From the Principal

Illuminate is a major whole-school creative event. It brings together Visual and Performing Arts from across the School, filling the Senior Centre with student installations, artwork, performances, and interactive activities. 

One of the many highlights is the collaborative art project created by each House. This year’s House component was themed around ‘Illuminating a Path to the Future’, with each House creating a time capsule reflecting its past, present, and future vision. The House entries were judged on design and creativity, presentation and organisation, House identity, and engagement with the theme.

House Leaders wrote supporting statements to explain their choice of artefacts. As I read their beautifully crafted words, I was reminded of what an important part each House plays in the life of our students and the intergenerational connections that are based in both House and School identity. Their thoughtful reflections confirm how the work, commitment, stories, and community that have been part of our 140 years continue to impact and inspire the students of today.

Abbeythorpe’s capsule was centred around a tree, ‘its roots spreading across the names of the past Heads of House and Captains, illustrating the foundation that has held Abbeythorpe together. Gold flakes illuminate throughout, catching the light and tracing the path of growth, a visual reminder that what those before us built continues to guide what comes next. The roots shape the leaves, the past shapes the future.’

Booralee themed their capsule ‘A Constellation through Time’ and included a four-generation letter from the Clemens family, a collection of poems and stories written by former students and used different types of stars to represent the contributions of the various generations. ‘Each piece contributes a unique light, illuminating the path forward and ensuring the spirit of Booralee continues to shine for generations to come.’

Churunga represented the journey through generations with a megaphone that featured both recent house chants and those from years gone by; ‘It demonstrates how the voice of Churunga has continued to inspire pride, unity and enthusiasm across generations of students.’

From Leawarra ‘This capsule is more than a collection, it is testament to who we have been, who we are and the bright future that we will illuminate together’ the various artefacts ‘show how Leawarra’s past lights the way forward through community and creativity.’

Lester’s capsule was titled ‘A Walk Down Memory Lane’.  It drew on the contribution of Elizabeth Lester and her story in their choice and creation of artifacts which included ‘a pony cart, diary with entries from students of various year levels and mini lanterns etched with the House values of love, peace, and strength.’

Mooramoora means ‘good spirit’ and this time capsule is a testament to that spirit; ‘our enduring commitment to community, creativity and belonging. Like a lily pad, our House is strongest because of the ecosystem that surrounds it. Every student, teacher, luminary, and captain contributes to something larger than themselves….’

One of our newer Houses Prescott was able to include a photo and of the first Prescott house group, representation of the importance of the annual Puppy Pageant and an artwork that ‘represents our fundamental values and ideals and connection to faith and the talent and dedication of each Prescott girl.’

Sutton included an Historical scroll and a well-used Sutton banner to honour those who have come before them and the paths that they have taken.

Wade house included letters written by Wade students, ‘one from each year group, addressed to their future counterparts. Honest, hopeful, and personal, they are perhaps the most authentic artefacts within this capsule; voices reaching across time.’

‘Together, these objects tell the story of a House build on knowledge, connection, tradition, and aspiration. Just as a single flame can light many others without diminishing its own brightness, the spirit of Whitley continues to be passed on from generation to the next, illuminating a path to the future.’

Congratulations to everyone involved in Illuminate including Sally Marks, Renee Williamson, the Junior School and Senior School TAS and VA staff, the Art and Design Captains, the House Captains and Vice-Captains, Heads of House, Andrew Simos, the judging panel and all students who contributed to their House Time Capsules.

140th Anniversary Gala Dinner – Oh What a Night!

Everyone clearly had a wonderful time at the MLC School 140th Anniversary Gala Dinner. The evening was filled with warmth, laughter, and a real sense of celebration as guests enjoyed great company, lively conversation, and the opportunity to come together in honour of this significant milestone. The dancing brought a special energy to the night, with people representing the many parts of our community joining in the fun and sharing in the joy of the occasion. It was a memorable celebration of community, connection and 140 remarkable years of MLC School. Thank you to the Marketing and Community relations team for their hard work.

Read more about this fabulous event in this article.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal