Newsletter | Term 4 Week 2 2024 - 25 October 2024

From the Principal

Welcome back, Sapphires

 

This week we hosted our annual Sapphires luncheon. Our Sapphires are our oldest alumnae – those who graduated more than 51 years ago. Women in attendance on Tuesday graduated between 1949 and 1973 and as you can imagine, they had many a story to tell and lots of memories to share.

In welcoming our Old Girls back to the School, I referred to some of the current projects and priorities that we are working on and acknowledged the remarkable impact that the Old Girls in attendance had made on their communities and chosen professions and how important they are as role models for our current students and young alumni.

Afterwards, I was chatting to Sandra Bates AM (Ross, 1955) who was the ‘Artistic and Governing Director of the Ensemble Theatre, Australia’s longest, continuously running professional theatre company, for 30 years from 1986 to 2017. Under her stewardship, the Ensemble grew to one of the world’s most respected playhouses. She championed Australian works; both the well-loved classics and new works; and is renowned as the longest serving Artistic Director in Australia’. She said “Lisa, you didn’t acknowledge the most important thing about our time at MLC School, it’s about friendships. By comparison, the rest doesn’t matter”.

She has certainly given me food for thought. As I chatted with the various groups present, it was quite clear that many of the friendships made during their time at MLC School have endured until the current day. The shared experiences of passing exams, the camaraderie of surviving demanding teachers and even the shared sadness when life takes an unfortunate turn, creating a bond that is often unparalleled. The trials and triumphs faced together during these formative years forge connections that are deeply ingrained. Whether it is the late-night study sessions, the shared lunches, learning a new skill at the same time, or the collective anxiety before a big exam, these moments lay the groundwork for lifelong friendships.

As I scanned the room on Tuesday, I also saw that one of the most beautiful aspects of lifelong friendships is the treasure trove of shared memories and the joy that they bring. Recounting stories from school days, laughing about old jokes, and reminiscing about past adventures, our old girls filled the room with laughter and joyous chatter.

It certainly reminded me that during our school years, we are in a constant state of learning not just academically, but also socially and emotionally. How remarkable it is to realise that your daughters may well be forming friendships that will last a lifetime, provide support at difficult times and in time, the opportunity to laugh and reconnect when they too become Sapphires.

Eminent Alumnae – Sandra Bates AM (Ross 1955)

World Teachers Appreciation Day 

As we celebrate World Teachers’ Appreciation Day, I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to all our dedicated teachers and staff. Their unwavering commitment to nurturing and inspiring our students is truly commendable. Each day, they bring passion, creativity, and excellence to their roles, making a profound impact on the lives of our students.

I also want to extend my appreciation to all the staff members who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support our School’s mission.

Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and the positive difference you make every day. Together, we create a vibrant and supportive community that fosters the growth and success of our students.

Thank you to the P&F for sending in morning tea today to recognise all our staff.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Click on image gallery for full size images.

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

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:

  1. Log in to the Omnia Parent Portal, use the link here to navigate to > My Student > Key Information > Medical Information. 
  2. 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

A Message from The Health Centre – Please be Vigilant

A Message from The Health Centre – Please be Vigilant

This week we have notified the MLC School community regarding cases of:

  • Chickenpox
  • Whooping Cough

Chickenpox is a viral illness caused by the herpes voster virus (also known as Varicella-Zoster virus). In children it usually causes a relatively mild illness. Symptoms to watch out for include a sudden onset of a slight fever, runny nose, feeling generally unwell and a skin rash.

If your daughter exhibits any of these symptoms, no matter how mild, we ask that you keep her home and take advice from your doctor for her return to School. 

In the early stages, the virus is spread by coughing, and later in the illness the virus is spread by direct contact with the fluid in the blisters. People are infectious from one or two days before the rash appears and up to five days after.

For more information about Chickenpox, the symptoms and how it’s prevented please click on the link here

Pertussis (Whooping cough) is a serious respiratory infection caused by the bacteria Bordetella pertussis. For more information please click the link here.

Whooping cough is an illness that usually starts like a cold. It spreads very easily between people. It can cause a bad cough which gets worse and may last for many weeks. The disease spreads easily from person to person through droplets made when coughing, sneezing or talking.

People with whooping cough can infect others for up to three weeks.

Premature infants and babies less than six months old are at the highest risk of getting very ill and it can be life-threatening.

Please monitor your daughters for any symptoms, no matter how mild. If anyone becomes symptomatic, they should see a doctor and be tested. (Please take the letter that is attached here with you to the doctor).

If a doctor diagnoses Pertussis (Whooping Cough), your daughter should be kept home until they have taken five days of antibiotics.

Please feel free to contact me by email here if you have any concerns or questions.

– Katelyn Morris
MLC School Nurse

 

Omnia Update – Check Now for Permission Required

Omnia Update – Check Now for Permission Required

IMPORTANT: Please Check Omnia for Permission required

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

In recent days, numerous permission notes have been sent and we NEED your attention to these asap.

IMPORTANT: If you are not seeing all the information that you should for your daughter on your Omnia dashboard or under ‘Your Student’ details, (things such as missing excursion permissions), please contact our IT Service Desk immediately so that we can rectify the access issue. Click here for help.

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

A Message for MLC School Aquatic Centre Customers

A Message for MLC School Aquatic Centre Customers

After consultation with MLC School and listening to feedback we have received from customers, we are excited to inform you that we will be renovating our existing changerooms and bathrooms. We are hoping this will make significant improvement to our facilities by upgrading the existing toilets, showers and changing space in both the male, female, and family/disabled bathrooms to provide a better experience for all. During this time, however, we require your support and cooperation to assist with completing this project within a specific timeframe.

During the renovation process, the changeroom and surrounding area will be closed and inaccessible for all. The pool deck will still be accessible by the main stairwell, however the space behind will be out of action for the entirety of the project. In the interim, we will provide temporary bathroom facilities on the outside deck at the squad end of the pool. Please note that these facilities will only include portable toilets with no changing areas. The pool deck showers will remain in operation for rinse off only, however these will be the only option available at this time. Please note: all safety measures have been put into place to ensure classes can still operate as normal.  

We kindly ask for your cooperation in the following ways:

  • Arrive ready for swimming: If possible, bring your children dressed in their swimwear to minimise the need for changing at the facility. If your child comes directly from school, we ask to get changed at school.
  • Rinse, wrap and go: Use the showers on the pool deck for a quick rinse, and plan for a proper shower at home. We have targeted the summer months to undertake this project to assist with students going home whilst the weather is warmer.
  • Use restrooms at home: With only minimal portable toilets available, we encourage families to use restrooms before arriving to reduce wait times and congestion.
  • Phone calls and Customer service: With the renovations located right below the main office, there will be periods of time during construction that phone calls will be unavailable due to noise. Emails and voicemails will still be an option; however, we will be unable to answer all calls during the noisy periods.

For all Gymnastics customers, there will be communication sent with further instructions next week specifically related to gymnastics classes and activities.

We understand that the temporary lack of changerooms and restrooms may cause inconvenience, and we sincerely appreciate your patience and understanding during this period. The renovations are set to begin on Monday 4 November 2024 and are expected to be completed by Friday 24 January 2025. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 8741 3154 or via email at swim@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. We can’t wait to provide the new and updated facilities for you in early 2025.

– Luke Goddard
Aquatic Centre Manager

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

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

Wednesday 20 November 2024
MLC School
7pm-8.30pm

The MLC School P&F Executive Committee warmly invites all parents and carers to attend the P&F General Business Meeting and Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 20 November 2024.

The P&F is the forum that represents parents and friends of the MLC School community.

We aim to:

  • Connect with each other socially and with the School
  • Contribute to our daughters’ School activities
  • Create opportunities to get together and be involved in the School community

Family involvement in the MLC School community helps to build and strengthen our community spirit and enhances communication. It is the sum of us that fosters a positive outcome for our daughters’ education and co-curricular activities.

If you wish to join the MLC School P&F Committee for 2025, please complete and return a signed Nomination Form to P&F Secretary Raji Behi.

All nominations must be received by 5pm on Wednesday 5 November 2024.

Year 6 Dinner – Tickets out now

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

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

 

Year 9 and Pre-Kindergarten Students Uniform Fitting

Year 9 and Pre-Kindergarten 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 – Term 4 Learning

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Term 4 Learning

Term 4 at MLC School has always looked a bit different to other schools. Yes, there is that collective sigh of relief when the last test has been sat, essay written, and project submitted but this does not mean the learning has ceased. At MLC School we value learning for learning’s sake not just because it is on the test or will have a grade assigned to it. Providing our students with space where there is no high stakes assessment is essential if we are to encourage them to make mistakes, experiment and engage in a level of cognitive play. Term 4 is the optimal time for the exploration of topics that go beyond mandated curriculum and for courses to delve more deeply into areas of interest to the students and develop their academic curiosity which is essential to learning.  There is also the opportunity for the learning to look different.

All our courses in Year 7 – Year 9 are continuous courses. This means that while Year 7 may have completed all their assessments they will continue to learn and consolidate their knowledge, skills and understanding in readiness for their Year 8 studies, particularly in core subjects such as English, Science and Mathematics. Design projects will continue in Technology just as the artmaking will continue to develop in Visual Arts. Music and Drama will continue to hone the girl’s performance skills and there is no shortage of grammar and vocabulary to learn in their language studies.

The process will be similar for our Year 8 students. Yes, there are some subjects they will not be continuing with beyond Year 8 now that they have selected their electives for Year 9, but they should continue to work with the same sustained diligence that they have all year making the most of the time left in each course.

Year 9 will continue their Stage 5 studies, and each faculty has units of work planned that will provide them with continuity of learning into Year 10.

Year 10 will commence their immersion in Week 5 (starting Monday 11 November 2024) and when they return in Week 6 (commencing Monday 18 November 2024), they will commence a program specially designed by the Heads of Department to prepare them for their Year 11 studies. For more detail on this please refer to the article in this newsletter from our Academic Care Coordinator David Posker-Hill.

For our Year 11 students this term signals the start of the final leg of their journey with us. In the IB students will be commencing their Extended Essays and preparation for IA’s will be occurring in all subjects. For our HSC cohort the HSC assessment program will commence, and they will receive details of this program in Week 3 (starting Monday 28 October 2024).   

At MLC School we do not stop planning and delivering high quality learning experiences for our students just because assessments have been completed. Each faculty has planned a full year of learning that will continue until the end of Term 4.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Year 10 Academic Enhancement Program

Year 10 Academic Enhancement Program

Week 6 (starting Monday 18 November 2024)
Week 7 (starting Monday 25 November 2024)
Week 8 (starting Monday 2 December 2024)

Following the return of Year 10 students from their Immersion program in Week 5 (starting Monday), we are presented with an opportunity to enhance the future learning outcomes of our girls. As such, all Year 10 students will participate in a two-week program to develop their academic skills and assist in their preparation for the Senior Years.

This 10 day program will cover both mandatory NESA requirements, such as all my own work, as well as enhancing subject specific skillsets and knowledge across a variety of subjects, and transdisciplinary projects. Students will be required to select from a variety of compulsory and elective workshops, which have been crafted to work alongside their subject choices for Year 11 and Year 12. A mixture of current Year 10 teachers, future senior years teachers, and other subject matter experts will be leading the program.

Over the coming weeks, your child will be required to select their preferred workshops, and we encourage you to speak with them as they do.

Key Dates:

  Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

Week 6 
(Monday 18 October 2024)

 Optional Service Day Immersion Project and Reflection Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops
Week 7
(Monday 25 October 2024)

 Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops
Week 8
(Monday 2 December 2024)

 Senior Years Workshops Senior Years Workshops Final Day of School Speech Night Holidays

 

We are excited about the variety of workshops offered within this program, and believe it will serve to enhance the learning of your child.

– David Posker-Hill
Academic Care Coordinator

After School Study Support – Year 10 to Year 12

After School Study Support – Year 10 to Year 12

All information for After School Study Support can be found in Omnia under School Information / Senior School / After School Study, using this link: https://omnia.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au/school-information/senior-school/after-school-study/

Week commencing Monday 28 October 2024 to Thursday 7 November 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 28 October 2024 to Thursday 7 November 2024 – After School Study Session Nomination Form.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

From the Head of Junior School

From the Head of Junior School

During my time in the United Kingdom, I undertook some study at Oxford University and visited various schools in greater London. I have returned with many insights and learning experiences. An overarching awareness from my study and school visits is that MLC School is indeed a leading school for girls on the world stage. The calibre of our staff, teaching, programs, co-curricular and other offerings is the envy of schools across the world. We have every reason be very proud of our School.

Thank you to our Year 1 parents and careers for taking time to join us at our assembly this week.  

Parent Workshop “Tweens to Teens” 

On Wednesday morning our Head of Counselling, Anna Michalopoulos, and School Counsellor, Susan Rowntree, ran our very first Tweens to Teens workshop for Year 4 parents. I had the opportunity to talk to many of our parents in attendance. The feedback was extremely positive with a request for more parent workshops about this topic in the future. 

Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 Swimming 

Our Kindergarten to Year 2 girls have been continuing their intensive swimming lessons this week, click here for the story. This concluded with the Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day. It was wonderful to see so many parents in attendance. Thank you to our Sports and Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Departments for such a fun day in the pool.

I was very pleased that this year our Pre-Kindergarten students had an opportunity to participate in swimming lessons too. The Pre-Kindergarten girls delighted in telling me what fun it was to swim in the big pool!

Sydney Science Park STEM Cross Schools Challenge  

On Monday seven Year 6 students were involved in the Sydney Science Park STEM Cross Schools Challenge. This was a very exciting and successful day where the girls worked in groups with other students from different schools. This was a wonderful experience in itself for our girls and the actual Challenge rally engaged the students. Please read the full story in the Senior School section by clicking here.

World Teachers Appreciation Day 

Today we officially celebrate World’s Teachers Day. I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the staff across the entire School who support our Junior School students. I would also like to thank the P&F who provided extra goodies at morning tea. The appreciation we receive from our parent community is the best gift for World Teacher Appreciation Day.

New Arrivals 

We have exciting baby news with the arrival of baby Donna Keane’s son. Baby Alexander arrived last Friday morning, 3.8kg and 50cm.

We also have wonderful news from Eddie Park. Little Owen Park was born on 17 October weighing 3.36kg. Mum and baby have just arrived home.  

