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.
Sydney Opera House Concert
Monday 19 May 2025
7pm
The MLC School Sydney Opera House Concert is one of the hallmark events on the School’s calendar.
This is a compulsory event for all students in Year 6 to Year 12. All students in Years 6 to Year 12 will be performing (in music ensembles or the choir) and do not need a ticket. Students will be seated in house groups not with their parents.
The Junior School Angeli Choir will also attend and perform in the concert. Please click here for further rehearsal information for Angeli Choir.
More details about the day will be sent from the Head of Senior School and the Head of Junior School closer to the date.
Tickets are now on sale!
Book tickets here
MLC School’s 140 Year Anniversary Bursary for students entering Year 11 2026 provides full remission of tuition fees for girls throughout their two-year HSC or IB Diploma journey.
This means-tested bursary celebrates the School’s 140th year of excellence in girls’ education – 2026.
Do you have a family member or know someone who would benefit from attending MLC School for their final years?
With a commitment to placing the girl at the heart of everything we do, the successful applicants will be all-rounders who can demonstrate strong academic acumen. They will flourish in our diverse, inclusive community, test and challenge themselves in a range of co-curricular offerings and enjoy a well-rounded girls-focused education, all while being supported and nurtured throughout the final years of her academic journey.
As part of the application process, girls will sit an examination and parents will need to provide a supporting statement and financial documentation. More is available through our website.
Scholarship Registration opens – Thursday 24 April 2025
Scholarship Registration closes – Friday 6 June 2025
Scholarship Examination day – Saturday 14 June 2025
This Bursary is open to Australian residents only.
For more information email scholarships@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.
MLC School will be accepting Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2027 soon. Registrations open Tuesday 1 July 2025, and will close on Wednesday 1 October 2025.
The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 18 October 2025.
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
MLC School offers an All-Rounder Scholarship for girls entering Year 5 in the following year. It is open to prospective students and those enrolled in Year 4 at the School. The scholarship offers 50% tuition fee relief for Year 5 to Year 12 (subject to conditions). Applications generally open in May each year with testing in August.
All Rounder Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential, together with achievement and potential in two or more of the following areas:
Candidates with strong evidence in one or more of the above areas are encouraged to apply. This evidence could include representative selection, awards, honours or other recognition.
Applications for entry in Year 5 2026:
Thursday 24 April 2025 – Scholarship registration opens
Tuesday 29 July 2025 – Scholarship registration closes
Saturday 9 August 2025 – Year 5 2026 Scholarship Testing Day
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 Melissa Pollett on 02 8741 3161 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.
One of the wonderful things about my role is the opportunity to meet our alumnae and hear about their remarkable and varied careers. Jocelyn Maughan OAM is one such Old Girl. She graduated from MLC School in 1955 and is a renowned artist, known for her exceptional skills in painting and drawing. Jocelyn painted the portrait of Rev Ken Cornwell, who was Principal from 1970 until 1989, during his time at MLC School. This week I was honoured to have had my first sitting with Jocelyn for a portrait that she is painting as a gift to the School. During this sitting, Jocelyn shared stories of her time at MLC School, her initial plan to become a motor mechanic and the journey to professional artist.
Jocelyn was a recipient of the 2020 Alumnae Award for Social Welfare and Impact and Professional Achievement; you can read more about her remarkable career and contribution to her community here.
Click on gallery to view full images
Visit from Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga
This term, MLC School was honored by a visit from Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga, celebrating the partnership with Queen Salote College. The day included a welcome assembly, a Chapel Service, classroom visits, and cultural performances. The collaboration aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster cultural exchange. The partnership, supported by both schools’ councils and communities, has been reinvigorated, emphasizing shared values and goals. Recent discussions with Queen Salote College’s leaders focused on mutual learning opportunities and supporting the International stream, promising a bright future for both institutions. You can read more about the Queen’s visit in this article. Photos of this event can be found on our Facebook Page.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
We are excited to announce a new initiative to engage our Old Girl community in supporting the career development of both our students and Old Girls.
