From the Head of Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

Congratulations to Year 9 and Cadets

Year 9 students and Cadets have returned from their eagerly awaited camps, and the feedback has been very positive. The Year 9 cohort was divided between the Urban Challenge and Cadets programs, each offering unique experiences.

Those who participated in the Urban Challenge enjoyed a clue-based adventure, complete with creative team themes and a Duke of Edinburgh trek along Sydney’s coastline. The activity fostered teamwork, problem-solving and a sense of achievement among the students.

Meanwhile, Cadets embraced a full schedule of activities, including hiking, kayaking, and high ropes courses. Students spent nights in hoochies, and throughout the week they developed resilience, teamwork and leadership skills in a supportive environment.

We extend our sincere gratitude to all staff members involved for their planning and dedication. The camps proved to be challenging, memorable and highly rewarding for our Year 9 cohort and our Cadets.

Heart Points:
Congratulations to those Year 7 students who received Bronze awards at assembly last week. Heart Points are used to recognise and record student behaviours that demonstrate the school values of Courage, Compassion, Respect, and Growth, supported by concrete examples of positive actions.

  • Jesselle Jiao, Abbeythorpe, Year 7
  • Grace Ingram, Booralee, Year 7
  • Arielle McBrien, Leawarra, Year 7
  • Louise Morgant, Leawarra, Year 7
  • Kathy Zhang, Prescott, Year 7
  • Emily Moore, Sutton, Year 7
  • Amy Hunter, Wade, Year 7
  • Tori McNamara, Wade, Year 7
  • Chelsea Shrestha, Whitley, Year 7

The following students were awarded Silver Awards, recognising that they have received three Bronze awards:

  • Isabella Horvath, Leawarra, Year 9
  • Leona Nadarajah, Mooramoora, Year 8
  • Marni Heavener, Wade, Year 10 

Duke of Edinburgh awards

Congratulations to the following award recipients:

Year 11

  • Silver Award – Hannah Olsson
  • Silver Award – Angelina Xu

Staffing news

Following my article about the MLC School Baby Boom and some exciting internal promotions, I have some news for this term:

In Term 2 we will welcome Lara Keeton, Head of HSIE, who is joining us from Oakhill College where she serves as Academic Head – HSIE: Business Studies, Economics and Commerce. Her tenure there has seen strong academic growth amongst her students as she has driven innovative and data informed practices to seek excellence in the classroom. Following my announcement of Andrew Taylor’s new role at St Augustine’s, Amanda Gruchot, who is well known to the students, has accepted a more substantial role and will join the PDHPE team. Lucy Pero, Visual Arts teacher and Jo Cilia, Head of Futures and Pathways, will also be on Long Service Leave next term.

Happy Easter to all

We wish you all a very happy and safe holiday break and hope you manage to rest, enjoying some family time!

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School