From the Principal

As I shared the excitement felt by every student involved in International Night and the wonderful sense of community and connection that was evident as parents and staff gathered for our first major event for 2023, I reflected on the many inputs that make a truly great education. Every day, I am proud to lead a school where the focus is truly on developing all aspects of our girls and valuing all types of achievement equally.

If we were to accept the various media-devised league tables, a great school is defined by a number or ranking. As hard as it is to believe, I have heard that there are those who feel that chasing an enrolment at a school that has a ‘higher rank’ on one these tables will ensure better learning for their daughter.  

There is no doubt that the heart of a great school must be a focus on learning and academic growth, but academic achievement is much more complex than can be measured by a number or a rank (particularly when the rank is not derived from statistically valid calculations).

A great school provides a supportive learning environment that encourages students to take risks and learn from their mistakes and, like MLC School, is always striving for continuous improvement and is open to feedback from students, teachers, parents, and the community.

As reported in the update by Linda Emms earlier this term, MLC School continues to perform highly on NAPLAN tests and there has been a significant improvement in our achievements in recent years. When compared to schools with students who have similar backgrounds, our students are ranked above or well above on almost every measure. These are statistically valid comparisons.

However, NAPLAN can only provide a snapshot of student performance on a small range of measures on one particular day. It does not capture the full range of a student’s abilities or the progress they may make over time. This narrow focus does not capture important skills, such as critical thinking or creativity, that are valuable in the real world, nor does it measure other important factors that contribute to student success, such as social-emotional learning, character development, or extracurricular activities.

And, if we look at the various media-devised ranking tables, there is no consideration of the language and learning backgrounds of the students, whether the schools are selective or whether the classes spent endless hours doing practice tests rather than focusing on deep, rich and valuable learning.

I also caution that an over focus on these tests by parents or the school can also lead to increased anxiety and stress for children at a time when they should be coming to school focused on the joy of learning. A great school prioritises the wellbeing of its students, both academically and emotionally.

As a school that is always critically examining our performance across a range of measures and looking to identify areas for improvement to enhance the learning experience for all students, we know that NAPLAN is a useful tool for measuring the performance of a cohort and the progress that they are making. However, it should be used in conjunction with other measures and should be interpreted with caution when comparing schools.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Take Action on Vaping

Vaping – Take Action

After reading my article in last week’s newsletter, a parent kindly shared more information that I would like to pass on to you about another simple thing that all concerned MLC School parents and teachers can do now to take action on e-cigarettes.

The Cancer Council NSW has a page set up to generate customised letters to the Federal Health Minister, the Hon Mark Butler, asking for stronger border controls on illegal imports on e-cigarettes. The Minister is currently considering how to reform the regulation of vaping and hearing from concerned parents and teachers is important to counter the opposing views from vested interests.

More information can be found here.

https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/smoking/generation-vape/take-action-on-e-cigarettes/

– Melissa Boyd
Deputy Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Second Hand Uniform Sale

A reminder that there will be a second-hand uniform sale in the demountable adjacent to the Aquatic Centre on Wednesday 5 April 2023. Senior School students will be able to visit during their break times. More information can be found here.

– Melissa Boyd
Deputy Principal

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Setting up healthy routines for the holidays

With the term break fast approaching I know many of the girls are looking forward to some morning sleep ins and time to catch up on the movies and TV series they have had to put to one side over the course of the term. Many of their teachers will be looking forward to the same things. The school holidays are a much needed break and it is important that the girls take the time to relax, rest and refresh ready for the commencement of Term 2. However, it is also important that they do not set up habits that may be problematic upon their return to school.

Healthy sleeping habits should be maintained no matter whether it is term time or not. A late night on a weekend is completely normal and often a well-deserved treat. But starting a pattern of staying up late during the week and then sleeping late in the morning can be problematic upon the return to school. Staying in a routine of going to bed and getting up that is close to their normal school routine is best as it will assist the girls in the transition to and from holiday times. The girls should be aiming for 8-10 hours of sleep per night. Sleep is important for a healthy brain as it assists in maintaining the pathways in our brain that enable us to learn and create new memories.

Setting up healthy digital routines for the break is equally important. Giving your daughter unfettered access to technology during the holidays will make the transition back to school routines at the start of term more challenging. Increasing screen time and chatting online with friends over the break should be balanced with other activities that involve her being physically active, socialising with friends in person and doing other activities she enjoys. The value of boredom should also not be underestimated. The girls do not need to be scheduled with an activity every hour of the day. Boredom simulates creativity and problem-solving, while giving the brain time to recharge. Creating space for the mind to wander and daydream is important to our mental health also.

In preparation for the break there are some conversations that you might consider having with your daughter over the coming week.

• Encourage her to go the library and borrow some books for holiday reading.
• Set up some prearranged activities with friends.
• Negotiate some additional screen time, this might be a reward for taking on additional responsibilities at home that are age appropriate. This is a great way to teach valuable life skills.

It is also worthwhile to do a quick inventory of access to devices. Have you set the parental controls so that there are times when you daughter is offline and unplugged? Are all the passwords for the controls secure? A little forward planning can make the break more productive and ensure your daughter returns to school refreshed and ready for another term of learning.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Careers and Tertiary Expo 2023 next week! Program available now

Wednesday 5 April 2023
6pm
Senior Centre

Students in Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 are invited to attend the annual Careers and Tertiary Expo. Students can explore different industries and professions, learn about education requirements, and get insights from experts in various fields. The Expo will feature over 40 exhibitors including universities, private tertiary institutions, gap year programs, study abroad organisations, and admissions centres.

Throughout the evening students and parents can attend presentations on career-related topics such as Actuarial + Data Science, Business, Psychology, Paramedicine, Sports Management and more. Hear about how to apply to universities in the USA and UK, and UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) will run two presentations covering the ATAR and admissions process for applying to university.

Whilst attendance is optional, it is strongly recommended that all Year 12 students be in attendance. 

Download the program here

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

P&F Second Hand Uniform Sale

Wednesday 5 April 2023
8am–4pm
Hockey Field Demountable Classroom

With the change of seasons, now might be the time to look at your uniform needs and maybe pick up an item or two of second-hand clothing.

Cash and Eftpos facilities will be available.

We will be accepting donations that are in good clean condition and current design only. These can be dropped off at Junior School and Senior School receptions.

– Susie Delis and Michelle Wai
MLC School Merchandise

Call for ❤mlcschool Giving Day 2023 Volunteers

We are starting to prepare for Giving Day on Wednesday 7 June 2023. On this day we come together as a community to open our ❤ and generate funds to give a gift of an MLC School education to deserving young women.

With your generous support last Giving Day, two new Indigenous students started their journey at MLC School in 2023.

MLC School has worked towards greater understanding for First Nations people since the 1960s. This can be seen in our House names; and the opportunities provided for Indigenous students to attend the School over the years. Our community is enriched by cultural awareness and understanding. Your support this year is particularly relevant given the referendum on the ‘Voice’.

The success of ❤mlcschool Giving Day depends on the support of passionate volunteers. We are asking you to volunteer a couple of hours to join our Operations Room to reach out to the MLC School community by calling others to invite them to ❤mlcschool and open their ❤ by contributing to Giving Day.

Every little bit will count on this day and will assist our Indigenous Scholarship program.

Volunteers can make a pivotal impact on the School we all care so much about. Please consider volunteering for a two-hour shift in the Operations Room and being at the ❤ of the action. Call scripts and numbers will be provided, as well as refreshments, and plenty of fun.

Register to volunteer here

Mother’s Day Classic – Join the MLC School Team

Sunday 14 May 2023
The Domain Sydney

Join the MLC School Team 2023 💗 

The Mother’s Day Classic Walk is a P&F initiative for all parents, students, family and friends. We’d love you to join the MLC School Team in getting active for breast cancer research this Mother’s Day!

Where: The Domain
When: Sunday 14 May 2023, Starting time: 8.32am
Distance: Walk 5km

Wear: 💗 PINK 💗 The MLC School P&F will provide pink hats for all team members.

Join us and start your Mother’s Day with purpose 💗.

Join the MLC School team here

Uniform Shop Holiday Trading Hours

MLC School Uniform Shop will close for the school holidays on Thursday 6 April at 4pm and re-open on Friday 21 April 2023. 

An appointment is ESSENTIAL. Please use this link to book an appointment to make your fitting a pleasant experience. 

Additional Term 1 holiday trading hours

• Friday 21 April 2023 – 9am–3pm
• Monday 24 April 2023 – 9am–3pm

Additional Term 2 holiday trading hours

• Wednesday 26 April 2023 – 8am–4pm

The uniform shop will return to normal hours on Thursday 27 April 2023. 

• Monday – 8am–4pm
• Tuesday – 8am–4pm 
• Thursday – 8am–4pm 
• Friday – 8am–4pm 

You are welcome to purchase from the online uniform shop at your convenience and your order will be filled when the store is next open.  

From the Head of Junior School

It has been lovely to see many parents and grandparents onsite for our Celebrations of Learning and our Kindergarten to Year 5 assemblies. This week Year 1 and Year 5 hosted their Celebrations of Learning and Year 3 performed a beautiful assembly. It was also wonderful to join with Junior School parents at this week’s Coffee with the Principal morning. In attendance was our Head of Marketing and Community Relations, Michele Dunn, our Deputy Principal, Melissa Boyd and of course our Principal, Lisa Moloney. Thank you to parents and carers for taking the time to be with us, showing our young learners the value of education.

Cyber Safety

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our Director of eLearning, John Clear, for an informative webinar on Cyber Safety held earlier this week. If you were not able to attend, I strongly recommend you take the opportunity to listen to this very informative and practical talk. The link can be found below.

Cyber Safety webinar recording

International Night

International Night was a wonderful evening of community celebration, which was a huge success thanks to the many helpers and volunteers. Many thanks to the following:

• P&F Year Representatives
• Parent Ambassadors
• Parent volunteers
• All families who catered for the Korean, Indian and French stalls
• Parents on the planning committee
• Marketing and Community Relations Department, especially Event Coordinator Jillian Avramis
• Facilities Department
• Music Department
• Café team
• Executive staff
• Junior School staff

Our Year 12 students also helped out in so many ways and spoke fondly of their memories of International Night when they were in Junior School.

My final thanks is to our Junior School girls and their families. International Night is all about community, coming together, celebrating our diversity and the richness that makes our MLC School community so special.

For photos from the event, please visit the MLC School Facebook page.

Year 3 to Year 6 Swimming Carnival

Today cheers could be heard across the campus as we held our annual Year 3 to Year 5 Swimming Carnival. (Year 6 participate at the Senior School carnival and an event is held for Kindergarten to Year 2 at the end of the year, following their intensive swimming program.) Our Year 3 to Year 5 girls had a super fun day in the pool, joining in with our Sports Captains to cheer on their House. It was a delight to see so many parents on the upper pool deck, cheering too with many wearing the House colours!

Photos from the day will be shared on the MLC School Facebook page and in next week’s newsletter.

Co-curricular Music Concert – Tuesday 4 April 2023

On Tuesday 4 April 2023 from 5pm–6pm, the Music Department is holding a Junior School concert in Potts Hall that will feature the following music ensembles:

• Angeli Choir
• Ukestra Ukulele Group
• Junior Orchestra
• Junior Jazz
• Junior School Taiko Groups
• Year 5 and Year 6 Band

Staff Spotlight – Samantha Anderson

Samantha Anderson is an enthusiastic educator who is passionate about the importance of Drama in primary education. She has a background in Music Theatre, obtaining a Bachelor of Music (Theatre) from the Australian Institute of Music where she then moved on to completing her Master of Teaching (Music & Drama). A graduate of MLC School herself, Samantha understands the importance and benefits of girl’s education and the benefits Drama can have both inside and outside of the classroom. She is passionate about creating warm, safe and inviting spaces for her students and believes that the arts are an essential part of developing confidence, creativity and communication skills. Samantha began her career in education teaching drama in a high school setting where she honed her craft and realised that she had a passion for working with younger students, which led her to MLC School.

I look forward to seeing our long distance runners at the Year 3 to Year 6 IPSHA Cross Country this Saturday at the King’s School, Parramatta.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing – Social Emotional Learning in the Junior School

A Continuum of Personal Social Capabilities is found on the Australian Curriculum website. These Capabilities form part of a wider set of Capabilities which encompass knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions needed for learning and their lives outside of School.

Also known as SEL (Social Emotional Learning), the Continuum of capabilities or competencies is useful for us, in the Junior School, to track our teaching in Pastoral Care programs as well as how the girls are developing across the areas of self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, social management and responsible decision making.

The Collaborative for Academic, Social and Emotional Learning (CASEL), is highly regarded for its commitment to evidence based SEL to support all students’ learning and development.

CASEL states that:

High-quality SEL instruction has four elements represented by the acronym SAFE: Sequenced – following a coordinated set of training approaches to foster the development of competencies; Active – emphasizing active forms of learning to help students practice and master new skills; Focused – implementing curriculum that intentionally emphasizes the development of SEL competencies; and Explicit – defining and targeting specific skills, attitudes, and knowledge.

MLC School ensures that our Pastoral Care programs are sequenced across the whole school, from Pre-K to Year 12. This ensures continuity of the development of each girl during her time here at School.

Using our School Values as a basis for our Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework allows active forms of learning, not only in Pastoral Care lessons, but also in Personal Development and Health (PDH) lessons, the way we interact with each other and the culture we aim to develop in the School.

By tracking our Pastoral Care programs against the Continuum, we are focussed and intentional in aiming to develop the SEL capabilities/competencies.  Using data from surveys the girls complete also enables us to understand what the needs of each girl/cohort are and focus on these needs.

Through our positive approach for Behaviour Expectations, we are explicit in our expectations of the girls and how they treat themselves, others and their learning and we can target specific skills where there are needs in grades or for individual children. 

MLC School always strives to provide a high-quality education for your daughter and the development of SEL capabilities forms one part of this.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Would you like a new book for the holidays? The Great Book Swap

This weekend, have a look through your bookshelves for books that you have read, no longer need and would like another student to fall in love with.

Every day until next Wednesday, if you have any books to donate to the book swap, bring them to the library before school or at lunchtime.

Bring only books that are in good condition.

Next Wednesday 4 April 2023 (Week 10) don’t forget to bring in your gold coins as the Library Captains and Monitors will be selling these books on the Red Carpet.

The Great Book Swap is an opportunity for all students to get excited about books, which is especially timely as we start the Easter holidays. Just think about all of the books we could read in that time! At the same time we will be raising money for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, to provide culturally relevant books and learning resources to children and families living in remote communities across Australia. Donations also support the publishing of books written by Communities, for Communities, in languages of their choice.

If you would like to know more about the Indigenous Literacy Foundation, click here.

– Cassandra Eadie (Year 5), Jessica Lim (Year 5), Jasmine Luo (Year 5) and Eloise Woodhouse (Year 5)
Junior School Library Captains

Mother Daughter Disco – Don’t forget to book!

Friday 5 May 2023
5.30pm–8pm
The Daphne Line Hall

Our Junior School Mums, Grandmas and Mother figures are invited to the Mother and Daughter Disco.

The evening will be a chance for some fun, food and family time for our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 students and their loved ones.

Dress code: Casual
Tickets are on sale now. 
Please book early for catering purposes.

Adult $35
Student $20

Tickets cover food, drinks, photo booth, photographer and DJ

Book here

Junior School Mother’s Raffle and Stall

Junior School Mother’s Day Raffle

As part of our Mother’s Day fundraising initiative, we run a Mother’s Day raffle.

All funds raised will be used to invest in the School by purchasing equipment and resources that are not in the School’s direct budget. We kindly ask our parent community to donate suitable raffle prizes.

In Term 2 each student will be receiving a book of raffle tickets to sell along with more details.

The raffles are drawn at School Assembly.

Call for Mother’s Day Raffle Donations

To honour all the amazing mothers in our lives, we need your contribution to this year’s Mother’s Day Raffle – prizes to be drawn Friday 12 May 2023.

Some prize donation ideas include pamper vouchers, experience gift certificates, hampers, mani and pedi treatments, massages, books, hotel stays or any other gifts of any size – all donations are highly appreciated. Just ensure there are no perishable or food items and you’re good to go!

Please leave donations at Junior School Reception no later than Friday 28 April 2023 clearly marked with your name so we know who to thank.

Thank you in advance for your kind support and generosity.

Mother’s Day Stall – Save the Date

• Wednesday 10 May 2023
• Thursday 11 May 2023
• Friday 12 May 2023

The Mother’s Day stall will take place over three days – stall will be open from 8am on the Red Carpet and each class will have an allocated time to visit the stall during the week.

A catalogue of items for sale will be released closer to the date. 

– Junior School P&F

Year 4 students visit the Powerhouse Museum

Last week Year 4 students visited the Powerhouse Museum in Ultimo to consolidate their learning in our Collaborative Learning Project (CLP), ‘Forces Influence Our World’. The students were excited to travel by bus to the museum where they explored how forces act on different modes of transport including a rocket ship, a seaplane and a steam train. We also explored the museum and learnt lots of interesting facts about the physical world.

– Selina Clark, Andrea Martinez, and Gabrielle Nottle
Year 4 Teachers

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

Year 5 Celebration of Learning – Student Reflections

Sadie Lucas (Year 5)

‘This week, Year 5 had their Celebration of Learning. The ukulele group played The Bug Song and then our parents came into the Year 5 studios to look at our work. We went on a leadership walk and talked about what we thought leadership meant to us. We showed our parents our group novels and talked about the important parts of them, as well as drawing a picture of an important part of our book. We showed them our Personal Development and Health (PDH) books and our work on sun safety, and our facts about skin cancer. We also showed our parents sketches of the sustainable sculptures we made in art. Finally, we showed them our Collaborative Learning Project (CLP) and Italian presentations. I really enjoyed Celebration of Learning and hope our family members did too.’ 

Fedra Nikolakopoulos (Year 5)

‘This week it was the Year 5 Celebration of Learning, Mariette Karam (Year 5) and Abira Sanan (Year 5), gave an amazing speech. The Year 5 ukuleles and ukestra played The Bug Song, and the Year 5 girls sang along. 5B started their leadership walk in Year 5 Central and the rest of the classes moved on with their activities. Showing our reading book, art, sculpture, CLP presentation, Italian presentation and doing a reflection sheet. Although not everyone’s parents could come, we all had a great morning.’ 

Zara Nicholias (Year 5)

‘I thought that the Celebration of Learning was fun, and our parents learnt a lot about leadership and what it means to be a leader. I also thought that when we presented our subjects to them, they were surprised with how well we are going.’ 

Sophia Correia (Year 5) and Stella Scott (Year 5)

‘We really enjoyed our Celebration of Learning. We both had heaps of fun exploring the studios with our family members. Most of all, we loved sharing all our learning, our hard work, and our achievements. We discussed leadership, and both agreed that leadership is setting a good example to everyone.’

Daphne L’Estrange (Year 5)

‘It was so fun to share our Term 1 learning and progress with our parents. My favourite parts were the leadership walk and doing activities with our parents because we saw photos of us from Leadership Day displayed on the leadership wall. It was also very fun doing activities with our parents. For one activity, we got to tell our parents all about our books. My mum loved exploring the new Year 5 studios and seeing all my work. Overall, Year 5 had a great time.’

Olivia Wang (Year 5)

‘Year 5 had lots of fun, sharing what they have learnt through this term, at our Celebration of Learning. All the parents were very interested to see what their daughters had learned in CLP, PDHPE, Art and Reading. Well done to the girls for showing amazing manners while taking their parents around, Year 5 Central and showing them how much fun, they had on Leadership Day!’ 

Freda Xie (Year 5)

‘I thought that Celebration of Learning was great because we got to share our learning and the Leadership Day with our parents. I really enjoyed performing the ukulele in front of our parents. I also thought talking about our novel was great because, we got to discuss what we liked about the book and the important parts of the story. This is why I thought Celebration of Learning was a really great experience.’

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

Year 6 Students Learn about Art from Dub Leffler

The Year 6 girls were most fortunate in gaining a wonderful insight into the world-renowned children’s author and illustrator, Dub Leffler’s artmaking and writing practice. Dub is a descendent from the Bigambul people of South-West Queensland and underpinning most of his work is a strong connection with First Nation Country, Australian flora and fauna and our natural environment. He reflected upon his termed ‘journey of drawing’ and the constant need to engage in scientific and drawn research of the animal form. He focused particularly on the importance to documenting the immediate everyday world with detailed drawings and written notations within an art diary. His in-depth knowledge of animals enabled him to outline many of their unique adaptations. This knowledge, Dud explained, creates narratives, connections, and opportunities to springboard new creative directions in his writing and illustrations. The girls were tutored in the importance of mark making techniques in drawing and skills in watercolour painting. He further shared his upcoming illustrations for his upcoming 25^th title to us alone, which was the most fortunate experience indeed.

The girls made many encouraging comments about the day.

‘When Dub Leffler came he taught us how to draw ferns and draw faces. It was an amazing experience that the whole grade enjoyed.’ – Chantel Huda (Year 6)

‘I thought it was very interesting how he is ambidextrous and could draw with both hands which made it symmetrical.’ – Angelyn Xiang (Year 6)

‘I enjoyed our lesson with Dub Leffler very much, and I was very impressed with his way of teaching us. I enjoyed learning how to do a contour line and how to watercolour.’ – Audrey Sivyer (Year 6)

‘Dub Leffler showed us how to draw and the process of creating a book. I can’t believe that one of his books took four years to write.’ – Audrey Lazar (Year 6)

‘My favourite activity was drawing with both of our hands on each side of the paper.’ – Larissa Pham (Year 6)

‘Dub Leffler gave us a special insight of how illustrators and authors made books with materials and figures for references to draw. I really enjoyed learning how to make continuous line artwork.’ – Anny Xie (Year 6)

‘Dub helped me understand that there are no mistakes in art. He also helped me learn how to draw faces better.’ – Emma Cardwell (Year 6)

– Amber Bidwell, Jan Falls, Rebecca Putna, Michelle Wyatt and Lesley Snelgrove

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

Year 6 Immersion – Survival depends on Adaptation

Last week Year 6 students participated in an off-campus immersion as part of their learning unit ‘Survival depends on Adaptation’. Students participated in a workshop at Taronga Zoo learning about animals around the world and seeing how they adapt to their environment in both a structural and behavioural sense. This workshop involved meeting some animals up close. This included a snake, ring tailed possum, monkeys, birds and a long neck turtle. Before and after the workshop students observed the other animals in the zoo and heard some of the keeper talks.

Students then worked with marine biologists from Land’s Edge where they were able to examine marine animals in touch tanks. They then went snorkelling and saw the marine animals in their natural environment. A presentation from ‘Take 3 from the Sea’ was also a highlight, with students learning how micro-plastics affect the marine life in Australia and around the world. Students also thought about and discussed how they could take action in their own ‘backyard’.

Along with lots of learning, the girls also had a great time with a movie night and a fashion parade (outfits made of newspaper). All students are to be commended on their exceptional behaviour during the trip. Some reflections from the students can be read below.

Jenny Chen (Year 6)

Michaela Kwaan (Year 6)

Jaya Mehta (Year 6)

Kelsey Pham (Year 6)

– Sarah Jauncey
Acting Immersive Learning Coordinator

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

Uniting MLC School OSHC Vacation Care – Autumn holidays

Uniting MLC School Vacation Care offers children a variety of fun and educational experiences during school holidays, in a safe, secure and caring environment from 8am–6pm. We have a tailored program that is designed by children and educators where each day is filled with exciting activities. We provide a healthy afternoon tea at 3pm and children enjoy their packed morning tea and lunch during the day.  

For more information, please visit our website or to make an enquiry call 1800 864 846 or fill out an enquiry form.

Click here to view the Autumn Vacation Care Program.

– Sabreen Banu
Coordinator, Uniting MLC School Outside School Hours Care

From the Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral – Safe Online Behaviour

As always, our primary goal at MLC School is to provide quality education for our students and prepare them for a future and world beyond school. We do this always keeping student safety and wellbeing at the forefront. 

Advancements in technology have resulted in phones becoming a common place means of communication, socialisation and interaction. With this is mind, digital literacy is important, and it is key for our students to learn safe use of technology, to live in the era in which they are growing up and develop skills for the future. This is true also in education, when used in the appropriate conditions, technology, in particular phones can be a valuable educational tool to support learning. 

In an educational setting, phone use also creates challenges and questions. It has been well documented the impact phones and technology can have on young people in relation to mental health and wellbeing. According to Dr Danielle Einstein:

• Phones can be too easily used at the expense of face-to-face communication and inhibit social skills, as student may be likely to avoiding challenging or uncomfortable conversations and settings.
• Smart phone apps and messages prompt dopamine release, which can lead to phone addiction.
• The presence of a phone impacts attention and engagement, even when not being used. It’s been shown we have reduced working memory capacity and fluid intelligence when our phone is upside down and silent on our desk compared with when it is in another room.
• Smartphone use has led to a decline in people’s ability to cope with uncertainty. The more uncomfortable young people are with uncertainty, the higher the number of co-occurring psychological problems they report experiencing.  

At MLC School we adopt a pro technology approach and engage with students to use technology in a safe and respectful manner. This is seen through our ongoing education around safe technology use in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and through our link with Ysafe, where students are engaged in workshops focusing on positive power of phone use, digital footprint, perspectives and interpretation of online behaviour and reputations.

Our School rules and policy regarding phone use can be found in the Parent Information Handbook and the student diary on page 154. To support their engagement, students in Year 7 to Year 9 should not have their phones at all during the school day. They must remain locked in lockers. 

As a privilege, students in Year 10 to Year 12 can have their phones at designated times, however there are strict rules around their use and it is crucial that students and parents understand that no filming, posting on social media or taking photos is permitted at any time. Students must not engage in any online behaviour that causes harm to others, we treat any conduct of this nature seriously.

What can parents do?

• Please refrain from contacting your daughters during the school day. Should your daughter contact you, do not respond or direct them to a staff member. This will support your daughter in developing their independence and problem-solving skills. Should you wish to send an urgent message, please contact Main Reception by calling 02 9747 1266 and your message will be communicated. 
• Monitor your daughter’s phone use and engage in ongoing conversations around appropriate phone use and boundaries. Do not allow your daughter to cyber bully other students or engage in online behaviour that may cause harm to others.
• Report inappropriate phone use, online behaviour or any concerns to the e safety commissioner or the police.
• Remove technology from your daughter’s bedrooms at night time. This will support healthy sleep patterns.

There is a plethora of information and support available, and we appreciate your support in ensuring students are able to fully engage with school during the day. 

The eSafety Commissioner website has many resources for families as well:

• Online Safety: A guide for parents and carers is a great guide on how to tackle the big online issues
• Screen Smart Parent Tour provides advice on social media, screen time, personal information, cyber-bullying, stranger contact and inappropriate content.
• Ysafe

– Andrew Taylor
Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

Senior School Photo Day Rescheduled – Wednesday 26 April 2023

School photo day for Senior School has been rescheduled to Wednesday 26 April 2023, the first day of Term 2.

Please ensure your daughter arrives at school on time, dressed neatly in her uniform.

Hair should be neat, well groomed and tied back if it is longer than shoulder length.

Jewellery should be limited to one set of plain gold or silver sleepers or stud earrings and one fine chain necklace worn inside clothing.

Thank you for helping us ensure photo day runs smoothly!

Using ChatGPT in the History Classroom – and beyond

Close to a term has passed since commentators, newspapers and teachers caught up to the emerging trend of utilising Artificial Intelligence platforms in educational settings. The release of ChatGPT came as the first engagement for many with AI technology, despite students having utilised less visible forms of machine learning in recent years. Calls to ban the technology were upheld in some schooling systems. Fortunately, at MLC School we have adopted a research informed and exploratory approach to the technology. We have looked to partner with the girls in developing both an awareness, and a growing proficiency with ChatGPT and other similar knowledge generators.

It has been pleasing over the last few weeks to work collaboratively with Senior School students to utilise AI in the development of both their summative tasks, as well as their formative learning experiences. Together we have looked at ways to enhance learning through the development of summary notes, scaffolds, bibliographies, and differing historical perspectives. Thankfully, our girls are well versed in the skills of critical thinking, know that context is king, and continue to look at the artificially generated information with a healthy sense of scepticism.

How have we been using ChatGPT? I offer you a few ways that AI is used in the classroom, and some ideas about how students can engage with the technology at home:

1. Creating base understanding of topics

Unsure about a particular topic, question, or area of study? ChatGPT can be used as a search tool to generate short summaries and introductory notes on a topic, fully customisable to age or ability of the student.

2. Creating Study Tools and Questions

Looking for a way to enhance your study routine? Ask AI to generate a Mnemonic on a topic you’re studying to assist in memorising ideas and concepts. Looking to create an opportunity to test yourself on content? Request ChatGPT develop some short answer or even multiple choice questions to test your understanding. Hint: It will even generate the answers if asked!

3. Essay plans/summary notes

Have a heap of notes/summary work from class or research? Input this data into ChatGPT in order to create summary notes, assist in the formation of an essay plan or past paper question. Be mindful; however, to ensure that the notes generated BEST suits the course syllabus.

4. Finding bibliographies, support materials, sources, videos and YouTubes

Stuck starting your research? Unsure of what sources are available on a topic? Has your YouTube search come up empty? Ask ChatGPT to generate a bibliography, source list, quotes, and even list of YouTube videos on any topic. You can customise your search to currency of research, academic level of your task, and length. Hint: as a computer modelling system the research will not be from the last two years, so ensure you utilise other methods to verify and extend your investigation.

5. Proofing your work according to a criteria

Completed an assessment and unsure about whether it matches the criteria? Don’t have someone to assist in the review and editing process? You can enter your work into the system, and then upload the marking criteria. ChatGPT will then offer a comment on your work. Please note, this one area of growing accuracy; however, not perfect. It is a review tool that is useful, but not flawless. If in doubt, talk to your teacher, or go to one of the tutorial sessions many of our departments run.

– David Posker-Hill
Head of Department – History and Religious Education

Year 7

This week our girls “hung out’ with their big sisters during Luminary time, celebrating the older girls’ completion of their first set of major examinations. Such great weather to be spending time with the older girls. Year 7 students had so much fun chatting away with them. I have enjoyed watching them all blossom into confident members of the MLC School community.

As we prepare for our holidays (woohoo!) please don’t forget that the students are coming back into Winter uniform. If you have not yet organised your daughter’s winter uniform, please contact the MLC School Uniform Shop to make arrangements for orders and fittings. Further information can be found here. If you already have a uniform, now is the time to check that you have everything you need; tie and blazer, and also check the tunic length. A reminder too that the first day back of term, Wednesday 26 April 2023, is rescheduled school group photos, so all students must be in the winter tunic, with blazer and knee-high socks. 

The cohort has done a wonderful job navigating their first term, and I am so proud of the way they have handled so many firsts. Their first batch of assessments were done with such enthusiasm and maturity, their first mufti day with style and their first Swimming Carnival with joy. Well done Year 7!

Below are some more photos from the term.

– Kylie Bickerstaff
Head of Year 7

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

Year 8

Year 8 students are on the countdown to the end of term, and rightly so! It’s been a big one! This week in our Year Meeting, we discussed that when we return in Term 2 students are to be in Winter uniform. As part of the winter uniform, students may wear pants; however, the first day back of term, Wednesday 26 April 2023, is rescheduled school group photos, so all students must be in the winter tunic, with blazer and knee-high socks. 

Students are looking forward to spending time with their Big Sisters on Monday in our Luminary session. I have loved visiting many of our Luminary groups in the lead up to see their crafting and planning in action, and to see what games they have organised to play.  