MLC School Old Girls have a wealth of knowledge and experience, and we are eager to tap into this resource. We invite you to express your interest in supporting our careers events by visiting our new webpage here.
In Term 2 and Term 3, the MLC School Careers Department have events planned that require volunteers with experience in the following fields:
Your insights, advice, and stories can make a significant impact on our current students. Let us know how you would like to contribute, and together, we can create a supportive and empowering environment for all.
Additionally, we encourage you to update your work details on your online profiles or join the Community website if you haven’t done so already. This will help us stay connected and ensure that we can reach out to you for relevant opportunities.
Interested to be involved?
To ensure we have the most up-to-date work and educational details for future careers events, please complete your online profile. It should only take a couple of minutes. Below are the steps on how to do that:
Thank you again. We look forward to connecting with you at future events.
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
We are thrilled to present a series of videos from our 2025 School Captains. These videos showcase the dedication, leadership, and enthusiasm of our student leaders as they share their visions for the year ahead. From welcoming new students to highlighting key events and initiatives, our captains provide a glimpse into the vibrant and dynamic life at MLC School. Join us in celebrating their achievements and looking forward to an exciting year filled with growth and community spirit.
Password: 2025Captains
This term we were honoured by a visit from Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho of Tonga, as recognition of the significance of the partnership between MLC School and Queen Salote College.
Her Majesty enjoyed a morning of celebration attended by dignitaries from Australia and Tonga and representatives of the Uniting Church. The day started with a welcome assembly with Year 6 and Year 7 students in the audience. There was a Chapel Service and visits to classrooms including a Senior Science class. Year 2 and Year 3 students waved the Tonga flags, as the Queen processed into the Senior Centre to the rhythms of the Taiko. Her Majesty stopped to speak with our Middle Leaders and was exceptionally interested in our students. I was so proud of our musicians who were exemplary throughout the day, and our Indigenous dancers who impressed the Queen with their storytelling through dance.
The collaboration between MLC School and in Tonga aims to enhance educational opportunities, foster cultural exchange, and strengthen the bonds between the two institutions.
In March 2024, MLC School’s Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd, former Council Chair Dr. Eve Tsironis (1988), Council Member Dr. David Mulford, and Principal Lisa Moloney visited Tonga to explore a potential partnership with Queen Salote College and attended the College’s 98th Anniversary Service. During their visit, they met with the Principal, students, staff, the Australian High Commissioner, and had an audience with Queen Nanasipau’u.
MLC School’s relationship with Tonga dates back to August 1935, when Queen Sālote Tupou III visited MLC School and was warmly received by the students. Historically, several Tongan girls attended MLC School, becoming notable figures in Tonga. Jeanette Loy (Maddox, 1960), an MLC School alumna and former staff member, served as Headmistress of Queen Salote School from 1971-1973, strengthening the connection between the two institutions. In 1972, MLC School’s 5th Form girls supported the education of a Tongan girl at Queen Salote School and through her university years.
From the time that I started at MLC School, one question that parents and students regularly asked me was whether we could have a sister school partnership with Queen Salote College in Tonga. As many of you will be aware, Newington College has a long and most successful relationship with the boys’ school Tupou College, and several of our families have been enriched through meeting and working with the Tongan members of the Newington community.
I am so pleased that through the support of Her Majesty, the Queen Salote College Council and ex-students association, the MLC School Council and the staff and students at both schools we have been able to reinvigorate the friendship that began all those years ago.
I had the great honour of visiting Tonga and spending time at Queen Salote College last year and I knew from our first welcome that we would indeed be able to build a very special and mutually rewarding partnership.
Although our schools are geographically some distance from each other, it has become most apparent that we are more similar than we are different and have so many things in common:
Both schools also share a commitment to the education of young women in an environment where they can:
In recent days we have also been honoured to host the Principal and leaders from Queen Salote College at MLC School. Discussions were around how we might provide opportunities for the students and staff of Queen Salote College and MLC School to learn from each other, how we can support the International stream at Queen Salote College and the opportunities to progress our special relationship.
