From the Acting Principal

It’s hard to believe how fast time flies! In assembly at the start of Term 3, I spoke with our Senior School students about spending their limited time at school wisely. They were encouraged to find balance and to invest their time in activities that bring joy, fulfillment, and growth to themselves and others around them. By being intentional with their choices and focusing on what truly matters, they were challenged to create a life filled with purpose and meaning.

The concept of time is particularly relevant this week as the closing chapter of the Year 12 students’ journey at MLC School is approaching, as they diligently prepare to complete their trial examinations.

At the same time, our Kindergarten cohort have reached a momentous milestone – 100 Days of Kindergarten – and boy has it aged them! This called for a big celebration. Complete with Zimmer frames and walking sticks, our kindergarten kids transformed into grandmas to mark their 100^th day.

The first 100 Days of Kindergarten have been a whirlwind of discovery, exploration, and laughter. Our enthusiastic students have dived headfirst into their studies, soaking up knowledge like little sponges. From mastering the alphabet to counting to 100, these tiny scholars have shown remarkable progress in their academic endeavours.

But it’s not all about academics; our Kindergarten program also emphasises the importance of social skills, emotional development, and creativity. These precious 100 days have witnessed countless friendships blooming, creative artwork adorning the walls, and hearts filled with compassion and empathy for one another.

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and passion of our amazing Kindergarten Teachers. Their unwavering commitment to each child’s growth and development has been nothing short of inspiring. They have created a nurturing environment that encourages curiosity and questions. We owe them a big thank you for laying the foundation of a lifelong love of learning in their students.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all parents for entrusting us with the education of their little ones. Your support and involvement have been invaluable in making these 100 days a resounding success.

Here’s to the next 100 days of laughter, learning, and love for all of our MLC School staff and students.

– Melissa Boyd
Acting Principal

From the Acting Deputy Principal

NAPLAN 2023

This week we posted the 2023 NAPLAN results home to families. Once again, we were very pleased with the performance of all students. As educators, the data we receive from NAPLAN is an important piece in enabling us to better support your daughter in the classroom. If your daughter is in Year 4, Year 7 or Year 9, you will note that there has been a change in the way NAPLAN has been reported this year. Students’ results are now reported in four proficiency levels of Needs Additional Support, Developing, Strong and Exceeding. The new proficiency bands do not align with the 10-band structure of previous results and so the 2023 results cannot be directly compared with results of previous years. This year saw the full implementation of the adaptive testing model meaning students no longer completed the same questions but were guided through a pathway based on their responses. The adaptive nature of the online tests means students are more likely to stay engaged with the testing as they receive questions better suited to their ability.

Students with a proficiency level of Strong are performing at level for their stage of learning. Students reported with a proficiency level of Exceeding are performing above the expected benchmarks.

In all year groups tested over 90% of students at MLC School demonstrated performance in Reading that was at the Strong or Exceeding benchmarks. In Year 5 and Year 7 over 50% of the cohorts were reported as Exceeding the performance benchmark. This is testament to the depth and rigour of the English program across the school.

Our Numeracy results were equally strong with 95% of students in Year 7 and Year 9 demonstrating performance at Strong or Exceeding. Spelling has been an area of focus in Junior School, and we were delighted to see 93% of students demonstrating performance at Strong or Exceeding in Year 5. Writing continues to be a strength across the School with over 90% of students demonstrating performance at Strong or Exceeding in all year groups. The Year 3 results are of particular note with 96% of students demonstrating performance at Strong or Exceeding.

If you have any questions about your daughter’s NAPLAN results, please reach out to her class teacher if she is in Year 3 or Year 5. If she is in Year 7 or Year 9 please contact Penny Pachos – Acting Head of Learning and Teaching. ppachos@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

– Linda Emms
Acting Deputy Principal

Father’s Day Breakfast

Friday 1 September 2023
7.15am–8.15am
Bird Bath Quad

All students Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 are invited to attend the Father’s Day Breakfast. 
The breakfast is open to all to celebrate dads, carers, step dads, uncles, grandfathers and father figures in the lives of our students.
Please RSVP for catering purposes.

RSVP HERE
 

P&F Parent Event – Cocktails, Canapés and Conversations

Cocktails, Canapés and Conversations for the M.L.C.s (mental load carriers) of MLC School.

The MLC School P&F invites all parents and carers to join them for a fabulous afternoon of cocktails, canapés and conversations on Sunday 20 August from 12:30pm.

Tickets are $70 per person which includes food. Please purchase your own drinks at the venue.