We wish Year 3 and Year 6 all the best for their outdoor adventure camps in Stanwell Tops and the Blue Mountains along with our gymnastics at the IPSHA next week.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning – ICAS Results

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning – ICAS Results

ICAS Results 2024

We are excited to have recently received the results from this year’s ICAS competition! ICAS assessments require students to use higher-order thinking and problem-solving skills, and to test their ability to apply learning to new contexts. They are renowned for being academically challenging. Congratulations to all the girls who sat the Digital Technologies, English, Science and/or Mathematics papers last term!

The following students deserve special mention, having received either High Distinctions (top 1% of participants) or Distinctions (next 10% of participants). Well done, girls!

Digital Technologies

High Distinctions

  • Marina Chen (Year 3)
  • Hillary Gu (Year 3)

Distinctions

  • Aurora Chau (Year 3)
  • Avery Lan (Year 3)
  • Chloe Tang (Year 3)
  • Evelyn Tsang (Year 3)
  • Caitlyn Law (Year 4)
  • Leanna Shen (Year 4)
  • Elana Chrun (Year 5)
  • Mia Li (Year 5)
  • Vivienne Woon (Year 5)
  • Emilia Sarayar (Year 6)

English

High Distinction

  • Aurora Chau (Year 3)

Distinctions

  • Marina Chen (Year 3)
  • Yvonne Henderson (Year 3)
  • Avery Lan (Year 3)
  • Caitlyn Law (Year 4)
  • Amanda Zhang (Year 4)
  • Peta Bianchi-Howden (Year 5)
  • Irene Chau (Year 5)
  • Maya Haysom-McDowell (Year 5)
  • Mia Li (Year 5)
  • Genevieve Livesey (Year 5)
  • Caitlyn Rodrigues (Year 5)
  • Vivienne Woon (Year 5)
  • Dora Cai (Year 6)
  • Lilian Chen (Year 6)
  • Jasmine Luo (Year 6)
  • Arianna Xu (Year 6)
  • Isla Young (Year 6)
  • Elina Yu (Year 6)

Science

High Distinctions

  • Maya Haysom-McDowell (Year 5)
  • Lilian Chen (Year 6)

Distinctions

  • Hillary Gu (Year 3)
  • Avery Lan (Year 3)
  • Hayley Lam (Year 4)
  • Daisy Han (Year 5)
  • Genevieve Livesey (Year 5)
  • Lily Sugianto (Year 5)
  • Arianna Xu (Year 6)

Mathematics

High Distinctions

  • Hillary Gu (Year 3)
  • Evelyn Tsang (Year 3)
  • Caitlyn Law (Year 4)
  • Jasmine Luo (Year 6)

Distinctions

  • Aurora Chau (Year 3)
  • Marina Chen (Year 3)
  • Chloe Tang (Year 3)
  • Jiahao Zong (Year 3)
  • Leanna Shen (Year 4)
  • Elana Chrun (Year 5)
  • Lily Sugianto (Year 5)
  • Estella Tran (Year 5)
  • Lilian Chen (Year 6)
  • Aerin Kim (Year 6)
  • Maggie Ma (Year 6)
  • Lavinia Xu (Year 6)

– Natalie Hird
Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning

Kindergarten to Year 2 Intensive Swimming Program

Kindergarten to Year 2 Intensive Swimming Program

The Kindergarten to Year 2 Intensive Swimming Program has been a wonderful success this year, with enthusiastic participation from the girls. The program aims to build confidence in the water, promote physical fitness, and instil a lifelong love for swimming. Over the course of the program, students have not only learned essential swimming skills but also gained confidence in the water. The dedicated instructors ensured that each session was both educational and fun, fostering a love for swimming among the students. We are incredibly proud of the students’ achievements. We look forward to continuing this enriching program in the future and seeing more young swimmers thrive!

Feedback from our girls:

‘I like to go under the water.’
Juliette (Kindergarten K)

‘I went on the diving board. It was so cool!’
Ella (Kindergarten A)

‘I like doing breaststroke and diving.’
Shiraya (Year 1A)

‘I love diving because you can jump in the water and it’s fun.’
Serene (Year 1W)

‘I love everything! You get to dive and jump into the cold water at the start.’
Amelia (Year 2W)

‘I like to swim with my friends. Me and Gloria flipped into the water.’
Yiinuo (Year 2P)

The Splash Carnival was the perfect way to conclude our two-week program! The aquatic centre was filled with excitement as we celebrated the personal milestones achieved by the girls. It was heartwarming to see parents proudly watching their daughters showcase their skills and achievements. The event truly highlighted the growth and confidence developed over the past weeks. Look out for photos in next week’s newsletter.

– Michelle Hiss and Amanda Tsioustas
Junior School Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Amazing Me Webinars – Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

Amazing Me Webinars – Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6

  • Year 4 Amazing Me Webinar – Monday 28 October 2024, 5.45pm-6.40pm Online
  • Year 5 and Year 6 Amazing Me Webinar – Monday 28 October 2024, 6.45pm-7.40pm Online

A reminder that links for the Amazing Me Webinars will be sent to Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 parents on Monday 28 October 2024.

These will be sent to you on the MLC School app with a link to join the webinar at the specific times noted above. These links will also be available in Omnia in your News feed.

If you have not received this link by 10am on Monday 28 October 2024, please contact us by email here.

Junior School Art News

Junior School Art News

Art competitions underpin the MLC Junior School Art experience by inspiring our young artists to display their creative skills and ideas to a wider audience. This year our exceptionally talented girls submitted their artwork into the ‘Seahorse Project’ Art and Science Competition reflecting upon marine scientists’ current work in saving our endangered seahorses and their habitat in Sydney Harbour. Thank you to Head of Junior School Daniel Sandral and Sally Marks (Head of Department – Visual Arts) for engaging in the difficult task in judging, and, Liane Simpson, Junior School art assistant, in selecting the ‘Packing Room Prize’.

First Prize

  • Lavinia Luoyi (Year 6)

Second Prize

  • Marina Chen (Year 3)
  • Carlyn Nie (Year 5)

Third Prize

  • Victoria Cassar (Year 5)
  • Ruby Zhao (Year 1)

Highly Commended

  • Emily Zhong (Year 3)
  • Caitlyn Law (Year 4)
  • Anouk Thorley (Year 3)
  • Kayla Li (Kindergarten)
  • Jaiyanna Sayed (Year 1)

Packing Room Prize

  • Mariella Tsollis (Year 5)

The 2024 annual Junior School Portrait Prize entry forms may be collected from the Art studio. Entries and forms should be submitted to the art staff by Friday 1 November 2024. This year’s theme is ‘My Story’ with all entries being the student’s own work.

– Lesley Snelgrove, Victoria Bradshaw, Liane Simpson
Junior School Art Team

Click on the image gallery for full size images.

Junior School P&F Nominations Are Open

Junior School P&F Nominations Are Open

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.

From the Acting Head of Senior School

From the Acting Head of Senior School

It has been an eventful start to Term 4, and it has been wonderful to see so many of our students thriving in a range of school activities and experiences. This week saw commencement of the IB examinations and the continuation of the HSC examinations. We wish our students success in all their endeavours.

Your support during this time is much valued. Thank you to everyone for your contribution, the networks that have supported and nurtured our students on this journey, ensuring they are well equipped, prepared and in the best possible position for success.

