From the Principal

Despite this having been only a four-day week, it has been filled with exciting performances, exhibitions, and competitions, highlighting the many opportunities available to MLC School students.

Pride and Prejudice

Like many in our community, I had the pleasure of attending the Senior Drama Production of Pride and Prejudice. While Pride and Prejudice is a timeless love story, the MLC School production’s clever modern updates brought the stories and personalities to life for even the youngest in the audience.

It was evident from the quality of the performances that the cast had spent countless hours in rehearsal, and our Year 10 and Year 11 students worked tirelessly to make sure that the performers were suitably attired and made up, assisted with ticketing, and kept the back of house running smoothly. Similarly, the creativity and skill of our Year 11 Entertainment students who helped to construct and paint the set and organise the sound and lighting was exceptional.

Directors Lisa Jinga and Kellie Cogin, and Dance, Drama and Entertainment (DDE) staff member Bojana Kvrgic and all those involved are to be congratulated on their creativity and enthusiasm; and thanked for the countless hours of hard work that they contributed to assist the cast and crew to bring the production to the stage.

Congratulations to all involved.

Photos from the event can be viewed on the MLC School Facebook page.

Illuminate

On Wednesday night the Design, Art, and Technology (DART) Department hosted Illuminate – a celebration of the creative and performing arts at MLC School. This year’s theme ‘Reach for the Stars’ was interpreted in different ways by students from across the School. The exhibitions included Junior School portraits, a contribution from the Japanese Culture Club, a collaborative paper installation, multimedia, and technology projects.

The much anticipated interhouse Lego competition was hotly contested, with each House team designing and building their concept for ‘Let’s go to outer space.’ The teams showed impressive creativity and collaboration as did those students who took the opportunity to build with Lego on the night.

As well as enjoying the various exhibits we were entertained by our dancers, vocalists, and musicians throughout the night, making Illuminate a true celebration of the Arts at MLC School.

Thank you to everyone involved especially Head of DART Sally Marks, Assistant Head of DART and Illuminate coordinator Camille Softley, Caitlin White, Lesley Snelgrove, Renee Willemsen, Victoria Bradshaw, Bede Schofield and Marie Cassar, DART Captain Annabelle Twomey (Year 12) and the Members of the Art & Design Society.

Junior School Athletics Carnival

This week we also held the Junior School Athletics carnival at Sydney Olympic Park, and it was wonderful to see students and staff and many parents enjoying the sunshine and excitement. The day was filled with energetic performances and enthusiastic cheers from each of the Houses. I have mentioned before that I am always impressed by the way that MLC School students support each other and celebrate each other’s achievements, and this was very much on display at the Athletics Carnival. Thank you to the MLC School Sports Department and all members of staff whose efforts made the day such a success.

Congratulations to our Pom and Hip Hop teams

Congratulations to all those who competed at the AASCF Winterfest Competition held at Sydney Showground last Saturday 10 June 2023. This is a hotly contested event with the top schools from across the region competing. Details of the teams’ excellent results can be found here. Thanks to Jenna Skepper and the Pom and Hip Hop coaches for providing our students with this wonderful opportunity.

Principal’s Sabbatical Leave – Term 3

At the start of Term 3, I will be on Sabbatical leave, returning on 4 September 2023. During this time, Melissa (Mel) Boyd will be the Acting Principal, Linda Emms the Acting Deputy Principal, Penny Pachos the Acting Head of Learning and Teaching – Senior School and Natalie (Nat) Hird the Acting Head of Learning and Teaching – Junior School.

At the Coffee with the Principal held on Wednesday 14 June 2023, several parents commented how much they appreciated Mel’s leadership and positive influence on the School, and I have had several emails echoing the same sentiment. I couldn’t agree more and have great confidence that in my absence, she, Linda, Penny, and Nat will do a terrific job. We introduce Melissa Boyd to the MLC School community in this video. It showcases Mel’s journey and her exceptional skills, passion and dedication to her students and to learning.

During my leave, I will be focusing my research on Education and Workplace futures. The world has shifted rapidly since we wrote our last strategic plan, with the emergence of COVID-19 and Artificial Intelligence dramatically changing the educational landscape and the workplace. As well as visiting schools locally and internationally, I will be meeting with educators in non-school settings and undertaking a leadership course at the Centre for Creative Leadership in Colorado with leaders from across the world (most of whom will not be educators). I look forward to sharing my findings upon my return.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal