Year 11

Year 11

Luminary
This week’s Luminary session explored the importance of open communication and supporting peers, especially as students face the unique challenges of both the HSC and IB pathways. We encouraged students to share their experiences and listen with empathy, helping to build a culture where everyone feels understood and valued. These skills are particularly important as our Year 11 students transition into Year 12, a time that can bring both excitement and pressure. We invite you to discuss these themes at home, reinforcing the value of supporting one another through both challenges and achievements.

Our new Luminary Representatives to lead their Luminary groups for Term 4 are, Erin Barrett, Inez Murray, Phoebe Chee, Tanishi Agrawal, Ava Roins, Krystal Karahonzitis, Mia Tsakos, Kiara Elghitany, Jaslina Duong, Emily Demetrios, Tiffany Lai, Emily Leung, Hailey Leung, Kimberly Chou, Sanjana Iyengar, Katie See, Amelia Tchan and Milla Zhang.

The second Luminary session was dedicated to our Big Sister Little Sister program, which continues to be a highlight for both Year 12 and Year 7 students. Reports from Claire White, Head of Year 7, indicate that the younger students absolutely cherish these moments, with many expressing a wish to see their Big Sisters even more frequently. Our Year 12 2026 cohort are doing an outstanding job of nurturing these relationships, helping Year 7 students feel a strong sense of belonging and connection within our school community. We are grateful for the leadership and kindness shown by our senior students.

Change of Subject
This week, Danielle Rodrigues, Acting Deputy Head of School – Academic (Year 10 to Year 12), presented at our Year meeting to clarify the process for making changes to Year 12 subjects. Many families may have noticed Green (for HSC) or Pink forms (for IB) coming home as students consider their options. Please note that it is not MLC School policy for HSC students to reduce their study load to 10 units so early in the Year 12 academic year. Any subject changes are carefully considered to ensure students remain on track for their chosen pathway, and we appreciate your support in following the correct procedures.

Unexplained Absences
Unexplained absences present significant challenges for the School, particularly regarding our duty of care and students’ academic progress. It is essential that all absences are reported through Omnia, so we can account for every student’s wellbeing. Missing valuable class time can have a direct impact on Year 12 students’ academic progress and results. Students will receive an accountability point for any unexplained absences in the first instance and an afternoon detention if the absence remains unexplained. We appreciate your support in reinforcing the importance of attendance at home and encourage open conversations with your child about their daily engagement and commitment to learning.

Driving and Riding to School
We celebrate any students who obtained their driver’s licence in the holidays. Please complete a Driving to School form from Omnia. Students can also collect one from me. It is important that the students are aware of the conditions in driving to school. Students must not move cars in the middle of the day, and suitable parking spaces is the responsibly of the student. Students off site during the school day is in opposition to the Senior Pass. We frequently remind our senior students that this is the beginning of adult responsibilities, and they need to be finding their own solutions for the privilege of driving to school. It is equally important that parents and the School are aware of students providing lifts to peers and often younger students.

Prefect Announcement
Prefect interviews came to a close this week with the final announcement at the Senior School Assembly today. This has been a good experience for this round of leaders to interview and reflect on leadership and their influence on those around them. We rely on them to be the culture keepers and embellish the MLC School Values of Respect, Growth, Courage and Compassion, and good old MLC School Joy.

Leadership Induction Year 12 2026
An exciting time in the Term 4 calendar is the leadership induction of our entire Year 12 cohort. This occurs in a week’s time on Friday 7 November 2025. I am looking forward to celebrating this significant milestone with as many of you as possible. I am extremely proud of this year group, they are an absolutely joy to work with and they really are the gift that keeps on giving. Please join us in celebrating their theme of “Spirit Strong 26 On” which really describes the essence of the cohort.

From the Learning Enhancement Department: Term 4 Consultation and Collaboration Meetings 
The Learning Enhancement Department is pleased to announce the availability of optional Term 4 Consultation and Collaboration meetings. These sessions are designed to support the planning process for your daughter’s transition to her new grade in 2026 and will be conducted online via Teams. This is an opportunity to discuss learning goals and review reasonable adjustments to support students.  

For some students, adjustments may include Disability Provisions, (upon application). Please be aware that any 2025 Year 11 student planning to apply for Disability Provisions in Year 12 is highly encouraged to have a parent or carer attend these collaborative planning meetings.  

If you did not receive an invitation to discuss your daughter’s engagement with the Learning Enhancement Department for 2026 but wish to have a conversation, please email led@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au 

Save the Date – Student Progress Conversations

  • Tuesday 25 November 2025
  • Wednesday 26 November 2025

The communication will be sent to Year 11 families soon.

Dates coming Up:

  • Friday 7 November – Year 12 2026 Leadership Induction
  • Thursday 4 December – Speech Night and the last day of term.

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 11, Adventure & Immersions Coordinator