Earlier this week, over $1000 was raised to support STXBP1 Australia. Year 8 students facilitated a Bake Sale and it was wonderful to see so many of our students supporting this organisation whose mission is to drive research into STXBP1 disorders through awareness and education and to accelerate the discovery of a cure.

Today and tomorrow we will be hosting the IGSA Festival of Speech, good luck to all of our teams involved and a huge thank you to our dedicated staff involved in undertaking this huge event.

School Attendance

As we continue to maintain and uphold our School standards, please see below a reminder and request for parents regarding attendance.

Regular school attendance is essential for students to achieve their educational best and increase their career and beyond school options. At MLC School we work in partnership with parents to encourage and support theregular attendance of our students. When your child attends school every day, learning and engagement is enhanced, as well as the opportunity to build and maintain positive relationships with others.

It is a legal requirement for students to attend school each day it is open, the positive impact of arriving at school and attending lessons on time is well documented:

  • Ensures that students do not miss out on crucial learning activities.
  • Demonstrates respect for their learning and that of others.
  • Helps students develop positive skills and habits regarding punctuality, structure and routine.
  • Allows students time to socialise with friends prior to lessons.
  • Reduces classroom disruption for student and teachers.

In order to support student attendance expectations, we have a introduced a new recording and monitoring process. Students arriving on campus after 8.15am will be recorded as a late arrival. Any student arriving late or requiring a variation to their attendance (such as early departure) should present to the Studies Office, where they will sign in or out. At this point they will receive a printed slip, which serves as confirmation for a student’s arrival or departure from the campus.

Students arriving late should present this slip to their class teacher upon entering their first lesson.

For students who demonstrate patterns of lateness without valid justification, they will be referred to the Head of Secondary School Operations, and we will communicate with parents or carers for further follow up. It is important for parents and carers to be aware that lateness or early leave is recorded as a partial absence from school and must be explained by parents or carers.

Parents can support positive school attendance habits through:

  • Supporting your daughters to learn the importance of punctuality and routine.
  • Making sure your daughter arrives on time from the start of the school day – prior to 8.15am, ready to engage in learning.
  • Ensuring any holidays or medical appointments are taken outside school hours (8.15am-3.15pm). If this is unavoidable, 24 hours notice should be given to the Studies Office.
  • Contacting us to explain any absences (within seven days of the first day of any absence).
  • Communicating with us and reinforcing expectations that encourage and support regular attendance.

As always, we value working collaboratively with students and you, our parents to support regular school attendance. Thank you for your support.

– Andrew Taylor
Acting Head of Senior School

 

From the Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

From the Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

I hope your daughter has settled into her Term 4 studies and is enjoying this final chunk of schooling for 2024. The School is a little quieter without our Year 12 students, but there is still plenty going on around the campus. Both Year 10 and Year 11 have their trips to look forward to and Year 7 to Year 9 are consolidating their years’ work.

As a senior school, we have renewed our focus on uniform, encouraging the students to set and maintain the highest standards. Uniform is a very visible symbol of our unity as a school and is important in helping to create connection and belonging. I often remind students that when we see the Matildas turn up on game day, or Olympians parading as a team, their uniform is immaculate and worn with pride. Please encourage your daughter to do the same. The uniform code is in the Parent Handbook and in the student diary from page 12 onwards.

This week in our Chapel service, Pastor Cailtin spoke about her time working with Uniting, the service arm of the Uniting Church. Our school and Uniting share two core values, those of Respect and Compassion. Both of these are key to a strong sense of wellbeing. Respect is defined by Uniting as ‘acting with honesty and integrity, opening our hearts to all people without exception’, and Compassion as being ‘nurturing, generous and thoughtful in our words and deeds.’ I know that our pastoral care programs encourage these values in our students, and we will continue to work on this throughout the year.

When I reflect on the Class of 2024 as a cohort, I think of their compassion for and their acceptance of each other. Compassion is the foundation of healthy, supportive relationships. It fosters trust, understanding, and empathy, which help people feel more connected to others. These strong social bonds contribute to overall happiness and a sense of belonging, both of which are vital to wellbeing. Similarly, respect is the cornerstone of successful and meaningful relationships. When we respect others, we validate their feelings and opinions, which leads to greater trust and collaboration.

I hope that all our students demonstrate our School Values and engage with their wellbeing programs and excursions this term to develop connections, demonstrate compassion and make a positive contribution to MLC School.

– Fiona Pow
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

 

STEM Stars: MLC Students Impress at Grand Final

STEM Stars: MLC Students Impress at Grand Final

On Monday 21 October, six Year 9 students and seven Year 6 students participated in the Sydney Science Park STEM Cross Schools Grand Final Challenge Day. On the day our students were split across mixed school teams and completed a STEM challenge linked to a key stakeholder in the Sydney Science Park Development.

All students got exposure working in Design Sprint which involved a:

  • Empathink Thank
  • Ideation Blitz
  • Prototyping Sprint
  • Pitch Parlour

By the end of this each group had to pitch their solution and present their model to a range of judges. A huge congratulations to Stephanie Keo (Year 9) who was an integral part of the team who was awarded second place.

I would also like to thank Jocelyn Jabbour-Perez (Teacher HSIE) and Bede Schofield (STEAM Lab Coodinator) who supervised the students for the day.

– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7

Year 7

Year 7 have settled positively back into school and appear to be working productively in their lessons. It has been wonderful to see them supporting the Year 12 students completing their HSC and IB examinations by being respectfully quiet around the locker areas across the school day. This is to continue for the coming fortnight!  

On Wednesday during Academic Care, students were provided the opportunity to continue work on their ‘Rubbish Project’ in their small groups. Students have been filming advertisements which promote the need for sustainability within MLC School. Some groups are now at the editing phase and some still require a little more footage to be pieced together prior to submitting the works next week.   

During Luminary on Thursday, a uniform check was held across the Senior School. Thank you to those students who continually wear their uniform with pride and who follow the standard set for uniform beautifully. For those students who received an Accountability Point as there was an element of their uniform worn incorrectly, I encourage them to reflect on their choices and ensure expectations regarding uniform are met moving forward. 

I want to thank all the Year 7 students who have volunteered their time over Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October to assist with the running of the IGSA Festival of Speech at MLC School. It is always heartening to see how many students are willing to give up their own time in support of events such as this. With 30 schools visiting our campuses and many students competing across the range of disciplines, student support is essential for the smooth running of the evening and day. For those students in Year 7 who are competing, I wish you the very best!  

Dates for the Diary – Term 4:

Friday 25 October – Saturday 26 October 2024 (Week 2) – IGSA Festival of Speech
Friday 1 November 2024 (Week 3) – Year 7 Reports released to parents and carers
Wednesday 13 November – Friday 15 November 2024 (Week 5) – Middle Years Production
Friday 22 November 2024 (Week 6) – MLC School Idol
Wednesday 4 December 2024 (Week 8) – Final Day of Lessons
Thursday 5 December 2024 (Week 8) – Speech Night – Compulsory Event

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 7

Year 8

Year 8

This week was a busy week for Year 8, with assessments, the first House time for the term and many co-curricular activities.

