From the Principal

This week’s announcement of my intention to retire at the end of next year has prompted me to reflect on the changes I have seen during my career in education and school leadership. While much remains the same and I continue to value the opportunity to work each day with remarkable young people and committed teachers, one of the most significant changes, and challenges, for schools and families has been the growing number of children and adolescents experiencing mental ill-health. In particular, I have observed a rise in anxiety and the impact it can have on student agency and wellbeing.

Earlier this week, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)* highlighted this issue. They also reported that there is emerging evidence that the approaches traditionally recommended to assist anxious students may be contributing to the issue. It is tempting to simply let a child ‘sit it out’ and not attend camp or take to the stage with her peers, but by excusing her involvement we make it even harder next time a challenge arises.

While the SMH report draws from research undertaken by the Australian Primary Principals Association, in recent years, similar findings have been reported by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Burnet Institute.

So, if withdrawing children from anxiety producing situations is not the answer, how do we help them?

‘We’ve got to expose [children] to an acceptable level of risk,’ said leading psychiatrist and former Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry. ‘That will strengthen them.’

MLC School has long championed the importance of ‘Daring to Be More,’ and it is no coincidence that ‘growth’ is one of our Core Values. From our earliest days, the School’s leaders have encouraged girls to step beyond their comfort zones across a wide range of pursuits. While the research evidence may not have been as well established in earlier years, it is clear that our leaders have consistently viewed thoughtful risk-taking as an essential part of education.

One of the best practical examples of our approach is seen every year at Year 7 camp where abseiling is on offer. Understandably, each girl has a different level of exposure and confidence in her ability to descend the rock face. There are those who jump into the harness without a second thought while for others, their achievement is to simply put on the harness and wear it for a short time. Next time they might put on the harness and look over the ledge and stop there. Although taking small steps each time, successfully overcoming each challenge builds confidence when the next challenge arises.

As we prepare for upcoming camps and a range of opportunities for students to embrace challenge, you will hear staff talking about the importance of supporting our students to embrace these new experiences. Please know that our approach is considered and informed. With your support we can assist your daughter to build her confidence and reduce the long-term impact of any anxiety that she might be experiencing.

Burwood ANZAC March and Day Dawn service.

All the very best to our Cadets and Musicians who will be taking a lead role at tomorrow’s Burwood ANZAC Day March and Dawn Service.

We are very proud that our Cadets will not only take their place in the community parade but also form the Catafalque Party while our Musicians will lead the National Anthem and Hymns.

Thank you to Captain Xavier Maling, Officer Commanding MLCSACU, Trevor Mee, Director of Music, and all Cadet and Music staff for their involvement in providing this opportunity for our students and enabling our School’s contribution to this important local community event.

All parents and community members are invited to attend the service to be held in Burwood Park starting at 6am.

I look forward to seeing all our community at next Friday’s birthday celebration.

Back to College Day – 140th Birthday Celebrations
Friday 1 May 2026
10am–2pm

It’s MLC School’s 140th Birthday! Join us for a day filled with celebration, reflection, and shared memories. All parents, former parents, former staff, Boarders and Old Girls are welcome.  

10am–11am 
140 Years Chapel Service and Morning Tea 

11am–12pm
140 Years Assembly including: Cadets Parade, Former Uniforms Fashion Parade; Cake Cutting; Musical Performance 

12pm–1.45pm 
Celebrating 140 Years Picnic Lunch for the Junior School students and families. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket to share

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

*Source: smh.com.au/politics/nsw/skipping-camp-public-speaking-how-schools-have-it-wrong-on-kids-anxiety