Newsletter | Term 3, Week 1 2023 - 21 July 2023

From the Acting Principal

Welcome back.

What a privilege it is to be stepping into the big shoes of Principal, Lisa Moloney as she embarks on a well-deserved sabbatical. On behalf of us all, I wish her the best as she takes this time away to reflect on what the future of MLC School could be. We look forward to hearing about her adventures when she returns in September.

We are thrilled to welcome everyone back to MLC School. For our Year 12 students, this term marks their final full term of classes, it is a time for much joy, celebration, and reflection, mixed in with a ‘smidge’ of study. We wish them all the very best for the term ahead.

We extend a warm welcome to the new members of our School community. Whether you are a staff member, student or a family joining us, we are delighted to have you on board as we embark on a journey of learning, growth, and collaboration.

Over the winter break, our dedicated faculty and staff have been hard at work, preparing engaging lesson plans and enriching activities. We are eager to see the halls filled with enthusiastic students ready to embrace new challenges and explore their full potential.

With much anticipation, our Facilities Team oversaw the installation of the new Design Art and Technology (DART) demountable at Kent House, which is equipped with brand new state of the art equipment for our students to enjoy.

As the world is constantly evolving, we understand the importance of equipping our students with the knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an ever-changing landscape. This semester, we will continue to integrate real-world experiences to ensure that our students are well-prepared to take on whatever the future holds. We encourage students to embrace their curiosity, question the world around them, actively promote kindness, and foster a positive learning atmosphere where everyone’s unique talents are recognised and valued. On this, we are delighted to announce our renewed connection with the Exodus Foundation Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Ashfield, where our students will help prepare the lunch service one Friday each month to feed those in need. In partnership, our Looming with Love girls are planning to hand loom beanies to donate at Exodus for those needing some extra warmth.

We are continuing to explore new opportunities to engage our girls in active service with the community. Please contact me if you are aware of any organisations that could use our support.

What’s up with Whatsapp?

Whilst not organised or moderated by MLC School staff, class and year level WhatsApp groups have been primarily created by parents for sharing information about parent events, social activities, and general questions to other parents about what is happening. These can be incredibly helpful in forming social connections, building positive culture, and helping parents feel ‘on top of information.’ However, there have been a few instances where commentary in these groups has unintentionally spread misinformation and caused harm.

If you would like to post about something other than a school event, please be remember that you are bound by our parent code of conduct and ask yourself if it might be better suited to a smaller group of parents in a separate friends’ group.

Your class WhatsApp group is not recommended as an appropriate place to share comments, messages and views from other groups or organisations, or the place to begin comment threads on opinion pieces that can soon get out of hand. Most importantly, we cannot help you if we are unaware there is an issue, and not being privy to the groups, the School has no way of knowing what might be said there.

At MLC School we believe that a strong partnership between school, parents, and the community is the cornerstone of a successful education. Together, we can provide our students with the support and encouragement they need to reach new heights and achieve their goals. If you have concerns about how your daughter is progressing, or concerns about something happening at school, please make direct contact with the appropriate staff member, we want to be able to assist you.

We invite you all to stay connected with us throughout the year. Be sure to read the newsletter and download the app to stay updated on school events and important announcements. By following our social media channels you will learn of a range of activities and inspiring success stories.

Thank you for entrusting us with the privilege of educating your children. Let us work hand in hand to create a memorable and transformative learning experience.

– Melissa Boyd
Acting Principal

Year 5 Scholarships 2024 Closing Soon

In 2021, MLC School introduced an All Rounder Scholarship for girls seeking entry into Year 5 of the following year. This is open to all current Year 4 Students.

Applications and registration payment for Year 5 2024 Scholarships will close on Monday 31 July 2023.

All Rounder Scholarships are awarded to applicants who demonstrate significant academic potential, together with achievement and potential in two or more of the following areas:

Leadership
Cultural/creative/performing arts
Service
Sport

The Examination will be held on Saturday 12 August 2023. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited to the School for an activity morning. Please note that not all shortlisted candidates will be offered a scholarship.

For more information about scholarships please visit our website, or contact our Registrar Nerida Coman on 02 8741 3165 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Current MLC School students click here to register

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2025 Are Now Open

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2025 are now open to all current MLC School students. Registration will close on Thursday 5 October 2023.

The Examination Day will be held on Saturday 14 October 2023.

Current MLC School students – please click here for registration and payment.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to the School for an activity morning. Please note that not all shortlisted candidates will be offered a scholarship.

For more information about scholarships please visit our website, or contact our Registrar Nerida Coman on 02 8741 3165 or email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Relive the Magic of Stories – the Sydney Opera House 16th Biennial Concert

The School’s 16th Biennial Concert at the Sydney Opera House made a welcome return on 22 May.

The preparations and excitement level built over many months of planning and rehearsals, culminating in a magical evening with performances thrilling audiences and participants alike. It was truly a night to remember.

For those who couldn’t attend and for those who would like to relive the experience, there are two recordings available for you to access. You will need a password to access each link below – the password is Music.

Showcase link

Highlights link

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

NAIDOC Week at MLC School

This week we celebrated NAIDOC at MLC School. It is an opportunity to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is ‘For Our Elders’. In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures the elders are highly regarded people. They lead and provide support to the community, as well as teaching and passing down knowledge.

During our chapel service on the staff professional development day, we were fortunate to hear from Pastor Susan Russell. She shared her family history of being part of the Stolen Generations and how she has had to reconnect with her Wiradjuri culture. This was followed by a session of looking at the origins of NAIDOC Week, learning about Torres Strait Islander culture and an information session on the Voice referendum.

In the Senior School, NAIDOC Week was the focus of the Tuesday chapel service and was part of the school assembly. The Junior School had a number of activities planned throughout the week. In the library there was bracelet making in the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colours at lunchtime. During sport lessons the girls were learning Aboriginal games.

The Year 4 classes spent time with Tarli and Vikki from Malima Indigenous Weaving and Education weaving. All the class have been learning how to welcome people in an Aboriginal language which was part of the NAIDOC Week assembly. The assembly focused on the MLC School Value of Respect and how that is understood in Aboriginal culture.

NAIDOC week has provided us with the opportunity to deepen our understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and appreciate the sophistication, uniqueness and beauty of First Nations culture.

– Tim Lennon
Director of Indigenous Education

A Timely Reminder on Speed and Road Safety

40km/h school zones are in force on all notified school days (including pupil-free days)

For Term 3, school zones will be in operation from Monday 17 July to Friday 22 September 2023

Please remember to:

Buckle up
Slow down to 40km/h
Always park legally
Observe all signposting
Give way to pedestrians
Avoid illegal manoeuvres
Never queue across children’s crossings

Council parking officers and police regularly patrol school zones.

