Applications for Entry and School Tour Days 2026

Old Girls are given priority in our interview program, as long as applications have been received at least 2 years before the date of intended entry.

There are waiting lists for many year entries, so it is recommended that an application is made by your daughter’s first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. Applications for all years are processed in the order in which they are received. For updated information, please view our online prospectus package.

The School is currently interviewing girls who will commence in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 11 in 2028. If you would like to apply for the few places available in 2027 please follow the link to our online application form here.

It is always advisable to take a tour of the School as things have changed over the years. The next available MLC School tour days will be held on Thursday 21 May 2026 at 10.30am followed by Tuesday 18 August 2026 at 10.30am.

Numbers are limited and registration is required for all tour days. To register your attendance click on the button below, scroll down the page and click the tour you would like to attend.

If you have other enquiries about the enrolment process, please contact Vickii Scott, our Registrar, by email or phone 02 8741 3165.

Scholarships for Year 5 – Opening Soon

MLC School offers an All-Rounder Scholarship for girls entering Year 5 in the following year.

Registrations open Tuesday 28 April 2026.

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). For more information please email registrar@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

140 Anniversary Gala Dinner

Saturday 13 June 2026
Sydney Hilton Hotel, 488 George Street, Sydney
7pm–11pm
$250 per person (plus booking fees)

MLC School Chair of Council, Kylie Bryden–Smith, and Principal, Lisa Moloney, invite you to an extraordinary night of celebration as MLC School marks its 140 Year Anniversary with a spectacular Gala Dinner.

This landmark evening will bring together generations of the MLC School community to honour a proud legacy — and to toast the bold future of girls’ education.

Step into a glamorous Black Tie celebration featuring fine dining, live entertainment and a dance floor that will carry the celebrations late into the night. Reconnect with friends old and new, share stories, and be part of a once‑in‑a‑generation moment in the life of the School.

Dress to impress. Dance the night away. Celebrate 140 years of excellence in girls’ education at MLC School.

Tables of ten are now available — gather your friends, secure your seats and help us make this milestone celebration truly unforgettable. If you are interested in setting a table of 10 aside for you and your friends, please contact Sandra Chau schau1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au directly who can assist you with this.

Book Tickets Here

Back to College Open Day

Back to College Open Day

MLC School, Burwood
Friday 1 May 2026
10am – 2pm

Back to College Day is a key open day event for parents, grandparents, current students, Old Girls, current and previous staff to honour the School’s 140 years.

The day will be filled with celebration and connection, including musical performances, a formal assembly, a chance to tour the School, Chapel Service and of course, the Boarders’ Luncheon. More details will be shared closer to the day.

10am – Celebrating 140 Years Chapel Service
10.35am – Celebrating 140 Years Morning Tea
11am – Celebrating 140 Years Assembly
12pm – Celebrating 140 Years Picnic Lunch

Please book into the events you are able to attend throughout the day. For those attending the Picnic lunch, a link will be sent to pre-order food closer to the date.

RSVP here

2026 Boarders’ Luncheon

Friday 1 May 2026
11am Chapel Service
12pm–2pm Lunch
MLC School
Rowley Street, Burwood

$40 for a 2 course lunch and drinks

MLC School warmly invites all former MLC School Boarders to the 2026 Boarders’ Luncheon.

Join us on Friday 1 May 2026 as part of Back to College Day, a very special occasion marking MLC School’s 140th Birthday.

The day will be filled with celebration and connection, including a School Assembly, Cadet Parade, School Tours, Open Classrooms, Chapel Service—and of course, the Boarders’ Luncheon. More details of the day will be shared closer to the day.

We would be honoured to welcome you back to MLC School to reconnect with old friends, reflect on cherished memories, and celebrate the legacy of our boarding community.

Let’s make this milestone unforgettable—your presence would mean so much.

RSVP here

Back to College Dinner and Alumnae Awards 2026

Back to College Dinner and Alumnae Awards 2026

MLC School
Friday 1 May 2026
6.30pm – 8.30pm

MLC School warmly invites all Old Girls to the Back to College Dinner and Alumnae Awards.

Old Girls of MLC School help to make the world a better place. Their contributions lead to progress that benefits society as a whole.

It is important to recognise and celebrate our outstanding Old Girls – women who are prepared to think differently; have courage and conviction; and lead with passion. They provide a fine example for our current students and showcase the impact MLC School women make on society.

The 2026 Alumnae Award winners will be recognised for their accomplishments in a range of categories:

Cultural contribution
Philanthropic endeavours
Social welfare and impact
Innovation and entrepreneurship
Professional achievement
Academia
Sporting achievement
International achievement
Contribution to MLC School

Please help congratulate them at the 2026 Back to College Dinner and Alumnae Awards.

The night will also allow for easy conversation and a chance to catch up over dinner and drinks. Why not get a table of friends together from your year?

2026 Reunions – Registrations Open

Saturday 2 May 2026
2pm–5pm
MLC School

It’s time to celebrate with your classmates.

As the School celebrates 140 years, catch up with friends from your school days and reacquaint yourself with those you may have lost touch with over drinks and canapés.

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

There will also be an opportunity to take a tour of the School. Please note tours start at 12.45pm and take approximately one hour.

We hope to see as many Old Girls here as possible. If you would like to help rally your year group, please email community@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Book for your Class Reunion here:

Class of 2021 5-year Reunion

Class of 2016 10-year Reunion

Class of 2006 20-year Reunion

Class of 1996 30-year Reunion

Class of 1986 40-year Reunion

Class of 1976 50-year Reunion

140 Year Celebration Music Concert

140 Year Celebration Music Concert
Wednesday 24 June 2026
The Sydney Town Hall
6.30pm – 9pm

MLC School’s concert at the iconic Sydney Town Hall continues the tradition of providing our musicians with the opportunity to perform in spaces generally reserved for professionals. Next year’s concert includes a unique opportunity for MLC School Old Girl musicians.

It truly is a showcase of an array of talent. We look forward to a great celebration of music and a reflection of the meaning the School has had to so many.

Don’t miss the Sydney Town Hall Concert – She Made a Difference, a spectacular celebration of 140 years of Walking in the Light, where MLC School musicians will delight and provoke all your senses.

Book tickets here

Calling All MLC School Old Girl Musicians!

This Concert’s finale performance will include the Old Girl’s Union (OGU) Choir and Old Girls who were/are musicians. For enquiries to join this Choir or participate as an Old Girl musician in a massed item ending the concert, please complete the Expression of Interest form below or contact music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au. All ensemble instruments are welcome.

Expression of Interest form

Sapphires’ Chapel Service and Luncheon 2026

Tuesday 20 October 2026
11am Chapel Service
12pm Lunch
MLC School

Old Girls who graduated 51 years ago or more are invited to reconnect at the much loved annual event – 2026 Sapphires’ Chapel Service and Luncheon.

RSVP here

From the Principal

140 Years of Excellence: Reflecting on Community, Commitment and Achievement

As we mark our 140th anniversary year, we pause to reflect on what has always defined MLC School: its people, its purpose and its enduring community. It is a timely opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of MLC School’s teachers and support staff, past and present, whose commitment continues to shape the School experience for each generation of girls.

Behind every improvement, initiative, conversation and assessment is an enormous amount of often unseen work. Throughout this year alone, the School has reinvigorated its sports program, established the largest all‑girls cadet unit in Australia, introduced a new research‑based approach to professional learning, and continued its rigorous reflection on academic performance. Behind the scenes, MLC School has also become the first Australian independent school to implement Security Copilot, strengthening IT security and data protection, while progressing important capital works and working closely with the P&F and Old Girls’ Union to build further opportunities for connection. There is much to celebrate.

Community connection has been a highlight of the term. Many Old Girls joined families, staff and friends of the School at events such as the Parent Welcome evening and the inaugural Community Prayer Breakfast. Led by Council member and parent of an Old Girl, Rev Lindsay Cullen, the breakfast offered a meaningful moment of reflection on education as formation — a reminder that learning at MLC School has always been about shaping character, values and purpose, not just outcomes. We also held our annual Multigenerational High Tea on International Women’s Day, which brought together generations of Old Girls alongside current students and their grandmothers, mothers and alumnae, for an afternoon celebrating connection, continuity and shared history. You can read more about this in this article.

Academic excellence also remained a focus with the Assembly for Academic Achievement celebrating the Class of 2025. Seventy‑six students were recognised for outstanding academic results, including state and cohort achievements. The Ros Pesman Medal was awarded to Maya Al‑Soufi for placing first in the state in German Beginners, while the Rev Dr Charles J. Prescott Medal for the highest ATAR was presented to Sophia Shaikh, who achieved 99.95. With more than half the cohort achieving an ATAR above 90, and many others demonstrating significant personal growth, the Class of 2025 exemplifies the School’s commitment to educating the whole girl. You can read more about the Class of 2025 results in this article.

