From the Head of Junior School
It has been a delight to welcome all our new and returning families to the 2025 academic year at MLC Junior School. The girls have had a very smooth first week at School, getting to know their teachers, settling into routines, and making new friends. At our Kindergarten to Year 5 assembly, we introduced our School value ‘Courage’. It is fitting has many girls are stepping up to demonstrate courage, perhaps making new friends and for some girls in all grades, starting at a new school. Our Year 6 students have had a very smooth start in the Year 6 Centre. So too have our youngest learners, Pre-Kindergarten, have a wonderful start to ‘big school’ (there were tears, not from the girls but their parents!).
At MLC Junior School you will hear the phrase ‘you are only new for a day’. To our new families, a special welcome to our MLC School community. I know our continuing families and staff will reach out to you and make you feel very welcomed.
I look forward to meeting you at our upcoming Parent Information Evening next Monday 3 February commencing at 5.30pm where you have an opportunity to meet the specialist teachers in The Daphne Line Hall (top floor Junior School Building). This is followed by Parent Information Evening where you can meet grade teachers at 6pm. Details are found in up the Upcoming Events email sent each Tuesday.
Helping your daughter settling into the new School year
As the girls setting into the new school year, I would encourage you to read our Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing, Joanne Sharpe’s article in this week’s newsletter. It has many helpful suggestions.
Absences
If your daughter is absent, please submit details via Omnia or the MLC School app.
If arriving late or leaving early, please email Junior School Reception (jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au) to advise details. It is also advisable to copy in the class teacher.
Lunch Orders
If you wish for your daughter to have lunch supplied, please order via Flexischools, particularly for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5. Whilst students can purchase items over the counter, lunches need to be ordered in advance. You may also order other items, including morning tea online.
Birthday Celebrations
Birthdays are an exciting time and one which we often enjoy sharing with others. Many parents and carers like to send in a treat to share with their daughter’s class. Please be mindful of allergies, particularly nuts. These treats need to be individual items that the teacher can distribute easily as outline in our Parent Handbook. We kindly ask that birthday (or other) gifts are NOT distributed via the School.
Car Park
Thank you for your patience this week as parents, students and staff became familiar with our drop off and pick up procedures. Due to the commencement of all after school co-curricular actives next week, there will be less traffic during our afternoon pick up.
Drop Off
Kindergarten to Year 5: 8am to 8.25pm (Classes start at 8.30am)
Pre-K: from 8.30am (Please park and walk)
Year 6 may be dropped off with younger siblings or on Rowley Street. (Classes start at 8.15am)
Before school starts at 7am (Press buzzer on at the Red Carpet doors for entry)
No students to be dropped off on Park Road.
Pick Up
Recommended car pick up times:
- Pre-K: 2.40pm (Please park and walk)
- Kindergarten to Year 2 only: 3.10pm
- Year 3 to Year 5 only: 3.30pm
- Kindergarten to Year 5 siblings: 3.30pm
- Year 6 are dismissed at 3.15pm
Pick up concludes at 3.40pm for all students. No student is to be collected from Park Road.
You may collect your child on foot, however, you may find it easier to use the car pick up service.
After School Care concludes at 6pm.
Baby Aghion
Junior School teacher Kate Aghion and her husband are proud to announce the arrival of their first child. Ava Kimberley was born on Tuesday 28 January 2025. Mum and baby girls are doing well.
Staff Spotlight
Sonia Weston: Deputy Head of Junior School: Curriculum
Sonia Weston is an experienced and committed educator with over 20 years of leadership in curriculum and teaching. She has held key positions in some of Sydney’s leading independent schools and brings a wealth of expertise in evidence-based teaching, professional learning, and instructional design.
With recent qualifications including a Master of Education and a Certificate of Gifted Education, Sonia brings current understanding of best practice to leadership in curriculum. Her professional achievements include leading innovative curriculum initiatives, mentoring educational leaders across Australia and creating school-wide programs that foster a love of learning in all students.
Committed to student success and teacher empowerment, Sonia is dedicated to building a collaborative and inclusive environment at MLC School. Outside work, she enjoys travel, walking and spending time with her family.
Once again, welcome to the 2025 school year. I look forward to supporting your daughter to achieve her very best this year and meeting many of you at our upcoming welcome drinks.
– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School