Stringent penalties apply.

For more information, refer to attached flyers or click on links below:

Our Environment, Road Safety Around Our Schools

Road Safety Around Our Schools

School Zone Understanding The Rules

School Pick Up Drop Off Zone flyer (1)

Pedestrian Safety With Children

Let Us Always Use Our Roads Responsibly

From the Head of Teaching and Learning

This week the campus has come back to life as staff and students have returned from the break. There has been energy around campus as we commence the semester, and it is my hope that we can sustain this enthusiasm and excitement as we progress through what will be a busy term.

As part of the staff professional learning at the commencement of this term, I shared the results of some assessments that we undertook as a school late in 2022. We undertook this so that we could benchmark ourselves globally across several domains. The PISA Benchmarking for Schools enables schools to see how their students compare to like age peers within Australia and the OECD.

The PISA-Based Test for Schools measures 15-year-old student’s knowledge and competencies in reading, mathematics and science and I will share some of this data with you in the coming weeks. It also measures their attitudes towards learning and school and the learning environments of the schools themselves. Importantly these assessments measure not just whether students can reproduce what they have learned, but how well they can extrapolate from what they know and apply their knowledge creatively in novel contexts.

One of the additional domains included in the testing is Global Competence. Globally competent individuals can examine local, global and intercultural issues, understand and appreciate different perspectives and world views, interact successfully and respectfully with others, and take responsible action toward sustainability and collective well-being. One of the goals of our strategic plan is to ensure that the MLC School Girl is encouraged to engage with her peers, teachers, and the local and international community to grapple with issues that affect her world, so the data from this section of the assessment is important and indeed heartening. On all measures our students reported more positive results than both their Australian and OECD counterparts. Our students report being respectful of people from different cultures and valuing being part of a multicultural community. They are well informed about global issues and are willing to take action to help others. Their responses indicate an optimism for being able to have a positive impact on their own lives and the lives of others. Our girls truly are global citizens.

– Linda Emms
Head of Teaching and Learning

Click on the image gallery for full sized tables.

From the Head of Junior School

It is always a delight to welcome all our girls back to an exciting Term 3. Their faces were beaming as they entered the red carpet and Year 6 Centre reconnecting with friends and teachers. A special welcome to the new families that have joined our MLC School community.

Thank you for ensuring your daughter is at school on time. Girls need to be at school before 8.15am (Year 6), 8.30am (Kindergarten to Year 5) and 9am (Pre-Kindergarten).

I look forward to connecting with you throughout the term. That may be at car drop off, onsite at the canteen with a coffee before classes commence, at our upcoming parent-teacher learning conversations or at one of our many cherished events.

NAIDOC Week 2023

National NAIDOC Week is celebrated across Australia in the first week of July each year. As this event falls during the school holidays, we celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples during the first week of Term 3. This year’s NAIDOC Week theme is ‘For Our Elders’ with many events taking place across the School. Please read more in this week’s newsletter.

Please click here for the full Junior School NAIDOC Week 2023 story and photographs.

Emergency Lunches

As outlined in our Parent Handbook, a reminder that our School Canteen can supply an emergency lunch.

If a canteen order is not made on time, or your daughter does not have food requiring an emergency lunch, a simple meal will be provided. A charge of $10 will be incurred and added to your next school account to cover the food and administration cost. Junior School Reception will advise you via email that your daughter has received an emergency lunch.

Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5 parents may order your daughter’s morning tea and lunch from our School Canteen via Flexischools. Orders may be submitted in advance and no later than 9.30am.

eSafety Webinar on Social Media

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner is advertising a webinar opportunity for parents and carers of young people aged 8 to 13 to learn about TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube to help these children stay safe online. The webinar will cover case studies, research and targeted advice, and ways of supporting the young people in your life to have safe, enjoyable online experiences.

This webinar and others were advertised in our Senior School Welcome to Term 3 letter. As Head of Junior School, it is my expectation that Junior School students do not engage in social media as it is illegal until the age of 13 and above. I do recommend Junior School parents and carers to be informed about social media, particularly if your daughter is in Year 5 or Year 6, and commend this webinar to you.

The webinar is on Monday 1 August 2023, 12.30pm to 1pm.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

RESPECT at MLC Junior School

The MLC School value of Respect is our focus for Term 3.

Respect means that you accept somebody for who they are, even when they’re different from you or you don’t agree with them. Respectful relationships build feelings of trust, safety, and wellbeing. Respect doesn’t have to come naturally – it is something you can learn and earn.

Respect is a basic building block of all social emotional learning. Once children understand that respect is about caring how they impact others, they can develop social skills around courtesy, having positive relationships, being part of a team and other essential skills for success.

Showing ourselves respect is the first step. If we respect ourselves, that is, treat ourselves with kindness, compassion and care then we are in a great position to respect others.

Respecting others is very important in our social interactions and, in general, to peers and others within our school, local and wider communities. Within our diverse School respect is foundational to being welcoming and inclusive.

The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation gives us seven ideas to make someone else feel respected. Talk to your children about trying one of these each day:

Use people’s names (it makes the other person feel known and worthy).
Express sincere gratitude (this is good for our wellbeing).
Do more listening than talking (seek first to understand others).
Talk more about the other person than about yourself (this shows interest).
Be authentically interested.
Be sincere in your praise.
Show you care (actions speak louder than words).

Last term I wrote about the Golden Rule: treat others how you would like to be treated. This is all about respect for self and others.

Finally, respect for the environment, property and belongings is also so important. That we are not wasteful and, like our First Nations People, respecting and caring for the environment brings us into a harmonious relationship with the earth. And don’t we all want to leave the earth in a good place for our future generations?

I wonder if you can find ways of talking about and practising respect at home?

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Reflecting on a Memorable NAIDOC Week

Our Junior School community united to honour and celebrate the rich Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage and traditions of Australia during NAIDOC Week. Through storytelling, music, and art, we embraced the theme “For our Elders!” recognising their vital role in sharing cultural knowledge. Elders, revered for their wisdom and willingness to pass down traditions, became the focal point of our festivities. We listened to their stories, immersed ourselves in traditional songs, and expressed our gratitude through vibrant artworks. This week served as a reminder of the importance of preserving and valuing Indigenous heritage, fostering mutual respect and understanding.