Perhaps most affirming were the reflections shared by parents, including one family who wrote of their gratitude for the belief, care and encouragement shown by MLC School staff throughout their daughter’s journey — a sentiment many Old Girls will recognise. It is a reminder that MLC School’s impact is measured not only by results, but by lives shaped with confidence, resilience and hope.

As our graduates step into futures across Australia and the world, and as Old Girls continue to carry the spirit of MLC School into their own communities, we look ahead to the remainder of this milestone year with pride and optimism. We look forward to many more opportunities to come together, reconnect and celebrate the legacy shared by Old Girls, past, present and future.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Have You Tuned In Yet? The Dare to Be More Podcast

Did you tune in to the first episode of the MLC School Dare to Be More podcast yet? If not, now’s the perfect time. Our new podcast series offers short, engaging conversations that unpack what matters most in girls’ education, leadership and growth — straight from the people shaping life at MLC School.

In our latest episode, we explore the transformative power of debating with Amelia, the 2026 Debating Captain at MLC School. Amelia shares how debating has shaped her ability to think critically, see multiple perspectives, and lead with confidence.

Professionally hosted by Anthony Perl, each episode runs just 15-20 minutes and offers valuable insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in girls’ education. New episodes will be released every two weeks.

Other episodes include:

EP8: Inspiring Journeys of Alumnae Award Winners with Dr. Jan Milburn OAM
EP9: Developing Leadership with Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing, and Fiona Pow, Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12.
EP10: Developing Leadership with the 2026 School Captain, Anisha

Each episode is accompanied by short audio clips on our social media channels, giving you a glimpse into these fascinating conversations.

The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and all major podcast platforms. Simply search for “MLC School Dare to Be More”.

We hope you’ll tune in and join us on this exciting new journey.

Celebrating Old Girl Andrea Lam (1999), a shining example of what it means to ‘Dare to Be More’

We are thrilled to celebrate our extraordinary Old Girl Andrea Lam (1999), who has been featured in the ABC’s ‘Creative Types with Virginia Trioli’.

Andrea’s episode of Creative Types with Virginia Trioli, which filmed scenes right here at MLC School, also includes a lovely appearance by our talented Year 8 student, Sylvia, highlighting the intergenerational depth of musical excellence within the MLC School community.

Andrea is also appearing in Season 2 of The Piano on ABC, where she continues to inspire audiences nationwide with her artistry, insight, and generosity of spirit.

A “real talent” (Wall Street Journal), Andrea’s musical journey began at MLC School, where she attended from Year 4 to Year 12. Even as a young student she was remarkable — winning the ABC Young Performer of the Year (Piano), debuting with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at just 13, and achieving top international distinctions in piano performance, all while excelling academically, including in accelerated mathematics.

Since graduating from MLC School, Andrea has graced stages from Carnegie Hall to the Sydney Opera House, performed with major orchestras worldwide, released ARIA‑winning recordings, and has continued to be celebrated for her electrifying performances and deeply expressive musicianship.

As we celebrate 140 years of excellence in girls’ education, Andrea’s journey and Sylvia’s rising talent, demonstrate the transformative power of our learning environment and what it truly means to Dare to Be More.

Join us in celebrating Andrea and her incredible achievements. Watch now on @abciview.

MLC School Old Girls Gather at the House of Lords

On 24 March 2026, MLC School Old Girls in London came together for a memorable 140th Anniversary reunion at the House of Lords, celebrating lifelong connections and the strength of the School’s global alumnae community. The event was hosted by eminent Old Girl Baroness Natalie Bennett (1983) of Manor Castle.

The House of Lords was alive with conversation as Old Girls from across generations gathered in one of the United Kingdom’s most significant institutions. Baroness Bennett – who served as Leader of the Green Party of England and Wales from 2012 to 2016 – has long advocated for social justice, environmental sustainability and democratic reform, and remains active in the House, including on issues such as climate action.

In her remarks, Baroness Bennett reflected on the influence of the ‘old boys network’ in parliamentary life and encouraged women to build their own networks with the same purpose and impact. She noted that MLC School reunions provide a powerful opportunity for Old Girls to reconnect, strengthen professional and personal ties, and support one another across careers and countries.

Those in attendance reflected the breadth of the MLC School community – from Ros Coulson (1955) through to members of the Classes of 2023 and 2025 currently studying or taking a gap year in the United Kingdom. The gathering underscored the enduring connection Old Girls share with MLC School, regardless of where in the world life takes them.

Across conversations on the night, attendees spoke of the common qualities they recognise in fellow Old Girls: quiet inner strength, a commitment to making a difference, determination, and the confidence to speak up when it matters. Many also reflected on how co-curricular experiences at MLC School helped develop skills and interests that later translated into opportunities beyond school.

The reunion also served as a reminder of the long-term purpose of education: not only achievement, but the values, character and capabilities that shape a life. MLC School’s ongoing relationship with its Old Girls continues to celebrate these outcomes – creating opportunities for connection, mentorship and shared pride in the School’s history and future.

Stay connected: MLC School Old Girls are encouraged to keep in touch and be part of future gatherings in Australia and abroad. To update your details or register your interest in upcoming Old Girls events, please contact MLC School by email here.

Click on gallery to view full images

Multigenerational High Tea

On International Women’s Day, our community gathered for a truly special occasion in our 140th Year – our Multigenerational High Tea. We welcomed Old Girls alongside current students and their grandmothers, mothers, cousins, daughters, granddaughters and siblings, for an afternoon celebrating connection, continuity and shared history.

Across the room, conversations flowed easily as stories were exchanged, laughter was shared and generations reconnected over high tea (with a little sparkle, too). Moments like these are a powerful reminder of what makes the MLC School community so enduring: the relationships formed across generations, the traditions that are passed on, and the pride we feel in the legacy we share as Old Girls and families.

Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped create such a warm and memorable gathering. This event marked a wonderful beginning to our 140 Year celebrations, and we look forward to sharing many more opportunities throughout the year to reconnect, reflect and celebrate our shared legacy across generations.

Click here for the Facebook album.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

UTS Bachelor of Accounting Co-operative Scholarship – An MLC School Connection

Recently, I attended the UTS Welcoming Ceremony and Awards Night for students in the Bachelor of Accounting Co-operative Scholarship. It was a memorable evening and a pleasure to see the continued presence of MLC School Old Girls within such a competitive and long running program of 36 years.

The Bachelor of Accounting Co-operative Scholarship accepts just 30 students each year that combines with a demanding academic program with structured industry placements, that provides corporate experience, critical to developing a competitive employment advantage. Students work with a wide range of corporate and specialist accounting firms, including Ernst and Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Lendlease, Macquarie Bank, MA Financial, QBE, Dexus, JD Sports, Coca Cola, Stockland, GPT, and others.

This year, Angelina Le (2025) was welcomed into the program, continuing a strong pattern of success for MLC School. She follows Ava Dean (2024), Mia Ecker (2023), and Briana Tran (2022). In total, MLC School graduates have secured five places in the program over the past six years, including four consecutive years. These students have not only gained entry into the program but have also been recognised for their achievements while enrolled. Briana received a Distinction Achievement Award, while Ava was awarded for an outstanding business case study project during her time in the scholarship.

While reading through the ceremony program on the night, it was striking to see how the 2026 intake recipients were described. Despite coming from different schools and backgrounds, every successful applicant was recognised for demonstrating a holistic approach to their high school education. Alongside strong academic results, these students had held leadership roles, contributed to their school and House communities, committed to sport, and engaged in a wide range of co-curricular activities. This reaffirms the importance of our school’s emphasis on character education as an additional layer to our academic rigour.

Angelina was no different. During her time at MLC School, she served as House Captain of Whitley, was actively involved in the Cadets Program, competed in MLC School 1sts Basketball and Volleyball, and strongly supported the Sony Foundation Camp initiative in Year 11. Her pathway reflects the balance of leadership, service, and commitment that both our school programs and many in-demand university courses, like the Co-Operative Scholarship, consistently seeks to prioritise.

What stood out most on the evening was the strength of the MLC School Old Girls network. Although these students come from different year groups and may not have known each other well while at school, there was an immediate sense of connection and support. Being part of the same MLC School Old Girls community encouraged conversation, mentorship, and confidence when making introductions, to their new respective networks, at both university and professional levels.

As a teacher, it was rewarding to see where former students have found themselves after leaving the school gates. Even more powerful was seeing how the MLC School Old Girls network continues to provide connection, opportunity, and support well beyond graduation. It was a clear reminder that the relationships built at school endure long after students move on.

– Henry Wijanto
Round Square Coordinator

Head of Composition Presents at the Composing Futures Conference

MLC School Old Girl and Head of Composition Alice Chance (2014) recently represented MLC School at the Independent Schools NSW Music Education Conference, Composing Futures: Creativity, Culture and Connection in the Music Classroom. Held in late March, the conference brought together leading music educators to explore new syllabus directions and research‑informed practice. Alice shares her reflections on the day below:

I was thrilled to be invited to present at this year’s Music Education Conference organised by Independent Schools NSW (ISNSW) entitled Composing Futures: Creativity, Culture and Connection in the Music Classroom which took place on Tuesday 24 March.

