From The Principal

Farewell to departing staff

The end of the school year brings the need to farewell those staff who are finishing their time at MLC School. Amongst them are three very long serving staff who are to enjoy retirement after exceptional careers in education.

Loretta Toole. Starting at MLC School in 1998, Loretta has been committed to ensuring that every MLC School student has had access to the information and support needed to pursue their career of choice. Loretta is in touch with many of our Old Girls and has worked with them to facilitate events such as industry themed breakfasts, overseas nights, and web-based information sessions, so that our current students can hear from past students working in a range of careers. Loretta has led the department through an enormous number of changes and introduced a range of technologies to assist students and support parents as they work through the complexities of applications for university entrance, scholarships, apprenticeships and the like. Thank you, Loretta!

Robyn Mackertich commenced at MLC School in 1999 as a Middle School Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) teacher. This is a field that has changed dramatically over the years and Robyn has specialised in designing and teaching a range of these new technologies including digital technologies, coding, food technology, digital printing for textiles, timber and technologies, and the use of a range of software for laser cutting and digital design. Robyn has committed herself to providing high level programs for students in Years 7 and 8 and it is then no wonder our graduates remember her as a teacher who cares and knows her subject.

Peter Klamka was farewelled in an earlier newsletter but again we thank him for his 22 years of outstanding service to MLC School

Our best wishes also to Shane Beal (IT Operations Manager), Tracy Getts (Science), Michelle Olah (Library), Sandy Huang (Languages), Jason Truong (Maths), Kerrie Backhouse (Library), John Abi-Elias (Maths), and Sandra Mann (Learning Enrichment) who are moving to follow family members or to take up new professional opportunities.

Mike Lewis (who was on leave this year) has indicated that he will not return to his full-time position in the Junior School but will continue to cover short-term vacancies for us.

We have been very fortunate to have a number of very capable and hard-working staff on temporary contracts that conclude at the end of this year. Thanks and farewell to: Al Roland (Head of Students – SS), Benjamin Wheen (PDHPE), Nicholas Greenfield (English), Jesse Hogan (DART), Laura McDonald (Music) and from the Junior School Connie Tsokas, Kate Beange and Penny Fahey. Happily, many of these staff will be back at MLC School next year to cover casual vacancies.

Thank you for your support again this year. I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Junior School Speech Day and Senior School Speech Night on Thursday 8 December. A reminder that this is a compulsory event for all students and that they are required to wear full formal uniform to the event.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal