From the Head of Junior School

Science Week 

• How reading data is gathered – the assessment tools and observations we use to monitor progress 
• How this information is used – the way it informs teaching decisions and supports for your daughter in the classroom 
• How you can support reading at home – practical strategies that align with what we do at school 

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Junior School Second Hand Uniform Sale

The P&F will hold a second-hand uniform stall at the Junior School campus on Wednesday 26 August 2026.

Winter and summer uniform items in sizes 4 – 8 will be available for purchase on the Red Carpet from 8am to 9.30am. Cash and card accepted.

Thank you.

– MLC School P&F 

Kindergarten Experiences Life On the Farm

Kindergarten recently enjoyed a wonderful day at Calmsley Hill City Farm, where learning came to life through hands-on experiences with a variety of farm animals.

The girls had the opportunity to feed and pat animals, watch a sheep shearing demonstration and ride on a tractor. They were excited to explore the farm environment and deepen their understanding of how people care for animals and the important role farms play in our community.

– Brooke Panagopoulos
Kindergarten Year Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 6 PDHPE: Exploring Emotions and Dance

This term in PDHPE, our Year 6 students have been exploring the important topic of emotions and emotional wellbeing. Students have been learning to recognise and name different emotions, understand how emotions can influence our thoughts and behaviours, and explore positive strategies for managing challenging emotions.

Through a range of scenarios and class discussions, students have considered how different emotions can affect the way we respond to situations. They have also explored practical strategies to help manage these emotions, including taking a break, using calming techniques, talking to someone they trust and thinking before they act.

Alongside their learning in Health, students have been developing their creativity and confidence through Dance. They have been learning how movement, music and body language can be used to communicate ideas and emotions. Students have enjoyed experimenting with different movements and working collaboratively to create and perform short dance sequences.

It has been fantastic to see our Year 6 students building their understanding of emotional wellbeing while also developing their confidence, creativity and ability to express themselves through movement. We look forward to seeing these skills continue to grow throughout the term!

– Michaela Bourbous
Teacher – Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Library News – Book Week Events – Symphony of Stories

Monday 24 August – Friday 28 August 2026 (Week 6)

Book Swap Red Carpet

Booralee will host a pop-up bookstore on the red-carpet area. The bookstore will be open on Tuesday and Wednesday, during recess and lunch. Students will have the opportunity to purchase books with a gold coin donation. Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, Year 1 and Year 2 will have a designated time to purchase with their class.

• Tuesday 25 August – Year 1 to Year 2
• Wednesday 26 August – Pre-Kindergarten – Kindergarten

We invite students to bring in gently used books from home. These books should be in good condition, free from scribbles, tears, or damage, and suitable for resale. The donated books will be sold to raise funds for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation.

Friday 28 August 2026

8am–8.25am – Book Swap Red Carpet

Booralee will host a pop-up bookstore on the red-carpet area. Students and parents will have the opportunity to purchase books with a gold coin donation.

8.30am–9.15am – Parent Forum Q & A Teaching and Learning
Daphne Line Hall

Parents and carers are invited to join a discussion forum run by Sonia Weston Deputy Head of Junior School-Curriculum.

Book Parade
9.30am to 10am 
Sports Field

Thank you for assisting your daughter to dress up for this year’s Book Week Parade. Please come to the Sports Field and watch as staff and students show off their favourite book character or ‘adventure’ costumes.

Costume Ideas

Author Visit – Friday 28 August 2026

• Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5

Kate and Jol Temple

Books are available to be purchased through Larrikin House. Purchases will be delivered to the school prior to the visit. Students will be able to have the books signed on the day.

Kate Jol Order Form Book Week

Happy reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

Premier’s Reading Challenge

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

Congratulations to these readers who have completed the challenge:

Year 2

• Emma Alam
• Charlotte Ngo
• Audrey Stillone
• Gwyn Sumantri

Year 4

• Zoe Huang
• Olivia Kepreotis

Year 5

• Elise Clark
• Isabella Hu
• Chloe Robic
• Jesslyn Yong
• Kaia Hatfield
• Harper Simic

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

Premier’s Reading Challenge 25 Year Anniversary Competitions

These two exciting opportunities are being offered by the Premier’s Reading Challenge to celebrate 25 years of reading across NSW schools. Students who choose to enter will be given a resource kit and must submit their entry to me by Tuesday 13 October 2026.

Create Your Own Zookeeper Talk

Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6

You’re the Storyteller Now!

Year 5, Year 6

Happy reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

From the Head of Senior School

What a week in the Senior School! It was great to have our Year 12 students back after their Trial Examination block.

We have had our House Rowing Challenge and our Athletics Carnival theme reveals this week. I was so pleased to see the Rowing teams have competitors from across the year groups in the sprint, with the gym full of students cheering. It was such a great atmosphere.

Following the theme reveal in Assembly, your daughters will be coming home with ideas of what they will be wearing for the Athletics Carnival on Tuesday 8 September 2026. I have already heard many cheers being practiced around the campus, so it is very clear that the House Spirit will be high! Keep an eye out for the permission notification that will be available on Onmia soon.

On Thursday we had our Staff vs Year 12 Netball game with a fabulous BBQ fundraiser for our Year 11 SONY Foundation camp. Congratulations to the students, led by School Captain, Anisha Sivugaranathan (Year 12) on the win this year! Thank you to Bridget Kovats, Head of Year 12 for organising the event and to the staff members who joined the team, you were all such great sports!

This week we also had the privilege of celebrating the extraordinary creativity, skill and dedication of our students at the IB and HSC Showcase for Visual Arts, Design and Technology, Multimedia and Textiles and Design. The exhibition was a wonderful reminder of the imagination, technical precision and personal voice that our students bring to their major works. Congratulations to all students involved and thank you to our dedicated teachers who have guided, encouraged and challenged them throughout this creative journey. Congratulations to Sally Marks, Head of Visual Arts, Renee Willemson, Head of Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) and teachers Nicole Guymer, Jake Morrissey, Robyn Langford, Andrew Drewitt-Smith and Richard Burgess on the success of the Showcase and the student work.

