From the Principal
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly part of our daily lives, and its integration into education is a topic of growing interest. As technology evolves, the potential for AI to transform the classroom is vast. However, with great potential comes a responsibility to ensure that our use of AI is ethical, effective, and considered.
As Director of eLearning at MLC School, Marianna Carlino, has the responsibility of leading our teaching staff as they adopt AI integration that has the potential to reshape how we teach, learn, and lead.
Marianna describes her approach in this way ‘My focus has been on fostering a culture of curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking, ensuring that every member of our professional community is equipped to engage with AI in ways that enhance learning, streamline practice, and uphold our shared values. These initiatives continue to position MLC School as a leader in digital education and future-ready learning.’
Over the past year, our staff have engaged with a comprehensive AI strategy grounded in ethical practice, innovation, and equity. Central to this has been the rollout of Microsoft Copilot, supported by a detailed implementation plan and a robust professional learning program.
A key part of this journey has been our collaboration with Leon Furze who is working with MLC School as our AI ethicist. This partnership has helped embed a strong ethical foundation into our AI strategy and empowered staff to engage with these tools in ways that are thoughtful, informed, and aligned with our school values.
Our AI journey was recently showcased at the Association of Independent Schools NSW ICT Management and Leadership Conference: Digital Directions 2025, where Marianna presented ‘MLC School: One Year on with AI and Copilot.’ A standout moment came when one of the keynote speakers, Dom Thurbon, referenced MLC School’s work in his keynote, quoting Marianna’s emphasis on the importance of relationships in driving meaningful digital transformation. It was a powerful reminder that our work at MLC School is not only innovative but also deeply human.
So, what might this look like in practice? Danielle Rodriguez, Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) is leading the way with her use of AI in the classroom and recently wrote about her approach in an article titled
Don’t automate the thinking – teach it
According to Dani, ‘In today’s ever evolving digital landscape, teaching with Generative AI isn’t just about finding answers, it’s about cultivating thinking. As educators, we’re not just adapting to new tools, we’re redefining pedagogy in real time.
In a recent Year 9 Global Studies lesson, I experimented with a new instructional approach integrating Generative AI (Copilot) to foster critical thinking, collaboration, and synthesis skills.
AI is changing education, but it doesn’t replace the teacher. It amplifies what we do when we use it with intention and purpose. This lesson wasn’t just about arguments and statistics – it was about decision-making, collaboration, and synthesis. If we want to prepare our students for a future shaped by AI, we must teach them not just how to use it – but how to think beyond it.’
As a result of a considered, well-resourced, and planned approach to the adoption of AI, MLC School is very much at the forefront, demonstrating best practice while always ensuring that the MLC School girl is at the heart of how we approach these new opportunities.
– Lisa Moloney
Principal
*Photo Credit Unsplash (Igor Omilaev)
Personalised Learning 
Assembly this week 
What a week we had at Year 7 camp. A journey in so many ways! Physically, emotionally and socially, the Year 7 students were challenged and showed strength, courage and compassion. Watching students overcome their fears to abseil and see them achieve things they didn’t think they could do was brilliant. The students had fun, were great at trivia, worked in teams, cooked and camped in the dark and some were woken to the sounds of Martina Stolzi singing to them in the morning. You should be proud of your daughters and the way they approached the camp. They were fantastic and I hope they all enjoyed the experience.
This week during Luminary time, Year 9 explored the important distinction between being a bystander and an upstander. Building their discussions about the bystander effect from Week 3, students examined how choosing to ‘stand by’ can unintentionally support harmful behaviour.
During this week’s Academic Care session, students attended a presentation by David Posker-Hill, Academic Care Coordinator, on effective note-taking skills. This essential tool will benefit them not only throughout Year 11 and Year 12 but also in any further education they may pursue. The school has provided all students with access to the 
In Chapel this term, the senior students have been learning about key women in the Bible and the lessons we can learn from them. They are great role models of leadership, strength, compassion and resilience – strong women who rose above the problems of their time to lead and care for others. We have learned about Deborah, a judge and leader of her people and Miriam, a leader, musician and dancer. Amy Lee led the music for the Senior Service. The girls sit in House groups, and this is a great way to build culture and connections within the Luminary groups. The House culture in Year 12 is very strong, with the girls having been together in Luminary, House time and assemblies since Year 7.
Olivia Kalamvokis wins NSWCIS Cross Country!
Play of the week is for a team or player who plays sport for MLC School and shows exceptional sportsmanship or shows the MLC School Values of Respect, Courage, Compassion or Growth. This can be shown at training or during a game/competition.