Throughout the week, our school organised a variety of activities that engaged and educated all of us. Let’s reflect on some of the highlights:

Art and Craft Activities: During lunchtimes, we explored our creativity through crayon rubbings of leaves from Wangal Land, honouring and respecting country. We crafted bracelets using the colours of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags, learning the significance behind each colour.

NAIDOC Week Installation: In celebration of NAIDOC Week, our art teachers, Victoria Bradshaw and Lesley Snelgrove, collaborated on an art installation symbolising our personal connection to Country. Students and staff contributed by bringing in unique natural materials from the land they reside on. The artwork beautifully merged the visions of our talented teachers and students, serving as a testament to the spirit of NAIDOC Week 2023.

Weaving Workshops: Year 4 were lucky to be able to spend time with Vicki and Tarni, Aboriginal artists who supported the girls as they taught them to weave, while also teaching us words in the Dharawal language. Budgeri (Thank you!)

Storytelling: In the Junior School, we explored stories written by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander authors in the library and classrooms. These stories taught us important lessons about the role of Elders as guides. We learned about the land, animals, language, culture, and living in harmony with nature. It helped us understand Indigenous perspectives and appreciate the connection between people, the environment, and cultural preservation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Hall of Fame: Students walked the hall of fame, learning about and understanding the journeys of well known Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Traditional Games and Sports: During NAIDOC week, Junior School girls have been participating in Indigenous games in their PE lessons and for lunchtime activities. They have really enjoyed learning new games and hearing about the origin of the game and what equipment they used to use.

Some of the games they have played are:

Kolap: a throwing game played in the Mer Islands of the Torres strait Island region.
Nunyima: is a throw-catch game where balls used were made of seeds, clay, stones, seaweed, or grass. Played in the northwest region of Victoria.
Weme: A bocce style rolling game.
Wana Wana: a hitting game played by young Noongar girls in the southwest oof WA. Wana is a digging stick.
Keentan: a keep away game of catch ball played by both genders in the northwest region of QLD.
Chuboochuboo: is a throwing and catching game where they need to make as many consecutive catches as possible in a row. The ball was a wallaby skin stuffed with grass, played in parts of SA.

NAIDOC Week Assembly: An opportunity to reflect on our learning throughout the week.

NAIDOC Week was a time for reflection, learning, and embracing the diversity that enriches our nation. We celebrated the achievements and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

– Junior School Teachers

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Writing a Book in a Day

Today, select students from Year 5, Year 6 and Year 7 participated in a wholesome event held by the Kid’s Cancer Project called ‘write a book in a day’. As the name of the event suggests, this involved the students staying at school for the whole day (not really, but it was still a 12 hour day from 8am-8pm!) to compose an entire book start to finish.

It was a fun and creative challenge which was perfect for unlocking creativity whilst building teamwork and resilience in our girls.

The girls managed to raise over $3500 collectively to contribute towards the kid’s cancer project where the funds will contribute towards childhood cancer research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.

The books composed by our girls will be judged against other books created from students all over Australia with the best book being published and donated to kids with cancer.

We are very proud of all the efforts and dedication shown from our girls and hope the books they have created makes a difference to the kids in need.

– Eddie Park
Junior School Teacher

– Danielle Collins
Senior School Librarian

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

MLC School Portrait Prize 2023

We invite all Junior School artists to submit a portrait for this year’s Portrait Prize. The theme for this year is:

‘My Story’

The following questions are prompts to assist with gathering ideas for your portrait:

What is your subject’s story about being Australian?
How can you tell a person’s story through a portrait?
Is your subject’s story rooted in family, community, culture or nation, or something else altogether?

Entry Guidelines:

Open to all JS students – Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5;
Only one entry per student;
The artwork must be the student’s own work;
Entries can be portraits in most artistic medium (eg painting, drawing, collage, textiles etc) but must be two dimensional (2D). No photographic or digital art please;
Entries should be created on quality A3 or A4 paper. You are welcome to collect paper from the Art Studio;
The entry form must be completed and submitted with your portrait. Hard and soft copies of the form will be made available later in the term;
Entries close on Friday 1 September 2023 (Week 7);
Winning entries will be announced at assembly on Thursday 14 September 2023 (Week 9);
Winning entries will also be entered into selected external art competitions;
All works entered will be on display in the Junior School and selected works will be celebrated in the School Newsletter;
Each entry will be awarded a point for your House.

We look forward to seeing your entries.

– Victoria Bradshaw, Lesley Snelgrove and Liane Simpson
Junior School Visual Arts Department

Year 5 PDHPE Class Learn to be Sunsafe

Last term Year 5 learnt all about safe practices relating to the sun and the skin.

They used critical thinking skills to investigate how to make their World safer from UV radiation. The Year 5 students also explored the ways in which sun safety is promoted and the myths surrounding sun protection. Throughout the unit we also explored the way that UV radiation behaves and how it impacts the skin. It wasn’t only about educating the Year 5 students about sun safety, many times throughout the semester the girls needed to conduct ‘dinner conversations’ with their family. This meant that they did a mini presentation to their family on what they were learning in Physical Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE).

To finish off the learning the students became architects and designed and built sun safe and inclusive playgrounds for the students at MLC School. The playgrounds needed to be sun safe, be inclusive for everyone to use and encourage students to be physically active. The final product was AMAZING!

– Sarah Jauncey
Acting Immersive Learning Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Father’s Day Gift Changes – Important Information

NEW ITEM – Personalised Colour Changing LED Clock for Father’s Day 2023

Due to unforeseen circumstances with our supplier, we have had to change our personalised item for Father’s Day to a Colour Changing LED Clock.

Cost: $25

If you have already purchased the personalised ceramic plate

We thank those parents who had already ordered the personalised ceramic plate at the end of Term 2, we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience.

If you have already ordered, we offer the following two options:

Option 1: Transfer your order to the digital clock – No action is required.
Option 2: Cancel your ceramic plate order : Please reply to this email by Tuesday 25 July 2023 and we can organise a refund of your order.

For any enquiries, please contact the Kindergarten parent ambassador, Charmaine Cheung or Junior School reception.

Here are the details for our new item

Price: $25. Preorder closes Monday 31 July (Term 3, Week 3)

Perfect for our gadget loving fathers / grandfathers / uncles and certainly a handy item to have around the house:

Personalised with your child’s drawing (can be the same or different) for each side
Easy to read display screen with essential information for the day including temperature, time, date and alarm functions. ~7.5cm.
A colour changing soft RGB light glow around the body, making it an funky and convenient device for any room (or every room!)
Battery powered (AAA battery included).

