Year 7

This week in our Year Meeting, I reminded Year 7 of what they were doing one year ago. And that was, attending their MLC School Orientation Day! 12 months ago, they wrote postcards to their future selves, with names of the people they met and what they were looking forward to. This week, I gave those little postcards back to Year 7. Their reactions were priceless. Shock, laughter and squeals filled the room as they realised how much they have changed in one year. Year 7 then reflected on that growth and wrote about it for me which was wonderful to read.

• Nearly all students highlighted significant personal growth during Year 7, especially in terms of increased confidence, independence, and maturity.
• Making new friends and building social connections was a central theme, with many students expressing pride in expanding their social circles and overcoming initial fears or shyness.
• Many students described overcoming challenges such as adapting to a new school environment, managing academic workload, and trying new activities or sports, which led to a strong sense of achievement and pride in their progress.

I’d love to share some of the Year 7 reflections below:

“Throughout Year 7, I have grown both personally and academically by stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new things. One of my biggest achievements this year was making new friendships, especially with students who were new to the school. I learned how to be more open, welcoming, and confident when meeting new people. Another milestone for me was getting my own laptop, which helped me become more organised and independent with my schoolwork. Overall, Year 7 has been a year of building confidence, connecting with others, and taking on new responsibilities.” – Jing Qui

“When I started at MLC School, I didn’t know anyone or any teachers, now I know majority of the grade and I love all of my teachers. This year in Year 7, I have grown in many ways both in my learning and personally. I have challenged myself to try my best in all subjects, especially in areas that were new or difficult at first. I have improved my confidence in class discussions, learned to manage my time better, and developed stronger study habits. I have also achieved great progress in subjects like English, Maths, and Science by staying focused and asking for help when needed. Beyond the classroom, I have made new friends and built strong connections with people who have supported and encouraged me throughout the year. Overall, Year 7 has helped me become more confident, independent, and ready to take on new challenges.” – Georgia Chiang

“During Orientation Day last year, we wrote postcards to ourselves, somewhat describing our experience that day. So much has happened since then, all of us growing in different ways. I have changed a lot since my first day at school, where I was a bit clueless to where things were. I was new here and the only one from my school, resulting in not knowing many people outside of my core classes. Now, I can confidently make my way through MLC School and Kent House, not getting lost that much. Now, I have a good group of friends who are very nice. This is proof that in some cases, even though you are lost and alone, there will always be someone ready to help you. Term 2 was the hardest for me, as I got diagnosed with Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML). I had to miss a bit more than three quarters of the term, but with the help of my amazing teachers, I was able to catch up with everything. My friends were very supportive of me, and we became closer than before. Since then, I have adapted, my diagnosis a learning curve in life. For me, Year 7 has been great, and I hope that Year 8 will present new opportunities for our futures.” – Maeve Suwanto

“This year in Year 7, I have grown in confidence, independence, and resilience as I’ve adjusted to the challenges of high school. I’ve learned to manage my time better, stay organised with my studies, and step outside my comfort zone by trying new subjects and activities. I’ve also built new friendships and learned the importance of teamwork and respect. Whether it was presenting in front of the class, completing challenging assignments, or participating in school events, I’ve pushed myself to do my best and stay positive. Overall, I’m proud of the achievements I’ve made and the personal growth I have experienced throughout the year.” – Felicity McCormick

“One year later I have made friends and connections that I never would of guessed I would make a year ago. I’ve had experiences that I would have never been confident enough to do before. I did Theatre sports competitions and performed in choir and I tried a new sport for a term. If you told me a year ago where I would be now I would never have believed you. This has been an inspiring and great year!” – Evie Briers

“Throughout Year 7, so much has changed. I have become a tiny bit more confident, and I have made so many more friends. It was confusing at first, but then I got the hang of it when I realised I would be here for the next 5 years. I feel so much more comfortable around my class, and my teachers. It will almost be a shame when, in Year 8, I get a new class, and new teachers. I have gone outside of my comfort zone, trying new things, like sports, and making tons of new memories that will last me a lifetime. The homework is a little rough, but I have been able to tackle it all. My achievements weren’t material, but they were the moments that come from the first year of high school. Along the way, I will have fallouts and friendships, happy memories and sad ones, but I will walk as a daughter of the light and take whatever life throws at me in my stride.”– Alice Baker

“I have grown not just in height or looks, I have changed with my education, my personality, skills, friends and way more. Although I  was just a shy, quiet girl I have become loud and proud instead. I have found my way around the school and feel like it’s my second home. Love to teachers at the school who made me feel comfortable, friends who helped and supported me, and the MLC School community. Dare to be more.” – Nahla Morgan

– Claire White
Head of Year 7