From the Head of Junior School

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Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations: Australian Mathematics Competition Results

Last term, students from Years 3 to Year 6 participated in the annual Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC), designed to challenge and extend students’ problem-solving skills. Well done to all the girls who participated in 2026 and congratulations to the following high achievers!

Distinction

• Zoe Zheng (Year 3)
• Maya Ganda (Year 4)
• Elise Clark (Year 5)
• Jasmin Ganda (Year 5)
• Isabella Hu (Year 5)
• Angelina Jiang (Year 5)
• Amelia Pang (Year 5)
• Rhianna Sui (Year 5)
• Bartolina Iacono (Year 6)
• Caitlyn Law (Year 6)

High Distinction

• Alita Wu (Year 3)

Prize Award

• Amy Zong (Year 5)

– Natalie Hird
Deputy Head of Junior School – Operations

From the Head of Senior School

Welcome back to Term

It has been a busy but productive start back to School this week. As our students had their last day of holidays at home, our teachers and Professional and Operational Staff began the week with a Professional Learning program, including updated training on our student information systems. The program also featured a team building Brolga Workshop, a dance session focused on Indigenous learning and reflection, building on Tim Lennon’s important work as Director of Indigenous Education; we had lots of fun!

On Wednesday, Senior School staff launched our Term 4 Professional Learning program, with a focus on ‘Practice Made Visible’. The session provided an opportunity to share and celebrate excellent classroom practice around our School, opening our classrooms to colleagues. Amy Murphy, our Director of Professional Practice, is doing excellent work in this space; watch out for her fortnightly updates.

In assembly this week, we welcomed the students back to the term, and they heard from their School Captain, Lily Smith, for the first time, which was very exciting! Lily talked about all the opportunities ahead in Term 4, highlighting and wishing our Year 12s well as they begin their HSC this week with the IB starting soon. She also celebrated our Year 10s who head into their yearly examination block next week before their Immersion program begins.

Staff news – Heads of House Coordinator

It gives me great pleasure to share that Joseph Pfeffer has been appointed as our Heads of House Coordinator. Joseph will bring energy, warmth and a strong sense of school spirit to this important role, supporting our Heads of House as they continue to foster connection, belonging and House pride across the Senior School. Please read his introduction and news around our Heads of House coordinator appointments here.

Sun safety

Although it felt strange, given our rainy start to the term, in assembly this week, I advised students about our regulations for sun safety at School. In Term 4, it is compulsory for students to wear hats at recess, lunch, and during School events as advised. Sitting in the shade will not remove the requirement to wear a hat.

From the start of 2027, students will be required to wear the regulation navy blue school cap, regulation school bucket hat or House cap at recess, lunch times and outdoor occasions as advised. The regulation cap or bucket hat will be part of the PDHPE and sports uniform. For formal occasions as advised, the regulation navy blue school cap or regulation school bucket hat is to be worn.

If your daughter does not yet have an MLC School bucket hat or navy cap, please arrange to purchase a hat at the Uniform shop before the 2027 school year commences.

We understand that Term 4 will be a transition phase, and there will be no Accountability Points allocated for an incorrect hat. However, from Week 2, Term 4, Accountability Points will be issued if your daughter does not have a hat at all.

In Term 1, 2027, Accountability Points and detentions will be issued for the failure to wear the correct navy MLC School bucket hat or cap. Please also note that there is sunscreen available from four dispensers around the School. The girls have been making regular use of this, which has been fantastic.

I was so excited to see Year 11 lead the charge this week with wearing hats- we were able to issue over 50 Heart Points across the School on Wednesday at recess, before the rainy days meant that we have spent our break times inside.

Study Hub

Study Hub is a free after-school study program for our Year 11 and 12 students, which runs during term time, Monday to Thursday from 3.30pm – 6pm. Current Year 10 2026 students are invited to attend Study Hub in Term 4, along with Year 11.

Our first session for the term commences on Monday 19 October. Please see next week’s schedule below.

From the Heads of House Coordinator

Beginning this term, I have had the great privilege of stepping into the role of Heads of House Coordinator, previously held by Andrew Simos.

The House system represents, in my opinion, one of the school’s main sources of joy, belonging, and community. Sad as it is to have to relinquish my role as Head of Leawarra House, I feel honoured to work to shape how our ten Houses continue to inspire colour and joy into the future.

Term 4 marks the beginning of a renewed G.A. Davey Cup campaign for each of our Houses. Following Mooramoora’s repeat success in 2026, I know that the House Captains and Heads of House are already keenly working to stake their claim to victory in 2027. The first House event this year will be the Christmas Dance Challenge on the final day of term: a personal favourite event of mine, which never fails to deliver on creativity, passion and noise.

I am pleased to announce the following updates to staffing of our Houses:

• Kate Drady — Head of Booralee House. After serving as Acting Head of House this year, Kate will continue in the role in a permanent capacity.
• Julia Lindblom — Head of Leawarra House. Julia joins the team, bringing a creative vigour and fresh perspective to Leawarra.

The Heads of House team’s diversity and eclecticism is its strength; each Head of House brings their own personal flavour, and I am very excited to see how these leaders go about shaping their visions for Booralee and Leawarra going forward.

Best of luck to all Houses as they launch their 2027 campaigns for the G.A. Davey Cup!

