From the Principal

Thank you to everyone who completed the parent survey regarding the visibility of our progress on the 2025-2027 Strategic Plan at the end of last year. Almost 500 responses were received, with the majority of respondents rating themselves as familiar with the plan and confident that we are making progress towards our strategic goals. It was most encouraging to see that parents are in support of the direction set by the plan and keen to see further embedding of the plans into the day-to-day experience of the school. Feedback on areas for improvement aligns with our strategic goals, giving us confidence that the direction outlined in the plan is the right one for the School over the next two years.

When we look more closely at some of the key Strategic pillars, most respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statements provided, indicating strong levels of satisfaction. However, there are opportunities to improve on consistency of experience (in the classroom and in some sport and co-curricular activities), communication, personalised learning, and enrichment. With new leadership and specialised staff in the Learning Enrichment team and the introduction of our High Potential Learners Program this year, I have every confidence that perceptions of our achievement against these goals will improve. Many parents noted the fantastic changes within the Sports department, and we will continue to build our achievements in this space.

Some comments referred to concerns regarding perceptions of declining academic standards which should have been allayed by the School’s 2025 NAPLAN and Year 12 results. Teacher turnover was also mentioned as a concern by some. There is no doubt that the post COVID years saw many changes both within the profession and at MLC School. Pleasingly, our turnover rate over the past 12 months has been in keeping industry standards, but we cannot ignore the fact that MLC School staff are recognised for their expertise and are often approached by other schools looking for the best teachers. You an assist our retention strategy by ensuring that all communication is respectful and in keeping with our Parent Code of Conduct.

I look forward to updating you further on our progress as the year progresses and thank you for your ongoing support.

An invitation to our community Prayer Breakfast

Wednesday 11 February 2026, 7.30am to 8.15am in the Sutherland Rooms

This year marks a significant milestone for MLC School as we celebrate our 140th anniversary; and this occasion serves as a coming together in gratitude, to give thanks for the many achievements throughout our history; and offer prayers for the special events planned to commemorate this landmark anniversary. With your support, it will become a regular event.

Please join Rev Viniana Ravetali, Pastor Luisa Bland, members of the School Council, Executive and staff and parents from across the School at this inaugural gathering.

Breakfast is provided.

All are most welcome to attend. Please RSVP here

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

New Co-Curricular Features in the MLC School App 

MLC School has introduced a refreshed co-curricular experience within the MLC School app, designed to make it easier for families to view their daughter’s co-curricular schedule. 

During the week, families may have noticed a change to the Co-curricular module in the app. This module now displays your daughter’s co-curricular schedule in one central place. This change also shows the weekend sport draws, times and where to be for each student as relevant to their particular team. Updates are instantaneous, so please check regularly.

In Omnia all co-curricular commitments now integrate into a student’s timetable view and upcoming sessions are shown.  

In coming weeks, push notifications will also be enabled, allowing coaches and coordinators to send timely, targeted updates directly to parents’ mobile devices via the MLC School app. 

What’s Changed? 

As part of this update, a few things look different: 

1. Your daughter’s co-curricular schedule will now appear in the new Co-curricular module of the app. All co-curricular notices have moved to the Notices section (please ensure your subscriptions are up to date)

  2. The Calendar module will continue to display school-wide events only

3. In coming weeks, notifications from coaches and coordinators will create push notifications directly to your phone, and also display in the ‘Notifications’ tab of  the MLC School app.

As mentioned before, Omnia’s student timetables now automatically include all co-curricular activities with more detail. 

These improvements aim to give families a clearer, more streamlined view of their daughters’ co-curricular life at MLC School. 

If you experience any issues after the transition on next week, please email communications@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au for support. 

140 Year Anniversary – Upcoming Events for the School Community

The School community is invited to attend the following 140th Anniversary events. You can RSVP directly to each event below:

140 YEAR MULTIGENERATIONAL HIGH TEA

Sunday 8 March 2026
2pm–4pm
MLC School

Click here for full details

LONDON RECEPTION – House of Lords – Tuesday 24 March 2026
Join the Principal for an elegant evening of drinks at the House of Lords to reconnect, reflect, and celebrate shared journeys in a truly iconic setting.

RSVP Here

BACK TO COLLEGE OPEN DAY – Friday 1 May 2026
Connect with the MLC School community in a day filled with celebration, reflection, and shared memories. Enjoy a vibrant program including assemblies, parades, tours, and open classrooms to honour 140 years of learning, leadership, and legacy.

RSVP Here

RSVP Here

140 Year Celebration Music concert – Wednesday 24 June 2026
Don’t miss the Sydney Town Hall Concert – She Made a Difference, a spectacular celebration of 140 years of Walking in the Light.

RSVP Here

Chaplain’s Corner: Celebrating Community, Inclusion, and a Harmonious School Community

From the Uniform Shop – Formal Hats

Girls’ formal hats are back in stock. We recommend that parents bring their daughters in for a professional sizing to ensure the best fit. Thank you.

The Uniform Shop can be contacted by phone on (02) 8741 3177 or by email here.

