From the Head of Junior School

Kindergarten to Year 2 Splash Day

Our Kindergarten to Year 2 girls had a wonderful opportunity to show off their new swimming skills at our annual Splash Day. There was plenty of fun to be had in our Aquatic Centre, and it was lovely to see so many parents and carers there to cheer them on. Thank you to our Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Aquatic Centre staff for a fun-filled afternoon.

Year 4 – Amazing Me Workshop

A reminder to Year 4 parents that the Amazing Me parent and daughter workshop will be held next Wednesday 11 November at 6pm. Our PDHPE teacher, Michelle Hiss, has sent details to Year 4 families.

Junior School P&F

This week, we hosted the Term 4 Junior School P&F meeting. My heartfelt thanks go to our dedicated parents, who give their time so generously to support our Junior School. This community spirit is one of our School’s greatest strengths. Thank you to the P&F and all our Parent Ambassadors for your support throughout the year. A special thank you to our outgoing Junior School P&F President, Kacie Tulliani, for her contribution to our community.

Screen Time: Purpose Matters

Coming Up… Canvas for Campers!

Your child’s original artwork on canvas

Sony Foundation Camp

Of course, larger or smaller donations will be welcome too.

Look out for donation envelopes in your child’s bag next week and return to collection points on the red carpet, the JS Visual Arts Studio, or the JS Reception. Visual Arts teacher Marian Doull will also be at car line after school if you wish to pass it straight to her.

*Please note: No receipts will be issued as this is not tax-deductible.

For any further information please contact Marian Doull on mdoull@mlc.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you for your support.

– Marian Doull
Visual Arts Teacher

Kindergarten: Agents of Change

Kindergarten is taking an exciting step as the girls transition to the downstairs playground. This move is an opportunity to explore a different space, build confidence and take an active role in caring for their shared environment.

As Agents of Change, the children are selecting roles and taking responsibility for different aspects of life in the playground and studio. These roles give the girls a voice in their learning community and a meaningful way to contribute to the spaces they use each day.

– Brooke Panagopoulos
Kindergarten Year Coordinator

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 3 Camp: Conquering Challenges and Building Independence!

Year 5 Reflections on Canberra Experience

The Canberra experience was great! My highlights of the trip were the tour of the Australian War Memorial and the Australian Electoral Commission. The Australian War Memorial honours the people who fought and sacrificed themselves for a better Australia, and at the Australian Electoral Commission, we got to experience how to vote.  Although I doubted the motel because of the way it looked on the outside, the inside was great! This is what I call ‘Don’t judge a book by its cover’. The food on this Immersion trip was good; I loved the sausages and hash browns, which were heavenly! The whole trip was amazing, and I wish I could rewind the three days and do everything again!
– Mila Yuan (Year 5)

Year 5 had an amazing time on our three-day trip to Canberra. We all had the excellent opportunity to visit the Royal Australian Mint, Parliament House, the Museum of Australian Democracy and many other places on our exciting journey. The highlight of my time in Canberra was going to the Royal Australian Mint. There, we marvelled at a wall filled with collector coins featuring Australian icons like Bluey. We even saw five- and ten-dollar coins! There was also a coin generator that our group used to create our own coin, which we had electronically displayed on the wall. Overall, Year 5 had an unforgettable Canberra Immersion that we really enjoyed and would love to do again!
– Elise Clark (Year 5)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Toolbox Education Workshop: Navigating Change in Year 5

This week, the Year 5 girls took part in a workshop with the team from Toolbox Education. The girls were introduced to four tools to place in their emotional backpack to help them navigate change: shining a light on our mixed emotions, mapping our strengths, planning for uncertainty, and changing the way we think about change.

The workshop was designed to help prepare the girls for their move to Year 6 next year.

– Andrena Otton
Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Service Captains Attend Zoom Meeting with Round Square Schools

On Tuesday, the Service Captains attended a ‘Show and Tell’ Zoom meeting with other Round Square schools across the world. Some of these included schools from India, Thailand and Queensland. The topic for the meeting was to share how you celebrated your birthday!

Some students shared that they spent time with family and friends; others said they host birthday parties such as pool parties, surfing parties, and some shared cultural traditions they perform during this special day. After sharing our own unique way of sharing our birthdays, there was a Q&A where different schools would ask questions, and you had to answer.

It was a fun and memorable experience!

– Ayla Sumantri, Camila Morcos, Evelyn Tsang, Leah Le
Year 5 Students

Year 6 Upcoming Events – Bookings Close Soon

Year 6 Dinner

MLC School warmly invites the Year 6 Class of 2026 and their parents or carers to attend the Year 6 Dinner on Tuesday 17 November 2026 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. 

Dinner will be a shared table banquet.
Tables seat 6 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.

Bookings close Monday 9 November 2026

Book here

Year 6 2026 Social at PLC

It is a tradition that each of the Inner West Independent Junior Schools take turns to host a Year 6 Social, and this year it will be at PLC in Croydon.
 
Where: Thompson Hall, PLC Sydney, Meta Street, Croydon 
Date: Thursday 19 November 2026

Drop off: 
5.20pm at the MLC School main entrance (Gate 1) on Rowley Street. Students will be directed to their class teacher to have their name marked off the class roll. Students will be transported by bus from MLC School to PLC Sydney for the event. Buses will depart at 5.35pm sharp, so please ensure students arrive on time. 

Pick Up: 
8.30pm at the MLC School main entrance (Gate 1) on Rowley Street. Students will return to MLC School by bus and can be collected from this location. 

Cost: 
The cost of the event is $15 per child. This will include a water station, an ice block, the fabulous Footsteps Dance Company and transport to and from the event. 

Dress Code: 
The dress code is ‘smart casual’. Clothing should be comfortable and appropriate.

Medical: 
If your daughter requires an asthma puffer or EpiPen, please place her medication in a zip-lock bag clearly labelled with her name and ‘MLC School’, and have her hand it to her class teacher on arrival and collect it when leaving. 

Please ensure your daughter understands the following requirements:

No mobile phones; no chewing gum; shoes must be flat, non-marking and enclosed, such as sneakers; and, no ‘glow in the dark’ fluid items.

Handbags, clutches, belt bags or other similar accessories are not permitted.

If your daughter requires a phone, place it in a zip-lock bag clearly labelled with her name and ‘MLC School’, and have her hand it to her class teacher on arrival and collect it when leaving. 

Book here

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Head of Senior School

The MLC School Idol heats have brought plenty of entertainment to our lunch breaks this week! At one session I attended, a Year 7 student was followed by a Year 11 student, and both received equally enthusiastic cheers. It is wonderful to see our girls encourage and celebrate one another. That same spirit was evident at assembly as we announced our Middle Years Leaders and Prefects. Congratulations to all our leaders!

2027 Middle Years Leaders

Congratulations to our Year 9 2027 Middle Years Leaders who were announced at assembly today:

2027 Prefects

Attendance notices

We acknowledge the issues some families have experienced with the attendance process, particularly on Wednesday, and apologise for any confusion caused. We have been extensively testing the attendance module to address these issues and improve the process for parents. Thank you for your patience and support as we work through this process, and particularly for your support of Anita Brown in the Studies Office. We are grateful to Anita for her work in helping families navigate these changes.

House Caps

In Assembly today we launched our House Caps. All ten Houses now have an official House Cap which can be worn at recess and lunch and at House carnivals. Our captains will be assisting the P&F to sell these on Monday during lunchtime in the Bird Bath Quad. The caps will be $20, so please encourage your daughter to bring money to buy a cap. Card facilities will be available. Thank you to Lauren Hutchins for arranging this for our girls.

Study Hub

Study Hub is a free after-school study program for our Year 11 and Year 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.

Please see next week’s schedule below. 

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Year 7

Can you believe it? We are already halfway through the final term – almost there, my lovely Year 7 girls!

This week, the girls took part in Luminary sessions to prepare for the Elephant Ed presentation. They participated with great enthusiasm in thoughtful discussions about respectful relationships, and I am sure they will treasure what they have learnt for years to come.

A special congratulations to our new SRC representatives! I am sure they will do a fantastic job and be wonderful role models for all the girls in Year 7.

We also came together for a special service in the Chapel this week. Year 7 sang loud and proud and, as always, many girls offered to help and read during the service. It is so lovely to see how much the girls enjoy helping out and getting involved in school life.

A gentle reminder to all girls, families and carers: if a girl feels unwell during the school day, she should visit the Health Centre. There, she will be carefully assessed by our caring and highly skilled nurses, who will contact home if they feel it is necessary. It is important that girls do not contact home directly by phone (phones should always be kept in lockers) or by email. If a family member or carer needs to reach a girl during the day, please call the Studies Office on 8741 3144. For non-urgent matters, you are welcome to email your daughter, but please keep in mind that she may not reply straight away, as the girls are not always checking their emails or laptops. Please rest assured that the safety and wellbeing of the girls is our first priority. These procedures help us keep the girls safe and well looked after, while also helping them grow in independence.

Finally, a friendly reminder to all my Year 7 students that I am currently winning the weekly Ms Stolzi’s Challenges, so they had better step up their game!

– Martina Stolzi
Acting Head of Year 7

Year 8

This week, students began preparing for and then undertook a specialised Wellbeing session with Elephant Ed. Elephant Ed introduces students to sexual consent and respecting personal boundaries, exploring the legal framework of consent, verbal and non-verbal communication, respectful relationships, portrayals of consent in the media, and how to seek support from trusted adults. It also encourages students to discuss these topics safely, respectfully and maturely.  

It is with much excitement that on Friday, we announced the Middle Years Leaders in Assembly. Congratulations to all our new leaders, I look forward to seeing you grow in your leadership skills across the next year. To those that put themselves forward, but didn’t get there this time, we are very proud of your effort and encourage you to continue putting yourself forward for all the opportunities that present themselves. I’d also like to celebrate our Year 8 Student Representatives: Gemma Verden, Sylvia Li and Lavinia Xu. Congratulations on your election, we know you are going to represent Year 8 with pride. 

Coming up in Week 5 (commencing Monday 9 November 2026) Year 8 have the Middle Years production of Alice in Wonderland which is going to be amazing. Year 8 also has been invited to St Pat’s Dance next Thursday and on Wednesday 11 November 2026 we will celebrate Remembrance Day, the first opportunity for our Cadets to be involved in the service. There are also nine students who will be heading into the second week of their domestic exchanges in Adelaide, Launceston and Canberra and we wish them all the best as they continue to challenge themselves and grow in a new setting.

With formal assessments complete, the Year 8 Luminary team and Year 8 teachers will be encouraging the students to continue to push themselves academically in preparation for Year 9. Students have been reminded that classroom expectations and standards remain high through to the end of the year. Over the coming weeks your child’s Luminary will speak to them with a similar message. We are excited for the girls to move to Year 9 and want to make sure they are fully prepared and ready. We appreciate your support with this.

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

– Claire White
Head of Year 8

Year 9

It is hard to believe that we are at the end of Week 4 and already in November! This term will be over before we even know it.

During Luminary this week, students took time with their Luminaries to reflect on the term so far. These conversations gave Luminaries the chance to check in on how each student is travelling, both academically and socially, and to talk through anything that might be getting in the way of a smooth finish to the term. With the end of term approaching, it was also a timely opportunity for students to consider what they are proud of, where they would like to focus their efforts, and who they can turn to if they need support. I encourage families to continue these conversations at home, as a few minutes of reflection now can help students finish the term feeling organised and confident.

Year 9 also took part in the Elephant Ed Consent Part 2 workshop this week, building on conversations already occurring through our pastoral program. The session gave students an opportunity to consider the role that communication, boundaries and respect play within relationships. I hope these discussions stay with the students, and that they recognise that respectful relationships are built through the everyday choices we make in how we communicate, listen and respond to others.

Alongside these conversations about wellbeing and relationships, Year 9 also has something a little more unusual on the horizon. During our Year Meeting, Lara Keeton, Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE), presented to Year 9 about the upcoming cricket baking activity. Yes, you read that right – cricket baking! There may be a few raised eyebrows in Year 9 Geography over the coming weeks as students explore the Food for the Future unit in a very practical way. The activity connects with their learning about food security and the challenges facing food production and encourages students to think about innovative food solutions through nutritional, environmental, economic and cultural lenses. Whether students approach the experience with enthusiasm or a little trepidation, it will certainly provide an interesting opportunity to think differently about where our food might come from in the future. Families may also be asked to do some taste testing at home, so be ready to sample the results!

The photo this week is our Wade Luminary who ran our Chapel service earlier in the term and I forgot to include it!

– Kate Schurch
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Learning and Immersion preparation

As Year 10 students complete their academic program and prepare for their Immersion experiences, they have been undertaking personal projects and research in many subjects. These projects allow the girls to explore topics of special interest, engage with their learning and apply the skills they have developed throughout the year.

Week 5: Work experience

Work experience takes place in Week 5 (starting Monday 9 November 2026), and the girls received their final preparation information at our year meeting. During the week, Luminary teachers will check in with your daughter twice to see how she is progressing and managing her placement. If you have any concerns, please contact the Futures and Pathways office: Jo Cilia at jcilia1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au or Nicole Massara at nmassara@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au. Thank you to Jo Cilia and Nicole Massara for supporting the girls over many months as they prepare for a successful work experience placement. We look forward to hearing about the girls’ experiences when we head off to camp in Week 6 (Monday 16 November 2026). Click here to read the Work Experience article from Futures and Pathways.