Sunday 20 August 2023
12.30pm–5pm
Henley’s Bar & Kitchen
9 Lime Street Sydney 

This event is strictly adults only – students are not permitted to attend.
Spaces are limited to 130 guests, so be quick! 
Bookings close Friday 11 August 2023.

BOOK HERE

Appointments for Uniform Fittings for Year 9 Now Available

The Uniform Shop is now taking appointments for Senior uniform fit out for Year 9 students.

Please make 15 minute appointments via this link 

Year 9 Uniform Fitting Appointments

– MLC School Uniform Shop Manager

Sapphires Chapel Service and Luncheon

MLC School warmly invites all Old Girls who graduated 51 years and beyond to the 2023 Sapphires Chapel Service and Luncheon.

Tuesday 10 October 2023
11am Chapel Service
12pm Lunch
MLC School
​Rowley Street, Burwood

$40 for a 2 course lunch and drinks

Click Link to Register

From the Head of Junior School

Thank you to all our Year 4 parents and carers who attended our Year 4 assembly this week. It was a delight to see our Year 4 girls display so many aspects of their learning at School with humour and a sense of fun. Please see the pictures below.  

100 Days of Kindergarten 

Our Kindergarten girls looked rather ‘old’ this week as they celebrated 100 days of Kindergarten. Our Kindergarten girls (and teachers) dressed up as old people as they engaged in an entire day of learning about ‘100’. The day commences with a parade followed by activities for the parents to partake. As I reflect upon their first 100 days of primary education, I am so impressed and proud of how far each of our Kindergarten learners have progressed in such a short time. Congratulations to all our Kindergarten girls!

See the Kindergarten story in this newsletter for the full story and photographs or please click here.

Parent-Teacher Learning Conversations 

Our Learning Conversations commence next week. Thank you for being mindful of your allocated time and venue. Some families have opted for afternoon face-to-face interviews. All other sessions are online. Our teacher-librarian, Jody Gilroy, will be available up to 6pm at ‘The Hub’ (Junior School Library). We greatly value our strong home-school partnership and appreciate your time to meet with us. We look forward to sharing your daughter’s progress and next steps of her learning journey throughout the next fortnight.  

Year 6 Excitement Day – Wednesday 9 August 2023 

As part of our Year 6 transition program, our Year 6 girls will experience their ‘Excitement Day’ next Wednesday 9 August 2023. This fun filled day will entail Year 6 having ‘special teachers’ to experience a day in the Senior School. Parents and carers are invited to a ‘cheese and chat’ with staff in the afternoon commencing at 2.30pm in the Year 6 Centre. I look forward to sharing their day with you in next week’s newsletter.  

Junior School P&F Meeting 

Our dedicated Junior School Parents and Friends Committee are hosting their Term 3 meeting next Thursday 10 August 2023 from 8.45am to 9.45am. This meeting is held onsite and online. If you can take a moment of the day to attend, it would be greatly appreciated. 

Wakakirri Performance 

Next Monday 7 August 2023 our Junior School dancers are preforming at the NIDA Theatre for this year’s Wakakirri. Wakakirri is an interschool dance and storytelling performance and competition. I look forward to cheering on our MLC School girls next Monday evening.  

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Respect – a must have for healthy friendships

In the Junior School we use resources from URstrong to teach our girls about healthy friendships and how to deal with ‘mean-on-purpose’ behaviour.

One of the 4 Friendship Facts is that:

           Trust and Respect are the two most important qualities of a friendship.

Respect for others is one of the ‘norms’ we teach within our learning about the School Value of Respect. So, it is easy to see how our Values and our teaching in the URstrong program compliment each other.

In Friendology, we teach students that respect is when “Your friend accepts who you are – your thoughts, feelings, and opinions – even if they are different.” This also applies to our peers and all others in our community.

URstrong has loads and loads of resources for parents to read and use with your children. You can sign up for free under the School’s membership using the link –

UR Strong Parents

Especially useful are articles which support parents to navigate and ‘coach’ your children when there are friendships issues and to discuss how to have healthy relationships founded on Respect.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Junior School Student Council Update

The Junior School Student Council work hard each term to represent the girls and build community within the Junior School. They are doing a terrific job.

We meet each Thursday. This term they are busy working with their classes to organise a Stay and Play stall.

Stay and Play is an exciting event on our Junior School calendar, much loved by the girls. It is happening after lunch on the last day of School. More information will come out shortly.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Kindergarten Celebrates 100 Days of School

Year 5 Students Represent at da Vinci Decathlon

On Thursday 27 July, eight Year 5 students from MLC School had the opportunity of participating in the 2023 annual da Vinci Decathlon. The competition requires skills and knowledge from ten subjects including, Cartography (Geography), Codebreaking, Mathematics, English, Art and Poetry, Legacy (General Knowledge) and Creative Producers.

The da Vinci Decathlon was hosted by Knox Grammar School. There were 80 schools participating in this event. This competition was an outstanding experience which enabled students to develop skills of teamwork, creativity and being able to complete questions under pressure.

MLC Junior School Year 5 represented our school superbly demonstrating excellent personal qualities, teamwork, responsibility, diligence, resilience, their behaviour and the way they wore their uniform.

Congratulations to:

• Erin McCrudden
• Dora Cai
• Maggie Ma
• Claudia Pruscino
• Vy Truong
• Zoe Fatoulis
• Ashwini Kanesalingam

– Susan Blanche
da Vinci Decathlon Teacher, Year 5

Click on image gallery for full size images.

NAIDOC Week Colouring in Competition

Congratulations to the winners of the 2023 NAIDOC Week Competition:

• Airley Li (Kindergarten)
• Tianna Sui  (Year 1)
• Aida Sidhom (Year 2)
• Caitlyn Law (Year 3)

– Jody Gilroy
Teacher Librarian

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Free Child Restraint Fitting Day Invitation

Buckle Up Burwood – Seat Belts Save Lives

Junior School administration has received the following advice and invitation. Please note that this is an invitation issued by the local Government and is not an MLC School event or initiative. Information follows:

Inviting families with young children, who live work or study in Burwood Local Government Area (LGA), the opportunity for a free child restraint fitting service.

Wednesday 9 August 2023
10am-1pm

Grant Park car park (behind Enfield Aquatic Centre), Shelley Street, Enfield

Contact Road Safety Officer on 99119912  or email: usha.arvind@burwood.nsw.gov.au

Bookings are essential

An authorised fitter will:

• Install any new child car seat
• Check if existing seat is securely fitted
• Offer advice on age-appropriate car seats
• Demonstrate how to get the child in and out of the car seat safely

Age appropriate seat belts are mandatory and penalties apply for seat belt violations.

Let Us Always Use Our Roads Responsibly.

Welcome to Junior School Careers News

We believe in providing students with the best opportunities to shape their future, and that’s why we are excited to introduce our new regular section in the Junior School news. We understand the significance of guiding our young learners towards making informed decisions about their future paths. The Careers Department will inform you of a range of engaging and interactive activities where your child will have the chance to explore various professions and interact with professionals from different industries.

If they can see it, they can be it!

National Science week is Saturday 12 August to Sunday 20 August so this month we will highlight some fabulous STEM related careers.

Do You Love Helping Animals?

Learn what it takes to be a veterinarian: by clicking here.

Science in the Scrub 2023

Meet real life scientists including geologists, zoologists and marine biologists.
Sunday 13 August 2023
Science in the Scrub is returning to Lizard Log for an exciting day jam-packed full of science, fun and discovery for the whole family.
Unearth your inner scientist with hands-on, family-friendly science experiments and captivating displays. Get up close with native animals, chase giant bubbles, touch the world’s biggest seed, learn bush survival skills or visit the pop-up ocean lab. Say hello to Ginger, the incredible life-sized roaming dinosaur!
Meet real life scientists including geologists, zoologists and marine biologists as you visit over 30 awe-inspiring stalls and activity stations. It’s free to attend with food trucks, picnic areas and live shows – guaranteed science fun for adults and children alike!

Find out more by clicking here.

Science of Nature Community Open Day

Saturday 12 August 2023
Discover how organic farms work with nature to grow food at Sydney City Farm. Learn about urban ecology with free activities for all ages. Biodiversity experts will introduce you to local wildlife and demonstrate how to support biodiversity in urban environments. Aboriginal educators will share cultural knowledge of native plants we can grow and nurture.

• Sample bush foods and learn how to cook with native ingredients
• Make a native bee habitat to take home. Presented by Pine Street Creative Arts Centre
• Get creative with botanical art
• Plant flower seeds to nurture
• Search the leaf litter touch tank for bugs, burrowing cockroaches and native millipedes
• Experience nature on the farm with our seasonal scavenger hunt
• Take a tour and see how we attract beneficial insects to the farm with plantings for pollinators.

Find out more by clicking here.

Please contact Jo Cilia Head of Careers and Academic Advising if you have any enquiries.

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

PDHPE – Year 7 Play Invasion Games

MLC School students (and their Personal Development, Health and Physical Education – PDHPE – teachers) love invasion games. So, it was with great excitement that Year 7 students found out that Term 3 practical lessons were based around them.

Invasion games require teamwork, communication, decision making and spatial awareness- an excellent way of developing important skills in a dynamic and enjoyable way.