I look forward to what the future holds for our schools and our communities- I believe that together we can build a wonderful program of mutual learning. More photos of this event can be found on our Facebook Page.
Click here to watch a video of the visit.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
Click on gallery to view full images
MLC School Old Girl and 2024 Alumnae Award winner, Andrea Lam (1999); one of Australia’s greatest classical concert pianists; joins “multi-award-winning musical powerhouse” Harry Connick Jr. and host, Amanda Keller on the highly anticipated new series, The Piano, premiering Sunday 4 May at 7.30pm on ABC TV and iView.
Pianos were placed in various public spaces across Australia and passers-by were invited to perform. These pianists turned the public spaces into hubs of musical brilliance, captivating shoppers, commuters, and passersby as they pause in awe of the performances.
What the pianists didn’t know, was that they were being observed by two renowned expert musicians, Andrea Lam (1999) and Harry Connick, Jr. Absorbing each performance, they were tasked with choosing a pianist from each location to mentor. Andrea and Harry then prepared the selected pianists for a life-changing performance at one of Australia’s most revered stages, the Sydney City Recital Hall.
These extraordinary pianists from all walks of life will take audiences on an unforgettable piano playing journey as they share deeply personal stories about their favourite instrument and how it has shaped their lives. The heartwarming six-part arts series explores how the piano has the power to transform lives, creating refuge, joy and friendship via the touch of a key.
The ABC, Piano Plus and The Piano are celebrating the power of music and connection, delivering donated pop-up pianos to up to 20 towns across Australia. Nominate where you’d like to see a piano in your town here.
Elegy, Southwest is a novel which entwines a tragic love story with an intelligent and profound consideration of the way we now live alongside environmental breakdown; an elegy for lost love and for the landscape that makes us.
Date: Thursday 17 April 2025
Time: 6pm to 8pm
Location: Better Read Than Dead, 265 King Street, Newtown (between Mary and Church Streets). Their event space is accessible via a stair lift.
Tickets for the Event are $5 (or $40 for Event plus a copy of Elegy, Southwest) and can be purchased here.
Old Girl, Madeleine Watts (2007) is a writer of fiction, stories, and essays. Her debut novel, The Inland Sea, was shortlisted for the 2021 Miles Franklin Literary Award and the UTS Glenda Adams Award for New Writing. Her writing has been published in Harper’s Magazine, The Believer, HEAT, The White Review, Literary Hub, The Paris Review Daily, Los Angeles Review of Books, The Irish Times, Bookforum, and Meanjin among others. She is the winner of the 2015 Griffith Review Novella Competition. Madeleine grew up in Sydney, and sometimes Melbourne. After a decade living in New York, she is now based in Berlin. Elegy, Southwest is her second novel.
Amy Lovat is the author of Mistakes and Other Lovers and the current program manager of the Newcastle Writers Festival. She has a PhD in English and Writing and lives with her wife, a brood of animals, and thousands of books across unceded Awabakal and Gadigal Country in NSW, Australia.
There’s something special about learning from the successes and mistakes of those who have walked the path before us. Hearing the trials, tribulations and joys of those who’ve ‘done it all before’, brings a uniquely personal reality to our own situations, and helps to bring clarity and understanding. Taking over the Australian Men’s Cricket team after what has been referred to as ‘the darkest hours of Australian Cricket’, Head Coach Justin Langer set about bringing former players back into the fold to mentor the team. He suggested that ‘our young guys and all our players can learn so much from them, they’re great mentors’. Fast forward a number of years and the team, and its culture, had been transformed into a winning machine.
For our last Academic Care session this term, Year 11 and Year 12 saw the return of four successful MLC School ‘Old Girls’ from the class of 2024 to discuss their academic successes, failures, tips and tricks. Thank you to Danielle Dib, Sarah Furlan, Zara Constance, Elizabeth (Lizzy) Bieri. With both the IB and HSC represented, they offered both general advice, as well as course, and even subject, specific guidance. What resonated for all girls, was the importance of creating a stringent study plan, prioritising upcoming assessment, and ‘chipping away’ at study notes or foreign language acquisition. The ‘Old Girls’ were generous with their time, and later gave some one-on-one advice to those keen to know more.
