Year 9

During Luminary time this week, Year 9 have continued activities centred around Peer Support and leadership. These activities have provided a timely opportunity for students to reflect on how they can contribute to the school community. Nominations for Peer Support leaders opened on Wednesday and will close on Wednesday 4 November 2026.

As Year 9 near the end of their busy formal assessment period, the coming weeks remain a valuable time for meaningful learning. Year 9 is the first year of Stage 5, so the skills and knowledge developed this term can still be assessed, directly and indirectly, in Year 10. Students can use the remainder of the term to consolidate their understanding and strengthen the learning habits they will take into next year. Please encourage your daughters to remain focused and engaged in class, to ask questions and to make the most of feedback so they can finish the year with a strong foundation for Year 10.

The theme of contributing to our community was also reflected in Chapel this week, when students heard from Reverend Tim Robinson, a minister at St Stephen’s Uniting Church in the city. Tim explored kindness and showing mercy to others through the story of Kath Koschel, founder of the Kindness Factory and the 2025 NSW Australian of the Year. He reminded students that kindness can take the form of both big gestures and small, everyday actions. Helping another student who has fallen over, for example, can make a meaningful difference to that person in that moment. It was a wonderful reflection. I would like Year 9 to carry this message into their daily interactions by looking for opportunities to show kindness, considering the impact of their words and actions, and recognising if they have been unkind.

I hope Week 4 brings everyone joy.

Elephant Ed Workshop | Thursday 5 November 2026

Next Thursday, Year 9 students will take part in an interactive Elephant Ed workshop that builds on their understanding of consent, respectful relationships and communication at an age-appropriate level. Students will explore the nuances of consent and personal boundaries, peer pressure, communication within relationships, and the influence that media and societal expectations can have on understandings of healthy relationships. The evidence-based session will encourage open discussion and equip students with practical strategies to navigate increasingly complex social situations safely and respectfully. We recognise that some of these topics may prompt questions or reflections for students, and MLC School staff will be available during and after the workshop should any student wish to talk further or seek support.

Please contact Angela Renwick, Head of Students – Year 7 to Year 9 if you have any questions.

– Kate Schurch 
Head of Year 9