You can also access the Uniform Shop information by going to the MLC School website here.

From the Head of Learning and Teaching: How best can I support my daughter’s learning in 2026?

Learning happens at the point of challenge. When we are stretched just outside our comfort zone, that is where the magic of growth happens.

It’s very important that as parents and educators, we don’t shield girls from learning that is hard. We need to encourage our girls to tackle challenge, rather than shy away from it. In NSW, recent HSC data has shown us that students are choosing ‘easier’ patterns of study because they are of the impression that they can achieve higher results in less challenging courses. Candidature numbers are down statewide in some of the more demanding HSC courses. I am proud to say that this is not the case at MLC School, and this was made apparent to us this week during our HSC/IB data analysis sessions. Girls are choosing subjects that will stretch their thinking in a variety of ways. The numbers of girls enrolling in Science and in Extension courses is increasing. Of course, this is not to say that every girl should be attempting an extension course as every learner needs to be challenged at her own point of need.

So what can you do to support your daughter to embrace challenge?

Reassure her that learning involves productive struggle. When she has found a maths test (or any test) difficult and she doesn’t achieve the result she would like, it is important to help her understand that learning takes time and failure is necessary for growth. The best thing that we can do is foster resilience.

• Ask her what went well in the task, but then encourage her to talk to her teacher about her gaps in knowledge and set a plan for improvement that is realistic and achievable.
• Most importantly, what will be the routines and dispositions that she will need to implement and demonstrate to grow? Tiny habits implemented regularly in your daughter’s routine will make the difference.
• Steer her away from fixating on the mark and towards a focus on understanding what she needs to learn in order to improve. When we take away the emotion and the fixation on ranks and marks, learning can happen.

Wishing your daughter a wonderful year of growth in learning.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

Study Support Opportunities at MLC School

MLC School offers two Study Support Opportunities:

• Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub
• Year 7 to Year 12 Study Hub+ – please click here to read further and to access the nomination form.

These operate 3.30pm–6pm Monday to Thursday during term time (please note they run till Wednesday only next week).

Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub

Recognising the importance of a conducive environment for focused study, MLC School has established a free after-hours Study Hub exclusively for our Year 11 and Year 12 students. Located on Level 3 of the Senior Centre, the Study Hub provides a quiet and supportive space where students can concentrate on their studies, complete assessments, and prepare for examinations under the supervision of experienced MLC School staff across many subject areas.

Key Features:

• Experienced staff: Two teachers rostered each evening from different subject areas, to guide and assist students with their academic queries and provide valuable feedback.
• Convenient location: Level 3 of the Senior Centre, providing easy access for Senior students.
• Flexible hours: The study hub is open Monday to Thursday 3.30pm–6pm, allowing students to make the best use of their time outside regular school hours. Partial attendance is welcome.

We encourage all Year 11 and Year 12 students to take advantage of this excellent resource to enhance their learning experience and achieve their academic goals. The staff roster will be published in advance of each week in Audacia, the School newsletter. Students will be required to sign in on arrival to Study Hub and sign out on departure, as part of our student welfare management system.

There is no need to register for this program.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Study Hub+ in Term 1

Click here for Nomination Form

During 2025, we were delighted to see a steady increase in students taking part in Study Hub+, particularly in Year 8 and Year 9. Many families have shared that the program has been a valuable space for students to build on their prior learning, stay on top of homework and develop positive and consistent study routines. Our mentors also play an important role in strengthening students’ understanding of their classwork, something especially helpful at a time when using AI tools can sometimes leave students unsure about the task or concept they are working on. It has been wonderful to see students becoming more confident, independent and engaged in their learning.

Study Hub+ is MLC School’s structured, pay-per-use after-school study support program for students in Year 7 to Year 12. Sessions run Monday to Thursday, from 3.30pm to 6pm, on Level 1 of the Senior Centre.​

Please use the form above to nominate the day(s) your daughter will attend in Term 1 2026. You may select all Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, or choose specific dates on a weekly basis.

Led by Program Coordinator Ela Huber and supported by a team of knowledgeable mentors, all of whom are pre-service teachers. Study Hub+ offers subject-specific assistance across a wide range of disciplines, including English, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Legal Studies, Economics, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), and Drama.​

Program Overview:

• Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm–6pm
• Location: Level 1, Senior Centre
• Cost: $25 per session, charged to your daughter’s account at the end of term
• Environment: Phone-free zone to minimise distractions which will allow students to build good study habits.
• Support: A minimum of two mentors per session, rotating to provide diverse subject expertise.
• Additional Assistance: Mentors can assist with study plans, exam preparation techniques, and provide verbal feedback on drafts.​

To foster consistent study habits, families are encouraged to register on a termly basis. However, weekly bookings remain available via Omnia and the newsletter. Students will receive a reminder email at around 2pm on their scheduled day, confirming their session and assigned room.​

Cancellation Policy:

If your daughter is unable to attend a scheduled session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid being charged. In cases of illness where your daughter is absent from school, you will not be charged.​

For any questions or further information, please contact Program Coordinator Ela Huber.