The lineup included Dr James Humberstone (Sydney Conservatorium of Music, ex MLC School teacher), Amy Richardson (Head of Music, Santa Sabina), and Dr Candace Kruger (Griffith University).

Throughout the day, we gained crucial insights into the new Depth Study component of the new 7-10 Music Syllabus, as well as Educative Evidence Based Practice recommendations for music classrooms based on fresh research.

My own presentation centred around practical strategies for composing in the music classroom. I put the attending teachers in their students’ shoes, calling upon them to improvise, sing and compose. They were impressed when I showed them exercises that MLC School music students had successfully tackled.

The day had a brilliant atmosphere and I can’t wait to bring the insights I gained back to MLC School.

– Alice Chance

Head of Composition

Click on gallery to view full images

Photo 1: Alice and one of the delegate groups that took part in her workshop

Photo 2: Tiana Souvaliotis (Convenor, ISNSW), Alice and Carlo Tuttocuore (Senior Education Consultant: Teaching & Learning ISNSW)

Old Girl Mother and Daughter Memories: A 140 Year Connection

To celebrate 140 years of MLC School, we’re inviting current students who are daughters of Old Girls to share a short video of themselves and their mum, reflecting on a favourite moment from their own school experience – one that echoes a memory, tradition or feeling from their mum’s time at the School.

These personal reflections highlight the enduring connections that span generations, showing how shared experiences, values and stories continue to shape life at MLC School.

Videos should be filmed on a mobile phone
Landscape format
Run for no longer than 90 seconds
Finish with the words: ‘Happy Birthday MLC School.’

Students can upload their video securely by clicking on the share folder link here.

By participating in this project, you and your daughter are providing us with permission to use your images as well as your full name and graduating year (only your daughter’s first name) – on various channels including the website and social media.

Help us Reconnect

Let’s take a moment to reconnect.

As MLC School approaches its 140th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the generations of women who have walked the halls, shared the traditions, and shaped MLC School’s legacy. From 1886 to 2025, every Old Girl is part of the story and we want to make sure no one is left out of the next chapter.

Over the years, some Old Girls have passed, and some we’ve naturally lost touch with – not because they were forgotten, but because life moved forward: new cities, new careers, new chapters. Now, as we look ahead to a year of celebrations and reflection, we’re reaching out to reconnect. Update your details via the link below, and encourage your friends to do the same!

Together, let’s honour the past, celebrate the present, and ensure every Old Girl has the opportunity to be part of this special moment in MLC School’s history.

Because you were never lost. We just lost touch.

Update your details here

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.

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.

Click here

MLC School Army Cadet Unit

The Establishment Parade of the MLC School Army Cadet Unit marked an important milestone in the life of our school community: the formal beginning of a newly raised, all‑female Army Cadet Unit grounded in tradition, purpose, and leadership.

Guided by the command philosophy ‘Dare to Lead. Walk with Purpose’, this unit has been established with clear expectations, strong values, and a commitment to developing confident young women of character. While our unit is young, its foundations are strong, built on the proud traditions of the Australian Army Cadets and the enduring ethos of MLC School.

At its heart, this unit is about leadership. Leadership grounded in integrity, courage, and respect. Leadership that challenges cadets to step forward, support one another, and serve with pride, both in uniform and beyond the parade ground.

A central guiding principle of the unit is the belief in choosing the hard right over the easy wrong. Cadets are expected to act with honesty, courage, and accountability at all times. Whether in green or in blue, on parade or in daily life, character and integrity remain non‑negotiable.

The culture of the unit is anchored in four core values:

Courage — doing what is right, even when it is difficult.
Teamwork — working together, supporting one another, and putting the team first.
Initiative — stepping up, solving problems, and acting with confidence.
Respect — for others, for the unit, for the community, and for self.

Leadership within the unit is defined not by rank alone, but by example. Cadets are encouraged to lead through conduct, preparation, communication, and care for those around them. Safety, integrity, and accountability underpin every activity, ensuring a positive and supportive environment where all cadets can grow.

The MLC School Army Cadet Unit is more than a co-curricular. It is a leadership development space designed to build confidence, resilience, and purpose. Through realistic and engaging experiences, cadets learn to persevere, reflect, support one another, and celebrate success together, always with perspective, humility, and good humour.

As this unit takes its first formal steps on parade, it does so with pride and conviction. These young women represent the future of leadership at MLC School, committed, capable, and ready to serve.