Next week is Book Week and STEM Week! The girls are so excited to bring Book Week back to the Senior School. Please see the array of activities that are being arranged by our Year 12 Captains led by Scholar Captain Anna Obaid (Year 12). Please note the Mufti Day for Book Week on Friday 28 August 2026.

Monday 24 August 2026, Lunch: STEM Workshops

Hands-on workshops (no sign-up required), including the chance to:

• Grow your own Crystal Garden
• Use microscopes
• Germinate your own seeds in Petri dishes

Wednesday 26August 2026, Lunch: Diorama Voting

Diorama Rules (for participants)

• Create a 3D diorama (shoe box size) that showcases the life and work of a famous scientist. Your diorama should help viewers understand who the scientist was, what they discovered, and why their work is important today. For inspiration, please refer to Mrs Lim’s dioramas on Level 2 of the Senior Centre!
• Who they are: Name, image/model, and country of origin (if known)
• When they worked: Birth/death dates and period of their key work
• What they did: Major discoveries/contributions and why they matter
• Why you admire them: A 50–100 word paragraph explaining your choice and their impact
• Bonus marks:
  ⭐ Working/moving model
  ⭐ Female scientist
  ⭐ Interactive feature (QR code, quiz, lift-the-flap, light, sound)

Thursday 27 August 2026, Lunch: Spelling Bee

Come and watch the Spelling Bee in the Amphitheatre for your chance to win many prizes! 

Friday 28 August 2026: Mufti Day Dress Up

Come dressed as your favourite book or STEM character! We will be handing out awards for costumes which catch our eye! There will be prizes for best dressed in each year group

Study Hub Next Week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

House Rowing Challenge Delivers Excitement and Determination

The MLC School Gym was buzzing with energy as students competed in the annual House Rowing Challenge, one of the many events contributing valuable points towards the prestigious G. A. Davey Cup.

Representing their Houses with pride, six students from each House took on the challenge of rowing 500 metres each on an ergometer (indoor rowing machine). With every metre completed, teams demonstrated determination, resilience and teamwork as they pushed themselves to achieve the fastest combined time possible.

The competition proved to be one of the most exciting House events of the year. The lead changed hands several times throughout the challenge, with Houses continually responding to strong performances from their rivals. Students, staff and supporters were kept on the edge of their seats as the results unfolded.

After a fiercely contested battle, Leawarra emerged victorious, producing a strong team performance to claim first place. Sutton finished in an impressive second position, while Mooramoora secured third place after a spirited effort.

Beyond the final placings, the event showcased the enthusiasm, sportsmanship and House spirit that are such important features of life at MLC School. Congratulations to all students who participated and contributed to a memorable afternoon of competition.

With G. A. Davey Cup points on the line and plenty of House pride at stake, the House Rowing Challenge once again proved to be a highlight of the co-curricular calendar.

– Andrew Simos
Heads of House Coordinator

Year 7

This week, our Year 7 girls organised a wonderful range of activities for their Big Sisters, and their creativity was exceptional. Some groups made bracelets, while others organised a treasure hunt, created quizzes with baby photos and fun facts, and planned many other thoughtful activities. It was lovely to see how much the Year 7 girls value and enjoy their time with their Big Sisters.

We also held the final Year 6–Year 9 Assembly for this year with our current captains. This marks the end of an important leadership cycle, with the new captains to be announced next term. While it may feel early for Year 7 students to be thinking about leadership, I encourage the girls to notice opportunities, build their skills and confidence, and keep working towards their goals and dreams, whatever they may be.

A reminder that next week is both Book Week and STEM Week, so there will be a number of special initiatives taking place at school. Further details are included below.

Monday 24 August 2026, Lunch: STEM Workshops

In SC203 there will be hands-on workshops (no sign-up required), including the chance to:

• Grow your own Crystal Garden
• Use microscopes 
• Germinate your own seeds in Petri dishes

Wednesday 26 August 2026, Lunch: Diorama Voting

Sign up here to have the chance to participate in the 2026 STEM Diorama Competition: 

2026 STEM Week Diorama – Fill in form

Dioramas must be completed and submitted to Level 2 SC by Monday 24 August 2026. On Wednesday, the dioramas will be displayed for voting. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favourite diorama! 

Diorama Rules (for participants)

• Create a 3D diorama (shoe box size) that showcases the life and work of a famous scientist. Your diorama should help viewers understand who the scientist was, what they discovered, and why their work is important today. For inspiration, please refer to Mrs Lim’s dioramas on Level 2 of the Senior Centre!
• Who they are: Name, image/model, and country of origin (if known)
• When they worked: Birth/death dates and period of their key work
• What they did: Major discoveries/contributions and why they matter
• Why you admire them: A 50–100 word paragraph explaining your choice and their impact
• Bonus marks:
  ⭐ Working/moving model
  ⭐ Female scientist
  ⭐ Interactive feature (QR code, quiz, lift-the-flap, light, sound)

Thursday 27th August Lunch: Spelling Bee

Come and watch the Spelling Bee in the Amphitheatre for your chance to win many prizes! If you would like to compete in the Spelling Bee, please sign-up via the following form: 

2026 Spelling Bee – Fill in form

Friday 28 August 2026: Mufti Dress Up Day

Come dressed as your favourite book or STEM character or Scientist! We will be handing out awards for costumes which catch our eye! There will be prizes for best dressed in each year group.

IMPORTANT: if you decide not to dress up as a character, then you need to wear your normal school uniform. So, this is only a mufti day for people who dress up as a character.

– Martina Stolzi
Head of Year 7

Image below: ‘City to Surf’

Year 8

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Header photo: Ava and Stella getting ready to represent their Houses at the Rowing Challenge
Click on image gallery for full size images – Year 8 at the Strong Together Service opportunity

Year 9

It is hard to believe we are already halfway through the term!

