Newsletter | Term 4 Week 1 2024 - 18 October 2024

From the Acting Head of Junior School

Welcome back to Term 4.

It was lovely to see the girls return on Tuesday morning, ready for a term of learning. This is one of my favourite days – the first day of term. The girls are all so vibrant and enthusiastic, with big smiles and lots of hellos. The buzz of them seeing their friends and sharing holiday stories is evident and brings an atmosphere of joy to the school.

Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 Swimming

This week the Kindergarten to Year 2 daily swimming program started. Pre-Kindergarten also had some time in the pool. When I visited the Aquatic Centre the girls were full of smiles and excitement. All were having a go and trying their hardest to use their swimming skills. I’m sure by the end of the two weeks the girls will be ready to show some newly acquired skills at Splash Day.

Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day

Parents, Carers and family are welcome to join Kindergarten to Year 2 for their Splash Day, Friday October 25 from 11.30am. This is an opportunity for the younger girls to show off their new swimming skills as well as get a ‘taste’ for what a swimming carnival. I look forward to seeing many of you there!

Please ensure the Engage permission form is completed.

Staff Spotlight

Justine Shields

Justine Shields is an educator from Ireland experience in international, independent, Catholic, and public schools. Her diverse experience, which includes teaching at an international school in Qatar and schools across Australia, has equipped her with the skills to work with students across all primary grades.

Justine is deeply committed to creating a warm, supportive classroom culture where students feel encouraged to be their authentic selves and pursue their learning with confidence. She believes in fostering an environment where children can explore their individuality while developing the skills and self-assurance needed to succeed. Her dedication to education is reflected in her recent completion of a Master’s thesis focused on the integration of Inquiry-Based Learning and Explicit Direct Instruction, showcasing her commitment to combining innovative and effective teaching methods.

Throughout her career, Justine has been welcomed back to schools due to her strong relationships with students, families, and colleagues. Before joining MLC School, she held positions at Trinity Grammar School Sydney, Westminster School Adelaide, Radford College Canberra and St Peter’s Woodlands Grammar School Adelaide.

Having recently moved to Sydney, Justine is committed to establishing lasting roots in the place she now calls home. In her spare time, she enjoys being active, walking her dog, Benny, seeing new places, and spending time outdoors. Justine’s passion for education is evident in how she always strives to learn more about her role as an educator and the world around her. Her diverse experience and commitment to creating a supportive learning environment make her an inspiring addition to the kindergarten class at MLC School in Term 4.

– Joanne Sharpe
Acting head of Junior School

From the Acting Head of Junior School – Focus on Wellbeing

There is a profound concept from ancient Japanese philosophy that holds profound wisdom about personal growth and reminds us to embrace our unique journey, avoiding the pitfalls of comparison: Oubaitori. Oubaitori is derived from the Japanese concept that blossom trees bloom at their own time and way, is uniquely beautiful and they don’t compete with each other. This concept teaches us that we shouldn’t compare ourselves to others because everyone has their own unique path and timing for growth.

The meaning of oubaitori is that, instead of comparing ourselves to other people, we should be focusing on our own growth, and valuing what makes us special. Everyone is different and should be proud of what makes them unique. Mr Sandral always talks to the girls about doing their personal best at School each day.

“Comparison is the thief of joy” is a famous quote from Theodore Roosevelt. Someone who practices oubaitori will be able to find motivation from looking at their own growth and progress, rather than comparing themselves to others to define success.

So how can we all practice oubaitori in our lives? Here’s some thoughts:

Be kind to yourself. We should be looking positively at how we can improve and grow in the future. We should also be celebrating our accomplishments and successes, as that allows us to grow more confident in ourselves.
Be grateful for what you have. Putting extra effort into being thankful for what we have is a great habit to have. Not only does it help you realize the good in your life, but it can also help stop you comparing yourself to others. It’s also a great way to notice your own personal growth too.
Change the way you use social media. Consuming too much social media can be a quick way to awaken negative feelings and cause you to start making comparing yourself with others. This is too true for our vulnerable young people.
Understand that everyone has their own circumstances. It can be easy to compare yourself to others, but you should always keep in mind that everyone’s journey is different. People like to show off their achievements but rarely talk about the work they put in to get there. What might seem to have come easily to somenone is often the result of hard work.
Take inspiration from other’s successes. Being able to take inspiration from someone else’s achievements and using it to further develop yourself is a really important part of oubaitori. Rather than letting negative comparisons take over, being able to say “If they managed to achieve that, so can I!” is a great skill to have.

This not only leaves you in a more positive mindset, but also opens the door for personal growth. Whether it’s motivation to continue pursuing your own goals, or inspiration to learn something new, you will surely find yourself achieving more than ever before.

Embracing the philosophical concept of oubaitori, ultimately, allows us to develop a more positive mentality, helps us to be happier and opens the door to growth.

– Joanne Sharpe
Acting Head of Junior School

Junior School P&F Nominations Open Soon

Thursday 7 November 2024
8.45am–9.45am
Sutherland Rooms

The Junior School P&F Executive Committee warmly invites you to the Junior School P&F Annual General Meeting (AGM) and our Term 4 meeting, both of which will be held on Thursday 7 November 2024 in the Sutherland Rooms, entry via MLC Senior School Reception.

Nominations are now open for Executive Positions for 2025 and will be elected at the AGM. To nominate for an Executive position please complete the form included by clicking here and returning it to the JS P&F Secretary (email can be found on the form).

In addition, we are looking to fill the position of Year Representative for each year group (Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6) for 2025.

The meeting will be held at the School and online. Please note the slightly earlier start time to allow for the AGM.

Year 6 Parents – Important – Language Selection – Year 7 2025

Earlier this week, Year 6 parents (moving into Year 7 2025) were sent a curious looking email. This contained a link for you to make your daughter’s language selection for 2025. We understand that the email may have seemed impersonal and unclear, and we apologise for any confusion or concern this may have caused.

To clarify, the link provided is indeed legitimate and is intended to help us gather your preferences for your child’s language studies next year. Your input is very important to us, and we want to ensure that every student has the opportunity to study the language of their choice.

Language Selection must be made by Wednesday 23 October 2024.

STEP 1: Click my.edval.education/rpc/login

STEP 2: Enter the web code in the email you receivedone email sent per family) – this code is unique to your daughter.

STEP 3: Select a language your daughter would like to study for Year 7 and Year 8. Whilst the School will endeavour to assign each student to her first choice of language, it is dependent on an assessment of background, demand and staffing combinations, so there is no guarantee. It is therefore essential that you indicate a reserve preference.

STEP 4: Click [Submit].

Languages are an integral part of the curriculum at MLC School and are a mandatory subject for Year 7 to Year 8. The language that is selected in Year 7 will be studied until the end of Year 8 and should your daughter wish to continue with her language studies, she may choose this language as one of her electives in Year 9.