Together, we will build a unit that inspires, endures, and leads with strength, service, and integrity.

– CAPT(AAC) Xavier Maling

‘Dare to Lead. Walk with Purpose’

Click on gallery to view full images

Visit to Queen Salote College (QSC)

At the invitation of Her Majesty Queen Nanasipauʻu Tukuʻaho, the School Chair, Kylie Bryden Smith, Deputy Principal, Melissa Boyd, and I travelled to Nuku’alofa, Tonga, joining thousands of Queen Salote College (QSC) alumni from around the world for several days of celebration and festivities to mark 100 years since the College’s founding in 1926.

It is hard to explain the significance of QSC to the Tongan community but suffice to say that the Tongan government declared the anniversary a public holiday, underscoring the prestige of the event and the importance of QSC as the nation’s only all-girls school. The celebrations were livestreamed by ABC Pacific and watched by audiences from around the world.

MLC School in Sydney and QSC share an historical sister school partnership that has lasted over 90 years. This relationship is built on our shared Methodist foundations, a mutual commitment to providing excellence in girls’ education, and long-standing cultural and royal ties. With support from our school community, the partnership was reinvigorated in 2023. MLC School families have provided textbooks and supplies for QSC students and MLC School teachers volunteer their time to mentor QSC staff. In 2025 we were honoured to host a visit from Queen Nanasipauʻu to mark the significance of our collaboration.

The first official record of the relationship between QSC and MLC School is recorded in the 1935 edition of Excelsior, in which it is reported that in August 1935, Her Majesty the Queen of Tonga, Queen Salote Tupou III visited MLC School and addressed the student body who showed their appreciation through ‘a great storm of enthusiastic clapping’ and singing the School song for her. The Excelsior article that chronicles her visit refers to the fact that in the years prior, there had been several Tongan girls attending MLC School, many of whom were now ‘conspicuous in Tonga.’

Our records also show that Jeanette Loy (Maddox, 1960) MLC School Old Girl, former staff member and former member of the School Council was appointed Headmistress of Queen Salote School from 1971-1973. During Jeanette’s time at MLC School, the MLC School senior students supported the education of Tongan girls at QSC.

As part of my speech at the QSC celebrations, I was honoured to announce that the family of Jeanette Loy have created a fellowship which will support teachers from both Queen Salote College and MLC School to visit each other’s schools for the purpose of professional exchange and learning. The fellowship also provides for an annual prize to be awarded to a senior student at each school who demonstrates a commitment to global exchange and understanding through her involvement at school.

This fellowship will benefit students and teachers at both schools, encouraging excellence in teaching and learning and building intercultural awareness and understanding. We are very thankful for the Loy family support to enable this important initiative which enables us to continue to build the relationship and connection that Jeanette so strongly believed in.

As well as the funds from the Jeanette Loy fellowship, both the Queen Salote College ex-students association and the MLC School Old Girls Union provide financial support for the program.

The relationship is supported by the Australian High Commission and aligns with a broader commitment to Pacific education partnerships. While in Tonga we were invited to meet with Brek Batley, Australian High Commissioner to Tonga to discuss our partnership with QSC and how we might work collaboratively with his team to further the impact of our work.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Click on gallery to view full images

Farewell and Thank You to Susan Rowley

After a most enjoyable period of Long Service Leave at the end of 2025, Susan Rowley decided that it is time to step back from the demands of her leadership and teaching position at MLC School to pursue improved work life balance and take up other opportunities to utilise her passion for teacher education and expertise as an educator.

As well as being a long serving staff member, Susan is an MLC School Old Girl and was a Prefect and a member of the Student Council during her time as a student.

First commencing as a staff member at MLC School in January 1988, Susan was a Science teacher for 16 years while also becoming a mum to Old Girls Emily Church (2007) and Stephanie Church (2009) in the early 1990s.

In January 2004, Susan became the Head of Science at St George Christian School where she remained for five years. During this time Susan introduced project-based learning to her Science students to encourage creative thinking.

We were fortunate to welcome Susan back to MLC School in 2009 as our Head of Science. In this role she led her team of staff to focus on enhancing each girls’ confidence and competence in learning Science. At the same time Susan also taught HSC Chemistry, HSC Extension Science, and IB Chemistry.

After 13 years, Susan moved into a new role at MLC School as the Director of Teacher Accreditation. She has held this role for four years with distinction, overseeing the accreditation process for all the teaching staff at the School and working closely with our university partners.

Susan was an active member of the Old Girls’ Union for many years, mainly in executive roles. She also served for a time as the OGU representative on the MLC School Council.

We thank Susan for her remarkable contribution to MLC School and the positive impact that she has had on so many students and staff over her time with us. We wish her all the very best for the next phase of life and look forward to her continued connection with the school through the OGU.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Pre-Kindergarten Start their School Journey – Term 1 Overview

The start of the year has been filled with excitement, curiosity and celebration in Pre‑Kindergarten, as our youngest students take their very first steps into school life.

This term marked the first official day of school for our five‑day Pre‑Kindergarten students. The girls arrived with excitement and pride, ready to begin their learning journey. After farewells, they quickly settled into their day, enjoying hands‑on activities and getting to know their peers and educators in their new environment.

The following week, we were delighted to welcome our three‑day students, bringing the full Pre‑Kindergarten cohort together. It has been wonderful to see new friendships forming as students confidently engaged in a wide range of activities both inside and outside the studio. The girls are becoming increasingly familiar with their daily routines and are already demonstrating growing independence, resilience and a love of learning. They have also enjoyed meeting their Specialist Teachers and participating in gross motor, fine motor, literacy and numeracy experiences.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

A special milestone for our Pre‑Kindergarten students was being officially welcomed into their School Houses and meeting their Junior School House Patrons for the very first time. This moment helped foster a strong sense of belonging within the wider school community, and we look forward to seeing their creativity shine at upcoming Junior School events, including the Cardboard Challenge.

Click on gallery to view full images

The students also embraced Harmony Week with enthusiasm, learning about diversity, respect and inclusivity through play‑based experiences. They explored similarities and differences, shared what they could learn from one another, and enjoyed stories, songs and videos that celebrated belonging. Wearing orange ribbons and decorating hands with vibrant orange designs was a highlight, with their artwork proudly displayed in the Pre‑Kindergarten studio.

The term ended on a magical note with a Pre‑Kindergarten Easter Egg Hunt. Convinced the Easter Bunny had quietly visited while no one was looking, the children delighted in searching the playground for colourful hidden eggs. The joy, laughter and sense of wonder captured the spirit of Easter and created a memorable shared experience for all.

What a special start to the year it has been. We look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery and joyful learning.

– Pre‑Kindergarten Team

Another First for MLC School

For 140 years, MLC School has been known for looking ahead, embracing new ideas and new technologies early, not for novelty, but because the right tools help our staff teach, support and care for students even better. From the earliest classroom innovations to today’s digital learning environments, we have consistently asked the same question: ‘what will best equip our girls to thrive in a changing world?’ That future-focused mindset, grounded in our enduring Values, continues to shape how we learn, lead and serve our community.

Most recently, this commitment has been recognised through our continued partnership with Microsoft and our willingness to adopt emerging technology to strengthen how we operate behind the scenes. Our approach includes exploring new, AI-enabled tools that help our teams work more efficiently and enhance our cyber security posture, an essential part of keeping student and staff information safe in today’s environment. It’s another example of MLC School leading with confidence: honouring our 140 Year history as a ‘first’ mover, while investing thoughtfully in the systems and capabilities that will support our community for decades to come.

Click here to read the full story.

Carmina Lucem

Thanks to the generosity of the Old Girls Union Funding Initiative, I am very proud to say that the inaugural edition of Carmina Lucem is now in the hands of our girls, teachers and librarians, doing the good work of spreading the message about the ingenuity and creativity of our students. It is 62 pages long and bound in woven hardback with a beautiful silver foiled dust jacket, designed by Old Girl Eve Banyer (2025 Visual Arts Captain) and Old Girl Cassia Davies (2025 Design Captain). In addition to a beautiful foreword from Old Girl Sophia Bucci (2025 Literary Captain), the edition contains 15 student works from students from Year 6 to Year 12, covering such forms and genres as short contemporary fiction, poetry, dramatic monologue and science fiction. The works encompass widely diverse voices and interests.

I encourage you to indulge in reading some of the beautiful writing that our students put together this year. You can access the digital version here.

I look forward to reading another year of all the imaginative, fantastical worlds our students have to offer. Happy writing.

– Joseph Pfeffer
English Teacher

MLC School Girls Achieve

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 for all of their outstanding achievements. Below is a summary of the academic results and pathways that reflect their dedication, growth and success:

3 IB Scores 45 out of 45

Congratulations to the 3 students who achieved the highest possible IB score of 45! Their outstanding result showcases the effort and passion they invested in their learning journey.

