From the Head of Junior School

It has been a wonderful week of celebrations for our dads, granddads, uncles and other significant male role models. It was a delight to welcome so many families to MLC School’s Father’s Day Breakfast.

Following breakfast, families took part in the Junior School Paper Plane House Challenge. Students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 had great fun creating their own planes with their families and competing for their School House. Congratulations to the winning team, Prescott, who were awarded the Paper Plane Trophy.

Fathers Day Raffle Winners

Please refer to the MLC School app notification that has been sent with full list of prize winners. Prizes will be sent home today.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Self-Care: Looking After Ourselves So We Can Thrive

Throughout September, Action for Happiness encourages people to focus on simple, meaningful ways to care for their wellbeing. Psychologist Vanessa King reminds us that effective self-care is not just about occasional treats or special experiences. Instead, it’s about the everyday habits that help us stay healthy, connected and resilient.

What Is Self-Care?

Self-care means taking intentional steps to support our physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. It helps us manage life’s challenges, strengthen our relationships and be at our best for ourselves and others.

Practical Ways to Practise Self-Care

Move Your Body

Regular movement can boost energy, improve mood and reduce stress. A walk around the neighbourhood, playing outside with children, gardening or participating in sport all contribute to wellbeing.

Prioritise Rest

Sleep is one of the most important foundations for physical and emotional health. Establishing consistent routines and allowing time to recharge can make a significant difference.

Stay Connected

Positive relationships are a powerful source of wellbeing. Spending quality time with family and friends, checking in on others and sharing meaningful conversations helps us feel supported and valued.

Be Kind to Yourself

Many of us are kinder to others than we are to ourselves. Self-compassion means recognising that everyone experiences challenges and treating ourselves with the same understanding we would offer a friend.

Notice the Good

Taking a moment to appreciate small positive experiences, express gratitude or reflect on what is going well can help us develop a more balanced outlook.

Do What Matters

Engaging in activities that align with our values and give us a sense of purpose can increase motivation, fulfilment and overall happiness.

Supporting Children’s Self-Care

Children learn self-care through the examples they see around them. Parents can support healthy habits by:

• Encouraging regular sleep, physical activity and healthy routines.
• Creating opportunities for connection and conversation.
• Helping children recognise and name their feelings.
• Modelling self-kindness when things don’t go to plan.
• Noticing and celebrating small positives each day.
• Encouraging activities that build confidence, purpose and joy.

Time in the holidays

The upcoming holidays are a perfect opportunity to practice some self-care. I wonder what each family can do to support your own and your children’s self-care. I know I will be visiting some friends in Orange, catching up with others over lunch and training up a new puppy! But mostly I just look forward to winding down, having a slower pace of life and sleeping in (though I’m not sure the new puppy will be ok with that!!!).

A Thought to Remember

‘Self-care is not selfish. Looking after our own wellbeing helps us to care for and support those around us more effectively.”‘Inspired by the Self-Care September message from Vanessa King.

– Joanne Sharp
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Term 3 Sports Holiday Camp (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6)

Looking for an action-packed way to keep active during these school holidays? Our five day MLC School Holiday Sports Camp is back from Monday 28 September to Friday 2 October 2026!

Each morning, you will hit the courts for tennis, developing your skills through fun games, activities, and coaching. In the afternoons, the fun continues with different sports each day, giving you the chance to try something new, stay active and compete with your friends.

With a mix of tennis, team sports, games and plenty of fun, it’s the perfect way for you to get active, learn new skills, and make the most of your school holidays. We will also be having a BBQ on Friday, so make sure you don’t miss out on that!

Click here for Activity Selection Activity Term 4

Pre-Kindergarten Celebrate the Joy of Learning

The IPSHA Virtual Art Show Returns!

Library News

Book Week Events – Kate and Jol Temple

We were very excited to welcome authors Kate and Jol Temple to our Junior School.

The dynamic duo kept us all entertained with insights into their ideas and character development. Jol guided the students to create their own mega rich guinea pig and the girls brainstormed ways to use a giant pair of underpants to foil the evil toad villains in the Frog Squad.

Book Week Events – Colour House Buddy Reading

On Friday afternoon, the girls enjoyed coming together in their houses to share reading with their peers.

Book Week Events – ‘Symphony of Stories’ Reflections

Our Library Leaders became reporters last Friday to find out what MLC School girls love about Book Week:

‘I liked dressing up as Red Riding Hood.’
– Serena Erkan (Pre-Kindergarten)

‘I liked the Book Swap.’
– Abigail Sidhom (Year 1W)

‘I loved the story orchestra because you love your book and want to bring it to school.’
– Aurora Liu (Kindergarten W)

‘I liked to dress up as my favourite character (Hermione).’
– Kara McLornan (Year 2K)

‘The teachers decided to work together to create a symphony, which is a play on words for the theme.’
– Lisa Concannon (Teacher 5C)

‘I liked Charlotte’s Web, so I decided to be the spider.’
– Emma To (Year 4C)

‘We chose to dress as characters from Cop and Robber because it reflects our personalities.’
– Asher Nevill, Chloe, Clara Sandaradura, Maiya Rozario (Year 6)

‘I want to experience the adventures that happen in my favourite books.’
– Maya Erazo Djurisic (Year 5P)

‘I decided to dress up as Hermione Granger because she represents me.’
– Amelia Pang (Year 5C)

‘It is a way to express your favourite book characters.’
– Evelyn Tsang (Year 5F)

‘Being unique.’
– Jasmin Ganda (Year 5C)

Happy Reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Monday 23 February 2026 to Friday 18 September 2026

Congratulations to these readers who have completed the challenge:

Year 2

• Charlotte Chan
• Mia Chen
• Nini Luo
• Jade Neeld
• Amelia Shi

Year 3

• Annabel Weng

Year 5

• Caitlin Cheng
• Inneke Nielsen

 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

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

Spring Vacation Care

Our Vacation Care program runs in the School holidays, in a safe, secure and caring environment from 8am–6pm.

