From the Head of Senior School

As we move into the final Week of term, we reflect on a very positive week.

Our students involved in the Strathfield Youth Advisory Board continued to show thoughtful engagement and student voice, contributing ideas with maturity and confidence. Their excursion to NSW Parliament House provided a valuable opportunity to deepen their understanding of civic leadership, democratic processes and the role young people can play in shaping their communities. It was encouraging to see them working collaboratively, listening carefully to one another and representing their peers with such purpose.You can read about their experience in this article.

Illuminate provided another wonderful opportunity for students to share their work. I was so inspired to see the Art, Textiles, Design and STEM exhibitions and the dancers display. Their work was wonderful! We were all especially moved to look through the House Illuminate competition entries, which were time capsules celebrating the rich history of each house. Finally, the Visual Arts and TAS departments collaborated to present a gift to the School for the 140^th year which will be displayed in the Senior Centre. I encourage you all to have a look when you can; it is just magnificent. Congratulations to Sally Marks, Head of Visual Arts and Renee Willemsen, Head of TAS.

As I write, we are about to celebrate our Year 12 Cadets at the Passing Out Parade, a very significant moment in our history, as the first time we have held the event here at MLC School.

A reminder this week about Accountability Points. These points are designed to help students stay aligned with our school values and expectations. They are not intended as a punishment, but rather as a reminder to pause, reflect, correct habits and be accountable. Where points accumulate, students will take part in a reflection with their Head of Year and/or Head of Students, with a focus on encouraging positive choices and constructive changes moving forward. We ask families to support us in reinforcing this message at home.

In contrast, we are also looking forward to presenting Heart Points certificates in the first week of Term 3. These certificates will recognise the very positive behaviours displayed by students throughout Terms 1 and 2, and we are delighted to celebrate the kindness, effort, responsibility and school spirit that so many students continue to show each day.

Staff news

Finally, we thank Lucy Pero, Visual Arts teacher, for her time at MLC School and acknowledge the contribution she has made to our community. Lucy has resigned during her period of leave as she relocates interstate with her family, and we wish her all the very best for this next chapter.

We also share the lovely news that Rochelle Dagher, Executive Assistant to Head of Senior School, has welcomed a healthy baby girl. We congratulate Rochelle and her family on this special arrival and wish them every happiness as they enjoy this precious time together. During this period, any enquiries for me should please come via Yashna Singh.

Study Hub Next Week (Senior Centre, 3.30pm – 6pm)

Study Hub Next Week (Kent House, 3.30pm – 4.30pm)

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School