Sophia Shaikh – Read Sophia’s story as Prescott Medal Winner 2026
Aiesha Sivaranjan
Annaliese Yan: Read about Annaliese’s acceptance into Columbia

1 First in State: Congratulations to Maya Al-Soufi for placing first in state for German Beginners! MLC School is grateful to the NSW School of Languages for their support of our students.

5 IB Scores of 44

Congratulations to the 5 students who achieved an exceptional IB score of 44 out of 45. It’s an extraordinary accomplishment that reflects their dedication, resilience, and passion for learning.

Natalie Andrianakos
Nadia Chan
Christine Jin
Amaya Karunakaran
Lefki Papadopoulos

6 HSC All-round Achievers

Congratulations to the 6 MLC School students who were recognised as HSC All-round Achievers, achieving a result in the highest band in at least 10 course units.

Eve Banyer
Sophia Bucci
Uma Singleton
Olivia Walker
Eloise Ward
Olivia Zein

HSC Works Selected and Nominated for Showcase

A number of performances and major works from MLC School girls were nominated for recognition as part of the HSC showcase events. To be nominated for any of these showcases is a significant achievement as it acknowledges these projects as best in the State. To be selected into a Showcase event is an outstanding recognition.

Click here to read about all of MLC School’s selections and nominations.

Congratulations to everyone! Click on the button below to read the full achievements of the Class of 2025.

Class of 2025 Highlights

You can also read an overview on the 2025 results on our website.

Civic and Australia Day Awards Recognition for Isla and Téa

MLC School is delighted to share some recent community recognition involving Old Girl Isla Costin, graduating class of 2025, and Téa, Year 9.

Isla was named 2026 Young Citizen of the Year for Burwood, and both Isla and Téa were also named joint winners of the 2026 Young Citizen of the Year for Canada Bay. These awards were presented at separate Australia Day ceremonies held last week. This recognition follows Téa being named 2025 Young Volunteer of the Year for Burwood (Isla received same award in 2024), as well as Isla and Téa jointly receiving the 2025 Group Volunteer of the Year for Ryde.

The awards were presented by the respective Mayors, John Faker for Burwood and Michael Megan for Canada Bay. During the presentations, both mayors spoke warmly about MLC School and the role it plays in supporting the girls who are actively engaged in their communities.

These awards recognise Isla and Téa’s ongoing community service and youth leadership across several local government areas.

Congratulations to Isla and Téa.

Click on image gallery for full size images

Tildesley Tennis – Championship Highlights

This term has been a wonderful reminder of the school spirit and tradition that have long defined MLC School. In our 140th year of excellence in girls’ education, it was a privilege to watch a new generation of MLC School students step onto the courts at Pennant Hills Park for the historic Tildesley Tennis Tournament, a competition that has been running since 1918 and is deeply woven into the School’s sporting legacy.

MLC School holds a remarkable place in Tildesley history. Since the tournament began, MLC School has claimed the Singles title more than any other school, with an extraordinary 19 victories, including eight all‑MLC Singles finals. One particularly memorable moment came in 1977, when sisters Anne Lewis (1977) and Megan Lewis (1980) competed against each other in the final — the first time two sisters had contested the Singles Cup. For many Old Girls, these moments are powerful reminders of the tradition, pride and excellence that continue to inspire students today.

This year’s team built proudly on that legacy, delivering an outstanding performance across both singles and doubles competitions. All five doubles pairings progressed beyond the first round, while seven of the nine singles players advanced past Round 1 — a clear demonstration of both depth and determination. Notably, the young doubles pairing of Rayna (Year 7) and Katie (Year 8) progressed to the third round, signalling an exciting future for Tildesley Tennis at MLC School.

Equally impressive was the atmosphere surrounding the competition. Students from across year groups supported one another wholeheartedly, with cheers, face paint and Millicent the MLC School mascot proudly in attendance. Tennis Captain Serena (Year 12) led the charge, ensuring that every player had a support crew on the sidelines, a vivid example of the teamwork, leadership and generosity of spirit that MLC School has always fostered.

Special recognition also goes to Pauline (Year 7), whose enthusiasm and willingness to support her teammates stood out, and Olivia (Year 7) for her commitment and involvement throughout the tournament. The way the students rallied together reflected not only strong results on the court, but a culture grounded in support, resilience and shared pride.

As we celebrate 140 years of MLC School, events like Tildesley Tennis beautifully illustrate the continuity between past and present. Inspired by the achievements of Old Girls before them, today’s students are writing their own chapter in the School’s story — one defined by excellence, connection and enduring school spirit.

Congratulations to the entire team on a wonderful tournament and on progressing through to Round 4.

Click on image gallery for full size images.