Week 6 – Forster camp

Our Forster camp takes place in Week 6, and all details are available on Compass. If your daughter needs to bring medication, please send it in next week, the final week for completing this task. In Luminary this week, the girls organised food, recipes and menus in their cabin groups in preparation for our trip to Woolworths when we arrive in Forster. Each student has $78 to budget for breakfasts, lunch and some dinners. We are looking forward to a great week together.

2027 SRC Representatives

Finally, we have to congratulate our SRC representatives for 2027 – Melisande Pitman, Elizabeth Ravens and Georgina Solly. They will do a great job representing and advocating for Year 11 next year, as the SRC reps in 2026 did for Year 10.

Further information and support

With a busy few weeks ahead, please consult the Year 10 Immersion booklet for venues and requirements for each experience, and if you have any questions, please reach out. The Year 10 Immersion booklet can be found in Compass under School Documentation/Senior Year Groups/Year 10.

For academic concerns about your daughter’s progress, please contact her class teacher. For pastoral and wellbeing concerns, please contact me on 02 8741 9736 or at sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au. I am available Monday to Friday for phone calls, Teams meetings and on-site meetings.

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 10

Year 10 Important Message – Year 11 2027 Subject Selections

Year 10 students are now in the final stages of signing off their subject selections for Year 11 in 2027. This marks an exciting step as students begin to look ahead to their senior years and the programs of study they will undertake.

Following an extensive process of reviewing student preferences and constructing the timetable, we are pleased that the vast majority of students have been accommodated in their preferred subject choices. This has involved careful consideration of individual preferences alongside the overall pattern of selections across the cohort, staffing, class viability and the complexities of constructing a timetable across both the HSC and IB Diploma Programme. 

In a small number of cases, particular combinations of subjects created timetable clashes or other constraints, meaning students have needed to reconsider an initial preference. Where this has occurred, their second round preference was utilised. We acknowledge that such cases can be disappointing, however the curriculum team is here to work alongside students to help them create a balanced and appropriate program of study. If any student needs further support with their preferences, they are encouraged to reach out immediately.

Students are now completing the final sign-off process, and we appreciate the thoughtful way in which they have engaged with these decisions. We also thank families for their patience and support as we have worked through this complex process.

From here, the students will be required to undertake their chosen pattern of study throughout the early weeks of Year 11, ensuring they have a good feel for their subjects before making any amendments. The upcoming Year 10 Immersion program will provide further support for students’ transition into the Senior Years.

If parents have any further questions regarding their daughter’s subject selections or program for Year 11 2027, please feel free to email me directly.

– David Posker-Hill
Acting Director of Studies – Year 11 to Year 12

Year 10 Work Experience: Getting Ready for Placement

As part of the overall Year 10 Immersion program, our Year 10 students are preparing to head out on Work Experience next week, commencing Monday 9 November 2026.

We are excited for them to put their skills into practice, explore different workplaces and gain valuable firsthand experience of the world of work.

To support students and host employers, all Student Placement Records (SPRs), the RTO Employers Guide to Workplace Learning and a copy of the School’s updated insurance policy document have now been emailed to host employers.

Preparation for next week:

Before commencing their placement, students have been reminded to contact their host employer directly to introduce themselves and confirm their arrangements. They should check:

• Where to go and who to report to on arrival.
• Their start time, particularly for the first day.
• What to wear, referring to their SPR for any workplace-specific requirements.
• What to bring, including lunch where required and, for some workplaces, a laptop.

Students should also take a printed copy of their Student Placement Record, Work Experience Ready Certificate and completed Contact Card with them.

Varied host employer placement dates:

Work Experience arrangements vary between host employers, and some students are on various shifts, days and/or working different hours as stated on the Student Placement Record.

If a host employer advises of any major change to the agreed days, hours, location or other placement arrangements, please contact us so that our records can be updated.

If a student is unwell and cannot attend, families should report the absence to the school through the usual process. Students should also advise their host employer.

Check In Process:

Our Luminaries will be touching base with students and host employers throughout the placement period. Students are encouraged to contact their Luminary, or Futures and Pathways team if they have any questions or concerns.

Most importantly, we hope our students embrace this opportunity, ask plenty of questions and enjoy experiencing life in the workplace. We look forward to hearing about their experiences on their return.

– Nicole Massara
Futures and Pathways Advisor

Year 10 PDHPE Update

Year 11

It was wonderful to see so many of you this afternoon at the Year 12 Leadership Induction Service, where we officially celebrated and acknowledged the Class of 2027 as they transition into their role as leaders of the School. It was a very special moment and an exciting marker of the year ahead.

This week, we have also continued preparations for our upcoming Year 11 Retreat in the Blue Mountains from Wednesday 11 to Friday 13 November 2026. This will be a wonderful ‘last hurrah’ for the girls as they head off on their final school camp together. Over the three days, they will have the opportunity to enjoy each other’s company, reflect on leadership and the year ahead, and express gratitude for the many opportunities and experiences they have shared throughout their time at school.

The year group was given the opportunity to have their say on technology use at Retreat. Following the success of the Year 10 Camp, these three days will provide another opportunity to disconnect from the online world and simply enjoy being together. As a family, we would really appreciate your support in encouraging your daughter not to bring her phone to Retreat. We hope that stepping away from phones will allow the girls to be fully present, strengthen friendships and make the most of their final camp experience together.

I can’t wait to share some of the wonderful stories from Retreat with you when we return.

Before we head away, on Monday and Tuesday, the Luminaries and I are looking forward to meeting with you and your daughter at the Student Progress Conversations. These conversations will provide an opportunity to reflect on her engagement, recognise her strengths and develop an action plan for the next steps as we work together to support her through her final year of school.

Thank you to all the families for the letters we have been receiving. I know the girls are excited to read them. A final reminder if you would like your daughter to receive a letter from you on Camp to please drop this into the School or have your daughter bring it to my office.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 11

Students Shine in Voice Festival

2026 Semester 2 Piano Festival 🎹

Our Semester 2 Piano Festival was a wonderful celebration of musical talent, bringing together students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 11 across three venues throughout the School. 

It was lovely to see our girls showcase their hard work, dedication and passion for music through their performances. Congratulations to all our talented pianists who took part! 

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our parents, carers and wider School community for coming along and supporting our young musicians, making the Festival such a special occasion.

Next Piano Festival will be held in Term 2 2027!

– Celine Kang
Acting Assistant Director of Music

From the Principal

Today we acknowledged the important leadership role that every Year 12 student holds at MLC School at our Leaders’ Induction Service. While a badge or title recognises a particular role, leadership at MLC School has never been limited to those who hold one.

Every Year 12 student sets the tone for younger students who watch how they treat their friends, interact with their teachers, approach their studies, overcome challenges, and represent MLC School. They take their cues from their example, whether the older girls intend it or not. Leadership is found in everyday choices: welcoming a new student, taking responsibility, acting with integrity, and showing kindness when no one is watching.