Nomination Form for Study Hub+

From the Head of Junior School

• Year 6: 8.15am 

• Kindergarten to Year 5: 8.30am 

• Pre‑Kindergarten: 9am 

• Pre‑Kindergarten: 2.45pm 

• Kindergarten to Year 2: 3.10pm 

• Year 3 to Year 5: 3.30pm 

Welcoming more Pre-Kindergarten students

It has been another exciting week in the MLC School Pre-Kindergarten. This week, we welcomed our three-day students who joined our five-day students. It was impressive how the students made new friends and were happily engaged in the variety of activities inside and outside the studio.

They are becoming more familiar with the morning and afternoon routines and demonstrating their skills of independence and resilience. The students have had an opportunity to meet their Specialist Teachers.

What a joy it has been to see how they have transitioned to their new environment, their engagement and their involvement in gross motor, fine motor, literacy and numeracy tasks.

Click on gallery to view full images

– Gina Zucco, Susan Blanche, Claudia Catania
Pre-Kindergarten Teachers

Relaxation Club in Junior School – I breath, so I am

Last year at Junior School, we launched a relaxation club that has quickly gained popularity among the students. The club aims to focus on breathing techniques and yoga poses in a fun and relaxed environment. The girls, ranging from Year 1 to Year 5, have been attending the club during lunch time. While eating, they willingly shared their emotions, fears, improvements, and much more.

It has been incredibly rewarding to witness everyone becoming more grounded and happier after each session. The students have shown impressive progress, and their enthusiasm is truly inspiring. Remember, girls, to take deep breaths whenever you feel butterflies in your tummy!

The relaxation club takes place on Mondays at lunchtime in the Junior School Language Studio. A big brava to all of you, and I look forward to our sessions in 2026 filled with more fun and relaxation exercises. 

Ciao a tutte da Maestra Rosa!

– Rosa Scalzo
Teacher 

News from the Library

Year 3 Lunchtime Book Club

Students in Year 3 are invited to join a lunchtime Book Club this term, beginning in Week 4 (Wednesday 18 February 2026). The book we will be reading is Nim’s Island by Wendy Orr. We will meet every Wednesday up until Week 10 (Wednesday 1 April 2026).  

Please register your interest by completing the form below, or scanning the QR code. Places are limited to 15. The girls will be loaned a copy of the book.

Year 3 Lunchtime Book Club – Fill out form

Scholastic Book Club

Issue 1 catalogues will be going home this week. The due date for orders is Friday 20 February 2026. Instructions for purchasing are on the inside back cover. The JS Hub uses Scholastic rewards to purchase new books for our library. Thank you to Maria Bongiorno and her team of helpers who make this possible.

Happy reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Junior School Teacher Librarian

From the Head of Senior School

Term 1 is well and truly underway! Routines are in place and the students have been enthusiastic in their learning this week.

I am so pleased to see how positively everyone has embraced our phone policy this term. This morning, I thought I saw some girls with their phones out in the playground before school and as I sidled over to say hello, I realised they were calculators and they were studying together! We had a laugh and it made my morning.

Looking ahead, please remember that every student needs to have their MLC School hat, whether it’s a bucket hat or a cap, for our next whole school gathering. On Thursday 26 February, we will all be out on the Sports Field for the MLC School Cadets Establishment Parade. It is very exciting to be part of one of the very first all-female cadet units in Australia; a milestone worth celebrating together. The parade will be in the morning starting at 8.30am to avoid the hottest part of the day and every student must have a hat. Please also encourage your daughter to wear sunscreen each morning. They have been using our sunscreen dispensers at school which is fantastic.

House meetings today brought such a positive energy to campus. We are looking forward to House Trivia and House Chapels this term, and I know everyone is already getting excited for our Swimming Carnival, which is coming up in the second week of Term 2.

This week, we welcomed Year 10 and Year 11 families for their Parent Information night. It was a great opportunity to meet Luminaries, hear about the year ahead and make connections with other parents. Year 8 and Year 9 parents, your evening is coming up on Monday, and Year 12 families, your turn is coming later this term at the Parent Teacher interview night.

Tonight is our Parent Welcome Evening, and I am excited to see so many new and familiar faces. This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, build relationships, and celebrate all that makes our school community unique.

Here’s to a great week ahead. 

Study Hub Next Week for Year 11 and 12

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

House Chapel Services: Strengthening Community and Belonging

House Chapel Services commence this term and are a significant and valued part of life at MLC School, playing an important role in shaping the culture, identity and sense of belonging within each House and across the wider School community.

As we progress through this term, it is important to note that House Chapel Services will be held on Sundays, and we would like to take this opportunity to remind families of the significant role these services play in the life of the school and each individual House.

House Chapels provide a meaningful opportunity for students to come together with their House community in a space for reflection, connection and shared values. They reinforce the importance of service, respect, gratitude and community, and are an integral part of our pastoral and spiritual life at MLC School.

As such, House Chapel Services held on Sundays are compulsory school events for students.

