From the Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

I wish to extend a warm welcome back to all of our MLC School community as we commence Term 3. I hope that you and your family enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break and are excited for the learning opportunities and experiences ahead.

As we move into the second half of the year, we will be presented with opportunities for recognising and celebrating many of  our students’ accomplishments and achievements. Celebrating with friends is vital during adolescence, an adolescent brain is wired to seek independence and peer acceptance. Celebrating together is a great way to achieve this, create amazing memories and strengthen relationships. Having a good time does not have to come at the expense of our students’ health or safety. 

Risks and risk taking are a part of life. We can’t avoid risks but we can manage them and we can make positive choices to increase our safety. Risk taking is highest during adolescence and young people are reported as increasingly participating in risk-taking behaviours (DARTA, 2021). A safe socialising environment ensures everyone can make positive choices, have fun and avoid potential harm. With this in mind,  in Week 1 we welcomed Paul Dillon to present to Year 10 to Year 12.

Paul is a leading drug and alcohol presenter and the founder of DARTA. Paul’s presentations provided students with evidence based, relevant and accurate drug and alcohol education and information, equipping students with tools and strategies to make informed decisions. Students also devised strategies to help keep themselves and their peers safe when celebrating.

As always, please ensure you and your daughter are familiar with the Parent Information and Diary as these documents contain pertinent information regarding MLC School policies, expectations and processes. We value our partnership with families in order to support your daughters in achieving their personal best.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support to ensure your daughter follows the school processes in areas such as school attendance and leave, school uniform, ICT and mobile phone use.

Please keep an eye open for communication from your daughter’s Head of Year regarding our pastoral care and student wellbeing supports for this term.

Wishing you all a happy and productive Term 3.

– Andrew Taylor
Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral