From the Head of Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

Thank you to all Kindergarten to Year 5 Churunga families who attended our Sunday Chapel service last weekend. 

NAPLAN 

This week, our Year 3 and Year 5 students participated in NAPLAN. At MLC School, we do not ‘drill’ students to sit NAPLAN. Drilling is not learning. Instead, we support all students through high‑quality, explicit teaching in English and Mathematics. We empower our students to become independent thinkers while developing confidence as learners. 

If your daughter participated in NAPLAN this week, please praise her for giving her best effort, with the understanding that NAPLAN is one component contributing to a much broader picture of her as a learner. 

Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations 

This week we offered Parent/Teacher Learning Conversations for Mathematics. These conversations provide an opportunity for parents and carers to connect with your daughter’s Mathematics teacher, where this differs from her class teacher. 

Thank you to staff and parents who took the time to connect over the past fortnight as part of this important home–school partnership. 

Harmony Day 

Harmony Day is a significant and important event in Australia. Our multicultural diversity is one of the many gifts of our School. Students learn about the significance of Harmony Day in class, and the Junior School Student Council (JSSC) is leading lunchtime activities during Harmony Week. 

The Senior School celebrated Harmony Day early, on Thursday 12 March, with a mufti day, and Year 6 students were invited to participate. On the Junior School campus, noting that we have recently celebrated Carnivale and that NAPLAN continues for some students, it has been decided that Pre‑Kindergarten to Year 5 students will receive a school‑supplied orange ribbon to wear on Monday 16 March 2026, the beginning of Harmony Week. Your daughter is encouraged to wear her orange ribbon to school each day during Harmony Week.

This year’s theme is ‘Everyone Belongs’. When your daughter arrives home with her orange ribbon, you may wish to discuss the importance of belonging – how we all belong in our School, wider community and country. The rich diversity at MLC School is one of our many strengths, and our support for one another is something I am immensely proud of.  

Did your child forget to bring an item to school? 

During the primary years, children gradually learn to take on more responsibility for themselves and their belongings. There will be times when your child unintentionally leaves something at home, perhaps library books, a musical instrument or a towel for swimming lessons. In most cases, the school day will still be a success, and parents shouldn’t feel the need to drop items off at school. More importantly, these moments provide valuable learning opportunities for your daughter to develop resilience and organisational skills. 

Car Park 

Thank you to all parents and carers who are arriving on time. This greatly assists with the staggered pick‑up of different year groups. Pick‑up times are as follows: 

If you have children with varying pick‑up times, please collect your daughters at the same, later time. Please note that pick‑up and drop‑off are not permitted on Park Road.

Pick‑up and supervision conclude at 3.40pm. Children who have not been picked up by this time will be taken to our Uniting MLC School Outside School Hours Care. Please ensure your child is registered HERE

Our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service remains open until 6pm each weeknight. 

Always drive safely in the School Car Park. The safety of children, families and staff is everyone’s responsibility. 

Cardboard Challenge 

Our Cardboard Challenge is next Friday 20 March 2026! Students are reminded to wear their House colours. House tops and/or caps may be worn throughout the day, and caps will be available for purchase on the night.

For Year 6 students, please note the sister Houses: 

  • Families may commence arriving from 5pm, with the official start time at 5.30pm

Book Cardboard Challenge tickets here

Please start bringing your cardboard donations to school from Monday 16 March. There will be a designated drop‑off area in the car park, located near the car drop‑off and pick‑up zone. 

I look forward to seeing you there! 

Staff Spotlight 

Harmony Day is officially celebrated on Saturday 21 March 2026, which also coincides with World Down Syndrome Day. With this year’s theme, ‘Everyone Belongs’, it is fitting that this week’s Staff Spotlight features Danielle Pham, our Junior School Administration Assistant. 

Danielle Pham is a valued member of the Junior School community, working as an administration assistant at MLC School during term time. In her role, Danielle supports the Junior School through a range of clerical and cleaning tasks, which she approaches with pride and enthusiasm. She takes great enjoyment in her work and is well known for her warm presence and friendly interactions with staff and students alike. 

After completing her schooling and HSC Life Skills, Danielle gained extensive workplace experience through supported employment, including five years of clerical work at ABC Ultimo with JOBSUPPORT. These experiences have helped shape the strong work ethic and confidence she brings to her role at MLC School today. 

Outside of her time at MLC School, Danielle maintains a very active and independent lifestyle. She is an active member of Let’s Get Going initiatives and enjoys keeping busy with fitness, cooking, swimming and community activities throughout the week. She is also deeply committed to personal growth, serving as the secretary of her Toastmasters Club, where she continues to develop her public speaking skills. 

Danielle’s positive outlook, determination and love of life are evident in everything she does. As we acknowledge World Down Syndrome Day, we celebrate Danielle’s contributions to MLC School and the richness she brings to our community through her dedication, independence and joyful spirit.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School