It is important to note that we run a language acquisition program which is designed for students who are new to learning the language or have limited prior experience. Our courses are not intended for those with a cultural and linguistic background in the language.

Students entering Year 7 in 2025 are required to select one of Chinese (Mandarin), French or Japanese. Please be mindful of your family’s cultural and language background in making a selection. Students will not be allowed to study a language where they have a cultural or linguistic background.

Whilst the School will endeavour to assign each student to her first choice of language, it is dependent on an assessment of background, demand and staffing combinations, so there is no guarantee. It is therefore essential that you indicate a second preference.

Please feel free to contact Studies Office by email here should you have any general queries.

– Studies Office

Ryan wins the Australian Psychological Society Award

We are thrilled to announce that one of our Junior School teachers, Ryan Naylor has received the prestigious 2024 APS Altmetrics Award. This award recognises the significant attention, influence, and impact of a journal article, and we couldn’t be prouder of this remarkable achievement.

Last year, Ryan’s teacher’s journal article, titled “Rest Breaks Aid Directed Attention and Learning”, was published in the Educational and Developmental Psychologist. This insightful research, based on their honours work, has garnered considerable recognition in the academic community.

The award-winning article can be accessed here.

In addition to the honor of the award, the article will now be featured in the Australian Journal of Psychology, Australian Psychologist, and Clinical Psychologist. It will be available for free download as open access for the next 12 months, allowing a wider audience to benefit from this valuable research.

For more details about the award, visit APS Altmetrics Award.

Congratulations to Ryan and his co-authors on this outstanding achievement!

– Joanne Sharpe
Acting Head of Junior School

Stay and Play 2024

On the last day of Term 2 the 2024 JSSC held the MLC Junior School annual Stay and Play event. It was a fabulous afternoon with great weather, fun times, yummy food and a joyous atmosphere.

The JSSC are very grateful for the many people who helped us to organise such an event – out class teachers and classmates, Fran O’Brien and Angela Salakas, and all the Year 5 parents who helped at the bake sale, fairy floss and snow cones stall.

The JSSC are very happy with the event’s success and we are now going to ask the Junior School community what they might like to spend the money on. Another exciting task!

– Joanne Sharpe
Acting Head of Junior School

Chess Club Update

Kindergarten to Year 5

Starting Monday 21 October 2024, 12.45pm-1.25pm

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

Please see the attached Chess Club Notice for Term 4 2024.

If you feel there may be a mistake with the booking, please contact the Sydney Academic of Chess by email here or call on (02) 9745 1170.

– Madeline Woods
Junior School Teacher

Voice Festival – Self Nominations Now Open

Tuesday 5 November 2024
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Music Auditorium

Calling all solo and group singers!

This event is a performance opportunity for Year 6 to Year 12 Solo and Group Vocal students.

We kindly ask that all girls who would like to participate, register via the link below:

Click here to register

– Vicky Rodrigues
Music Administrator, Co-Curricular Administrator

Piano Festival – Enrolments now open

Piano Festival is on in Week 4, Friday 8 November, 3.30pm (finishing approximately 4.30pm)

This is a concert providing all students the chance to perform a piece on the piano. The piece should be polished and at a confident level to perform. Students of all levels are invited to participate.

Parents/Grandparents/Carers are invited to make up the audience. This is a free event and no RSVP is needed for audience members.

Enrolment for students to perform is required. Please see the link below.

The concert runs simultaneously in three venues at MLC School depending on the ages and levels of the students. The venues are the Daphne Line Hall (Pre- Kindergarten to Year 3), the MLC School Chapel (approximately Year 3 to Year 6), and Music Centre Auditorium (approximately Year 6 to Year 12). Siblings will be kept in one venue as much as possible. You will be advised of the venue your child will be performing in the days before the Piano Festival, after the enrolments close on Friday 1 November 2024.

Please email me with any questions regarding the event. The children should prepare well for the event so the day is a positive experience.

Please check with your child and child’s piano tutor for confirmation of performance and the piece details etc.

Click here to enrol

– Laura McDonald
Head of Keyboard

Upcoming Events in Term 4 Music

The Music Department is excited to announce a series of upcoming events showcasing the incredible talents of our students.

Please save the following dates. Note that all music activities, including private lessons and ensembles, will continue as usual from Week 1 of Term 4.

2025 MLC School European Music Tour Information Evening
Thursday 31 October 2024
5.30pm – 6.30pm
Music Auditorium

Voice Festival – Tuesday 5 November 2024
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Music Auditorium

Year 6 – 12 Solo and Group Voice performance opportunity

Piano Festival – Friday 8 November 2024
3.30pm – 4.30pm
Daphne Line Hall, Chapel, Music Auditorium

Pre-Kindergarten – Year 12 Solo Piano Performance opportunity

String Soiree – Monday 18 November 2024
5pm – 6pm
Potts Hall

All Junior and Senior School co-curricular String Ensembles

Band Soiree – Tuesday 19 November 2024
4pm – 5.30pm
Potts Hall

All Year 5 – Year 12 Band Students

Year 6 Musical – Evening Performance
Friday 29 November 2024
6pm – 7.30pm
Potts Hall

Year 6 Musical – Matinee Performance – Saturday 30 November 2024
11am – 12.30pm
Potts Hall

– Vicky Rodrigues
Music Administrator

From the Acting Head of Senior School

Welcome back to Term 4. I would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new staff and families. It has been wonderful to see the learning environment and grounds filled with energy this week, looking forward with excitement for the term ahead.

As you may be aware, I will be acting as Head of Senior School for the duration of Joanna Graffen’s leave, we send our thoughts and best wishes to Jo and her family.

Term 3 finished with much celebration and recognition for our Year 12 cohort and The Battle of the Bands was a great way to see out the term. Thank you to all involved.

This week saw the commencement of the HSC examinations for some of our Year 12 cohort. IB examinations will also commence in Week 2 (starting Monday 21 October 2024).

This is a pivotal period for our students, marking the culmination of many years of their diligent efforts and unwavering dedication. We extend our best wishes to them during this time and, as always, encourage them to take advantage of the academic and wellbeing supports available. Our heartfelt thanks go to our teachers and parents for their continuous support, which is invaluable to our students during this crucial phase.

This week, we also welcomed our new Student Leadership team into their roles. Our Captains led the School assembly, and we eagerly anticipate the Leadership Team developing their plans and witnessing their fruition in shaping the culture and future direction of our School.

As always, there is much activity in our broader school life in Term 4. We look forward to hosting the Festival of Speech at the end of Week 2 (Friday 25 October 2024 – Saturday 26 October 2024).

Our Year 10 students will be embarking on their immersions to New Zealand or the Urban Challenge, while Year 11 will participate in their retreat, leadership induction, and training days to prepare for the year ahead.