– Joseph Pfeffer
Heads of House Coordinator

PDHPE in Term 4

Welcome to Term 4! It is wonderful to be back with the PDHPE department after three terms of maternity leave, and I have loved seeing the enthusiasm and energy our students have brought to their learning from the very beginning of the term. We are looking forward to another busy and rewarding term, with plenty of opportunities for students to develop their skills, build confidence and enjoy being active.

As we head into the warmer months, a friendly reminder to all students and families about our PDHPE practical lesson expectations. Students should ensure they bring their MLC School hat and a water bottle to every practical lesson, wear the correct PDHPE uniform (please note that bike shorts are not permitted), and apply sunscreen that is readily available on main campus or at the hockey field.

If you have any questions or concerns during the term, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher.

– Sarah Papachristoforou
Head of Department – PDHPE

Year 7

Welcome back to all our Year 7 students! I hope everyone had a wonderful break, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the things they love. I hope the girls return feeling re-energised and ready for their final term of Year 7.

This term, our Luminary focus is Growth. During Luminary time, students will take part in activities centred on resilience and responding positively to change, helping them feel more prepared for the transition to Year 8. Although change can sometimes feel daunting, it also creates valuable opportunities for growth.

A gentle reminder that students must have a hat with them when sitting outside during recess, lunch or outdoor assemblies. A hat is required regardless of the weather or where students choose to sit. Students who forget their hat will receive Accountability points, so I encourage everyone to take responsibility for remembering and following this important school expectation.

As the new term begins, homework and assessments will resume. I cannot emphasise enough the importance of asking teachers for help whenever support is needed. Assessments are a normal part of school life and should be viewed as opportunities to learn, grow and improve over time. In Year 7, there is plenty of time to build skills and confidence, so the most important priorities are a positive attitude and consistent effort. With these in place, progress and results will follow. Steady progress that can be maintained is often more valuable than achieving a goal quickly without being able to sustain it.

Finally, Ms Stolzi’s challenges have, of course, resumed to lift spirits and bring a few extra smiles to the school day. There is nothing I enjoy more than seeing the girls make the most of their time at school. Meaningful learning is most likely to occur when students feel happy, valued and supported.

Wishing all our lovely Year 7 students a wonderful Term 4!

– Martina Stolzi
Acting Head of Year 7

Year 8

Welcome back to Term 4! It’s been great to see the students back, ready to go.

Year 9

Welcome back to Term 4. I hope your daughters enjoyed a restful break and that, if you were fortunate enough to have some downtime from the busyness of life, you also enjoyed some special time together as a family.

The buzz of students returning to school in the first week is always such a lovely sound. By Friday, however, it has usually quietened as everyone adjusts to being back in routine, teachers included!

This term, the MLC School value we will focus on during Luminary time is Growth, encompassing academic, emotional and social development. Through a range of activities, students will explore their identity and purpose, build resilience and further strengthen their sense of belonging. They will also have the opportunity to apply to become peer support leaders for our Year 7 2027 cohort. Those selected will undertake training that develops empathy, responsibility and leadership. Having seen how much the Year 9 students have enjoyed spending time with their Year 6 House Buddies this year, I hope many will embrace this opportunity.

As students move through Year 9 and prepare for Year 10, there can be a greater interest in wearing makeup. As a reminder, students are not permitted to wear excessive makeup or eyelash extensions. While this can sometimes be difficult to determine, makeup that is clearly visible or does not appear natural is generally considered excessive. I have noticed an increase in the wearing of makeup and false eyelashes among the Year 9 cohort, particularly following the holidays, and would appreciate your support in reminding your daughters of the school’s expectations. Accountability points will be issued for uniform breaches.

The Uniform Shop has asked me to remind parents and students that appointments are required for senior MLC School uniform fittings. Each fitting takes approximately 15 minutes, and students may attend independently. The Uniform Shop will record the required sizes so that orders can then be placed from home. Appointments can be booked here.

Please also read Joanna Graffen’s piece in particular where it refers to the wearing of hats, this is an important change.

On Friday 13 November, Year 9 students have been invited to attend a dance at St Patrick’s College, Strathfield. Further information about the event, including how to purchase tickets, can be found here.

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Welcome back to Term 4, the last term for Year 10 2026. This week, we’ve welcomed a new student in 10 Abbeythorpe (Nada Zahr) and her buddies (Megan Kuit and Nikhita Kumar) have done a great job in helping her settle into life at MLC School. We also welcomed our students returning from overseas – the DDE and History Tour groups, and the WOW tour group from New Zealand. They have had some great stories and memories to share so far.

We’re celebrating three great achievements from Year 10 students this week, over the holiday break.

• Kaliya Edwards-Ware (Year 10) played for the Moree Boomerangs in the Koori Knockout competition (U/17 Division), as well as performing for the Buuja Buuja Burundi Dancers in the DanceRites 2026 competition in the Opera House Forecourt.
• Veronica Pan (Year 10) (clarinet) and Cloris Xu (oboe) have been selected as finalists in the National Young Virtuoso Award competition, run by 2MBS FM. The finals are on Saturday October 17 and we wish them all the best!

Assessment Week – Year 10 are well into their revision program for their assessments next week. It is sometimes difficult to know to support your child during exam periods, especially as they launch into the senior years. For the Year 10 exam period, our aim is to familiarise the girls with the process – being in a large group, arriving on time, being prepared with the correct materials, plus the preparation and lead up to the assessment. Helping your daughter get the required rest, good diet and sleep is a great start. Reach Out has prepared a great set of resources for parents to navigate the stress and big emotions of exam time, I hope you find the points here helpful for you and your daughter.