Within a few weeks of this unit beginning, students have relished the challenges posed by games such as bench ball, capture the flag, hungry hippos and rob the nest, just to name a few. They have pushed their own boundaries to learn new tactics and strategies and enjoyed victories within their teams along the way. Whilst students’ competitiveness is well and truly apparent, it has been balanced with consistent displays of sportsmanship, respect, and teamwork.

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

Year 10 History Students Undertake a Passion Project

At the start of Term 2, Year 10 History students were given the opportunity to undertake a passion project. It is a problem-solving task that requires students to develop and apply the research skills of a historian to an interesting topic that they choose. The passion project allowed all students to further develop relevant investigative, research and presentation skills that are the core of the historical inquiry process.

Pursuing a passion project can be a fulfilling and rewarding experience that fosters personal growth and personal awareness. It can boost confidence and encourage students to take ownership of their own learning and personal development.

Selecting a topic of interest was essential to the success to the passion project and students developed a specific research question around their chosen topic area. Students started by identifying a general area of interest and were then able to narrow it down to a specific area of investigation. We were so pleased to see students choosing topics that they have always been interested in but have not have the opportunity to investigate. The topics selected by students were varied and fascinating! Many students chose to focus on topics around the Second World War and the Cold War period, while others were more interested in American and Asian historical events.

Below are some testimonials from students who have described their thoughts on the passion project:

‘Overall, the passion project was a success because I was able to easily conduct the required research due to the intriguing topic. The aspect I liked the best was learning about Albert Einstein’s life and his accomplishments. I have always been interested in German and European history, which is what motivated me to learn more about Albert Einstein and his attempts to free Nazi Germany. In general, my interest in learning more was piqued by my investigation into primary sources and the information around Albert and the escape’.

– Aleeza Asif (Year 10)

‘My experience for the passion project has been fun and exciting. I have been able to learn more about history and strengthen my understanding on the topic I love. This passion project was a wonderful opportunity for me explore different topics and develop a deeper understanding’.

– Rebecca Wang (Year 10)

 Some of the most interesting focus questions included:

• Analyse the reasons behind Margaret Thatcher’s controversial title ‘The Iron Lady’?
• Analyse the significance of the Diamond necklace affair and its impact on Marie Antoinette’s reputation?
• To what extent did the Opium Wars impact China’s relationship with Western powers in the 19^th Century?
• To what extent was international pressure responsible for the end of apartheid?
• Evaluate the treatment of women and religious minorities in post-revolutionary Iran.
• Analyse the main causes of the 1972 Munich Olympics terrorist attack.

 – Antonella Accurso
Teacher – History

Year 7

This week we are continuing our focus on friendships.

Each week the Year 7 locker space is decorated with a new acrostic friendship poem, planting a seed in their heads of the multitude of ways friendship manifests itself. The ultimate question is what kind of friend are you?

Take some time this week to discuss your daughter’s friendships with them. Do you know who their friends are? Have they changed recently? How are the girls communicating with each other? 

It is tough in this, (dare I sound like an old person and say), modern world, for the girls to feel they only have one way to communicate, and that is through social media, when there are so many more productive and connective ways to converse. Does your daughter have more data credit than call credit on their phone? Might it be best to challenge this as a preference, would it not be best for them to speak with each other? Are they meeting up after school? Heading to the movies, heading off to the shops after sport or even heading out to lunch or dinner? All these ways are more personal and beneficial to group dynamics and social wellbeing, especially when more people can attend. Why? 

This week the girls are working towards understanding tone, body language, word choice and inference when communicating with each other. All these factors can be misread so easily when dialogue is in written form. How many times have you yourself gone to post a comment, or write an email and thought better of your “light hearted joke” or your word choice, and sometimes even your emoji choice? When you reflect and edit, you are doing so with an adult brain and a wealth of experience that our 12 year olds don’t possess yet. Their ability to self-edit written tone is very new and can sometimes land poorly and incorrectly on the recipient, causing more damage to the relationship than they intended.  

Encourage the girls to chat, to talk, to explain and to share in a personal face to face space, maybe use that data for a Facetime chat instead of a TikTok post. 

Cementing positive bonds with each other through effective communication at this stage of their schooling and personal development is so important to their relational development and creates the basis of how they will communicate outside the safety of their friendship circles and into the future.

– Kylie Bickerstaff
Head of Year 7

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 8

This term in Luminary time, the focus of our sessions is the school value of Growth. The sessions the students will engage in are centred around building their skills in collaboration, problem-solving and working together. This week, the students have been trying to solve escape room style puzzles to crack a code and solve a mystery!  

It was also fantastic to see Year 8 Cadets kick off with gusto a fortnight ago, and I’m looking forward to hearing about their second session. There are a lot of lessons in discipline, structure and resilience in Cadets, which also fall nicely in with this term’s pastoral focus. 

General reminders for Year 8 are to ensure all parts of their uniform are packed in their sports bag before early morning sports sessions, so that students are appropriately attired in their correct uniform throughout the day. With the students moving swiftly towards Year 9, we need to continue to encourage them to take greater responsibility for their organisation. 

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

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Photo 1: Year 8 Leawarra Luminary group trying to crack the code!
Photo 2: First session of Year 8 Cadets

Year 9

This week started off quietly back at MLC School with a large group of Year 9 students traveling with Claire White, Jane Ferguson and Louise Piggott to Thredbo for the Physical Activity and Sport Studies (PASS) Ski Trip. I was so pleased to hear that the cohort enjoyed their time on the slopes, many being at the snow for the very first time. It has been great to see their videos and photos of great weather, bluebird skies and fun! Thank you all for your wonderful behaviour and engagement with such an exciting part of the PASS course. 

At the time of writing, we are wishing good luck and all the best to our Bill Turner Cup team who are playing Pymble Ladies College in the round of 16! Our Year 9 students join students from Year 7 and Year 8 and have been playing wonderfully together.  

Taking some inspiration from the Matildas this week, we focused on the value of Courage and what courage might mean in various situations. I would love to see Year 9 being courageous in the face of challenges and to consider how they can enCOURAGE those around them.  

Congratulations go out to the Year 9 da Vinci Decathlon Team who last week showed they could be critical and creative thinkers across a range of disciplines. Year 9 were awarded: 

• 3rd for Creative Producers
• 2nd for English

This is such a remarkable achievement when you consider there were 80 teams from a a range of schools competing.  

A reminder that even as days are getting warmer, it is still essential for all students in the Senior School to wear their school blazer as the external garment when coming and going from school.

Please also read the reminder about Uniform Fittings and specific appointment times for Year 9 in this newsletter.

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 9

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 10

The Year Buddy Programme started this week and Year 10 got the chance to meet their House buddies on Thursday. Year 10 were Big Sisters during Luminary time, played games and chatted. After some initial nerves, the girls got on well and the feedback from Year 10 was very positive.

Opportunities such as this help our students to see the world from another perspective and Year 6 had some excellent questions for Year 10 too. In Week 6, the whole of Year 10 will be participating in a sports and games session with Year 6, to continue in Term 4. At this stage the programme is voluntary but we are aiming at setting up connections to help Year 6 make the transition into Year 7 with the help of their Big Sisters.

if you would like to discuss any aspects of your daughter’s progress, I am available to meet Monday to Friday on 02 8741 9736, via email on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au, on Teams or on site.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Our images this week show Mooramoora and Lester House groups getting to know each other, click on the image gallery for full size images.

Year 11

I asked my Year 11 English class what I should write about this week as I was lacking inspiration. They agreed that it had pretty much been a regular week with everyone just getting on with things. The students are steadily working towards their exams in Weeks 6 (21 August 2023) and Week 7 (28 August 2023); I can see they are working hard in their spares and seeking meetings with their teachers to ask for assistance. It’s great seeing them develop these positive work habits.

Of course, the response from my students was ignoring the elephant in the room a little. I’m so proud of all students who nominated themselves for a leadership position. It’s a big thing to make yourself vulnerable and face potential disappointment. The cohort have handled a tricky week well.

Our new round of Luminary Leaders have been responsible for helping to develop Luminary sessions this week with a focus on wellbeing. Well done and thank you to the ten students who have stepped up:

• Abbeythorpe – Hermione Campbell
• Booralee – Kate Forster
• Churunga – Madison Snowden
• Leawarra – Bella Upcroft
• Lester – Annabel Andrews and Ciara Middleton
• Mooramoora – Samantha Brady
• Prescott – Ivana Dolenac
• Sutton – Anikah Sanan
• Wade – Santina Signorelli and Kirsten Tran
• Whitley – Azzurra Zappacosta

– Fiona Pow
Head of Year 11

Year 12

I am sure all families are feeling a sigh of relief now that Week 1 of the Trial Examinations is over. Often the first few days of this period for Year 12 students can be more challenging than the actual Final Examinations.

Year 12 have been handling themselves very well, by being prepared, on time, polite to our examination invigilators and having a growth mindset at the completion of each examination.

Please encourage your daughters to reach out to staff at school for any of their concerns. We are here to help them regardless of what they might be worrying about.