Attendance Expectations

• All students are expected to attend their allocated House Chapel Service this term and wear full school uniform.
• These services are an important time for students to connect with their House peers, leaders and staff outside the normal school week.
• Attendance contributes directly to the strength of House culture and the sense of community that underpins the MLC School experience.

If You Are Unable to Attend Your Allocated House Chapel:

We recognise that families may occasionally have unavoidable commitments.

• If a student cannot attend their scheduled House Chapel Service, they must attend an alternative House Chapel Service.
• Before attending an alternative service, parents/guardians must seek approval from the Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen
• Approval must be received in writing before attending the alternative service.
• Families should ensure that an alternative service is attended as soon as possible.
• Any absence from the allocated House Chapel Service should be communicated in advance, where possible.

House Chapel Services are not simply a matter of attendance; they represent a deeper sense of belonging, shared experience, and upholding the values of our School and Houses. Your support in prioritising these services as they occur this term is greatly appreciated and reinforces the importance of community to our students.

If you have any questions or require clarification, please do not hesitate to contact your Head of House.

– Andrew Simos
Heads of House Coordinator

Year 7

It has been wonderful to watch Year 7 continue to settle into life at MLC School this week. Already, they are showing a growing sense of confidence as they navigate new routines, support one another, and begin to find their place in our Senior School community.

One of the highlights was a collaborative activity students completed in Luminary designed to help the Year 7 learn more about one another. Each student created a small profile of themselves on a hexagon and then worked together to find connections with their peers. What stood out was how quickly the girls began noticing shared interests and striking up conversations with peers they may not have met yet.

Alongside this focus on connection, Year 7 also started to reflect on their organisational habits and strategies that will support them throughout the year. They continued to use their diaries to record key dates for the term, set up their OneDrive folders for each subject, and completed a short organisation check‑in. These small but important routines help build a sense of structure and confidence, especially as students adjust to new expectations and a more independent learning environment in the Senior School.

Toward the end of the week, Year 7 wrote a postcard to their future selves. Many chose to record a piece of advice they want to hold onto or something they are excited for in Year 7. These postcards will be returned to them later in the year — a lovely opportunity to pause, reflect, and acknowledge how much they’ve grown.

Phone usage and headphone usage 

A reminder that all students are not to have their phones out at all when on school grounds. This means from the moment students are on campus, and until they leave, their phones should be in their lockers.

Headphones/airpods are only permitted to be worn around school if a student has a Headphone Pass given to them by their Head of Year. Students are permitted to carry headphones with them in their laptop bags to use in class if directed by their teacher. 

House Chapel Services

House Chapel Services commence this term and are a significant and valued part of life at MLC School, playing an important role in shaping the culture, identity and sense of belonging within each House and across the wider School community.

These are compulsory school events, and all students are expected to attend. If your daughter is unable to attend her scheduled House Chapel Service, parents and carers must seek approval from the Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen. Students who are unable to attend their House Service will be required to attend a Chapel Service for another House.

Your support in prioritising these services as they occur this term is greatly appreciated and reinforces the importance of community to our students.

Click on gallery to view full images

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 7

Year 8

This week in Year 8 we had a large focus on being a safe and respectful digital citizen. The students were asked to read and sign their school diary cyber safety pledge and had a year group presentation with Marianna Carlino (Director of eLearning). Marianna spoke about ‘How to Survive The Social Media Delay’ and was insightful and informative. The Year 8’s should have come away with plenty of ideas for support and assistance. This focus leads us to Safer Internet Day which is next Tuesday 10 February. For more information, please see the e-safety commissioner website.

Next week, Year 8 will have an incursion with Prue Salter as a follow up to the Study Skills sessions held in Year 7. We are hoping to continue to prioritise organisation and preparation for assessments so this incursion will help to set Year 8 up for a successful year. 

I’m looking forward to seeing you all at the Parent Welcome tonight and the Year 8 Parent Information night on Monday 6pm in Potts Hall. 

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Year 9

I hope your daughters have settled well into the new year. With the first week and a half now behind us, it has been lovely to see students becoming increasingly connected and comfortable in their classes.

This week during academic care time, Year 9 students explored the theme of growing independence – learning that taking the lead doesn’t mean doing everything alone but knowing when to ask for help. As part of their growing independence, we explored the importance of asking teachers for help. I call this their learner superpower. They were encouraged to approach teachers politely and early and to be specific about what they need. We spoke about taking proactive steps like seeking clarification before a due date, using feedback to improve, and speaking directly with teachers rather than relying on parents to relay messages. On this point, I would love your assistance and ask that when your daughter is having some concerns regarding school to encourage her to seek help herself in the first instance. By practising these strategies now, students build confidence, strengthen their communication skills, and learn how to lead their own learning while knowing support is always available. Letting teachers know when they’re unsure isn’t a sign of struggle – it’s a sign of growing independence.

At the start of each year, all students are asked to review and sign the MLC School Student Code of Conduct and the Cybersafety Code of Conduct, both of which can be found in the school diary. Students should have brought their diaries home for you to read and sign these agreements as well. I have been very proud of the way Year 9 students have begun the year, particularly the responsible way they have followed our mobile phone expectations by keeping their phones in their lockers.

