From the Head of Junior School

Thank you, Mooramorra and Prescott families, for attending our Chapel Services last Sunday. This week, Mooramoora hosted our assembly in support of The Sony Foundation Camp. If you would like to help raise funds for this very worthy cause, please pre-order your daughter’s MLC School Colour Run pack HERE.

Thank you to all our MLC School families for your generosity. It was also lovely to have Coffee with the Principal and Junior School parents this week.

 Empowering Our Parent Community 

The stronger our home-school partnerships, the stronger the foundation for learning. This week I was immensely proud of the empowering partnerships offered at MLC School. On Wednesday, we hosted our ‘Tween to Teen’ workshop for Year 4 parents. Thank you to all those who attended this session, facilitated by our School Psychologists. This was followed by the Year 4 Celebration of Learning. On Thursday morning, it was Year 5’s turn. Our Junior School Deputy for Wellbeing, Joanne Sharpe, facilitated a new workshop ‘Strengthening Positive Online Behaviour’ developed based on parents’ requests for support in navigating the online social world for their daughters. I am confident that all parents in attendance were very appreciative of this opportunity.

Sydney Music Eisteddfod Success

Congratulations to all our Junior School students who participated in the Sydney Eisteddfod. We had outstanding success on Day 1 with our Presto Strings Ensemble, taking home First Prize in the intermediate section, and our Chamber Strings Ensemble receiving First Prize on Day 2. Over the two days of competition, MLC Junior School were victorious, a true testament to MLC School’s Music education programs. Read the full story in the ‘news’ section, here. You can also scroll down the page to watch Vivace Ensemble playing Variations on a Sea Shanty.

Dealing with challenges 

As some of you may have noticed, I am currently on crutches and wearing a leg brace after a recent fracture. While it has been an unexpected and frustrating personal setback, it has also prompted some reflection. It reminded me that the girls, too, face challenges each day. Some of these challenges are visible, sometimes quietly carried. Whether that’s navigating friendships, persevering with learning, managing moments of self‑doubt or something else, all girls face challenges and will continue to do so throughout life. Research shows that children develop resilience not by avoiding difficulty but by being supported through it, and this is where the partnership between home and school is so powerful. When the girls see consistent messages of encouragement, patience and belief from both their families and their teachers, challenges become learning opportunities rather than obstacles. Together, we help the girls understand that setbacks are a normal part of life, and that grit, resilience and confidence grow when they are given the time, care and reassurance to get back up and try again.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Colour Run 2026! Pre-order Your Fundraiser Pack Today

Pre-Kindergarten and House School Photography Date: 29 July 2026

Pre Kindergarten and House photography day will take place early in Term 3 on Wednesday 29 July 2026.

Pre-Kindergarten photos can be pre-ordered HERE or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au and enter online order code: CE3 9QF BAK

• Students to wear their full winter school uniform

House photos cannot be pre-ordered. Information regarding ordering will be advertised after photo day.

• Students to wear their full winter sports uniform with their House shirt

School photography information:

• Late fees – a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery – School photographs will be returned approximately 6 weeks after the day of photography. Please note that this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at your school.
• Previous Years’ photos – Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

Year 5 Celebration of Learning

The Year 5 Celebration of Learning was a delightful way of sharing our knowledge with our special guests. I personally enjoyed the experience because I got the opportunity to show my guest all the fun that we get to have everyday at MLC School. My guest, (my mum) told me that she loved seeing the work we did across all classes, especially mathematics and library. We performed a Canadian folk song, which started the morning off with joyful singing and dancing, accompanied by a percussion group. Overall, I loved our Celebration Of Learning as we got to share our learning with our special guests.
– Delaney Wiedner

Yesterday we had the Year 5 Celebration of Learning. It was a wonderful experience to share all we have been working on this term with our parents and carers. We are so lucky to have such incredible opportunities at MLC School. It was also a fantastic way for our parents to check-in on our learning and see what we have been doing at school. We showed our learning in all subjects by taking our parents through all the work we have done. At the end we got to include an amazing Seesaw post where my mum and I identified goals for my learning for the rest of the year. The Year 5 Celebration of Learning was an engaging way to highlight all the incredible things we do here at MLC School.
– Dylan Drummond

Yesterday was the Year 5 Celebration of Learning, and we showed our parents the things we have learnt throughout this term. I really enjoyed sharing my knowledge and what I have learned in the past weeks. We showed them what we learnt in Mathematics, English, CLP, STEM, Music, Art, and Library. My mum enjoyed me showing her how the Area Model multiplication strategy worked in Maths. Overall, Mum and I loved the Celebration of Learning. We are really looking forward to the next one.
– Mila Yuan

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Junior School Exhibiting Artists

• Alina Choy (Year 3W)
• Peili Doris Mai (Year 4M)

Prescott House Charity Mufti Day

On Sunday 31 May, Prescott House in the Junior School hosted their annual chapel service. Here they announced their charity for this year, Dress for Success. This is Wade’s charity, their sister House and we are excited to stand by them this year. 

Dress for Success is a charity that helps women feel empowered and confident and ready for work. They provide professional clothing and support to women who are entering or returning to the workforce, all at no cost.

The charity helps thousands of women across New South Wales by building confidence, creating fairness and helping women become financially independent.

Dress for Success also uses high‑quality pre‑loved clothing, which helps care for the environment by reducing waste.

By supporting Dress for Success, Prescott House is helping women feel confident, supported and ready to succeed.

To support them, we will be holding a Mufti Day on Thursday 18 June, Week 9.

‘What do you want to be when you grow up?’

On the Mufti Day, you can dress as a job or career we might like to have in the future. Please bring a gold coin donation to support this charity.

– Michelle Hiss
Junior School Prescott House Patron

Library News

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

Congratulations to these readers who have completed the challenge:

Year 3

• Sofia El Charkaoui
• Charlotte Ho
• Irene Sun
• Loretta Thamin
• Matilda Elsegood
• Belle Weng

 Year 4

• Chloe Mai

Year 5

• Ayla Sumantri
• Siya Chauhan

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

Belong Book Competition

What a fabulous response! Thank you to everyone who entered.

Congratulations to these winners:

• Emilia Vo (Kindergarten T)
• Ally Huang (Year 1A)
• Ellie To (Year 2R)
• Yinuo Jin (Year 3W)
• Ivy Zheng (Year 4C)
• Leila Najdi (Year 5F)

Honour Awards

• Angelina Wong (Kindergarten T)
• Josie Lin (Kindergarten T)
• Mishka Tuifua (Kindergarten P)
• Nidhirupa Jaikanth (Year 3B)
• Christina Shi (Year 3E)
• Annabel Han (Year 3W)
• Mavis Wang (Year 3W)
• Elyse Ma (Year 3E)
• Bella Yao (Year 4M)
• Elizabeth Feng (Year 4M)
• Avery Lan (Year 5F)

Winners will receive their Belong copy at morning messages on Tuesday. Honour Award winners can come to the Library to choose a prize from my prize box.

National Simultaneous Storytime

Last week we had fun finding Luna Roo characters and soccer images hidden in our Library Scavenger Hunt. We solved the code to answer these:

Why is a soccer stadium the coolest place to be?
It is full of fans

Why did Cinderella get kicked off the soccer team?
She ran away from the ball

What is it called when a dinosaur gets a goal?
A dinoscore

The winners of the Scavenger Hunt raffle were:

• Emily Rose Zraika (Year 1A)
• Kiva Krishnan-Laforgia (Year 2P)
• Airley Li (Year 3E)
• Chloe Zeng (Year 4M)
• Leila Najdi (Year 5F)

They received a prize from my prize box.