This would make a special gift not only for special fathers / grandfathers / uncles, but also for birthdays and of course Christmas.

The girls will be redoing their drawings during Week 1 and Week 2. Any girls absent can have their drawing completed when they return to school.

Distribution will happen in time for Father’s Day in early September.

For any enquiries, please contact the Kindergarten parent ambassador, Charmaine Cheung or Junior School reception.

Click here to order for Father’s Day

CHESS Update

Learn to be a chess champion! Coaching for students at MLC Junior School is held on:

For Kindergarten to Year 5 – Mondays from 12.45pm to 1.30pm, starting on Monday 24 July 2023.

Learning and playing chess helps children develop their logical thinking and problem solving skills, improves their concentration and focus, while also being a great source of enjoyment. Activities include group lessons on a demonstration chess board or interactive whiteboard, puzzle solving and fun practice games.

Students earn merit awards by making checkmates, or by displaying skills and positive qualities, which all good chess players strive to develop.

Each student in the Chess program will also receive access to Chess Squad chessquad.com which is an online teaching/playing platform.

If your child is interested in taking part in the class, please email office.sydneyacademy@gmail.com for an enrolment form.

For all enquiries, please contact Sydney Academy of Chess on 02 9745 1170.

From the Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

I wish to extend a warm welcome back to all of our MLC School community as we commence Term 3. I hope that you and your family enjoyed a restful and rejuvenating break and are excited for the learning opportunities and experiences ahead.

As we move into the second half of the year, we will be presented with opportunities for recognising and celebrating many of our students’ accomplishments and achievements. Celebrating with friends is vital during adolescence, an adolescent brain is wired to seek independence and peer acceptance. Celebrating together is a great way to achieve this, create amazing memories and strengthen relationships. Having a good time does not have to come at the expense of our students’ health or safety.

Risks and risk taking are a part of life. We can’t avoid risks but we can manage them and we can make positive choices to increase our safety. Risk taking is highest during adolescence and young people are reported as increasingly participating in risk-taking behaviours (DARTA, 2021). A safe socialising environment ensures everyone can make positive choices, have fun and avoid potential harm. With this in mind, in Week 1 we welcomed Paul Dillon to present to Year 10 to Year 12.

Paul is a leading drug and alcohol presenter and the founder of DARTA. Paul’s presentations provided students with evidence based, relevant and accurate drug and alcohol education and information, equipping students with tools and strategies to make informed decisions. Students also devised strategies to help keep themselves and their peers safe when celebrating.

As always, please ensure you and your daughter are familiar with the Parent Information and Diary as these documents contain pertinent information regarding MLC School policies, expectations and processes. We value our partnership with families in order to support your daughters in achieving their personal best.

Thank you for your continued engagement and support to ensure your daughter follows the school processes in areas such as school attendance and leave, school uniform, ICT and mobile phone use.

Please keep an eye open for communication from your daughter’s Head of Year regarding our pastoral care and student wellbeing supports for this term.

Wishing you all a happy and productive Term 3.

– Andrew Taylor
Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Update

Temperatures may have dropped outside but that hasn’t stopped Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) students getting back into their lessons.

From the hockey field to the gym, enthusiasm has been high, and competitiveness has definitely not waned!

Amidst the excitement, it’s important not to forget the fundamentals of safe participation including the appropriate MLC School PE uniform and a hat. It’s a small yet crucial step to developing lifelong habits that supports student health and well-being. I look forward to updating you on the many highlights within the PDHPE program as Term 3 progresses.

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

Round Square Week

The week starting Monday 19 June was MLC School’s annual Round Square Week. The week was based around the six Round Square IDEALS of Internationalism, Democracy, Environmentalism, Adventure, Leadership and Service and was an opportunity for the MLC School community to get involved in the Round Square program and participate in a wide variety of games, activities, presentations and discussion groups.

Round Square Week was full of activities ranging from dodgeball and bench ball on the hockey fields with the Junior School, an Interfaith Devotional Service celebrating our school’s diversity, the Environmental Club’s second-hand clothes thrift store as well as a Socratic Seminar discussing MLC School’s role in environmental action, mental health awareness and multiculturalism. On the Friday of Round Square Week the Senior School students wore mufti for the day, participating in the service and culture fair as well as incredible international dance performances.

Throughout the week, the Round Square team were raising money for the incredible KidzPositive Foundation based in South Africa with many students purchasing a 2023 Round Square Badge at the gates. The beaded badges are handmade by women affected by the stigma around HIV/AIDS, allowing for consistent income and employment that can be completed from home while caring for dependents. Alongside the Round Square Service project were many other awareness, advocacy and donation drives as part of the Service and Culture Fair.

The Service and Culture Fair was an opportunity for many of the student led groups, including language and culture clubs, Collective Voice, MLC School’s UNICEF Club alongside Year 11 CAS (creativity, activity, service) projects to be displayed to the school. Students were able to see the great range of service projects undertaken at MLC School and the many clubs they can get involved in. This fair, alongside our international dance performances saw the school celebrating the final day of term with music and fun and was a great way to end the week.

As a Round Square school, MLC School is also part of a much wider network of schools across the world. Closer to home the number of Round Square schools in NSW is expanding. Students and teachers from Barker College and Oxley College joined us on the final day of Round Square Week to collaborate on project ideas, how Round Square can work within each unique school environment and join in the celebration of Round Square at MLC School. It was awesome to work with these schools on how they’re incorporating Round Square on their campus’, gaining inspiration and ideas.

A big thank you to all of the students that helped organise Round Square Week in IDEALS Society meetings across the term as well as the Round Square Leadership Team that put in so much time and effort. Further, a massive thank you to Mr Maling and Rev Sally who supported the dreams and aspirations of the Round Square team and helped us to put together an incredible event.

– Liz Wilkie
2023 Round Square Captain

Main photo: Dodgeball on the Hockey Field with Junior School
Click on image gallery for full size images.

MLC School Thrift Store Success

Last term during Round Square Week, the Environmental Group ran a thrift store, underpinned by the IDEAL of environmentalism, to promote sustainable fashion cycles.

We raised a total of $1284.55 for the ZOE Foundation which aims to prevent child trafficking and rescue children from slavery. All clothes that were not sold were then donated to the Girl’s Refuge. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to the success of the thrift store, and we congratulate Piper Maroney (Year 7) for being the biggest donor.

– Sarah Furlan (Year 11)
MLC School Environmental Group

Year 7

Welcome back to Term 3. I hope that your daughter has had a refreshing and relaxing break and is looking forward to her return and what promises to be another fruitful term. Please see the notes and information below to assist you and your daughter in your preparations for a positive return.