I look forward to welcoming parents and their daughters to our Year 9 Parent Information Evening on Monday night. This evening provides a valuable opportunity to meet key staff and gain an overview of the year ahead through an academic, wellbeing, and co-curricular lens. Parents will also have the chance to connect with other families, learn more about what to expect in Year 9, and ask any questions they may have as we begin the year together.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Thank you to the many parents and carers who came to the Parent Information Evening on Wednesday night, with their daughters. For those of you who couldn’t make it – and it is a very busy time of the year – the slides are available to view here. Please don’t hesitate to contact us if there are any questions and feedback on these sessions is very helpful for us to improve.

Year 10 completed their Careers Profile testing yesterday with Careers Avenue. The girls were excited about what to expect and were very positive about the experience. One of the questions gave a list of careers and the girls had to rank them in order of preference. A sign of the times was that one of the choices was ‘influencer’ – how things change! Please have a chat with your daughter about the testing and we look forward to the interviews you will be involved in during Week 5, starting Monday 23 February. Details will soon be shared from Head of Futures and Pathways and VET Coordinator Jo Cilia.

One of the responsibilities of wearing the senior uniform is that the girls are role models for the younger students. MLC School’s uniform is one of the best and we want Year 12 to wear it with pride. Can I ask for your support and please consult the school diary on page 15 to page 16 about the specific requirements of the senior uniform. The Parent Handbook is also a wonderful resource for all the operational aspects of life at MLC School. Information on uniform can be found on pages 63 to 71.

Booralee House hosted our first Chapel service this week and we had a wonderful service. Lead by our new pastor – Pastor Luisa – she spoke about the importance of kindness to ourselves and others, a positive message we can all take forward into the term. Lauren Carmody lit the service candle to set the scene, and the girls took turns in doing the readings. Our image this week is of 10 Booralee with their Luminary, Felicity Cassidy Powell.

I am available for meetings via phone, Teams or on-site Monday to Friday. My contact details are sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au and by phone on 02 8741 9736. Please contact your daughter’s class teacher as a first point of call for academic issues and your daughter’s Luminary for wellbeing and pastoral concerns.

Kind regards and have a good week.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 11

It was wonderful to see so many of you on Wednesday night. I hope you found the evening helpful and that it gave you an opportunity to meet your daughter’s Luminary teacher and connect with other parents. It was also lovely for me to meet many of you in person. For those unable to attend, the presentation can be found here.

This week in Academic Care, we have focused on how Year 11 students can approach their Study Periods. Year 11 were reminded that this is a dedicated time for quiet, productive work, allowing them to complete homework, consolidate their learning and prepare for upcoming assessments. They may also use this time to meet with teachers, provided these meetings are arranged in advance so that supervision and support can be ensured. Effective use of study periods is vital for students to help balance their busy lives and stay on top of their workload.

Just a reminder that all Year 11 students are required to remain on campus between 8.15am and 3.15pm each day, as this routine supports learning and wellbeing. The only exception is Tuesday afternoons in Weeks A and B, when students without a timetabled class may sign out at 2.20pm.

A big shout out to all the Year 11s who have already started taking advantage of Senior Study Hub. This is a fantastic support for any student looking for a focused area to study after school. Please see below the details and encourage your daughter to attend:

• Monday–Thursday, 3.30pm – 6pm
• Located in the Senior Centre Level 3
• Supervised by Senior School teachers
• No registration required, students can simply attend

A reminder that, as phones are not permitted on campus, students will need to bring their student card or an EFTPOS card if they wish to purchase food from the café.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

• Thursday 12 February 2026 – Academic Excellence Assembly (Year 11 and 12 students will celebrate the achievements of the 2025 cohort).  

• Sunday 15 February 2026 – Mooramoora and Leawarra House Chapel Services and Morning Tea 

• Sunday 22 February 2026 – Abbeythorpe and Booralee House Chapel Services and Morning Tea 

• Wednesday 25 February 2026 – Year 12 Parent Information Evening and Parent/Teacher Interviews (in person) 

• Thursday 26 February 2026 – Strings and Band Solo Instrument Festival, Year 1 to Year 12

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

Learn more about the application process for top US universities

University of Sydney present an afternoon with Martin Walsh, Stanford’s former Associate Director of Admissions. Martin is one of the most impressive speakers on the admissions subject and if there are MLC School students thinking about studying abroad after high school this session will be invaluable to them. Martin only makes it out to Australia once a year maximum. Please book via the QR code below.

Important Messages

It might only be Week 2 of Term 1 but Sport is well and truly in full swing. It is fantastic to see the girls training and preparing for the season ahead. This Saturday is round one for our Senior school Saturday sports teams. MLC School is fielding teams in AFL, Touch Football, Water Polo, Tennis and Badminton. Our Rowing teams have a huge weekend with two regattas, one on Saturday and one on Sunday. We are getting to the pointy end of the rowing season so the teams are training hard on and off the water. Our Junior school girls still have one more week to wait until they can get on the tennis court, football fields and in the pool.