As a reminder Year 12 are to wear their school uniform during the Trial Examination period, even if they do not have examinations that day.  Students can study at school throughout the term until 5pm in the Year 12 Common Room and the Senior Centre, and until 5.30pm in the School Library.

HSC and IB students are back in class on Monday 14 August 2024, with the exception of

• HSC Entertainment students will return to class after completing their morning examination on Monday 14 August 2023
• HSC Economics will return to class after their completing morning examination on Monday 14 August 2023
• HSC History Extension will return to normal classes on Tuesday 15 August 2023

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 7 August to Monday 14 August 2023 – HSC and IB Trial Examinations Continue
• Friday 18 August 2023 – HSC and IB DART Showcase
• Friday 25 August 2023 – IB Music Showcase
• Saturday 2 September and Sunday 3 September 2023 – Dance Showcase
• Monday 4 September 2023 – School Athletics Carnival
• Thursday 14 September 2023 – Valedictory Service and Dinner, last school day for Year 12 students

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 12

University Open Days in August

ACU | 2023 Open Days

Open Day is the perfect opportunity to find out more about your study options, meet our friendly staff and students, and explore our campuses. The North Sydney campus is the Health Science hub – find out about Nursing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Psychology and more.

We look forward to welcoming you to our 2023 Open Days.

North Sydney
Saturday 5 August 2023
10am–2pm

Find out more

UOW | Wollongong Open Day

Saturday 5 August 2023

The University of Wollongong (UOW) Open Day is the perfect opportunity to visit our amazing Wollongong campus, speak with our staff and students, and see why UOW is ranked as one of the best universities for student experience.

Whether you are looking at your next steps after Year 12, or you finished school some time ago and are looking for a pathway into university, Open Day is for you.

Find out more

Macquarie | Open Day 2023

Saturday 12 August 2023

Many of our degrees are co-designed with industry, which means they’re shaped by the latest industry trends. Our double degrees can be personalised – you choose the combination you consider will best kick-start your career. Practical experiences are built into all of our degrees, so you’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to meet the current and future challenges of your profession. You also have the option to undertake many of our degrees on campus or online – or a combination of both.

Join us at Open Day to find out more and check out our awesome campus.

Open Day is an experience made for (YOU)^us.

Find out more

University of Newcastle | Campus Tours

Friday 11 August to Friday 8 December 8 2023

Join us on one of our beautiful campuses for a personalised walking tour.

Let our Student Ambassadors show you some of our must-see teaching and learning spaces, their favourite study spots, and of course – where to get the best coffee on campus. Not only will you get a personalised tour, but an opportunity to ask as many questions as you have about what uni life is really like!

Tours are offered across five of our campus locations in Newcastle and the Central Coast.

Find out more

Whitehouse Institute | Open House 2023

Saturday 12 August to Saturday 26 August 2023

Come and join us on campus for Open House this August! Immerse yourself in our vibrant campus atmosphere, explore our exceptional learning environment and meet our welcoming design community.

• Sydney Campus – Saturday 12 August 2023, 10am-2pm
• Melbourne Campus – Saturday 19 August 2023, 10am-2pm
• Brisbane Campus – Saturday 26 August 2023, 10am-2pm

What you can expect on the day:

• Interactive creative workshops: immerse yourself in hands-on design workshops led by our expert teachers
• Course information sessions: Hear more about our comprehensive curriculum, the subjects you’ll study and the overall Whitehouse experience
• Campus tours: Take a tour of our state-of-the-art campus, where creativity thrives and innovation is nurtured
• Design exhibition, view the latest student design work
• Q&A sessions: Engage with our faculty and current design students to answer all your questions
• Fashion Runway Show

Find out more

Torrens University | 2023 Open Day

Saturday 12 August 2023

Open Day gives you a taste of what we do and how we do it. Meet our academics, talk to current students and tour our campuses. We’re here to help you turn your dream into your career.

Find out more

AFTRS | Open Day 2023

Saturday 19 August 2023

Each year, we hold our annual Open Day on campus at AFTRS, focusing on the Bachelor of Arts Screen: Production, Graduate Diploma in Radio and Podcasting, Master of Arts Screen and Master of Arts Screen: Business programs.

Prospective students get to know our lecturers, students, and alumni, attend live chats and panel discussions, participate in exciting hands-on exercises, take an access-all-areas campus tour, settle into a screening of work produced at the School, and get some tips on applications for the upcoming intake.

Find out more

TAFE NSW | Virtual Open Day 2023

Thursday 24 August 2023

Discover all that TAFE NSW has to offer while connecting with experts who can help you make decisions around your future studies. Join us for webinars, browse the exhibition hall and view our on-demand content to learn more about studying with TAFE NSW.

