Year 11

Year 11

Luminary

During Luminary this week, there was a Big Sister Little Sister session with Year 7 students. We aim to keep these sessions regular as they foster a supportive and nurturing environment where Year 11 students develop leadership skills and empathy. In contrast, Year 7 students gain confidence and a sense of belonging, creating a positive and enriching experience for both.

Year 11 students also had a session on preparing for the examination block. They discussed developing personalised study plans and applying practical study and time management techniques. Managing their wellbeing during this time was also discussed.

Academic Care

Andrew Taylor, Deputy Head of Senior School – Wellbeing, presented to Year 11 during Academic Care on Tuesday 4 March, on managing stress. As Year 11 girls have increased their efforts in their studies this year, many are experiencing varying amounts of stress, which is quite normal for this adjustment period in Year 11. Andrew talked about the physical sides of stress and strategies for managing themselves. Lisa Williamson, MLC School Counsellor, supported Andrew in his presentation.

If you feel that the amount of stress your daughter is experiencing is worrying, don’t hesitate to contact your daughter’s Luminary or myself alternatively encourage them to reach out themselves.

Leadership

At the end of his presentation, Andrew Taylor also invited Year 11 students to step into some roles while Year 12 students were on examinations. Many students lined up at his office or emailed him to volunteer immediately.

As always, seeing so many students willing to contribute to the School community and practice their leadership skills is exciting. Students will be performing the roles of front gate duty, Wellbeing Wednesday lunch activities and Friday lunch on the Sports Field.

Gender Equity Forum

Sharon Connolly, Head of Year 12 took Kristina Bitar (Year 12), Yuuki Onuma, Ella Hu, Elena Tulloch, Anisha Sivagurunathan and Inez Murray to a Gender Equity Forum at Newington College on Tuesday 4 March. Sharon enjoyed the time with the Year 11 students.

‘The students were brilliant. They were happy, confident, and worked together well. The theme of the discussion groups was the International Women’s Day theme – March Forward. Our girls were the only girl’s school there. They had not seen the questions beforehand and gave articulate and intelligent responses. The girls knew many of the boys from cadets, so the atmosphere was friendly and welcoming.’

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 12

‘In the lead-up to International Women’s Day, we had the privilege of attending Newington college’s Gender Equity Forum. We engaged in discussions about how we can implement initiatives that promote gender equity within our respective schools as well as on a larger scale. We touched on issues like the impact of stereotypes and the value of role models in order to march forward, which was the theme of the afternoon. It was a valuable experience to gain insights and perspectives on relevant issues. The gender equity committee looks forward to continuing engaging in these unique experiences and partnerships.’

– Elena Tulloch and Anisha Sivagurunathan (Year 11)

Chapel Service

On Wednesday, 5 March, Leawarra Luminary led the Chapel in front of Year 10 and Year 11. Thank you to Ava Roins, Jemima Zoud, Kate McKeon, Georgia Pasas, Sienna Christodoulou, Lilah Randall, Abby Coxsedge, Evelyn Kerr and Jordan Vo for their contributions to the service.

If you have any queries, I can be contacted via email at arenwick@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or my direct line at 8741 3278.

Coming up

  • Sunday 16 March 2025 – Whitley and Wade House Chapel services
  • Monday 17 March to Monday 24 March 2025 – Year 11 Assessment Block
  • Tuesday 25 March 2025 – Classes resume for Year 11
  • Sunday 23 March 2025 – Booralee and Abbeythorpe House Chapel services
  • Sunday 30 March 2025 – Sutton and Prescott House Chapel services
  • Monday 31 March 2025 – Senior School Swimming Carnival

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 11