Learning and assessment

Term 3 affords our students the opportunity for consolidation of learning in building from feedback from teachers across areas of strengths and areas for growth. Students are encouraged to work independently and with their luminaries in developing their academic goals for the term ahead, ensuring they capitalise on the feedback they have received from last term’s assessments and learning. To assist in planning for Term 3 learning, please find HERE the Assessment Schedule for Year 7 for Term 3.

Pastoral Care/Luminary Period

This term, our Luminary period remains key to providing support and care for students and an opportunity to strengthen connections with their Luminaries and peers. To support student wellbeing, this term we will be exploring the School Value of ‘navigating changing friendships’. Students will engage in a range of wellbeing sessions designed to support the development of VALUE skills, attitudes and competencies. As always, our hope is that our cohort continue to grow in strength together, developing a rich understanding of the School Values. Each term, in our Pastoral Care sessions, we will focus on developing our understanding of a different School Value. We encourage you to continue the conversation at home, as your daughters navigate the joys and challenges that they will continue to face this year.

Key School Policies

We request that families read and are familiar with the Parent Information Handbook and, most particularly, those school policies and procedures regarding ICT use, mobile phones, uniform, leave and attendance. Thank you for your continued support in guiding your daughter in her adherence to the school protocols for these areas.

Winter Uniform

Winter tunic, blouse, tie, belt, long socks, polished shoes, blazers, and as it gets colder – jumpers as well.
Year 7 are not to use the MLC School Tote bag.

Attendance – for all school days, classes and co-curricular commitments

A reminder that students are to sign in and out of Senior Studies office if they arrive on campus after 8.15am or are required to leave prior to 3.15pm. I appreciate your support in ensuring your daughter arrives at school prior to 8.15am.
If your daughter is unexpectedly absent, or you are aware that they will arrive late or be required to leave early, please inform the Student Services Office If your daughter requires leave outside of holiday time, please complete the Application for Leave form, to seek permission from the Principal as required by the NSW Education Act.
In the event of illness or injury during school hours, your daughter should visit the Health Centre. If required, Health Centre staff will contact parents or carers.

Mobile Phones

Students in Year 7 to Year 9 are to leave their mobile phones in their lockers during the day. Please refrain from contacting your daughter when she is at school. If you need to contact your daughter for an urgent matter, please contact Senior Reception and the message will be conveyed.

Students in Year 10 to Year 12 are encouraged to leave their mobile phones in their lockers during the day. Students are permitted to carry their phones but these should be used for educational purposes when at school.

As always, there are a number of key dates to be aware of this term. Please see below:

Monday 4 September 2023	Year 6 to Year 12 House Athletics Carnival
Friday 15 September 2023	Final day of Term 3

I look forward to continuing to work with you and support your daughter throughout this term. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at kbickerstaff@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au if you have any queries, concerns or simply wish to touch base.

– Kylie Bickerstaff
Head of Year 7

$Australian Maths Competition and ICAS Mathematics Assessment$

Australian Maths Competition and ICAS Mathematics Assessment

Final opportunity to register

Australian Maths Competition (AMC)

There are now only two weeks until the Australian Maths Competition (AMC), held between Wednesday 2 August and Friday 4 August 2023. The AMC is run by the Australian Mathematics Trust and is the country’s largest and most well-known school competition. The 75-minute online competition is open to students from Year 7 to Year 12 and is designed to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills.

Parents and carers who would like to register their daughter for the AMC are invited to complete this online form before Monday 24 July. The $8 fee will then be added to your account. Students can prepare for the competition by completing the practice questions available online here.

2023 ICAS Mathematics Assessment

Registrations for the 2023 ICAS Mathematics Assessment are also now open. This online international competition will be held between Monday 28 August and Friday 1 September 2023 and is open to students in Year 7 to Year 10. The competition assesses students’ higher order thinking and problem-solving skills. Those who would like to participate are invited to complete this online form before Monday 24 July 2023. The fee of $19.25 will then be added to your account. Practice tests are available here.

If you have any questions about these opportunities please contact Alex Schroder

– Alex Schroder
Teacher – Mathematics

Year 8

Welcome back Year 8 families! It has been lovely to see the Year 8 students back at school this term, and as always, they are straight into all of the activities, making me a very proud Head of Year!

Congratulations to Eadie Scott and Chelsea Sumich who are in the MLC School Football Team and competing in the knock-out Bill Turner Cup event. Their team is finding success each game and we are right behind them supporting, just as much as we are while watching the Matildas in the World Cup!

The cast of the Middle Years Production – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory – has also been announced and I’m excited to congratulate the following Year 8 students for being cast in the show:

Lily Essex
Eleanor Longcroft
Adelaide Abernathy
Thea Davis
Luella Farah
Lily Smith
Jemima Blake
Isla Pavlakos
Sophia Ivannikova
Georgia Sinclair
Aashi Shah
Soraya Phillips-Bates
Meena Kanthathas
Lucy Fickler
Lam Nguyen

The portal for choosing Year 9 Electives for 2024 opened on Tuesday, with all Year 8 students being sent a link to access this. Please ensure you have reviewed the curriculum guide and reached out to any Heads of Department with any subject questions. All students need to have entered their preferences by Tuesday 25 July 2023.

Have a great weekend, and as always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Photo: Year 8 students ready for Term 3: Chloe Lay, Jocelyn Su, Andrea Wang

Year 9

Welcome back to Term 3!

I trust you all had a lovely break over the last few weeks and that you all enjoyed some relaxing downtime (or exciting adventures) with your families. It was wonderful to have the cohort back at MLC School this week, especially as they look ahead to this being their final full term of Year 9.

Our pastoral care focus for this term will see the students of Year 9 presented with a range of ways to look out for and support those around them. We will aim to foster a focus on generating care, consideration, and thoughtfulness about their peers and friends. Courage will be the School value in focus to ensure students consider that it takes courage to stand up for and to others.
Please see below a list of the Year 9 Luminaries, I would like to take the opportunity to thank them for their ongoing care and support of the cohort.

Abbeythorpe – Martina Stolzi
Booralee – Danielle Collins and Kate Drady
Churunga – Richard Coward and David Posker-Hill
Leawarra – Greg Bricage
Lester – Richard Burgess and Dexter Martinez
Mooramoora – Trevor Mee and Anastasia Poulos
Prescott – Toby Duncan
Sutton – Jane Ferguson
Wade – Tarryn Hill and Kellie Cogin
Whitley – Ciane Brewster and Josephine Schreuder

Congratulations to the Year 9 students who this week progressed to the next round of the Bill Turner Cup! I was so impressed to hear of another strong game from the team this week and congratulate you all on your efforts and enthusiasm! I hope you all take some inspiration from the Matildas in preparation for your next game (or maybe they can take some inspiration from your successes!)

