From the Head of Junior School

It was lovely to see so many parents, particularly new parents, at our Parent Welcome last Friday evening. It is wonderful opportunity to come together and connect. My thanks to our Year 4 parents and carers who attended our first grade assembly for year.  

As today is St Valentine’s Day today, the Junior School campus library has been celebrating ‘Library Lovers Day’. The girls have been sharing the books and authors that love during their library lessons. 

Junior School Student Leaders 

At MLC Junior School, our Year 5 students undertake a year of leadership. This is uncommon in primary schools, but not at MLC School. Our Year 5 girls are challenged and supported to step up to lead. Last year we voted for our Junior School Captain and Vice-Captain. This week we have commenced the process of fulfilling our other student leadership roles. Each School House (Churunga, Mooramoora, Booralee, Leawarra and Prescott) have the following Captain and Monitor positions.  

• Library
• Environment
• Music
• Service
• Sport
• Technology 

Congratulations to the following students who have been voted as Captains.

Art Captains

Environment Captains

Library Captains

Music Captains

Service Captains

Sport Captains

Technology Captains

As each Year 5 girl has a leadership opportunity, other students will take up the position of monitors in each of these areas. I wish all Year 5 students the very best in their year of leadership.  

Pick Up Time at Junior School Campus 

As previously mentioned, the Junior School has staggered finish times to allow for a smooth exit for all students Pre-K to Year 5. (Year 6 conclude at 3.15pm and walk off campus). Thank you for adhering to these times and staying in your car to assist with a smooth and timely process. 

• Pre-K: 2.40pm
• Kindergarten to Year 2 only: 3.10pm
• Year 3 to Year 5 only: 3.30pm
• Kindergarten to Year 5 combined: 3.30pm

Pick up concludes at 3.40pm and After School Care concludes at 6pm 

Do NOT use Park Road for school pick up and drop off. 

Uniform Tip 

Where do the girls wear their School and House badge on their summer uniform? It is a long-standing tradition for the Junior School girls to wear their badges on the left collar of their summer school dress (closest to her heart). Each girl should have a School and House badge. 

Junior School P&F Meeting 

Our first Junior School P&F meeting will be held next week. 

When: Thursday 20 February 2025 
Time: 8.45am to 9.45am
Where: Sutherland Rooms (enter via the main reception on Rowley Street) 

Junior School Year 3 to Year 5 Swimming Carnival 

All Year 3 to Year 5 students will be participating in our annual Swimming Carnival. 

When: Friday 21 February 2025 
Time: 9am start 
Where: MLC School Aquatic Centre (Parents are most welcome to attend on the upper deck). 

Staff Spotlight 

Bridget Woods – Year 5 Teacher 

Bridget Woods is a dedicated and experienced educator with a strong background in teaching early and primary years. Over the past nine years, she has taught Kindergarten to Year 2, as well as Years 4 and 5, fostering a love of learning in students across a range of developmental stages. 

Holding a Bachelor of Education – Birth to 12 Years from the University of Notre Dame, Bridget is committed to delivering engaging and student-centred learning experiences. She values creating inclusive and supportive classroom environments where all students feel encouraged to grow academically and socially. 

Passionate about building strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues, Bridget enjoys working collaboratively to support student learning and development. A lifelong reader, she loves sharing her enthusiasm for books with her students and inspiring a love of reading in the classroom. 

International Night – Save the Date 

The Junior School hosts a significant community event during Term 1 each year. This year it will be our much loved International Night. It will take place on Friday 4 April 2025. More details will be forthcoming. Keep this evening free. It is an event you do not want to miss! 

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Important Music Events and Information

What a wonderful start to the year it has been!  Ensembles are in full swing and have jumped straight into repertoire for our Sydney Opera House concert on Monday 19 May 2025. If your daughter is intending to join our music ensembles, please ensure she registers with our staff at rehearsals next week to ensure she is included. We have attached our 2025 Co-curricular Rehearsal Schedule below.

We have important information below regarding Private Music Tuition enrolments and withdrawals, our 2025 European Music Tour, and our Term 1 Music Events Schedule – please take the time to read through it all.

We are looking forward to a fantastic year of music!

Private Tuition Enrolments

Our Junior School (Pre-Kindergarten – Year 5) Music Private Tuition Lessons are currently at capacity. Should you wish to place your daughter on a waitlist for music tuition, please complete the form below. As tuition spots open up, students will be contacted in order of receipt of Waitlist Request. As the general expectation is that students will sign up on a rolling basis, there is no guarantee of an offer of place within a specified timeframe. After working through the existing waitlist, we will notify of any available spots via an App Notice (please ensure you subscribe to the ‘Music – Private Tuition’ tag.

MLC School – Music Private Tuition Waitlist

There is still some availability for Senior School Music Private Tuition (Year 6 – Year 12). If you would like to enrol your daughter, please register your interest and our music staff will be in contact regarding lesson / tutor availability.

Click here to register

Private Tuition Withdrawals

A reminder regarding the terms and conditions attached to the Private Music Tuition Agreement when signing your children up for private lessons:

• You understand that lessons will roll over term on term until the completion of Year 12 unless otherwise notified in writing with a full term’s notice given.
• You understand that 48 hours must be given to cancel a lesson.
• You understand that lessons are taught on a rotation basis

A withdrawal reminder to all parents was sent out during 2024, Term 4 asking that all withdrawals of lessons in Term 1, 2025 be notified in writing. As such, any request received after the end of Term 4 to cancel Private Tuition Lessons will take effect from Term 2 onwards. Tutors will continue to schedule in lessons with your daughters in Term 1 and it will be at your discretion whether your daughter chooses to attend or not.

Should you wish to discontinue lessons please email music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au by:

• Monday 17 February 2025 for cancellations from Term 2, 2025 onwards
• Friday 11 April 2025 (last day of Term 1) for cancellations from Term 3, 2025 onwards
• Friday 27 June 2025 (last day of Term 2) for cancellations from Term 4, 2025 onwards
• Friday 19 September 2025 (last day of Term 3) or cancellations from Term 1, 2026 onwards
• Thursday 4 December 2025 (last day of Term 4) for cancellations from Term 2, 2026 onwards

If you are following up a withdrawal from Term 1 2025 lessons that have appeared on your account, please forward a copy of your written Intent to Withdrawal sent in before the last day of Term 4 to music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au and we will arrange a refund for you.

2025 European Music Tour

We are very excited to announce the dates of the European music tour flying Emirates:

• Leave Sydney EK417: Friday 19 September at 8.10pm
• Tour ends – Leave Vienna EK128: Wednesday 1 October at 11.05pm
• Arrive Dubai: Wednesday 1 October
• Leave Dubai EK414: Thursday 2 October at 2.15am
• Arrive Sydney: Thursday 2 October at 10.05pm

Please ensure you have subscribed to the ‘2025 European Music Tour’ tag in the school App as all communications regarding the tour will be posted here. Please keep an eye out as a very comprehensive information document will be posted early next week.

Term 1 Music Events

Please find below a summary of music events happening during Term 1:

Junior School Co-curricular Concert

Friday 21 March 2025
Potts Hall
4pm – 6pm

Ensembles involved:

• • Allegro Strings
  • Presto Strings
  • Junior Chamber Strings
  • Junior String Quartets
  • Junior Jazz Ensemble
  • Year 5 and 6 Band
  • Angeli Choir
  • Taiko Year 3 to Year 6
  • Ukestra

Performers will remain after school until the end of the concert. More detail to follow.

• Sunday Sydney Opera House Rehearsal – Save the date for ensembles performing in the Opera House Concert (Senior Taiko not required)

Sunday 23 March 2025
Music Centre, Potts Hall, Chapel
11.30pm – 4.30pm

More details of ensembles and timetables to follow.

• Year 1 – Open Strings class

Monday 24 March 2025
11.50am – 12.45pm
Junior School Music Rooms and Daphne Line Hall

Opportunity for parents to observe their child’s live instrumental class

• Year 2 – Open Strings class

Monday 24 March 2025
1.25pm – 2.20pm
Junior School Music Rooms and Daphne Line Hall

Opportunity for parents to observe their child’s live instrumental class

• Sunday Sydney Opera House Rehearsal – Save the date for ensembles performing in the Opera House Concert (Senior Taiko not required)

Sunday 6 April 2025
Music Centre, Potts Hall, Chapel
9am – 3pm

More details of ensembles and timetables to follow.

Key Music Contacts

Director of Music (Vocal): Trevor Mee | tmee@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au  

Head of Strings: James Larsen | jlarsen@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au 

Head of Bands: Jamie Castrisos | jcastrisos1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au 

Head of Keyboard: Ying Ho | yho@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

General Enquiries: music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

2025 Music Co-Curricular  Ensemble Timetable

From the Head of Senior School

Parent-Teacher Interviews and Year 11 and Year 12 Information Nights

On Wednesday night, Year 11 and Year 12 students and their parents attended an information evening hosted by our Heads of Year 11 and Year 12, Sharon Connolly and Angela Renwick, supported by Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12, Fiona Pow.

Principal Lisa Moloney, Head of Learning and Teaching Melissa McMahon, Deputy Head of Senior School – Academic Elisa Scala, and IB Coordinator Priscilla Quintana delivered presentations. Year 12 students were also granted the opportunity to have one-on-one interviews with each of their subject teachers. The evening proved to be productive for reflection and future planning, emphasising the importance of partnership for ensuring success and student wellbeing.

Staffing Updates

Visual Arts

Unfortunately, Head of Department Sally Marks has been away from school due to illness. Visual Arts teachers Lucy Pero and Jake Morrissey have been assisting the Year 12 classes, and we are very grateful for their assistance thus far along with the wider Visual Arts and TAS teams. We have employed a casual Visual Arts teacher, Anita Modok, who is known to the School, to support the students and to teach some classes. Other classes may be supported by members of the Visual Arts department. This is a short-term arrangement until we welcome Sally back to school in a full-time capacity.

English

David O’Donohue has been recovering from a back injury. We are very grateful that Samantha Cook has been working with his classes, supported by Head of Department Tim Curry. We are pleased that David will be increasing his time back at school over the next few weeks as he recovers.

Study Hub

The Study Hub has had a very successful start, providing a quiet space on Level 3 where Year 11 and Year 12 students may study in a quiet space and receive assistance from teachers until 6pm. This week, the teacher roster is as follows:

A reminder too about the Year 7 to Year 12 Study Hub+ program. 

House Chapels

This Sunday, Leawarra and Mooramoora Houses will be gathering for their community Chapel services. A reminder that these services are compulsory for students and families are warmly invited to attend.

After School Supervision and Student Safety – A Reminder

Students should be in the Library until 5pm, Study Hub (Level 3) and Study Hub+ (Level 1) until 6pm, or participating in co-curricular activities. If students are waiting for parents to pick them up after this time, they should be in the Aquatic Centre reception area.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Chinese New Year Celebration at Our School

A significant part of Chinese culture is the celebration of Chinese New Year, and as a school, we marked this special occasion on Friday 7 February 2025. Through music, history, and hands-on activities, students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in Chinese culture and traditions, while also reinforcing the skills they have learned in class.

The incursion began with a captivating concert of traditional Chinese instruments, including the Guzheng (古筝), Erhu (二胡), and Pipa (琵琶). This performance deepened our understanding of the historical significance of music in Chinese society. For instance, the Erhu piece The Butterfly Lovers’ Concerto (梁山伯与祝英台小提琴协奏曲) told the tragic love story of Zhu Yingtai and Liang Shanbo, whose spirits reunited as butterflies. Some students also had the unique opportunity to play these traditional instruments, further enhancing their appreciation for the artistry involved.

In addition to the musical experience, students had the chance to try on traditional Chinese clothing from various historical dynasties, including the Song, Tang, Ming, Qing, and Yuan. This hands-on activity allowed us to step into the past and explore the evolution of Chinese fashion and culture.

To conclude the incursion, each student built a mini wooden Pipa (琵琶), which was fully customisable. This creative activity provided a memorable way to engage with Chinese culture and take home a unique keepsake.

Overall, this experience was an incredible opportunity to celebrate Chinese New Year together while gaining a deeper appreciation for China’s rich cultural heritage.

新年快乐! (Happy New Year!)

– Liesl Wong (Year 9)

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 7

It was really enjoyable speaking with so many of you at the Parent Welcome Evening last Friday. I am working very hard to get to know each of your daughters but am pleased to report that they are continuing to shine as high school students. I know there are definitely some tired girls at home, and few that may have felt a bit of an adrenaline crash from the busy start to the term, but please continue to encourage them to have go, and reach out for assistance if they require it.

This week in our Year Meeting, Year 7 met Evie Papamanuel (Year 12) and Lefki Papadopoulos (Year 12), our School Vice-Captains who talked about SRC and the role it plays here at MLC School. Year 7 students are encouraged to put in a nomination, and follow the instructions sent out in a canvas announcement.

Have a wonderful weekend and I am already looking forward to Week 4!

– Claire White
Head of Year 7

Year 7 Science? Yes please!

Have you ever wondered how a Year 7 Science class looks like at MLC School? You will be amazed if you do!

On their first week of high school, our young and bright Year 7 students were surprised to arrive at their science lab to find it closed with police tape.

They were then busy collecting evidence for a CSI crime scene to find out ‘who broke’ into one of the science labs.

Secret messages left by the naughty perpetrator that only UV light could reveal, giant footprints left by an elusive but forgetful accomplice, pieces of jewellery left behind, and much more!

Science has never been more fun!

Having problems solving a mystery at home? Ask our Year 7 science students and they will definitely be able to help you find an answer!

– Martina Stolzi
Teacher

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 8

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring all of Year 8 are wearing their uniform proudly each day. A reminder that in the summer terms, Term 1 and Term 4, students who wish to wear their jumper to and from school must have their blazer as the external garment. If your daughter requires a uniform pass, I require an email from her parents or carers to offer the reason as to why the pass is required for the day.  

This week Year 8 students enjoyed time with their Big Sisters, furthering their connections with our Year 12 students. It was wonderful to see such fun, tasty and colourful activities organised by Year 12 – many with the theme of celebrating Gal-entines Day together!  

In the coming week, the cohort will attend a session with Dr Prue Salter (Study Skills Specialist). This session held Monday 17 February 2025 will be focused on student organisation, ensuring students are creating healthy study habits and routines as well as providing valuable resources to support their skills moving forward. Our Academic Care program continues to support students in ensuring they are organised for learning, prepared for homework or assessment tasks and can utilise available resources appropriately.  

Key Dates for the Diary:  

• Sunday 16 February 2025, 9am: Senior School House Chapel – Mooramoora
• Sunday 16 February 2025, 10.30am: Senior School House Chapel – Leawarra
• Monday 17 February 2025, 2pm: Year 8 Study Skills Session with Dr Prue Salter
• Sunday 23 February 2025, 9am: Senior School House Chapel – Churunga   
• Sunday 23 February 2025, 10.30am: Senior School House Chapel – Lester

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 8

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 9

Term 1 Adventure Camps

This week, all of Year 9 received their first briefing on their Adventure Camp. Students will attend either the Cadet Annual Field Exercise (AFX) Camp or the Urban Horizons Adventure Camp in Week 11. Both camps will run from Monday 7 April – Friday 11 April 2025. All students enrolled in the Cadet program must attend the AFX camp.

Urban Horizons is a five-day program filled with fun and adventure, in an unfolding journey taking them around the Sydney CBD and surrounding suburbs. Students organise their food, travel and selves as they navigate and negotiate their way across the city, learning teamwork and real-life lessons.

More information about the Urban Horizons Adventure Camp will be communicated to you next week (week commencing Monday 17 February 2025), along with medical and permission forms. Your assistance in returning this information promptly is greatly appreciated.  

Study Hub+

This term, MLC School has expanded the Study Hub+ program to all interested students from Year 7 to Year 12. Study Hub+ is a private, pay-per use tutoring program that aims to provide students with a quiet focused environment in which they can maximise their study time with assistance on hand when required.  The sessions are led by Ela Huber, our Program Coordinator, and run with a team of highly supportive mentors, most of whom are pre-service teachers.

The study sessions are a phone free zone meaning students are required to hand in their phones at the start of each session. In addition to subject specific support our mentors can provide additional support in setting up study plans, examination preparation techniques and completion of assessments.

You will be able to register your daughter two weeks in advance via the Audacia weekly newsletter. There is also an option to sign up on a termly basis. More information about this program can be found here.

If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator, Ela Huber by email here.

Upcoming Dates for the Diary:  

• Sunday 16 February 2025, 9am – Senior School Mooramoora House Chapel Service and Morning Tea
• Sunday 16 February 2025, 10.30am – Senior School Leawarra House Chapel Service and Morning Tea 
• Sunday 23 February 2025, 9am – Senior School Churunga House Chapel Service and Morning Tea
• Sunday 23 February 2025, 10.30am – Senior School Lester House Chapel Service and Morning Tea

Please do not hesitate to contact me or your daughter’s Luminary teacher if you have any queries, concerns or simply wish to touch base about her academic, social and emotional wellbeing. A reminder that your daughter’s Luminary should be the first point of call for everyday issues.

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Year 10 students had a busy week completing their Allwell testing. This went by without a hitch, and the students are to be commended for getting on with it fuss free. Those students who were absent on the day will have an opportunity to complete the testing at a date to be confirmed before the end of Term 1.

In Monday’s Luminary time, all of Year 10 students revisited the student code of conduct and policies on pages 142-156 of the student diary. Please can all parents also look at this with their daughters so that you have an understanding of the expectations that we have at school. On Thursday, we were visited by Sarah Jauncey who introduced the cohort to the process to potentially apply to go on international exchange in Term 3. I’m sure if she is interested your daughter will tell you all about it.

Looking ahead, the first assessment notifications of the year have gone out. Hopefully your daughter has a well thought out study schedule and routine and is keeping on top of her work. If she is struggling at all please encourage her to check in with her class teacher, her Luminary or me.

– Fiona Pow
Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12

Year 10 Career Profiling Feedback Interviews

Thank you to all students who participated in the Career Avenues profile testing last week.

Accessing Your Reports

• Students now have access to their reports through the Dashboard on the Career Avenues website after login.

Booking an Interview

• Students have been sent a link to book an appointment for the Career Profiling Feedback Interviews. Access to the interview sessions can also be found through the Career Avenues website dashboard.
• Students can select a time and day where there are no school commitments or assessments on their timetable.
• Any student that has not booked an appointment by Sunday 16 February 2025 will have one allocated to them on Monday 17 February 2025.
• Once the interviews dates and time have been confirmed, students will receive a Microsoft Teams link which can be shared with parents.

On the Day

• Students must arrive 5 minutes before their scheduled appointment at the Senior Centre, Level 3, mark their name off with Nicole Massara and then wait outside the assigned room for the interview.
• Interviews will take approximately 30 minutes
• They don’t need to bring anything, as a laptop will be provided.
• If students miss their interview slot there are no other times available.
• If students need to swap an appointment time or day, they will need to organise someone to swap with and notify Nicole Massara to make the change (prior to the appointment day)

It’s important to be punctual for your appointment as there are several sessions back-to-back on each day.

Feedback Presentation Resources

Students are encouraged to view the below video presentation prior to their meeting.
Click here to view video

If there are any queries, please contact Jo Cilia Head of Futures and Pathways (jcilia1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au) or Nicole Massara (nmassara@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au).

Year 11

Leadership

Thank you for your support with uniform this term. Year 11 students are quickly presenting themselves as leaders of the School. I look forward to the cohort continuing to put themselves forward for opportunities of leadership such as Luminary Representatives, MLC School tour guides and café volunteers.

As mentioned at this week’s Year 11 parent teacher evening on Wednesday 12 February, these skills of leading others will be inherently useful in the years to come. Students are beginning to write an expression of interest when they volunteer for these opportunities so that they move into the mindset of applying for leadership and begin to articulate why they would like a leadership opportunity.

Luminary

This week in Luminary, our Luminary Representatives led sessions to discuss how the groups are experiencing Year 11. Many students are trying hard to be organised and keep up with the demands of their senior courses. This was a way of exploring and normalising their experiences and sharing ideas about organisation and what works.

Luminary groups also explored our Year group’s Canvas page and the support available at the click of a button, such as Counselling, Health Centre, e-Learning, Careers pages and the Year 11 Assessment Calendar for 2025. Thank you to Year 11 Prescott Luminary Representatives Eri Takeshita and Isabelle Ng, and Year 11 Sutton Luminary Representatives Eve Parker and Isabel Garner for the suggestions.

The slides from the presentation at the Year 11 Information Evening from Wednesday 12 February 2025 is available below.

Year 11 2025 Parent information evening

In a letter you received earlier in the term from Joanna Graffen, she wrote that we would be planning 1:1 check-ins for students. We are currently finalising the arrangements for progress conversations for the Year 12 group, and following this, we will reach out to you about your daughter’s appointment. This will be in Term 2 after their reports and parent-teacher interviews. We see this as an opportunity for you and your daughter to consolidate the information you have received at that stage and have a coaching conversation about their engagement, progress and study habits moving forward.

I hope Mooramoora and Leawarra families enjoy their respective House Chapel services this Sunday.

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

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 11

Dates coming up:

• Sunday 16 February 2025 – Mooramoora House Chapel Service, (9am Chapel, 10am Morning Tea) and Leawarra House Chapel Services, (10am Morning Tea,10.30am Chapel)
• Sunday 23 February 2025 – Churunga House Chapel Service (9am Chapel, 10am Morning Tea) and Lester House Chapel Service, (10am Morning Tea,10.30am Chapel)
• Sunday 16 March 2025 – Whitley House Chapel Service (9am Chapel, 10am Morning Tea) and Wade House Chapel Service , (10am Morning Tea,10.30am Chapel)
• Sunday 23 March 2025 – Booralee House Chapel Service (9am Chapel, 10am Morning Tea) and Abbeythorpe House Chapel Service (10am Morning Tea,10.30am Chapel)
• Sunday 30 March 2025 – Sutton House Chapel Service (9am Chapel, 10am Morning Tea) and Prescott House Chapel Services (10am Morning Tea,10.30am Chapel)
• Monday 31 March 2025 – Senior School Swimming Carnival

Click on gallery to view full images

Six Memorable Weeks in France: A Language Immersion Experience

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 12

A busy week for Year 12 parent-teacher interviews, presentations, chapel and Big Sister Little Sister with Year 8.

As always the girls step up to the plate and work together to make the most of the opportunities available at MLC School. It was great to see you all at the Information Evening on Wednesday night – the presentations are available in the link below for those who couldn’t attend.

Year 12 Parent Information Evening Presentation Slides

For those of you who could not make it to the parent interviews, teachers have been asked to reach out to you to have those important conversations. The face-to-face mode is very helpful for us and there is nothing quite like having a discussion in person, so thank you for your participation and I hope you learned some new strategies and context to support your daughter in her journey this year. We are also here to support you, so the staff and I are here to help you navigate the path also.

Year 12 Chapel took place this week in Potts Hall, with Year 11. Wade House worked together, lead by their luminary, Vicky Zinopoulos and House Captains Amelia McNamara (Year 12) and Lara Bazzi (Year 12) lead the service with beautiful readings and hymns. Rev Vinnie Ravetali conducted the service with Pastor Caitlin Scott on reflection. The Chapel service offers an oasis of calm in a busy week and I have included an excerpt from Pastor Caitlin’s sermon, including a new version of the Beatitudes:

Blessed are the agnostics.

Blessed are they who doubt. Those who aren’t sure, who can still be surprised.

Blessed are those who have nothing to offer. Blessed are the preschoolers who cut in line at communion. Blessed are the poor in spirit. You are of heaven and Jesus blesses you.

Blessed are they for whom death is not an abstraction.

Blessed are they who have buried their loved ones, for whom tears could fill an ocean. Blessed are they who have loved enough to know what loss feels like.

Blessed are they who don’t have the luxury of taking things for granted anymore.

Blessed are they who can’t fall apart because they have to keep it together for everyone else.

Blessed are those who “still aren’t over it yet.”

Blessed are those who mourn. You are of heaven and Jesus blesses you.

Blessed are those who no one else notices. The kids who sit alone at school lunch tables. The laundry guys at the hospital. The dishwashers at restaurants.

Blessed are the forgotten. Blessed are the closeted.

Blessed are the unemployed, the unimpressive, the underrepresented.

Blessed are the teens who feel like they have to hide who they are. Blessed are the meek.

You are of heaven and Jesus blesses you.

Blessed are the wrongly accused, the ones who never catch a break, the ones for whom life is hard, for Jesus chose to surround himself with people like them.

Blessed are those without documentation. Blessed are the ones without lobbyists.

Blessed are foster kids and special-ed kids and every other kid who just wants to feel safe and loved.

Blessed are those who make terrible business decisions for the sake of people.

Blessed are the burned-out social workers and the overworked teachers and the pro bono case takers.

Blessed are the kids who step between the bullies and the weak. Blessed are they who hear that they are forgiven.

Blessed is everyone who has ever forgiven me when I didn’t deserve it.

Blessed are the merciful, for they totally get it.”

Our image this week is of Year 12 Wade, who led the service.

Wishing you a peaceful weekend of some down time after a busy week.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 12

Final Year 12 Term 1 Exam Timetable

Please click here to view the Year 12 Term 1 Exam Timetable.

All students (including special provisions) will be sent an email with their individual exam timetable.

Students will return to class on Wednesday 12 March 2025 (Week 7) after the conclusion of the written exams.

IB students with speaking exams on Wednesday 12 March or Thursday 13 March 2025 will attend their regular classes and only leave for their speaking exam at the scheduled time, as arranged with their language teacher. Speaking exams are 30 minutes maximum per student.

Please reach out if you have any questions.

– Eleanor Santiago
Academic Administrator

Futures and Pathways – Year 12 timeline

Term 1

Careers and Tertiary Expo at MLC School

• Wednesday 2 April, 6pm – 8pm (Level 1, Senior Centre)
• 7pm – 7.40pm (Level 3, Senior Centre) Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) presentation: applying to university, how the ATAR is calculated, admissions schemes and more
• 40 exhibitors (universities, vocational, industry groups)
• A must for Year 12 students and parents

UAC opens 2 April – Universities Admissions Centre

• UAC processes applications for undergraduate courses at universities in NSW and ACT.
• UAC will email HSC students a pin Wednesday 2 April 2025. IB students will be able to access around July. Five course preferences can be listed. Early bird applications close Tuesday 30 September 2025. Preferences can be changed throughout the year until final lock in date in December.

Australian National University (ANU)

• Direct Applications: Open Monday 3 March 2025, close Tuesday 13 May 2025.
• Tuckwell Scholarship: Applications open Friday 7 March 2025, close Tuesday 8 April 2025.
• Open Day is on Saturday 29 March 2025.
  

Undergraduate Clinical Admissions Test (UCAT)

• The UCAT ANZ was established to help universities achieve greater fairness in selection. The UCAT ANZ assesses a range of abilities identified by universities as important to practicing in the fields of medicine / dentistry / clinical sciences. Bookings open Tuesday 4 March 2025 and close Friday 16 May 2025. Testing begins 1 July https://www.ucat.edu.au/about-ucat-anz/ucat-anz-test-cycle/

Term 2

Early Entry Applications

• Applications open from June

• Most universities (except UNSW and USYD) offer early entry schemes which are based on Year 11 marks and sometimes additional criteria such as leadership & activities. The 2024 booklet can be found on the Futures & Pathways Padlet for reference. Successful applicants receive offers from September. Students could receive multiple offers.

Law Admissions Test (LAT)

• UNSW requires students applying for Law to sit the LAT – a selection test developed to assess your critical thinking and analytical skills, problem-solving and ability to organise and express ideas.
• Dates TBC, typically registrations open May and close September – Click her for more information

Portfolio Entry

• Students applying to creative and design related degrees can submit a portfolio to be considered which could help with entry if they are close to the required selection rank.
• Allows students to demonstrate their skills, creativity and passion beyond their academic results.
• Students can receive several points to increase their selection rank for course entry.
• USYD, UNSW, UTS, WSU and NIDA offer portfolio entry
• Submissions close in September

Term 3

University Open Days

• Attend university open days to explore their study options, experience campus life, and gather essential information about courses, entry requirements, and career pathways.
• These events provide a valuable opportunity to speak with academics, current students, and admissions staff, helping students make informed decisions about their future and ensuring they choose a university that aligns with their goals and needs. Dates TBC, typically held in around August and September.

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

• EAS helps applicants who have encountered significant educational challenges in Year 11 and Year 12. It gives them the opportunity to have their circumstances considered when institutions select applicants for courses.
• Apply via UAC using this link 

University adjustment factors

Additional points added to a student’s ATAR to increase their selection rank for university entry. These factors do not change a student’s ATAR but improve their chances of receiving an offer for a specific course.

Types of Adjustment Factors:

• Subject-Based Adjustments
• Equity Adjustments – Available for students experiencing educational disadvantage due to personal, financial, or health-related circumstances (e.g., through EAS)
• Elite Athlete and Performer Adjustments – For students with significant achievements in sports or the arts.
• School Relationship Adjustments – Some universities offer adjustments to students from partner schools or feeder schools.

How They Work:

• Universities set their own adjustment factor policies.
• A student’s selection rank (ATAR + adjustment factors) is used to assess their eligibility for courses.

Throughout 2025

Presentations will be organised from UNSW, USYD, UTS, MACQ, Notre Dame. Also, old girls and industry groups will share visit to share their study and industry advice. Ms. Cilia will hold lunch sessions on various study areas such as health, engineering, business.

Individual appointments for students throughout the year with Jo Cilia (email your spares and I’ll send you a diary invite). I ask that you come with having done some research which could be through:

1. Revisiting your careers profile in year 10: www.careeravenues.com.au
2. Careers Exploration through your account at www.thecareersdepartment.com
3. Explore the wealth of information on the *Futures & Pathways Padlet, watch webinars, download guides
4. Monitor the weekly newsletter and the Monday email we send you. Register for university course specific webinars and events
5. Visit the Good Universities Careers Guide at www.gooduniversitiesguide.com.au/careers-guide

– Jo Cilia
Head of Futures and Pathways

Upcoming Events, Scholarships and Competitions

Summer 2025 Fellowship for Young Leaders STEM

Organisation: Summer Stem Fellowship
Location: Various
Date: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged

The Summit STEM Fellowship is a virtual summer fellowship empowering future STEM leaders. Open to rising 9th-12th graders worldwide, the fellowship connects students with mentors from leading institutions including Stanford, MIT, and Harvard, to explore diverse opportunities and career pathways in STEM. The fellowship is 10-15 hours per week, and events take place in the evenings and weekends to accommodate students’ summer schedules.

Find out more and register

Pathways into Medicine and Dentistry Live Webinar

Organisation: National Institute of Education
Location: Online
Date: Tuesday 18 February 2025

This forum is an excellent opportunity for teachers, students and their parents to find out about the UCAT, pathways into medicine, and have all questions answered by an expert teacher who has been working in the field since 1999.

The session is packed with invaluable information during which we will be covering the following topics, and more:

• What is UCAT? UCAT scores? UCAT Sub-tests?
• Year 10, 11 and 12 – things to consider now.
• The Undergraduate Selection Criteria
• Application process into universities for medicine and dentistry
• When and who can sit the UCAT
• GAMSAT
• Can you prepare for the UCAT?
• Undergraduate interview process
• What, how and why about Gap Year?
• Alternative degrees and career choices
• Work experience advice
• Q & A

Find out more and register

Why study business at Sydney?

Organisation: University of Sydney
Location: Online
Date: Wednesday 19 February 2025

Discover how our degrees in commerce can prepare you for the future of work and a wide range of career opportunities. You will learn about the range of study areas available, including marketing, finance and entrepreneurship, as well as the many ways in which you can combine your interests from over 100 study areas in our shared pools of majors and minors. We will also cover internships, industry-focused experiences, and global mobility opportunities open to our Bachelor of Commerce students.

Find out more and register

ANSTO Science Discovery Tour

Organisation: ANSTO
Location: ANSTO Discovery Centre
Date: Saturday 22 February 2025

This tour provides an in-depth look into the world of nuclear science and the work ANSTO does in the areas of health, the environment and delivering solutions for industry.

Subject to availability, we will visit Australia’s only nuclear reactor OPAL, the Australian Centre for Neutron Scattering, the ANSTO Nuclear Medicine facility and the Centre for Accelerator Science.

Find out more and register

Year 12 & Beyond – With ADHD

Organisation: Claire Pech Careers
Location: Online
Date: Thursday 27 February 2025

Hosted by Claire Pech, CICA-Accredited Careers Practitioner, and Amanda Krulis, endorsed Organisational Psychologist. Targeted to parents of students with ADHD in Year 12, this webinar will share insights and practical solutions for managing this critical year and beyond and making meaningful career decisions.

Topics covered:

• Understanding the characteristics of ADHD, debunking unhelpful myths
• Exploring the similarities & differences between ADHD at School vs. Tertiary
• Considerations for choosing further studies after Year 12
• Evaluating potential action plans & pathway options
• Understanding what adjustments/supports are available after 12 Year
• Creating insight & self-awareness around current ADHD status
• Essentials of Executive Functions, impact & creating a tailored toolkit for success
• Identifying & harnessing ADHD strengths
• Managing technology with ADHD
• Career planning with ADHD
• Strategies for parents to support their kids
• Q&A

Find out more and register

Future Events and Taster Days

Overseas Medical Experience for Teens

Organisation: Projects Abroad
Location: Webinar
Date: Tuesday 4 March 2025

Are you a teenager aged 15 to 18 with a keen interest in Medicine or Healthcare? Projects Abroad invites you to an online session where you’ll discover how our medical programs are the next step in your journey to a career in Medicine.

Find out more and register

2025 Sydney Navy Open Day

Organisation: Royal Australian Navy
Location: Potts Point
Date: Saturday 8 March  2025

Discover the rewards of working in the Navy at the upcoming Fleet Base East 2025 Navy Career Expo. This exclusive event offers students the opportunity to tour various ships, view static displays and demonstrations as well as meet current serving Navy personnel and our ADF Careers Team. A career in the Navy offers mateship, time at sea and an exciting new opportunity. Don’t miss out on this exciting day!

Find out more and register

Year 12 Medicine Information Evening

Organisation: University of New South Wales
Location: Online
Date: Wednesday 12 March 2025

Are you interested in a career in medicine?

Start your medical career at one of the top medical schools in the world. Studying the Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW will provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical experiences you need to launch your career as a medical professional.

UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, for current year 12 students, will provide insight into the dynamic blend of hands-on clinical experiences and research-focused learning that you will be immersed in as a UNSW Medicine student. You’ll also find out detailed information on the application and admissions process for 2026 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.

Join us online where you will hear from our expert panel of academic staff, current students and advisors, and get all of your UNSW Medicine questions answered.

Find out more and register

Year 10 Taster Day – Coffs Harbour

Organisation: Southern Cross University
Location: SCU Coffs Harbour Campus
Date: Friday 4 April 2025

Join us for Taster Day, where you will experience University life through dynamic and interactive sessions. Meet our inspiring students and experience our campus facilities and learn more about university life on this fun day!

• Live like a University student for the day and participate in 6 interactive workshops across different and exciting areas of study
• Experience our state-of-the-art campus facilities
• Ask questions to our current students about university life

Find out more and register

– The Careers Department

Expressions of Interest 2025 December Japan Tour: HSIE/PDHPE

The Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Departments are seeking expressions of interests for students in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11 to attend the upcoming 8-day Japan Tour in December 2025. We are asking all students who are interested in attending to complete an expression of interest form below:

 Expression of Interest Form Japan Tour 2025

This trip has been designed to bring their course materials and course concepts to life. Students studying HSC PDHPE, IB Sport Science, HSC/IB Geography, HSC IB Economics, HSC Business Studies, and IB Business Management will find this trip particularly relevant to their studies.

As this is a highly anticipated trip priority will be given to senior students via the above expression of interest form. For students completing their Gold Award for Duke of Ed this trip will also meet the requirements of a residential project.

– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

– Sarah Papachristoforou
Head of Department – Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

From the Principal

The importance of resilience in learning and in life

This week we held our information sessions for Year 11 and Year 12 parents and students. As part of my presentation, I discussed how those students who achieve beyond expectations are those who have clear goals, the ability to bounce back and to apply and learn from feedback. It can be difficult to hear and apply feedback when you are feeling disappointed about a result or missing team selection but learning to do so and using it to ‘bounce back’ are essential. Learning is inherently filled with challenges and obstacles, ranging from difficult subjects and demanding assignments to the pressures of exams and peer competition. A resilient child approaches these hurdles with determination and a willingness to put in the effort required to overcome them. This mindset fosters a love of learning and a belief in their ability to succeed, regardless of the difficulties they might face, and this is what we seek to develop in our students.

We can all play our part in assisting children to develop these characteristics by:

• Modelling Resilient Behavior: Children learn by observing the adults around them. Demonstrating resilience in your own life provides a powerful example for children to emulate.
• Encouraging Problem-Solving: Allow children to tackle challenges on their own and offer guidance when needed. This helps them develop critical thinking and decision-making skills.
• Fostering a Growth Mindset: Teach children to view failures and setbacks as opportunities for growth. Encourage them to embrace challenges and persist in the face of difficulties.
• Providing Emotional Support: Offer a listening ear and empathetic response when children face challenges. Validate their feelings and help them develop healthy coping strategies.

Thank you and farewell to Lynne Slarke

Today marks Lynne Slarke’s final day at MLC School after more than 25 years of service. Lynne is a much-loved member of staff who has held a variety of pastoral and academic leadership roles and is currently our Director of Enrichment and Differentiation. In this role, she has worked tirelessly to build an enrichment program that ensures that all students, including those with additional learning needs, can learn and feel welcome at MLC School. Lynne is known for her care, sharp intellect, work ethic and positive relationships with all and will be missed by us all.

Thank you, Lynne, for your remarkable contribution to MLC School, we wish you all the very best for your ‘tree change’.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Click on gallery to view full images

Parent Welcome 2025

What a joy to welcome the MLC School community onto campus for last week’s ‘Welcome to Parents’ event, especially with the beautiful weather.

The Principal’s Lawn and Boarders’ Quad were filled by the sound of parents gathering, sharing stories, meeting staff, laughing with new friends, enjoying the tasty BBQ and paella, and bar service.

Click here for Facebook Album.

Click on the image gallery to view full-sized images.

Parent Ambassador Lists Now Available in Omnia

The Parent Ambassador lists for both Junior and Senior School are now available in Omnia. These lists can be a valuable resource for connecting with other parents and staying informed about school activities.

To access the lists, please visit the following link: Parent Ambassadors. You can find them under School Information > General Information > Parent Groups.

Old Girls Union (OGU) Annual General Meeting

Wednesday 19 February 2025
6pm
MLC School

All former students of MLC School are  invited to the Annual General Meeting and General Business Meeting of the MLC School Old Girls’ Union on Wednesday 19 February 2025.

The OGU is a wonderful way to keep in touch with friends and make a contribution to the School, particularly if you have other family connections. The OGU is an active participant in the life of MLC School, making many contributions beyond the holding of reunions.

All positions will be declared vacant at the AGM and any member of the OGU is eligible to stand for election.

Please click here to RSVP

Please click here for the nomination form

Alumnae Award 2025 Nominations – Nominate An Old Girl

Old Girls of MLC School help to make the world a better place. Their contributions lead to progress that benefits society. MLC School would like to recognise and celebrate these women who are prepared to think differently; have courage and conviction; and lead with passion. We are proud to continue the MLC School Alumnae Awards in 2025.

You can read about the former winners of the MLC School Alumnae Awards by clicking here.

Please nominate, or encourage Old Girls you know to nominate, our exceptional Old Girls so they can receive the accolades they deserve. Nominations close Monday 31 March 2025.

Nominate here

Important Health Reminders from the MLC School Nurse

Welcome back to Term 1 2025. We trust you had a restful break with loved ones and friends. Just a few things to keep in mind for the 2025 school year.

Illnesses are always going to be circulating in the community. We ask that you remain vigilant and if your daughter is unwell/showing symptoms of any illness to please stay home until all symptoms have resolved. If you are unsure whether or not to send, please reference this Cheat Sheet from NSW Health on guidelines for illnesses.

Medications

• If your daughter reagularly takes prescribed medication (eg: ADHD, Anti-Anxiety or Antidepressants) please update the Health Centre, this can be done on Omnia. No student should be carrying prescribed medication on their person unless it is an essential Critical Emergency medication such as an Adrenaline injector (Epipen)/Asthma Puffer.
• If medications need to be taken by your daughter during school hours (8am–3.30pm), please adhere to the following:

1. 1. Provide a letter from the prescribing doctor, detailing the medication and dose.
   2. Provide the medication in its original labelled packaging (box or bottle).
   3. Fill out the Medication Authority form by clicking on the button below.

Medication Administration Form

• If your daughter takes a regular medication, we strongly encourage for you to update the School as there are certain medications that are contraindicated or have side effects, so this best helps us to support your daughter if she were to present to the Health Centre.
•  If your daughter takes a regular prescribed medication and there is a camp, all S4/S8 medications are to be brought in the week prior to the camp departure date in a Webster Pack. This is supplied by your pharmacy and usually require more than 48 hours notice.

Updating Medical Details

If there has been a change in your daughter’s medical history, please update the Health Centre via Omnia in the My Students tab or email mlcnurse@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au if you experience difficulties with Omnia. This is an imperative process for MLC School to maintain safety both onsite and offsite. We strongly encourage this to be completed at time of diagnosis or yearly if a general update.

Vaccination 2025 Dates

• Year 10 Vaccinations – Thursday 3 April 2025
• Year 7 Vaccinations – Wednesday 30 July 2025

As always, if you have any queries please contact the Health Centre on (02) 8741 3134 or email mlcnurse@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

– Health Centre

P&F News and Updates

Pockets Embroidery Update

The Uniform Shop has advised they are no longer able to accept blazers for embroidery in Term 1.

Unfortunately the provider is not able to provide this service currently. We will be informed of availability in Term 2.

NAPLAN 2025: Key Information for Parents and Carers

As we approach the NAPLAN testing period, it’s important for parents and carers to understand what NAPLAN entails and how it benefits our students. The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual assessment for students in Year 3, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9. It evaluates essential skills in reading, writing, and numeracy, providing valuable insights into students’ progress and proficiency.

Why NAPLAN Matters

NAPLAN is a crucial tool for assessing the literacy and numeracy skills that students develop through their school curriculum. It helps parents and teachers understand how students are performing against national standards. While NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment process, it complements ongoing evaluations by teachers and provides additional data to support student learning.

Online Testing and Tailored Assessments

This year, NAPLAN tests will be conducted online, offering a more engaging and precise assessment experience. The tests are adaptive, meaning they adjust in difficulty based on the student’s responses, ensuring a more accurate measure of each student’s abilities. However, Year 3 students will continue to complete the writing assessment on paper.

Test Schedule and Duration

The NAPLAN testing window for 2025 is from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 24 March 2025. Schools will prioritise completing the tests within the first week. Here are the test durations for each year level:

• Writing: Year 3 – 40 minutes, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 – 42 minutes
• Reading: Year 3 – 45 minutes, Year 5 – 50 minutes, Year 7 and Year 9 – 65 minutes
• Conventions of Language: All years – 45 minutes
• Numeracy: Year 3 – 45 minutes, Year 5 – 50 minutes, Year 7 and Year 9 – 65 minutes

Supporting Your Child

Parents can support their children by reassuring them that NAPLAN is a routine part of their school program and encouraging them to do their best. Excessive preparation is not necessary, as teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test format and provide appropriate guidance.

For more information about NAPLAN, visit nap.edu.au or contact the curriculum office.

View the flyer below for more information.

NAPLAN Information Brochure

– The Curriculum Office

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+

These operate 3.30pm–6pm Monday to Thursday during term time.

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.

Year 7 to Year 12 Study Hub+ (formerly called ‘The After School Study Program’)

In addition to the After-Hours Study Hub, the School is continuing Study Hub+ (formerly called The After School Study Program), a private, pay-per use tutoring program. Formerly open to Year 10 to Year 12 students, it has now been expanded to all interested students from Year 7 to Year 12.

Study Hub+ resumed this week, Monday 3 February 2025, and bookings can be made from until Thursday 20 February 2025 – Nomination Form here.

All information for Study Hub+ Support can be found in Omnia under School Information / Senior School / Year 7 – Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub+

This program aims to provide students with a quiet focused environment in which they can maximise their study time with assistance on hand when required. The sessions are led by Ela Huber, our Program Coordinator, and run with a team of highly supportive mentors, most of whom are pre-service teachers. They have subject matter expertise across a range of disciplines including English, Mathematics, the Sciences, History, Legal Studies, Economics, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) and Drama.

The study sessions are a phone free zone meaning students are required to hand in their phones at the start of each session. In addition to subject specific support our mentors can provide additional support in setting up study plans, examination preparation techniques and completion of assessments. Please note our mentors will provide verbal feedback on drafts only.

• The sessions run from 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday on Level 1 of the Senior Centre.
• It is expected that students will attend for the entirety of the session. If in exceptional circumstances your daughter needs to leave early this should be prearranged with the program coordinator.
• The sessions are phone free, and your daughter will be expected to hand in her phone at the beginning of the session.
• There will always be a minimum of two tutors at each session and these tutors rotate daily to give the students access to a variety of tutors and subject offers. Please note that all staff, while having subject specialities, are well rounded and can assist in all subject areas.
• Each session will commence with a short goal setting exercise so there is a clear plan of what they wish to achieve in the time.
• If your daughter has been registered for a session and does not attend without providing at least 24 hours’ notice, you will receive an email informing you of their non-attendance. However, if your daughter was absent from school that day, you will not be contacted and will not incur a charge. In all other cases, you will still be charged for the session.
• Parents will be able to register their daughter two weeks in advance via a link on the parent portal Omnia and Audacia the weekly newsletter. If you wish to sign up on a termly basis, which is encouraged as it helps establish a routine in your daughter’s schedule, please inform Ela Huber, the program coordinator, via email here.
• Parents will be able to register their daughter two weeks in advance via a link on the parent portal, and Audacia, the weekly newsletter.
• The cost per session is $25. Charges will be added to your daughter’s account at the end of the term.

If you would like your daughter to attend, please register her through the link provided below. You can also register on Omnia by going to School Information/Senior School/After School Study.

If you have any questions, please contact the program coordinator, Ela Huber by email here.

Monday 10 February to Thursday 20 February 2025 – Nomination Form here.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Great Work Calais!

Over the weekend, Calais Durie (Year 4) participated in Regionals for Little Athletics, achieving:

• 1st in High Jump, with a PB
• 4th in Shot Put, with a PB
• 7th in Discus, also with a PB.

Calais will now be attending the NSW State Championships for High Jump in late March.

Congratulations Calais!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Super Swimming by Isabel

Off the back of the school swimming trials on Friday morning, Isabel Floro (Year 9) achieved an official national qualifying time of 28:34s for the 50m freestyle on Saturday at Sydney Uni February Open meet.

Isabel also swam personal bests in the 50m butterfly (31:64s) and 100m freestyle (102:86s), with these now well within in reach of achieving further national qualifying times by the Thursday 20 March 2025 cut off. We wish Isabel every success and look forward to following her swimming journey.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Amazing Diving News

Congratulations to Misha Behi (Year 12) on qualifying for Diving Nationals at the recent Inter clubs competition. Misha has been a member of our diving team for many years and we are very proud of her achievement!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Netball Registrations

Registrations for the 2025 Netball Season are now open. To ensure a smooth process for registration, please use the following instructions.

Please follow the below steps

Step 1: Go to your Service NSW Account to download your Active Kids Voucher. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one if you plan to use the voucher.  

Active and Creative Kids Voucher Link

Step 2: Netball Australia use an operating system called Play HQ to process registrations. You are required to register AND pay your fee through Play HQ. The cost for Registration is $470. (If you apply your Active Kids Voucher it should automatically change the payment to $420).

If you need to create a new account for your daughter. Please ensure all details are entered correctly.

Click here for Registration link

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Team Allocation and Registration Period

• Students will not be allocated to a team until their registration has been paid. 
• The registration period closes on Saturday 22 February 2025.

Uniforms

• Please ensure you have purchased the new netball uniform. The previous netball dress (prior to 2020) is no longer able to be worn. If you have a query regarding the netball uniform, please contact the Uniform Shop or the Sports Department.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Important Sport Notices

The Sports Department is located in the Aquatic Centre on the pool deck level and is open from 7am – 5pm Monday to Friday should you wish to speak to a staff member.

REMEMBER!

Please make sure you regularly read the Sports Update each week, follow our Facebook page, and check your emails. These forms of communication will give you upcoming sports dates, the weekly fixtures, student achievements and other important information relating to carnivals, grading etc. 

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES FOR SPORT

Absences from Sport

What to Do When You Are Not Able to Make Training or a Game

On the rare occasions that it may be necessary for a player to miss training or a competition, please follow these instructions.

• If the inability to attend is known in advance – a written explanation (email) from the player’s parent/guardian is to be given to the coach and sports department in advance. This notice should be given as early as possible.
• If the player is absent from school on the day of training or on competition day – the player’s parent/guardian is asked to advise the coach and sports department of their child’s absence from training or the game.
• Do not ask your friends or team mates to give your coach the message
• Do give as much notice as possible
• If there is a clash with another sport or school event, please speak with the sports department to determine which game/event you should attend.

Please Note: Continued failure to attend training or competitions without a timely written explanation is unacceptable and may jeopardise the player’s continued involvement in sport. 

A member of the sports department will contact Parents/guardians of students whose non-attendance at training or games is not notified in the correct manner.

 Pockets are only awarded to students who have met all requirements of training and games.

Wet Weather

What do I do if it is Wet Weather?

While on most occasions we would not cancel training for wet weather, cancellations may occur if rain is too heavy to train in or weather conditions deem it unsafe. Additionally, we may be required to cancel training when we cannot accommodate students safely in an indoor space.

FOR MORNING TRAINING

The decision to cancel any morning training sessions will be made by 8pm the night before training.

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook Page, and a notification on the MLC School app.

No Facebook post, or app notification means that activities will still go ahead.

FOR AFTER SCHOOL TRAINING

The decision to cancel any after school training sessions will be made by 1pm on the day of training.

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook Page and the MLC School app.

ON SATURDAYS

If you are playing an IPSHA Sport, please download the IPSHA App – this can be downloaded from the App store and has information for parents. It is also used to send push notifications for Girls Saturday Sport weather updates and for marshalling calls at Major Carnivals.

IPSHA normally make a decision about wet weather by 7am.

If you are playing an IGSA Sport, go to the following link https://igsasport.spawtz.com/

The IGSA website will let you know if your venue is closed or open.

When possible, we will also post the cancellations on our Sport Facebook Page and the MLC School app.

On all occasions, it is the individuals’ responsibility to check the wet weather information. The sports department, coaches and managers are not always in a position to relay any game cancellations.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Weekend Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Saturday 15 February 2025

Upcoming Dates

• Friday 14 February 2025 – MLC School Swimming Invitational, MLC School Aquatic Centre, 5pm–8.30pm
• Saturday 15 February 2025 – IPSHA Saturday Sport commences, Various, Various
• Friday 21 February 2025 – Junior School Swimming Carnival (Year 3–Year 5), MLC School Aquatic Centre, 9am–2pm
• Saturday 22 February 2025 – PLC/Kings Regatta, SIRC, 7am–3pm
• Saturday 22 February 2025 – IGSA and IPSHA Saturday Sport, Various, Various
• Sunday 23 February 2025 – IGSA Rowing Regetta, SIRC, 7am–3pm
• Monday 24 February 2025 – CIS Football Cup, Majors Bay Reserve, 10am – 11.30am

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Follow MLC School Sport on Facebook

MLC School Sport have their own Facebook page. Please follow us for all sports updates and important information.

MLC School Sport Facebook Page

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Speech and Drama – Congrats on Exceptional Results!

Congratulations to Year 12 students Nitya Nimalan, Ella Baker, Lily Simmons, Tasha Keeann Wong and Zahra Yassine who completed their ASCA Certificate of Communication exam last year all achieving exceptional results over 90%. The examiner, Ms Bron Lim, was so impressed with the hard work and dedication of our students, with some marks hovering close to the 100% mark! Now that’s impressive. Their names will now have letters (CertCommASCA) and HSC students can gain extra ATAR points for university entry through the Elite athletes and performers scheme. Speech and Drama can be used for Duke of Ed and CAS for the IB,

We are so proud of our Year 12 students for you unwavering commitment to your speech and drama studies over many years. We know your skills have and will serve you well through this final year and beyond. You are incredible role models to our younger students and are walking proof of the benefits and value of Speech and Drama training. We can’t wait to see all of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead of you.

“I have been doing speech and Drama since I joined the school in year 5 (2018), and it has been one of my favourite school experiences. Through this program, I have 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 recently received my communications certificate from ASCA, a certification 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 Year 12

Term 4 2024 ASCA and Trinity Exam Results

We are also absolutely thrilled with all of our senior and a few Junior students who achieved exceptional results with a Distinction average in their ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) and Trinity College of London exams. We couldn’t be prouder! You brought your performances to life, infused meaning into the words, and delivered them with confidence, persuasion, and charisma. That’s what the examiners are looking for, and that’s exactly what you were assessed on. Even if you felt unsure, the examiners saw the heart and effort you put in, and that’s what truly counts. We are proud of your achievements and cannot wait to see what you accomplish this year!

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director