From the Head of Junior School

It was a delight to welcome all our girls back in their winter uniforms for an exciting Term 2. Their faces were beaming as they walked along the red carpet at the Junior School campus or into the Year 6 Centre. I often remind the girls that school is ‘their job’ – a place where we give our very best in all that we do. Indeed, the girls began their work straight away.

A special welcome to the new families who have joined our community, and welcome back to those families who have returned.

School Commencement Times

I would like to compliment all our parents this week for getting your daughters to school on time. Girls need to be at school before 8.15am (Year 6), 8.30am (Kindergarten to Year 5), and 9am (Pre-Kindergarten). Allowing your daughter time in the schoolyard prior to class will help her to make a positive start to her learning.

Winter Uniform

It was wonderful to see all the girls in their winter uniforms. A reminder that girls are only permitted to wear plain sleepers or stud earrings. School badges are placed at the top centre of the School tunic. If girls are wearing trousers, their badges may be placed on the tie. The blazer is always to be worn as the outer garment when entering and leaving the School grounds. Sports uniform is only permitted on PE days.

ANZAC Day Service

MLC School will be holding our ANZAC Day Service on Tuesday 28 April 2026 commencing at 9.10am on the Sports Field. Students from Year 3 to Year 12 will attend. Parents are warmly invited to attend and have received an invitation in the Tuesday event email sent out earlier this week.

RSVP Here

To support the P&F, the Junior School holds a Mother’s Day Raffle each year.

🌸 Celebrate Mum with the 2026 Mother’s Day Raffle! 🌸

Treat the special women in your life to something truly wonderful this year while supporting our vibrant MLC Junior School community! Whether it’s for a Mum, Grandma, or a cherished mentor, our annual Mother’s Day Raffle is the perfect way to show your appreciation and potentially win a fantastic prize.

Tickets: available for purchase online only – Available now! $1 a ticket or $20/22 tickets. https://rafflelink.com.au/jsmothersday2026

To make our raffle a success, we are asking for prize donations from our school community. Thank you to all those who have already donated. 

Some prize donation ideas include pamper vouchers, experience gift certificates, hampers, mani and pedi treatments, carwash vouchers, books, hotel stays or any other gifts of any size – all donations are highly appreciated. (No perishable or food items).

Please leave donations at Junior School Reception at any time from now until the close-off date, Monday, 4 May 2026. Please mark donations clearly with your name (so we know who to thank).

P&F Parent Forum – Yasmin London

Yasmin London is a global expert in the areas of technology, gender, youth, and culture. I have heard Yasmin present on many occasions about empowering young people with digital resilience. Whilst her work is particularly relevant to teenagers, I would strongly encourage Junior School parents and carers, particularly if your daughter is in the upper Junior School, to take advantage of this excellent opportunity. This expert forum will provide you with insights and skills to help your daughter in the near future.

RSVP here

Back to College Open Day – Friday 1 May 2026

Next Friday, MLC School is celebrating our 140th Anniversary of excellence in girls’ education. You have received communication about this event, and I look forward to seeing many Junior School families on campus. 

• 10am – Celebrating 140 Years Chapel Service
• 10.35am – Celebrating 140 Years Morning Tea
• 11.15am – Celebrating 140 Years Assembly
• 12pm – Junior School 140 Years BYO Picnic Lunch Celebration with families

Following the picnic lunch, parents and carers are permitted to take their Junior School daughter home early. A permission request has been sent via the MLC School App and may also be accessed by clicking below.

Click here for permission request

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Pre-Kindergarten Book Picnic Joy

Pre-Kindergarten families enjoyed the very first ‘Book Picnic’ this week on Wednesday morning at 8.30am. Thank you to all the parents and grandparents who attended. We look forward to the special time with the students and parents every Wednesday this year.

Reading to children builds crucial language skills, vocabulary, and cognitive development while fostering emotional regulation, empathy, and a strong parent-child bond. It boosts early brain development improves focus and sets the foundation for academic success.

– The Pre-Kindergarten Team

Click on image gallery for full size images.

From the Library

Premier’s Reading Challenge Monday 23 February – Friday 18 September 2026

Congratulations 

Congratulations to these readers who have completed the challenge:  

Year 2 

• Eva Ali Ahmed
• Yuyi Chen
• Jocelyn Hu
• Camilla Hutchison
• Ruby Jenkins
• Abbeygayle Jin
• Zoe Kepreotis
• Rumi Kurihara
• Yasmine Maswasskhel
• Kara McLornan
• Kathleen Meng
• Ellie To
• Lily Trinh
• Olivia Wang
• Charlize Wong
• Charlotte Wong
• Ivy Youssef
• Amber Zhang
• Yara Zhang
• Clara Zhu

Year 3 

• Leah Gao
• Yinuo Jin
• Louisa Li
• Holly Martin
• Christina Shi
• Simone Sidhom

Year 4

• Harper Begnell
• Charlotte Cordina
• Keira Dempsey
• Ellie Kang
• Larissa Truong

Year 5

• Ayesha Chandramohan
• Sonia Chung
• Maya Erazo Djurisic
• Selina Lo
• Gem McGuire
• Olivia Ngo
• Giselle Serraville
• Sahana Siva
• Katniss Wu

Well done! Please come to the library to choose your bookmark.

CBCA Kid’s Corner Magazine

Congratulations to the following students who have had their musings about books and reading published in this month’s Kid’s Corner magazine, a Children’s Book Council of Australia online magazine.

• Sally Hafer (Year 5O)
• Inneke Nielsen (Year 5C)
• Ayla Sumantri (Year 5F)

Book Launch Invitation

Thursday 14 May 2026
2.20pm
The Daphne Line Hall

Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend the book launch of Belong. Author and illustrator team, Sharon and Freya, will talk about their inspiration for this picture book. Copies will be available to purchase from the publisher, WestWords. Afterwards, join your daughter for a Book Picnic in their House group.

I believe the best writing comes from lived experience and connects deeply with the reader. Unfortunately, many people at one time or another will have felt excluded. We all long to belong. It is particularly true of young people who are beginning to build relationships outside of family, taking their first steps to becoming social beings. 

Stories afford readers a safe space to explore their own feelings, question the world around them and empathise with others. This is why I entered the WestWords Picture Book Manuscript competition in response to the theme of Belong. The story follows an arc from exclusion to inclusion but does so in a child friendly way. I wanted to make the words dance with each other, evoking feelings, sparking curiosity and delight, while Freya’s images link the abstract concepts to familiar, adorable characters with which the reader can build a relationship.

My love of children’s literature spans decades. As a book reviewer, Teacher and Teacher Librarian I have had the privilege and joy of passing that love onto future generations. Having completed a Masters in Writing and Children’s Literature I know what young people are passionate to read and am humbled that I now have brought a story from conception to reality, that will sit in our library bookshelves among the books that I love and have read so many times. 

Happy reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

From the Head of Senior School

What a great start to Term we have had! Congratulations to all the girls for their participation in the House Swimming Carnival this week. There were so many highlights! Here are my top seven.

1. Year 6: Watching the older girls support and cheer on the Year 6 girls as they joined the Senior School House Swimming Carnival for the first time. They were so nervous, but the Houses cheered them on in every race!
2. The Championship Races: Watching our fastest swimmers on display in our pool was inspiring to all. It was just fantastic to see them churning through the water so effortlessly. Our students managed to beat our Staff relay team by a whisker, watch out next year, girls!
3. Participation rates: At all times during the day, it felt like half the School was marshalling the gym, while half the School was cheering! The number of girls that just gave it a go was brilliant.
4. The Cheer off and House Spirit: The School Spirit was on display, and we were so proud of the efforts of all the Houses. Congratulations Churunga, who gave us volume, creativity, passion and entertainment in their chant.
5. Splash for a Sash: Always an entertaining event, with our Spirit Captain, Grace Farrow (Year 12) providing exciting commentary. Congratulations to Ada Savage, from Year 10, Wade House, our champion diver for winning the senior sash, and to Abigail Kerr, from Year 8, Leawarra House, who wowed the judges for the junior sash. It was the one time that a completely massive splash is the goal from the diving board. I’m sure our Olympic Diving coach, Shixin Li would have been a little confused if he saw it!
6. The SONY Foundation Camp BBQ fundraiser: It was great to see the community spirit with a BBQ outside the pool with proceeds going to our SONY Foundation Camp later in the year. So many staff and students volunteered their time on the tongs which was wonderful.
7. Synchro: The Year 12 Synchronised swimming event (or ‘Synchro’ as it is affectionately called), is the highlight of the day (and for some, the year!) The effort that the girls put into preparing their theme and the choreography is amazing. Some of the girls are not strong swimmers, but they gave it their all and participated. Shout out also, to the teachers who also participated by going off the diving board! Congratulations Mooramoora, your star formation and ‘M’ formation were very impressive!

Next week

Next week we are back into routine after the long weekend on Monday and we have two big events with the MLC School ANZAC Day service on Tuesday at 9.05am (all welcome to join us on the Sports Field) and our Back to College celebration for our 140^th Birthday Celebrations on Friday 1 May 2026. Please note that both occasions will require students to have a hat (preferably an MLC School cap or bucket hat) so please remind your daughters.

RSVP for ANZAC Day Service here

RSVP for 140th Birthday Celebrations here

Study Hub

Study Hub is a free after-school study program for our Year 11 and Year 12 students, which runs during term time, Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm to 6pm. Our first session for the term commences on Tuesday 28 April 2026. Please see next week’s schedule below.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Mathematical Opportunities for Students This Term

We are excited to offer a number of opportunities this term for students to stretch their mathematical thinking, develop problem-solving skills and challenge themselves alongside their peers. Whether you’re curious about algorithms, love tackling tricky problems, or want to test yourself against the best, there’s something for everyone!

Computational and Algorithmic Thinking (CAT) Competition

When: Tuesday 19 to Thursday 21 May 2026
Cost: $9.30
Register via this form before Wednesday 13 May 2026

The CAT competition is all about developing your problem-solving skills through algorithmic thinking without needing any programming experience. You’ll work through unique ‘three-stage tasks’ that encourage you to develop informal algorithms and apply them to increasingly complex data. It’s perfect for any maths student and a great way to discover an interest in computer programming.

Australian Maths Challenge

When: Week 3 to Week 6 (Week starting Monday 4 May and ending Friday 29 May 2026)
Cost: $25
Register via this form before Wednesday 29 April 2026

Open to Year 7–Year 10, the Australian Maths Challenge is a problem-solving program run over 3–4 weeks. You’ll receive engaging printed materials and work individually or collaboratively in pairs to explore the power and joy of mathematical problem solving. Requiring around 2–3 hours of study time per week, this program helps you dive deep into challenging problems while building teamwork skills.

NSW Mathematics Competition

When: Wednesday 3 June 2026
Entry is by invitation only

A prestigious tradition since 1962, the UNSW School Mathematics Competition tests mathematical insight and ingenuity rather than routine calculation. This three-hour open-book examination allows any materials except internet-connected computers. With around 1,100 participants annually and prizes awarded to the top 60 students in each division, it’s a significant challenge where MLC School students have previously been runners-up! Interested students are encouraged to attempt the past problems and contact Ms Schroder.

Maths Olympiad and Maths Games

When: Throughout Term 2 and Term 3

Selected Year 7 and Year 8 students will be invited to join the Maths Olympiad, a prestigious competition run by the Australasian Problem-Solving (APSMO). Students compete as part of a team while striving for individual excellence in this highly regarded program that builds on the problem-solving foundations developed in earlier years.

All other Year 7 students will participate in Maths Games, also run by APSMO and aligned with the Australian curriculum. Students will learn to think laterally and creatively, exploring real-world applications of problem-solving strategies and discovering that there’s often more than one path to a solution.

– Alex Schroder
Head of Senior School Operations

Welcome to Term 2 in PDHPE

We are excited to welcome students back this week and to all the opportunities that Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) brings. Last term, students thoroughly enjoyed the inflatable obstacle course, which highlighted the importance and benefits of water confidence in a fun and engaging way. 

This term, a key focus for our Year 6 and Year 10 students will be their participation in our swimming and lifesaving programs. These programs are a fundamental component of the PDHPE curriculum and reflect our commitment to equipping students with essential life and safety skills. In a country like Australia, where water-based environments are such a significant part of our lifestyle, the ability to swim confidently and respond effectively in aquatic situations is critical.

Recent data from Royal Life Saving Society Australia highlights a concerning national trend in declining swimming ability among young people. These findings reinforce the critical importance of school-based swimming and lifesaving programs in ensuring that all students develop the essential skills needed to be safe, confident, and capable in aquatic environments.

Through our programs, students will develop water confidence, refine stroke technique, learn rescue skills, and build a strong understanding of water safety principles. Importantly, they will also learn how to assess risk and make safe decisions in and around aquatic environments, skills that can quite literally save lives.

Equally important, the program provides students with opportunities for enjoyment with peers, in a positive and inclusive environment. We aim to meet each student at their point of need in their skill development whether they are a beginner or a more experienced swimmer, so they can build competence and experience success. 

Your support in encouraging your child’s participation in these programs is greatly appreciated and if you would like further information on swimming or diving lessons, please contact our Aquatic centre. 

We look forward to a fun and active term ahead.

– Jane Timor
Acting Head of Department, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Year 7

The end of the holidays, and the start of a new term, can always be daunting and bring a few challenges. New routines, fewer sleep-ins, less time for ourselves, and so on. However, our Year 7 students seem to have faced this transition with the best attitude possible!

It has been wonderful to see Year 7 looking spick and span in their new winter uniforms. On Wednesday, Year 7 also showed so much enthusiasm by competing in races during the Senior School House Swimming Carnival, and dressing up in the colours and costumes of their Houses. We even saw some pirates! It was so joyful to see the positive way Year 7 approached the start of the term!

This term, the Year 7 Wellbeing program will focus on the MLC School Value of Courage. In part, this is to support Year 7 to prepare for the upcoming Adventure Camp in Week 7. To ensure that every student feels ready and excited to attend camp, we will also hold two camp briefing sessions during Luminary, where Year 7 will receive important information about camp and have the opportunity to ask questions. We hope that every Year 7 student will be able to grow on camp, and to build resilience.

You will have also received a notice via the MLC School App containing important information about the Year 7 Adventure Camp. Please ensure you read this information closely and complete the required forms and steps to provide permission for your daughter to attend this camp. Over the coming weeks, we will also be reaching out to families regarding individual support plans for students. Please contact Jack Rudd, Adventure and Immersions Coordinator, via email here, should you have any questions.

In the meantime, I am super busy learning all names and passions of all students in Year 7 as I prepare to take on the role of Acting Head of Year 7 when Emily Marsh goes on maternity leave. Will I be able to learn all names of all Year 7 students in a few weeks? The challenge is on, stay tuned!

– Martina Stolzi
Acting Head of Year 7

NSW School Vaccination Program – Year 7 Consent Required

Friday 22 May 2026 – Vaccination date for Year 7 students

Why Vaccination Matters

As part of the NSW School Vaccination Program 2026, the following vaccines will be offered free of charge at school:

Year 7 Students:

• Diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine – 1 dose
• Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine – 1 dose

To have your child vaccinated at school, you need to give your permission (consent) either online or by filling out and returning the paper consent form.

To do

1. 1. Read the school vaccination program information. Translations are available. Please refer to the NSW Health webpage:
   2. Sign the consent form – you can do this online by clicking here.
   3. Talk to your child about getting vaccinated. Information for students.
   4. To give consent online visit NSW Health by clicking here or scan the QR code below.

You will need:

1. Medicare card details for you and your child
2. name of the secondary school your child will attend in Year 7
3. your Service NSW login details (this is the same account you might use to renew your driver’s license)
4. if you don’t have a Service NSW account, you can create one by clicking here.

More information

For detailed steps on how to provide consent, please watch the How to Provide Consent Video or refer to the NSW Health webpage here.

If you or your child does not have a Medicare card, internet access or you are unable to complete the online consent, contact the MLC School Health Centre by email here.

For more information on routine school vaccinations click here.

– Katelyn Morris
MLC School Senior Nurse

Year 8

I would like to warmly welcome all families back for Term 2 and hope everyone had a refreshing break. The term has begun with great energy and enthusiasm across the cohort. The Senior School House Swimming Carnival was a fantastic highlight of Week 1 with great attendance and participation from Year 8. I particularly enjoyed the face paint and sparkles, and the spirit shown in the pool and from the sidelines was wonderful. I’d like to congratulate all Year 8 students on their positive engagement and House pride. 

