From the Head of Junior School

We look forward to sharing highlights from the Year 6 excursion to Sydney Zoo this week, undertaken as part of their learning about animal adaptations in science.

New Climbing Playground

A highlight for our Year 1 to Year 5 students this week has been the opening of the new climbing playground on the lower Junior School campus yard. The new equipment is significantly larger than the previous structure, allowing many more girls to engage in active play.

All Year 1 to Year 5 students have completed ‘safety training’ on the equipment during their PE lessons, and I am confident it will provide many hours of enjoyment for years to come.

This wonderful addition would not have been possible without the hard work of our Junior School P&F, who raised significant funds to support the project. Thank you, to the P&F and the Junior School P&F!

Click on gallery to view full images

MLC School Army Cadet Unit Establishment Parade

Students in Year 3 to Year 6 have been invited to attend the MLC School Army Cadet Unit Establishment Parade on Thursday 26 February 2026. This marks a significant milestone in the history of MLC School.

Due to the schedules of senior officials attending, the ceremony will commence promptly at 8.30am.

Year 6 students commence classes at 8.15am and are expected to be in attendance.
Year 3 to Year 5 students who arrive at school by 8.15am will be able to attend the parade.
Year 3 to Year 5 students arriving after this time will remain on the Junior School campus.

Birthday Celebrations

A reminder to parents and carers about birthday procedures in the Junior School. The following information has been shared previously in the newsletter this year.

If you choose to send a birthday item to school, it is for your child’s class only (not the entire year group). The School is not a place for the distribution of birthday invitations or gifts. A designated gift‑giving time is provided for students in Year 3 to Year 6 at the end of the year. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Birthdays are an exciting occasion and one we often enjoy celebrating together. Many parents and carers choose to send a small treat to share with their daughter’s class. Please be mindful of allergies, particularly nuts. Treats should be individual items that teachers can distribute easily, as outlined in the Parent Handbook. We kindly ask that birthday (or other) gifts are not distributed via the School.

Junior School Parent and Friends (P&F)

Our Junior School P&F held their first meeting this week. The P&F provide invaluable support to our Junior School and wider School community, and I encourage you to become involved if you are able.

Junior School Parent Ambassador List is now available and can be found by clicking on this page in Omnia.

The new Junior School playground equipment has been partially funded through the generosity of our P&F. It will be a much‑loved and well‑used space for many years to come. Support of P&F events, including the upcoming Cardboard Challenge, has directly contributed to this project. The next fundraising focus is providing shade over the playground area.

Thank you to families supporting the Cardboard Challenge — and please keep collecting cardboard at home! This is a much‑loved community event, so be sure to register and add it to your calendar.

Literacy and Numeracy Learning Webinars

Kindergarten and Year 1 Parents

This week, Kindergarten and Year 1 parents were offered an online webinar focused on supporting children’s literacy and numeracy learning at home. Thank you to our Year Coordinators, Brooke Panagopoulos and Elizabeth Astle, along with our Deputy – Curriculum, Sonia Weston, for making this valuable parent learning opportunity possible.

You can view the recording here

Carnevale

Just a reminder that our biennial event Carnevale, held to celebrate MLC School’s Language Program, will take place next week on Wednesday 25 February 2026. Students in Kindergarten to Year 5 are invited to dress in costume and will participate in activities throughout the day, including receiving one scoop of sorbet either mango (pure fruit sorbet), strawberry (pure fruit sorbet) or chocolate sorbet served in a plain cone. For further dietary information please click here. All sorbet being served is free from dairy, lactose, gluten, egg and nuts and will be served in plain cones. Cups will be available for those with gluten/wheat allergies or intolerances, please email jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au to request this. If you have any dietary concerns, have not provided your daughter’s food allergy or intolerance information to MLC School, or would prefer for your daughter not to participate, please email jsreception@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations

Semester 1 Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations will soon take place, with the booking portal opening next Monday 23 February 2026. An email will be sent directly to parents on Monday with instructions on how to book an appointment.

Year 3 to Year 5 Cross Country

The Junior School Cross Country will take place in Burwood Park on Friday 6 March 2026. A permission note will be sent to parents via Omnia in the coming week.

Staff Spotlight

Lina ElKhoury

Lina ElKhoury is a passionate and highly experienced educator with over 24 years of teaching experience across independent, government and Catholic school systems, as well as in tertiary education. She has taught across Kindergarten to Year 6, specialising in literacy, inquiry‑based learning, curriculum design and differentiated instruction. Lina is deeply committed to girls’ education and empowering young women through learning.

Lina is teaching Year 3 this term while Samantha Edwards is on leave. In addition, she works in higher education, teaching and mentoring pre‑service teachers at the University of New South Wales. In this role, she supports students through professional experience placements, assessment, reflective practice and best‑practice pedagogy.

Lina holds a Master of Primary Teaching (University of Sydney), a Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Development – Adult Education) (University of South Australia), and a Certificate in Religious Education (Catholic Adult Education Sydney). With strong expertise in educational technologies and learning management systems, she integrates ICT to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. Lina is known for her collaborative approach, commitment to student wellbeing, and dedication to lifelong learning and community service.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School