Find out more

UTS | Open Day 2023

Saturday 26 August 2023

We’re excited to announce that registrations for UTS Open Day are now open! Join us on-campus to explore your course and career options available at UTS.

With 100+ info sessions, campus tours, 1-1 chats and workshops on offer, Open Day is the place to get your questions answered.

Find out more

University of Sydney Open Day 2023

Saturday 26 August 2023

Meet our lecturers and students at Open Day, and have your questions about our wide range of study offerings answered! Registrations are now open to start planning your day of activities from info sessions to campus tours.

Find out more

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

Work Experience, Workshops, and Career Webinars

Add to your micro-credentials and participate in extra learning opportunities and programs to broaden your skills and knowledge. These activities help you later when you are applying for scholarships and experiences.

University of Sydney Chemical Engineering Work Experience

Hosted at the School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, we offer work experience placements for Year 10 students who want to learn more about chemical engineering. 

By participating in our interactive activities, students will gain insight into various industries where chemical engineers work and career pathways for chemical engineers. You’ll undertake activities in areas that concern our industry partners. Students will also be introduced to cutting-edge research where chemical engineers apply their ingenuity, innovation, and creativity to find solutions to the ‘real-world’ problems that are facing our communities.While you’re with us, you may have the opportunity to see and learn how plasma can be used in water, medicine and agriculture, learn about membrane technology and how this is used to clean and recycle water, and make your own zinc-air batteries.

Applications for the Chemical Engineering Work Experience program close on Monday 21 August 2023.

University of Sydney Project Management Spring Camp

Thursday 28 September 2023
For Year 10 to Year 12

This face to face in-person program offers an excellent opportunity for high school students to learn about project management and where this dynamic field can take them.Students develop awareness of project management as a discipline, career pathways, our Bachelor of Project Management degree, and hear from our students and alumni about their experience at the University of Sydney. They also participate in interactive workshops with our academics and experience a master class.The program includes talks from industry professionals and in the past has included site tours to Google and Australia’s leading technology company, Atlassian, to learn more about projects in action.

Expressions of interest are now open for high school students until Friday 1 September 2023.

UNSW x National Science Week

Friday 8 August to Sunday 17 August 2023

The electrifying UNSW x National Science Week program illuminates groundbreaking advancements in science, medicine, tech, and engineering. In 2023, learn how to unlock the secret to a happier life and how taking mushrooms can improve your mental health, before meeting the environmental pioneers protecting our native animals, and journeying to the farthest reaches of the cosmos with a trailblazing astronaut (and UNSW alumna!).

Find out more

University of Sydney | Life of an Marine Scientist

Saturday 9 August 2023

Are you passionate about protecting our marine environments and in leading the global efforts to mitigate climate change? Join this session with A/Prof William Figueira from the School of Life and Environmental Sciences to find out how you can embark on a career in marine science. Learn about a day in the life of a marine biologist conducting pivotal research at the University of Sydney’s One Tree Island Research Station.

Find out more

Sydney Conservatorium of Music | Music Theatre Chorus

Now until Monday 4 September 2023

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

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

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

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

Find out more

University of Sydney | Explore Science in the Museum

Saturday 12 August to Sunday 20 August 2023

Join us to explore the world of colours in art, various types of film and plastics, liquids in museums and plants. Scientists from Sydney Analytical and the School of Physics from the University of Sydney will be showing live demonstrations of scientific equipment and how different techniques can provide valuable information to museums.

Suitable for ages 12 and up.

Find out more

– Jo Cilia
Head of Careers and Academic Advising

Golf News

Congratulations to Lavinia Xu in Year 5 who has been selected into the CIS Primary Golf Team.

Lavinia will be travelling to Batemans Bay to play in the NSW PSSA Championships.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Netball News

Congratulations to Lucy Lee (Year 12) who successfully trialled for the IGSA Opens Netball Team on Monday.

Lucy will now represent IGSA at the CIS Netball Challenge.

– 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

Weekend Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures

Friday 4 August 2023

Saturday 5 August 2023

Upcoming Dates

• Friday 11 August 2023 – Friday Night Water Polo, MLC Aquatic Centre, 6.45pm-9pm
• Friday 11 August 2023 – IGSA Twilight Athletics, ES Marks, 4.30pm-8.30pm
• Saturday 12 August 2023 – ERNA Netball Round 13, Meadowbank Park or Brush Farm, Various
• Saturday 12 August 2023 – IPSHA and IGSA Round 4, Various, Various

– 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

Evelyn Takes Out First Place

This past weekend, Evelyn Tsang (Year 2) Violin was awarded 1^st place in the Ryde Eisteddfod Under 7 String section, performing the technically challenging Souvenir de Sarasate.