We have a tailored program that is designed by children and educators where each day is filled with exciting activities. We provide a healthy afternoon tea at 3pm and children enjoy their packed morning tea and lunch during the day.  

For more information, please visit our website or to make an enquiry call 1800 864 846 or email elsupport@uniting.org.

View the MLC School OSHC Spring Vacation Care Program 2026 here.

– Sabreen Banu
Coordinator, Uniting MLC School Outside School Hours Care

From the Head of Senior School

The Season of Lasts and Firsts

As we move through September, our School finds itself in a special season, one filled with both ‘lasts’ and ‘firsts’.

For our Year 12 students, this week has been marked by a number of significant milestones. They have gathered with their Luminary groups for the final time, shared their last Big Sister Little Sister experience, attended their final Senior Years Chapel and continued to celebrate the culmination of years of hard work through major work submissions, performances and showcases.

There is a particular poignancy in these final weeks. This morning at our annual Fathers Day breakfast, I had many discussions with the students and their fathers and father figures about the significance of finishing school and moving on from the community. As students prepare to leave school, they begin to appreciate the value of the everyday moments that have become part of their routines: gathering with friends before class, connecting with teachers, participating in House events and co-curricular activities. It is often in these final weeks that students realise how much they have grown and how deeply they belong.

At the same time, we are also witnessing many exciting firsts. This week we welcomed new, incoming students through our Year 7 Experience Day, providing them with an opportunity to experience firsthand the warmth, enthusiasm and sense of community that make MLC School such a special place. It was wonderful to see current students stepping confidently into mentorship roles, sharing their stories and helping younger students feel welcome and connected. In the coming week, we look forward to celebrating this important transition as our 2026 student leadership team formally passes the baton to the student leaders of 2027.

These moments remind us that leadership is never really about titles or positions. It is about the legacy we leave behind through our actions, our kindness and the way we contribute to the lives of others. The example set by our current Year 12 students through their service, commitment and spirit will continue to shape our School long after they have graduated.

As always, our calendar remains wonderfully busy. This weekend’s Dance Showcase, followed by next week’s Senior School House Athletics Carnival and leadership celebrations, will provide further opportunities for students to challenge themselves, support one another and create memories that will stay with them for years to come.

In this season of lasts and firsts, I encourage all students to be present, to embrace opportunities and to make the most of every day. While milestones are important, it is often the small moments in between that become our most treasured memories.

Study Hub Next Week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Book Week and STEM Week – A Message from the Scholar, STEM and Literary Captains

Book Week is celebrated annually in the Junior School through the annual parade and various library events. However, this year the Scholar Portfolio decided to break new ground and bring this event to life in the Senior School, celebrating the theme ‘Symphony of Stories’. In keeping with this theme, we decided to combine the Senior School Book Week celebration with another world of storytelling – the rich and inspiring stories of scientists in STEM. This year, the National Science Week theme was ‘Seeds of Science: Nurturing Knowledge For All’. Week 6 therefore became MLC School’s first joint Book and STEM Week, featuring exciting hands-on activities to spark curiosity, encourage scientific thinking and immerse students in the world of reading.

On Monday, students had the opportunity to grow their own Crystal Garden, use microscopes and dissect whole seeds to develop a deeper understanding of plant growth. MLC School Old Girl Shreeya Haridas (2017) was invited as a guest speaker on Tuesday to share her insights as a woman in STEM. Shreeya shared how her passion for climate change and sustainability led her to her current position as a Sustainability Manager, leaving us with a resounding message: ‘STEM gives us the tools. Sustainability gives us motivation’.

The 2026 STEM Diorama Competition was a notable highlight for the week. Students in Year 7 to Year 9 were invited to research a famous scientist and capture their story and scientific discoveries by creating an imaginative diorama. It was wonderful to see students from all cohorts celebrating their peers’ work and voting for their favourite scientist diorama, with particularly strong representation of female scientists such as Ada Lovelace, Marie Curie, and Ayesha Tulloch.

Another first for the Senior School was the Spelling Bee on Thursday. Students battled it out and put their spelling skills to the test with a broad selection of words. When challenged to spell words such as acquiescence, vicissitude and synecdoche, the MLC School girls bravely rose to the occasion, creating a brilliant opportunity to expand their vocabulary while participating in healthy competition. No players were disqualified for incorrect answers, but plenty of chocolates were given out!

The culminating event of Book and STEM Week was the dress-up day on Friday 28 August. Both students and staff were invited to dress up as a STEM-themed figure or book character, with numerous Best Dressed awards presented at assembly. The costumes were incredibly diverse and refreshingly creative. With each outfit, we saw books come to life, including the popular picture book The Day the Crayons Quit by Drew Daywalt, Roald Dahl’s classic Matilda and the IB English text by Olga Tokarczuk, Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead. In the STEM world, we saw students dress up as Albert Einstein, forensic scientists and even periodic table elements!

The enthusiasm of the Senior School staff and students throughout the week was truly inspiring, serving as a beautiful reminder that the creativity sparked by science and reading is, in fact, a lifelong joy.

– Anna Obaid (Year 12)
Scholar Captain

– Kathleen Chrun (Year 12)
STEM Captain

– Siena Jury (Year 12)
Literary Captain

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7

I would like to begin by reflecting on the wonderful activities that took place last week during Book and STEM Week. The Year 7 girls fully embraced the different initiatives organised throughout the week and demonstrated the creativity that so often characterises them. They created impressive dioramas representing scientists and their discoveries. In addition, almost all Year 7 girls dressed up as their favourite book or STEM character. Some of the dioramas and costumes can be seen in the attached photos.

This week, the girls participated in a Peer Support session led by the Year 10 students, with a focus on R U OK? Day. They learnt that people communicate in different ways and explored the importance of checking in on friends, peers and family members. These sessions are very meaningful, as they encourage our girls to show compassion, empathise with others and actively offer support when it is needed.

A few reminders for the upcoming MLC School House Athletics Carnival, which will be held next Tuesday 8 September. The girls may arrive at and depart from school in their PE uniform and House shirt. However, they are not permitted to wear costumes to and from school, so they will need to change once they arrive at Sydney Olympic Park. All girls are expected to arrive at school by 8am on Tuesday so that rolls can be marked before the buses depart for Sydney Olympic Park. The only exception is for students running in the 800 metres. These students will need to make their own way to Sydney Olympic Park and arrive by 7.30am, as the race begins at 8am. At the end of the day, students may either leave directly from Sydney Olympic Park or return to school by bus.

Please remember that the girls may now choose to wear either their Winter or Summer uniform. However, items from the two uniforms should not be mixed. If students are wearing their Winter uniform, they need to arrive at and depart from school wearing their blazer. Spring is certainly here!

Finally, it is worth mentioning that I launched one of my weekly challenges this week, and it was solved within hours. The Year 7 girls are becoming very good at these challenges, so I may need to step up my game!

– Martina Stolzi
Acting Head of Year 7

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7 PDHPE Developing Lifesaving First Aid Skills

This term, Year 7 students have been developing their knowledge and confidence in first aid, safety and emergency response as part of their Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) learning.

Students have been learning the DRSABCD emergency response process and how to respond appropriately in a range of common first aid scenarios. They have explored how to recognise and respond to burns, asthma attacks, anaphylaxis, bites and stings, as well as other injuries and emergencies.

Through practical activities, discussions and scenarios, students have had opportunities to practise making safe decisions, assessing risks and considering how their actions can affect both themselves and others. They have also explored the importance of staying calm, seeking help and communicating clearly during an emergency.

By building these skills early, Year 7 students are becoming more confident and capable of responding safely and responsibly when faced with an emergency. 

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

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 8

This week Year 8 celebrates their final Big Sister Little Sister get together, marking the conclusion of a wonderful two years of connection and mentorship. Since Year 7, our now Year 8 students have benefited greatly from the guidance, support and friendship of their Year 12 Big Sisters. From shared activities and conversations to special events and celebrations, these relationships have helped foster a strong sense of belonging within our School community. We thank our Year 12 students for the positive impact they have had on our Year 8 cohort and hope the memories created will be treasured for years to come. 

Students are also reminded that SRC nominations are now open. Serving on the Student Representative Council is a valuable opportunity to develop leadership skills, represent the voices of peers and contribute positively to school life. We encourage interested students to consider nominating and becoming actively involved in shaping the Year 8 experience. The nomination form is on canvas. 

As assessment tasks continue, we would like to remind families about the School’s Illness and Misadventure procedures. If a student is genuinely unwell, they should remain at home and focus on their recovery rather than attending school solely to complete an assessment task. Families should follow the Illness and Misadventure process and provide the required documentation where applicable. Student wellbeing remains our priority, and these procedures exist to ensure fairness for all students.

Looking ahead, excitement is building for next week’s House Athletics Carnival. We encourage all students to get involved, support their House and enjoy a fantastic day of participation and School Spirit. 

Have a lovely weekend, and please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Click on image gallery for full size images, photos are of Final Big Sister Little Sister.

Year 9

Week 7 has been a busy and productive week for Year 9, with students completing several assessments across their subjects. I have been very impressed by the way they have approached this period, showing steady preparation, focus and increasing confidence in their study routines. As we move into Week 8 (Monday 7 September 2026), the final week of assessments for the term, it has been encouraging to see the maturity with which Year 9 students are managing their workload. I hope you are also able to see this growth at home, particularly in the way they are planning ahead, taking greater responsibility for their learning and continuing to develop positive study habits.

Year 9 also enjoyed another valuable session with Marianna Carlino, Director of eLearning, who explored a range of digital tools students can use to support their organisation and study. Students were introduced to practical options such as the To Do app, which can assist with creating lists, scheduling tasks and managing deadlines, as well as Quizlet, which allows students to make flashcards and generate practice tests to support more effective revision. These strategies are designed to help students build independence and confidence as they continue to strengthen their study habits.

Next Tuesday is the Senior School House Athletics Carnival, which is a compulsory school event and an important opportunity for students to demonstrate their commitment to school life. Year 9 students have been reminded that, as they move into their senior years, their attendance and involvement in key school events such as the House Athletics Carnival, House Swimming Carnival and House Chapel services contribute to their sense of connection and belonging within the School community. Consistent participation in these events helps students build a strong foundation for future leadership opportunities in Year 11.

Parents have been sent information about the carnival via Omnia.

I hope you have a lovely weekend and are able to enjoy the fabulous spring weather.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Year 10 students have been working with their Houses to prepare themes for next Tuesday’s House Athletics Carnival. For families new to MLC School, each House selects a theme beginning with the first letter of its name; this year, for example, Whitley has chosen the Whitley World Cup. During House time last Friday, Whitley students practised cheers and chants led by their Year 12 House leaders. They also choreographed a Norwegian Viking row as part of their theme, which promises to be a highlight on Tuesday. The House system is a special part of life at MLC School, fostering School Spirit and giving Year 10 students opportunities to connect with younger students while looking to Year 12 students as role models for future leadership. This week’s image features Sierra Rowe and Mia Waterhouse of 10 Whitley with their Luminary, Georgina Brewer, and Head of House, Conor Reilly. Please refer to the relevant Omnia notice for Athletics Carnival details.

Continuing the focus on House spirit, Year 10 students will work with their Year 7 Little Sisters on an activity for R U OK? Day. They have developed thoughtful ideas to help younger students ask, ‘Are you OK?’ and continue a supportive conversation about wellbeing.

At this week’s Year Meeting, students learned about the upcoming Duke of Edinburgh’s Award trip to Exmouth. Further details are available from Glen Mole, our Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Coordinator. Students were also reminded to finalise their work experience arrangements by securing a placement, submitting their application and completing the required documentation. Futures and Pathways teachers, Nicole Massara and Jo Cilia hold workshops every Wednesday at lunchtime on Level 3. Students who have not yet secured a placement should speak with the Futures and Pathways staff.

The Year Meeting concluded with recognition of several significant STEM achievements. Felicity Cassidy Powell, Acting Head of Science, presented certificates to students who achieved strong results in Science and Mathematics competitions. Year 10 students received three distinctions and three credits in the Australian Maths Trust Awards, eight credits in the Junior Science Olympiad and 12 credits in the Big Science Competition. Congratulations to all students who participated and achieved these excellent results.

As we approach the end of Term 3, thank you for your continued support of our Year 10 students. We look forward to seeing them embrace the opportunities ahead with confidence, kindness and enthusiasm, and we wish all families a positive and productive remainder of the term.

If you have an academic concern, please contact your daughter’s class teacher. For wellbeing or pastoral concerns, please contact your daughter’s Luminary or me. I can be reached at sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or on 02 8741 9736.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 11

Congratulations to Year 11 on completing their Yearly Examinations. I have been so proud of the way they have approached the exam block. While it has been a significant milestone, Year 11 have continued to find their rhythm in preparing for senior studies, discovering which revision strategies work best for them and learning how to use their time effectively.

I know many students will now be waiting with anticipation for their results. While marks are important, this is also an opportunity to reflect on the growth that has occurred throughout the learning and examination process. Have they worked consistently throughout the year? Have they focused on developing the skills required for each subject? Have they applied feedback and made adjustments along the way? The growth, habits, and resilience developed this year will help set them up for success as they move into Year 12.

The Senior School Athletics Carnival will take place on Tuesday 8 September 2026 and is always a great day. The Sports Department has already distributed information regarding the day, and I encourage all Year 11 to get involved and support their House. There are not many more carnivals to go.

Our Year 11 Drama students will be performing on Wednesday and Thursday evening. We wish them every success as they showcase the results of their hard work and dedication from the past year.

Finally, this weekend is a significant one for many of our dancers. Best of luck to all Year 11 students performing in Showcase this weekend. I know how much time, effort, and commitment they have invested throughout the year, and I am looking forward to seeing the performances. I have no doubt the show will be amazing!

We look forward to welcoming the girls back to their regular classes from Monday. The remainder of the term will be busy as we begin to wrap up the final term of Year 11.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

As their final term continues, Year 12 students have been reflecting on many significant milestones. This week they shared their final Luminary gathering with their Luminary groups, enjoyed their last Big Sister Little Sister experience with their Year 8 Little Sisters, and attended their final Senior Years Chapel alongside Year 10. It was wonderful to hear the cohort singing loudly and proudly, embracing these traditions and celebrating the strong sense of community they have helped to foster during their time at MLC School.

During one of their final Year meetings, students also had the special opportunity to rehearse the MLC School Hymn with Trevor Mee, Director of Music. The rehearsal was a memorable experience and a beautiful reminder of the legacy Year 12 leaves behind through their contributions, friendships and service to the school community and a lovely cohort wide send off for Trevor.

On Thursday evening, families, staff and peers gathered for the Year 12 English Extension 2 Showcase, where students proudly shared their Major Works. Congratulations to all students on the dedication, creativity and perseverance they have demonstrated throughout this process. The evening was a fitting celebration of their hard work and achievement.

We now look forward to a busy and exciting weekend with the Dance Showcase, followed by Week 8 (Monday 7 September 2026) celebrations including the Senior School House Athletics Carnival and the Student Leadership Announcement Assembly. This assembly will provide an opportunity for our sensational 2026 Captaincy Team to formally hand over leadership to the 2027 student leaders.

As Year 12 enters their final weeks at MLC School, I appreciate the support of families in helping students maintain our uniform standards. Blazers, correct skirt length, polished shoes, gold buttons and sheer stockings should all be in order, with acrylic nails, false eyelashes and other non-uniform additions such as jewellery removed. These final days in uniform are a special opportunity for students to reflect the pride and respect they have shown across their journey at school.

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 – Valedictory Events
  • 10am Year 12 Paver Reveal (select 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
• Monday 21 September – Friday 25 September 2026 – October School Holiday Study Camp

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Book Week in the Senior School Library

Last week, the Senior School Library celebrated Book Week and this year’s theme, ‘Symphony of Stories’. The Library showcased the Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) shortlisted titles, while Wide Reading lessons provided an opportunity for students to discover and celebrate the work of Australian authors.

A highlight of the week was a visit from acclaimed Australian author Maryam Master, who spoke with Year 6 students about her books, her journey as a writer and the inspiration behind her stories. Her engaging and entertaining presentation offered students a fascinating insight into the writing process and the creativity involved in bringing stories to life.

The Wearne Library also held its annual Bookmark Competition, inviting students to create an original design inspired by this year’s Book Week theme or by books and reading more broadly. The competition attracted a wonderful range of creative entries.

Congratulations to this year’s winners:

Overall Winner: Hayley Lam (Year 6)
Runners-Up: Felicity Jones (Year 8) and Lavinia Xu (Year 8)

– Danielle Collins
Senior School Teacher Librarian

From the Principal

The Importance of Choice

I have recently been made aware that there is a rumour circulating in the community which suggests that MLC School is planning to ‘get rid of’ the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. We are internationally recognised for our consistently strong performance in the IB Diploma and have no intention to change our approach.

Many years ago, MLC School made an educationally informed decision to offer both credentials so that each student could pursue the pathway that best suited her.

The HSC and the IB Diploma ask students to demonstrate achievement in different ways. Each offers distinctive opportunities, and each can provide an excellent preparation for university, work and life beyond school when matched thoughtfully to a student’s interests, habits and aspirations.

There are no plans to offer only one credential.

As part of our commitment to ensuring that each girl chooses the pathway that best suits her, we have focused on using data, our knowledge of the students and their preferred learning styles to guide the choice of program. This has led to a return to a more usual split between the two courses than was seen in recent years. In general, approximately 40% of our Year 12 group choose the IB, 60% the HSC but this does fluctuate from year to year.

How do the approaches differ?  

The NSW HSC is a standards-based credential that allows students to build a pattern of study from a wide range of courses. Students can combine academic subjects, creative and practical courses, languages, extension subjects and vocational options. This flexibility enables students to shape a program around their strengths, passions and possible tertiary pathways.

The HSC may suit students who have clear areas of strength and wish to specialise. A student who loves advanced mathematics and physics, for example, can pursue extension study. A student with strong talents in visual arts, design and technology, drama, music, hospitality or business services can build a pathway that recognises those capabilities. For some students, the ability to select subjects that align closely with their interests is motivating and confidence-building.

The HSC also suits students who prefer a familiar assessment structure, with school-based assessment across Year 12 and final examinations in HSC courses. Students who can manage staged deadlines, prepare carefully for major assessments and perform well in final examinations can flourish in this pathway.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a broad, internationally taught pre-university qualification. Students study six subjects across a prescribed range of learning areas, alongside three core components: Theory of Knowledge (ToK), the Extended Essay and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). This structure encourages breadth, intellectual curiosity, research skill and reflection.

The IB Diploma may suit students who enjoy making connections across subjects and who are comfortable maintaining a balanced academic program. It can be particularly appealing for students who are curious about global issues, enjoy independent inquiry, are strong readers and writers, and are motivated by sustained research and conceptual thinking. The study of a foreign language is a compulsory part of the IB Diploma.

Different pathways for different strengths

Neither pathway is inherently easier. Both require sustained effort, sound study habits and resilience. Success in either program depends less on the label of the credential and more on the match between the student and the learning model.

A Note About School Funding

Yesterday, the Daily Telegraph (news.com.au) published news about schools with declining government funding, one being MLC School. There is no surprise whatsoever in this.

In 2020, MLC School was informed by the federal government that because of the changing demographic of our parents, the funding we receive per student would be decreased over a period from 2022 to 2029. I can assure you that the School has been actively and diligently managing these funding changes for the last five years and will continue to do so until 2029. 

We circulated information to all parents at the time, and since then, we have factored the changes into our yearly budgets and forecasts, as part of ensuring the financial sustainability of the School.

In recent years, our fee rises have been in line with other similar schools and have generally sat around the average for increases. These rises were a consequence of rising cost pressures; salary increases for staff (which account for around 70% of our operating expenses) and considered the changes in government funding.  

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Happy Fathers Day!

Thank you to all those fathers, grandfathers, mothers and father figures who made the early start for breakfast at MLC School this morning. We trust you enjoyed the chance to spend a little time with your daughter and catch up with other significant carers.

We wish all dads and and those who have a fatherly role a very Happy Fathers Day this Sunday 6 September 2026.

Thank you for all the ways you go above and beyond every day for your daughters.

Introducing ‘She Can’

She Can lead. She Can challenge. She Can inspire. She Can change the world.

Our new She Can campaign celebrates the confidence, courage and possibility of MLC School girls. It reflects the way our girls are encouraged to step into challenge, think boldly, ask meaningful questions and trust in their ability to shape their own path.

Grounded in strong academic foundations, rich learning opportunities and a culture that values curiosity, purpose and reflection, She Can speaks to more than achievement alone. It is about the capabilities, experiences and support that help every girl see what is possible, and become the young woman she is ready to be.

As Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd says, ‘The true measure of success for the MLC School girl is that woman that she becomes – capable of anything she sets her mind to.’

Watch the launch video and see the spirit of She Can brought to life.

P&F Forum with Michelle Mitchell Draws Strong Community Interest

Thank you to the MLC School P&F for hosting Wednesday night’s engaging Parent Forum featuring parenting expert Michelle Mitchell. The event attracted a strong audience of parents, carers and students, who gathered to hear Michelle share insights from her Friendship Smart framework, offering practical, research-informed advice to help families support children and teenagers in navigating friendships.

The evening provided valuable strategies and thoughtful discussion around one of the most important aspects of young people’s wellbeing. MLC School is grateful to the P&F for its ongoing commitment to creating opportunities for parents to connect, learn and engage with expert speakers on issues that matter to families.

Resources are available at: https://michellemitchell.org/friendship-smart-hub/

Important Update on Payment Options

Tonga Music Tour 2027 – Parent Information Evening

Thursday 15 October 2026, 6pm
Music Auditorium

For students in Year 7 to Year 11 in 2027

(Week 1, Term 4)

We are excited to invite parents, carers, and students, Year 7 to Year 11 2027, who are interested in the 2027 Music Tour to Tonga.

Topics covered will be:

• Dates **(to be advised) 
• Cost
• Why we are going?
• Activities
• Accommodation details
• Food
• Medical (Vaccines)

** During the September/October 2027 holiday break, which runs from 25 September – 15 October 2027

To help us with forward planning and numbers, please fill out the Expression of Interest form, attached here.

We look forward to seeing you there.

– James Larsen
Head of Strings

Eurospace and STEM Tour 2027 – Limited Places Remaining

Year 12 2027 Book Lists – Order Now

The 2027 Year 12 Book List is now available for online ordering.

Please use the following direct link to the Campion website:
https://campion.com.au/

School Code: H3RD

To ensure timely delivery, we recommend placing orders promptly by Friday 18 September 2026. Please note that while orders can still be placed after this deadline, delivery before the start of Term 4 cannot be guaranteed.

If you have any questions about the Book List, please kindly contact the relevant subject Head of Department.

For any issues with ordering online, please kindly contact Campion directly. Book Lists are also available via Omnia.

Please click on the relevant button below. A ‘how to order’ instruction is also provided below:

Year 12 2027 HSC Book List

Year 12 2027 IB Book List

Campion How To Order Books

Scholarships for Year 7 to Year 11 2028 Now 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.

Chaplains Corner

Fathers Day and the Gift of Grace

MLC School Dance Showcase 2026 | Do You Have Your Tickets?

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Stage 6 NESA Update on HSC Assessments

How do we protect the integrity of assessment while ensuring that assessment continues to support learning?

NESA has recently announced new requirements for take-home Preliminary and HSC assessments. From Term 4 2026 for HSC courses and Term 1 2027 for Preliminary courses, schools will be limited to one take-home assessment task, worth no more than 15% of the school-based assessment component. Some courses with substantial practical components are exempt.

The rationale is clear. Assessment needs to provide credible evidence of what a student knows, understands and can do. With generative AI increasingly capable of producing sophisticated written responses and solving complex problems, there is a genuine risk that students can outsource some of the thinking that assessment is intended to measure.

NESA has also made clear that schools cannot simply rely on AI detection tools to determine whether work is a student’s own.

What does this mean for learning?

While examinations and supervised assessment have an important role in establishing what students can independently do, we also know that learning is a process. Students need opportunities to think, draft, receive feedback, revise, make mistakes and try again.

There is a danger that, in responding to AI, education simply becomes more focused on examinations. We do not believe that more testing automatically produces better learning.

At the same time, students need to develop the capacity to work independently, retrieve knowledge and demonstrate their thinking without external assistance. This is one reason we are already developing exam readiness progressively, with examinations in Year 10 and the introduction of some examinations in Year 9 from 2027. The aim is not to create a culture of constant testing, but to ensure that students develop these capabilities over time.

We are also mindful that a one-size-fits-all approach to assessment does not necessarily serve all learners well. Supporting students with diverse learning needs while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of their work will be an important part of our thinking.

Our work ahead

At MLC School, we will implement the new NESA requirements. More importantly, we will use them as an opportunity to examine our broader approach to assessment.

We will be asking:

• How do we ensure assessment reflects students’ own learning and thinking?
• How do we balance independent demonstration with opportunities to develop learning over time?
• How do we teach students to use AI as a tool without outsourcing the thinking itself?

There are no simple answers to these questions. We will be working through them with our teachers and considering carefully what this means for our students, our assessment practices and, ultimately, the kind of learners we want our students to become.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

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

Congratulations to all teams on their efforts and achievements over the weekend. MLC School saw many teams take the court, field and pitch with pride and came away with some amazing results. It was fantastic to see the commitment, sportsmanship, and determination displayed across all competitions.

As we head into the final round before semi-finals, we wish every team the very best of luck this weekend. Please make sure you check your game times and locations carefully, as there may be variations across venues and times.

MLC School Sports department will be handing out our new MLC School temporary tattoos to our teams who make semi and grand finals! Let’s see how many teams we can get to play next weekend.

Please check with your relevant coordinators for training plans for the term as movements across teams, playing and not playing games will vary.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL OUR SPORTING TEAMS! Go MLC School!