Happy reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

From the Head of Senior School

There has been plenty to celebrate across the Senior School this week. There have been so many stories from our Year 7 students at camp in Katoomba! While the windy conditions certainly added an extra layer of adventure to the experience, students approached the week with resilience, good humour and a willingness to support one another. Camps such as these are such an important part of school life, and it was pleasing to see our students embrace every opportunity to step outside their comfort zone, spend time with staff outside of the classroom and build new friendships.

The sold-out Romeo and Juliet production was absolutely fantastic this week. It was great to see so many students, teachers, and families in the audience each night. Despite knowing the text relatively well, I still could not help but hope that perhaps, just this one time, everything would be okay and that Romeo and Juliet would have their ‘happily ever after!’ I am sure that this is a marker of an excellent production and fabulous acting! It has been wonderful to see different students contributing in their own ways; from the crew to the stage management, make-up, and the lead characters. Congratulations to Director, Kellie Cogin, and all the Drama, Dance and Entertainment department for their work on the show.

I would also like to congratulate Emily Wu (Year 12), our Round Square Captain, for her thoughtful advocacy around the provision of period products in the Senior School bathrooms. Her initiative reflects the kind of compassionate and practical leadership we value so highly. The Period Products are provided by Pixii, a plastic-free 100% organic material. We have encouraged students to ensure they still bring their own products, though the supplied products are there if they need. Now, they are in one bathroom in the Senior Centre as a trial. In a similar spirit, in late 2025, the Student Representative Council had proposed the installation of more bubblers around the School, demonstrating a strong commitment to improving the everyday experience of students through constructive and community-minded ideas. This has come to fruition this year, and I know the students have been so happy to have extra access to water stations to fill their bottles.

A continued focus this term has been on uniform, and on ensuring that students wear it with pride and represent the School well. I have been very pleased to see the positive response from students, with more than 40 Heart Points already awarded to those coming through the gates in perfect uniform. Please could you reinforce these expectations at home, especially around skirt length, jewellery and blazers!

Study Hub Next Week (Senior Centre, 3.30pm to 6pm)

Study Hub Next Week (Kent House, 3.30pm to 4.30pm)

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7 Adventure Camp

From Tuesday 2 June to Friday 5 June, Year 7 approached the Adventure Camp in Katoomba with enthusiasm, resilience and good humour, embracing the experience even through strong winds and wet weather. While the conditions meant the overnight camping component needed to move indoors, this became part of what made the camp so memorable.

The indoor camping arrangements were a highlight, with room after room filled with tents and transformed into a spectacular sleepover-style experience for the students. There was plenty of fun and connection across the week, from Trivia Night and Games Night to cooking outdoors and enjoying meals together.

We are sincerely grateful for the wonderful care provided by The Land’s Edge team and by MLC School staff Hannah Smith, Candace Robertson, Natalie Smith, James Adams, Joseph Pfeffer, Stavroula Koulouris, Helen Kondos, Bronwyn Peace, Al Roland, Amy Lim, Julia Lindblom and Michaela Bourbous.

It was also lovely to welcome visits from Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, and Lisa Moloney, Principal, both of whom took the time to share in the experience with our students and staff.

It was a pleasure for me to spend the week with Year 7 and to get to know them better in such a positive and memorable setting. I am especially grateful to Martina Stolzi, Acting Head of Year 7, for her outstanding leadership of the camp, and to Jack Rudd, Adventures and Immersion Coordinator, for his thoughtful planning and coordination of such a valuable experience for our students.

– Angela Renwick
Head of Students – Year 7 to Year 9

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 8

This week, the Year 8 highlight was the Big Sister Little Sister gathering, which brought students together in a spirit of friendship, encouragement and belonging. These moments are an important part of the Year 8 experience, helping students strengthen relationships across year groups and reminding them of the value of learning from and supporting one another.

Year 8 also benefited from a thoughtful and engaging presentation by Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian leader, speaker and educator, whose work centres on truth, justice, love and hope. Her presentation supported students as they continue to learn about Immersion and reflect on the significance of Reconciliation Week. Through this experience, students were encouraged to listen deeply, think carefully and consider how understanding history, relationships and respect can help shape a more just and compassionate future.

It has been wonderful to see so many students recognised for their uniform this week, with a large number of Heart Points issued in acknowledgement of excellent presentation and commitment to school expectations.

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Year 9

During Luminary this week, Year 9 took part in a discussion in recognition of Reconciliation Week. Students were invited to consider one meaningful action they could commit to within the School or wider community to support reconciliation and First Nations peoples’ right to self-determination. Through this activity, students were encouraged to reflect on how they can show empathy and walk alongside First Nations peoples in a spirit of respect, understanding and hope.

At our year meeting, eight students were presented with the Gold Spirit of MLC School Award. This award recognises students who actively engage in co-curricular activities, physical pursuits and service, while also reflecting on their personal growth. Achieving Gold level is a significant accomplishment, requiring sustained dedication across multiple areas and a genuine embodiment of the Values and spirit of MLC School. These students are to be warmly congratulated on their outstanding commitment to school life:

• Lilian Zhang
• Clare Wei
• Sophia Ronan
• Ciara Patterson
• Bonnie Li
• Francesca Masters
• Freyja Gray
• Erin Banyer

On Thursday, all of Year 9 attended the Stand Tall excursion. The aim of Stand Tall is to share a message of hope with young Australians by promoting positive role models and encouraging important conversations about mental health. Year 9 heard from speakers including James ‘Chappo’ Chapman, Jessica Watson, Emma Carey, Duku Forè and Michael Crossland. I hope the day left our students feeling encouraged and empowered, with a renewed sense that they can face life’s challenges with courage and resilience.

Lastly, you may have seen Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, mention in last week’s newsletter that there is a renewed focus on uniform standards. For Year 9, this includes wearing blazers to and from school each day. Students who arrive at school or leave in the afternoon without their blazer will receive an Accountability Point, and the accumulation of three Accountability Points in a term will result in a lunchtime detention. Thank you, as always, for your support in encouraging your daughters to wear their uniform with pride.

I hope you enjoy the long weekend.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Altitude Day with Year 9 Middle Years Leaders

Last Friday 29 May, Ciara Ferguson, Baolan Nguyen, Amara Sivagurunathan, Alexis Zhang, Aditi Knowles, Imogen Sutton, Euna Cho, Ariahna Giann, Kelsey Pham and I had the opportunity to go to Altitude Day. Altitude Day was an amazing leadership day for Year 9 students led by the wonderful Ylead team who travel all around Australia holding youth conferences to encourage young Australians to be passionate and brave. 

Attending Altitude Day was such a fulfilling experience, it was so great to be able to make new relationships with people that I would never have known if I hadn’t embraced this opportunity and collaborate closely with other schools like Australian Christian College, Homebush boys, Cranbrook and many others. It was especially great to see our MLC School team get so close and make lifelong friendships with the Ascham girls!

Other than meeting new people, we had the privilege of meeting two amazing guest speakers, ex-Swans AFL star, Barnaby Howarth and TedX speaker and CEO of We, Future Leaders, Darian Brooker. Their stories were inspiring reflections of how they had gotten through tough times and made it out on top despite the challenges they faced. 

We all had so much fun, learning how to make better decisions, speaking out for things we love and are passionate for, being brave and standing tall and advocating as leaders and youth.

Finally, a big thank you to Ms Renwick for organising for us to go and making sure we had fun!

– Hana Lee (Year 9)

Year 10

The winter weather has well and truly set in on campus and Year 10 are braving the weather rugged up in their scarves, tights and blazers. Our Uniform Shop is open every day except Wednesday, if you need to restock any items for your daughter’s winter uniform.

Romeo and Juliet premiered this week to great reviews. We’re so excited to support our girls in the cast and crew, who have put so much time and effort into the production. Congratulations to the following students who are in the cast:

Band and Crew: Marni Heavener, Hannah Hunter, Nikhita Kumar, Hemani Ramesh, Olivia Ristevski, Mia Waterhouse, Piper Maroney, Audrey Boulton, Emma Kanaan, Anneka Bigg, Hannah Dastyari, Amélie Wallace, Tilly Shipard, Bridget Cortis-Jones and Madeleine Girgis.

MLC School was invited to attend a student leadership conference this week, titled: Preparing Future Women Leaders, at Loreto Kirribilli. Georgina Brewer and I were very proud of the way the girls participated and shared their ideas. Our images this week feature: Isabelle Lim, Caydence Sumantri, Melisande Pitman, Liesl Wong, Leanne Pham, and Veronica Pan.

The girls heard a keynote address by Dr Nicole Archard, about the challenges facing young women today. The girls participated in Q&A small group sessions that focused on empowering young women by addressing issues such as confidence gaps, societal expectations, mental health, and the importance of STEM exposure, with insights from academic research and advocacy. It highlighted the impact of gender-determined experiences on learning and mental health, emphasised normalising mental health care, encouraged speaking up against injustice and violence, and underscored the need to reduce stigma around women’s issues while fostering agency and confidence to lead in communities, concluding with the recognition that more work remains to be done. It was a great opportunity for the girls to see and hear other Year 10 students from across Sydney share their ideas on gender equality. The girls are keen to bring the information from the conference to the broader year group to raise awareness and will present at the next year group meeting.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 11

This week, our Year 11 students engaged in several meaningful experiences that highlighted reflection, gratitude and leadership.

As part of Reconciliation Week, our Year 11 HSC Aboriginal Studies students, supported by Tim Lennon, Director of Indigenous Education, presented to the year group. Thank you to Lucy Cui, Yianna Fanos and Marayah-Kai Johnson Clayton for guiding students through a viewing of a documentary on the Kinchela Boys Home, followed by a thoughtful discussion on how each of us can take meaningful steps towards reconciliation in our own lives

On Thursday, during Luminary, all of Year 11 participated in a Teacher Appreciation Week activity organised by the School Captains. They were given time to write personalised thank-you cards to their teachers. I took the opportunity to visit each of the Luminary rooms and it was heartwarming to see the students engaging so well with activity and writing thoughtful messages to each of their teachers. I know each of their letters will be greatly valued by their teachers.

This week also saw the much-anticipated Senior School Drama Production of Romeo and Juliet. Our Year 11 students have worked incredibly hard, dedicating many hours of rehearsal while balancing their academic commitments. I am so proud of their commitment, teamwork and the energy they brought to what was a fantastic production. Congratulations to the following Year 11 students for their involvement, to our actresses’:

Jodhi Bou, Lily Smith, Luella Farah, Jemima Blake, Ellen Gadsby, Darcy Mielke, Amelie Rettig, Sophia Ivannikova, Georgia Sinclair and Ava McLean.

The backstage crew: Charlie Hughes and Annabelle Mansfield.

Hair and Makeup: Stella Wallace and Isabella Munoz.

Well done girls!

The week also saw the commencement of the 2027 Leadership Endorsement and Nomination process. For your awareness, students interested in applying for leadership positions are required to:

• Seek staff endorsement by following the outlined process and contacting the recommended staff members
• Submit a nomination form for either School Captain or House Captain positions
• Complete all requirements by the published deadline

Key dates

• Tuesday 9 June 2026 (8am): Nominations open
• Friday 19 June 2026 (3pm): Nominations and staff endorsements close

Further information, including detailed steps and templates, has been shared with your daughter via Canvas. If they have further questions, please encourage them to reach out to me or their Luminary early in the process.

Wishing you all a relaxing long weekend. I look forward to seeing Year 11 on Tuesday.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

Led by our Year 12 Aboriginal Studies students, Monday’s Year Meeting invited the cohort to reflect on the significance of National Reconciliation Week and to deepen their understanding of the histories and experiences of First Nations peoples. Through a short film and follow-up discussion, students were encouraged to consider the importance of truth-telling, listening, and shared responsibility in working towards reconciliation.

On Tuesday, Year 12 heard from Old Girls, Charlie Kairaitis (2020) and Erini Stavroulakis (2022) who shared thoughtful and encouraging reflections on university and career pathways. Charlie spoke about finding the right fit through study changes and her experiences as a woman in tech, while Erini offered insight into studying law, legal research, and opportunities for involvement at university. 

Wednesday’s Year 12 Chapel Service focused on the power of music to bring joy, gratitude and connection. Through a reflection with Pastor Luisa Bland and a special guest speaker, students were invited to reflect on how music can express faith, encourage others and create a sense of shared community. Combined with the contributions of student readers, the service created a celebratory and uplifting atmosphere, reminding the cohort of music’s ability to inspire hope and bring people together.

On Thursday, Year 12 had a lovely Luminary session with their Little Sisters from Year 8. Thank you, to our Year 8 Little Sisters and their Luminaries, for organising and relaxing a fun filled morning together! 

Congratulations to all the cast and crew involved in Romeo and Juliet! What a wonderful buzz there has been around the School and amongst the cohort seeing all of their hard work come together!

Holiday Study Camp

During the upcoming break, Year 12 students are warmly encouraged to make use of the Study Camp which will run from 9am to 4pm each day (Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026). This will be a valuable opportunity for students to work independently or with peers, attend revision workshops, complete timed practice papers, and seek support from staff and mentors. More information regarding workshops made available to students soon. 

Key Dates for the Diary: 

• Friday 5 and Saturday 6 June 2026 – Senior Years Production 
• Monday 8 June 2026 – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Saturday 13 June 2026 – 140 Years Gala Dinner
• Thursday 18 June 2026 – Illuminate 
• Wednesday 24 June 2026 – 140 Years Celebration Concert (Town Hall) 
• Friday 26 June 2026 – MLC School Colour Run and Last day of Term 2
• Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026 –Year 12 Study Camp at MLC School 
• Tuesday 21 July 2026 – Students return for Term 3 2026

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

UBS Economics Day 2026

On Wednesday 20 May, our Year 12 HSC and IB Economics students attended the UBS Economics Day at the Wesley Conference Centre in Sydney CBD. The event brought together economists, industry leaders and educators to explore some of the most significant economic issues shaping Australia today and provided students with the opportunity to see classroom theory come to life.

Across the day, students heard from leading economists and policy specialists who unpacked topics highly relevant to both their courses and everyday life. George Tharenou, Chief Economist at UBS Australia & New Zealand, explored the role of fiscal policy in responding to economic challenges, while Millie Muroi, an economics writer at The Sydney Morning Herald provided students with a timely breakdown of the 2026 Federal Budget, linking policy decisions to issues many of our students regularly discuss in class. The day concluded with Adam Cagliarini, the Reserve Bank of Australia’s Senior Policy Advisor, who unpacked how monetary policy attempts to balance inflation control with economic growth and employment outcomes.

While discussing Australia’s economic outlook, students were reminded that not every dip is a cause for concern. Sometimes, much like the J-Curve, things must get worse before they get better. Fortunately, unlike the exchange rate J-Curve effect, our students’ enthusiasm showed no initial deterioration and experienced sustained long-run appreciation throughout the day.

For students, the conference reinforced that economics extends far beyond diagrams and definitions. Discussions around inflation, housing supply constraints and government intervention highlighted the complexity of managing competing economic objectives and reminded students that there are rarely simple solutions to contemporary economic issues.

Attending the UBS HSC Economics Day was a valuable experience for our students and is best summarised by two of MLC School’s economists:

I’ve always been interested in the incentives behind why people, businesses, and governments make the choices they do, leading me to choose IB Economics. While we often explore theoretical scenarios through conceptual graphs and terminology, the UBS Economics Day grounded these concepts by focusing on Australia’s fiscal and monetary policies in achieving macroeconomic objectives. Seeing current statistical data, especially in the housing market and the federal budget, offered a completely different perspective and a deeper understanding of our syllabus theory. Hearing experts analyse these specific fields, combined with the insightful Q&A, enhanced my real-world understanding and interest in economics. – Kimberly Chou (Year 12 IB)

Studying Economics has completely changed the way I see the world. I enjoy analysing how governments, businesses, and individuals make decisions and how those choices influence economic growth, inflation, employment, and living standards. What interests me most about Economics is that it combines logical thinking with real-world issues that affect everyone’s daily lives. Attending the UBS Economics Day made the subject feel even more relevant, as it connected classroom concepts to current economic conditions and provided insight into how economists and financial professionals interpret trends, data, and global events. – Miranda Hudson (Year 12 HSC)

– Dexter Martinez
Assistant Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment

Futures and Pathways – UBS Cadetship Program

Applications Close Friday 3 July 2026

Interested MLC students were given the opportunity to listen to a presentation this week from UBS, in relation to their Cadetship program, which is one of the few such programs available to Year 12 students.

Students heard from a recent MLC School graduate who has previously been successful with their UBS application, and from a key member of the UBS team who assesses applications. Students learnt about the blend of study and paid work expected of successful applications to the program, and of the many amazing benefits UBS can give a recent graduate through the cadetship.

Students can choose their preferred course and institution, with very few restrictions. Although UBS is an investment bank, there are numerous divisions that may appeal to students. The calibre of questions from the students was very impressive – we hope to see many applications submitted.

Find out more and register

Futures and Pathways – SRS Early Entry Options

For students engaging with the UAC application portal, you are advised to consider interacting with the SRS early entry options – they may lead to an early offer, and for many students it is another way to collect ‘back-up’ options.

Steps below refer to the offer rounds:

• Click the box that refers to SRS in your UAC application (by Friday 11 September 2026) – make sure you have paid for your application – and then you have ‘applied’ for SRS. (this is mandatory and only you can do this through your UAC application online)
• The school will get a message to ‘rate’ you – there is nothing for you to do here
• Students will engage with the SRS (early entry rounds) firstly through UAC November Round 1 and have your preferences locked in by Thursday 5 November 2026
• Make the most of all SRS rounds prior to the Main ATAR offer rounds; you are advised to maximise preferences that are SRS eligible – to work out which courses are SRS eligible you need to carefully check the policies for each institution
• Essentially, any course listed in UAC in the early rounds that are not SRS eligible will be skipped over – therefore students will typically withdraw some preferences in those early rounds, with the intention to add them back in for the main rounds (obviously the risk here is that any preferences removed must be added back in by the appropriate date – which you can work out by looking at the ‘lock preferences’ date in the UAC offer rounds – failure to put those preferences back in is a problem – so be careful with this)
• The only exception to taking preferences out for the purpose of SRS rounds is if you have been specifically asked to have a main round preference added into UAC early – which is usually only for medicine courses

There will be further multiple SRS reminders to students as we get closer to those deadlines. For more information see following links:

UAC – Schools Recommendation Scheme

UAC – Year 12 key dates 2026-2027

UAC – Institute specific SRS Criteria

The application process is complex, and SRS is perhaps the most complex of all. It is recommended that students seek assistance to make sense of the process.

Reach out to the Careers team ASAP if you would like to discuss this opportunity.

– Nicole Massara
Futures and Pathways Advisor

Futures and Pathways – General Information

Explore the buttons below for information on courses, webinars, events, open days, holiday workshops, competitions and scholarships.

Students, parents and carers are encouraged to register and apply for opportunities that match their interests.

Upcoming Events, Webinars and Course Information

Open Days

Holiday Workshops and Events

Scholarships and Competitions

– Nicole Massara
Futures and Pathways Advisors

Celebrating Musical Excellence

Junior School

We had a number of successful Sydney Eisteddfod results this week, click here to read the full story.

We also have the following individual student music achievements:

Maya Ganda (Year 4) – Cello

Maya achieved a High Distinction (A+) in her AMEB Cello Grade 6 examination. This outstanding result reflects her dedication, musical maturity, and technical development on the cello. Congratulations to Maya on this wonderful achievement.

Jasmin Ganda (Year 5) – Violin

Jasmin was awarded a Pass with Honours (A) in her AMEB Violin Grade 8 examination. Achieving Grade 8 at a primary school age is a significant accomplishment and demonstrates a high level of musicianship, commitment, and performance skill. Congratulations to Jasmin on her excellent result.

Ruby Yingyi Zhao (Year 3) – Double Bass

Ruby achieved a High Distinction (A+) in her AMEB Double Bass Grade 4 examination. This exceptional result highlights her hard work, strong musical foundations, and growing confidence as a young double bassist. Congratulations to Ruby on her achievement.

Senior School

Maya Tong-Ho (Year 7) – French Horn

Maya recently competed in the 2026 Solo & Ensemble Competition hosted by the SMBB Band Association NSW at De La Salle College Caringbah. She achieved outstanding success, placing 1st in Under 13 Brass, 1st in Under 13 Slow Melody Brass, 1st in Under 13 Duet, and 2nd in Under 15 Brass. Maya was also awarded the prestigious Mollie Neale Memorial Award, recognising her exceptional performance across the competition. Congratulations to Maya on these remarkable achievements.

Thank you for your support in celebrating the achievements of our music students.

– Celine Kang
Acting Assistant Director of Music

140 Year Town Hall Concert – Rehearsals

Piano and Voice Festivals

MLC School Music 2026 – Reminders

We have had such a fantastic start to Music this year, and we are full steam ahead for our upcoming 140 Year Celebration concert at the Town Hall.

Below we have addressed some important housekeeping matters relating to Music in 2026.

MUSIC INFORMATION

All information regarding Private Music Tuition and Music Co-curricular Ensembles can be found on the Co-curricular Microsite. Further information regarding the Junior School Curricular Instrumental Program can be found in the MLC School Parent Handbook here.

JUNIOR SCHOOL PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5)

Private Music Tuition in the Junior School is at capacity. Please do not place a new enrolment for any 2026 Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 5 students. If you would like to go on our waitlist, please complete your details and expression of interest on our:

Junior School Private Music Tuition Waitlist

We suggest you find an external tutor if you are seeking an immediate start to tuition, or are looking for a tutor who can fix a time outside of school hours.

Tuition is offered on a rotation basis during the school day to avoid missing the same subject repeatedly. Students do not have lessons before recess to avoid clashes with numeracy and literacy lessons. We can only offer a fixed lesson time in exceptional circumstances. Junior School students are expected to start with 30 minute lessons.

SENIOR SCHOOL PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION (Year 6 to Year 12) – New enrolments

For Year 6 to Year 12 students wishing to enrol in Private Music Tuition, please enrol via the:

Private Music Tuition – Payments Page

NEW ENROLMENTS

Once your daughter is enrolled in private music tuition, students are assumed to continue their private music tuition until the end of Term 3, Year 12. You do not need to re-enrol each term. The term fee will be added to your term fee statement. The tuition rates effective January 2026 are:

• 30 minute private music tuition $512 per term (8 lessons provided per term)
• 45 minute private music tuition $736 per term (8 lessons provided per term)
• 60 minute private music tuition $960 per term (8 lessons provided per term)

Music Tutors will reconcile all lesson attendance for the year at the end of Term 4. Any lessons short of the 8 per term (32 per year) will be credited to your fee statement. Any lessons provided in excess of the 32 lessons per year (excluding extra lessons already paid for) will be added to your fee statement. Any queries relating to music charges should be emailed to music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Our tuition is offered on a rotation basis during the school day. Lessons occur at different times each week, to minimise impact on other classes. Year 11 and Year 12 students may organise a fixed lesson time during their study periods. This is negotiated directly with the tutor.

