces lit up with the biggest smiles as Santa made his grand entrance, much to their delight. We were thrilled that Santa accepted Pre-K’s special invitation, bringing along some Senior School ‘elves’ to assist him. These ‘elves’ added an extra touch of magic to the event, helping Santa distribute small gifts and spreading holiday cheer.
Santa and his helpers didn’t stop there; they made sure to visit other grades on the Junior School campus, ensuring that every child experienced the joy of the season. After their whirlwind tour, Santa and the ‘elves’ bid farewell and returned to the North Pole, leaving behind a trail of happiness and festive spirit.
This event was a wonderful reminder of the strong sense of community at MLC School. It showcased the collaborative efforts of students, staff, and families, all coming together to create memorable experiences for our children. For our alumni, it’s a nostalgic nod to the cherished traditions and the enduring spirit of MLC School that continues to thrive.
– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School
Click on gallery to view full images
We are thrilled to highlight the outstanding achievements of our students in the Emerging Athletes Program at MLC School. This program is dedicated to nurturing the talents of our students, helping them reach their full potential in both academics and extracurricular activities.
Congratulations to Olivia (Year 7) on her remarkable swimming achievements over the weekend. Olivia swam State qualifying times in the 400m Freestyle, 100m Freestyle, and 50m Freestyle. We are incredibly proud of Olivia and her dedication to her sport.
We are also excited to celebrate Elena (Year 10) for her exceptional success in fencing. Elena recently competed in the 2024/2025 Australian Fencing Circuit #2 in Melbourne, where she achieved a Bronze Medal in Open Age Women’s Épée, a Gold Medal in the NSW Junior Championships U20, and a Gold Medal in the NSW Senior Championships Open Age. Elena’s hard work and determination truly exemplify the excellence we nurture in our students.
Additionally, we commend Yasmine (Year 7) for her impressive performance in tennis. Yasmine competed in the Nepean tournament and advanced to the finals for the girls under 14s, finishing as the runner-up against the number 1 seed. Yasmine played a fantastic match, showcasing her skill and perseverance.
At MLC School, we are committed to supporting and developing the talents of our students through programmes like the Emerging Athletes Programme. We are immensely proud of Olivia, Elena, and Yasmine for their achievements and look forward to celebrating more successes in the future.
Sport is an integral part of the MLC School life and plays an important part in the development of the whole person. MLC School has a proud sporting tradition and we applaud those who give it a go as much as those who excel. Girls from all age groups are strongly encouraged to participate in the wide variety of sports offered.
– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport
The Spring issue of Lucis is now available online, please click on the link below.
Read about virtuoso violinists; our athletes and supporters at the Paris Olympics; farewell the Class of 2024 plus lots more.
If you have not received your copy in the mail, please contact us by emailing here.
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.
MLC School is dedicated to keeping in touch with our Alumnae. We encourage you to join our online network for MLC School Old Girls, where you can access the latest alumnae news, events, updates and reconnect with old classmates.
Link here to join our online network
Otherwise, please let us know on the ‘update here’ button below, so that we can continue to stay in touch.