During Luminary Time this week, Year 9 students participated in a reflective activity connected to Bullying No Way Week, Australia’s leading initiative for bullying prevention in schools. Students considered the positive relationships in their lives, including friends, family members, teachers and classmates, and identified small acts of kindness they could show to strengthen these connections. This linked closely with the 2026 theme, Small Acts, Big Impacts, by encouraging students to recognise how respect, empathy and inclusion can help prevent bullying behaviours and contribute to a safer, more supportive school community.

We also enjoyed our final Year 6-Year 9 assembly with our current School Vice Captain Year 6 to Year 9, Sophie Winnall, and our Middle School Leaders. The leaders ran a range of interactive activities, including an MLC School-themed ‘finish the song lyric’ challenge using lyrics from the School Song and School Hymn. They also led small-group circle discussions, where students from different year groups sat together and shared their favourite hobbies, subjects and a highlight from their week. I would like to thank Sophie for the incredible work she has done with our Year 9 Middle School Leaders. The photos for this week come from this assembly.

Next week, Book Week will be celebrated alongside STEM Week, with a range of activities taking place around the school. On Friday 28 August 2026, students are encouraged to dress up as their favourite book character or scientist. I am looking forward to seeing Year 9 actively participate and showcase their personalities

Monday 24 August 2026, Lunch: STEM Workshops

In SC203 there will be hands-on workshops (no sign-up required), including the chance to:

• Grow your own Crystal Garden
• Use microscopes 
• Germinate your own seeds in Petri dishes

Wednesday 26 August 2026, Lunch: Diorama Voting

Sign up here to have the chance to participate in the 2026 STEM Diorama Competition: 

2026 STEM Week Diorama – Fill in form

Dioramas must be completed and submitted to Level 2 SC by Monday 24 August 2026. On Wednesday, the dioramas will be displayed for voting. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favourite diorama! 

Diorama Rules (for participants)

• Create a 3D diorama (shoe box size) that showcases the life and work of a famous scientist. Your diorama should help viewers understand who the scientist was, what they discovered, and why their work is important today. For inspiration, please refer to Mrs Lim’s dioramas on Level 2 of the Senior Centre!
• Who they are: Name, image/model, and country of origin (if known)
• When they worked: Birth/death dates and period of their key work
• What they did: Major discoveries/contributions and why they matter
• Why you admire them: A 50–100 word paragraph explaining your choice and their impact
• Bonus marks:
  ⭐ Working/moving model
  ⭐ Female scientist
  ⭐ Interactive feature (QR code, quiz, lift-the-flap, light, sound)

 Thursday 27th August Lunch: Spelling Bee

Come and watch the Spelling Bee in the Amphitheatre for your chance to win many prizes! If you would like to compete in the Spelling Bee, please sign-up via the following form: 

2026 Spelling Bee – Fill in form

Friday 28 August 2026: Mufti Dress Up Day

Come dressed as your favourite book or STEM character or Scientist! We will be handing out awards for costumes which catch our eye! There will be prizes for best dressed in each year group.

IMPORTANT: if you decide not to dress up as a character, then you need to wear your normal school uniform. So, this is only a mufti day for people who dress up as a character.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Week 5A has provided Year 10 students with valuable opportunities to look ahead, reflect on who they are becoming and strengthen their connections with others across the School. A big thank you goes to the Year 10 students who led tours on Tuesday and represented our school beautifully.

Immersion Preparation: Dear Future Self

In preparation for the Immersion experience in Term 4, students have begun exploring the question, ‘Who do I want to become?’ Through the Dear Future Self activities, they are considering the values, personal qualities and habits they hope will guide them through the next stage of their lives. Rather than focusing only on a future career or a single achievement, students are being invited to think more broadly about the kind of person they wish to be: how they might respond to challenges, contribute to their communities, sustain meaningful friendships and pursue goals with integrity.

Year 10 begin this week by starting work on their immersion journal. This reflective work is an important foundation for the Immersion experience. The subject selection process in Term 2 was the beginning of the journey, but the immersion encourages Year 10 to think about the kind of life choices that will set them up for personal growth and wellbeing.

Looking Ahead to Week 6: Book Week, STEM Week and Peer Support

In Week 6 (starting Monday 24 August 2026), Year 10 students will take part in a Book Week and STEM Week activity with Year 7 Peer Support and participate in wide reading for mental wellbeing. Across the school on Friday 28 August 2026, the girls are invited to dress as either a scientist or a favourite book character.

Monday 24 August 2026, Lunch: STEM Workshops

In SC203 there will be hands-on workshops (no sign-up required), including the chance to:

• Grow your own Crystal Garden
• Use microscopes 
• Germinate your own seeds in Petri dishes

Wednesday 26 August 2026, Lunch: Diorama Voting

Sign up here to have the chance to participate in the 2026 STEM Diorama Competition: 

2026 STEM Week Diorama – Fill in form

Dioramas must be completed and submitted to Level 2 SC by Monday 24 August 2026. On Wednesday, the dioramas will be displayed for voting. Everyone is welcome to vote for their favourite diorama! 

Diorama Rules (for participants)

• Create a 3D diorama (shoe box size) that showcases the life and work of a famous scientist. Your diorama should help viewers understand who the scientist was, what they discovered, and why their work is important today. For inspiration, please refer to Mrs Lim’s dioramas on Level 2 of the Senior Centre!
• Who they are: Name, image/model, and country of origin (if known)
• When they worked: Birth/death dates and period of their key work
• What they did: Major discoveries/contributions and why they matter
• Why you admire them: A 50–100 word paragraph explaining your choice and their impact
• Bonus marks:
  ⭐ Working/moving model
  ⭐ Female scientist
  ⭐ Interactive feature (QR code, quiz, lift-the-flap, light, sound)

 Thursday 27th August Lunch: Spelling Bee

Come and watch the Spelling Bee in the Amphitheatre for your chance to win many prizes! If you would like to compete in the Spelling Bee, please sign-up via the following form: 

2026 Spelling Bee – Fill in form

Friday 28 August 2026: Mufti Dress Up Day

Come dressed as your favourite book or STEM character or Scientist! We will be handing out awards for costumes which catch our eye! There will be prizes for best dressed in each year group.