Congratulations to all those who were acknowledged today.

Uniform review update

Last year we sought input from our School community regarding the current School Uniform and suggestions as to how it should be improved and updated. Many suggestions were received from students, staff, and parents. We then shared the feedback with our uniform supplier, Midford.

In undertaking the review, we aim to honour the legacy and historical significance of elements in the existing uniform, while updating it to ensure that it is comfortable, smart, and inclusive. Rather than seeking wholesale changes or a complete redesign, the focus is on thoughtful adjustments that respect tradition while embracing inclusivity and modernity. This balanced approach ensures continuity and connection with the past while evolving to meet present-day needs.

One of the suggestions; the option of more modest and supportive swimwear has already been actioned, and these will be available in the uniform shop from next week.

In addition, Midford has now manufactured a range of sample garments and provided an array of uniform options for us to consider.

Those parents who were part of the Uniform Committee last year will be contacted to ask if they would like to continue to be involved. If you were not involved last year but would like to express interest in doing so, please contact Tracy Neale tneale@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Once the Uniform Committee has considered the many options on offer and made their recommendations, we will share the proposed changes and additions for further feedback.

Any changes will be gradually phased in from the start of 2028, with a period of transition to reduce financial and environmental impact.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

Year 10 Commerce Students Named National Winners!

Congratulations to our Year 10 Commerce students on an outstanding achievement in the EBE Build Your Own Enterprise Competition.

As part of their Nature of Business unit, students worked in teams to put their entrepreneurial skills into action, developing an original business concept and creating a plan to bring their idea to market.

Two MLC School teams progressed to the national final on the evening of Monday 19 October with support from Jocelyn Jabbour-Perez: CycleBites, from Thomas McCosker’s class, and The Twilight Archive, from Helen Kondos’ class.

We are delighted to congratulate

The Twilight Archive – Who Achieved 3rd Place

• Veronica Pan
• Jiwan Park
• Cloris Xu
• Amy Lee
• Chloe Oh

CycleBites – who were named the National Winner!

• Harlow Elsibai
• Mia Waterhouse
• Joanna Hollis
• Chloe Lu

CycleBites developed an innovative chocolate range designed around the different stages of the menstrual cycle. Their four chocolate bar concepts, Restore, Boom, Glow and Unwind, were designed to respond to changing nutritional needs throughout the cycle.

The Twilight Archive developed a high-school-specific study café concept for Chatswood, designed to provide students with a dedicated alternative to overcrowded study spaces. Their concept included individual study pods, group study rooms, a barista and study snacks to support students during their study sessions.

Congratulations to our finalist teams and to all Year 10 Commerce students who developed and submitted their enterprise ideas. Their creativity, initiative and entrepreneurial thinking were outstanding.

– Lara Keeton
Head of Department – Human Society and Its Environment (HSIE)

2026 MLC School Dance Showcase – Videos Now Available

We are excited to share the footage from our 2026 Dance Showcase, titled Forever Young, which took place on Saturday 5 September and Sunday 6 September 2026, at the NIDA Parade Theatre. Inspired by the timeless story of Peter Pan, this year’s showcase invited us into a world of adventure, possibility and wonder. Through movement and storytelling, our students explored the themes of childhood, courage, friendship and the delicate balance between freedom and responsibility.

We hope you enjoyed an evening that celebrated the transformative power of storytelling and showcased the incredible talent of our dancers. Forever Young was more than a performance. It was a celebration of creativity, connection, and the joy of movement.

We invite you to enjoy the showcase footage and celebrate the remarkable achievements of our dancers.

Click on the image below to view the videos.

You will need to use the password: TIMELESS

– Jenna Skepper
Dance Coordinator

*Photo credit: WinkiPop

MLC School Cadets Honour Kokoda Day

MLC School Cadets took part in the catafalque party at the 2026 Kokoda Day service, contributing to a significant occasion of remembrance. Their participation placed our students at the heart of a ceremony honouring service and sacrifice, alongside representatives from across the wider community.

Taking part in the catafalque party was an opportunity to serve beyond the school gates and contribute to the shared responsibility of remembrance. For MLC School, this involvement reflects the importance of giving young people meaningful opportunities to connect with commemorative traditions and honour those who came before them.

The service’s special guest of honour was Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia. Other distinguished guests included the Hon. Richard Marles MP, Acting Prime Minister, and the Archbishop of Rabaul, Rochus Josef Tatamai, M.S.C.

They were joined by representatives from State and Local Government, current Defence members, many NSW RSL Sub-Branches, school and community groups, and members of the Diplomatic Corps. Together, those gathered marked the occasion in a shared spirit of respect and remembrance.

We thank our cadets for representing MLC School in this important commemorative role. Their involvement is a reminder that remembrance belongs to every generation, and that young people have a meaningful part to play in carrying it forward.

Lest we forget.

– Xavier Maling
Officer Commanding MLCSACU

Chaplains Corner

Sony Foundation Camp – Seeking Nursing and Medical Support

We ask that you please share this opportunity with any nurses, allied health and medical professionals that you know.

MLC School warmly invites nurses and medical professionals to volunteer expertise as part of 24-hour onsite medical staff for the 2026 MLC School Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp.

The four-day, three-night respite camp, hosted by Year 11 students and staff of MLC School will run from Wednesday 9 December to Saturday 12 December 2026 at Land’s Edge Foundation Harbour Lodge, 1 Chowder Bay Road, Mosman.

Children with additional needs who are attending the camp will be treated to a range of fun-filled activities from time at the beach to discos, magic shows, drumming workshops, craft and so much more! 

EOI: To help and express your interest, please don’t hesitate to contact mlcnurse@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Please click on the images below for full size information.

Click here to view a flyer with more information. 

You can also read more information on our website.

The Little Mermaid Jr. – Tickets On Sale Now

Friday 27 November 2026
6pm – 7.30pm
Potts Hall

Saturday 28 November 2026
5pm – 6.30pm
Potts Hall

MLC School warmly invites all students, parents, carers, and extended family to attend the Year 6 2026 musical.

Long before Elsa, there was Ariel. 

Join our Year 6 students as they journey beneath the waves in Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr., bringing Ariel’s magical world to life through unforgettable music, colourful characters, and a captivating theatrical adventure.

Whether you are rediscovering a cherished childhood favourite or experiencing the story for the first time, this enchanting production promises an evening filled with laughter, wonder, and Disney magic for audiences of all ages.

We hope you can join us!

Book Tickets Here

Alice In Wonderland – Last Chance for Tickets!

Wednesday 11 November 2026, 6pm–8pm
Thursday 12 November 2026, 6pm–8pm
Friday 13 November 2026, 6pm–8pm

MLC School Drama Theatre

Tumble down the rabbit hole into a Wonderland like you’ve never seen before.

