From the Acting Head of Senior School

It’s felt very much like business as usual this week in the Senior School. Students across Year  7–Year 12 have enjoyed a variety of exciting opportunities, from representing MLC School at the VEX Robotics competition to participating in Australian Music Day and the Write a Book in a Day challenge, to Year 10 and Year 11 students attending engaging presentations with Paul Dillon from DARTA. And of course, Year 12 have been keenly focused on their final lessons before their Trials begin next week. We wish them all the very best.

On Wednesday evening, the Music Department held their annual Groove concert at Club Burwood RSL; there is something really moving about watching slightly nervous students overcome their fears and perform with aplomb on the stage. It was also special to see our older, more experienced performers sit beside younger students to support and coach them through the evening. All performers should be so proud of their achievements.

These experiences have provided opportunities for creativity, learning, leadership and connection beyond the classroom. It has been wonderful to see so many students embracing new challenges and making the most of the rich opportunities available to them.

Device use and online safety

We are lucky at MLC School to have an excellent digital learning program, led by our Director of eLearning Marianna Carlino, which is designed to support students to use their technology responsibly. Year groups have regular sessions led by Marianna, which are informed by the latest research and the work of the eSafety Commissioner.

Devices are an important tool for learning, and students are expected to use them appropriately at all times. Gaming during lessons, messaging, or using devices for activities unrelated to learning is not acceptable. Students must follow teacher instructions about device use and ensure their technology supports, rather than distracts from, their learning. Where students choose to use their devices inappropriately, this will be followed up by staff. The school has recently updated its firewall, our email and app monitoring system so that we can monitor our students carefully to ensure they are safe online. With the move to Saasyan we are able to screen communications from students more carefully to identify if a student is at risk or using technology inappropriately. So far it has proven to be a powerful tool.

Staffing News

In bittersweet news, Andrew Simos, Heads of House Coordinator, Learning and Teaching, will be leaving MLC School at the end of Term 3 to take up a promotional (and newly created) role of Director of Sport & PDHPE (K–12) at St Andrew’s Cathedral School.

While we are excited for Andrew and this wonderful opportunity, he will be greatly missed. Throughout his time at MLC School, Andrew has made a significant contribution through his work in PDHPE and his leadership in a range of roles, including IB SEHS consultant, Acting Head of IB and Heads of House Coordinator. Through his commitment and genuine enthusiasm for building community and School spirit (we love his G.A Davey Cup updates), he has made a lasting impact on students, staff and the wider school community. Andrew himself has said that it would have had to be the ‘job that ends all jobs’ for him to even consider leaving MLC School, he loves it so much here. We’re very excited for him that he has this opportunity and know he will always be a special part of our community. 

Study Hub Next Week

– Fiona Pow
Acting Head of Senior School