Reach Out Article

Term 4 Uniform – summer uniform. Please consult the Parent Handbook for details. Students will receive accountability points for incorrect uniform, such as extra earrings and skirts that are not the right length, i.e: too short. We are also starting a new initiative in sun safety by requiring the girls to wear a hat during recess and lunchtime. Please see Joanna Graffen’s piece this week on how this new policy will be rolled out.

If you have any academic concerns on your daughter’s progress, please contact their class teacher for advice and support. For wellbeing issues, I am available Monday to Friday on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au and 02 8741 9736 to discuss issues and questions by phone, Teams or for an on-site meeting.

We’re looking forward to a great term for Year 10.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 11

It has been wonderful welcoming Year 11 back for their final Term 4 of school! There has been a great sense of energy, excitement and perhaps a few nerves as the girls officially step into their Year 12 studies.

Many students began the term on Sunday at the second Sony Foundation Camp training day. The Camp will undoubtedly be a highlight of the year for those involved, and it was wonderful to see the girls enthusiastically developing the skills and knowledge they will need to help make the Camp such a success.

Our 2027 Student Leadership Team was also at school on Monday, participating in a Burn Bright workshop as they prepare to step into their leadership roles for the year ahead. It was great to see them work collaboratively and I am excited to see them lead in their spaces.

Finally, a big thank you to all Year 11 students for starting their final year so positively. The girls have represented MLC School proudly in the way they have returned in their uniforms and have also led the charge in remembering their hats at recess and lunch. We appreciate the maturity they are showing and the way their actions reflect our School values and set a positive example for younger students.

Request for Parent and Carer Letters

In Week 5, we will head off on our final school camp together, the Year 11 Retreat. This will be a very special experience and an important opportunity to set the year group up for a wonderful final year of school.

At the end of Year 10, before beginning their HSC or IB pathway, each student wrote a letter to her future self to open at Retreat. I have kept these letters safely in my office throughout the year and am looking forward to returning them to the girls.

As part of this activity, we would also love parents and carers to write a letter to their daughter, which she will open during Retreat. The letter is an opportunity to share your hopes, wishes and words of encouragement as she begins her final year of school.

Please place your letter in a sealed envelope with your daughter’s name and Luminary group clearly written on the front. A collection box will be available at Front Reception with Wendy Allen, and letters can be dropped off by parents/carers or students.

Please submit your letter by Wednesday 4 November.

If you have any questions about this activity, please let me know.

I also look forward to seeing you at the IB/HSC Year 12 2027 Information Evening next Wednesday 21 October.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Year 12

We continue to be incredibly proud of our Year 12 students and the commitment they have shown since their graduation. While their regular, structured days at school may have wrapped up, their hard work certainly has not. Their focused approach throughout the Year 12 Study Camp in the first week of the break, along with the many hours of preparation and revision that followed reflect the determination and maturity with which they are all approaching this final stage of their schooling.

A particular congratulations to our HSC students for the way they have engaged with the first few days of their final examinations. We know that this period brings its own challenges, and it has been wonderful to see students drawing on the preparation, routines and support that have brought them to this point.

As examinations continue, we encourage all of Year 12 to look after themselves, take each paper as they come and continue to trust in the work they have done. We wish every member of the cohort all the very best, both now and across the weeks ahead. We are thinking of you and cheering you on as you take these final steps. You’ve got this! 

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner Photos now Available

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner images are ready for parents to view and purchase.

If you would like to view and purchase the images from this event, please use the link below:

Photos

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 12

Excellence in Music

From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 4. Although the calendar may have indicated that it was ‘school holidays’ we have had a busy few weeks on both the academic and co-curricular front.

Our Year 12 students made the most of the expertise and time provided by their teachers, with workshops, collaborative study groups, timed practice exams, one on one coaching, and tutoring seeing exceptionally strong attendance. Thank you to all staff who so generously gave of their time to ensure that our girls were as well prepared as possible.

Our students have also been busy representing the school nationally and internationally. 

• One of the priorities of our Strategic Plan has been to increase student engagement with STEM and the growth in our Robotics program is testament to the remarkable progress that has been made in this regard. Marie Cassar, Bede Schofield, and Julia Lindblom took 11 students across four Junior and Senior Robotics teams to the RoboCup Nationals in Canberra, and our girls represented MLC School beautifully. Their success is especially significant in an area where girls and women remain underrepresented. It is a clear example of the confidence, capability and ambition that grows when girls are encouraged to see themselves as innovators, engineers, problem-solvers and leaders in STEM.

Congratulations to:

• MLC Scrambled Eggs who achieved 3rd Place in Open OnStage: Fedra Nikolakopoulos (Year 8), Victoria Cassar (Year 7) and Remy Pereira (Year 7).
• MLC Bin Chickens who achieved 2nd Place in Novice OnStage: Peita Nikolakopoulos (Year 6) and Henrietta Britton (Year 6).
• MLC Impending Doom who achieved 1st Place in Open OnStage: Ethelia Cassar (Year 10), Indi Hannah (Year 10), Emily van der Westhuizen (Year 10) and Bonnie Li (Year 9).
• Our national champions Ethelia, Indi, Bonnie and Emily will go on to represent MLC School and Australia at the World Championships in Germany next year.

• Congratulations also to Marie Cassar, who received the University of Canberra Outstanding Teacher Award. This is a fitting recognition of her work inspiring students through STEM, robotics, and creative problem-solving. It also reminds us of the critical role teachers play in shaping girls’ confidence and helping them recognise that their ideas, skills, and leadership matter.
• Thank you to Lisa Jinga, Amy Murphy, Kelly Cogin, Jenna Skepper, Kate Drady and Jess Dyson for the DDE Dance Drama tour to Paris and London. What an extraordinary opportunity for our girls to experience dance, drama, culture, and performance in two cities so rich in the arts. In these settings, our students are able to see themselves as artists, storytellers, performers, and creators, developing both skill and confidence in their own voices.
• Thank you also to David Posker Hill, Antonella Accurso, John Purcal, Louise Piggott and Ashley Leck for the History tour to Germany and Italy. For our students, this was a powerful way to encounter history in context and connect their classroom learning with places and stories that continue to shape our world. These experiences help form young women who are thoughtful, informed, and able to engage with complexity.
• We also thank Robyn Langford, Bryce Lyndstrom and Marian Guerra for the WOW tour to New Zealand, where students explored textiles, art, and design in a vibrant creative setting. Our girls were encouraged to look closely, think differently, experiment with ideas and materials, and understand the role of design as both creative expression and problem-solving.
• I would also like to recognise Henry Wijanto, and Sarah Jauncey for supporting the international Round Square Conference in Hornsby. Special thanks to Henry for facilitating the North Queensland post-conference trip for international guests. Round Square experiences continue to broaden our girls’ understanding of leadership, service, global citizenship, and experiential learning. They demonstrate that girls’ education is not only about academic achievement, but about developing young women with courage, responsibility, and a commitment to others.

Finally, thank you to Sarah Jauncey, Florence Christou, Mel Bye, Marie Cassar, Michelle Wyatt, Angela Renwick, Bridget Kovats, John Clear and Dijana Mastronardi, who gave up their Sunday to facilitate Sony Camp training and avoid any impact on learning time. More than 100 Year 12 students left the training with a deeper awareness of the positive impact they can have in the lives of others simply by giving their time, care, and attention.

Sincere thanks to every staff member who continues to create these opportunities, and to those who support them behind the scenes. Together, you are giving life to the purpose of a girls’ school education. You are helping our students grow in confidence, character, and capability. Most importantly, you are helping them understand that there is no field, no challenge, no stage, no conversation, and no future in which they do not belong.

We would like to hear from you

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Unlocking Confidence Through Performance​ – New Dare to Be More Podcast Now Live

What if the skills that help girls shine in a university interview, lead a team, present with confidence or think creatively are developed on a stage? 

In this episode of Dare to Be More, Anthony Perl speaks with Lisa Jinga, Head of Dance, Drama and Entertainment at MLC School, about how performance-based learning helps girls develop confidence, collaboration, communication and leadership skills that last a lifetime. 

From Year 7 drama classes to HSC and IB pathways, Lisa shares how creativity, critical thinking and self-expression prepare students for success both on stage and beyond. 

Listen on the link below.

Stay connected and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate the opportunities that empower every MLC School student to Dare to Be More.

Listen here now on Spotify, or search MLC School Dare to Be More on your favourite podcast platform. 

From the Head of IT: Introducing Compass – Your New Parent Experience

MLC School has launched Compass, the new platform powering our parent portal and MLC School app. Compass provides families with a central place to access important school information and manage key interactions.

‘She Can’ – Sport

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

In the third instalment of our ‘She Can’ campaign, we celebrate how sport empowers girls to challenge themselves, work together all while discovering what they can achieve. Through a diverse range of sporting opportunities, students build resilience and leadership skills that extend far beyond the field, court or pool.

Watch the ‘She Can’ Sport video and discover how MLC School girls are turning curiosity into possibility.

Building Community Resilience Through Partnership

At MLC School, partnerships play an important role in extending learning beyond the classroom and connecting students and teachers with leading researchers, industry experts and community organisations. These collaborations create opportunities for authentic learning while enabling staff and students to contribute meaningfully to projects that address real world challenges.

One such partnership has developed through MLC School’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Sydney Heat and Health Research Centre. What began in 2025 as a Geography initiative involving Year 9 students creating heat health resources for younger learners has since evolved into a larger co-design project focused on preparing young people for the challenges of extreme heat.

Led at MLC School by Cathryn Moore, Strategic Projects Leader, the partnership has grown through ongoing collaboration with researchers and community organisations. In 2026, the Australian Red Cross joined the initiative, bringing expertise in community preparedness, resilience education and human centred design. Together with the University of Sydney Heat and Health Research Centre, the project is developing an innovative learning program for Stage 3 students aimed at building practical heat preparedness and resilience.

During Term 3, an MLC School innovation team comprising Cathryn Moore, Strategic Projects Leader, and Stage 3 teachers Jan Falls, Melanie Thierjung and Anne Abbott, participated in planning and consultation online meetings and surveys with the University of Sydney Heat and Health Research Centre and Australian Red Cross. Together, we explored how schools can help young people develop practical preparedness and resilience in response to increasing heat-related challenges.

This collaboration culminated in a recent Ideation Day, where educators, researchers, designers and partner schools came together at Sydney University to explore how children can become active contributors to community resilience. Drawing on extensive research and discovery work, participants considered how schools can move beyond simply teaching about heat to empowering students to investigate real world challenges, develop decision making skills and take meaningful action within their communities.