Next week, after our extra special ANZAC Day long weekend, we will gather as a school for the ANZAC Service. This is an important opportunity to reflect and remember those who have served. Following this service, Xavier Maling, Officer Commanding MLCSACU and Jack Rudd, Adventure and Immersions Coordinator, will be speaking with Year 8 about the Cadet program, outlining the opportunities it offers for leadership, service and personal growth, and how Year 8 can become involved. I know many Year 8 students are looking forward to this opportunity. 

I am looking forward to another positive and productive term ahead and thank families for their continued support. Have a lovely weekend, and please reach out to the Luminary or myself if you have any concerns.

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Year 9

Welcome to Term 2. I hope you and your family enjoyed a restful break and some valuable time together. With Urban Challenge and Cadet Camp held right at the end of last term, many of the girls finished the term understandably exhausted and very much in need of the holidays. It has been lovely to see them return refreshed and ready for the term ahead.

It has been a vibrant first week back, with the school full of energy and conversation. On Wednesday we enjoyed a fantastic Senior School House Swimming Carnival, and it was wonderful to see such strong participation, encouragement and House spirit throughout the day. The House themes were, as always, creative and colourful, and the sense of community made for a memorable event.

A reminder that Monday is the ANZAC Day public holiday, and the school will be closed. We look forward to welcoming students back on Tuesday.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

A big welcome back to everyone in our Year 10 MLC School Community. I hope you had the opportunity to rest and recover from a busy term and enjoy the beautiful early autumn weather. Year 10 kicked off the term with assembly, house carnival preparation and then of course, the House Swimming Carnival. We had great attendance and many Year 10 students competed in races for House Points with some students doing multiple events throughout the day. Thanks for your support in making sure your daughter had her sports uniform sorted with house decorations and dress ups too. House events aim to promote School Spirit and give everyone a chance to belong. Your daughter’s Luminary group is part of the broader House network.

We have enjoyed some wonderful celebrations at the beginning of term, including the Year 10 Cadet Unit, who received a lot of positive feedback from their leaders after their camp in Week 10. The cadets will also play a role in the MLC School ANZAC Service next week.

Zoe Marshall has been chosen to represent Australia in the World Underwater Hockey championships in Turkey this July and Georgie Coxsedge has been selected as co-captain of the NSW Under 16 Hockey squad. Our rowers and tennis teams also finished a successful summer season late last term.

Term 2 is the term for winter uniform, so please refer to Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen’s email from last week for a complete summary of the required uniform. Uniform passes need to be obtained by me in the Head of Year Office for any changes in uniform. If your daughter is injured and her doctor or physio recommends a lift pass, I can also issue those passes to support her recovery. For academic concerns, please email your daughter’s subject teacher.

Every term brings its own challenges so if you are concerned about your daughter’s wellbeing, please refer to your daughter’s Luminary or myself on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or 02 8741 8736. I am available Monday to Friday by phone, Teams, or on-site meetings. I work closely with Fiona Pow, Head of Students Year 10 to Year 12, our Counselling Team, the LED faculty and Elizabeth Gilberthorpe, Acting Director of Studies – Year 7 to Year 10, to support Year 10.

Key dates for Term 2 Year 10:

• Thursday 28 May 2026 – Careers Expo, off site, more information next week.
• Wednesday 10 June 2026 – Year 10 Parent/Teacher Interviews, on site from 3.30pm-6.30pm. This is followed by the Year 10 Subject Selection Information Evening from 6.30pm to 7.30pm.
• Monday 22 June 2026 – Subject Selection Interviews – 8.15am to 3.15pm. Information to come.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 11

It has been a fantastic first week back as we welcomed our Year 11 students to Term 2. The term began with the MLC School House Swimming Carnival on Wednesday. This event is always a highlight of our School calendar and a day full of joy, spirit and community. I loved seeing the Year 11 students get involved across the day: competing in races, enthusiastically supporting their House, and even taking part as ‘extras’ in the Year 12 annual synchronised swimming event. There was certainly a sense of anticipation too, as Year 11 reflected on the fact that next year this milestone will be theirs. It is hard to believe there is just one more swimming carnival remaining in their school journey, it really brought home for many that the finish line is drawing closer.

On our first day back, Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, spoke to the whole school about Term 2 being the School’s ‘championship term’, and this sentiment certainly rings true for Year 11. After a term of settling into senior studies and new courses, Term 2 calls for consistent effort and purposeful habits; including regular revision, attending Study Hub, seeking feedback from teachers, and being proactive in their learning. As always, there is a team here to support your daughter at school – their teachers, Luminaries, Fiona Pow, Head of Students – Year 11 to Year 12, and myself – all working together to ensure this term is a positive, productive and successful one.

I am really looking forward to the term ahead, with so many wonderful co-curricular opportunities for our Year 11 students to enjoy and be involved in. The Senior Years Production, the Careers Expo and Illuminate are just a few of the highlights already on the calendar, each offering valuable opportunities for connection, creativity and growth beyond the classroom. Term 2 promises to be a great one for Year 11.

Year 11 Retreat

Please note the change of date for the Year 11 retreat to:

• Wednesday 11 November to Friday 13 November 2026

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

• Monday 27 April 2026 – ANZAC Day Public Holiday 
• Tuesday 28 April 2026 – MLC School ANZAC Day Service 
• Friday 1 May 2026 – Back to College Day, 140 Year Birthday Celebrations
• Friday 22 May 2026 – Year 12 Semester 1 reports published 
• Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 May 2026 – Year 12 Student Engagement meetings 
• Wednesday 3, Thursday 4, Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026 – Senior Years Production 
• Monday 8 June 2026 – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Thursday 18 June 2026 – Illuminate 
• Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 140 Years Celebration Concert at Town Hall
• Friday 26 June 2026 – MLC School Colour Run and Last day of Term 2

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 12 Timeline – From Futures and Pathways

Please find attached Year 12 Timeline for Term 2 and Term 3 2026.

Click here for Year 12 Term 2 and Term 3 Timeline

From the Principal

This week’s announcement of my intention to retire at the end of next year has prompted me to reflect on the changes I have seen during my career in education and school leadership. While much remains the same and I continue to value the opportunity to work each day with remarkable young people and committed teachers, one of the most significant changes, and challenges, for schools and families has been the growing number of children and adolescents experiencing mental ill-health. In particular, I have observed a rise in anxiety and the impact it can have on student agency and wellbeing.

Earlier this week, the Sydney Morning Herald (SMH)* highlighted this issue. They also reported that there is emerging evidence that the approaches traditionally recommended to assist anxious students may be contributing to the issue. It is tempting to simply let a child ‘sit it out’ and not attend camp or take to the stage with her peers, but by excusing her involvement we make it even harder next time a challenge arises.

While the SMH report draws from research undertaken by the Australian Primary Principals Association, in recent years, similar findings have been reported by the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and the Burnet Institute.

So, if withdrawing children from anxiety producing situations is not the answer, how do we help them?

‘We’ve got to expose [children] to an acceptable level of risk,’ said leading psychiatrist and former Australian of the Year, Professor Patrick McGorry. ‘That will strengthen them.’

MLC School has long championed the importance of ‘Daring to Be More,’ and it is no coincidence that ‘growth’ is one of our Core Values. From our earliest days, the School’s leaders have encouraged girls to step beyond their comfort zones across a wide range of pursuits. While the research evidence may not have been as well established in earlier years, it is clear that our leaders have consistently viewed thoughtful risk-taking as an essential part of education.

One of the best practical examples of our approach is seen every year at Year 7 camp where abseiling is on offer. Understandably, each girl has a different level of exposure and confidence in her ability to descend the rock face. There are those who jump into the harness without a second thought while for others, their achievement is to simply put on the harness and wear it for a short time. Next time they might put on the harness and look over the ledge and stop there. Although taking small steps each time, successfully overcoming each challenge builds confidence when the next challenge arises.

As we prepare for upcoming camps and a range of opportunities for students to embrace challenge, you will hear staff talking about the importance of supporting our students to embrace these new experiences. Please know that our approach is considered and informed. With your support we can assist your daughter to build her confidence and reduce the long-term impact of any anxiety that she might be experiencing.

Burwood ANZAC March and Day Dawn service.

All the very best to our Cadets and Musicians who will be taking a lead role at tomorrow’s Burwood ANZAC Day March and Dawn Service.

We are very proud that our Cadets will not only take their place in the community parade but also form the Catafalque Party while our Musicians will lead the National Anthem and Hymns.

Thank you to Captain Xavier Maling, Officer Commanding MLCSACU, Trevor Mee, Director of Music, and all Cadet and Music staff for their involvement in providing this opportunity for our students and enabling our School’s contribution to this important local community event.

All parents and community members are invited to attend the service to be held in Burwood Park starting at 6am.

I look forward to seeing all our community at next Friday’s birthday celebration.

Back to College Day – 140th Birthday Celebrations
Friday 1 May 2026
10am–2pm

It’s MLC School’s 140th Birthday! Join us for a day filled with celebration, reflection, and shared memories. All parents, former parents, former staff, Boarders and Old Girls are welcome.  

10am–11am 
140 Years Chapel Service and Morning Tea 

11am–12pm
140 Years Assembly including: Cadets Parade, Former Uniforms Fashion Parade; Cake Cutting; Musical Performance 

12pm–1.45pm 
Celebrating 140 Years Picnic Lunch for the Junior School students and families. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket to share

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

*Source: smh.com.au/politics/nsw/skipping-camp-public-speaking-how-schools-have-it-wrong-on-kids-anxiety

Our 140th Is Nearly Here: Don’t Miss the Celebrations

140 Years of Walking in the Light

It’s finally here! Next Friday 1 May 2026, MLC School will officially mark our 140th birthday – and we can’t wait to celebrate with our community.

Whether you can join us for one moment or the whole day, we are welcoming current parents, grandparents, current students, Old Girls, boarders, former parents and former staff back to campus for a joyful milestone of reflection, connection and shared memories. If you’re in touch with former families or staff, please pass this on.

It’s not too late to RSVP!

Please book into the events you’re able to attend throughout the day, so we can welcome you well. Come for Chapel, drop in for the Assembly, bring a blanket for the Junior School picnic lunch, or stay for it all.

RSVP to 140th Birthday Events Here

Back to College Day – 140th Birthday Celebrations
Friday 1 May 2026
10am–2pm

 It’s MLC School’s 140th Birthday! Join us for a day filled with celebration, reflection, and shared memories. All parents, former parents, former staff, Boarders and Old Girls are welcome.  

10am–11am 
140 Years Chapel Service and Morning Tea 

11am–12pm
140 Years Assembly including: Cadets Parade, Former Uniforms Fashion Parade; Cake Cutting; Musical Performance 

12pm–1.45pm 
Celebrating 140 Years Picnic Lunch for the Junior School students and families. Bring a picnic lunch and blanket to share

And if you can’t make next Friday, you can still celebrate with us later in the year.

More 140th celebrations later this year

140th Anniversary Gala Dinner 
Saturday 13 June 2026 
7pm–11pm 
 
This elegant black-tie dinner is the hallmark celebration to mark MLC School’s 140 years of excellence in girls’ education. This evening will honour our legacy, inspire future generations, and reflect on the enduring values that inspire young women to be fearless thinkers.  