MLC School’s Alice in Wonderland explodes onto the stage in a kaleidoscope of swinging ’60s colour, psychedelic imagery and an electrifying soundtrack. In a world where rules shift, truth twists, and power speaks in riddles, Alice must summon the courage to question, resist and discover who she is.

Bursting with unforgettable characters, this reimagining transforms Lewis Carroll’s classic into a thrilling reflection on adolescence, change and the courage to stand tall in a curious world. Don’t be late for this very important date – book your tickets and step into Wonderland!

Click here to book tickets

Click on image gallery for full size images taken during rehearsal.

From the Head of Learning and Teaching

Have Your Say: Junior School Parent Focus Group

As part of our ongoing exploration of the role of technology in learning, we are inviting Junior School parents to participate in our next Screens and AI Focus Group on Monday 9 November 2026 at 9am.

These focus groups provide an important opportunity for members of our community to share their perspectives on the use of technology at school and for homework. We are keen to hear a range of views as we consider how best to balance innovation, wellbeing, and effective learning for our students.

If you would like to participate, please register your interest with Enza Korompay at ekorompay1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Thank you to the many parents, students and staff who have already contributed thoughtfully to these conversations. Your feedback is helping to shape our approach as we navigate this rapidly evolving landscape together.

An Exciting Time: Year 10 Subject Selections

Year 10 subject selection is one of the most exciting milestones in a student’s learning journey. It marks the point at which girls begin to shape a program that reflects their interests, strengths, aspirations, and future pathways.

At MLC School, the process is deliberately student-centred. Unlike many schools, we do not begin by deciding which courses will run or by establishing timetable lines in advance. Instead, we start with students’ preferences and build the timetable around the choices they make. This approach allows us to be responsive to student interests and offer a remarkably broad range of opportunities.

Of course, creating a timetable from hundreds of individual subject combinations is a complex puzzle. For this reason, we always encourage students to have a well-considered back-up plan. While every effort is made to accommodate initial choices, some adjustments may be necessary as we work through the timetabling process and final course viability.

Despite this complexity, our results are outstanding. In 2026, 94% of students received their first preferences, including one reserve choice where applicable. This is a phenomenal outcome and reflects the significant work that goes into designing a timetable that honours student choice while creating a viable program for the whole cohort.

For our Year 10 students, this is an exciting opportunity to explore possibilities, discover new passions and begin mapping out the next stage of their learning journey. We encourage families to embrace the process, have thoughtful conversations about strengths and interests, and keep an open mind about the many pathways available.

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

From the Director of Learning Enhancement: K–Year 12 Enhancement Parent Focus Group

International Baccalaureate: Challenge, Growth and Global Thinking

It has been a full and rewarding year for our International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, with students continuing to embrace the challenge, independence and breadth of learning that characterise the IB experience.

The IB Core

At the heart of the Diploma Programme are: Theory of Knowledge (TOK), the Extended Essay (EE), and Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS). Together, these experiences encourage students to think critically, undertake independent research, reflect on how knowledge is constructed and engage meaningfully with their communities.

Throughout the year, students have been supported as they progressed through these important Core components, building the research, reflection, communication and organisational skills that are integral to the IB experience.

Academic Integrity and Responsible Scholarship

Academic integrity has remained a key priority, particularly as students navigate an increasingly complex digital and AI-rich learning environment. Our focus has been on helping students understand the importance of producing authentic work, acknowledging sources appropriately, and using emerging technologies responsibly.

This is about more than meeting assessment requirements. It is about developing principled learners who value honesty, intellectual responsibility, and ethical scholarship.

Supporting Students Through the Diploma

Clear expectations, assessment timelines and ongoing support have continued to help students manage the demands of six academic subjects alongside TOK, EE, and CAS.

Behind the scenes, significant work has supported internal assessment, moderation, predicted grades, external assessment requirements, and the preparation of student work for submission; ensuring our students are well supported throughout their Diploma journey.

Preparing Our Future IB Students

Our work has also extended to the next generation of IB learners. Through the subject selection process, students and families have been introduced to the structure of the Diploma, Higher Level and Standard Level subjects, the IB Core and the opportunities and challenges associated with the programme.

An exciting development is the Year 10 IB Immersion experience, designed to give students a meaningful introduction to IB learning before they begin the Diploma Programme. Rather than simply hearing about the IB, students will have the opportunity to experience aspects of its distinctive approach to learning, including inquiry, critical thinking, collaboration, reflection and interdisciplinary thinking.

The aim is to help students enter Year 11 with a stronger understanding of the expectations, language and approaches to learning that underpin the IB, while building confidence and readiness for the journey ahead.

These experiences reinforce that the IB is much more than an academic pathway. It encourages students to become independent thinkers who question, research, reflect, communicate and engage confidently with different perspectives.

Celebrating the Journey

As our senior IB students move through their final examinations, we recognise the commitment, perseverance and resilience required to reach this important stage.

The Diploma journey is deliberately challenging, but within that challenge lies its value. Through their subjects, TOK, Extended Essay and CAS experiences, our students develop the independence, curiosity, resilience and global outlook that sit at the heart of an IB education.

As we look ahead, we celebrate our students and continue to strengthen a programme that encourages them to become inquirers, thinkers, communicators and principled young people, ready to engage thoughtfully and confidently with the world around them.

– Marianna Carlino
IB Coordinator (Acting)

eLearning: Purposeful, Safe and Future-Focused Learning

It has been a busy and exciting year in the eLearning space, with our focus continuing to be on using technology purposefully to enhance learning, rather than simply adding more technology to the classroom.

Building confident digital learners

Across the School, students have continued to develop the digital skills they need to become confident, independent learners. Digital learning experiences have included Microsoft 365 tools, Canvas, OneDrive, Outlook, Canva and Padlet, alongside important skills such as digital organisation, communication and managing their online presence.

Dedicated Digital Skills sessions have complemented this work, helping students develop practical capabilities that support their learning both now and into the future.

Cybersafety and digital wellbeing

Cybersafety continues to be an important part of our eLearning program. Students have explored topics including digital footprints, cyberbullying, social media, online relationships, protecting personal information, deepfakes, AI and responsible online communication.

Dedicated cybersafety presentations have also provided opportunities for students to consider how their choices and behaviours contribute to safe, respectful and responsible digital communities.

Navigating AI with purpose

Artificial Intelligence has naturally been a significant part of our work this year. Our focus has moved beyond simply asking whether students should use AI to exploring how, when and why it should be used to support genuine learning.

Work has continued around responsible use, academic integrity, transparency and appropriate acknowledgement of AI. Subject-specific guidance is also being developed to help students understand that appropriate AI use can look different depending on the learning intention and assessment context.

Most importantly, we want students to understand the difference between using AI to support their thinking and using AI to replace their thinking.