Throughout the day, teams worked through a structured design process, exploring ideas such as citizen science, place-based investigations, family preparedness activities and community engagement projects. By the conclusion of the workshop, two promising prototype concepts had emerged and were selected for further development and testing. These prototypes will move into classroom trials during Term 4, where students and teachers will help shape the next phase of the project.

While the immediate focus is on the development of resources for Year 5 and Year 6 students, MLC School sees broader possibilities. The partnership aligns strongly with the School’s commitment to community engagement, student agency and interdisciplinary learning. Looking ahead, MLC School hopes to explore ways of embedding this work across the wider school community through storytelling, community conversations, family learning opportunities and initiatives that strengthen resilience beyond the classroom.

This evolving partnership demonstrates the value of bringing together schools, universities and community organisations to address complex challenges. By contributing to the co-design and testing of innovative learning experiences, MLC School is helping shape an initiative that has the potential to strengthen preparedness, learning and resilience for young people, families and communities well beyond our own campus.

Click on gallery to view full images

– Cathryn Moore
Strategic Projects Leader

Parents and Friends Association (P&F) Meeting, AGM and Nominations

Hello and welcome back! I hope you all had a fun and restful break and are ready to dive into Term 4 with energy and enthusiasm. Before we know it Christmas will be upon us, but there’s much to do and look forward to until then. Both the school and the P&F have a raft of events and activities to see us through to the end of the year, and I hope you are able to be a part of some of them.

A key part of Term 4 for the P&F, is the election of a new Executive for the coming year. The officeholders will be announced or voted for, in the event of multiple nominations, at the Annual General Meeting. This year’s AGM is on Wednesday 18 November, and I encourage you to attend even if you are not nominating for a position. I would further encourage as many of you as possible to nominate for the positions, which can be found, together with the names of the current officeholders, in Compass. Having been in the P&F for four years, in three different positions, I can truly say it is a rewarding experience and one that has provided me with insights and inspiration.

The nomination form can be found here and completed forms should be submitted to the Secretary of the P&F at pfsecretary@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Nominations are open now and will close on Friday 6 November. I look forward to a flood of nominations and to seeing many of you at the various events at school in Term 4.

– Judy MacIntyre
P&F President

Chaplains Corner

Carrying the Light into Term 4

Sport and Co-curricular Photographs – Early Order Discount – Senior School

Ordering is now open for the following sports and co-curricular group photos taken recently at MLC School including:

You can now view and purchase the group images listed above. Order online before Saturday 31 October to secure a 20% early order discount which will be applied automatically at checkout. Just click on the link below. After this date, the price reverts to the standard $20/$25 per print.

To order additional school group photos, please follow the following steps:

1. Log in or create an account: https://www.advancedlife.com.au/
2. Once signed in, go to the ‘Accounts Page’, select “add a child” and enter in the school code: 9DY JGM 577
3. Enter the correct Name and DOB for the student to reflect the physical portrait package.
4. To verify your child in your account, select ‘Add Unique Code’ and enter the student SIC code. (this 9-digit code is found on the physical photo pack).

5. Click on “View and re-order photos” under the student’s verified portrait image.
6. Scroll down to the group section to view and add groups to cart, select ‘View all’ to see previous years.

Click here to order

• Online Only: These photos must be ordered online; please do not return payments to the School.
• Additional Images: If your child’s group or team is scheduled to be photographed at a later date, you will receive an additional email notification when the images are ready to be ordered.
• Delivery: Photos will be delivered to the school for distribution.
• Guarantee: We offer a 21-day refund policy and a 100% money-back guarantee.

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact them at www.advancedlife.com.au/contactus

Is your daughter due to start in 2028 or 2029?

This is a friendly reminder to current MLC School families with another daughter due to commence in 2028 or 2029.  

Interviews for 2029 entry are already underway, so we encourage families to submit an application if they have not already done so to avoid missing out on enrolment.

If you have other enquiries about the enrolment process, please contact our enrolments team by email or phone 02 8741 3165.

Uniform Shop

Pricing Update

The Uniform Shop advises that a 3% price increase will apply on selected uniform items from the start of Term 4 2026. You can view the full price list below.

MLC School – Uniform Price List – Term 4 2026

Blazer Embroidery

Appointments are required for senior MLC School uniform fittings. Each fitting takes approximately 15 minutes, and students may attend independently. The Uniform Shop will record the required sizes so that orders can then be placed from home. Appointments can be booked here.

Senior Uniform Fitting for Year 9

Appointments are required for senior MLC School uniform fittings. Each fitting takes approximately 15 minutes, and students may attend independently. The Uniform Shop will record the required sizes so that orders can then be placed from home. Appointments can be booked below

Book fittings here

From the Head of Learning and Teaching

As I compose this newsletter, our Year 12 HSC girls are just emerging from their Paper 2 English exam. We wish the exceptional cohort of 2026 HSC and IB students the very best as they complete their final examinations. IB exams get underway on Friday October 23.  The girls in this year group have approached their studies with such a tenacious and enthusiastic spirit, and they deserve every success.

To date, MLC School HSC students have had 29 major work nominations, which is a testament to the diligence and talent of our students and their teachers. A nomination happens through the external marking process and it is recognition of the major work, project or performance being of exceptional quality and worthy of consideration for an HSC showcase. The names of the girls will be shared later in the year, however, we have students nomination for Drama, Dance, Design and Technology, Industrial Technology, Textiles and Design, and Music. While nomination does not guarantee final selection, it is significant recognition of the creativity, skill and sustained commitment by the student. Congratulations to our nominees and their teachers.