This Saturday, we host the 2026 MLC School Diving Championships in our pool from 3pm–6pm. Anyone in the community is welcome to come and watch!

Best of luck to all competitors — we can’t wait to see you shine!

Reminders

Last year saw a huge improvement in attendance in games and training for all Saturday sport teams. We would like to build on that this year. All students that have signed up and made a commitment to play sport are required to turn up to every game and training session. Consequences for those students who do not fulfil their commitment remain in place. Students in Senior school will be given an accountability point for the first offence in a term. After that sport detentions will be given. Let’s keep supporting each other and the School by not only ‘showing up’ each week but having fun, learning some new skills and showing the amazing school spirit that we have.

If your daughter is unable to attend a game or training session, please ensure you contact the Sports coordinator well in advance so that a replacement can be found for the matches. The night before does not help, so as much notice as possible is appreciated by everyone.

2026 Senior School Swimming Championships

We are pleased to announce that the 2026 Senior School Swimming Championships will be held on Friday 20 February 2026 at the MLC School Aquatic Centre.

• Warm‑up: 6pm
• Events:
  • 50m Freestyle
  • 50m Backstroke
  • 50m Breaststroke
  • 50m Butterfly
  • 100m Freestyle

Additional Championship Events

Two long‑distance events will be held prior to the main championships:

• 200m Freestyle –  Monday 9 February 2026 at 7.15 am
• 200m Individual Medley (IM) – Wednesday 11 February 2026 at 7.15 am

Results from these events will determine the 2026 Age Champions in the Junior, Intermediate, and Senior divisions for Senior school students.

Students who are interested in competing in these races or attending the Championships please contact Colman: cwong2@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au  or Janmy: jhu2@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Next Friday Term 2 sports registrations will open. Stay tuned for more information!

Term 2  Sports: 

• Netball ERNA (Year 3-6)
• Netball ERNA (Year 7-12)
• Netball IGSA  (Year 7 -12) 
• Hockey IGSA 
• Hockey Minkey – Y 3 /4 
• Hockey Super 8s – Y 5/6 
• Rowing Winter Semester
• Learn to Row
• Basketball IGSA 
• Football IGSA
• Volleyball Monte Winter Invitational (Snr School) 
• Co-Curricular Swimming 
• Tennis
• MLC Fit  (Fitness classes, Yoga, (NEW) Martial Arts Self Defence.
• JS SPORT  Physio Play, Jump Start  & Active All Stars

– Scott Carpenter
Director of Sport

Sporting Achievements

Speedo Sprint meet

Huge congratulations to our young swimmers who raced at the Speedo Sprint meet over the weekend. All students swam their personal best time. Well done to Lauren Cheng (Year 8), Isobel Bradey (Year 6), Vanilla Chen (Year 6), Elsa Liu (Year 8), Alita Wu (Year 3) and Katniss Wu (Year 5), who qualified for the Speedo Sprint Final.

Here are the students who raced at Speedo Sprint on the weekend.  

• Isobel Bradey (Year 6)
• Yunxi Cai (Year 6)
• Elsie Chen (Year 3)
• Marina Chen (Year 5)
• Vanilla Chen (Year 6)
• Isabella Cheng (Year 4)
• Lauren Cheng (Year 8)
• Elana Chrun (Year 7)
• Alira Chu (Year 7)
• Ashley Clapham (Year 8)
• Amaya Clapham (Year 6)
• Imogen Halkon (Year 7)
• Elsa Liu (Year 8)
• Grace Luo (Year 4)
• Yinuo Lyu (Year 4)
• Dana Park (Year 9)
• Alexandra Southwood (Year 4)
• Clara Southwood (Year 7)
• Olivia Wang (Year 8)
• Belle Weng (Year 3)
• Dora Weng (Year 6)
• Elva Wu (Year 8)
• Alita Wu (Year 3)
• Katniss Wu (Year 5)
• Emma Zhang (Year 7)
• Gloria Zhang (Year 4)

Underwater Hockey

We are delighted to congratulate Zoe Marshall (Year 10) on her outstanding achievements in Underwater Hockey. In January, Zoe competed at the Australian National Underwater Hockey Championships as a member of the NSW Under 19 squad, where the team were victorious national champions. Following this success, Zoe has been selected for the Australian Under 19 Women’s Squad. This selection gives her the opportunity to be chosen as one of 12 athletes who will represent Australia at the World Underwater Hockey Championships in Turkey this August.

This is an exceptional achievement and a testament to Zoe’s dedication and talent.

Congratulations, Zoe! 

Athletics

The dynamic duo, Chloe Pun (Year 7) and Jemima Pun (Year 7), set the athletics track alight last weekend at the Regional Athletics Championships! The twin sisters delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home a combined total of two gold medals and five silver medals.

• Chloe dominated the sprints and field events, medalling in the 100m, 200m and Long Jump.
• Jemima, who prefers the middle distances, impressed in the 400m, 800m and 1500m.