I have included an image of the Junior students who participated in Snowsports (including Haegan Sitou our Year 9 representative). During the week starting Monday 31 July (Week 3), Year 9 Physical Activity and Sports Studies (PASS) students will also be participating in their own Ski Trip and I know they are all looking forward to that experience (and hopefully lots and lots of snow to enjoy!)

Reminders:
A reminder that students are to sign in and out of the Studies Office if they arrive on campus after 8.15am or are required to leave prior to 3.15pm. I appreciate your support in ensuring your daughter arrives at school and is ready for all learning experiences prior to 815 am when lessons commence. If your daughter is unexpectedly absent, or you are aware that they will arrive late or be required to leave early, please inform the Studies Office directly. If your daughter requires leave outside of the allocated non-term time, please complete the Application for Leave form, to seek permission from the Principal. In the event of illness or injury during school hours, your child should visit the Health Centre. If required, Health Centre staff will contact parents or carers.
Students in Year 7 to Year 9 are to leave their mobile phones in their lockers during the day. Please refrain from contacting your daughter when she is at school. If you need to contact your daughter for an urgent matter, please contact the school’s reception and the message will be relayed to her.
I look forward to continuing to work with you and support your daughter across this term. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at bkovats@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au if you have any queries, or concerns or simply wish to touch base.

– Bridget Kovats
Head of year 9

Year 10

A big welcome back to Term 3 for all our students and families in Year 10. Year 10 were very excited to return and reconnect with their friends and teachers. Lots of stories have been shared and it was great to see everyone together again. Our first day was busy with lockers being reallocated, luminary time and a year meeting to welcome the term. I was so impressed with how Year 10 stepped up this week – organising their lockers and helping their friends to do so as well, all with a minimum of fuss. NAIDOC Week was launched at assembly time and lots of activities and discussions have been held throughout the week.

The Luminary program each term is based around an MLC School value. So far this year we worked with Respect and Courage and this term’s theme is Compassion – compassion for oneself and for others. We will be exploring the many possibilities of this theme and how the students would like to action it during their day to day lives at school, in their friendships, class relationships and family.

We had a great session with Paul Dillon from DARTA on Wednesday. Year 10 met Paul for the first time and heard a wonderful presentation on drug and alcohol education and the impact of vaping. Paul has been a regular presenter at MLC School for many years and he speaks only to Year 10 to Year 12. His approach is an educative one, providing young people with the information and data to make responsible choices for themselves. Year 10 were very receptive, asked great questions and we will be continuing the dialogue in luminary sessions. I recommend that you have a chat with your daughter about what they learned, it was very enlightening. If you would like further information, his website is: https://darta.net.au/ and included are excellent resources for parents on how to have the conversation around alcohol, drugs and vaping.

Your daughter’s Luminary will be in contact with you this term to introduce themselves and reach out on any pastoral issues you may be experiencing with your daughter. Your daughter’s luminary will be an important additional contact point for you as your daughter progresses through the senior school.

I am available Monday to Friday on 02 8741 9736 or sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au for meetings on site, by phone or on Teams to discuss your daughter’s progress and wellbeing.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 10 Photography

Last term, Year 10 Photography and Digital Media students developed their analogue film using Ilford chemistry.

I am very pleased to share with you some highlight images captured using traditional analogue film developed and chemically processed by the students.

It is quite eerie to view photographs of our new buildings that look like they were captured 100 years ago.

– Emily Cribb
Photography and Digital Teacher

Click on image gallery to view full images.

Year 11

I could tell there was a strong sense of purpose about the Year group at the start of this week, as we begin what will be a busy and significant term for our cohort. In our first Year meeting for the term I reminded the students of the need to work in tandem with their teachers, reaching out for assistance throughout the term. This applies not only to their class teachers, but their Luminaries as well.

Below is a reminder of the brilliant team that help to guide the cohort, please feel to reach out to them if you have any concerns about your daughter or questions about what is happening at School:

Luminary Group	Luminary
Abbeythorpe	Claire Johnson
Booralee	Susan Rowley and Elisa Tagliabue
Churunga	Elizabeth Gilberthorpe and Leon Vitogiannis
Leawarra	Caitlin White and Megan Westwood
Lester	Roseanne Thompson
Mooramoora	Chris Highman and Paul Batten
Prescott	Lisa Jinga and Tristan Coelho
Sutton	Jake Morrissey
Wade	Antonella Accurso and Debra Kidd
Whitley	Monica Lee

We were lucky to welcome Paul Dillon back to MLC School on Wednesday and he addressed Year 11 about Alcohol, Vaping and Cannabis. As ever, his talk was engaging and informative and provided the students with the information they need to make safe decisions for themselves and their friends. Feedback from the cohort has been very positive and I encourage parents to ask their daughters what their key takeaways were.

Finally, on Friday the Head of Senior School, Joanne Graffen, joined our Year meeting to launch the student leadership process. This is an incredibly exciting time for the students, and I hope that they feel positive about the opportunities available to them. I have no doubt that as a cohort, the Class of 2024 will collectively be stellar leaders of the School.

– Fiona Pow
Head of Year 11

Year 12

It was wonderful seeing Year 12 back for their final term of school. They have been encouraged to make the most of their remaining time at MLC School by myself and their School Captain, Erica Chou, at their opening year meeting on Tuesday morning.

Both IB and HSC cohorts have been working hard, and the holiday break was no exception, with several students attending support provided and studying at school. Staff are impressed with the determination of the girls and their willingness to get on and keep devoting their energies to their courses.

The Trial Examination block for the HSC and IB begins in one week. Many students have been refining and creating study plans to last them through the next three weeks and have reminded themselves that there will be a well-deserved temporary sigh of relief after the trials.

During Luminary time in the lead-up to the Trial Examinations, the groups will discuss strategies around the night before, the morning of and during examinations to maximise their success and keep their mood in check.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me via my direct line 8741 3278 or email at arenwick@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au, if you have any queries, or concerns or simply wish to touch base.

Coming up

Monday 31 July 2023 to Monday 14 August 2023 – HSC and IB Trial Examinations

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 12

Click on image gallery to view full size images.

Careers News

Interested in overseas Summer School experiences?

Immerse Education offer Summer School programmes to provide ambitious high-school students from around the world with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate level subjects. See what is on offer via the link provided.

Overseas Summer School Experiences

University Open Day Planner

For students looking to study in 2024, the planner provides a list of every University Open Day offered in Australia.

University Open Day Planner

Early Entry Guide

For Year 11 and Year 12 students interested in early entry applications, this is a guide to early entry university programs offered in Australia for students commencing study in 2024. The guide answers questions such as “what is early entry?”, “is early entry an option for you?’ and “early entry vs alternative entry”.

Early Entry Guide

– Kate Arthur
Careers Advisor

Careers – Scholarship Information

Co-op Scholarships Guide – For students looking to study in 2024

This guide is designed to provide students with information on co-op scholarships and how the co-op scholarships work. Students can check their obligations and browse co-op scholarships available.

Co-op Scholarships Guide

Scholarships Guide

For university entrance in 2024. A guide to scholarships offered in Australia for students commencing study next year.

In this guide students will gain valuable knowledge on scholarships available including how to apply, who is eligible and how to find one.

Scholarships Guide 2023

– Kate Arthur
Careers Advisor

Sports Update

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you have all had a well-earned break and are feeling energised and back ready to play sport!

A few reminders for this weekend:

Weekend Sport commences this Friday night with water polo and athletics (Friday 21 July 2023)
Please check you have all your uniform requirements.
Check your fixtures and allow ample time to arrive and find parking.

FOOTBALL NEWS

Congratulations to our Junior Representative Football team. This week they played their Bill Turner trophy match against St Joseph’s East Gosford and won 4-1! They will now progress to Round 6 hoping to make the quarter finals! Good luck!

What was most humbling was the email we received from the St Joseph’s coach. During the break, they had a student pass away and informed MLC School that the team would be wearing black arm bands during the match.

‘To the Principal of MLC and those associated with the Bill Turner Cup soccer competition. Thank you very much for the flowers presented to our girls at the start of yesterday’s soccer match between our two schools. They were much appreciated. It was such a thoughtful tribute; our girls were touched by the gesture. We had several Year 9 students in the team, and it meant a lot to them. It has been a difficult time for the girls and the school community, little things like the giving of flowers means so much and assists in the healing. Sahara was a much-loved Year 9 student at our college, and she will be sadly missed. We are having a service on Friday, for her and we will pass on your flowers to the parents on your behalf.

I was the coach of the team yesterday and I am also the Year 9 Leader. Your girls played very well and were excellent in their sportsmanship throughout. The game was entertaining and played in a very good spirit. Please congratulate all concerned and wish them well as they enter further into the competition.’

Sometimes, sport is more than just about rivalry and competition. Above all, sport is about respect, sportsmanship and compassion.

SNOWSPORTS NEWS

During the break, we had a team of skiers and snowboarders attend Interschools Snowsports at Thredbo.

We look forward to reading our Captain’s report at the end of the Snowsports season.

In the meantime, we have had some fantastic results!

Division 6

Olivia Li (Year 2) – Alpine and Ski X
Marina Chen – (Year 2) Ski X

Division 5

Arielle McBrien (Year 4) – Alpine and Ski X

Division 4

Cecilia Lau (Year 6) – Alpine

Division 3

Niamh Johnson (Year 8) – Alpine
Maya McBrien (Year 7) – Alpine
Stephanie El’Atrache (Year 7) – Alpine
Noelle Foo (Year 7) – Alpine
Holly Skowno (Year 7) – Alpine
Lauren Carmody (Year 7) – Alpine
Charlotte Hughes (Year 8) – Alpine

Division 2

Zaz Tiglao (Year 10) – SB X SB Alpine
Mimi Pullinger (Year 10) – Ski X
Amelia Roufas (Year 10) – Ski X
Allegra Bechini (Year 10) – Ski X
Sarah Carmody (Year 10) – Ski X
Haegan Sitou (Year 9) – Ski X
Sarinna Cai (Year 10) – Ski X

Division 1

Ruby Newton (Year 12) – Alpine

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Weekend Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures

Friday 21 July 2023

FRIDAY NIGHT WATER POLO – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Ravenswood 2	MLC School Pool A	8.33pm
MLC02	Ascham 2	MLC School Pool B	8.06pm
MLC03	Wenona 4	MLC School Pool A	8.06pm

VOLLEYBALL – ROUND 8
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	St Scholastica 1	Netball Central Show Court 1	7.15pm

Saturday 22 July 2023

NETBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC 1	West Ryde Rovers 05	Meadowbank Park	2pm
MLC 2	Gladesville Ravens 03	Meadowbank Park	3.30pm
MLC 3	Comets 08	Meadowbank Park	12.30pm
MLC 4	North Epping Rangers 11	Meadowbank Park	2pm
MLC 5	Gladesville Ravens 10	Meadowbank Park	12.30pm
MLC 6	Santa Sabina 05	Meadowbank Park	12.30pm
MLC 7	St Gerards 08	Meadowbank Park	11am
MLC 8	Woolwich 13	Meadowbank Park	11am
MLC 9	Alexanders 04	Meadowbank Park	11am
MLC 10	OLMC 05	Meadowbank Park	9.30am
MLC 11	Woolwich 15	Meadowbank Park	9.30am
MLC 12	Dundas United 08	Meadowbank Park	9.30am
MLC 13	Comets 12	Meadowbank Park	9.30am
MLC 14	Santa Sabina 15	Meadowbank Park	9.30am
MLC 15	RHH Halos 03	Meadowbank Park	8am
MLC 16	Santa Sabina 18	Meadowbank Park	8am
MLC 17	Gladesville Ravens 24	Meadowbank Park	8am
MLC 18	Carlingford Flames 09	Meadowbank Park	8am
MLC 19	Gladesville Ravens 28	Brush Farm	11.45am
MLC 20	BYE	BYE	BYE
MLC 21	Gladesville Ravens 34	Brush Farm	10.30am
MLC 22	West Ryde Rovers	Brush Farm	9.15am
DEVELOPMENT VOLLEYBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC02	Junior Social Team	Sydney Boys High Gymnasium	4.30pm

HOCKEY – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Kambala 1	MLC School	8am
MLC02	Frensham 3	Frensham	9am
MLC03	Kincoppal 3	Marang	8am
MLC04	Ravenswood 4	MLC School	9am
MLC05	Ravenswood 6	MLC School	10am

IGSA REP FOOTBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Ascham 1	Heffron Park Synthetic	8am

IGSA REP NETBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Wenona 1	Wenona Indoor	8am

IPSHA TOUCH FOOTBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Santa Sabina 1	Santa Sabina Field 1	10am
MLC02	SCEGGS 5	Kambala Field 2	11am

Upcoming Dates

Friday 21 July 2023 – Friday Night Water Polo, MLC Aquatic Centre, 6.45pm-9pm
Friday 21 July 2023 – IGSA Twilight Athletics, ES Marks, 4.30pm-8.30pm
Saturday 22 July 2023 – ERNA Netball Round 10, Meadowbank Park or Brush Farm, Various
Saturday 22 July 2023 – IPSHA and IGSA Round 1, Various, Various

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Important Sports Notices – Absences and Wet Weather

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

Remember!