Staff Updates

For Term 4 2024 we are pleased to welcome back the following staff members who are returning from leave:

Polly Meadows – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE).
With Polly’s return, Rau Fu leaves us, moving on to new challenges. We thank Rau for her commitment to our students and School.
Jane Timor – Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)
Helen Kondos – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

Please join me in welcoming new staff members:

Anita Modok – Visual Arts/ Photography Digital Media
Samantha Kelsongray – Music, will also be joining us temporarily while Conor O’Rielly is on leave.
Xujie Wang – Mathematics, replacing Monica Lee whilst on leave.

– Andrew Taylor
Acting Head of Senior School

From the Head of PDHPE – Welcome to Term 4

As we begin Term 4, I’d like to extend a warm welcome to all our students and families. We hope students had a restful break and are ready for the exciting term ahead. A reminder that students require their PE uniform and appropriate sneakers for their weekly practical lessons. As you know, this subject is about far more than just physical fitness. It teaches responsibility, resilience, and respect and preparedness for lessons allows for maximum engagement. With the warmer weather now upon us, it’s essential that students bring a hat and a water bottle to every class. Should you have any questions throughout the term, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the class teacher.

– Sarah Papachristoforou
Head of Department – PDHPE

Year 7

A very big welcome back to all of Year 7 and their families. I trust you were able to enjoy a break over the past three weeks. It has been wonderful to hear from students about their experiences travelling, relaxing and spending time with friends.

With this being the final term of the year, it is one where we will ask students to spend time reflecting on how they have grown in 2024. Whilst academic reflection is important, students will also be asked to consider how they have grown as young women this year, both personally and socially. Using these reflections, we will also spend time on making clear plans for how we hope to develop and grow across Year 8. Part of this will be to use the relationships we are strengthening with students in the senior years; the Peer Support Leaders, Big Sisters as well as students from each House community.

Term 4 will include a series of special events and celebrations which I hope to see as many Year 7 students involved in as possible. These include MLC School Idol, Speech Night, IGSA Gymnastics, IGSA Festival of Speech, co-curricular stalls and many more.

This week we commenced the term with a special Year 7 Chapel service run by Rev Vinnie and featuring guest speaker Howard Clarke. His presentation was in introducing Uniting World to the students and he shared his insights about the importance of kindness and service. Thank you to Grace Guo (Year 7), Audrey Buck (Year 7) and Michaela Kwaan (Year 7) for volunteering to assist during the service.

A reminder regarding Summer Uniform, during the warmer terms students are not to wear their school jumper as the external garment as they arrive each morning and when they depart each afternoon. The blazer if the outer garment for travel at all times. I would like to ask for your assistance to ensure your daughters who wish to wear their jumpers are wearing their blazer as the external garment in the mornings as they leave home.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or your daughter’s Luminary teacher if you have any queries, concerns or simply wish to touch base about her academic, social and emotional wellbeing.

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 7

Year 8

Welcome back to Term 4. I trust that you all enjoyed a relaxing and restful break over the past three weeks. We are looking ahead to another busy term, where there are many opportunities for your daughter to become involved in the programs and activities that MLC School has to offer.

I encourage you to sit with your daughter and look ahead at the Term 4 assessment schedule as there are a number of assessments in the first few weeks that will require planning, time management and revision. This document has been made available to all students through their Luminary Canvas page and is also available on the Omnia portal.

As we start a new term, please also ensure you are familiar with the Parent Information Handbook, particularly the school policies and procedures regarding ICT use, mobile phones, uniform, leave and attendance. In Term 4, students should be wearing the summer uniform:

Dress: Pale blue dress. When standing, dress length should rest at the knee.
Socks: Navy (short).
Shoes: Flat heeled, black, lace-up leather shoes, no contrast stitching.
Backpack: School backpack only.
Travel to and from School: Blazer not jumper if needed

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me or your daughter’s Luminary if you have any queries, concerns or simply wish to touch base about her academic, social and emotional wellbeing.

Important dates coming up for Year 8 this term include:

IGSA Festival of Speech: Friday 25 October and Saturday 26 October 2024 (Week 2)
Cadet Home Training: Held fortnightly on a Friday 2024
Middle Years Production: Wednesday 13 November – Friday 15 November 2024 (Week 5)
MLC School Idol: Friday 22 November 2024 (Week 6)
Speech Night: Thursday 5 December 2024 (Week 8)

– Emily Marsh
Acting Head of Year 8

Year 9

Welcome to Term 4! Last term of the junior uniform, and my last term as this lovely cohort’s Head of Year! It has been really great to see the students back after a good break, and hearing about all the fun things they were up to in the holidays. Just a few announcements from me this week:

Some students have reached out regarding the process to change an elective. I have run them through this process in our Year Meeting today, so if this is something your child has raised with you, please speak to them over the weekend about the process, and what can or can’t happen. It’s not always a given that students can change electives due the various lines and existing class sizes. Students have been told about this.

Families should soon start making bookings to have their child fitted for the Senior Uniform which the students will wear from Day 1 of Term 1 2025, starting Tuesday 28 January 2024. I would like to remind you all of the Uniform Code, outlined in the Parent Handbook and Student Diary. “When standing, the skirt length should rest at the knee. Shortened skirts are not acceptable and students may be sent to the Uniform Shop to buy a new skirt with the payment being charged to the parents’/carers’ account.” Please remind your child of this, even when they tell you that everyone else has short skirts. There are consequences, even if they don’t always see them in action.

Congratulations to all the students who have nominated themselves for a 2025 SRC position. As always, this year group so wonderfully put themselves forward for new challenges. I wish you all luck, and know that whomever is elected from this group, will do a stellar job. If you don’t get selected this time, keep your chin up and put your hand up again for more new things!

MLC School is hosting the IGSA Festival of Speech next week (Friday 25 October and Saturday 26 October 2024). There will be over 300 students from 32 independent schools attending and performing. We are seeking volunteers to help on Saturday 26 October and have two shifts available; 8am – 12.30pm or 12.30pm – 5pm. Duties may include helping participants sign in (welcome desk), directing and taking people around the campus to various spaces, running a cloak room, being a timer in the events or door security for when performances are on. I have already had some wonderful Year 9 students sign up to assist and hope to have most of the volunteer spots filled with Year 9. Year 9 students were emailed a form which they could complete to sign up!

Finally, I’d like to welcome Chris Highman and Polly Meadows to the Year 9 Luminary Team this term. Chris (chighman@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au) is the Head of Mooramoora House and will be working with Priscilla Quintana on the Mooramoora Year 9 group. Polly (pmeadows@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au) have returned from parental leave and will be taking over the Year 9 Booralee Luminary group.

I hope you have a lovely weekend, and please contact your child’s Luminary or me if you need any assistance.

– Claire White
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Year 10 has had a great start to the term, and it was wonderful to see them all back with such enthusiasm to see their peers again. We have a quick and exciting term ahead particularly due to the Immersion experiences during Week 5, starting Monday 11 November 2024.