IMPORTANT: if you decide not to dress up as a character, then you need to wear your normal school uniform. So, this is only a mufti day for people who dress up as a character.

If you have a concern about your daughter’s learning, please contact their class teacher. For wellbeing and pastoral care concerns, please contact myself on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or on 02 8741 9736 Monday to Friday.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 10 Work Experience: Lunch Workshop Sessions!

Work Experience Dates: Monday 9 November to Friday 13 November 2026

To help students prepare for Year 10 Work Experience, weekly lunchtime workshops are now held every Wednesday in SC306 (Senior Centre, Level 3). These informal drop-in sessions support students with finding placements, exploring career options, contacting employers and completing their Student Placement Records (SPR).

We also wish to thank our parent community for their ongoing support in helping students make the most of this valuable opportunity to explore future career pathways and develop workplace skills.

We also appreciate any support for students still looking for placements. If you have any family or friends that can provide additional placement or offer their business as a potential host employer, we encourage you to complete your details using the following link.

2026 Host Employer – EOI Form

Parents/Carers also have access to the following resources and links through Omnia, the MLC School Parent Portal.

• Work Experience Letter to Year 10 2026 parents
• Work Experience Handbook Year 10 2026
• Year 10 2026 Work Experience Presentation Slides
• Year 10 2026 Work Experience Placement Enquiry
• Student Placement Record
• 2026 Year 10 Public Liability Certificate
• Work Experience FAQ’s
• Y10 Work Experience: How Families Can Help!

We look forward to working with you in support of our Year 10 students as they take these important steps toward gaining valuable workplace experience.

– Nicole Massara
Futures and Pathways Advisor

Year 11

This week, Year 11 students had the opportunity to hear from Old Girl, Georgie Roediger (2024), who is currently studying Medicine at the University of Manchester in the UK. Georgie shared valuable insights from her own experiences, speaking openly about the challenges many students face as they adjust to the increased workload and academic demands of Year 11. Her message was reassuring and encouraging, reminding Year 11 that it is completely normal to feel challenged at times and that perseverance, combined with seeking support from teachers, can make a significant difference.

Georgie also spoke about the opportunities that can come from stepping outside your comfort zone, including studying overseas. She encouraged them to trust themselves, embrace new experiences, and remain open to opportunities that broaden their horizons, whether that be through their experiences at school or beyond MLC School. We are always grateful when Old Girls return to share their journeys with our year group. Their stories provide inspiration and excitement about the many possibilities that await Year 11 after life at MLC School.

On Thursday, the Year 7 Little Sisters hosted a special Luminary session for Year 11, wishing them good luck for their upcoming examination block and providing some welcome light relief before assessments begin. The Year 11 girls got to engage in a variety of activities from card games, slime making and bracelet making.

Next week, Year 11 students will commence their Yearly Examinations. Please ensure your daughter has carefully read through all exam instructions provided last week. We encourage students to allow extra time each morning so they can arrive at school feeling calm, organised, and confident.

In my many conversations with Year 11 over the past weeks, I have continually reinforced the idea that examinations provide an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have developed so far. While it is natural to feel nervous, maintaining balance and perspective is important. This is a time to refine exam techniques, trust in the preparation that has been completed, and focus on doing their personal best. I wish all Year 11 students the very best for their examinations. If you have any questions during the exam period, please do not hesitate to contact me, or David Posker-Hill.

Lastly, congratulations to all the Year 11 students who competed at Wakakirri and Niamh Johnson who competed at the Australian Interschools Ski Championship this week at Perisher!

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

It has been a special week for our Year 12 students as they received one of the first symbols of their transition to becoming MLC School graduates: their notebooks kindly gifted by the P&F Association. These books provide an opportunity for students to gather messages of gratitude, encouragement and reflection from the people who have played a significant role in their school journey. Felicity Clemens, Vice President and Judy McIntyre, President, attended a special Year Meeting in Potts Hall to present the cohort with their notebooks and encouraged the students to take the time to record and cherish these memories as they approach the end of their time at MLC School.

Congratulations to all students who have submitted major works this week or are presenting these major projects in the weeks to come. We wish our HSC Drama students every success as they prepare for their performance examinations on Monday and extend our congratulations to Music Captain, Juah Hyun, who will participate in next week’s Strike A Chord Final as part of her string quartet. 

On Thursday afternoon, I attended the HSC and IB TAS and Visual Arts Showcase at Kent House with many staff, families and friends. The creativity and talent of our students was truly outstanding. They have thoughtfully developed, planned and created works that are considered, resolved and genuinely impressive. Congratulations to all our Year 12 students and their teachers for producing such wonderful expressions of creativity.

We also congratulate our Year 12 Wakakirri dancers on their final performance as members of MLC School’s Co-curricular Dance Program. Their commitment, creativity and enthusiasm have enriched countless performances and inspired younger students throughout their time at school. We thank them for the energy, dedication and joy they have brought to the dance community. 

The much-anticipated Staff vs Year 12 Netball Match was held on Thursday during lunch. Whilst it was a disappointing loss for the staff team, it was a wonderful event for the whole school to enjoy. Thank you to our Year 12 umpires Sarah Lawrie and Emily Demetrios for looking over the match with fairness. As the newsletter is published, we are gearing up the Year 12 Stay and Play, providing another opportunity to connect with teachers and peers as the year draws to a close.

During our year meeting on Thursday, I encouraged the cohort to lead with gratitude in these final weeks. So many staff work thoughtfully behind the scenes to make this period meaningful and memorable, and small acts of appreciation, kindness and respect help create what we hope to be a positive and genuine experience for everyone.

Key dates for the diary: 

• Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026 – Dance Showcase 
• Tuesday 8 September 2026 – Senior School House Athletics Carnival
• Thursday 17 September 2026 
  • 10am Year 12 Paver Reveal (students and families)
  • 11am Class of 2026 Valedictory Assembly and Service (students and guests)
  • 7pm Class of 2026 Valedictory Dinner (students and guests) Le Montage, Lilyfield

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Futures and Pathways – General Information

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

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

Upcoming Events

Open Days

Open Days Guide 2026

– Nicole Massara
Futures and Pathways Advisors

*The Study Work Grow Resources are used for these events.

Music Achievements

Junior School Band Students

Congratulations to the following Year 3 oboists on reaching the significant milestones of Level 5 in the Instrumental Music Program!

• Alita Wu (Year 3)
• Charlotte Ho (Year 3)

Their dedication, perseverance and continued commitment to musical growth are to be commended.

– Celine Kang
Acting Assistant Director of Music

From the Principal

Thank you to all parents who were able to attend this week’s ‘Coffee with the Principal and Executive team.’ As always, we enjoyed a wide-ranging discussion and received feedback from parents about a number of important matters.

One of the topics that is upper most in everyone’s mind is the remarkable advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the potential impact on student safety, learning, and assessment integrity. I reported on a panel presentation that I attended earlier this week at which senior leaders from five of NSW’s leading universities spoke about the impact of AI and how they saw universities responding to challenges.

All spoke about how universities are moving beyond an ATAR-only determined entry model and how they would be looking for the skills that they know a world filled with AI will demand.

To quote one of the Vice Chancellors ‘In a world where information is abundant, the premium shifts to judgement, evidence, ethics, and human capabilities which require schools to develop strong foundations of learning agility, ethical awareness, collaboration, and communication. Students need to strengthen their habits of evidence, explanation, reflection, and responsible technology use’.

They also spoke of the importance of a values-based education and providing a learning environment where there is room to agree, disagree and change your mind.

But of course, part of the challenge is also ensuring that our students are making the most of their learning time and that they are safe when they do access online sites.

As part of our ongoing commitment to student wellbeing, online safety and focused learning, MLC School introduced Saasyan Assure at the start of this term. Saasyan Assure is designed specifically for schools and provides an additional layer of support to help identify and respond to potential wellbeing and safety concerns earlier and more effectively.

The platform replaces our previous cyber monitoring system and provides more targeted, timely alerts when online activity may indicate concerns such as cyberbullying, harmful content or signs that a student may be struggling. This helps our Wellbeing and Pastoral Care teams identify concerns earlier so support can be offered before issues escalate.

Saasyan Assure also helps the School identify attempts to bypass online safety controls through VPNs, alternative DNS services, or personal hotspots. These methods are not permitted under the School’s Technology Code of Conduct because they circumvent the safeguards designed to protect students online. Where this activity is detected, it may be reviewed and followed up with the student and family, and access to School systems may be suspended while the matter is addressed.

Importantly, Saasyan Assure does not make decisions or take disciplinary action. Alerts are reviewed by members of the Wellbeing teams and form part of the School’s broader pastoral care approach. Technology supports the process, but people remain at the centre of every decision.

Upcoming enhancements will further strengthen the platform’s ability to identify VPN and filtering bypass attempts, improve the accuracy of alerts through better contextual understanding, and provide additional privacy protections designed specifically for K-12 schools. These improvements will help ensure concerns are identified earlier while maintaining a strong focus on student privacy and wellbeing and in time, provide parents with the ability to utilise the technology at home.

But of course, education is the key and technology is only part of the answer. I encourage parents and carers to continue conversations at home about responsible technology use and to make use of the excellent resources available through the eSafety Commissioner.

We will share further information with families later this year, including resources and guidance to help parents support safe and responsible technology use at home.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Amelie Rettig Shortlisted for Mosman Youth Awards in Literature

Congratulations to Amelie Rettig of Year 11, whose poem Unburied was shortlisted for the Mosman Youth Awards in Literature 2026. Inspired by her work with Joseph Pfeffer, English teacher, in Reading to Write, Amelie crafts a powerful meditation on memory, loss and human connection.

Unburied demonstrates such maturity in its exploration of life and remembrance, weaving together vivid sensory detail with a compelling narrative voice. The poem’s final revelation is so moving, highlighting Amelie’s ability to create atmosphere and meaning with subtlety and precision.

Being shortlisted for this prestigious award is a wonderful achievement and recognition of Amelie’s talent as a young writer. We are delighted to celebrate her success! 

Unburied

You stepped between the rows of tombstones,
The soil soft and black under your boots.
The air was bitter
as it pressed against your supple skin
but the warmth from inside your chest kept you at ease.

Your pulse echoed through the hollowed place,
a stubborn drum in a cathedral of silence.
The black soil beneath your boots seemed to hum in reply,
soft, as if it had been waiting for life to return.

The wind picked up, brushing past bare branches
as their weaker leaves detached,
falling to become absorbed by the ground.

It was winter after all.

Your hands brushed over the cold marble of the nearest tomb,
tracking each carved letter.
The names pressed into your fingertips like soft ridges of memory.
Sensations of life trickled up your spine,
gazing upon the thick dirt
covering the whispers of a soul once breathed.

At night, something would wrap itself around your neck,
something that nearly choked you as you fell asleep.

Morning returned you to the graveyard,
to rows of grey tombs needing taken care of,
their surfaces pale and weathered beneath a thinning sky.

For miles you traced the same paths.
For miles, nothing stirred.

Your warmth drifted through the cold like a seep of light during a night sky.
Your pulse marked time where no clocks mattered,
each beat ticking away like a signal sent with no receiver.

Until there was.

It was right then, as you passed the thinning line of trees,
that the man behind them told you: don’t forget the far row.

– Amelie Rettig (Year 11)

Photo Credit: Unsplash

Year 7 to Year 11 Scholarships in 2028 Are Open

MLC School opens applications around 18 months before the intended year of entry for those looking at Year 7 to Year 11 scholarships.

Scholarship registrations for Year 7 to Year 11 in 2028 are open to all current MLC School students.

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

Important Dates

• Wednesday 30 September 2026 – Scholarship Registrations Close
• Saturday 17 October 2026 – Scholarship Testing Day

For more information please email enrol@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

MLC School students can register here

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

Co-curricular Enrolment Rollover for Term 4

As we prepare for the upcoming term, please be reminded of our enrolment policy for co-curricular activities. Students currently enrolled in a Term 3 activity will automatically continue in the same activity for Term 4, with charges applied to your Term 4 fee statement.

This policy will be strictly enforced, so if you wish to withdraw your daughter from an activity, please notify us by Friday September 4, 10am. Without notification, you will be charged the full term’s fees, and no refunds will be provided.

To withdraw your daughter from an activity, please contact the relevant activity coordinator by the deadline mentioned above. If we do not hear from you, your daughter’s enrolment will be confirmed for Term 4, and the fees will be processed accordingly.

Details about Program Coordinators are available on the co-curricular pages here.

Please note that this enrolment process does not apply to competitive sports, tennis activities, or music programs.

Thank you for your cooperation.

– Sarah Jauncey
Director of Experiential Learning

MLC School’s Wakakirri Success with Barbie-coded to Break

• Ensemble Award for Dance Performance
• Storytelling Award for Story Theme and Concept
• Lead Cast Award for Performance in Acting
• Ensemble Award for Overall Performance
• Production Award for Costumes

2027 Tour Launch Information

Thank you to all those who attended the 2027 Tour Launch evening on Monday 17 August.

The full presentation can be viewed by clicking the button below:

Click here to view presentation slides

Lord of the Flies – A Year 11 Drama Production

– Kellie Cogin
Teacher – Drama

MLC School Dance Showcase 2026 | Tickets Selling Fast

Chaplains Corner

– Rev Viniana Ravetali
Senior Chaplain

High Potential Learning

Philosothon Update

We are thrilled to share the outstanding news that MLC School’s Junior Division achieved second place in the national competition. This remarkable result reflects the students’ creativity, collaboration and commitment, as well as the support and encouragement of their teachers. Congratulations to everyone involved on this exceptional national achievement!

• Claire Wei (Year 9)
• Anna Poortvliet (Year 9)
• Sophia Clarke (Year 9)
• Camille Sheehan (Year 9)
• Rima Zhang (Year 10)
• Madeleine Girgis (Year 10)
• Melisande Pitman (Year 10)
• Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10)

High Potential Learning Showcase – Monday 7 September 2026
4pm–5pm
Ailsa Butcher Room

To register your attendance, email the Learning Enhancement Department here.

MLC School is delighted to present its first High Potential Learning Showcase, celebrating the creativity, curiosity and achievements of students from Junior School and Senior School. The event will feature a diverse selection of student work and provide the community with an opportunity to see how learners have extended their thinking, pursued their interests and embraced challenge through High Potential Learning initiatives across the School.

Introducing Lucy James

Our Learning Enhancement teacher, Lucy James, grew up in Perth with a strong musical upbringing. She commenced harp studies aged 6 and by 17 was appointed Principal Harp for the Australian Youth Orchestra – a position she retained throughout her university years whilst working professionally with orchestras and ensembles nation-wide. 

Lucy’s tertiary qualifications include a Bachelor of Music Performance degree, Graduate Diploma in Music and Italian Education and she is two units away from completing the Master of Special and Inclusive Education through uNSW. Prior to coming to MLC School in 2024, she spent 15 years teaching at primary and secondary schools in Italy, London, Melbourne and Sydney, where she had the opportunity to move to Learning Enrichment and realised this was her calling as a teacher.

Lucy’s interests include teaching literacy to dyslexic students as well as the application of the Universal Design for Learning approach to teaching literacy in a mainstream classroom setting, where all students can benefit from multiple pathways to engage with and access content, as well as demonstrate their knowledge. She has a passion for helping students with disability find individualised strategies that support them with their learning and preparing students for post-school life.

On weekends, Lucy loves exploring Sydney with her husband and daughters in search of good food and new dog parks for their golden retriever, Molly.

– The Learning Enhancement Department

Study Hub+

Term 3 2026 Study Hub+  – Fill in form

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

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

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

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

Mentors can support students with:

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

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

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

Program Overview

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

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

Cancellation Policy

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

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

Term 3 2026 Study Hub+  – Fill in form

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Study Opportunities at MLC School

MLC School offers two Study Support Opportunities:

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

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

Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub

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

Key Features:

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

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

There is no need to register for this program.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Sport Report

MLC School Sport is going strong this term! Our teams are rising to the occasion and showing up to all our games across Sydney with energy, positivity and strength to never give up. MLC School Sports Staff are extremely proud and impressed.

MLC School wishes our IGSA Athletics Team best of luck at our Annual IGSA Athletics Competition this week at Sydney Olympic Park Homebush. Congratulations to the following students who will be representing MLC School with pride:

• Yasmine Allam (Year 9)
• Alice Boddam-Whetham (Year 8)
• Balbay Boyd (Year 7)
• Olivia Burke (Year 9)
• Cate Campbell (Year 11)
• Sienna Clark (Year 10)
• Harlow Elsibai (Year 10)
• Cassidee Fernando (Year 11)
• Daisy Han (Year 7)
• Eve Ireland (Year 12)
• Aaliyah Liu (Year 7)
• Maya McBrien (Year 10)
• Felicity McCormick (Year 8)
• Amara Merkabawi (Year 7)
• Chloe Oh (Year 10)
• Veronica Pan (Year 10)
• Emily Pattison (Year 9)
• Sienna Pizzinga (Year 9)
• Chloe Pun (Year 7)
• Jemima Pun (Year 7)
• Eadie Scott (Year 11)
• Keira Thach (Year 8)
• Edie White (Year 7)
• Katherine Woo (Year 10)
• Tess Wright (Year 12)
• Katie Zhang (Year 8)

Looking ahead to the final weeks of the Term 3 and Sport Finals, we remind and expect all our students to arrive on time to training and to train as a team as much as possible. Students who are arriving after 6.45am will be given an Accountability Point.

Good luck to all our Hockey, Football, Netball, Water Polo, Volleyball, Touch, Badminton teams for their games this week – only three more rounds to go until we reach Semi finals! Go hard, play well and represent MLC School with pride!

– Francesca Fitzhenry
Assistant Director of Sport

Sport Registrations Close Monday 24 August 2026

Term 4 Sport Registrations Close Monday 24 August 2026

A reminder that our Term 4 Sport Registrations close soon, on Monday 24 August 2026.

Please use this link to access our new Activity Selections.

Sport Achievements

Netball

Congratulations to MLC06 and MLC07 Netball teams for their victories on Saturday!

MLC06 had a nail bitting win against Pymble! MLC School is so proud of the MLC06 girls who have showed determination and scoring a win – keep up the amazing work!

Well done to our MLC07 players who also had an amazing game against PLC Sydney and final score of 19-4! Congratulations girls!

Water Polo

Water Polo on Friday Night atmosphere is fantastic! Our water polo students are thriving and developing each week, with our MLC01 Team coming in 2^nd place on the ladder, MLC02 sitting in 4^th and MLC03 closely behind in 5^th place. We are looking forward to seeing our teams play another strong round this Friday!

18&U Girls Water Polo Exchange – CIS Water Polo Team

Best of luck to Zoe Pollard (Year 12), who is competing this week up in the Central Coast at the 2026 18&U Girls Water Polo Exchange in Woy Woy. This is the highest level school Water Polo can be taken and MLC School is very proud of Zoe. We look forward to seeing Zoe’s results.

Basketball

Round 4 was a challenging week for MLC School Basketball, with many teams affected by low player numbers. Despite this, our teams showed incredible determination, resilience, and team spirit, resulting in some fantastic performances across the board.

A special congratulations to MLC02, who secured their first win of the season, while MLC04 continued their unbeaten streak, and MLC07 maintained their strong run of form.

A huge shout-out to Sofia Kljajevic (Year 9), who stepped up to play for the Senior Firsts this weekend, knocking down multiple three-pointers before driving across Sydney to also suit up for MLC04. Your commitment, and willingness to help out wherever needed, and dedication to your teammates is greatly appreciated. Well done on an outstanding effort!

Snowsports

This week, our State Snowsports Team is competing at Perisher, and it has been a fantastic start to the Championships, with clear blue skies providing excellent conditions on the slopes.

Over the first three days of competition, our athletes have delivered some outstanding performances, achieving a number of fantastic results, including:

• Anna Li (Year 1) – 48^th in Div6 Ski Cross
• Marina Chen (Year 5)
  • 24^th Div4 Alpine
  • 34^th Div4 Ski Cross
  • 42^nd Div4 Moguls
  • 44^th Div4 Cross Country
• Elise Shen (Year 4)
  • 5^th Div5 Alpine
  • 3^rd Div5 Ski Cross
  • 3^rd Div5 Moguls
  • 5^th Div5 Cross Country
• Niamh Johnson (Year 11)
  • 8^th Div1 Slopestyle
  • 13^th Div1 Cross Country
  • 6th Div1 Cross Country Relay
• Holly Skowno (Year 10)
  • 22^nd Div2 Cross Country
  • 6th Div1 Cross Country Relay
• Noelle Foo (Year 10)
  • 12^th Div2 Cross Country
  • 6th Div1 Cross Country Relay
• Haegan Sitou (Year 12) – 12^th Div1 Cross Country
• Euna Cho (Year 9) – 44^th Snowboard GS
• Arielle McBrien (Year 7) – 17^th Div3 Moguls
• Chloe Huang (Year 7) – 30^th Div3 Moguls 30
• Cecilia Lau (Year 9) – Competing in Ski Cross Day 3 – results to come

With two exciting days of competition still to come, we can’t wait to celebrate and share more outstanding performances from our athletes from Day 3 results next week!

Hockey

Another fantastic week of hockey goes by. This week displayed the strength of our program as we picked up points in three of our four games! All four of our squads are now in a good position to secure finals with three weeks remaining of normal games. Our results for the week were as follows:

• MLC01: 3-3 Draw v Pymble (A)
• MLC02: 1-0 Win v Loreto Normanhurst (H)
• MLC03: 0-0 Draw v Roseville (H)
• MLC04: 1-3 Loss v Loreto Normanhurst (H)

Win of the week goes to MLC02, who picked up their first win of the term in nailbiting 1-0 fashion. It was an end-to-end game and a huge defensive performance to hold on to all three points, well done girls!

We look forward to the next round of fixtures, where wins will mean that semi-finals are almost in our hands, good luck!

Play of the Week

Congratulations to Ashley Clapham (Year 8) for her selection into the UNSW U16s Water Polo Team to compete later in the year at the New Zealand U16 National Championships to be held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

We wish Ashley the best of luck and congratulations on a huge achievement.

Debaters Maintain an Impressive Record of Success in Competitions

Our over 120 strong group of Debaters have been training, competing and improving since we began our 2026 program back in January.

From our youngest Year 5 IPSHA squad right through every year group, to our soon to depart Year 12 debaters; everyone has been putting in a huge effort to constantly improve and achieve. This week after three months of competition we had five teams qualify for the Archdale Semi Finals. Our talented 8A team were narrowly defeated in a spit decision from the panel of three adjudicators.  Happily, our other four teams 7B, 8B, Year 9 and Seniors all won through to the Grand Finals to be held at MLC School next Tuesday 25 August 2026.  It will be an exciting evening with our School represented in five out of the ten Grand Final debates to be held simultaneously on the night.

Students have also been expanding their experience by competing in our internal British Parliamentary debating tournament on Wednesday afternoons and our Friday friendly debating evenings against visiting schools. This Sunday we have seven Senior students taking time out of their very busy schedules to trial for the IGSA Archdale Representative Debating team such is their commitment to excellence.

• Meena Kanthathas (Year 11)
• Joanne Chen (Year 11)
• Stephanie Keo (Year 11)
• Katherine Woo (Year 10)
• Nina Hespe (Year 10)
• Veronica Pan (Year 10)
• Yolanda Deng (Year 10 )

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator

Banner photo shows Senior Debaters
Photo below shows Junior Debaters

AASCF Dance Battle 2026

Round Square Postcard | How do Schools Preserve and Celebrate their Heritage and Traditions?