Put on your dancing shoes and kick your heels up! Gala Dinners of this type only come around every five years.  

Tables of 10 are available to be reserved, please contact Sandra Chau by email here to organise your unique code for all your friends to sit together.

RVSP now 

140 Year Celebration Music Concert 
Wednesday 24 June 2026 
6.30pm–9pm 

Don’t miss the Sydney Town Hall Concert – She Makes a Difference, a spectacular celebration of 140 years of Walking in the Light, where MLC School musicians the Old Girls Choir and Old Girl musicians will dazzle you. 

RSVP now

Preparing for Pre-Kindergarten – New Dare to Be More Podcast Now Live

In this episode of ‘Dare to Be More’, host Anthony Perl speaks with Daniel Sandral, Head of Junior School, and Natalie Hird, Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations, about preparing young girls for the important milestone of starting Pre-Kindergarten at MLC School.

Daniel emphasises that the early years of learning are absolutely foundational for schooling right through to Year 12 and beyond, explaining how his role ensures every girl in Pre-Kindergarten has the very best learning environment possible.

Click on the button below to listen.

Catch up on Episode 12 which was published during School holidays.

Perfectionism in Girls | with Anna Michalopoulos

In this episode of ‘Dare to Be More,’ host Anthony Perl speaks with Anna Michalopoulos, Head of Counselling and Student Health Services at MLC School, about the growing issue of perfectionism in girls. Anna draws on 22 years of experience as a psychologist to explain what perfectionism really looks like – from a five-year-old rubbing holes in her page to a teenager who can’t start an assignment for fear of getting it wrong.

Click on the button below to listen.

Stay connected and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate the opportunities that empower every MLC School student to Dare to Be More.

Listen here now on Spotify, or search MLC School Dare to Be More on your favourite podcast platform. 

P&F Parent Forum – Yasmin London

Date: Wednesday 29 April 2026
Time: 6pm – 7pm
Location: Senior Centre, Level 1

We are fortunate to have Yasmin London as our first Parent Forum Speaker for 2026. Thank you to the MLC School P&F for funding these informative events!

In this timely and practical session, Yasmin London, CEO of First Movers Co. and one of Australia’s most trusted digital safety experts, will support parents to navigate a world where children’s friendships, learning, safety and identity are increasingly shaped online. Drawing on deep expertise and real‑world experience, Yasmin will unpack the latest online safety trends and the powerful role adults play in building digital resilience at home.

Parents will gain clear guidance on topics including the under‑16 social media delay, cyberbullying, gaming, AI companions, and practical strategies to create a cyber safe, connected home environment. Known for her calm, engaging and highly practical approach, Yasmin’s sessions leave parents feeling informed, confident and equipped with strategies they can use straight away.

RSVP Here

Change to Absentee Notifications

We’re making a small change to absentee notifications.

When you submit your daughter’s absence, you’ll see a drop-down list of co-curricular activities. Please select the activities she would normally attend that day.

This will notify the relevant coordinators that your daughter will be absent from those co-curricular activities as well as classes during the day.

Please submit absences via Omnia. We’ll also add a redirect link within the ‘Absentee’ tile in the MLC School app.

Early next week, we’ll send further information (including a PDF with images) via the MLC School app.

Thank you for your understanding as we introduce this change.

Regional Exchange Opportunities for Year 8 – Round Square

‘Round Square: Your passport to a world of self-discovery and personal growth’.

MLC School, as a member of the international association of schools which belong to the Round Square organisation, offers students the chance to go on exchange to another Round Square School within Australia.

MLC School Year 8 students have an opportunity to undertake a two-week exchange. The experience is both rewarding and challenging, helping to develop independence, emotional resilience, and self-esteem.

Please click on the links below to read the full letter and to fill out the Expression of Interest Form.

Round Square Exchange Letter

Round Square EOI Form

– Henry Wijanto
Round Square Coordinator

Announcing A New Way to Share Music Achievements in 2026

The Music Department invites students and families to submit musical achievements from 2026 using our new Music Achievement Submission Portal.

Round Square North Queensland Tour Opportunity

MLC School is pleased to invite Year 10 and Year 11 students to apply to represent our community as delegates on a Round Square Tour to North Queensland.

Whilst the main Round Square International Conference will be held in Sydney, Australia, we are offering students to join combined overseas delegation in exploring the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest.

Click here for the information letter

Click here for Application Form

– Henry Wijanto
Round Square Coordinator

Mothers Day Events – Reminders and RSVPs

We are delighted to invite you to the annual celebration of Mothers Day Breakfast at MLC School. We can’t wait to honour and appreciate all the wonderful mothers and mother figures in our students’ lives with a special breakfast.

Friday 8 May 2026
7.15am to 8.15am
Bird Bath Quad

All students Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 are invited to attend the Mother’s Day Breakfast. 

The breakfast is open to all mums, carers, step mums, aunties, grandmothers and mother figures in the lives of our students.

Please RSVP for catering purposes.

RSVP here

Mother’s Day Classic Walk – There’s Still Time to Join the Team

Sunday 10 May 2026
8.30am 5km Walk

The Domain Sydney

Join the MLC School Team 2026 💗 

MLC School P&F warmly invites you to join our team for the Mother’s Day Classic walk. The Mother’s Day Classic is one of Australia’s largest charity events and raises money for breast cancer research. The 2026 MDC takes place on Sunday 10 May in all capital cities across Australia.

REGISTRATIONS ARE OPEN!