During Luminary time this term, we will be focusing on our School Value of Growth and the Chaplaincy theme of Servant Leadership. These themes will be complemented by exploring gratitude and kindness. This week our Luminary Representatives have been leading sessions on Growth and both individual and Luminary group goals. We are seeing great initiatives from our Luminary Representatives which is contributing to a more positive experience of connection within the groups. The photo this week is of Booralee in action during Luminary being led by Jemima Hardy (Year 10) and Zoe Pollard (Year 10).

On Monday 21 October 2024, we have both a student information session for the Immersion experiences for New Zealand and the Sydney Urban Challenge during 3b and a follow-up parent-teacher interview session and information evening that day. Another important date on your calendar should be to ensure that all medications must be handed into the MLC School Health Centre with the medical administration form in a clearly labelled zip lock bag by Tuesday 22 October. This is to ensure we can check and pack all medication required by the students on the trip. The accompanying teacher will carry medications and students must not carry any other medications during the trip.

All S8 and S4 medication must be in a Webster pack prepared by the pharmacy with an accompanying letter from the prescribing doctor. 
Students with Epipens and asthma inhalers must always carry their own with them.

Please see the generic emails that you have received for both New Zealand and Sydney below:

Year 10 Sydney Urban Challenge

Year 10 New Zealand Trip 2024

While we have spent a lot of time trying to meet every accommodation for Immersion groups, there will no doubt be some disappointment through friendship shifts, the complication of selecting friends that may not have chosen you and ensuring fairness to all. One of the goals of immersion is to get outside your comfort zone, particularly getting to know other people. The students have two more years to work alongside each other and need to strengthen their connections across the year group. I have every faith that they will be able to achieve this.

Please reach out if you are concerned about your daughter at all. I can be contacted via email arenwick@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or my direct line 8741 3278.

Dates for diary:

Monday 21 October 2024 – Immersion information evening
Tuesday 22 October 2024 – Medication to School Nurse
Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October 2024 – Festival of Speech
Saturday 9 November 2024 – New Zealand Immersion begins
Monday 11 November 2024 – Sydney Immersion begins
Tuesday 12 November 2024 – Sydney Immersion overnight experience with Urban Challenge begins

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 10

Year 11

Welcome back to Term 4. Year 11 have been settling into the routine after three weeks away and making goals for the term. The luminary team work with each student to set SMART goals – goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely. Students are encouraged to include goals that support their wellbeing, such as good diet, sleep hygiene and social connections. Many students aim for academic goals first and while they are very important in senior school, the wellbeing goals work to support a student’s physical and mental health too.

The 2025 Captains hosted their first assembly on Wednesday. Marirose Giann (Year 11), Evie Papamanuel (Year 11) and Lefki Papadopoulos (Year 11) did a great job in leading the assembly on Wednesday. They introduced themselves to the whole school by ‘interviewing’ each other, which was very well received. The other portfolio captains then made announcements and everyone presented themselves with great confidence.

Year 11 are getting excited about the Leadership Retreat in Week 4, starting Monday 4 November 2025. Please remember to check Omnia for packing lists, and complete the medical and consent forms. Please address all questions on the retreat to Xavier Maling on xmaling@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au and myself on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Some of the cohort participated in exciting immersions over the holiday break – the History Tour to Germany and Italy and the Round Square Conference in the US and Colombia. As a member of the team on the History Tour, we were so impressed with the level of commitment to all the activities in a very busy schedule over 14 days. One of the more challenging parts of the trip was a visit to Dachau Concentration Camp near Munich, as part of their study on interwar dictatorships and Nazi Germany. The Year 11s were engrossed in the stories and were so respectful of the space and the guides who lead us around. I could not have been prouder of them as their Head of Year at that time.

The reports from Colombia were also positive and we look forward to hearing from those students next week.

If you have any academic concerns on your daughter’s progress, please contact the class teacher. Your daughter’s luminary is the first port of call for wellbeing issues. I am available Monday to Friday on 02 8741 9736 and sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au to discuss any concerns you have about your daughter’s pastoral care and wellbeing.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 11

History Tour 2024 – Germany and Italy

During the September/October school holidays 34 students and five teachers travelled to Germany and Italy for the History Tour.

During our time in Germany, we visited Munich, Nuremberg, and Berlin (as well as taking a day trip to Salzburg in Austria) with the focus of gaining an insight into the rise and reality of national socialism before and during WWII. We were guided around key locations, such as the Nazi Rally Grounds, Courtroom 600, and the Documentation Centre in Obersalzberg, where Hitler’s infamous Berchtesgaden retreat is located.

Visiting the Dachau Concentration camp was a particularly profound and confronting experience. Being present in a location where such devastating atrocities were committed, and hearing about the experiences of those taken to these camps, is something that we will never forget.

In Berlin, we shifted focus to the city’s influential geographical and political position in the Cold War. We visited significant sights such as the Reichstag Dome, Soviet Memorial, Berlin Wall, and Brandenburg Gate, along with the DDR Museum and Topography of Terror, to solidify our understanding of Germany’s role in the Cold War. We can also confirm that we ate many pretzels, crepes, and Haribo lollies along the way!

Following this we headed to Italy, landing in Naples. When we arrived the groups headed to eat some of the best pizza in the world before visiting the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. Here, we explored collections of everyday objects and artworks, which allowed us to see what daily life was like in Ancient Rome. This was followed by a bus to Sorrento, and we all enjoyed the beautiful scenery on the way.

The next day we went to Pompeii, where we learnt about the various city houses, lifestyles, and the evacuation attempts during the eruption. This was followed by a pizza-making class where we all learnt how to create the perfect pizza dough!

The following day we headed to Herculaneum, comparing the ancient town to its neighbour Pompeii. From here we drove to Rome where a tour guide led us through the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and Palatine Hill, providing fascinating details about the gladiators and daily life in Ancient Rome. We also visited iconic sites like the Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, and the Pantheon. On our final day, we explored St Peter’s Basilica and toured around Mussolini’s fascist buildings before departing back to Sydney.

We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to travel overseas and be immersed in culture and history.

– Amelia Armstrong and Amelia McNamara (Year 11)

From the Principal

Welcome back to what promises to be another very busy and exciting term.

While many people were able to take a break over the holidays, it was not the case for everyone. Working very hard over the break were the many staff and Year 12 students who were onsite for study workshops and small group assistance and writing or marking practice papers in preparation for the HSC and IB final exams. The HSC students began their exams this week and the IB exams begin next week. We wish them all the very best.

As I reported at the end of last term, we had many study and enrichment tours underway during the break. Non-term time also provides the opportunity for those working behind the scenes to undertake major works. For example, the Year 12 common room was renovated, ready for the class of 2025; and the arrival of spring has provided an opportunity for us to upgrade many of the lawn areas and gardens.

One of the most significant improvements has been the conversion of our Senior School gates from manual to automatic operation. This safety improvement enables instant, school wide securing of our premises in the event of an emergency and ensures that on a day-to-day basis, the premises are secure after hours:

Gate 1 (the front gate on Rowley Street) will open automatically Monday to Friday (school days only) from 6am and close automatically Monday to Friday (school days only) at 6pm.
Gate 15 (Park Rd entrance to Senior School) will open automatically Monday to Friday (school days only) from 6am and close automatically Monday to Friday (school days only) at 4pm.