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

Important Procedures for Sport Absences from Sport

What to do when you are not able to make training or a game

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

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

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

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

Students are required to attend 90% of all sessions involved with their sport (training and matches).

If Frensham is in your Saturday sport fixtures, your attendance at Frensham is compulsory to be awarded your pocket.

Wet Weather

What do I do if it is Wet Weather?
While on most occasions we would not cancel training for wet weather, cancellations may occur if rain is too heavy to train in or weather conditions deem it unsafe. Additionally, due to safe distancing measures and government guidelines, we may be required to cancel training when we cannot accommodate students safely in an indoor space.

For morning training

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

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook page, followed by an email.

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

For after school training

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

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook page, followed by an email.

On Saturdays

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

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

If you are playing an IGSA Sport, visit https://igsasport.spawtz.com/. The IGSA website will let you know if your venue is closed or open.

When possible, we will also post the cancellations on our Sport Facebook page.

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

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Follow MLC School Sport on Facebook

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

MLC School Sport Facebook Page

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Mid Year Music Success

Over the mid-year break, our students have been busy competing in Eisteddfods across the greater Sydney region. Students competing in the ‘Open’ sections are in direct competition with all age groups, including undergraduate and postgraduate music students, making these results all the more impressive.

Juah Hyun (Year 9) – Viola – Sydney Eisteddfod

Under 15 String Section – Winner – First Place

and – St George Eisteddfod

Under 15 Violin and Viola Section – Winner 1st Place
Concerto Section – 2nd Place

Daisy Li (Year 11) – Violin – Sydney and St George Eisteddfods claimed

Two 1st Places and
Two 2nd Places

Veronica Pan (Year 7) – Clarinet – Sydney Eisteddfod

The Under 15 Clarinet section – Winner, 1st Place
The Under 12 Clarinet Section – 2nd Place

Well done to all three of you!

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

The Speech and Drama Studio Term 3

Enrolments still open for Theatresports, Acting for Camera and PRIVATE Speech and Drama lessons

The Speech and Drama Studio teaching team are excited to see all of our students and welcome our new students across all programs with lessons commencing Monday 24 July 2023. We have a busy but exciting term ahead.

ASCA and Trinity exams

Speech and Drama students from Year 3 to Year 12 plus private and duo Kindergarten to Year 2 students are busy preparing for their ASCA or Trinity exam this term. Exam dates are listed below. Your child’s exact exam day/time will be finalised shortly.

TERM 3

ASCA EXAMS Year 3 to Year 5

Week 8 – Monday 4 September – Wednesday 6 September 2023 (Not available on Thursday 7 and Friday 8 September due to Book week events).

Week 9 – Monday 11 and Tuesday 12 September 2023.

TERM 4

ASCA EXAMS Year 6 to Year 11

Week 6 – Monday 13 to Friday 17 November 2023.

TRINITY EXAMS Year 6 to Year 12

Week 7 – Monday 20 to Friday 24 November 2023.

Theatresports Competition at Pymble Ladies College

In September our Theatresports students have the opportunity to represent MLC School in the Theatresports Competition at Pymble Ladies College. This is a new event this year.

Term 3 enrolments still open:

Speech and Drama individual lessons

Whilst many of our programs are fully booked, we do have availability for private and duo students for rotational daytime classes or at an available time after school. Students from Year 3 to Year 12 have the opportunity to participate in ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) and Trinity College of London examinations.

Theatresports

Tuesdays 3.20pm-4.50pm – places available

Acting for Camera

Friday lunchtime -– two places available
Friday 3.20pm-4.05pm – one place available

Senior Musical Theatre

Wednesday 4.05pm-5.05pm, Year 6 to Year 10 Group session – places available

Come along for a FREE TRIAL session for Senior Musical Theatre only (Junior Musical Theatre is fully booked).

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Holiday Production Fun – Cinderella

Congratulations to our amazing cast of Cinderella, our June Holiday production. Thirty MLC School students joined us for a fabulous five days of fun during the holidays. After auditioning and casting roles, the students embarked on a magical journey into the world of theatre. They rehearsed scenes and learnt lots of dances, added costumes, set and lighting bringing it all together for the big performance on Friday afternoon for family and friends. Our amazing cast performed brilliantly, and the show was a hit!

The productions are a wonderful opportunity for students to have fun with their friends and meet new ones from all year groups. We see an enormous amount of confidence develop over the production week and it is a wonderful, and for some, the first time they have performed on stage in front of an audience.

We look forward to our September Holiday production

Monday 18 September to Friday 22 September 2023

Enrolments will open in Week 5 (week starting Monday 14 August 2023).

I liked to sing and dance with my friends during the performance and hope to join the future drama at next term.

Yinuo Jin (Kindergarten)

The production was amazing and I got to make new friends! I was so lucky to be cast as one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Learning lines were easy when you get to play such a fun and wicked character.

Elana Chrun (Year 4)

During this holiday production I found that it was a great way to spend time with my friends and meeting new people, as well as gaining the courage to perform in front of a large audience. I have never done drama before, and I really enjoyed the experience. hope to go back during the next school holidays and I recommend it to anyone thinking of trying out drama or looking for something fun to do, as it was a really exciting way to spend the start of the holidays.

Cailise Campbell (Year 6)

I just wanted to say thank you for the wonderful opportunity for our girls to participate in the drama production. I spoke to many of the other kindergarten mums and all our girls thoroughly enjoyed being part of the production process. It’s also been a wonderful little thrill for many as their first opportunity to perform in front of an audience.

See you again at the next production.

Kindergarten Parent

A huge thank you to you and all the teachers for a wonderful production last week. I think it was the best one Georgie has been to!

Year 4 Parent

Thank you for putting the production together. Elana thoroughly enjoyed the week with friends.

Year 4 Parent

Thanks for your arrangement and contribution for the Cinderella production. It is a wonderful experience for Eno.

Kindergarten Parent

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Click on the image gallery for full sized images.