Listening to our community

An important part of shaping the future of eLearning has been listening to the experiences and perspectives of our community. Student, staff and parent voice is helping inform conversations around AI, screens in the classroom, digital learning and the balance between technology and non-digital experiences.

These conversations recognise that decisions about technology are not simply technology decisions. They are decisions about learning, wellbeing, relationships and the skills our students will need for their future.

Supporting our teachers

Professional learning has continued to support staff in using technology thoughtfully and inclusively. This has included strategies for supporting diverse learners, particularly students with ADHD and different learning needs, as well as professional learning around Canvas, Canvas Studio, Microsoft 365, differentiation, AI and our transition to Compass.

A key focus has been ensuring that technology helps remove barriers, increase accessibility, support differentiation and provide students with meaningful ways to engage with their learning.

Strengthening our digital ecosystem

There has also been considerable work behind the scenes to strengthen our digital learning environment. This has included improvements to Canvas processes and integrations, preparation for Compass, practical staff resources and contingency planning to ensure teaching and learning can continue when a platform is temporarily unavailable.

The development of our Canvas Offline Survival Kit reinforced a simple but important message: learning does not stop when technology does. Teachers and students have a range of alternative digital and non-digital pathways available to keep learning moving.

Looking ahead

Perhaps our biggest shift this year has been in the questions we are asking. Rather than asking, ‘What technology can we use?’, we are increasingly asking:

What does this add to learning? When is technology the best choice, and when is it not? How do we preserve creativity, conversation, collaboration and independent thinking in an increasingly digital and AI-rich world?

As we look ahead, our goal remains clear: to create a digital learning environment that is safe, inclusive, balanced and future-focused, while keeping people, relationships and meaningful learning firmly at its centre.

– Marianna Carlino
Director of eLearning

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, however weekly bookings remain available via Omnia and Audacia, the School’s weekly 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 registration 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 MLC 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

Beyond the Game: How Sport Supports Mental Wellbeing and Academic Success

This week, I would like to highlight the important relationship between participation in sport, mental wellbeing and academic development.

For children aged 8 to 12 years , sport plays a vital role in developing confidence, friendships, resilience and lifelong healthy habits. While the physical benefits of sport are well recognised, its positive influence on mental wellbeing and learning is equally important.

Regular physical activity can help reduce stress, improve mood, strengthen concentration and support better sleep. Sport also provides students with a valuable break from academic demands, allowing them to recharge and return to the classroom feeling refreshed and more focused.

Beyond these benefits, sport teaches important life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, responsibility and time management. Learning to overcome challenges, manage disappointment and celebrate personal improvement builds resilience that extends well beyond the sporting field.

At MLC School, we believe participation, enjoyment and personal development are just as important as winning. Not every student will become an elite athlete, but every student can benefit from being involved in sport.

I encourage all families to support their daughters in finding sporting activities they enjoy. A healthy balance between sport, academics and rest can contribute significantly to a child’s overall wellbeing and development.

Ultimately, school sport is not just about developing better athletes; it’s about developing confident, resilient and well-rounded young people.

MLC on three—one, two, three, MLC! 

– Scott Carpenter
Director of Sport

Sport Announcements

Term 1 2027 IGSA Sport Registrations

Term 1 2027 IGSA Sport registrations are open for two weeks. Sign up through the Activity Selection tab on the Compass portal.

The following sports will be available: 

Senior School: Tennis, Touch, Badminton, AFL, and Water Polo.

Junior School (Years 3 to 6): Football (Soccer) and Water Polo (Year 5/6)  

Trials for team sports will begin in Week 6 (starting Monday 16 November 2026), when teams must be nominated to the IGSA Association. All other 2027 Recreational and Co-Curricular sport options will open Week 6.

Netball program 2027

MLC School is excited to announce that our Junior School sporting programs will transition to the newly established IGSA Junior School Sport competition in 2027.

As part of this transition, MLC School will no longer participate in the ERNA Netball competition from 2027.

This change will bring our Junior School and Senior School interschool sporting competitions together under the IGSA sporting framework, providing a more consistent and structured sporting pathway for students as they progress through their schooling. 

Following the successful transition of our Senior School Netball teams to IGSA in 2026, we are looking forward to extending this opportunity to our Junior School netballers in 2027. 

We are excited about this next chapter for MLC School Netball and the opportunities it will provide for our young athletes to develop their skills, build friendships and continue enjoying competitive school sport. 

We would also like to acknowledge and thank ERNA for its support of MLC School Netball over the years. We greatly appreciate the opportunities and experiences the association has provided for our students. 

We look forward to an exciting 2027 Netball season! 

AFL Prep to Play sessions

MLC School will be hosting FREE AFL Prep to Play sessions in Term 4.

Register here: AFL Prep to Play 2026 – Fill out form

Delivered by professional AFL coaches at no cost, this program is a fantastic opportunity to develop key AFL skills including kicking, handballing, marking, movement and teamwork in a fun and supportive environment. Whether you’re new to AFL or already have experience, all students are encouraged to get involved. 

The program will also introduce safe and controlled contact activities, helping players build confidence and prepare for AFL next year.

MLC School Little Kickers – Come and Give Football a Go! ⚽

Calling all Year 2 to Year 5 students!

Have you ever wanted to try football? Or perhaps you’re keen to improve your skills and build your confidence?

During the final weeks of Term 4, MLC School Sport will be running a series of fun, friendly and engaging football clinics designed especially for beginners and students with limited football experience.

Our Little Kickers clinics will focus on developing the basic skills of football, including dribbling, ball control, passing and receiving.

Most importantly, the sessions are all about having fun, making friends, building confidence and enjoying football in a supportive environment!

With MLC School joining the Junior IGSA Football Competition in Term 1 2027, these clinics are a fantastic opportunity for students to give football a go before deciding whether they’d like to participate next year.

Clinic Details

Who: All MLC School students in Year 2 to Year 5 who are new to football or looking to develop their basic skills. No previous experience is required!

When: Final weeks of Term 4

Afternoon Clinic

Tuesday and Wednesday | 3.30pm to 4.10pm

Coaching: Sessions will be led by Scott Carpenter, Director of Sport, and our MLC School Football coaches.

Whether you’re kicking a football for the very first time or simply looking to improve, we’d love to see you there!

Come along, bring your enthusiasm and discover just how much fun football can be!

We look forward to welcoming the next generation of MLC School Footballers!

Sign up here MLC School Little Kickers Clinic

– MLC School Sports Department

Sport Achievements

Gymnastics

Last week the MLC School representative Gymnastics IPSHA (aged 8 to Year 6) and IGSA (Year 7 to Year 12) attended their corresponding Carnivals. Despite some key students missing from the teams due to school camps, injury and illness, both teams competed well and demonstrated strong support for one another in the MLC School way! These are fantastic results from a strong field of competitors across both Artistic and Rhythmic. Special mention to Year 3 and Year 6 students who were either competing on their way to camp or upon returning from camp. Your dedication to your sport and the School team was amazing!

Key IPSHA results:

Artistic Level 4 team 2nd overall

• Calais Durie (Year 6)
• Kate Huynh (Year 3)
• Yinuo Lyu (Year 4)
• Isabel Selim (Year 4)
• Amanda Zhang (Year 6)

Charlotte Wong (Year 2) – Artistic Level 2: Vault 3rd, Bars 4th,
Olivia Huang (Year 4) – Artistic Level 3: Vault 1st & Beam 3rd;
Calais Durie (Year 6) – Artistic Level 4: Vault 1st, Beam =3rd
Yinuo Lyu (Year 4) – Artistic Level 4: Bars 1st, Beam =3rd, Floor =3rd
Charlotte Lim (Year 6) – Artistic Level 5: Beam 4th, Floor 4th,
Ellyson Chung-Tan (Year 6) – Rhythmic Level 4: Ribbon 1st, Hoop 2nd,
Rachel Rodrigues (Year 4) – Rhythmic Level 4: Ribbon 3rd, Hoop 3rd,

Key IGSA Results:

Artistic Overall 3rd Place
Combined Overall 4th Place

• Clementine Lonergan (Year 9) – Artistic Level 7: Bars 2nd
• Edie White (Year 7) – Artistic Level 8: Vault 2nd, Bars 3rd, Beam 2nd
• Tamara Abdelrahim (Year 10) – Artistic Level 9: Beam 3rd, Floor 3rd
• Linlin Wei (Year 8) – Rhythmic Level 5: Freehand 2nd
• Queeny Guan (Year 8) – Rhythmic Level 6: Freehand 2nd

Water Polo

Congratulations to our MLC01 for their first win of the season in Division S02, against Pymble 9-6! MLC School Sports Department are very proud and excited to see you all keep developing and playing this term!

Well done to our MLC02 team! We are very impressed with your determination and positivity! All the training and tough games will make you all a stronger team, having developed these skills and hard work!

Well done to MLC03 Year 7 Team who have won their third game, with a score of 11-6! MLC School Sport are in awe of how well this team is working together and using all their skills learnt throughout the year! Well done! 

Badminton

A huge congratulations to MLC05 this week! A commanding 5-0 win against Roseville 4th team in S05. It is great to see so many of our teams bouncing back from a tough Week 2 for a few of our teams.

MLC13 got their first win of the term, such a well-deserved win, and it’s great to see everyone making real progress. Alexandra Huynh (Year 8) is the hero of the week for MLC Badminton, stepping up to help MLC01 compete 7 leagues higher before playing for MLC08 in J01.

The final shoutout this week goes to MLC04 – Lavinia Liu (Year 10), Katelyn Lim (Year 10), and Jessica Lim (Year 10). Without hesitation, this group was ready to step up and help out MLC03 so all players could compete on the weekend. Unfortunately, MLC03 came away with a narrow loss, but MLC04 took another huge 5-0 win against Danebank.

Tennis

Congratulations to MLC05 for their 3rd consecutive win of the season in Jo2. They faced Ravenswood and put on a great display to win 6.5 to 1.5 sets

Congratulations to MLC02 for their 3rd consecutive win of the season in S04. They claimed a strong 6 sets to 2 victory against Queenwood.

Also well done to MLC07 who put on a dominant display winning 7.5 sets to 0.5.

We are proud of all the tennis teams for such a strong start to term 4!

Volleyball

Another great week of volleyball, showcasing some serious skill, grit and determination against some experienced opposition.

Our teams competing at Santa Sabina were as usual showcasing both their skill and each MLC School Value to the max. The support for each other, and the courage to go toe to toe with some seriously talented opposition was great to see, and we were unlucky to not pick up more sets.

Shoutout to MLC06, who took a commanding 3-0 win against St Vinnies College. You guys killed it. They now sit joint 2nd in their division, and a premiership is on the cards, keep going girls!

Our Indoor Competition teams continue to battle hard. The comp is of such a high standard, against come strongly developed programs and it’s great to see you giving them a run for their money each week! Keep plugging away in there girls, the wins are coming.

Touch Football

Another solid week of Touch Football. The standard of our program is going from strength to strength, and it is great to see the results reflect this.

Huge shoutouts to MLC01 and MLC04 for still having green records, 3 wins from 3 in the championship season so far is huge, keep going and win those titles!

Game of the week this week goes to MLC13. They battled the heat in the local derby against PLC Croydon to bring home a classy and well managed 3-2 win! It was a pleasure to be on the sidelines to watch you evade, step and sprint your way to victory! Coach Jodie and I were so impressed by your performance and a premiership win for you isn’t off the table!

Basketball

Congratulations to our MLC01 IPSHA Basketball team who had their first win of the season with an impressive 24-4 victory over Redlands School. This outstanding result is a testament to the players’ commitment and teamwork. It is wonderful to see their efforts rewarded in such a convincing performance, and we look forward to watching the team continue to improve and build momentum throughout the remainder of the season.

MLC04 had another impressive week, winning their third consecutive game of the season and remaining undefeated. With a final score of 14-4, the girls should continue to be proud of their impressive performance each week.

Play of the Week

Scarlet Akers (Year 7) and Olivia Ristevski (Year 10) stepped in to compete events they were not expecting to compete on due to an illness withdrawal at the last minute. Not only did they step in, they both competed strongly across all events. Without this last minute flexibility, MLC School would not have been able to post the result that they did!

Special mention to Clementine Lonergan (Year 9) who also stepped in to cover an injury in the days leading up to the carnival as well.

Small acts, big impact. An important reminder from the 2026 Ecology Symposium

Last Thursday, as part of Round Square, a few students and I had the opportunity to attend the Ecology Symposium at Waverley College. Having only been running for three years, this was fortunately my second year attending the event.

One of my favourite parts of the symposium was the opportunity to connect with students from other schools. We met students from nine different schools across NSW, ranging in ages and backgrounds. I particularly enjoyed speaking with other like-minded individuals, learning about the initiatives their schools had introduced, like a student-led bookswap or a house return-and-earn challenge, and hearing the different perspectives students brought to developing new solutions for the challenges we face in our local communities.

But what makes this symposium so special is truly its speakers. This year, we were fortunate enough to hear from four speakers, each sharing their own journey and how they first became passionate about supporting the environment through their respective endeavours.

One of our speakers, Sam Fricker, founder of Sam’s Straws, shared how his interest in environmental issues began during his teenage years, and how he used his existing passions for diving and social media as a way to explore solutions to environmental problems. At just 16, he took the initiative to turn an idea into something tangible, developing a business that aimed to tackle the issue of single-use plastic straws through wheat straws. Another speaker was Kal Glanznig, Australia’s Youth Ocean Advocate for COP31, who spoke about how his environmental journey began with something as simple as advocating for solar panels at his high school. He shared how this initial interest grew into a bigger commitment and advocacy to environmental action.