PRIVATE MUSIC TUITION WITHDRAWALS

Should you wish to withdraw your daughter from private music tuition lessons you will need to provide written notification by 10am, Friday Week 7 of the term preceding the term you would like to effectively withdraw from, via the:

Private Music Tuition Withdraw Form 

Any withdrawals received after this time will take effect from the second subsequent term and the following term fees will be charged accordingly. Lessons provided will be reconciled at the time of withdrawal; any lessons provided in excess or not provided will be reconciled against the subsequent fee statement.  Any queries relating to music charges should be emailed to music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

TAIKO ENROLMENTS

There are limited places for enrolment in Taiko. Enrolment is done via the:

Taiko 2026 Enrolments Payments page

When signing up, you are committing to the full year of tuition, and subsequent term fees will be charged to your fee statement each term. A new enrolment must be completed for each year when enrolments open in Term 4.

2026 CO-CURRICULAR MUSIC ENSEMBLES

If your daughter would like to participate in our auditioned 2026 Music Ensembles, please reach out to the Head of Strings or Head of Bands (contact details below).

The following ensembles do not require audition:

• Angeli Choir (Year 3 to Year 5)
• Senior School Choir (Year 6 to Year 12)
• Ukestra (Year 5 to Year 6)

Choir students can self-register at the next ensemble rehearsal.  

Other useful information regarding String, Band and Choir Ensembles and the 2026 Co-Curricular Timetables are included in the links below:

Band Co-Curricular Ensembles

String Co-Curricular Ensembles

Choir Co-Curricular Ensembles

Co-curricular 2026 Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 Timetable

Co-curricular 2026 Year 3 to Year 12 Timetable

MUSIC TAG SUBSCRIPTION

Please ensure you subscribe to any App notice tags for Music Ensemble tags relevant to your children for 2026. Maintaining your tag subscriptions will limit any confusion, as our main form of communication is through the MLC School App. All co-curricular music ensemble tags are found in the category ‘Co-curricular – Music’ and include a tag for Private Music Tuition, and special tags that are occasionally set up for special events eg: Groove Concert, Overseas Tours etc.  

KEY CONTACTS

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to us:

• Trevor Mee | Director of Music | tmee@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
• James Larsen | Head of Strings | jlarsen@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
• Richard Coward | Head of Bands | rcoward1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
• Ying Ho | Head of Keyboard | yho@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
• General Enquiries| music@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

We have thoroughly enjoyed seeing you all at our Music Events to date and are so proud of the hard work, and dedication of our girls. We look forward to seeing you all at our upcoming Town Hall Concert, Piano and Voice festivals, and Groove Underground early in Term 3.  

– Trevor Mee  
Director of Music

From the Principal

Coffee with the Principal discussions

Our regular Coffee with the Principal and Executive staff gatherings are one of the many ways that we seek to build positive relationships with school families, gather feedback and discuss a wide range of issues related to school operations, raising girls and the School’s approach to learning.

This week’s Junior School parent morning was one such gathering and it was fabulous to see so many different year groups and perspectives represented.

One of the topics raised was that of co-curricular activities. It was heartening to hear the positive feedback about the range of opportunities and the enthusiasm with which students from across the school are involved. Suggestions regarding how communication could be improved and the challenges of scheduling and clashes were also received, and they have been shared with the appropriate staff so that we can continue to make things as seamless as possible.

After the initial feedback, we had an interesting discussion on how much co-curricular is too much and how do you manage the student who wants to participate in every activity? Parents noted that it was sometimes difficult to decide what to do and their daughters were keen to do everything. Head of Junior School, Daniel Sandral, suggested that it is important that not every moment of the day is filled with structured activities. Unscheduled time is important for young children because it gives them space to play, imagine, rest, and learn at their own pace. When every moment is structured, children can miss opportunities to develop creativity, independence, problem-solving, and social skills through self-directed play.

This kind of free time also supports emotional wellbeing for all ages. It allows children to decompress, follow their own interests, and practise making choices without constant adult direction. In a world where children can easily become overscheduled, unhurried time helps them build confidence, resilience and a healthy balance between activity and rest.

However, it can be challenging when you have a child who wants to take up every opportunity. There is no doubt that some children have a great capacity for getting involved. Children who want to try every activity are often showing enthusiasm, curiosity, and a love of being involved, which is something to celebrate. At the same time, learning to make choices is an important part of growing up. While it can be disappointing not to do everything, helping children focus on a manageable number of activities allows them to participate more fully, enjoy the experience, and maintain a healthy balance between challenge, rest, and wellbeing.

As children get older and academic demands increase, they tend to move away from trying everything to focusing on those activities that bring them the most enjoyment and feeling of success. There is a strong correlation between academic success, the right level of co-curricular involvement and wellbeing but in the midst of balancing academic demands and social activity, it can be challenging to encourage older girls to continue with physical activity, team sports, and activities that they enjoy.

As well as this thought provoking discussion, attendees at the coffee morning also discussed maintaining the balance between academic success and wellbeing, the challenges of teacher attraction and retention in a highly competitive market and I had an opportunity to chat about some of the political advocacy work that is done behind the scenes to promote the cause of Independent Schools.

Each of our parent gatherings provides a new opportunity for feedback and discussions that matter and I look forward to seeing as many as possible at our Term 3 and Term 4 gatherings.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Success for Junior Strings at 2026 Sydney Eisteddfod

Over Monday and Tuesday of this week, three string ensembles from the Junior School travelled to the Chatswood Concourse to compete in the Sydney Eisteddfod.

Presto, Vivace, and Junior Chamber Strings have spent the last two months honing their craft, refining their repertoire, and finding a unified team sound in preparation for this competition. I have personally seen the extra effort our students have put into taking their playing to the next level, and I can happily report that each of our groups went into this sounding top-notch.

On the day, Presto Strings took 1^st place in the Primary School Novice and Intermediate Strings section, and Junior Chamber Strings was awarded 1^st place in the Primary School Premium Strings section. While Vivace was not recognised with an award at the ceremony, their high level of performance and commitment to improvement have not gone unnoticed by me, our music staff, or parents.

Well done to all three groups who performed this week. Not only did each student perform to a very high level, but they also represented the School beautifully. I am proud of every one of them.

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Click below to view Junior Chamber Strings in action.

MLC School Debating Teams Triumph at Grand Finals

Last Friday evening marked a significant occasion for MLC School, with a double Grand Final event in competitive debating. Beginning their journey in early February, sixteen teams across the FED and ISDA competitions demonstrated remarkable commitment and perseverance throughout the season. Their hard work paid off as fourteen of the sixteen teams progressed to the finals series. Ultimately, two ISDA and two FED teams advanced to contend for the division champions trophies.

FED Competition Successes

The Year 10 FED team excelled in the preliminary rounds, participating in seven debates. They faced Tara in the Grand Final held at Sydney Girls High School and, in a unanimous decision, secured their division win for the third consecutive year.

• Pip McGuire (Year 10)
• Amy Doan (Year 10)
• Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10)
• Taylor Lu (Year 10)
• Leanne Pham (Year 10)
• Chloe Oh (Year 10)

Our Senior B team of Year 11 students have been champions for the past two years. This season, they maintained their undefeated status and delivered a strong performance in the Grand Final against Sydney Girls High School, winning unanimously from the three-adjudicator panel.

• Riya Singh (Year 11)
• Lindsay Zeng (Year 11)
• Rebecca Ho-Bui (Year 11)
• Josephine Doan (Year 11)
• Yerina Kang (Year 11)
• Luella Farah (Year 11)

ISDA Competition Highlights

In the ISDA competition, both the youngest and oldest teams qualified for the Grand Final after a challenging series of qualifying debates. The Primary A team of Year 6 debaters entered the Grand Final determined and successfully argued the Affirmative case against Kincoppal. They debated the topic ‘Students attending organised protests in school time should not be punished’ and proudly claimed the division champions trophy for 2026.