Well done, Evelyn!

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Juah Continues Her Musical Rampage

On Wednesday this past week, Juah Hyun (Year 9) and her viola continued her rampage across the eisteddfods of the greater Sydney region with 1^st place in the Ryde Eisteddfod 13 to 14 years old string section.

Over the past month, Juah has taken four 1^st places and one 2^nd place in competitions throughout Sydney.

Well done, Juah!

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Old Girl Emily Sun (2009) Presents Violin Masterclass

On Friday 21 July, esteemed MLC School Old Girl, Professor Emily Sun, presented a public violin masterclass featuring three of our hard-working violin students.

Fiona Feng (Year 11) opened the class with a beautiful performance of JS Bach’s heartbreaking G minor Sonata opening Adagio. Following this, Josephine Doan (Year 8) transported the audience to the opera stage with a thrilling performance of Hubay’s virtuosic Carman Fantasy. Daisy Li (Year 11) rounded out the class with an impressive interpretation of Mendelsohn’s E minor concerto.

The three students responded well to Prof Sun’s prompts to reconsider their ideas regarding interpretation and technique. To revaluate one’s understanding of a piece and violin playing is hard enough already, but to do so on the spot in front of an audience of their peers, teachers, parents, students from other schools, and Prof Goetz Richter (Prof Violin University of Sydney) is incredibly admirable.

While Fiona, Josephine, and Daisy all performed incredibly at the beginning of each class, their true talent came through in their capacity to reflect upon and evolve their playing in such a short period of time – the audience audibly impressed by each student’s ability to adapt.

It was fantastic to see such a strong turnout of parents, senior students, and even keen Junior School students!

Thank you Prof Emily Sun for the inspiration and fine teaching you imparted on our students that afternoon. Listening to the girls talk after the class, I cannot overstate the impact you have had on them. Read more about Emily here

Well done to Fiona, Josephine, and Daisy!

With thanks,

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Click on the image gallery for full size images

Australian Music Day – Igniting Creativity

Last week, MLC School hosted our annual Australian Music Day event. Alongside our Elective Music students, we welcomed students from 15 state and private schools. In total, approximately 350 students were involved over the two days, which included a series of exciting sessions focusing on musical creativity.

Two programs were on offer. In Program 1, students worked with the multi-talented Connor Malanos, learning how beatboxing and exploring one’s voice can lead to creative and personal forms of musical expression. First Nations composer and double bass player Allara wowed students with her unique mix of music and spoken word. Students also learned more about how music can connect to culture and a sense of place.

In Program 2, Elizabeth Jigalin and our own Head of Strings, James Larsen, provided students with fun yet useful tools for exploring compositional ideas through a sense of play and experimentation. Arcadia Winds presented engaging sessions on how to compose for wind quintet, with students given the opportunity to create new works for the ensemble. In the final session, students were treated to a performance by Arcadia Winds of composer Elizabeth Younan’s Shoreditch Grind.

Overall, the day was a great success, with students leaving feeling excited about applying newfound skills and creative ideas in the future!

– Tristan Coelho
Head of Composition

Click on image galley for full size images.

MLC Students on the Radio!

Congratulations to the following MLC School students who recently featured as part of a radio broadcast on 2MBS Fine Music Sydney. They had their recording of Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14 in D Minor ‘Death and the Maiden’: I. Allegro programmed as part of the Class Act series.

• Daisy Li (Year 11)
• Fiona Feng (Year 11)
• Juah Hyun (Year 9)
• Claire Pepperell (Year 12)

This brilliant and electrifying performance went to air on Saturday 29 July 2023 but can be listened to anytime on demand by clicking on the link below.

Click here.

– Tristan Coelho
Head of Composition

Japanese Culture Society Update

Last week at JCS, our Year 12 leaders gave us a visit, and we handed out some presents for everyone in the leadership team to acknowledge their hard work this past year. We are wishing all of them good luck in their trials in Week 3 and Week 4!

This week’s culture section was about ‘Umi no Hi’ (海の日), which is a public holiday in Japan, also known as ‘Ocean Day’. It is celebrated on the third Monday of July each year. The holiday was established to appreciate the ocean’s importance and to encourage awareness of the marine environment. Umi no Hi became an official national holiday in 1996, and it has been observed ever since. On this day, people in Japan celebrate in various ways, including beach outings, water-related activities, marine-themed events, and festivals.

A final good luck and thanks to our Year 12 students, we wish you all the best!

We are hoping to see you next Friday at lunch on Level 3 of the Senior Centre!

– Amy Zhao
Year 11

Click on image gallery to view full size images.