We commenced the week with a special Year 8 Chapel service run by Lynne Bondar, which was focused on the importance of kindness and service. The students were challenged to consider how they could give their talents, skills and time to serve others this term. Thank you to the following students for volunteering to read and assist during the service:

 

 

  • Piya Kaur
  • Aurora Kang
  • Chloe Oh
  • Matilda Shipard
  • Sasha Juel-Smart
  • Tina Guan
  • Grace Barnes

During the service, we also acknowledged the service of Jasmin Srisathkurunathan who organised a bake sale to raise money for the STXBP1 Australia Foundation, a charity that supports research into the development of therapies for STXBP1 disorders. Thank you to the Year 8 students who volunteered their time to bake and run the stall on Monday to support an important cause that has a special connection to the MLC School community.

Today and tomorrow, we look forward to hosting the IGSA Festival of Speech at MLC School. More than 20 Year 8 students have put their hand up to volunteer across both days, and I thank them for their service to support a fantastic event.

A final reminder that during Term 4, students are not to wear their school jumper as the outer garment as they arrive to school and depart each afternoon. If your daughter wishes to wear her jumper, she should ensure she is also wearing her blazer as the outer garment as she leaves home. Thank you for your assistance to ensure your daughter wears her uniform with pride as we seek to set and maintain the highest standards.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me by email here, or your daughter’s Luminary teacher if you need any assistance.

– Emily Marsh
Acting Head of Year 8

Year 9

Year 9

It has been another busy week for Year 9, with final (formal) assessments being completed and presented, the first House time of the term, and all students having individual chats with their Luminaries about their achievements, accomplishments, challenges and hopes from Semester 2. Please know that although formal assessments have come to a close for Year 9, the learning continues! Teachers will have Stage 5 content to keep working with and this content is assessed formatively and ongoing throughout the year. You can refer to the newsletter article here by Linda Emms, Head of Learning and Teaching to explain this further.

On Wednesday in Academic Care, Year 9 had their first session run by Jo Cilia, Head of Futures and Pathways. Jo organised some people from the UTS entrepreneurs program to come and speak to Year 9 about what it means to be an entrepreneur and how to begin a pathway to entrepreneurship. It was wonderful to see Year 9 so engaged, with their eyes opening to the world around them and what potentially may lie ahead following Year 12. Year 9 will have another session with Jo Cilia later in the term, and will spend more time with her and her team as they move into the senior years.

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

– Claire White
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Year 10

I had an enjoyable time at the New Zealand Immersion information evening. It is wonderful to see the joy on the students and parents faces looking forward to the experiences approaching for Year 10.

In the Academic Care session this week Christopher Highman, Assistant Head of Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE) introduced Year 10 to their immersion project which is to evaluate the various ways Australia and New Zealand take care, present and manage their Indigenous culture. It is an important global and local area for our students so they can look ahead and work towards being Agents of Change. Christopher is also attending the New Zealand Immersion.

During Luminary this week students were reflecting on their growth over Semester 2. Not only does it include academic growth but also leadership, giving to the community, gains from co-curricular activities and our School Values that were a focus this semester, Compassion and Growth. We also had a sharpened focus on uniform yesterday Thursday 24 October, which may have resulted in Accountability Points and emails home for students.

After Immersion

Please see Academic Care’s newsletter piece regarding the Year 10 Enhancement Program after their return from Immersion in Week 6 (starting Monday 18 November 2024). The current timetables for Year 10 will cease at the end of Week 4 (Friday 8 November 2024).

Luminary staff updates

We welcomed back Jane Timor, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) Teacher as Sutton Luminary last week from leave, the students were delighted at her return. We welcome Alice Chance, to assist Trevor Mee, Director of Music with Mooramoora Luminary and Samantha Kelsongray to look after Prescott Luminary while Conor O’Reilly is on leave for the first six weeks of term. We continue to enjoy our hard-working Luminary staff on the rest of our Luminary groups.

Luminary Staff

House

Hannah Smith

Abbeythorpe

Danielle Collins and Kate Drady

Booralee

David Posker-Hill

Churunga

Renee Willemsen

Leawarra

Deborah Moir and Richard Burgess

Lester

Trevor Mee and Alice Chance

Mooramoora

Samantha Kelsongray (6 weeks), then Conor O’Reilly

Prescott

Jane Timor

Sutton

Kellie Cogin and David O’Donohue

Wade

Marian Guerra and Brooke Sanderson

Whitley

 

If you are concerned about your daughter at all, please contact the Luminaries or me. I can be contacted via email arenwick@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or my direct line 8741 3278.

Congratulations 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………

Coming up

  • Friday 25 October – Saturday 26 October 2024 – IGSA 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
  • Monday 18 November 2024 – Optional Service Day
  • Tuesday 19 November 2024 – Immersion Project Day
  • Wednesday 20 November 2024 – Alternative Year 10 Senior program begins

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 10

 

Year 11

Year 11

We hope you’ve had a good week. One of the duties of the Captains in Year 11 is gate duty, when the girls welcome students onto campus, say good morning and play music. It sets a great tone for the beginning of the day and everyone is welcomed. Our image this week shows Lefki Papadopoulos (Vice Captain Year 6 – Year 9), Lara Bazzi (Wade Vice Captain) and Misha Behi (Sutton House Captain) at the gate on Thursday morning.

In Academic Care this week, Marianna Carlino (Director of eLearning) spoke with Year 11 about cybersafety – detecting deep fakes, digital reputation and eSafety awareness. The girls learned about how to detect a deep fake, their prevalence, the role of AI and its impact, particularly on girls and young women. While the information is concerning, our role at MLC School is to educate and inform our students to be aware and protect themselves from cyber harm. The role of the eSafety commissioner was reinforced with Year 11 and they were advised to report incidents of abuse online to a trusted adult first and via the eSafety commissioner website. (See link here: https://www.esafety.gov.au/) Marianna will continue working with Year 11 in 2025 on issues raised by the students which they would like more information about.

Some Year 11 students are in the process of changing subjects or levels for their senior programme in the HSC or IB. This is a very important decision and we advise students and parents to discuss the implications and seek advice. The process involves obtaining a form from the Deputy Head of Senior School – Academic office (Elisa Scala) and working through the people who need to sign off on the changes, including parents. An important conversation takes place with the relevant teacher, Heads of Faculty, Elisa Scala or Priscilla Quintana (IB Coordinator), Jo Cilia (Head of Futures and Pathways) and myself as Head of Year.  When the process is complete, we hope that students feel confident and supported in their choices. I would also advise that parents consult your daughter’s class teacher during the Parent Teacher Interview, to be held on Wednesday 30 October 2024 from 4pm-6pm, online. Following this is the Year 12 2025 Information Webinar and we look forward to meeting you online and hearing your questions.

Assessment Guides are now available for 2025. Please click on the links below to access:

2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) Assessment Guide

2025 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

You can also access the guides in Omnia, under School Information / Year 11 via the link below:

https://omnia.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au/school-information/senior-school/year-11/

For specific academic concerns, we recommend a phone call or email to your daughter’s class teacher and for pastoral issues, your daughter’s Luminary. I am available Monday to Friday as Head of Year on sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or 02 8741 9736.