For me, one of the most inspiring aspects of the event was seeing how each speaker had such different reasons for why they began caring about and taking action on environmental issues. Their stories showed that there is no ‘one way’ or ‘right time’ to begin making a difference, and that sometimes the smallest ideas or actions can be the starting point for something much bigger. Most importantly, it was a reminder that even as teenagers, despite the limitations we might feel due to our lack of age or experience, all we really need is an idea and perseverance to create a small solution that can have a big impact.

– Caydence Sumantri (Year 10)
IDEALS Society 

IGSA Festival of Speech

The Debating, Public Speaking, Current Affairs, Religious and Ethical Questions, and Soap Box, coached by Andrea Rowe, Oratory Coordinator, and the Debating and Oratory team, congratulated in last weeks’ newsletter, performed with excellence. 

This week we extend our congratulations to the students who represented MLC School in the Readings and Poetry categories:

Josephine Doan (Year 11), was awarded 1st Place in Senior Poetry. This was Josephine’s final Festival after participating throughout her senior years.

Congratulations also to Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9), awarded 1st Place in Junior Readings. This was Chelsea’s first time participating in the Festival, making her achievement particularly special.

Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10), who achieved 1st Place last year, and

Abira Sanan (Year 8), participating for the first time, also performed exceptionally well, narrowly missing out on a place.

Participants – Readings and Poetry

• Josephine Doan (Year 11) – Senior Poetry (1st Place)
• Abira Sanan (Year 8) – Junior Poetry
• Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 10) – Senior Readings
• Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9) – Junior Readings (1st Place)

The Festival is a wonderful opportunity for students to celebrate the power of the voice and speech in its’ many forms. In a world where social media and online communication dominate, it is refreshing to see students stand up, speak out and share their ideas in a friendly, supportive environment alongside like-minded peers.

It is always a privilege to coach our MLC School students in the Senior and Junior Readings and Poetry sections, assisted this year by Speech and Drama Tutor Lisa Gorman.

A special thank you to Andrea Rowe for her tireless work, commitment and contribution to the Festival committee, as well as her organisation of the event and coordination of the MLC School team.

‘This year’s IGSA Festival of Speech will always hold an incredibly special place in my heart, as I am absolutely thrilled to have walked away with first place.

This achievement represents the culmination of nearly ten years of dedication to Speech and Drama, the last five of which I have spent proudly representing MLC School. Success at this level doesn’t happen overnight, and I owe a massive thank you to The Speech and Drama Studio for being my creative home. 

In particular, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Ms Brian, the Head of Speech and Drama, who has been my coach for the past four years. Her expert guidance, belief in my potential, and tireless support behind the scenes have been instrumental in shaping me into the performer I am today. Standing on that stage and bringing home a win for MLC School was an unforgettable honour, and I am so grateful for the journey that brought me here.’
– Josephine Doan (Year 11)

‘Last Saturday, I had the pleasure of representing MLC School in the IGSA Festival of Speech in the Junior Readings category. The experience was invaluable in enhancing my communication skills and building my public speaking confidence. A big thank you to Ms Brian for coaching me throughout the preparation process. Her experience and expertise were exceptionally helpful.’
– Chelsea Keomanivong (Year 9)

‘The Festival of Speech was a wonderful event which showcased the talent of students from all over Sydney. Chelsea’s skill and confidence improved significantly under Ms Brian’s coaching, and there’s no doubt that her success at the event was due to having such a knowledgeable and kind teacher.’
– Amy Tran (Parent)

– Monica Brian
Director, Speech and Drama Studio

Theatresports Update

A toy factory visit that ends in unexpected tragedy, a cruise ship with a whole lot of sea sickness and a masterpiece that takes ten years to paint!

These were just some of the wonderful storylines explored by the MLC School Junior Theatresports team at Tuesday night’s Theatresports Schools Challenge semi finals. Hosted by Impro Australia and attended by schools from across the Inner West, the MLC School players showcased incredible teamwork, characterisation and imagination while creating entertaining stories on the spot.

Zara De Mello (Year 8), Annika Perosh (Year 8), Evie Briers (Year 8), April Cookson (Year 8) and Rosy Nichols (Year 7) represented their School proudly and placed FOURTH PLACE in the competition!

The Speech and Drama Studio would like to congratulate the MLC School Primary Theatresports team and their coach, Ms Taylor, on their incredible performance!

Want to give Theatresports a go?

We currently have spaces available for new members to join our Theatresports classes, coached by Ms Taylor, on Tuesday afternoons from 3.20pm to 4.50pm in G33. Theatresports is a fantastic way to build confidence, creativity, teamwork and quick-thinking skills, all while having plenty of fun!

New students are welcome to come along for a trial class to see what Theatresports is all about. We’d love to see some new faces!

Here’s what the team had to say about the competition.

‘It was my first competition, and I learnt a lot of new skills that I can use every day.’
– Annika Perosh (Year 8)

‘We have a great time, and it helps give me confidence in other activities too.’
– Evie Briers (Year 8)

‘Theatresports is such a fun experience and helps boost your confidence.’
– April Cookson (Year 8)

‘Through Theatresports I’ve met new people and become a better actress.’
– Rosy Nichols (Year 7)

– Monica Brian
Director of the Speech and Drama Studio

Header photo shows from L-R:
April Cookson, Evie Briers, Annika Perosh, Rosy Nichols, Zara De Mello

December and January Holiday Production – Enrolling Now

We are excited to announce that our Junior December 2026 and January 2027 Holiday Productions are enrolling now!

Students will gain confidence, develop their performance skills and have lots of fun as they are taken through an exciting rehearsal process incorporating acting, singing and dance to produce a full production in just five days.

Students experience what it is like to be part of a production team from start to finish, whether they are performing on stage or working behind the scenes. At the end of the week, students will perform the production for family and friends.

An enormous increase in confidence, teamwork and performance skills can be seen throughout the week. Our holiday productions also provide a wonderful opportunity for students to make new friends across different year levels, build their confidence and discover that every student can feel like a star!

Book early – places are limited!

HOLIDAY PRODUCTION LINK

DECEMBER 2026 – Holiday Production

Tuesday 8 to Friday 11 December 2026
9am to 3pm
MLC School Drama Theatre

Performance: Friday 11 December 2026 at 2pm (audience free of charge)

Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $460

Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $396

JANUARY 2027 – Holiday Production

Monday 18 to Thursday 21 January 2027
9am to 3pm
MLC School Drama Theatre

Performance: Thursday 21 January 2027 at 2pm (audience free of charge)

Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $460

Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $396

For enquiries contact The Speech and Drama Studio

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director