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch. 

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Main photo: Year 8 students enjoying some fun aquatic activities in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE).

Year 9

This week, Year 9 students were lucky enough to experience our first Chapel of the year. Each week one cohort is given the opportunity to assist with hosting duties for their own Chapel Service, alongside one of our lovely Reverends, and to share this experience in the school’s beautiful Chapel. Thank you to all of those in Year 9 who volunteered to read during the service. Whilst this is at times a daunting thing to do, you were all so wonderful in your behaviour, attitude and engagement with the theme of the service.  

I wanted to share a little of Reverend Vinnie Ravetali‘s reflection, which she shared with Year 9 during the service. I feel the following message is so important for the cohort to reflect on and consider, especially as we move forward with Year 9 Adventurers Camp and Cadets Camp experiences. The focus on working together is one we revisit time and time again, but I appreciate Rev Vinnie taking the time to present this notion to the Year group this week.  

‘Our theme today is “WE BELIEVE” a bold statement of encouragement, of support, of achieving together, of building up self-esteem that stems from believing in yourself and others. This is important to foster as you journey together in the last couple of years of your schooling. “WE BELIEVE” almost sounds like a dream statement…and it brings back to mind that famous saying “TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK”.’  

As a reminder, the Winter uniform will need to be worn by all students from Week 1 of Term 2. If you need to purchase any parts of the new winter uniform, please do so in the coming week. More information from the Uniform Shop can be found here.

The School has scheduled a make-up photo day on Wednesday 26 April 2023 (first day back) for House photos and any missed individual portraits. Formal school uniform will need to be worn on this day, which does not include the school pants.

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 9

Year 10

It’s been another busy week for Year 10 students in Week 9. Assessments are now over for the term and we are looking forward to the holidays. Thank you for participating in the webinar on Tuesday evening regarding the New Zealand Immersive Learning Unit – A Sustainable Future. The trip promises to be an exciting and interesting time and thank you for questions. Year 10 will have the opportunity to grow together as a group and develop some important life skills, and it will be the first time that our new students will be involved too. If you were unable to join the webinar, a recording can be found here.

Year 10 teachers have been busy writing academic and Luminary reports over the past few weeks. Luminary reports are constructed with two main features – an overview of the Luminary program for all of Year 10 for Term 1, and a personal reflective comment, written by the student’s Luminary teacher. The relationship between your daughter and her Luminary is an ongoing connection that will continue until Year 12. Luminaries are also members of the same House and see how your daughter participates not only within their immediate peer group but also during House activities, such as the Swimming Carnival. The Luminary role is a key component of our pastoral care and wellbeing support network for all students at MLC School.

Year 10 students will have their first opportunity next week to attend the MLC School Careers and Tertiary Expo on Wednesday 5 April 2023. The expo is organised by our Head of Careers and Academic Advising, Jo Cilia, and is the next step for Year 10 after the careers profile interviews in Term 1. Attendance is highly recommended as there will be over 40 exhibitors from universities, TAFE, private colleges, the Defence Force and information on Gap Years. Subject selection is coming up in early Term 2, so this event is a great chance to get information, speak to the representatives from each sector and make an informed choice about subjects. We are encouraging Year 10 students to look at the Careers information in the weekly newsletter for information about open days, Year 10 experience days and the steps to tertiary study and work. The new virtual reality headsets will be launched on the night and I’m looking forward to seeing you there.

The guide for parents and students from UAC (Universities and Colleges Admissions Centre) can be found here.

Important Dates and Information

• Wednesday 5 April 2023, 5.30pm–7.30pm – MLC School Careers and Tertiary Expo, Senior Centre
• UNSW Experience Days – register here 
• USyd Year 10 Guide. More information about the Year 10 USyd Information Evenings can be found here
• Macquarie Uni and UTS Year 10 info sessions are yet to be confirmed

As a reminder, the Winter uniform will need to be worn by all students from Week 1 of Term 2. If you need to purchase any parts of the new winter uniform, please do so in the coming week. More information from the Uniform Shop can be found here.

The School has scheduled a make-up photo day on Wednesday 26 April 2023 (first day back) for House photos and any missed individual portraits. Formal school uniform will need to be worn on this day, which does not include the school pants.

Please contact me if you are concerned about your daughter’s wellbeing and progress here at school. I am available for meetings on site, via Microsoft Teams or by calling 02 8741 9736.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 10 Physical Activity and Sports Studies – Pilates Lesson

This term in Year 10 PASS we’ve been trying new sports such as surfing, snorkelling and boxing. Last week we had the opportunity to try Pilates. We were fortunate to have two instructors from Kefi Studios take us for a session in the school gym. The Pilates lesson was a challenge for everyone because most of us had never tried it before and we did lots of new movements with little rest. It was a lot harder than we were expecting, but it was very rewarding when we finished the 35-minute lesson. It has inspired some of us to start Pilates whether that be at home, watching YouTube videos or joining a studio. We would encourage others to have a go.

– Safina McGuinness (Year 10) and Eloise Girard (Year 10)

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

The University of Sydney Year 10 Information Evenings – On Campus and Online

Join The University of Sydney on campus for a fun and informative evening where they will answer important questions such as: What is the ATAR? How does scaling work? What should you consider when selecting your subjects for Year 11 and Year 12? What are prerequisites and assumed knowledge? What is university really like? You will hear from a range of speakers including University staff and students.

The event is suitable for current Year 10 students and their parents/carers.

Please note that each session will have the same program. You will only need to book ONE session.

Your options include:

• Tuesday 2 May 2023, 5.30pm registration, 6pm–7.30pm
• Wednesday 10 May 2023, 5.30pm registration, 6pm–7.30pm

Register here

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

Year 11

It’s been good have the cohort back on deck this week, though they’ve been a little weary after the exertions of examination week. Results will be starting to filter through and it’s important that the students reflect on their performance and ask the right questions about what next in order to improve. Developing the skills that they need to ensure success takes time and patience. The best thing your daughter can do if she is disappointed with her performance is review how she prepared, action feedback that she has been provided and talk to her teacher about any questions she has to clarify how best to move forward. If you have any concerns about your daughter’s academic progress in a specific subject, the first port of call is to contact her class teacher.

We made the most of the beautiful morning on Thursday, heading outside for a session with our Year 7 Little Sisters. The Year 7 students had prepared cards to congratulate their Big Sisters on managing their examination week, and it was lovely to see their relationships develop. We finished off the week with a mufti day to raise money for the communities affected by the recent earthquakes in Syria, Türkiye and Lebanon. Hats off to Lily Hatton (Year 11) and Sara Yaqub (Year 11) who also organised for the café to sell gözleme to raise further funds for the cause.

