Year 9

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend and that it provided a welcome opportunity to rest and recharge. As there are a few bugs going around at the moment, the Health Centre has asked that we remind parents to please keep students at home if they are feeling unwell. A day at home can often be just what is needed to support recovery and help students return to school feeling 100%, rather than pushing through and potentially spreading illness to others.

This week has been Teacher Appreciation Week, and I have loved seeing the thoughtful activities and surprises prepared by the Student Representative Council. Students were encouraged to write thank you cards to staff, and these heartfelt messages have been particularly uplifting and such a lovely boost for our teachers.

Year 9 had another session this week with Marianna Carlino, Director of eLearning, with a focus on how Canva can be used as a valuable tool to support learning. The session highlighted the ways this free online platform can help students develop both creativity and digital literacy skills. Students explored how Canva can be used to create engaging and professional work, including presentations, infographics and reports, while also collaborating with peers in real time. Through this introduction, they gained practical experience in designing visually effective work, applying key design principles and using technology to enhance the quality and impact of their assignments across a range of subjects.

Year 9 are still speaking about their Stand Tall excursion from last week. During Luminary time, students had the opportunity to reflect on the different speakers, discuss the messages that resonated with them and consider how these lessons might influence the way they approach challenges in their own lives. Students and staff were particularly moved by Michael Crossland, who survived cancer and was also the sole survivor of a devastating drug trial. His powerful message of resilience, courage and hope had a significant impact on many of our girls.

Finally, Year 9 students are encouraged to sign up and raise funds for the Colour Run at the end of the term. This event raises valuable funds for Sony Camp, which will be held in December. At this stage, Year 9 has one of the lowest rates of registration and fundraising across the School, and I would love to see our cohort get behind this important cause. If every student at MLC School raises $60, we will reach the amount needed to support the camp. Please encourage your daughter to get involved and contribute to this meaningful charity event in any way she can.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9