Last week, we had the opportunity to attend the Round Square Postcard (online forum), hosted by Christ’s College Canterbury in New Zealand. The event brought together students from schools all around the world, creating an environment where we could connect, collaborate, and share ideas on building connections across cultures and communities.

The conference’s topic was ‘How does your school preserve and celebrate its heritage and traditions?’ and we explored this through sharing traditions at our School and discussing their importance – for example, the biennial Sydney Opera House Concert, the MLC School Colour Run and House system. Through collaborative conversations, break-out rooms, and student-led activities, we were challenged to consider how many of the traditions we practise today shape our School and how we connect to others in our community. 

One of the many highlights for us was meeting different students from different countries, and hearing about how their heritage and traditions differ from ours. We found that although we live in completely different places, many of our traditions share a degree of similarity – such as annual music concerts or inter-house sport competitions. Our events bringing together MLC School alumnae and intergenerational events celebrating successes post-graduation was what set us apart from the rest. 

We also participated in collaborative activities that enabled us to think creatively and work together. We were given the opportunity to brainstorm potential new traditions we could implement in our schools – one idea we came up with was a wellbeing week for all students to take their mind off studies and instead focus on their own mental health and wellbeing. 

By the end of the event, we both walked away feeling inspired. The conference didn’t just allow us to share about our School’s heritage and traditions, but also empowered us to further implement Round Square values within our School society. It encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone, speak to new people and engage with different perspectives and ways of thinking. We left with new friendships made, a plethora of meaningful insights, and a renewed motivation to incorporate Round Square ideals into our own School community.

A special thank you to Mr Wijanto, Round Square Coordinator, for organising our participation and supporting us throughout the process, ensuring we were able to attend and fully engage in the conference.

– Charlotte Hui and Vy Truong (Year 8)

Co-curricular Dance Program | Term 4 2026 Enrolments Enquiries

MLC School Speech and Drama Students Excel!

From Junior to Senior – MLC School Speech and Drama students take out 1^st Place at the Ryde Eisteddfod!

We are thrilled to announce that Speech and Drama students Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) and Jordan Vo (Year 12) proudly represented MLC School at the Ryde Eisteddfod, with both students achieving 1st Place. Rachel was awarded 1st Place in Character Recital, while Jordan achieved 1st Place in Verse Speaking. Jordan also received 2nd Place in Character Recital, and Rachel was awarded a Highly Commended in Mime.

Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) has demonstrated remarkable dedication throughout the eisteddfod season, competing in numerous sections across the Ryde, Inner West and Parramatta Eisteddfods. She has achieved two 1st Place awards, along with several Highly Commended awards. Rachel was also the only MLC School student to compete in the Inner West Eisteddfod Scholarship, narrowly missing a placing after delivering an outstanding performance.

Rachel’s final eisteddfod performance will be in the Ryde Eisteddfod Championship next week, where she will once again proudly represent MLC School. She is also preparing for her upcoming ASCA (Australian Speech Communication Association) examination. We are incredibly proud of Rachel’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication to Speech and Drama.

Jordan Vo (Year 12) was awarded 1st Place for Verse Speaking at the Ryde Eisteddfod, where she delivered a powerful performance of Elm by Sylvia Plath. Her compelling performance of Lady Macbeth in the Shakespeare category earned her 2nd Place at Ryde and 3rd Place at the Inner West Eisteddfod last term.

Jordan will represent MLC School in the Rotary Championship at the Ryde Eisteddfod next week. Having returned to Speech and Drama this year after many years since her involvement in the Junior School, Jordan has embraced the opportunity to develop her performance skills. Her experience competing in Senior Poetry at the IGSA Festival of Speech last year sparked her interest in returning to Speech and Drama, which has also provided a valuable creative outlet alongside her IB studies. You can read Jordan’s reflection below.

Rachel and Jordan are wonderful role models for the MLC School community. We are so proud of their achievements and wish them every success in the Championships next week.

We are also incredibly proud of the 200 Speech and Drama students who represented MLC School across the Ryde, Inner West, Parramatta and Sydney Eisteddfods this year. Every student performed with focus, passion and enthusiasm, demonstrating the confidence, creativity and resilience nurtured through the Speech and Drama program.

It is always inspiring to watch our students transition from classroom to stage, developing not only their performance skills but also their confidence, communication skills and love of performance.

‘When you think of Year 12, a few images are bound to come up: exam halls, the MLC School jersey, maybe pigtails on the last first day back. But for me, some of my most vivid Year 12 memories have been Speech and Drama, which I started up again just this year. I know, at first, starting up a new co-curricular in Year 12 might not seem the wisest of decisions. I did Speech and Drama in the Junior School, but as I transitioned into high school, particularly this year, I was told over and over again that I “wouldn’t have time”, or that “this will be a distraction.”

But what I’ve learned this year is the key to working well is also playing well. I’ve found drama just that: a form of play. It’s been such a fun and enriching experience, practicing everything from verse poetry to monologues, and working with my fantastic teacher, Ms Brian. I’ve also loved the opportunity to participate in different Eisteddfods around Sydney, which was a new experience. What I found was when I felt stuck with studies, or burnt out from school, being able to step into another character’s shoes was actually the refreshment I needed to get back on track. 

I’m so glad I didn’t stop pursuing co-curricular in Year 12. I don’t think this year would have been the same without having those precious moments to take a breath, step away from schoolwork, and be present as an actor and performer. Like closing the curtain momentarily on my academic stress and replacing it with a stage curtain, so I could return with fresh eyes.’
– Jordan Vo (Year 12)

 If you are interested in joining any of our Speech and Drama programs next term, please contact The Speech and Drama Studio.

Upcoming events:

ASCA Junior speech and drama examinations – Term 3

• Thursday 10 September and Friday 11 September 2026 (Week 8), and
• Tuesday 15 September 2026 (Week 9)

September Holiday production

Mon 21 September to Friday 25 September 2026 (5 days)

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director