– David Posker-Hill
Academic Care Coordinator
Click on gallery to view full images
On Thursday 27 March, MLC School proudly participated in our inaugural Earth Hour event, led by our dedicated Environment Captain, Hattie (Year 12). During Luminary and recess (10am – 11am), we turned off lights and technology to honor Earth Hour. This initiative provided a wonderful opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations about environmental issues and our collective role in making a positive impact.
Earth Hour is a global movement that encourages individuals and communities to turn off non-essential lights for one hour as a symbolic act to support action on climate change and environmental conservation.
The Environment Group organised various activities to mark the day. Green ribbons were handed out at the school gate, adding a vibrant touch to the day. Students participated in a think, pair, share exercise, class discussion questions, and a short quiz during Luminary activities. These activities aimed to raise awareness and promote active participation in environmental conservation.
Mooramoora House hosted a mostly waste-free bake sale at lunchtime, with all proceeds going to the Australian Conservation Foundation. This initiative not only supported environmental sustainability but also raised a total of $550 to help protect Australia’s unique wildlife and natural landscapes and promote sustainable alternatives for Australia.
A huge thank you goes to Hattie for her dedication in initiating and planning this successful event. Her efforts, along with the enthusiasm of the entire school community, made our first Earth Hour an inspiring and impactful day.
– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – HSIE
Click on gallery to view full images
Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) – Term 1
This term, Year 1 explored the key factors that contribute to a healthy lifestyle, including nutrition, exercise, sleep, hygiene, hydration, mindfulness, and the importance of limiting screen time.
They were particularly curious about how excessive screen use can impact the body and overall health. Together, they created a class list of effects, including:
As a reward for their hard work, Year 1 enjoyed a No Screen Party. They chose their own screen-free activities, including a reading corner, colouring, board and card games, building, dancing, and indoor ten-pin bowling.
Fun doesn’t even begin to describe it – they had an amazing time. They fully engaged in the activities and, most importantly, realised that entertainment doesn’t have to involve a screen.
– Michelle Hiss
Teacher
Click on gallery to view full images
The Senior School House Swimming Carnival was a vibrant event, filled with colourful House displays and enthusiastic cheering from all participants and spectators. The atmosphere was electric as students from our 10 Houses competed fiercely in various swimming events, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship.
The pool area was adorned with House banners and decorations, adding to the festive spirit of the day.
Each race was met with loud cheers and chants from the sidelines, as supporters encouraged their teammates with enthusiasm.
The relay races were particularly thrilling, with close finishes that kept everyone on the edge of their seats.
In addition to the competitive events, there were also fun activities such as our annual Splash for a Sash and Year 12 House Synchro Competition.
The sense of camaraderie and House pride was fantastic, making the carnival a memorable experience for all involved.
The winners for this year’s Carnival:
Overall, the House Swimming Carnival was a resounding success in celebrating the unity and spirit of the School community.
– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport
Click on image gallery for full size images.
The School has a proud tradition of pursuing personal excellence through sport, and rowing is no exception. The MLC School Rowing program emphasises collaboration, personal excellence, respect, and pride. The program includes various training sessions, both on water and on land, and is designed to develop students’ skills and foster a strong sense of community.
Early this term, the MLC School Rowing Competition Squad raced at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. Despite the heat and humidity, our squad showed impressive tenacity against tough competition.
Charlie (Year 12) finished 3rd in the second division of the Schoolgirl single scull. Congrats, Charlie!
Our Schoolgirl Quad of Ella, Rebecca, Eliza, and Sophie (all Year 11), coxed by Alannah (Year 7), also finished 3rd in division one, narrowly missing 2nd place.