As a reminder, your daughter’s Luminary is also in their House group. Here is a list of the Luminaries for Year 11 – Year 12:

 

Luminary Staff

House

Moira Gaha

Abbeythorpe

Sarah Papachristoforou

Booralee

Louise Piggot

Churunga

Joseph Pfeffer

Leawarra

Kate Schurch and Phuong Do

Lester
Danielle Rodrigues and Kathy Meintjes

Mooramoora
Natasha Collins

Prescott
Alex Schroder

Sutton
Vicky Zinopoulos

Wade
Joelene Cheney and Helena Wang

Whitley

 

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 11

From the Careers Department – Upcoming Events

From the Careers Department – Upcoming Events

2024 USYD Science Extension Intro Week

Monday 4 November to Friday 8 November 2024

Join us for a week of USYD Science Extension events designed to jump-start your research journey!

Year 12 Science Extension students will have the opportunity to receive guidance on scientific research and project planning. In addition to the Science Extension Workshops, we’re offering an online information session on the USYD Science Extension Mentoring Program and an online ‘Meet a Researcher’ session.

Here’s what’s happening during Science Extension Intro Week:

Find out more

University of Sydney Grand Challenge 2024: Towards Net Zero

Wednesday 6 November 2024

In The Grand Challenge, students in Year 9 and Year 10 will spend a fast and fun day learning about a real-life global problem before ideating, developing and pitching their own solutions to their peers and STEM experts for a chance to win prizes. This event is powered by Future Anything and the Faculty of Science, University of Sydney.

Find out more

STEM + X: Technology, brought to you by QUT

Wednesday 6 November 2024

There is a skyrocketing demand for tech professionals. In Australia alone, we’re anticipating a need for 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030. It all starts with exploring the exciting and diverse careers available and understanding how to get started.

Join us as we dive into how you can turn your interest in computer science, game development and IT systems into a fulfilling career.

Find out more

Sydney Design School Information Session

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Find out everything you need to know about our flexible courses and career support. Our Director, Amanda Grace will introduce you to our unique philosophy, passionate Educators and industry focused approach to learning.

Our sessions are also streamed live online via Zoom. Register to receive a link closer to the date of your Info Session.

Find out more

Defence Air Force Careers Information Session – Sydney

Wednesday 6 November 2024

In addition to defending our nation, the Air Force supports a broad range of operations in Australia and overseas, including:

  • supporting international security and counter-terrorism initiatives
  • protecting our borders from illegal activity and incursions
  • carrying out search and rescue missions
  • supporting peacekeeping operations
  • helping communities affected by natural disasters

Would you like to learn about the wide variety of Air Force careers available? Join us for an info session and speak with current serving members about entry pathways and career opportunities.

Find out more

CGA Virtual Information Session

Wednesday 6 November 2024

Come hear from our students about how online schooling fits their busy training schedules, supports academic advancement, and opens doors to top universities worldwide.

Hear how our online learning environment can be tailored to meet your child’s unique needs, including:

  • How flexible class schedules can support athletes, performers and travelling families.
  • Advanced and competitive curricula options for those looking to apply to top universities
  • Inclusive strategies to support neurodiverse and SEN learners; and those experiencing mental health challenges or bullying.

You will also have an opportunity to ask our team any questions you have.

Find out more

AIT MasterTalk: Annemarie Gereis, Development Specialist & VFX Coach

Thursday 7 November 2024

Join us in November to hear from Annemarie Gereis, a development specialist and VFX coach.

Annemarie Gereis is a seasoned career coach with a passion for empowering creatives to achieve their full potential.

Her visual effects journey started a decade ago, compositing on 20+ blockbuster films and TV shows across Los Angeles, Atlanta, Austin, and Sydney.

Her most notable titles include: Guardians of The Galaxy, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Power Rangers, Gotham, Sleepy Hollow and Hunger Games: Mockingbird.

Find out more

University of Sydney ARTiculate Drama | Giving shape to the world of a play: Getting started with set design

Thursday 7 November 2024

Theatre, above all, is a spatial artform. It’s about defining the relationship and energy flow between audience and performer; it’s putting ideas into space; it’s finding a physical form to convey the emotional landscape of a play.

In this webinar, we are delighted to host award-winning set and costume designer, Isabel Hudson, who will be in conversation with Dr Paul Dwyer from the Discipline of Theatre and Performance Studies.

While our focus is on set design, the underlying principles are, of course, also directly relevant to other HSC Drama Individual Projects in Design (e.g. costume and lighting) and Critical Analysis (e.g. director’s folio and portfolio of theatre criticism).

Find out more

University of Sydney ARTiculate Ancient History | Vesuvius AD 79: The day after

Thursday 7 November 2024

For over three centuries, the story of Mt. Vesuvius has largely centred on the dramatic events of the AD 79 eruption, freezing time at that catastrophic moment. But what about the aftermath? How did the land, and the people who lived there, bounce back? Many believe that the area never fully recovered, but recent discoveries tell a very different story—one of resilience and renewal.

In this talk, we’ll explore the lesser-known effects of the eruption and how they shaped the landscape and its communities in the years that followed. By diving into new archaeological findings, we’ll piece together the resettlement of the region, examining how different areas of Mt. Vesuvius were affected and how the local communities adapted.

Find out more

WSU Unlocking Careers in Science, Engineering and Technology

Friday 8 November 2024

This on campus event for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander High School students in Year 9 to Year 12, raises knowledge and aspiration for Careers in Science, Technology and Engineering.

Students will participate in their choice of practical workshops, a Q&A Yarn Up with Indigenous industry professionals to gain insights into their work, education journey and careers.

Find out more

University of Sydney Camden Open Day 2024

Friday 8 November 2024

Inspire your Year 10 – Year 11 classes with an interactive visit to the University of Sydney’s Camden Campus to explore study and career pathways in real agricultural sciences. The day will include a visit to the active cattle and mixed enterprise facilities of John Bruce Pye Farm, plus three interactive workshops chosen by your school from a variety of topics: soil health, fish farming, veterinary practice, poultry nutrition, plant productivity and more!

Find out more

Important Future Events

UON Law Insights Evening 2024

Wednesday 13 November 2024

The University of Newcastle’s School of Law and Justice invites Year 11 and Year 12 students of 2024, teachers and parents to attend our Law Insights evening. The evening is an invaluable experience, allowing students to hear first-hand about the Law degree on offer at the University of Newcastle. 

Students will be able to hear from, and speak with, academic staff and current students from the School of Law and Justice. Students will also learn about our Legal Centre. This is an excellent opportunity for students to ask any questions they might have about the Bachelor of Laws (Honours) program. 

Find out more

AMPA Music Theatre and Classical Performance and Composition Experience Day

Wednesday 13 November 2024

Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) invites aspiring Music Theatre and Classical musicians and Composers aged 16 and over to join us on campus for a day of music!

Attendees will have the chance to sit in on a performance class, participate in workshops/Q&As facilitated by AMPA’s music faculty and experience what studying music is like at AMPA. Experience a day in the life of an AMPA music student to gain further insight into tertiary education and how it can benefit your future.

Find out more

AMPA Dance Experience Day

Wednesday 13 November 2024

Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) invites dancers to join us on campus for a day of dance. Register and bring your friends along and get ready to move!

Dancers will have a chance to participate in contemporary & improvisation classes facilitated by AMPA’s inspiring faculty and experience what studying dance full-time is like at AMPA. A Q&A with the program’s Head of Dance will allow aspiring dancers, choreographers, and dance teachers, to gain further insight into tertiary education and how it can benefit their future careers.

AMPA is currently accepting registrations for Intake 2025 and beyond, so don’t forget to register for the dance auditions happening Monday, November 18th.