Of particular note is the ongoing success of students in Drama. Despite the Sydney Morning Herald article this week that stated numbers in HSC Drama are dwindling, this is definitely not the case at MLC School, where the performing arts are thriving. We are delighted to have had 18 OnStage nominations, which is a phenomenal achievement. Well done to the very dedicated DDE team and the 2026 Drama cohort.

One powerful way we strengthen learning at MLC School is by encouraging our teachers to mark HSC and IB examinations. Working within NESA and IB assessment processes gives teachers invaluable insight into the standards of the courses and what it takes for students to meet them at the highest level. In 2026, our staff include 31 HSC markers, five Senior Markers and two judges. While opportunities are more limited within the international IB system, MLC School also has highly experienced IB markers across English, Science (including Psychology), Languages, Dance and the Extended Essay.

Professional learning is one of the most powerful ways MLC School ensures that every girl experiences quality teaching. Our whole-school focus this year has been Challenging every girl at her point of need, placing each learner at the heart of our curriculum design. A large group of teachers has undertaken the Mini-Certificate in Gifted Education, while 24 teachers have been trained in instructional coaching so that colleagues can strengthen one another’s practice. As a registered OLT trainer, Stephanie Dimitrelis has led popular courses in supporting students with dyslexia, ADHD and autism, as well as differentiation. Staff have also pursued extensive external learning in new curriculum requirements, pedagogical innovation and pastoral care. Through our Chapter Collective, teachers discuss and debate cutting-edge educational research, while our leaders benefit from coaching and opportunities to shadow key members of staff. Across MLC School, the energy for learning is contagious and it is shaping richer, more responsive classrooms for every girl.

Wishing all of our students across MLC School a wonderful term of learning.

Year 12 2027 Information Evening

Year 12 2027 girls have their Information evening on Wednesday 21 October at 6pm. This is a very important evening during which important information about study support, self-care, how to complete mandatory assessment requirements, and advice about getting the most out of Year 12 will be shared. A plenary with general information will be followed by separate and specific sessions about IB and HSC. This will be followed up by sessions in Luminary time with Marianna Carlino and David Posker-Hill.

Screen time and AI: an important school inquiry

In response to growing concern across NSW about the impact of screen time and artificial intelligence on learning, MLC School is launching its own inquiry, culminating in a position paper. Beginning in Week 3, we will invite parents, students and staff to participate in focus groups and share their perspectives. These insights will inform a review of current research and a series of internal forums before the position paper is developed. We look forward to hearing from our community as we consider how best to navigate these rapidly evolving and vitally important issues.

Appointment of Head of Science – Melissa Williams

I am delighted to announce the appointment of Melissa Williams as Head of Science, commencing Term 1 2027.

Melissa joins MLC School with extensive experience in Science education, curriculum leadership and whole school teaching and learning. She is currently Director of Learning and Teaching at Marist College Eastwood, where she provides strategic leadership across curriculum, pedagogy, assessment and professional learning for Year 7 to Year 12. Prior to this, Melissa held a range of senior academic leadership positions, including 11 years as Head of Science at St Mary’s Cathedral College.

A passionate Science educator and highly experienced instructional leader, Melissa brings a strong focus on academic excellence, evidence-based practice and developing the capacity of teachers. Throughout her career, she has led curriculum innovation, staff development and the use of student achievement data to strengthen teaching and learning outcomes.

Melissa brings considerable expertise in HSC Science, NESA compliance and curriculum development, including experience as a Biology HSC Marker and Senior Marker and completed her Master of Education in Curriculum and Professional Practice in 2023.

We are delighted to welcome Melissa to the MLC School community and look forward to the experience, energy and leadership she will bring to the Science Faculty.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

Study Hub+

Study Hub Form – Term 4

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.

Study Hub Form – Term 4

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Study Support 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 Term 4 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

Welcome back to Term 4 Sport at MLC School! We hope all our families enjoyed a relaxing and well-deserved break and are looking forward to an exciting term of sport ahead.

As we prepare for Round 1 of competition, we would like to thank our families for their patience and understanding as we transition to the new MLC School Parent App. We are excited about the improved experience this platform will provide, making it easier for families to access their daughter’s sporting information, including training schedules, fixtures and other important updates.

We have a busy weekend ahead, with both IPSHA and IGSA competitions getting underway.  Our Junior School students will take to the courts for Basketball and Tennis, while our Senior School students begin their seasons across Water Polo, Tennis, Badminton, Volleyball and Touch Football.

We also wish our MLC School rowers all the very best as they return to the water for the start of their competitive season at the Cranbrook Head of the River.

Morning Training Reminder

As we begin the new term, we would like to remind all students of the importance of arriving promptly for morning training sessions. Students should be ready to begin training at the scheduled start time, allowing coaches to make the most of each session.

Arriving on time ensures students can participate in the full warm-up, receive important instructions and maximise their training opportunities. We appreciate the support of families in helping students develop these positive habits and arrive prepared and ready to train.

We look forward to another fantastic term of participation, teamwork and sporting achievements across all our programs.

Good luck to all our students, coaches and teams competing this weekend. We look forward to seeing our MLC School community supporting from the sidelines!