The times will be adjusted when there are scheduled school events. However, if you are exiting from within the school grounds and the gates are closed, you will be able to open the gate by pressing the large green push button.

Junior School arrangements have not changed.

Congratulations to Junior School staff member Ryan Naylor – Australian Psychological Society Award.

Last year, an article based on Ryan’s Honors research “Rest breaks aid directed attention and learning” was published in the Educational and Developmental Psychologist

We have just been advised that he and his co-authors and have won the 2024 APS Altmetrics Award, which recognises indicators of a journal article’s success such as the attention, influence and impact and that the journal article will now also be published on the Australian Journal of Psychology, Australian Psychologist and Clinical Psychologist and will be available to download for free, as open access, for 12 months.

This is a remarkable achievement, and I am sure that findings of Ryan’s research will be immediately applied to classrooms around the world, as well as those at MLC School. Congratulations, Ryan.

An invitation to attend the IGSA Festival of Speech

The IGSA (Independent Girls’ Schools Association) Festival of Speech is hosted annually by one of the member schools and this year it is MLC School’s honour to do so. The Festival is open to girls from Year 7 to Year 11 and offers an important focal point for skill development, personal expression, teamwork, and friendship.

Students from independent girls’ schools across NSW and the ACT will compete in a wide range of oratory events including drama, debating, poetry, prose readings, current affairs, and religious and ethical questions.

The Festival will be held from 3.30pm to 8.30pm on Friday October 25 2024 and 8am to 5pm on Saturday October 26 2024 in the Senior School. I do hope that you can join us.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

HSC Showcase Nominations

Congratulations to all our students who have been nominated for inclusion in the HSC Showcase events. These performances and exhibitions showcase exemplary work from across the state celebrating student achievement by reflecting on the creativity and innovation of HSC students. To receive a nomination is acknowledgement of the outstanding work completed for their externally examined projects and performances. We are delighted to announce nominations for the following students.

CALLBACK

CALLBACK: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Dance students in NSW including core performance and composition.

Calista-Grace Savva (Year 12) – Callback (Dance) Nomination – Core Composition
Madison Snowden (Year 12) – Callback (Dance) Nomination – Core Composition

ENCORE

ENCORE: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Music students in NSW including performance and musicology.

Ella-Rose Mayne (Year 12) – ENCORE Performance

OnSTAGE

OnSTAGE: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Drama students in NSW including individual and group performance, and individual projects.

Lucy Dickson (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Ivana Dolenac (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Amelia Glastonbury (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Amelia Glastonbury (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
Sasha Kovarik (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Sienna Marriott (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
Kate Morfoot (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Amelia Norton (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
Amelia Comley (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
Isabella Bednaic (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination

SHAPE

SHAPE: a selection of outstanding major projects by HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students in NSW.

Ivana Dolenac (Year 12) – SHAPE Design and Technology Nomination
Megan Ebel (Year 12) – SHAPE Textiles and Design Nomination

Please note: Nominations for Visual Arts, Drama: Individual Projects (excluding Performance) and Music: Musicology and Composition are expected mid-November.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Important Omnia Update

IMPORTANT: Engage Emails Have Now Been Turned Off – Please Check Omnia

The emails sent via the Engage system to let you know that you have a notice to check, have now been turned off.

It is now crucial to check Omnia regularly to stay informed and ensure you don’t miss any important information or calls to action, such as excursion permissions.

Many parent emails have now ceased and you will find your information in Omnia and through the MLC School app notices.

It is essential for parents to download the MLC School app

Omnia and the MLC School app work together to streamline communication, reducing the number of channels parents need to check for important information about their daughters and school events.

Summary To Do

✅ Ensure you have downloaded the MLC School app

✅ Don’t know your login or password? Contact IT Service Desk

✅ Log in to Omnia: https://omnia.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

✅ Bookmark this link for future reference

✅ On the side menu – click Take a Tour to become familiar with all the aspects of Omnia.

✅ Go to your My Profile page and check your address details – click Edit to make any changes.

✅ Go to your My Profile page and subscribe to all the tags so you can filter new items to those that are relevant. You can always change these at any time.

✅ Review your daughter/s medical information and ensure it is correct and always up to date – click View/Edit to see more.

📱 💻 Get into the habit of checking Omnia every day or so.

Once you have downloaded the MLC School app, you will be receive notifications in real time, to important events such as Parent/Teacher interviews.

Please click here for full instructions on how to download the MLC School app.

Please click here for instructions on how to find your way around Omnia.

– Michele Dunn
Head of Marketing and Community Relations

From the Deputy Principal – Are our Medical Records Up to Date for your Daughter?

As we continue to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our students, we kindly request your immediate attention to an important matter. It is crucial that we have the most up-to-date medical information for each student to ensure their safety and proper care while at school.

We ask all families to login to Omnia and review your daughter’s full medical details. Please take a moment to verify the information and make any necessary updates. Specifically, we need to know if there have been any changes to your daughter’s health status, including new medications or treatments about which our Health Centre should be aware.

Your prompt action on this matter is essential. Accurate medical information allows us to provide the best possible care and respond effectively in case of emergencies.

To update your daughter’s medical details, please follow these steps:

Log in to the Omnia Parent Portal, use the link here to navigate to > My Student > Key Information > Medical Information.
Click Review/Edit to see the information and make any updates as needed.

If you encounter any issues or have questions, please do not hesitate to contact our Health Centre for assistance. For technical problems please contact IT Service

Thank you for your cooperation and continued support in ensuring the wellbeing of our students.

– Melissa Boyd
Deputy Principal

Information Technology – Important Updates to Note

Information technology details for MLC School were updated in Term 3 2024. These details have been updated for parental access but we acknowledge that the 2024 Parent Handbook currently available will contain outdated information. (The Parent Handbook is updated periodically and is currently being updated for 2025).

The main change relates to current Year 3 families, who are moving to Year 4 in 2025. The email from Head of Junior School, advising current Year 3 families about the changes can be viewed by using the link here.

For all other year groups, please check the changes to Information Technology details. These can be found in two places:

Omnia parent portal

Junior School
Go to School Information > Junior School > Information Technology and click through the drop down tabs.
Click here for the link

Senior School
Go to School Information > Senior School > Information Technology and click through the drop down tabs.
Click here for the link

MLC School website
Click here for the link

Year 6 Dinner – Tickets out now

Year 6 2024 Dinner

Tuesday 12 November 2024
6pm–9pm
The Daphne Line Hall

MLC School warmly invites the Year 6 Class of 2024 and their parents/carers to attend the Year 6 Dinner on Tuesday 12 November 2024 in The Daphne Line Hall.

The event is for Year 6 students and their parents and carers only. Due to limited capacity in the room and to ensure everyone’s safety, we are unable to include siblings or extra family members at the event.

Tickets are $70 per child and $99 per adult
Dinner will be a shared table banquet
Round tables seat 12 guests

On the night we ask guests to sit at their booked table to assist with the service of special dietary requirement meals

*Students must sit with their parents or carers.
*Alcohol will not be served at this event.

Book Tickets Here

Rowing Parent Support Group Trivia Night

The Rowing Parent Support Group (RPSG) is hosting a Trivia Night Fundraiser on Saturday 9 November 2024 at Balmain Rowing Club White Street, Balmain.

$150 per ticket (trivia, food and alcohol included)
This is an adults only event

Date: Saturday 9 November 2024 6.30pm – 10pm

Location: Balmain Rowing Club White Street, Balmain NSW 2041

Click here to book

Relive the magic of the Sydney Town Hall Concert 2024 Music the Food of Love

We are excited to announce that the videos of MLC School’s Town Hall Concert “Music: The Food of Love”, are now available for viewing. This spectacular event showcased the incredible musical talents of our students and is now accessible to everyone.

To watch the videos, please use the link below or scan the QR code provided. Note that the videos are password protected for your security.

Click here to view videos

Password: MUSIC2024

Scan the QR code:

Enjoy the performances and celebrate the musical achievements of our students!

Year 9 and Pre-K Students Uniform Fitting

The uniform shop would like to invite all current Year 9 students to come in for their senior uniform fitting appointment, and Pre-Kindergarten students for their Kindergarten uniform fitting appointment in October and November. January appointments are fully booked.

Click there to book

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Arnhem Land Immersion 2024

RRAMBAŊGI ŊILIMURRU MARŊGITHIRRI (Together we learn)

Over the break I had the very great privilege of once again travelling to Northeast Arnhem Land as part of our Indigenous immersive learning program. This year we inaugurated a collaboration with three other schools as we deepened the cross-cultural learning. MLC School students and staff joined with staff and students from Redlands School, Melbourne Girls Grammar and Camberwell Girls Grammar on a week long journey to learn about Yolngu culture. We were privileged this year to also be joined by Murrundindi Head man of the Wurundjeri Clan of Melbourne, who was the honored guest of Yolngu elder and Culture College Director Djapirri Mununggirritj. The experience of being welcomed not only onto country but onto the homelands of families is one that has left its mark on us all. We found ourselves embraced by the warmth and kindness of a community who willingly shared with us their culture, the oldest living continuous culture on the planet. It was in many ways a humbling experience as we discovered just how much we don’t know about our country, it’s traditional owners and our shared history.

Our immersion commenced with a welcome to country and a healing workshop with Elders at Gulkula. This was the moment where our girls truly leaned into why they were here and opened themselves up to the experience. During our time with the community, we visited the Yirrkala Art Centre where we were introduced to Dhuwa and Yirritja the two moiety that maintain balance, harmony, and good health for all of creation. We journeyed to Macassan Beach to learn the history of this community’s connection with the Makassan traders of Sulawesi, a part of our history as a nation that is not taught as part of mainstream curriculum.

The next four days were spent on the Bukudal homeland. Four hours over red dirt roads in 4WDs to emerge at the most pristine of beaches. Sadly, swimming was off the agenda due to the presence of the local wildlife but plenty of fun was to be had kicking the football, sitting around the campfire, playing games with Bella, Justin and Harry, reading books and playing cards and spending time with the family.

We were welcomed by the family in a traditional smoking ceremony before settling into our home for the next few days. Mornings were spent in our classroom learning Yolngu Matha, the language spoken by the people and developing our understanding of Yolngu kinship. Afternoons were an opportunity to take part in painting and jewellery making workshops and spend time with the family. Our sincere thanks to Brayawah, Lurlapungi, Charmaine, Marcia and Owie for all they taught us.

Our Culture College mentors, Alana, Jess, Ethan and KZ were part of what made this experience so special in the way they interacted with the girls and helped them navigate their introduction to Yolngu culture, all the while keeping us safe and managing the logistics of caring for over 30 people in a remote location. They were a joy to work with.

The consensus from the group was this was food was the best camp food ever and for this we must thank the wonderful Bron. Always in the kitchen with a smile on her face and making sure not only was there breakfast, lunch and dinner but ongoing snacks throughout the day. Chocolate pudding done in camp ovens on the open fire was a particular highlight.

Our time at Bukudal ended with a Bungal, were we got to take part in traditional dances around the campfire and learn the about the Morning Star as this is where Bukudal takes its name. As part of the this the students combined to ‘give back’ to the family to show their appreciation of their time on country. This was in the form of a song that they wrote as a group and set to the music of a familiar song. As their teachers we were incredibly proud as we watched the students from the three schools work together to write, rehearse and perform this while we observed from the sidelines.

Before leaving Bukudal were gifted a Yidaki that has been hand painted by members of the family. This will be presented to Ms Moloney as we share our experiences with the rest of the school at assembly.

Our experience concluded with reflection around the campfire at Gulkula. A fitting place to reflect on our week. At the request of Djapirri the song was reprised, this time accompanied by Murrundindi on the Larakitj (didgeridoo), a truly memorable experience for all. As with any group the special moments and deep learnings vary from person to person. For some it was the time to truly disconnect and find a space where it was ok to not be busy, for others it was the chance to connect to culture. I consider it a privilege to continue to be welcomed on country where culture is so still strong.

Our trip was made possible by the incredible team at Culture College Arnhem Land Aboriginal Corporation, a not-for-profit indigenous corporation and charity. Their vision is to weave Yolŋu and Näpaki (non-Indigenous) together to create balance and instigate change in the story of education. We hope this is just the start of an enduring partnership with them.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

“The essence of contact with Country is missing from education – Culture College allows Yolŋu to learn knowledge while working and walking country, then looking out to Balanda who will be learning from us…Yolŋu the wind in the sails behind Balanda the vessel going back home from this learning experience.”

– Marcus Mungul Lacey – Culture College Director

Information about the 2025 Arnhem Land Immersion will be available in the coming weeks.

Click on gallery to view full images

After School Study Support – Year 10 to Year 12

Week commencing Monday 15 October 2024 to Thursday 24 October 2024 – After School Study Session Nomination Form

The program aims to provide students with a quiet focused environment in which they can maximise their study time with assistance on hand when required. The sessions are run by our team of highly supportive mentors, most of whom are pre-service teachers. They have subject matter expertise across a range of disciplines including English, Mathematics, the Sciences, History, Legal Studies, Economics, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) and Drama.

Led by Ela Huber, our Program Coordinator, each session commences with girls doing a goal setting exercise so that there are clear outcomes for the session. The study sessions are a phone free zone meaning students are required to hand in their phones at the start of each session. In addition to subject specific support our mentors can provide additional support in setting up study plans, examination preparation techniques and completion of assessments. Please note our mentors will provide verbal feedback on drafts only.

Program Overview

The sessions run from 3.30pm to 6pm Monday to Thursday on level 3 of the Senior Centre.
It is expected that students will attend for the entirety of the session. If in exceptional circumstances your daughter needs to leave early this should be prearranged with the program coordinator.
The sessions are phone free, and your daughter will be expected to hand in her phone at the beginning of the session.
Each session will commence with a short goal setting exercise so there is a clear plan of what they wish to achieve in the time.
If your daughter has been registered for a session and does not attend, you will receive an email informing you of their non-attendance. You will still be charged for the session.
Parents will be able to register their daughter two weeks in advance via a link on the parent portal and the weekly newsletter.
The cost per session is $25. Charges will be added to your daughter’s account at the end of the term.

If you would like your daughter to attend, please register her through the link provided below. You can also register on Omnia by going to School Information/Senior School/After School Study.

If you have any questions, please contact our program coordinator by email here.

Week commencing Monday 15 October 2024 to Thursday 24 October 2024 – After School Study Session Nomination Form

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Amazing Water Polo News – Zoe Wins Gold

Congratulations to Zoe Pollard (Year 10) on her recent water polo success. Zoe was a member of the 15&U women’s NSW water polo team, that won GOLD at the Water Polo Australia National State Championships on the Gold Coast on the weekend.

After 8 winning games the NSW team faced Queensland in the final winning 9-8.

Zoe and the NSW team are Australia and New Zealand National champions!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Outstanding Swimming Achievement

Congratulations Maddie Chantler (Year 10), who is a member of our Emerging Athlete Program achieving her goals. Maddie qualified for Age Nationals during the holidays in the 50m Butterfly. Well done Maddie.

Athletics News – Elysse wins Silver

Congratulations to Elysse Diep (Year 10) on her excellent athletics results.

At the recent CIS Championships, Elysse won the silver medal in the 200m.

At the NSW All Schools Championships she placed 6th in 100m finals and 9th in 200m finals. Well done, Elysse! Elysse is a member of our Emerging Athlete Program, and we look forward to working with her again in the coming year.

Excellent Rhythmic Gymnastics Results

Over the holidays, Senior Competitive Rhythmic Gymnasts from around the country attended the National Clubs Carnival in QLD which is a pinnacle national event for these levels.

The MLC School students that are part of the MLC School Community Gymnastics Club had some outstanding results. The key and overall placings were:

Kristy Che (Year 6) – 1^st Clubs, 3^rd Overall
Queeny Guan (Year 6) – 4^th Freehand, 18^th Overall
Dimity Bombotas (Year 7) – 44^th Overall
Level 5 Team (Kristy, Queeny, Dimity) – 2^nd Overall
Cat 2 Hoop Group (Kristy, Queeny, Dimity) – 6^th Overall
Lam Nguyen (Year 9) – 18^th Overall

In addition Ivy Xu (Year 7) also attended the event as part of another club and finished with some excellent results of her own:

Level 7 Junior – 4^th Overall
Cat 4 Freehand Group, Cat 4 Ribbon Trio, Cat 4 Ball Quad, Cat 3 Rope Quad – 1^st Overall
Cat 3 Freehand Group – 2^nd Overall

– Naomi Bruce
Gymnastics Program Manager

Elena’s Great Fencing Achievement

Congratulations to Elena Sun (Year 10) who recently competed at the Australian National Open Aged Fencing Championship in Perth and finished in second place. Elena is a member of our Emerging Athlete Program, and we are so proud of her and this wonderful achievement.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Great Tennis Results

Another member of our Emerging Athlete program has achieved a great result these holidays. Well done to Yasmine Allam (Year 7) on her tennis results. Yasmine played in the Nepean tournament and progressed to the finals for the girls under 14s. She was the runner up, losing to the number 1 seed. Yasmine played a great match. Well done, Yasmine!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Important Sport Notices

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

REMEMBER!

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

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES FOR SPORT

Absences from Sport

What to Do When You Are Not Able to Make Training or a Game

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

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

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

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

Pockets are only awarded to students who have met all requirements of training and games.

Wet Weather

What do I do if it is Wet Weather?

While on most occasions we would not cancel training for wet weather, cancellations may occur if rain is too heavy to train in or weather conditions deem it unsafe. Additionally, we may be required to cancel training when we cannot accommodate students safely in an indoor space.

FOR MORNING TRAINING

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

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook Page, and a notification on the MLC School app.

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

FOR AFTER SCHOOL TRAINING

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

Wet weather cancellations will be posted on the MLC School Sport Facebook Page and the MLC School app.

ON SATURDAYS

If you are playing an IPSHA Sport, please download the IPSHA App – this can be downloaded from the App store and has information for parents. It is also used to send push notifications for Girls Saturday Sport weather updates and for marshalling calls at Major Carnivals.

IPSHA normally make a decision about wet weather by 7am.

If you are playing an IGSA Sport, go to the following link https://igsasport.spawtz.com/

The IGSA website will let you know if your venue is closed or open.

When possible, we will also post the cancellations on our Sport Facebook Page and the MLC School app.

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

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Weekend Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday 19 October 2024

BADMINTON – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Tara 3	Tara Gym	8am
MLC02	Tara 4	Tara Gym	8am
MLC03	Tara 7	Tara Gym	9.15am
MLC04	Tara 10	Tara Gym	10.30am
MLC05	Danebank 11	Danebank	9.15am
MLC06	Santa Sabina	Tara Gym	9.15am
MLC07	Danebank 13	Badminton Worx	10.30am
MLC08	Danebank	Danebank	10.30am

IGSA TENNIS – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Ascham	MLC School	7.30am
MLC02	Kambala	Longueville Tennis Club	7.30am
MLC03	Ascham	Cooper Park	7.30am
MLC04	Wenona	MLC School	9.55am
MLC05	Kambala	Longueville Tennis Club	9.45am
MLC06	Santa Sabina	Santa Sabina	9.55am
MLC07	Loreto Kirribilli	Zone Tennis Centre	9.55am
MLC08	SCEGGS	Camperdown Tennis Centre	9.55am
MLC09	Roseville	Forestville Park	9.55am
MLC10	Ascham	Cooper Park	9.55am
MLC11	Loreto Normanhurst	Mills Park	7.45am
MLC12	Loreto Kirribilli	Lane Cove Tennis Club	7.45am
MLC13	Monte	Wakehurst Tennis Centre	7.45am

IPSHA BASKETBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Kincoppal 1	Centennial Parklands 6	8am
MLC02	Meriden 8	Meriden	9am
MLC03	Ascham	Centennial Parklands 9	8am
MLC04	Meriden	Meriden	11am
MLC05	Tara	Tara	11am

IPSHA TENNIS – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	PLC Sydney 1	MLC School	8am
MLC02	BYE
MLC03	SCEGGS 1	Centennial Parklands	8am
MLC04	BYE
MLC05	Ascham 4	Ascham 3 & 4	8am
MLC06	Danebank 8	MLC School	10am

SANTA BASKETBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	Santa Sabina	Santa Sabina CT3	8.30am
MLC02	Santa Sabina	Santa Sabina CT3	9.30am
MLC03	Bye
MLC04	St Scholastica’s 2	Santa Sabina CT3	11.30am
MLC05	MLC 6	Santa Sabina CT3	10.30am
MLC06	MLC 5	Santa Sabina CT3	10.30am
MLC07	Santa Sabina 5	Santa Sabina CT2	10.30am
TOUCH FOOTBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01	PLS02	PLC Sydney Grass	8am
MLC02	PLS03	PLC Sydney Grass	9am
MLC03	STC04	Chifley Sports Reserve Field 2	9am
MLC04	WEN10	Getiela Synthetic Sportsfield	9am
MLC05	STC06	Chifley Sports Reserve Field 1	11am
MLC06	STC07	Chifley Sports Reserve Field 2	10am
MLC07	RAV15	Wentworth Park Inner Field 1	11am
MLC08	LON27	Loreto Normanhurst Field 2	11am
VOLLEYBALL – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC01 (Rep)	Tempe	Five Dock Leisure Centre	8.15am
MLC02 (Dev)	ProVolley	Five Dock Leisure Centre	11.45am
MLC01	BAR04	Santa Sabina	10.30am
MLC02	SVC04	Santa Sabina	8.30am
MLC03	PLS11	Santa Sabina	10.30am
MLC04	PLS13	Santa Sabina	7.30am
MLC05	DAN13	Santa Sabina	7.30am
WATER POLO – ROUND 1
Team	Opposition	Venue	Time
MLC05	DAN13	Santa Sabina	7.30am
MLC01	QUE01	MLC Pool 1	8.15am
MLC02	QUE05	MLC Pool 1	9am
MLC03	SCE03	MLC Pool 1	9.45am

Upcoming Dates

Friday 25 October 2024 – K-2 Splash Day, MLC School Aquatic Centre, 12pm – 2.30pm,
Saturday 25 October 2024 – Saturday Sport Round 2, Various, Various
Thursday 31 October 2024 – IPSHA Gymnastics, SGAC Rooty Hill, 7am – 3pm
Friday 1 November 2024 – IGSA Gymnastics, SGAC Rooty Hill, 7am – 3pm
Friday 1 November 2024 – Trinity Grammar, 5pm – 8pm

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Follow MLC School Sport on Facebook

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

MLC School Sport Facebook Page

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Round Square International Conference 2024

During the holidays, Priyanka Thanigasalam (Year 11), Emily Wu (Year 10) and Liliana Hollands (Year 11) were all fortunate enough to be able to go to the 56^th annual Round Square International Conference held in Colombia hosted by Colegio Anglo Colombiano, Colegio Gran Bretaña, Colegio Los Nogales, Colegio de Inglaterra – The English School and Gimnasio Campestre.

The theme for this year was ‘Blooming from the Past’ and we learnt how Colombia is learning to embrace their troubled history and the negative reputation they have in the world due to the history of violence, various kinds illegal trafficking and an inequity in the distribution of wealth.

During the conference there were four different keynote speakers, the first taught the history of the political scene in Colombia and spoke of the peace negotiations the country went through, the second spoke about the inequality in sexual education, and the issues with period care inequalities in regional areas of the country, the third spoke about using social media as a way to create social change and to find a network of people whose community you can assist and the final speaker spoke about the changing economic scene within Colombia and how Colombia has been able to bloom from the past. After each keynote speaker students had the opportunity to discuss in baraza groups their thoughts and opinions.

Students stayed in Colombian families for one night, enjoying the hospitality and gifts from the families. Planted trees as part of reforestation and soil restoration, zip lined through the countryside of Villa De Levya, attempted clay pottery, met new people from all over the world, discussing our schools, our uniforms and what our curriculums teach us. Students made lifelong connections and bonds with the those they shared these experiences with.

Here is a round-up of the week in numbers:

➡️ 5 host schools with more than 90 student organisers and baraza leaders
➡️ 904 delegates – 662 students and 242 adults
➡️ 48 Baraza groups
🌞 70+ hours of sunshine
🏡 570 homestays enjoying the wonderful hospitality of the people of Bogotá
🛠️ 180 chicken shed panels constructed to make sheds for six families
🌳 800+ trees planed

In our craft and cultural workshops, we:
🧁 baked 240 Feijoa cupcakes
🥙 cooked 400+ arepas
😷 created 240 matachines masks to ward off bad energy

🎨 worked together on a 10-metre mural as a lasting tribute to the community

As a group we spent we spent over 400 hours together, nearly 48 hours in the sky travelling, spent time in eight different cities, traversing two different continents, and made true authentic connections with ourselves, each other, and the staff – Mr Maling, Ms Jauncey, and Ms Boyd; to whom we owe the success of this trip and without whom none of what we accomplished would have been able to happen.

– Liliana Hollands (Year 10)

Duke of Edinburgh Holiday Trips

Over the Term 3 holidays we had a number of students undertaking their Adventurous Journeys and Residential Projects.

While a few took part in Open AJ’s provided by external providers, a mixture of Year 9 and 10 students headed to Central Australia on the MLC School run trip. The students were lucky to see the waterfalls of Uluṟu in action, as the area experienced one of its rare rain days. As is the case in Central Australia, the rain quickly moved on and was replaced by blue skies. Students continued on to visit the Valley of the Winds at Kata Tjuṯa, circum-navigate Kings Canyon, including venturing down to the Garden of Eden and finished off with a 3am wake up call to climb Mt Sonder for sunrise. The final day was about recovery, so a swim in Ormiston Gorge was organised, wrapping up the trip with relaxing campfire on the last night.

I would like to thank Felicity Powell, Marie Cassar and Michelle Wyatt for looking after the students over the week long trip.

DofE meetings are held every Monday lunchtime in SCG01. Where students can identify and plan for their AJ’s, Residential Projects and everything DofE.

– Glen Mole
Duke Of Ed Award Leader

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IPSHA Gala Debating Day

IPSHA Gala Debating Day is a much-anticipated event in the debating calendar. This year two Year 5 teams and two Year 6 teams travelled to Macarthur Anglican School to compete against schools from across Sydney. The main challenge for the day was that each team needed to prepare for, and compete in, TWO debates over the course of the day. Energy levels were high and nerves on edge.

Everyone was most grateful to finally get on the bus at the end of the day. Each student had presented quality arguments and rebuttals, but the competition was high. Overall, the teams won four out of their eight debates. Congratulations to everyone involved.

One of the great advantages of the day for the girls was the wonderful adjudicator feedback. The girls took lots of valuable information away to use in future debates. A special thank you to students Sylie Bhat and Anika Cuganesan who trained and prepared the teams.

– Jan Falls
Mind Challenges Coordinator