Find out more

AMPA Contemporary Music Performance & Music Production Experience Day

Thursday 14 November 2024

Academy of Music and Performing Arts (AMPA) invites aspiring contemporary musicians and music creators aged 16 and over to join us on campus for a day of music!

Attendees will have the chance to sit in on a performance class, participate in workshops/Q&As facilitated by AMPA’s music faculty and experience what studying music is like at AMPA. Experience a day in the life of an AMPA music student to gain further insight into tertiary education and how it can benefit your future.

Find out more

Discover Nursing @ UTS

Wednesday 20 November 2024

Discover how you can become a Registered Nurse at Australia’s #1 uni for academic reputation in nursing and midwifery.

Hear about diverse nursing careers from industry speakers, meet our academic teachers and ask current students about the UTS Bachelor of Nursing.

Tour our world-class clinical facilities and explore your future campus!

Find out more

University of Sydney Mega Maths Day 2024

Tuesday 26 November to Monday 2 December 2024

Mathematics is the hidden hero in every STEM discipline whether it be geosciences, biology or psychology. Wherever your students see themselves heading in their future studies and careers, we want to show them how important and useful it is to have a foundation in mathematics.

Your Year 9 & 10 classes will join us for a day of STEM fun, including meeting a real mathematician, and your school’s choice of three hands-on workshops themed in different disciplines, but all focused on the importance of mathematics. Year 10 in particular is a key time when your students are choosing their future direction, so give them the opportunity to find out just how important a solid background in maths is for a huge array of disciplines and careers.

Find out more

Discover AI Magic with IT at ACU North Sydney

Tuesday 26 November 2024

Join us for the 2024 Discover ACU. A free event tailored to your study area of interest, these sessions will give you an insight into life as a uni student.

Participate in interactive AI activities, chat with current students and learn what it’s like studying a degree in IT at ACU.

Find out more

Discover Exercise and Sports Science at ACU Blacktown

Wednesday 27 November 2024

Join us for the 2024 Discover ACU. A free event tailored to your study area of interest, these sessions will give you an insight into life as a uni student.

Experience the range of cutting-edge equipment for training and rehabilitation that you will have access to as part of a sport and exercise science degree with ACU.

Find out more

Discover Law and Criminology at ACU North Sydney

Thursday 28 November 2024

Join us for the 2024 Discover ACU. A free event tailored to your study area of interest, these sessions will give you an insight into life as a uni student.

Aspiring lawyers will have the chance to develop their analytical and courtroom skills in our law and criminology workshops. These hands-on activities will provide you with an insight into the Australian legal system and its functions.

Find out more

AIE Online Campus Day
Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Saturday 30 November 2024

Discover the courses designed to get you started in game development, 3D animation, film and visual effects at the AIE Online Campus Day. AIE will be running this event for students interested in studying online. You will be able to meet our teachers, explore how classes will run, course options, career pathways and see our amazing student work.

We will be covering everything you need to know about the:

  • careers in games and VFX that we train students for;
  • studios and industries that we work with;
  • courses we offer – from beginners to professional mastery, and;
  • the software, skills and knowledge we teach.

Find out more

Experience Day at ACPE

Thursday 19 December 2024

Want to pursue a career in sport? Discover why ACPE is ranked #1 for Health, Sport, Physical Education, and Dance. Join us on campus. See where you will study, meet our students and lecturers, and participate in info sessions and practical workshops to take the next step with confidence.

We’ll have a number of sessions running throughout the day so you can decide on how you would like to enjoy your Experience Day!

Why attend Experience Day?

  • Explore the campus
  • Q&A with our academics and students
  • Chat with current students about their experience
  • “Tutorial bites” on what to expect, take part in sample classes
  • Practical workshops and interactive sessions
  • Find out where a qualification from ACPE can take your career
  • Discuss course options with our Enrolment Advisors and get a personalised study plan
  • Get assistance with applying or enrolment

Find out more

NAS Art Club Intensive 2025

Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 January 2025

Have a young person in your life that loves to make art? Our Art Club Intensive program is the perfect School Holiday activity to nurture their skills.

The Art Club Intensive is a 3-day course, taking place 15 – 17 January 2025, designed to impart technical and conceptual skills to students aged 15 – 17.

This is a rare opportunity for young artists to learn from industry specialists in one of the five focus areas: Drawing, Printmaking, Ceramics, Sculpture or Painting.

Find out more

AMSI Careers Day

Thursday 16 January 2025

Attend the AMSI Careers Day and explore the diverse career pathways available to mathematical sciences graduates. Mathematics, statistics and data science are critical to so many careers across all industry sectors! Talk to potential employers, get your employment questions answered and be inspired by the endless opportunities.

– Careers Department

Scholarships

Scholarships

De Dominicis Foundation Opportunity Scholarship for STEM Students

Value: $15,000 AUD per year

NOW OPEN

Closing date: Friday 6 December 2024

De Dominicis Foundation Opportunity Scholarship for STEM Students was established in 2021, by Robert De Dominicis. The purpose of this scholarship is to support commencing students at the University of Wollongong who are passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics (STEM) and experiencing financial difficulty.

Find out more

 

Competitions

Competitions

The Harvard Crimson Business Case Competition 2024

NOW OPEN

Closing date: Monday 24 February 2025

Innovation has changed our world. The Harvard Crimson Business Competition (HCBC) calls on the next generation of young entrepreneurs to think about global challenges and propose business plans.

Participants will engage in two rigorous rounds – a preliminary round (virtual submissions) followed by a thrilling championship round held in-person at The Crimson. Those who qualify for the Championship Round will have an opportunity to be mentored by industry professionals and members of The Harvard Crimson’s esteemed business board, offering a platform to test and refine one’s business acumen.

Find out more


Enter the Young Achiever Awards

NOW OPEN

Closing date: Wednesday 12 February 2025

The Young Achiever Awards acknowledge, encourage and most importantly promote the positive achievements of all young people throughout Australia.

No achievement is too small (or big!) and all young people should be applauded for their positive impacts on our local and wider communities.

Nominations close:

  • Saturday 15 December 2024 (NT)
  • Wednesday 15 January 2025 (NSW, ACT, QLD)
  • Wednesday 29 January 2025 (VIC, SA)
  • Saturday 9 February 2024 (WA)
  • Wednesday 12 February 2025 (TAS)

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A Reminder about Committing to Your Sport Training and Games

A Reminder about Committing to Your Sport Training and Games

Most training sessions commence at 7am and finish at 8am. Some training sessions commence at 6.45am. Please make sure you are on time to training to get the most out of your session.

A reminder that to be eligible for a pocket (either the blue one for sustained commitment) or a premiership pocket should the team win the competition, students may only miss one training session and one game throughout the season. Training absences can be made up by attendance at an alternate session throughout the week.

Students should contact the Sports Department if they wish to attend a make-up session so this can be recorded on the roll.

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Parent Corner

Parent Corner

This week at sport, let the focus be on fun and not the outcome of the game.

While it is always nice to win, the enjoyment we get out of playing with our friends, learning a new skill, respecting the opposition and being active instead of playing with our devices is more valuable than winning.

A CONVERSATION BETWEEN A DAD AND HIS SON

“Dad, I didn’t have fun at the game today.”

“I understand, son, you lost and that’s not nice”.

“No dad, it has nothing to do with getting beat.”

“Well, those players never pass you the ball, I also tried to tell the manager that, but he wouldn’t listen to me”.

“No dad, that’s not why”.

“Are you talking about the referee?

“NO! Dad, the problem is…”

“I know, the coach puts you at the back, doesn’t he understand that you should play forward?”

“Dad, that’s enough! I’m not sad because we lost; I don’t care, when I play, I always try to win of course, but what matters to me is having fun with my friends. I don’t care about the referee, he is just a few years older than me, and just like you and me, he can make mistakes. It doesn’t matter if I play in the back, the manager’s choices must be respected. And if my teammates sometimes don’t pass me the ball, it’s not a problem either, I don’t pass often either, because I want to enjoy dribbling.”

“So son, what is it that makes you so sad?”

“It’s your attitude, Dad. Your yelling, your advice.

When you said that bad word to the referee, I was embarrassed. Then you started arguing with a dad from the other team, not to mention when you started yelling at the coach to put me to play in attack”.

“Son, but I do this for your own good because I want you to win so that you can be happy”.

“Dad, I don’t need to win to be happy. I just run after the ball with my friends. Dad, next time, have fun with me. Don’t yell, and leave the manager, referee and opponents alone. Because I don’t want anything else but to play.”

#juniorgrassroots

Register for the Husky Triathlon Festival

The Shimano Huskisson Triathlon Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2025.

This premier Triathlon Festival is held in Huskisson, Australia​ which is known for its picturesque location and challenging course, the triathlon has become a staple in the world triathlon calendar.

If you are interested in registering for a triathlon, swimming or running event, you can register on the button below:

Register Here

Important Sport Notices

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 and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday 26 October 2024

BADMINTON – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 Monte Monte 8am
MLC02 Tara 5 Tara Gym 8am
MLC03 St Scholastica’s Badminton Worx 8am
MLC04 St Catherine’s Badminton Worx 8am
MLC05 Tara 15 Tara Gym 10.30am
MLC06 Danebank Danebank 10.30am
MLC07 Danebank 14 Danebank 10.30am
MLC08 Tara 28 Tara Gym 10.30am
IGSA TENNIS – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 Frensham Frensham 7.30am
MLC02 Roseville MLC School 7.30am
MLC03 SCEGGS Camperdown Tennis  7.30am
MLC04 Ascham Cooper Park 9.55am
MLC05 Frensham Frensham 9.45am
MLC06 Ravenswood Ravenswood 7.45am
MLC07 Frensham Frensham 9.55am
MLC08 Ascham Cooper Park 9.55am
MLC09 Abbotsleigh Abbotsleigh Tennis Courts 9.55am
MLC10 Meriden MLC School 9.55am
MLC11 Frensham Frensham 9.55am
MLC12 Santa Sabina Santa Sabina 7.45am
MLC13 Ravenswood Ravenswood 7.45am
IPSHA BASKETBALL – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 Ascham Centennial Parklands 6 8am
MLC02 Meriden 9 Centennial Parklands 8 9am
MLC03 PLC 7 PLC Sydney 11am
MLC04 PLC Sydney Abbotsleigh 11am
MLC05 Meriden Meriden 11am
IPSHA TENNIS – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 St Catherine’s 1 MLC School 8am
MLC02 Kambala 1 MLC School 8am
MLC03 Kambala 2 Kambala 8am
MLC04 Santa Sabina 2 Santa Sabina 8am
MLC05 PLC Sydney 3 MLC School 10am
MLC06 SCEGGS 4 MLC School 10am
SANTA BASKETBALL – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 St Scholastica’s Santa Sabina CT4 8.30am
MLC02 OLMC 1 Santa Sabina CT2 9.30am
MLC03 Loreto Kirribilli 3 Santa Sabina CT4 9.30am
MLC04 Santa Sabina 3 Santa Sabina CT3 11.30am
MLC05 OLMC 5 Santa Sabina CT3 10.30am
MLC06 MLC 7 Santa Sabina CT4 10.30am
MLC07 MLC 6 Santa Sabina CT4 10.30am
TOUCH FOOTBALL – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 FRE02 Frensham Field 1 8am
MLC02 QUE02 Tara Top Oval 8am
MLC03 ASC07 Lyne Park Field 1 9am
MLC04 FRE07 Frensham Field 1 11am
MLC05 FRE10 Frensham Field 3 9am
MLC06 SAN04 Santa Sabina Field 1 11am
MLC07 FRE11 Frensham Field 3 11am
MLC08 DAN05 Tara Top Oval 10am
VOLLEYBALL – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 PLC02 Five Dock Leisure Centre 8.15am
MLC01 SSC10 Santa Sabina Court 9 10.30am
MLC02 SSC13 Santa Sabina Court 9 8.30am
MLC02 DUTY Five Dock Leisure Centre 9.25am
MLC02 Sydney Girls Five Dock Leisure Centre 10.35am
MLC03 PYM06 Santa Sabina Court 14 10.30am
MLC04 MON14 Santa Sabina Court 6 7.30am
MLC05 PLS15 Santa Sabina Court 12 7.30am
WATER POLO – ROUND 2
Team Opposition Venue Time
MLC01 DAN01 Danebank Pool 9am
MLC02 STC04 St Catherine’s Pool 10.15am
MLC03 KRB03 MLC School Pool 9.45am

 

Upcoming Dates

  • Saturday 26 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
  • Saturday 2 November 2024 – Saturday Sport Round 3, Various, Various

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Upcoming Events in Term 4 Music

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 – Year 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

Voice Festival – Self Nominations Now Open

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 – 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

Congratulations to MLC School’s Junior Theatresports Team!

Congratulations to MLC School’s Junior Theatresports Team!

A huge congratulations to MLC School’s Junior Theatresports team. The students shone on stage as they entertained us leaving the audience roaring with laughter at  Impro Australia’s schools’ challenge held at St Patrick’s school on Monday evening. The afternoon began with a warmup and workshop run by Impro Australia’s experienced coaches. The students performed and competed with seven schools in the evening in front of an audience.

  • Claudia Rowe (Year 7)
  • Caitlin Ward (Year 7)
  • Addison McShane (Year 8)
  • Niamh Tulloch (Year 8)

Theatresports is a performance , made up entirely on the spot with only a five second preparation time. They then perform a game, with each game having its own rules. There are one minute, two minute and three minute games. The students choose one game from each section. They then perform and are given a mark from 1-5 from three judges. The team with the highest points wins and the winning teams move up to the semi’s.

We are excited to announce that the MLC school Junior team will be going on to compete at the next round of heats.

We still have some places available to join our Theatresports team held on Tuesdays 3.20pm-4.50pm.

Theatresports is for all levels of experience. If you love to perform and want to flex your improvisational muscles or it’s your first time acting, come along and learn the skills to be a Master Improvisor. 

Each term students work through the Theatresports handbook in addition to improvisational activities focused on increasing the girl’s confidence in performance and devising. Improvisation is such a fun way to strengthen their communication skills while exercising their imagination and storytelling abilities. There are performance opportunities such as Impro Australia’s Schools Theatresports challenge, Eisteddfods and PLC Pymble School’s competition.  Most importantly we have fun and lots of laughs!

Contact The Speech and Drama Studio for enrolment or more information

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

– Taylor Buoro-Long
Theatresports Coach

Click on image gallery for full size images.