We are excitedly awaiting the chance to see them running in the blue and gold for MLC School!

Click on gallery to view full images

Weekend Fixtures

Did you know things are changing?

You can check your daughter’s fixtures in the MLC School app under the Co-curricular tile. These are live and updated as needed when weather changes etc.

In coming weeks, we will refer all parents to the MLC School app for sporting fixtures, given the immediacy of this information. At that point, fixtures will no longer be published in this newsletter. 

Saturday 7 February 2026

– Scott Carpenter
Director of Sport

Music Events

String and Band Festival 

We are delighted to invite parents and carers to our String and Band Festival on Thursday, 26 February 2026, from 4pm, held across various venues throughout the School.

This special event celebrates the outstanding musicianship of our students in a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere. It is an excellent opportunity to support their hard work and enjoy an afternoon of inspiring performances.

Students who wish to participate in the festival are invited to register using the relevant link below.

Strings Festival Sign Up Form

Band Festival Sign Up Form

Year 1 and Year 2 Open Classes

Parents are warmly invited to attend the Year 1 and Year 2 Open Classes for String students, which will be held after the events. These sessions provide an insightful opportunity to observe your child’s instrumental class in action in the Junior School Music Rooms and Daphne Line Hall.

• Year 2 Open Class: Wednesday 18 March, 1.25pm–2.20pm
• Year 1 Open Class: Thursday 19 March, 11.50am–12.45pm

– Jessica Jones
Music Administrator

Hit the Ground Running

We had amazing Hit the Ground Running sessions last Saturday with our Year 1 String and Year 3 band students and parents. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to immerse themselves in their new instruments, learning new notes, pieces, and the basics. It was wonderful to see so many parents participating enthusiastically. We are very grateful to our staff and tutors for dedicating their weekend to provide a great start to our students’ musical journeys. We look forward to another fantastic year of music at MLC School!

– Vicky Rodrigues
Music – Head Administrator

Click on gallery to view full images

Duke of Edinburgh Award – Victorian High Country

Stepping well beyond the classroom, 13 students from Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11, took on an ambitious cycling journey through Victoria’s High Country during the holiday break. What began as a challenging idea quickly became a resounding success, with students embracing the physical and mental demands of the experience while developing resilience, leadership, and strong connections with one another. Riding more than 200 kilometres across some of Victoria’s most scenic landscapes, the trip exceeded all expectations – so much so that we are pleased to confirm we are now working on offering it again in 2026. The reflections below from Jodhi Bou (Year 11) capture the impact of this unforgettable experience from the students’ perspective.

‘Despite the challenge, the trip exceeded all expectations. We created lasting memories, gained important life skills, and finished the journey feeling tremendously proud of ourselves and what we were able to achieve together.

In the first week of the holidays, we embarked on a cycling adventure in Victoria’s High Country.  Riding over 200km, we cycled sections of the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail, one of Australia’s most scenic rail trails located in North East Victoria. Alongside riding, we also had the opportunity to enjoy additional activities including swimming at the local pool in Myrtleford and participating in a honey tasting experience at the Beechworth Honey Shop.

Initially, the idea of coming on this trip seemed daunting. However; this trip completely subverted our original expectations. Despite some hardships, we developed a strong sense of perseverance and resilience, teaching us to push through the mental and physical fatigue.

Throughout the duration of this trip, we had the opportunity to meet and connect with people from different grades, strengthening and creating new friendships. Whilst cycling, we embraced and appreciated the beautiful countryside. We also had the opportunity to lead the group through sections of the track, developing leadership skills and a sense of responsibility as we supported one another and worked together to navigate unfamiliar terrain.

Ultimately, we all had a positive experience on this trip, creating lasting memories, gaining important life skills and finishing the journey feeling tremendously proud of ourselves and what we achieved together.

Thank you to our lovely teachers, Ms Leck, Ms Schroder and Mr Mole for supervising us on this trip. Their patience, reassurance, and willingness to support us through challenges played an important role in making the trip full of fun.’

For more information, you can access the DofE Padlet page here

Launching Our Paper-Light DofE Program with Year 9

This term, we officially launched our new paper-light Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) process by speaking directly to our Year 9 students.

During the year-level presentation, students were introduced to the DofE programme and the opportunities it offers to develop confidence, resilience, independence, and teamwork. As part of this launch, we also explained how DofE at our school is moving to a paper-light system designed to make getting started clearer, quicker, and more environmentally friendly.

Rather than handing out large printed packs, students who expressed an interest in taking part in DofE were invited to collect a flyer from the Studies Office. The flyer contains QR codes that link to the full online DofE starter pack, including a step-by-step guide, all required forms, parent information, and key resources.

The response from students was extremely encouraging. Over 100 flyers were collected, highlighting strong interest in the programme and demonstrating the effectiveness of the new approach.

Students were shown how the QR codes allow them to access all information in one place and how forms can be completed digitally or printed at home if preferred. Once completed, forms are uploaded online using QR codes within the guide, reducing delays caused by paperwork being misplaced in bags or lockers and ensuring submissions reach the Studies Office promptly.