Breast cancer strikes one in eight Australian women. The Mother’s Day Classic provides you with an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those women. Since 1998, the Mother’s Day Classic has raised more than $24.3 million for the National Breast Cancer Foundation’s research programs.

Put your foot down for breast and ovarian cancer research, and join the movement to walk or run this Mother’s Day, Sunday 10 May. All are welcome!

JOIN MLC SCHOOL TEAM HERE

Study Support Opportunities

MLC School offers two Study Support Opportunities:

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

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

Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub

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

Key Features:

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

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

There is no need to register for this program.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Study Hub+

Term 2 2026 Study Hub+  – Fill in form

Study Hub+ is MLC School’s structured, pay‑per‑use after‑school study support program, designed for students in Year 7 to Year 12 who would benefit from more personalised academic guidance in a focused and supportive environment.

While the Study Hub provides a supervised space for independent study for Year 11 and Year 12, Study Hub+ offers a higher level of individualised, responsive support. Sessions are student‑led, allowing mentors to tailor assistance based on each student’s specific needs on the day. This may include consolidating class learning, clarifying assessment requirements, preparing for examinations, or developing effective and sustainable study routines.

Led by Program Coordinator Ela Huber, Study Hub+ is supported by a team of knowledgeable mentors, all of whom are pre‑service teachers or working towards a career in education. Most mentors are in the final stages of their undergraduate or Master of Teaching degrees and bring with them a strong depth of subject knowledge, alongside up‑to‑date, innovative and curriculum‑aligned resources. This ensures students receive guidance that is relevant and closely aligned with classroom expectations.

A key strength of Study Hub+ is the opportunity for students to work alongside a mentor, particularly when engaging with written tasks. Mentors can read through work with students, ask guiding questions, suggest improvements to structure, clarity and expression, and help students refine their ideas and arguments. While mentors are unable to mark work or provide grades, they can offer valuable feedback and editing support prior to submission, helping students better understand how to improve their work independently.

Mentors can support students with:

• Revising and consolidating key concepts and class content
• Examination preparation and revision strategies
• Planning and organising assessments and study schedules
• Reading through drafts alongside students and suggesting edits or refinements
• Developing confidence, independence and effective study habits

Study Hub+ also plays an important role in supporting students in an era where AI is a valuable and encouraged tool at MLC School, but one that requires thoughtful, ethical and informed use. Students can sometimes over‑rely on AI when completing homework and assessments, which may leave them unsure about underlying concepts, task expectations or how to improve their own work.

At Study Hub+, mentors help reinforce the appropriate and ethical use of AI by guiding students to use these tools as a support for learning rather than a replacement for thinking. Mentors work with students to unpack questions, clarify concepts, check understanding and refine ideas, ensuring students remain actively engaged in their learning and confident in the work they submit.

Program Overview

• Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm–6pm (term time)
• Location: Level 1, Senior Centre
• Cost: $25 per session (2.5 hours) and charged to your daughter’s account at the end of term
• Environment: Phone‑free zone to minimise distractions and promote positive study habits
• Staffing: A minimum of two mentors per session, rotating to provide a range of subject expertise

Families are encouraged to register on a termly basis to support the development of consistent study routines, although weekly bookings remain available via Omnia and Audacia, the School e-newsletter. Students will receive a reminder email at approximately 2pm on their scheduled day confirming their session and assigned room.

Cancellation Policy

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

For further information, please contact Ela Huber, Program Coordinator.

Term 2 2026 Study Hub+  – Fill in form

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Important Messages

It has been a pleasure to welcome the girls back to school and to the sporting fields for what promises to be another exciting term of MLC School Sport.

During the recent break, many of our students were actively involved in a wide range of sports, including National Rowing, Water Polo, Hockey, Athletics, Diving, Fencing, and Swimming Championships. We are proud of their commitment and representation of MLC School, and we look forward to sharing highlights and celebrating their achievements in next week’s newsletter.

The term has already begun with great energy. This week’s Senior School House Swimming Carnival and Cross-Country trials saw excellent participation, with students embracing the opportunity to contribute to their Houses and demonstrate both enthusiasm and School Spirit. It was wonderful to see such strong engagement so early in the term.

With the upcoming Public Holiday weekend, Saturday Sport for IPSHA, IGSA, and ERNA Netball will commence next weekend. Students will be involved across Netball, Hockey, Football, and Basketball, and we wish all teams a positive and enjoyable start to their seasons.

We also extend our best wishes to our MLC School divers and swimmers competing next week. Senior School students will participate in the NSWCIS Championships, while Junior School students will represent the school in the PSSA competition. We wish all competitors the very best.

We will also be introducing a new Sports Absence Notification process commencing next week. All training and game day absences must be submitted via Omnia. This process will ensure that relevant information is communicated efficiently to Sports Department Coordinators and, importantly, to coaching staff when students are unavailable.

Thank you, as always, for your continued support of MLC School Sport. We look forward to sharing a successful and rewarding term. Only one term down for 2026 and we have already shown just how to make the impossible possible this year!

2026 is the year to try something new, start a sport, challenge your daughter to step out of her comfort zone and make the impossible possible in sport.

Upcoming Events

I hope you are all looking forward to the upcoming Snowsports season. In 2026, all Interschools Snowsports events will be held at Perisher, commencing with the Regional Championships from Tuesday 14 July to Friday 17 July 2026.