As a reminder, the Winter uniform will need to be worn by all students from Week 1 of Term 2. If you need to purchase any parts of the new Winter uniform, please do so in the coming week. More information from the Uniform Shop can be found here.

The School has scheduled a make-up photo day on Wednesday 26 April 2023 (first day back) for House photos and any missed individual portraits. Formal school uniform will need to be worn on this day, which does not include the school pants.

– Fiona Pow
Head of Year 11

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

Year 12

This week in Luminary, Year 12 students have been investigating careers and planning for the MLC School Careers and Tertiary Expo on Wednesday 5 April 2023. On Monday they were provided with the powerpoint presentation that has been presented at lunchtimes detailing how to apply for courses, admission schemes, adjustment factors and early entry and provided them with sites to research from. They were also provided with a link to The Careers Department and The Good Universities Guide to also assist in their exploration. Yesterday Year 12 students were then provided with a booklet which is a guide to the Expo, which includes a map, to assist with planning for the event.

The Final IB Italian ab initio Oral Examination is now complete and those students are greatly relieved for it to be over. The Final Written Examination is in May for IB Italian ab initio and Arabic.

We have heard from our Geography students in North Queensland who are safe and enjoying their trip.

As a reminder, the Winter uniform will need to be worn by all students from Week 1 of Term 2. If you need to purchase any parts of the new winter uniform, please do so in the coming week. More information from the Uniform Shop can be found here.

The School has scheduled a make-up photo day on Wednesday 26 April 2023 (first day back) for House photos and any missed individual portraits. Formal school uniform will need to be worn on this day, which does not include the school pants.

If you have any concerns, I can be reached by emailing arenwick@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or calling 02 8741 3278.

Coming up

• Wednesday 5 April 2023 (Week 10) – MLC School Careers and Tertiary Expo
• Thursday 6 April 2023 (Week 10) – Last day of Term 1
• Wednesday 26 April 2023 (Week 1, Term 2) – First day of Term 2 and School group photograph and makeup portrait day

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 12

Careers News

New York University

Annie and Sal from NYU (New York and Abu Dhabi campuses) visited on Monday to a large amount of interest from students. Students heard about this dynamic and global university with three degree-granting campuses (New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai), as well as 12 other locations where students can study away. It is possible to complete a degree spending three semesters across these different campuses for a truly global education.

Students can choose from over 230+ areas of study and use the city as their classroom. All students, regardless of citizenship, are eligible to apply for need-based financial aid. Students qualify for need-based assistance based on the information presented in their CSS Profile.

Capital W Girls in Business Workshop 2023

Want to find out what working in business is really like and hear some tips and tricks from women who are working in industry? Attend the UNSW Business School and Capital W (UNSW’s Women in Business Society) Women in Business Workshop in person at Chartered Accountants ANZ.

This workshop will give you the chance to explore where a career in business could take you, while meeting like minded young women. You’ll also build on invaluable soft skills including communicating, presenting and networking.

This event is free, but tickets are limited, so register and answer the questions to secure your spot!

Register here

UNSW Medicine Information Evening 2023

If you couldn’t attend the information evening, here is a recording of the event.

UNSW’s Medicine Information Evening, is for domestic and international students in their final year of high school. It 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 2024 entry, including special entry schemes such as Rural, Gateway and Indigenous Entry Schemes.

Year 10 and Year 11 Experience Days at UNSW

This is your opportunity to get hands-on experience in the areas of study that interest you. Once you pick what day you’d like to attend, you’ll build your own fun-packed schedule: choose two workshops, attend inspirational talks from some of UNSW’s leading thinkers and innovators, and connect with attendees and current students in our Student Experience Zone surrounded by food trucks, live music and student stalls.

Register here

UNSW Arts Design Architecture Information Evening

ADA is ranked in the Top 50 globally for Arts, Humanities, Architecture, and Built Environment.* Learn about their expansive suite of degrees and study areas across Arts, Architecture, Construction Project Management and Property, City Planning, Design, Fine Arts, Media, Social Sciences, and Secondary Teaching.

UNSW ADA’s Information Evening is for current Year 12 students to provide insight into how you’ll be empowered to turn creativity and big ideas into real-life solutions, as well as experience hands-on learning in state-of-the-art creative spaces while building your employability and professional connections. You’ll also find out detailed information on admissions pathways for 2024 entry, including Portfolio Entry.

Register here

University of Notre Dame – Young Achievers Early Offer Information Session

Find out everything you need to know about the program, including selection criteria, the application process, important dates, benefits and more. You’ll also hear from current students about how receiving an Early Offer helped them finish Year 12 with added confidence, and have the opportunity to chat 1:1 with academics about your undergraduate study options for 2023.

Register here

Music Theatre Chorus Course at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music

This exciting musical theatre course for students 15-22 years will cover vocal technique, lyrical interpretation, characterisation, stage physicality, audition technique and musical theatre ensemble techniques. 

Classes will take place weekly and contain a musical theatre ensemble component and a vocal masterclass component, led by industry professional and Conservatorium Music Theatre teacher Rob McDougall. Come and explore the genre of musical theatre in a fun and safe environment. This is the ideal course for students wishing to progress further into their studies of Musical Theatre, or potentially audition for tertiary study in this field.

Weekly lessons will begin with basic ensemble, performance and vocal technique, with the second half of the term aimed at preparing students for a performance. 

The class will prepare an end of term concert including a presentation the repertoire they have worked on over the term.

Register here

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

Representative Football News

Congratulations to our Representative Football team who competed in the CIS Knockout. They played a tough match against Maitland Christian School on Monday and came away with a resounding 7-2 win. The team will now progress to Round 3 where they will play Seda College. We wish them and their coach Mr Burgess the best of luck!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

State Swimming News

Our swimmers had a great week at NSW Junior State Championships. Congratulations to our MLC School Marlins swimmers.