At the IGSA Sports Regatta, Alannah (Year 7) won 1st place in the Schoolgirl Year 8 single scull. Adelaide (Year 10) secured 2nd place in the Year 10 Single Scull. Jemima and Nicola (both Year 10) showed fierce determination in their double, earning a well-deserved 2nd place.
Ashley and Clementine (both Year 11) finished 2nd in their race, while Stephy, Isabelle, Phoebe, and Julia (all Year 11), coxed by Miranda (Year 11), finished 2nd in the Second Division of the Schoolgirl Quad.
Eve (Year 11) excelled in the final of the Schoolgirl Single Scull, competing in both a heat and a final.
To top off a fantastic day, the MLC School Rowing Squad won the IGSA Rowing Champion School Handicap Point Score Trophy. Congratulations to our oarsome squad!
– Ashleigh Brooking
Rowing Coach
Click on gallery to view full images
At MLC School, we value the deep connections that span across generations, creating a rich tapestry of tradition, values, and community spirit.
One of the most cherished events on our calendar is the Intergenerational High Tea. This special event is a chance for families of current students with Old Girl ties (mothers, aunties, cousins, grandmothers, siblings) to celebrate their connections with the School. Photos from this year’s event can be found on our Facebook page.
Having multiple generations of families attending MLC School offers numerous academic and social benefits. It creates a vibrant, intergenerational learning environment that fosters a strong sense of community and connection. When grandparents, parents, and children are all part of the school ecosystem, it encourages deeper engagement with school events, activities, and decision-making processes. This connection strengthens bonds between families, teachers, and staff, creating a supportive network that enhances students’ educational experiences.
Click on gallery to view full images
The International Women’s Day breakfast this year was a remarkable event that brought together students, staff, and esteemed guest speakers to celebrate the achievements of women and discuss pertinent issues affecting women today. The panel consisted of several outstanding individuals who shared their invaluable insights and experiences.
Kristy Chong, the founder of ModiBodi, shared insights into her remarkable entrepreneurial journey and her mission to create a sustainable and innovative product that empowers women. Her discussion highlighted the importance of perseverance and creativity in overcoming challenges and achieving one’s goals.
Dr Matti Gild, an endocrinologist at Royal North Shore Hospital, provided a fascinating overview of her extensive research into RET mutant thyroid cancer. As an Associate Professor at Sydney University and Chair of the Thyroid Cancer Research Group, Dr Gild emphasised the critical role of scientific research in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.
The discussions were engaging and thought-provoking, leaving the audience with opportunity to reflect. The breakfast event not only celebrated the achievements of women but also fostered a sense of unity and empowerment.
Congratulations to Christina (Year 12), MLC School Arts Captain, Anita (Year 12), MLC School Diversity Captain, and Zoe (Year 12), MLC School Wellbeing Captain, who joined forces with School Captain Marirose (Year 12) and Community and Round Square Captain Khushii (Year 12) to deliver an exceptional panel discussion.
The panel’s insightful dialogue and shared experiences were not only informative but also deeply inspiring, highlighting the positive impact that dedicated student leadership can have on shaping a supportive and dynamic school environment.
– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School
Click on image gallery for full size images
International Night, a key event for the Junior School, was a rousing success. Over 1000 guests joined us to celebrate our diverse community. A big thank you to all of the parents who helped make this event great and to all the students who performed. More photos of this event can be found on our Facebook page.
Click on gallery to view full images
A group of 22 girls competed in the annual Tildesley Tennis tournament, the longest-running schoolgirl tennis tournament in Australian history. This year, we had some of our best results yet. Some notable achievements include:
Additionally, MLC School won the Spender Cup as the Most Improved School for 2025, moving from 19th place last year to 14th place this year. This goes to show the immense amount of effort and dedication these girls have put in. The extra training sessions and hard work have definitely paid off. All the coaches and I are super proud of everyone who competed and cheered on their teammates. Let’s go for more next year!
– Lana (Year 12)
2025 Captain of Tennis
Click on gallery to view full images
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.