Year 8
Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that your daughter had a refreshing and relaxing break and is looking forward to another busy, yet fruitful term.
I would like to introduce myself as the Acting Head of Year 8 for Term 3 and Term 4 whilst Bridget Kovats is working in the English curriculum team. My name is Kate Schurch and most of you would have seen me on the Subject Selection Webinar on Wednesday evening. I am a Science teacher, proud member of Lester House, former Year 12 Luminary and this is my eighth year at MLC School. I am very much looking forward to getting to know Year 8 better and working closely with the girls to continue to support and develop their wellbeing and academic progress.
In true MLC School style, this term is packed with activities. Year 8 sat their Allwell exams on Thursday, there was a dance at St Patrick’s College on Thursday evening, and we have continued preparing the students for their Immersion in Week 3.
Here is a link to the previously communicated Immersion information. I would like to reiterate the need for warm clothing for when the students are in Mudgee. Thermal underclothes are highly recommended, as well as very warm outer layers. The weather in Mudgee last week reached as low as -3°C, with daytime temperatures peaking at 14°C. Additionally, I suggest that students lean towards darker colours rather than light colours, as this is an authentic on-country immersion, meaning there will be time spent outdoors. The packing list is attached here. There are still several families who have not submitted the medical/dietary form. If this is not submitted by Monday, dietary alterations will not happen. Communication will be sent out early next week with final information regarding the immersion.
Thank you for attending the Subject Selection Webinar on Wednesday evening. If you were unable to attend, you can find a recording on the link below. We are in the process of compiling a document of the questions asked during the Q&A session, which will be published to students via Canvas. We are here to support families through this process, and if your daughter is finding it overwhelming or daunting, please encourage her to have a discussion with me. Sometimes, concerns can be easily alleviated with a simple conversation.
The Year 9 2026 and Year 10 2027 Subject Selection Guide can be accessed by clicking on Omnia here. For future reference you can find it in Omnia / School Information / Senior School / Year 8 2025.
Click here to view the Webinar recording
Paul Dillon Parent Forum – next Wednesday 30 July 2025, 6pm–7pm
Paul Dillon is a renowned, highly respected and sought after speaker who has educated teenagers in the area of drugs and alcohol for over 25 years.
He shows parents how to help their kids negotiate misinformation and social pressure in a calm and sensible way, to tell them what they really want and need to know about alcohol and drugs.
Paul Dillon visits many schools and is very informative. Please take the time to attend this forum if you can – it will be worth it!
Key Dates for the Diary
- Thursday 24 July 2025 – Elective Subject Selection Link opened
- Friday 1 August 2025 – Elective Subject Selection closes
- Monday 4 – Friday 8 August 2025 – Year 8 Immersion (Mudgee and Sydney city experiences)
– Kate Schurch
Acting Head of Year 8