– Scott Carpenter
Director of Sport

Sport Announcements

Rowing

During the holidays, several of our senior rowers competed at the Iron Cove Classic Regatta in Balmain, taking on the challenging 7km course around Cockatoo Island. The athletes demonstrated outstanding teamwork, resilience, and positive spirit throughout the race, producing some excellent performances and gaining valuable racing experience.

This weekend, the racing continues closer to home, with our crews set to compete at the Cranbrook Head at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. This race provides a great opportunity for our students to put their training into practice, build race experience, and continue developing as a team as they prepare for the exciting racing ahead of this season.

Gymnastics

Over the break the MLC School IGSA and IPSHA Gymnastics teams trained hard and came together for team bonding sessions. The Carnivals take place in Week 3 and provide an opportunity for both Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastics students to compete alongside each other. MLC School is renowned for its cheering and team culture which could been seen in the various activities that took place in the sessions. The highlight for the IGSA team was an Aqua Zumba session run to finish off a two day training and team bonding sessions whilst the IPSHA team was busy preparing signs to cheer each other along on the day. Bring on the Carnivals!

Click on gallery to view full images

Golf

The IGSA Sport Golf Invitational will take place on Tuesday 10 November at Pymble Golf Club and is open to MLC School students in Year 7 to Year 12 who have experience playing competitive golf. Students interested in participating are encouraged to have an official golf handicap, with an active handicap required for the Stableford Championship. The competition will be played over 18 holes and will feature two championship categories:

• Stroke Play Championship: Open to all participating players, with results determined by total strokes taken over 18 holes.
• Stableford Championship: Open to players with an active golf handicap, with results determined using the Stableford points system.

Students interested in representing MLC School at this event are asked to see Scott Carpenter to register their interest.

Sport Achievements

Netball

What an incredible season for our MLC School Netball Teams! We are so proud of all our students who took part in our netball seasons, both IGSA and ERNA.

Congratulations to our following Grand Final Winners!

• MLC03 Senior 3rds – Winners of Div S14 against PLC Sydney. This was an amazing fight for the girls to come back with five goals down with three minutes to go! We then went in to overtime and ended up with a score of 31-30 to take the win!
• MLC04 Senior 4ths – Winners of Div S18 against PLC Sydney and a score of 22-5 with a strong victory!

A huge well done to our undefeated team for the season, our ERNA MLC03 Year 5 Team, with such a close game against North Epping Rangers and a score of 20-18, our MLC03 girls are Runners Up of the 11yrs Division 2.

MLC School Sport looks forward to next year’s Netball Season! See you in 6 months.

Ivy Zhang Shines on the Golf Course

Congratulations to Ivy Zhang (Year 10), a member of the MLC School Elite Athlete Program (EAP), who enjoyed another successful school holiday break on the golf course. Ivy continued her impressive form, claiming the Cronulla Club Championship title and finishing second in her pool at the Fore Golf Junior Matchplay competition. These are fantastic achievements and a reflection of Ivy’s dedication, hard work and continued development as a competitive golfer. Congratulations, Ivy! We look forward to following your continued success on the fairways.

Basketball

Our MLC School Basketball teams had an incredible season in Term 3 competing at IGSA!

Congratulations to our teams who competed in the Finals for the season.

• MLC04 placed first overall after an impressive 13-9 Grand Final win against Danebank Anglican School
• MLC02 impressively finished second overall

We are so impressed by the effort and commitment that all our students have displayed this season. A huge congratulations to everyone involved!

Looking forward to next year. Hopefully we see you all back out on the court!

Football

MLC02 Football Win title Term 3

MLC02 Junior Football produced a remarkable grand-final comeback, fighting back from a 1–0 deficit to secure a 2–1 victory over a strong KRB side. Emily Theobald scoring a brace, while the team’s outstanding unity and determination across the paddock helped seal a well-deserved win. Thanks to all players, families and Coach Steve for a great season.

Cassidee Fernando Shines at First Nations Football Festival!

Congratulations to EAP Athlete Cassidee Fernando (Year 11) on an outstanding performance at the First Nations Football Festival over the school holidays! Representing Central Coast Indigenous, Cassidee helped her team secure a fantastic Grand Final victory and was also recognised individually, being awarded the Senior Women’s MVP of the Tournament, as selected by Football Australia. Congratulations, Cassidee! The MLC School community is incredibly proud of you! 💙

Swimming

Congratulations to Madison Chantler (Year 11), a member of the MLC School Elite Athlete Program (EAP), who competed at the 2026 Australian Short Course Championships, a prestigious open event that also serves as a World Aquatics qualifying competition.

Maddie qualified for and competed in an impressive six individual events and one team relay, achieving top 30 finishes in the 100m and 200m Butterfly and 100m Backstroke.

An outstanding achievement competing against some of Australia’s best swimmers at the national level. Well done, Maddie! The MLC School community is extremely proud of your efforts and achievements.

Water Polo

Congratulations Ashley Clapham (Year 8) student and MLC School Elite Athlete Program (EAP) member, who recently stepped up an age division to represent the UNSW Wests U16A Water Polo Team at the U16 New Zealand National Championships in Christchurch.

Competing against some of New Zealand’s strongest teams, many featuring top-age athletes, Ashley and her teammates faced a challenging tournament. Despite the tough competition, the team demonstrated outstanding determination and resilience, winning five of their eight matches to finish an impressive 5th out of 14 teams overall.