Information evening for anyone interested in joining the MLC School ski team will be held:

Thursday 30 April 2026
6pm–7pm
Senior Centre

If you would like to attend, please register your interest by emailing Adrian Montgomery, Assistant Director of Sport, at amontgomery@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

– Scott Carpenter
Director of Sport

Cadet Reflections on the Army Adventure Training Award

During the holidays I completed the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award (DCA ATA) in Tasmania alongside other cadets from all over Australia. The DCA ATA was one of the most challenging yet memorable experiences. Although the weather was unforgiving with single digits throughout the whole 72 hours, it pushed us physically and mentally, giving that extra 10% or that extra 20% of effort. Although the DCA ATA is an individual achievement, all cadets that participated would agree that teamwork was the key skill that made us all individually stronger and pushed ourselves to be the best.

The first challenge was kayaking up Lake Barrington multiple times with six challenges and three bonus challenges all completed in nine hours. Each station was different whether it was setting up a tent blindfolded and constantly running into poles or fences, capsizing on purpose, or kayaking blindfolded. It showcased how with each activity completed, the mental and physical toll it took really showed. One thing that helped was just singing a bunch of songs whilst kayaking keeping the morale up and just trying to block out the thoughts of us being cold and stressed. One lesson that kayaking taught me was to just be patient and that there will always be challenges where you just don’t want to do it but aiming to push that extra 20-30% would pay off in the end and it’s a rewarding feeling. After the kayak, we walked from Billiards Creek up to the road where we would later ‘miss the bus’. Watching the bus drive off was gut wrenching but building that morale back up was much needed and just walking up the road until we got picked up by the bus. That night was a rough night with picketing happening every hour with a constant wake up every hour. It was quite hard to find the strength to not sleep through picketing especially at 3am in the morning.

The second challenge was canyoning and rafting. We abseiled down six rock faces and walked over to rafting. Abseiling was quite the challenge with free hanging rocks and loose rocks being the ultimate enemy. Rafting was the best time for a little bit of team bonding. With the NATCUO (Peta Gibsson) on our raft, we learnt many things about the role of being a NATCUO and the activities she needed to attend and the amount of work that goes into it. Capsizing the raft was also a challenge flipping the raft over twice and trying to get everyone back on. We eventually found a way to get everyone back on and paddle back to the watchtower. Rafting and Abseiling were one of the favourable activities with a break in between abseiling and rafting with a nice warm fire and music. ACS boosted our morale whilst we waited for the other group for rafting. The Nutbush was playing in the background as well as YMCA and the Macarena.

Finally the last day, climbing up Mount Roland and over to Mount Van Dyke. This activity was the most intense day out of the 72 hour challenge. Out of all the years of ATA being held out in Tasmania, it was the first time that it snowed up on Mount Roland. Putting in the effort to trek up Mount Roland was tough, but the view was completely worth it even if it was just a blur of land covered up by clouds. The snow was amazing and to see people witness snow for the very first time was heartwarming. Although the snow was lovely to see, it wasn’t necessarily in favour of us climbing up rocks. Slipping in mud and into bushes wasn’t planned but it made the hike a lot more enjoyable and memorable. It was a rewarding experience especially doing it with the friends you made over the three days and just constantly pushing that extra 10% or 20% knowing that the end result wasn’t to what extent you completed every task but how much you pushed yourself.

Overall ATA was the best experience I could ask for, creating many friendships not just from the NSW 2^nd Brigade but from all states and territories. A big thank you to CAPT (AAC) Maling and LT (AAC) Rudd for providing this wonderful opportunity and I can’t wait to see cadets from the following years to attempt ATA and share their experiences.

– SGT Ophelia Li (Year 11)

Over the recent holidays, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the Deputy Chief of Army Adventure Training Award (DCA ATA) trip in Tasmania, an experience that proved both highly rewarding and personally challenging. Throughout the course, I was pushed outside of my comfort zone – from summiting Mount Roland to kayaking up and down Lake Barrington – developing resilience, teamwork skills, and confidence in unfamiliar environments.

One of the most valuable aspects of the trip was the chance to work alongside cadets from units across Australia, which gave me a broader understanding of how different units operate and train. It was fascinating to share experiences and learn from others, while also forming strong friendships that made the experience even more memorable. Overall, the trip was an unforgettable highlight, combining challenge, growth, and connection in a way that I will carry forward in my cadet journey.

– SGT Jemima Blake (Year 11)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Western Australia Science and Duke of Ed Trip a Hit

Bringing together Science and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award was again a hit, with students experiencing an outstanding week of learning, challenge and adventure in Western Australia.

Just seven days before departure, Cyclone Narelle impacted Exmouth, making the original program inaccessible, with airports closed and key roads cut in the aftermath of the cyclone. With only a week to go – and across the Easter weekend – the trip was rapidly reimagined. Led by Glen Mole, Duke of Ed Award Leader, with support from the Science Department and Executive team, the team drew on their combined Science and DofE expertise to design a new program that ensured students could still achieve meaningful outcomes and continue their DofE journeys.

This response highlighted the strength of MLC School’s synergy – where collaboration across staff, programs and leadership enables opportunities to be preserved and strengthened, even in challenging circumstances, with more than a few late nights behind the scenes to make it happen.

Throughout the trip, students were able to explore some of Western Australia’s most remarkable environments, including Rottnest Island, Ngilgi Cave, Lake Cave, Jewel Cave, Busselton Jetty and Koombana Bay. These locations provided a rich backdrop for hands-on fieldwork, allowing students to engage directly with key scientific concepts in real-world settings.

Students were outstanding in the way they embraced the experience. From field studies and group travel to shared catering, organisation and daily responsibilities, they demonstrated resilience, teamwork and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It was particularly pleasing to see students take ownership of their roles, support one another and grow in confidence across the week.

The trip was a genuine success – a memorable and rewarding experience for everyone involved, and a strong example of the value of learning beyond the classroom.

– Glen Mole
Duke of Ed Award Leader

Click on image gallery for full size images.