– Francesca Fitzhenry
Assistant Director of Sport

Sport Announcements

MLC School Senior School House Athletics Carnival – Transport 🏃

Get ready for another fantastic day of House Spirit! 💙

Our MLC School Senior School House Athletics Carnival is coming up on Tuesday 8 September 2026 at SOPAC, and we are excited to finish our school sporting carnivals for the year with another great day of competition, participation and House spirit.

We look forward to seeing everyone at SOPAC and celebrating another great day of MLC House Spirit!

Go MLC School! 💙🏃‍♀️

Term 4 Sport Registrations

Term 4 registrations have now closed for IGSA and IPSHA competitive sports. If you have missed out, please reach out to the Sports Department. We might have some vacancies available. Pages will remain open for our non-competition sports and activities, there are still limited places available in several recreational and co-curricular programs, including:

• Diving
• Swimming
• Fencing
• Athletics
• MLC School Park Run / Run Club
• MLC School Fit – Mat Pilates, Yoga and Fitness
• Tennis

Spaces are limited, so login to Omnia to secure your place.  Click here for Activities Selection information

CIS Nominations Open (Cricket)

Nominations are now open for the Girls’ 15 Years and Under CIS Cricket trials.

Students wishing to nominate must be playing metropolitan representative-level cricket and meet the advertised age eligibility requirements.

If you are interested in nominating or would like further information about the selection process and eligibility criteria, please contact the MLC School Sports Department.

Tennis

Registrations are still open for Term 4 co-curricular tennis, private lessons groups and squads remain open.

Current opportunities:

• Monday 3.30pm to 4.15pm – Kindergarten to Year 2 Orange ball hotshots
• Monday 3.30pm to 4.30pm – Year 7 to Year 10 Development squad
• Monday 4.15pm to 5.30pm – Privates
• Wednesday 6.45pm to 8am – Junior Year 3 to Year 6 squad
• Thursday 3.30pm to 4.15pm – Kindergarten to Year 1 Orange ball hotshots
• Thursday from 4.15pm to 5.30pm – Private lessons

If you are interested in any of these sessions or have any questions regarding tennis, please contact Adrian Montgomery by email here: amontgomery@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Sport Achievements

Athletics

It has been an exciting few weeks for MLC School Athletics, with students proudly representing the school at both the IGSA and IPSHA Athletics Carnivals.

At the IGSA Athletics Championships, MLC School finished 12th out of 27 schools, improving our overall score by an impressive 13 points from last year. A highlight of this being watching Chloe Pun (Year 7) break the IGSA 13 Years 100m record! This is an outstanding achievement and a fantastic reflection of the talent and dedication within our athletics program. Go Chloe! We also won eight medals, these aren’t easy to pick up at IGSA, so a huge well done to:

• Edie White (Year 7): 3^rd – 13Yrs 80m Hurdles
• Chloe Pun (Year 7): 2^nd – 13Yrs 200m, 1^st – 13Yrs 100m, 2^nd – 13Yrs Long Jump
• Jemima Pun (Year 7): 1^st – 13Yrs 800m
• Eve Ireland (Year 12): 3^rd – 17Yrs 100m Hurdles, 1^st – 17Yrs Shot Put, 1^st – 17Yrs Javelin

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Our IPSHA athletes have also enjoyed a fantastic few weeks of competition, with students across the Junior School competing in a range of track and field events. It has been wonderful to see our athletes embrace the challenge, support one another, and represent MLC School with pride. We also had some great results at IPSHA with some podiums, so big shoutouts to:

• Calais Durie (Year 6): 2^nd – 11Yrs High Jump
• Amelia Ko (Year 6): 1^st – 8-13Yrs 800m Run Multiclass, 1^st – 8-13Yrs 200m Sprint Multiclass, 2^nd – 8-13Yrs 100m Sprint Multiclass,
• Gem McGuire (Year 5): 1^st – 8-13Yrs 100m Run Multiclass, 2^nd – 8-13Yrs 200m Sprint Multiclass, 1^st – 8-13Yrs Shot Put Multiclass

Congratulations to all our students on their efforts and achievements, and a huge thank you to our coaches, staff and families for their continued support throughout the athletics season.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

We also would love to say a huge congratulations to our athletes who qualified for the IGSA/IPSHA Squads, they will compete at CIS meets in the coming weeks.

• Gem McGuire (Year 5): 100m Sprint, 200m Sprint, Shot Put
• Amelia Ko (Year 5): 100m Sprint, 200m Sprint, 800m Run
• Calais Durie (Year 6): High Jump
• Edie White (Year 7): Hurdles
• Chloe Pun (Year 7): 100m, 200m, Long Jump
• Jemima Pun (Year 7): 800m, 1500m
• Harlow Elsibai (Year 10): High Jump
• Cate Campbell (Year 11): 100m, 200m
• Eadie Scott (Year 11): 1500m
• Eve Ireland (Year 12): 100m Hurdles, Shot Put, Javelin

Gymnastics

It has been a busy term for our L5-7 Artistic Gymnasts with Intermediate State Championships held last weekend for those that qualified with some outstanding placings.

• Level 5
  • Division 2a: Eva Belobrajdic (Year 5) 3^rd Beam, 6^th Bars
  • Division 3a: Charlotte Lim (Year 6) =6^th Bars, =6^th Floor
  • Division 4a: Victoria Wai (Year 7) 2^nd Beam, 4^th Vault, =5^th Bars and 4^th Overall
• Level 6
  • Division 3b: Eloise Dastyari (Year 7) 5^th Beam

Congratulations to Isabella Ritchie (Year 9) who qualified in Level 7 after demonstrating resilience and patience whilst working through multiple injuries and was able to compete this year and Grace Smith (Year 6) who competed in Level 6.

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Golf

Ivy Zhang (Year 10) has been busy on the golf course with another strong result at a tournament last weekend. At the Catalina Tournament she placed 2^nd overall and won her age division by 8 shots!

Snowsports

The National Snowsports Championships are being currently held in Perisher.

Day 1 and 2 has seen our Junior School superstar Elise Shen (Year 4) competing will some fantastic results:

• Alpine Division 5 – 7^th place
• Ski Cross Division 5 – 4^th place
• Moguls Division 5 – 2^nd Place

The last two days of competition will see our Senior Students led by our Snowsports Captain Niamh Johnson competing in Moguls, Snowboard Cross, Slopestyle and Cross Country.

Netball

Congratulations to all our Netball teams across ERNA and IGSA Competitions. Our MLC School Girls have shown amazing improvements and developments across the board and our Sports Staff couldn’t be prouder! Looking ahead to this week’s final rounds for our teams, we wish our netballers best of luck.

Special mention to our ERNA MLC01 players who have finished their season and had a fantastic ride playing in Division 1! Each week, without fail, the girls would never give up and placed a strong 6^th in their Division. Congratulations!

Netball Umpires at MLC School Finding their Stride

Congratulations to our MLC School Netball Students who have taken part and finished our MLC School Netball Umpire Program this week. We are amazed to see the development in confidence and growth in learning a new skill. The Sports Department looks forward to continuing their development and becoming umpires at IGSA in the coming seasons. Congratulations to the following students:

• Alice Boddam-Whetham (Year 8)
• Elisha Brown (Year 11)
• Mikayla Brown (Year 7)
• April Cookson (Year 8)
• Charlotte Sweeney (Year 9)
• Amelia Winnall (Year 9)
• Isla Young (Year 8)

Play of the Week

Our play of the week this week can only go one way: A huge well done to Chloe Pun (Year 7) for breaking an IGSA Athletics record at her first ever IGSA Athletics Carnival. Chloe blitzed the rest of the field, showing no mercy as she cruised across the line in 12.58 seconds. The future of MLC School Athletics is safe in your hands, and we can’t wait to see you compete at CIS, go Chloe!

MLCSACU Update: A Big and Busy Term of Learning, Leadership and Service

It has been a big and busy term for the MLC School Army Cadet Unit, with cadets across all year groups taking part in a wide range of training, leadership development, service opportunities and new elective experiences.

This term, we were delighted to welcome 77 new recruits from Year 8 into the MLCSACU. Our newest cadets have made an excellent start to their Recruit Course, learning about the history and structure of the Australian Army Cadets, as well as developing foundational skills in field survival and fire. They have also begun their early lessons in drill and have been introduced to the standards and expectations for wearing the cadet uniform, ahead of being issued their uniform next term.

Our Cadet Band also continues to grow, with a number of new recruits joining this term. Band members have been learning to play their instruments while also developing the coordination and discipline required to march as part of the band.

Cadets in Year 9, Year 10 and Year 11, who are not currently undertaking a promotion course have participated in a brand-new elective program. This program has been designed to give cadets the opportunity to experience different pathways and specialist areas available within the cadet world. Across the term, cadets have built and driven robots in Robotics, developed practical first aid skills through the Medics elective, and explored Engineering by building and firing slingshots and constructing flag towers.

Other cadets have tested their creativity and communication skills in Media, where they created ‘how-to’ videos, designed merchandise and wrote newsletter articles. In Signals, cadets have learnt about radios and radio communication procedures, while the Q Store elective has given cadets an insight into the importance of equipment management, record keeping, stocktakes and the behind-the-scenes logistics that help the unit run effectively each week.

Our promotion courses have also continued at full pace, with Sergeant and Cadet Under Officer candidates completing their final preparations ahead of their assessment camp next weekend. Sergeant candidates have been honing their drill skills, learning about night locations, activity risk management, camouflage and observation posts. They also completed training in safe food handling, managing dietary requirements and using the BBQs, putting these skills into practice by cooking and serving a sausage sizzle for the unit.

Cadet Under Officer candidates have continued to develop their instructional and leadership skills by preparing and delivering lessons to one another. They have also been planning a Dining-In Night, participating in a hazard identification, risk and mitigation activity involving egg drops from heights, and learning about the use and function of command posts.

Beyond weekly training, cadets have continued to contribute meaningfully to the wider community. This term has included participation in the Sandakan Memorial Service, cadets volunteering to sell Legacy merchandise at Burwood and Strathfield stations, and support at a memorial service at the Kokoda Track Memorial Walkway for Reginald James Chard OAM, Australia’s last surviving Kokoda campaign veteran. We are also proud to have five Year 10 cadets attending the Drone Racing Grade 1 Course this weekend at Holsworthy Army Barracks.

A very big thank you goes to all of the officers and staff who make these opportunities possible each week. As the MLCSACU continues to grow, we are excited to keep building a program that challenges, supports and inspires cadets to lead, serve and contribute with confidence.

– CAPT(AAC) Xavier Maling
Officer Commanding
MLCSACU

Click on image gallery for full size images.