One of the tournament highlights came when Ashley scored the final goal right on the buzzer, providing a memorable finish to the competition.

For Ashley, competing at the U16 level while still in Year 8 is a fantastic achievement and another exciting milestone in her Water Polo development.

Play of the Week

Alannah Ng (Year 8) represented the NSW U14 Girls Blues team at the Australian Nationals U14 Field Hockey Championship in Canberra.  Her NSW Blues team finished 7th overall comprising of 12 teams of the top 200 U14 Girls hockey players around Australia. Alannah Ng played as a defensive back and proved to be rock solid.  Her speed and agility proved to be vital as a 1st runner in defensive penalty corners and defending fast breaks.

Alannah Ng has now also been included in the NSW U16 Girls Performance and Pathways squad and aiming for NSW team selection at the National U16 Field Championships in April 2027.

RoboCup Nationals

Welcome to Term 4 and Holiday Production

The Speech and Drama Studio warmly welcomes back all our returning students and extends a special welcome to the many new families joining us for an exciting Term 4.

We are only one week into the term and are already seeing wonderful creativity and enthusiasm across all our programs, including Speech and Drama, Acting for Camera, Musical Theatre, Theatresports, Future Leaders Public Speaking Club and private lessons.

Our Senior Speech and Drama students are now well underway with preparations for their Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) and Trinity College London examinations.

Congratulations to the talented cast of our September Holiday Production of Aladdin

Following auditions and casting, students embarked on a magical journey into the world of theatre. Throughout the week they rehearsed scenes, learnt choreography, developed their characters, and watched the production come to life as costumes, props and set were added in preparation for the final performance. The week culminated in a wonderful performance for family and friends, with our cast delivering a wonderful show to a very appreciative audience.

Our holiday productions provide students with a fantastic opportunity to have fun with friends, make new friendships across different year groups, and experience the excitement of working together towards a live performance. We see remarkable growth in confidence throughout the week, and for many students it is their very first time performing on stage in front of an audience. We are incredibly proud of every student who embraced the challenge and congratulate them on a wonderful production.

Enrolments for our December and January Holiday production will open in Week 6.

1. December Holiday Production will run from Tuesday 8 December – Friday 11 December 2026 (4 days).
2. January Holiday Production will run from Monday 18 January – Thursday 21 January 2027 (4 days) or Friday 22 January 2027 (5 days), dates TBC

Click on gallery to view full images

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Duke of Edinburgh — Term 4, 2026

The Award doesn’t stop for the holidays. Over the break seven more awards were achieved:

Gold for Zoe Bigg (Year 12) and Joranai Demontiero (Year 12), Silver for Milla Papaluca (Year 12), Sabine Rezainia (Year 10) and Lucy Fickler (Year 11), and Bronze for Carina Chu (Year 11) and for Old Girl Billie Whittaker (2019), who started hers in 2015.

Four more came through this week: Gold for Grace Farrow (Year 12) , Vadeesha Kanagaratnam (Year 11) and Old Girl Jane Liu Whittaker, and Silver for Old Girl Beatrice Drake (2020).

That takes 2026 to 71, with a term still to run. Grace Farrow’s was one of the two Golds sent to State Office last week. Lucy Fickler’s Gold is still there awaiting final approval. Nine girls have earned their pocket and will receive it early in Term 4. 

Science / DofE Exmouth 2027

The third trip to this location is locked in. Girls in Years 10 and 11 in 2027 have paid a deposit to secure their place on the Adventurous Journey on Ningaloo Reef. The last places are being confirmed now, so anyone still thinking about it should see me this week.

Term 4 is the sign-off term. Over the break, I audited the Online Record Book and found seventeen girls, current and past, who had finished every hour of their award and were one piece of paperwork from receiving it. Billie was the first. Beatrice, Jane and Vadeesha followed this week, and I’ve contacted the rest. That brings 2026 to 18 Golds, and Lucy’s would make 19, four short of the school’s Gold record of 23, set in 2019.

Which got me wondering: 71 awards by the second week of October. Is that a good year, or an ordinary one? So I pulled every MLC School registration on the Online Record Book since 2015 and had a look.

What parents can do

Most awards that stall don’t stall on the activity. They stall on the last bit of paperwork. Please take five minutes this week to sit down with your daughter and open her Online Record Book together. Then ask her three questions: 

• Have all the hours been logged? Each section (Physical, Skill and Service) needs every week recorded, not just the ones she remembered.
• Has each assessor signed off? If an assessor report is still sitting at “pending”, a polite reminder from your daughter to her coach, teacher or supervisor is usually all it takes.
• Is the Adventurous Journey report uploaded? She needs one report for the Practice journey and one for the Qualifying journey, with dates that don’t overlap. The templates are on the DofE Padlet.

If the answer to all three is yes and nothing has moved, please encourage your daughter to email me at gmole@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au, and I’ll look into it with her. I’d ask that the email comes from her rather than from you. Following up with an assessor, sorting out a problem and seeing it through are some of the most useful things the Award teaches, and this is a good chance for her to practise them. Your encouragement at home makes all the difference. If I’ve emailed her about her award this term, please check that she has replied.

Past students: if you have an older daughter who left MLC School with an award almost finished, it isn’t too late. Two of this week’s awards went to girls who started in 2017. Ask her to get in touch.

Exmouth 2027: the last places are being confirmed now. If your daughter is interested and hasn’t paid a deposit yet, she should see me this week.

– Glen Mole
Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader