From The Acting Principal

A warm welcome back to Term 4. Our Principal Lisa Moloney sends us her greetings from Kenya this week where she is attending the Global Competence Round Square conference as Deputy Chair of Round Square. Along with staff and students from the School, they are there to develop in students the necessary skills and understanding to effect positive change and tackle some of the global challenges that lie ahead.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the annual Sapphires Chapel Service and Lunch on Tuesday. All MLC School students qualify to become Sapphires in their 51^st year post graduation. Attendees included students who began at the school from the 1940s, 1950s, 1960s through to the 1970s with our most senior attendee due to celebrate her 93^rd birthday in the coming weeks.

Throughout these decades, MLC School maintained its commitment to providing a high standard of education while adapting to societal, cultural, and educational changes. The rich history of MLC School was on display during the luncheon with many stories shared and reminiscing. Collectively, the women in the room had seen the Sydney Opera House built, cheered as Melbourne and Sydney hosted Olympic Games, witnessed the change to decimal currency, experienced war and protests, saw the emergence of environmental protection, had five different Principals, two Headmistresses (Drs Wade and Whitley) and watched 17 Prime Ministers of Australia come and go. Most excitingly, in 1966 some of them witnessed Burwood Westfield opened as the first Westfield shopping centre in Sydney (and there were many fond memories shared of that significant occasion!).

MLC School has a rich history that has evolved over the years. The January 1886 Sydney Morning Herald announcement of the impending opening of the Wesleyan Ladies College, Burwood reported that the school would ‘make provision for those who wish to prepare for University honours’. This was only two years after the legal rights of women at the University of Sydney had been secured. MLC School began with a radical recognition that much more could be expected of girls’ skills and talents during their school education. Almost immediately these girls from Burwood distinguished themselves as university entrants and graduates, commencing MLC School’s enviable tradition of academic excellence.

Over time we’ve seen increased emphasis on empowering young women, fostering leadership skills, and preparing students for a rapidly evolving world. The evolution of MLC School during this time laid the foundation for the progressive and reputable institution it is today, providing quality education to young women in Sydney. How special that our girls are a part of a never-ending chain of students past, present and future. I have been deeply impressed by the amazing contribution that MLC School Old Girls have made and continue to make in the community on every scale.

We sincerely thank the ‘Old Girls’ for their attendance at the function, it was a truly special event. The Facebook album can be viewed by clicking here.

The HSC commenced on Wednesday with the IB final exams starting next Friday. I ams certain that our entire community wishes our Year 12 students all the very best. We know they are well prepared and ready to take on a whole new journey outside of the School.

– Melissa Boyd
Acting Principal