Olivia Wang (Year 5)

• Girls 10-12 years 6x50m Freestyle relay – 15^th

Lexie Bellew (Year 6)

• Girls 10-11 years 4x50m Medley relay – 18^th
• Girls 10-12 years 6x50m Freestyle relay – 15^th

Olivia Burke (Year 6)

• Girls 10-11 years 4x50m Medley relay – 18^th
• Girls 10-11 years 4x50m Freestyle relay – 24^th
• Girls 11 years 50m Freestyle – 45^th
• Girls 10-12 years 6x50m Freestyle relay – 15^th

Euna Cho (Year 6)

• Girls 12 years 4x50m Freestyle relay – 22^nd
• Girls 12 years 4x50m Medley relay – 23^rd

Zara Stewart (Year 6)

• Girls 10-11 years 4x50m Medley relay – 18^th
• Girls 10-11 years 4x50m Freestyle relay – 24^th
• Girls 10-12 years 6×50 Freestyle relay – 15^th

Iris Ji (Year 7)

• Girls 12 years 50m Breaststroke – 1^st
• Girls 12 years 100m Breaststroke – 1^st (PB)
• Girls 12 years 200m Breaststroke – 3^rd (PB)
• Girls 12 years 50m Freestyle – 21^st
• Girls 12 years 4x50m Freestyle relay – 22^nd
• Girls 12 years 4x50m Medley relay – 23^rd

Alaska Durie (Year 8)

• Girls 12 years 4x50m Medley relay – 23^rd

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Water Polo News

Congratulations to Eve Ireland (Year 9) on her recent achievements in water polo. On the weekend Eve played in the grand finals for UTS Balmain Tigers in 3 teams W4 (opens), 16b and 14a, all of which were top of their metro club’s division. 

Following MLC01s resounding win on Saturday (10-5) against Meriden, Eve’s Balmain W4 played a tough game which they came back to win in the last quarter with an end score of 10-8 resulting in a gold medal! 

On Sunday, her 14a team played SNB Breakers for gold, winning 12-4 with Eve scoring the first goal in the first minute to set the pace.

Eve then played the 16b grand final against Sydney University. It was a very physical game, but working as a team and helping each other, they broke their defences and won 11-5. 

Congratulations Eve on these wonderful results!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Are you interested in Minkey Hockey, Badminton or Tennis Camp?

Minkey Hockey (Junior School)

Complete this EOI form

Badminton Term 2 Development Clinic Payment Page

Sign up here

April Holiday Tennis Camp

Sign up here

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Weekend Sport Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures – Saturday 1 April 2023

Upcoming Dates

• Saturday 1 April 2023 – IPSHA Cross Country, The King’s School, 7am–1pm
• Tuesday 4 April 2023 – Senior School Cross Country, Burwood Park, 8am–1pm
• Saturday 29 April 2023 – ERNA Netball Round 1, Meadowbank Park or Brush Farm, various times
• Monday 1 May and Tuesday 2 May 2023 – CIS Secondary Swimming Carnival, SOPAC, 8am–3pm

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Important Sports Notices – Absences and Wet Weather

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 attended at least 80% 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, due to safe distancing measures and government guidelines, 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, followed by an email.

No Facebook post, or email 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, followed by an email.

On Saturdays

If you are playing an IPSHA Sport, please use this link to take you to the IPSHA Wet Weather site.

Once on the site, select your venue and there will be a notification if your venue is closed. IPSHA normally make a decision by 7am.

If you are playing an IGSA Sport, visit 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.

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

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

Junior School Art Studio – New Co-Curricular Offering for Year 3 to Year 5 students

We are pleased to announce the further expansion of the MLC School co-curricular program in our Junior School for students in Year 3 to Year 5. Starting Term 2, the ‘JS Art Studio’ will offer after school classes designed to develop and extend practical artmaking skills. These classes will be held on Tuesday afternoons from 3.30pm–5pm in the Junior School art studio and will be taught by Senior School art teacher Anastasia Poulos.

If participating in this co-curricular opportunity, your daughter will:

• Develop and extend foundation artmaking skills in 2 and 3 dimensional forms of art
• Be introduced to a variety of new artistic topics and themes
• Explore and experiment with different techniques and media
• Learn safe and sustainable studio practices
• Build the foundation to develop her own individual artistic style

To learn more, visit the MLC School Co-Curricular microsite.

Alternatively, please contact Anastasia Poulos for further information.

Enrol here

– Camille Softley
Assistant Head of Department – Visual Arts

Japanese Culture Society Week 9 Update

Daihinmin (大貧民) or Daifugo (大富豪) directly translates to “very poor man” or “very rich man”. Also known as Tycoon, it is a card game where players aim to get rid of as many cards as possible by placing stronger cards than the player before. This is a game that has many varieties in different cultures, such as the Chinese Zheng Shangyou, the Vietnamese Tien Len, and the Western’s President.

Players will receive special titles:

• Daifugō (大富豪) – Grand Millionaire, winner of the previous round
• Fugō (富豪) – Millionaire, runner up of the previous round
• Heimin (平民) – Commoner, middle placing of the previous round
• Hinmin (貧民) – Poor, second to last place
• And finally, Daihinmin (大貧民) – Extremely Poor, last place

Tuesday 21 March 2023 was also Vernal Equinox Day (春分の日), which is celebrated to welcome the spring season and to appreciate the blooming of nature after a long duration of cold winter. In Japan, the majority of the people will have the day off work to celebrate with their families.

Japanese Culture Society (JCS) regularly will introduce fun games like Daifugo, so please come along if you are interested for games and snacks! We run every Friday lunchtime in SC314, so come along with your friends. We would also like to congratulate the Year 11 students for completing their first half yearlies for their respective courses!

– JCS Year 12 Leadership Team

April Holiday Production – The Speech and Drama Studio

The Jungle Book
An Adaptation of Rudyard Kipling’s Classic Story Written by Creative Educational Systems and adapted by The Speech and Drama Studio

Dates: Tuesday 11 April to Friday 14 April 2023
Time: 9am–3pm
After hours care 3-5pm optional: $30 per afternoon and subject to demand
Venue: MLC School Drama Theatre
Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $429
Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $330

Students gain confidence and have lots of fun as they are taken through a rehearsal process including acting, singing, movement and dance to produce a production in four days. Students experience what it is like to be a part of a production team whether it be on or off the stage from start to finish. At the end of the five days students perform the production to family and friends.

An enormous increase in confidence and performance skills can be seen throughout the week. The productions provide a wonderful opportunity for students to form friendships with students in different year levels and allow every student to feel like a star!

The Holiday productions are open to external students as well. Siblings, cousins, friends are welcome.

For enquiries and enrolment contact The Speech and Drama Studio Director Monica Brian.

Your child’s $100 Creative Kids Voucher can be used for Speech and Drama Studio programs (exception of Pre-K to Year 2 Round Square group classes).

Enrolment Form

– Monica Brian
The Speech and Drama Studio Director