• Emma Mo (Year 6)
• Florence Everitt (Year 6)
• Olivia Wang (Year 6)
• Erin Chen (Year 6)
• Nina Bai (Year 6)

The Senior A debate is always a highlight of the ISDA Grand Finals and, for the first time in eight years, an MLC School Year 12 team reached this stage. The team dedicated a lot of time and effort throughout the season alongside their coach, Brendan. This Grand Final marked their last debate representing MLC School after six years of high-level competition. Despite their outstanding preparation and performance, they were narrowly defeated by an excellent team from Knox Grammar.

• Elena Tulloch (Year 12)
• Amelia Tchan (Year 12)
• Elena Sun (Year 12)
• Jordan Vo (Year 12)
• Harriet Hahn (Year 12)

Overall, this season has been highly successful for our eighty ISDA and FED debaters. We extend our sincere gratitude to all parents and carers for their ongoing support, including accommodating late-night transportation from schools throughout Sydney and their commitment to attending debates as dedicated supporters.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator

MLC School goes back-to-back in Inquisitive Minds Maths competition!

Lucis is Now Available Online

Lucis magazine is out now! Check your mailbox 📬  

View the latest edition on our website.

Click here

140 Year Celebration Town Hall Concert

Wednesday 24 June 2026
The Sydney Town Hall
6.30pm – 9pm

This year, the musicians of MLC School invite you to an unforgettable evening of sound, story and celebration at our major concert in the iconic Sydney Town Hall on Wednesday 24 June 2026.

Titled ‘She Makes a Difference | Celebrating 140 Years of ‘Walking in the Light’, this spectacular concert honours 140 years of excellence in girls’ education, showcasing the depth, brilliance and spirit of MLC School’s musical tradition.

You will be treated to performances by our Choirs, Orchestras, Bands and Soloists, alongside a very special opportunity to hear from MLC School Old Girl musicians, joining together on stage for this landmark celebration.

Rich in history, passion and artistry, this is more than a concert, it is a tribute to the women who have shaped our past and continue to inspire our future.

This is one celebration you won’t want to miss.

Please note that this is compulsory for all Senior School Ensembles and Angeli Choir only. 

Bookings close Monday 22 June 2026.

Book tickets here

Chaplains Corner

Friendship and Respect: Learning Across Celebrations and Stories

• In the way we speak to one another
• In how we include those who may feel on the margins
• In our willingness to learn from different faiths and cultures
• In choosing compassion over conflict

National Reconciliation Week: All In

National Reconciliation Week 2026 at MLC School began with a powerful Assembly that set the tone for the week. Marayah-Kai Johnson Clayton (Year 11) shared her family’s story, speaking of her connection to Aunty Fay Clayton, a proud Wiradjuri woman and Elder. Marayah reflected on the ongoing impact of the Stolen Generations, reminding us that this history is not confined to the past, but continues to shape the lives of families and communities today. Her words invited our students to consider how this legacy is carried through generations, and how it calls each of us to respond with understanding, respect and action.

Throughout the week, students engaged in a range of meaningful learning experiences centred on this year’s theme, All In. This theme calls on all Australians to commit wholeheartedly to reconciliation, making clear that it is not a spectator activity but one that requires ongoing commitment and action from everyone.

Our Senior students in Year 11 and Year 12 explored the confronting history of the Kinchela Aboriginal Boys Home through a powerful video resource. These sessions were thoughtfully led by students from the Year 11 and Year 12 Aboriginal Studies classes, who guided their peers through the learning and reflection. Students examined the lived experiences of the boys who were removed from their families and the enduring impact of these policies. They also reflected on what it means to learn this history within our own community, recognising that we have descendants of Kinchela survivors among us. This prompted deep reflection, empathy, and a clearer understanding of the importance of truth-telling and shared responsibility.

Year 8 students had the privilege of hearing from Brooke Prentis, an Aboriginal Christian leader, who shared her perspective on how Christianity is expressed and lived by Aboriginal people. Her insights encouraged students to see faith through a culturally rich and personal lens, highlighting the interconnectedness of spirituality, culture and identity.

Students in Year 9 and Year 10 participated in Luminary activities focused on the theme of All In. Through discussion and collaborative tasks, students reflected on their own role in advancing reconciliation, considering how everyday choices and actions can contribute to meaningful change. These experiences encouraged students to move beyond awareness and towards active participation.

Across the week, our community engaged with the understanding that reconciliation will not happen by itself, nor can it rest solely with First Nations peoples, who have carried this work for far too long. National Reconciliation Week served as a reminder that meaningful change requires all of us to step forward – to listen, to learn, and to be All In.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

Year 10 and Year 11 Students – Platoon Operations Specialist

We are excited to offer a unique opportunity for students entering Year 11 and Year 12 in 2027 who have not previously been involved in Cadets to join the MLC School Army Cadet Unit as a Platoon Operations Specialist Cadet.

This pathway has been specifically designed to allow senior students to join the program without prior cadet experience and immediately become part of a specialist leadership team within the platoon.

The Platoon Operations Specialist Cadet is a specialist student leadership role within the platoon. Cadets in this position receive training in both Signals and Medical competencies and work closely with the platoon command team to support the day-to-day operation of the platoon.

As part of the role, cadets assist the Cadet Under Officer (CUO) and Platoon Sergeant (SGT) with platoon operations, training activities, communications, and administration. They also help maintain Signals equipment, provide basic first aid support during activities and exercises, assist with operational preparation and equipment accountability, and contribute to platoon readiness, teamwork, and discipline.

This role provides students with the opportunity to develop leadership and practical skills while working as part of the platoon command team in a supportive and rewarding environment. Senior cadets in this role may also assist in supporting and mentoring junior cadets where appropriate.

This is a fantastic opportunity for students who are looking to challenge themselves and experience something new during their senior years. Students involved in this role will have the opportunity to:

• Join Cadets without previous experience
• Take on a specialist leadership role from the outset
• Learn practical communication, teamwork, and first aid skills
• Develop confidence, resilience, leadership, and initiative
• Work outdoors as part of a close-knit platoon and unit
• Contribute directly to platoon operations and activities
• Gain meaningful experience working alongside senior cadet leadership

The Australian Army Cadets is a youth development program. It is not part of the Australian Defence Force and is not a recruiting pathway. Instead, the program focuses on personal growth, teamwork, leadership, initiative, and challenge through a range of engaging activities and experiences.

Commitment

Cadets attend weekly Home Training, on Friday afternoons and participate in selected training activities and field exercises throughout the year. The Platoon Operations Specialist role is designed to provide flexibility while allowing students to make meaningful contributions to the platoon and develop valuable life skills.

We also encourage families to review the ATAR Adjustment Fact Sheet here here which outlines potential tertiary admission adjustments and other opportunities available through participation in the Australian Army Cadets program.

Registrations are now open for students interested in joining as Platoon Operations Specialist Cadets in 2026/2027.

Students who are interested are encouraged to contact the Officer Commanding or speak with current senior cadets to learn more about this opportunity.

– CAPT(ACC) Maling
Officer Commanding
MLCSACU

Study Opportunities available at MLC School

MLC School offers two Study Support Opportunities:

• Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub – with a pilot now operating in Kent House to support students who are currently working on major works, providing a supervised, structured and purposeful study environment during the school day
• 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 Notices

This weekend marks a quieter week for sport, with ERNA, Monte, IPSHA and IGSA fixtures all enjoying a bye due to the King’s Birthday long weekend. This provides a welcome opportunity for our players and families to enjoy a restful break. 

We encourage all athletes to take the time to rest, recover, and shake off any niggling injuries so they can return refreshed and ready for the exciting weeks ahead as we move towards finals. 

Please note that registrations for all Term 3 competitive sports have now closed. 

If you have missed registering for an IPSHA or IGSA sport, or for our invitational Water Polo or Badminton competitions, please contact the Sports Coordinator as soon as possible. We may still be able to accommodate students, with a limited number of places remaining in selected sports.  

We are excited to announce that registrations for the MLC School Diving Club are now open. 

The program will be led by MLC School Head Coach Shixin (Golden) Li, a former Australian Olympic and Commonwealth Games diver. Students of all experience levels are encouraged to attend a diving session this term and explore one of our co-curricular or club diving pathways. 

Places are filling quickly, so families interested in joining are encouraged to contact the Sports Department for further information. 

Registrations for our July Holiday Sports Camp are now open – secure your place today! 

The camp will run from 9am to 3pm each day and will provide students with the opportunity to experience and develop skills across a variety of sports. 

Along with a range of other fun activities designed to keep students active, engaged and enjoying sport throughout the school holidays

Register here 

A reminder that the Senior School IGSA Athletics Trials will be held on Wednesday 17 June 2026 Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Warm-Up Track 

Registrations for the trials will be closing soon. Students wishing to participate are encouraged to sign up promptly to avoid missing out. 

Register here 

We wish all MLC School players and families a safe, relaxing and enjoyable King’s Birthday long weekend. We look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for another exciting period of sport. 

– Scott Carpenter 
Director of Sport

Sporting Achievements

Football

Congratulations to Felicity McCormick (Year 8), who recently represented IGSA at the Under 18 CIS Football Championships. 

Felicity and her IGSA teammates were crowned CIS Champions after an outstanding tournament, competing against some of the best young female footballers in New South Wales. The championships featured players currently competing in the A-League Women’s pathway programs as well as NPL First Grade and Under 23 competitions. 

At just 14 years of age, Felicity was the youngest player selected in the IGSA squad. Despite being one of the youngest competitors, she started every match and played a pivotal role in the team’s defensive success. The IGSA side produced an exceptional tournament performance, not conceding a single goal throughout the championships. 

Outside of school, Felicity plays for the Western Sydney Wanderers Under 16s in the Girls Youth League 1 competition. She is also a valued member of the MLC School IGSA Senior First Football Team, Captain of the Under 15 Bill Turner Cup team, and a member of the MLC School CIS Cup squad. 

This achievement is a testament to Felicity’s talent, commitment and hard work, and we are incredibly proud of her accomplishments. 

We wish Felicity and the rest of the CIS Cup team all the very best for their Semi-Final fixture against Arden Anglican School next week. 

First Football Team Marches into CIS Cup Plate Semi-Finals

The MLC School First Football Team has continued its impressive winning run, securing a place in the CIS Cup Plate Semi-Finals with a hard-fought 5–2 victory over All Saints Grammar in Round 4 of the knockout competition. 

The match was physical and fiercely contested from the outset. All Saints Grammar started strongly, taking an early lead and putting MLC School on the back foot. However, the girls showed tremendous resilience and determination to work their way back into the game. 

A key turning point came through the tactical adjustments made by First Team Coach, Richard Burgess, whose well-timed substitutions had an immediate impact and helped shift momentum in MLC School’s favour. Every player contributed to the team’s success in what was a true squad performance. 

Captain Carina Savoca (Year 12) led by example, causing constant problems for the opposition defence with her pace and dangerous counterattacking runs. The defensive unit remained composed throughout, with Ava Roins (Year 12) producing several strong overlapping runs from left back to support the attack. 

In midfield, Cass Fernando (Year 11) controlled the game with skill and composure, weaving through opponents as though she had the ball on a string. At the back, Téa Costin (Year 9) looked completely at home at this level, displaying outstanding passing accuracy and calm decision-making during crucial moments of the match. 

Impact players from the bench also played a major role in the victory. Felicity McCormick (Year 8) proved lethal in front of goal, scoring a brilliant brace, while Balbay Boyd (Year 7), more commonly seen showcasing her talents on the basketball court, seamlessly transferred her athletic skills to the football pitch and found the back of the net. 

The team’s Most Valuable Player award went to Georgie Coxsedge (Year 10). Georgie’s tireless work rate both on and off the ball never goes unnoticed. Her football intelligence is well beyond her years, helping the team remain composed under pressure. Her excellent distribution, ability to retain possession, and leadership in key moments were instrumental in the victory. 

Congratulations to Georgie on a well-deserved MVP performance, and congratulations to the entire MLC School First Football Team on advancing to the CIS Cup Plate Semi-Finals. The team now travels to the home of Football NSW, Valentine Park, on Wednesday 10 June to face Arden Anglican College in the semi-final. As the reigning 2025 CIS Cup Plate Champions, we hope MLC School can continue their success and advance to the finals once again. 

Click on gallery to view full images

MLC02 Hockey

Big shoutout to MLC02 Hockey who showed up on a sunny, but cold Olympic Park Saturday morning, taking on St Scholastica’s in S04. The first half was slow and steady, with the back of the net staring at us in the face multiple times and some solid defensive work. Half time: 0-0.  

After a good half time chat: ‘please just stand on the back post!’ MLC02 came to life. Attacking with speed and intent, breaking into the circle countless times and being positionally perfect lead us to our success. Tina Guan (Year 10) took the team talk to heart and smashed in a second half hat-trick. It was a huge MVP performance from Tina to pick up three of the four goals in our 4-0 win! 

We look forward to a week off and then to give it our all in the last few games. Finals are an absolute possibility, and we know we want to be there! 

Sport Announcements

Tennis 

The Term 3 tennis payment page is now open. If you have any questions, please email: amontgomery@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au  

During Term 3 we will be offering UTR tennis matches on a Saturday afternoon in lieu of Interdistrict. A schedule will be provided before the end of term for these matches. 

Term 2 Holiday Camp Registrations Open 

MLC School is excited to announce our Term 2 July Holiday Camp Registrations are now open to secure your spot today! 

Register Here 

The camp will entail a full week of learning a variety of sports from 9am to 3pm. Please see below for the weekly timetable, showcasing, tennis, basketball, netball, touch football, cricket, football, hockey and water games. Most excitingly, to finish the week, we have our Mini Olympics Challenge Day! 

Email for more information

Isaac Laws – ilaws@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au
Adrian Montgomery – amontgomery@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Play of the Week

Year 6 student Calais Durie is already getting a jump on her fellow competitors as we gear up for the upcoming Athletics season. 

Recently, Calais took part in the Balmoral Burn Fun Run, competing in the popular Pet & Owner Open Female Category alongside her trusty four-legged teammate, Rusty. The dynamic duo put in a fantastic performance, finishing on the podium in an impressive 3rd place. 

We are looking forward to seeing Calais bring that same energy and determination to the upcoming IPSHA Athletics Trials. 

As for Rusty, unfortunately, he won’t be eligible for IPSHA competition this year and may need to set his sights on the Prescott Puppy Pageant instead. Sorry, Calais!

Congratulations to both Calais and Rusty on their wonderful achievement. 

Click on gallery to view full images

Book Now – July 2026 Gymnastics Holiday Fun Camp

Our Gymnastics JULY 2026 GYMNASTICS HOLIDAY FUN CAMP is now open. They are available to book into via our online parent portal.

Senior Public Speakers Excel at Competitions

Regional Inner West Final: Plain English Public Speaking Competition

Last Thursday, two of our Senior Public Speaking students took part in the Regional Inner West Final of the Plain English Public Speaking competition. Among a field of twelve talented speakers, each student was required to deliver an eight-minute prepared speech to a panel comprising three judges. Following this, they faced the challenge of an impromptu section, where they had just three minutes to prepare a speech in response to the prompt, ‘a huge gamble’.

Harriet Hahn (Year 12) represented MLC School for the final time and delivered a polished and impressive performance in both the prepared and impromptu sections. Her efforts were rewarded as she secured a place in the State Semi Final, which will be held on Thursday 18 June.

Meena Kanthathas (Year 11) participated in this competition for the first time and presented a strong performance. During the competition, she was thrilled to discover that she had advanced to the Grand Final of the Dame Enid Lyons Oratory competition. This Grand Final is scheduled for next Wednesday 10 June 2026, at the NSW Parliament House.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Model UN Students Embrace New Challenges

This year, there has been a greater focus on developing students’ Model UN skills, and it’s been rewarding to see so many willing to tackle new challenges. In May, numerous MLC School teams of two participated in the heats of the 2026 NSW Evatt Model United Nations Competition.

The Evatt Competition is Australia’s largest Model United Nations program. Run by UN Youth Australia, it is a negotiation and diplomacy tournament for high school students in Year 9 to Year 12. Teams represent one of the 15 member states of the UN Security Council. Named after Dr. H.V. Evatt, an Australian jurist and former President of the UN General Assembly, the competition aims to inspire young people to become active global citizens.

Last Saturday, several teams from Year 9 to Year 12 attended the Heats held at the UTS campus. Our Model UN coach, Sarinna Cai (2025), served as one of the judges and managed to capture some photos of our students in action. Congratulations to our Year 12 team, Jordan Vo and Yoyo Wu, who advanced to the Semi Finals among more than 900 students from across Australia competing in the heats.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

MLC School Intermediate Shine at Impro Australia Schools Challenge

SEMI FINALS!

A hang gliding competition that nearly ends in tragedy when a bird gets in the way, a hunt for the last orangutan, a prison break out with a rap battle and a Roblox playing vampire that meets their match in a young hacker were some of the wonderful story lines explored by the MLC School Intermediate Team at Wednesday night’s Theatresports Schools Challenge semi-finals.

Hosted by Impro Australia and attended by schools that placed in the top three in their heats the MLC School players showcased strong teamwork, characterisation and imagination while creating stories on the spot.

• Claudia Rowe (Year 9)
• Zara De Mello (Year 8)
• Caitlin Ward (Year 9)
• Kim Doan (Year 9)
• Amara Sivagurunathan (Year 9)

represented their School proudly and were not only supportive of one another but also the competing teams. It was an extremely tough competition with many strong storylines explored and while sadly our journey ends here the girls are already excited to compete again next year! The Speech and Drama studio would like to congratulate the MLC School Intermediate Theatresports Team for their incredible performance. 

Here’s what the team had to say about the competition.

I think everyone should join theatresports. Do it!
– Claudia Rowe (Year 9)

It was so much fun and I’m glad for the opportunity to perform again with my teammates.
– Amara Sivagurunathan (Year 9)

I’m so proud of my team and myself for making it to semi-finals.
– Kim Doan (Year 9)

It was a fun night, and I had a great time.
– Caitlin Ward (Year 9)

I love the Theatresports community, and I can’t wait to do it again.
– Zara De Mello (Year 8)

– Taylor Buoro Long
The Speech and Drama Studio Theatresports co-coordinator

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Photo: Claudia Rowe (Year 9), Zara De Mello (Year 8), Caitlin Ward (Year 9), Kim Doan (Year 9), Amara Sivagurunathan (Year 9)

Speech and Drama Students Excel at the Inner West Eisteddfod

The Inner West Eisteddfod and Sydney Eisteddfod brought us another weekend of outstanding performances by our MLC school students 11–12 years and 13–14 years categories with lots of excitement and anticipation. Our students overcame nerves and performed brilliantly in front of a large audience. They performed with confidence, energy, beautiful vocal and facial expression and focus. We could not be prouder and congratulate them for being wonderful representatives of MLC School.

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to the following students for their outstanding performances at the Inner West and Sydney Eisteddfods:

PARRAMATTA EISTEDDFOD

• Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4), 9-10 years – Verse 

INNER WEST EISTEDDFOD

• Caitlyn Law (Year 6), 11-12 years – Verse Speaking
• Daisy Han (Year 7),11-12 years – Verse Speaking, 2^nd Place
• Vanilla Chen (Year 6), 11 years – Prepared Speech
• Zoe Baker (Year 6), 11 years – Prepared Speech, Highly Commended
• Catherine Coorey (Year 7), 11-12 years – Australian Themed Verse, 1^st Place
• Catherine Coorey (Year 7), 11-12 years – Memorised Prose
• Daisy Han (Year 7), 11-12 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Erin Chen (Year 6), 11-12 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Jessica Nunn (Year 6), 11-12 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Esme Jordan (Year 6), Leah Maidment (Year 6) and Jessica Nunn (Year 6), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume, 2^nd Place
• Brittany Mok (Year 6), Hayley Lam (Year 6) and Sienna Nguyen (Year 6), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume
• Vivienne Woon (Year 7) and Carla Di Leo (Year 7), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume 
• Charlotte Mok (Year 6) and Nina Bai (Year 6), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume, 3rd Place
• Poppy Frederick (Year 7) and Qaylah Mohamed (Year 7), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume, 4th Place
• Chloe Huang (Year 7) and Charlotte Pepper Craparotta (Year 7), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume
• Amanda Zhang (Year 6) and Leanna Shen (Year 6), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume, Highly Commended
• Natasha (Gem) McGuire (Year 5), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume 
• Marina Chen (Year 5), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume 
• Esme Jordan (Year 6), Leah Maidment (Year 6) and Jessica Nunn (Year 6), 11-12 years, Improvisation 
• Poppy Frederick (Year 7) and Qaylah Mohamed (Year 7), 11-12 years, Improvisation, 4th Place 
• Brittany Mok (Year 6) and Nina Bai (Year 6), 11-12 years, Improvisation
• Rosy Nichols (Year 7), Tillie Bishop (Year 7) and Ines Vieira (Year 7), 11-12 years, Improvisation, 3rd Place
• Tori McNamara (Year 7) and Leia Chang (Year 7), 11-12 years, Improvisation
• Beatrice Bastin-Loy (Year 6), Amaya Clapham (Year 6) and Sabine Woodhouse (Year 6), 11-12 years, Improvisation
• Asher Nevill (Year 6), Serena Li (Year 6) and Chloe Chan (Year 6), 11-12 years, Improvisation 
• Amanda Zhang (Year 6) and Leanna Shen (Year 6), 11-12 years, Improvisation
• Natasha (Gem) McGuire (Year 5), 11-12 years, Duologue/Scene (Trio) in Costume
• Kaitlyn Yang (Year 9), 13-14 years, Verse Speaking, 1^st Place
• Faith Huynh (Year 8), 13-14 years, Prepared Speech
• Téa Costin (Year 9), 13-14 years, Prepared Speech
• Olive Simmons (Year 9), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume, 2nd Place
• Abira Sanan (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume, 1st Place
• Sahana Ramesh (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Katie Zhang (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume, Highly Commended
• Angela Thorn (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Chloe Nunn (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume, Highly Commended
• Charlotte Hing (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Anaahat Kahlon (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume
• Zoe Zlamal (Year 8), 13-14 years, Character Recital in Costume, Best Costume

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Click on image gallery for full size images.

June/July Holiday Production

We are excited to announce our June/July Holiday Production The Tales of Beatrix Potter is enrolling now.

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!

Book early as limited spots are available.

Holiday Production Link here

June/July Holiday Production – The Tales of Beatrix Potter

Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July 2026 (5 days)
9am to 3pm
MLC School Drama Theatre

• Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $500
• Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $440

For enquiries contact The Speech and Drama Studio

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director