The move to a paper-light system not only supports sustainability by reducing unnecessary printing, but also removes common barriers that previously slowed the sign-up process.

By launching this approach directly with Year 9, we aim to make the DofE journey more accessible and to keep the focus where it belongs — on participation, personal challenge, and achievement, rather than paperwork.

We look forward to welcoming many of these students as they begin their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey.

And just in case the flyer didn’t make it home, here are the links

Starter Pack Padlet Link

Home Page Padlet Link

– Glen Mole
Duke Of Ed Award Leader

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is Going Paper-Light

Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is Going Paper-Light

Traditionally, DofE information packs and forms were printed, handed out, taken home (sometimes), misplaced (often), or ended up at the bottom of a school bag. Even when completed, forms did not always make it back to the Studies Office in a timely fashion — often remaining in school bags or lockers for weeks. We know from experience that many packs never made it back at all, not through a lack of interest, but simply because paper gets lost, damaged, or thrown away.

To make the process simpler, clearer, and more environmentally friendly, students (and parents) will now access the DofE starter pack online.

You can also access the DofE homepage Padlet here: Duke of Edinburgh Award Home Page

How it works

A flyer available from the Studies Office contains QR codes that link directly to the full DofE information pack. This includes:

• A step-by-step guide to getting started

• All required forms

• Clear instructions for each stage of the process

• A dedicated Parent Information page

• Everything students need to begin their DofE journey

Students can scan the QR code using their phone or device and access everything in one place. If a student decides they would like to undertake DofE, they can either print the forms at home or download them and have them electronically signed by their Assessors. The key difference is that printing is now optional, not automatic.

Submitting forms made simple

Once forms are completed, they are uploaded online using QR codes included within the step-by-step guide. This removes the need to hand in paperwork physically and helps ensure forms are received quickly and securely.

Why we’re doing this

• No more lost packs or forms delayed in bags or lockers

• Less paper waste, supporting our commitment to sustainability

• Clearer guidance for students and parents, all in one place

• Faster processing and fewer delays caused by missing paperwork

This change allows us to keep the DofE experience focused on what really matters: building confidence, resilience, independence, and a sense of achievement — not chasing paperwork.

– Glen Mole
Duke Of Ed Award Leader

Speech and Drama Studio – Finding Our Voice in 2026

The Speech and Drama Studio is delighted to be back for another year of creativity, confidence and courageous voices. For families new to the Studio, Speech and Drama is a vibrant co-curricular programme that helps students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 develop communication skills, imagination and self-belief through performance, public speaking and creative exploration. For our returning students, it is a place where friendships grow, talents are refined, and challenges are embraced.

At the heart of the Studio is MLC School’s call to Dare to be More. Guided by the Round Square philosophy, students are encouraged to take risks, work collaboratively and use their voices with purpose and integrity. Whether preparing for exams, stepping onto a stage, or exploring ideas through philosophy and storytelling, girls learn to speak with confidence and listen with empathy.

“I am excited and happy to be back because I get to do more challenging and fun exams and get certificates and prizes.”

– Sonia Chung (Year 5)

“I am looking forward to doing Eisteddfods and exams and doing what I love.”

– Gem McGuire (Year 5)

Students at the Speech and Drama Studio can participate in Speech & Drama, Public Speaking, Theatre Sports, Screen Acting, Musical Theatre and Script Writing, with opportunities to perform in Festivals of Speech, Eisteddfods and complete external examinations with ASCA and Trinity College of London. These pathways challenge girls to think deeply, perform bravely and strive for excellence, with results consistently exceeding national averages.

Just as importantly, the Studio is a place of belonging. Girls work together across year levels in a safe and inclusive environment where they feel seen, heard and valued. Through ensemble work, shared performances and creative problem-solving, students build strong relationships and a genuine sense of community.

In helping our girls “walk as daughters of the light,” the Speech and Drama Studio also teaches them how to step confidently into the spotlight – not for attention, but for purpose. Here, voices are shaped, character is strengthened, and imagination is given room to grow.

We look forward to another year of brave speaking, joyful creativity and voices that truly dare to be more.

“I commenced speech and drama since I joined MLC school in year 5, and it has been one of my favourite school experiences. Through this program, I built many skills and opportunities that have benefited my development as an actor and public speaker. The program has also allowed me to collaborate with friends while building my confidence. Speech and Drama has improved my speaking ability and taught me techniques to enhance my acting, time management, and organisation skills.  

I received my Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA)  Certificate of Communication , a professional qualification that I completed through many stages of ASCA. It took a lot of dedication and hard work, but the incredible lessons I learnt from my teacher, Zuzi Fort, made it all worth it. Speech and Drama has made me a more confident, self-assured person, and I encourage any student thinking of starting the program to give it a go.” 

– Ella Baker (2025)

For enquiries and enrolments click here

– Monica Brian and Zuzi Fort
Speech and Drama Studio Director / Tutor

Click on gallery to view full images