From the Principal and Deputy Principal

We are all culture keepers 

Last week, the newly appointed Year 12 Captains met to learn about their leadership strengths and to talk about the lasting impact they would like to leave on MLC School. In the first session of the day staff had the opportunity to speak to the team about their own leadership experiences and learnings. Coincidentally we had both chosen the same quote to begin our advice ‘I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.’ Maya Angelou. At MLC School, we believe that maintaining a safe and inclusive environment is a collective responsibility. Each member of our community – leaders, students, parents, and staff – all play a vital role in upholding the values and culture of our School. We referred to this as being ‘culture keepers.’

I’m sure you are aware of the significant and harrowing discourse in the media in relation to school bullying in the past weeks. One of the most significant responses has been the Federal Government’s plan for a ban on social media for children under 16 years, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called this a ‘world-leading package of measures that could become law late next year’. There has been so much commentary about whether the laws will work or fail. In my simple view, it is well past the time that we (collectively) view the huge and at times devastating impact of social media on vulnerable young people as a child safeguarding measure and legislate to protect them, equal to other child protection measures. However, politicians can change laws, and regulators can impose sanctions, but society: all of us, parents, schools and those responsible for children must take steps to keep them safe.

Additionally, in a statewide first, the New South Wales government is taking steps to address inconsistent responses to bullying in schools by uniting all educational sectors to develop consistent anti-bullying policies across the state. The NSW Schools Advisory Council, representing approximately 3,120 schools, will convene on Thursday 5 December 2024 to begin developing a statewide approach to tackle bullying. We will be watching carefully to ensure that MLC School remains at the forefront of child safeguarding.

In the meantime, we are pausing to reflect and review our current processes.  To ensure we are all familiar with our protective measures and expectations, all MLC School staff and students from Year 3 – Year 12 will be reviewing our anti-bullying policies and Student Code of Conduct in the coming weeks. We are committed to a positive school culture where our values Courage, Compassion, Respect and Growth are consistently upheld within and beyond our gates.

Open communication is essential to addressing and preventing bullying. Our Student Code of Conduct encourages all members of our community to be courageous and speak up if they witness or experience bullying. Students should feel comfortable reporting incidents to a trusted adult, and parents and staff should be vigilant and proactive in addressing any concerns.

Unfortunately, phrases such as ‘snitches get stitches’ can create a harmful and negative culture within schools. Such language discourages students from reporting bullying or other concerning behaviour, leading to a culture of silence and fear. We strive to eliminate such harmful narratives and ask for your support to encourage open and honest communication. Similarly, a reluctance from parents to report concerns directly to the School can allow problematic behaviours to continue unchecked, making it difficult to maintain a safe and supportive environment for all students.

So, what is bullying?

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening.

Bullying is not simply disliking someone is: It is human nature to not like every person you encounter. While it may not feel good to know someone doesn’t like you, verbal and non-verbal messages of ‘I don’t like you’ are not acts of bullying. Source: bullyingnoway.gov.au

If you believe your child is being bullied at school, the first step is to report to the relevant class teacher in Junior School or Head of Year in Senior School. In addition, if you think the bullying involves behaviour that may be a crime, you may wish to make a report to the police. If your child is experiencing online bullying, the material can be reported to the eSafety Commissioner.  For bullying on social media sites, this site provides information on how to report online bullying directly to the social media service.

Recognising the warning signs of bullying is crucial for taking appropriate action, whether a child is being bullied or is bullying others.

Please familiarise yourself with the following:

Signs a Child Is Being Bullied: Indicators may include unexplainable injuries, lost or destroyed belongings, frequent headaches or stomach aches, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, declining grades, sudden loss of friends, feelings of helplessness, and self-destructive behaviours such as running away or talking about suicide.

Signs a Child Is Bullying Others: Children who bully others may engage in physical or verbal fights, have friends who bully, show increasing aggression, frequently get ‘sent to the office’, have unexplained extra money or new belongings, blame others for their problems, refuse to accept responsibility for their actions, and are overly competitive. Source: Beyond Blue

The biggest warning sign for a child at risk is a change in an individual’s demeanour.

There are two things parents can do right now to support us to keep a positive culture at MLC School. The first is encouraging your children to become upstanders, (a term we teach in our Pastoral Care Program). The eSafety Commissioner suggests that we reinforce to young people that they have a choice if they see something that’s not okay: they can support the targeted person or do nothing. Choosing to help makes them an upstander and a culture keeper. Even privately supporting the person being targeted or reaching out to get help from someone else can make a big difference. You can read more here.

The second is to role model respectful relationships. Consider the language you use when talking about others and model respectful relationships both in person and online. No parent wants to think that their child is capable of bullying. However, mistakes are made, and parents need to take strong and immediate action to prevent early bullying behaviour getting out of hand. If we contact you to alert you that your child has been involved in a breach of our Student Code of Conduct, please support us by managing your reactions, getting the facts, talking with your child and working with us to resolve the situation. Your ongoing support is an essential component of the School’s ‘culture keeping’ and ensures our students remain safe within and beyond school.

– Lisa Moloney and Melissa Boyd
Principal                    Deputy Principal

Call for Parental Support: Volunteer at the MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp!

Join Us in Making a Difference This Holiday Season

Dear MLC School Community,

As the festive season approaches, our Year 12 student and staff volunteers are thrilled to host our inaugural MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp from Saturday 7 December to Tuesday 10 December 2024 at Land’s Edge (an accommodation lodge we use for some of our outdoor education programs) in Chowder Bay. The Sony Foundation Holiday Camp invites children with physical and intellectual disabilities to enjoy a variety of fun and engaging activities in a supportive and nurturing environment. This camp aims to offer these children the chance to experience the joy and excitement of a school camp, while also providing much-needed respite for their families. Watch here to learn more about the camp origins.

We believe that the success of the MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp lies in the collective effort of our entire School community. This year, we are reaching out to parents to ask for your support and involvement. By volunteering your time and skills, you can play a crucial role in making this camp a truly special experience for the children and their families. You can also demonstrate the values of compassion, generosity, and community involvement to your children and others, inspiring them to follow in your footsteps.

There are many ways in which parents can contribute to the success of the MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp. Whether you have a few hours to spare or can commit to multiple days, your support is greatly appreciated. Here are some of the key areas where we need your help:

Can’t commit much time? Join the Tidy Team (two-hour shifts throughout the day):

The Tidy team’s duties include general tidying, cleaning up after meals, restocking and restoring the sensory and craft rooms, laundry and any other duties required on the day.

Great with kids and able to spare an evening or two? Become a Night Settler (7am-9.30pm each evening of the camp):

Night Settlers are responsible for helping our campers relax and enjoy quiet time as they prepare to go to sleep. Duties may include reading a bedtime story, singing a song, quiet play or sitting quietly with a sleeping camper whilst our Companions and Relief Companions attend their nightly debrief sessions with MLC School staff.

You will need a valid Working with Children Check (a volunteer working with children check is free).

If you are interested in volunteering at the MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp, use this QR Code (or the QR Code pictured below) to see available shifts.

The MLC School Sony Foundation Holiday Camp is more than just an event; it is a celebration of community, compassion, and the spirit of giving. Thank you for considering this wonderful opportunity to give back and make a difference. Together, we can create a magical holiday experience for everyone involved.

– Melissa Boyd
Deputy Principal

Co-curricular Registrations Begin Monday 5pm!

Co-curricular Registrations 2025

Enrolments open at 5pm on Monday 25 November 2024

We’re excited to announce that co-curricular enrolments for 2025 are about to begin! This is a fantastic opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to engage in activities that foster personal growth and development.

Next Steps:

1. Visit the MLC School co-curricular microsite to explore the available programs and review the requirements for each activity.

How to Enrol:

1. Go to the MLC School Payment Page.** links for 2025 will not open until Monday 25 November 2024 at 5pm.
2. Select the icon for the activity you’re interested in (eg: music or co-curricular).
3. Choose the activity you want to register for, then complete the registration form and payment.

**Please double check you have not accidentally clicked on an activity dated for 2024. 

Activities are available until sold out, or for sports, until registrations close. Please understand that some activities require a minimum number of participants (at least 15 students) to proceed. Should this occur, parents will be contacted directly by the coordinator.

Terms and Conditions:

• Once enrolment is completed, no refunds will be given.
• In Week 7 of each term, information about the withdrawal date will be sent to the School community. If you do not follow this process, fees for the following term will be charged. No refunds will be given after the withdrawal date.

For any questions about specific activities, please contact the activity coordinator.

Enrolments open at 5pm on Monday 25 November 2024.

P&F Update for 2025

On behalf of the MLC School community we express heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing P&F members for their outstanding and invaluable contributions in 2024. Your dedication and hard work have made a significant impact, and we truly appreciate everything you’ve done.

At the same time, we are excited to welcome our new P&F members! We look forward to your fresh ideas and enthusiasm as we continue to support our School together.

Thank you all for being such an integral part of the MLC School community.

2024 Outgoing:

2025

– Michele Dunn
Head of Marketing and Community Relations

Opportunities for Interstate and International Tours and Experiences

MLC School has always provided students with a holistic education, ensuring they excel not only academically but also gain invaluable life experiences. In 2025 and beyond, there are a series of exciting interstate and international tours and experiences for our students. These opportunities are designed to broaden their horizons, develop new relationships and foster a global perspective.

Please note that all compulsory school events, adventure camps and immersions must be prioritised over optional tours.

2025 MLC School Tours

At MLC School, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities that extend beyond the classroom. Our interstate and international tours are designed to enrich their educational journey, offering them new perspectives and experiences that will shape their personal and academic growth. We encourage all students to take advantage of these exciting opportunities and embark on a journey of discovery, learning, and growth.

Visual Arts and Language Tour

This tour will explore the creative and cultural aspects of Japan, including those found in significant rural and urban sites, their rich Shinto traditions, and diverse physical environments. The tour will immerse students in a range of creative and cultural experiences including participating in food and textile production workshops and site visits, tasting a range of traditional Japanese cuisine, visiting permanent and traveling exhibitions and museums including Naoshima/Teshima art islands, discovering modern and historic Japanese architecture, and experiencing Shinto culture through visits to serene temples and shrines.

Exmouth Science Tour

MLC School’s Science department is pleased to collaborate with the Duke of Edinburgh team in being able to offer an MLC School first. A highly engaging Science excursion with a focus on hands on learning while undertaking activities and research in an environment that has been described as a ‘bucket list’ location. This excursion is for students currently in Year 10 (Year 11 2025) who will be undertaking study in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. This experience will deepen the understanding of biodiversity, adaptations, evolution, ecosystems past, present and future, plus many more concepts. Year 11 HSC (Year 12 2025) electing to undertake Science Extension will also consider concepts around cultural observational knowledge, epistemology and current influences on scientific thinking as well as considering application of hypothesis development based on literature and publicly available data sets, various types of scientific methodology, using statistics to analyse data and how researchers report their findings and communicate scientific understanding. Duke of Ed Silver or Gold participants will be able to count this as their Adventurous Journey (AJ): This excursion has been designed to comply with Duke of Ed AJ requirements.

Students will visit one of Australia’s most iconic locations and undertake some of the most remarkable activities the area has to offer, including:

• Sea kayaking a different section of pristine Ningaloo coastline every day in a double sea kayak
• Snorkel different, amazing sites each day. With over 500 species of fish and 300 species of coral at Ningaloo
• For those game, a chance to swim with a Whale Shark
• Guided bush walks will take you to ancient landscape and stunning views of Mandu Mandu Gorge and Yardie Creek Gorge.

Culture College Immersion

Culture College provides unique tailored educational opportunities for students and staff to learn together through a culturally responsive platform in direct partnership with First Nations Australians.

Cambridge Academic Summer Programmes

Students at Cambridge Programmes can participate in one of a number of courses created and delivered by experienced senior teaching staff from both the University and the best academic schools in Cambridge. Each programme drives students towards excellence in their chosen field of study, through a series of lectures, activities, trips and workshops. Supported by Mentors throughout their journey, students finish their summer school invigorated by the challenges they have overcome, both individually and with their peers.

The following Programmes are what we plan to offer:

• English Literature with a strong academic writing element (suitable for students Year 9 and above)
• History (based on the Australian syllabus, suitable for students Year 9 and above)
• Law Induction (suitable for students Year 10 and above who are considering Law as a possible University subject)
• Engineering the Future: Exploring AI and Sustainable Design (suitable for students Year 10 and above, competent in Maths and Physics)
• Medicine (suitable for students Year 10 and above competent and with a strong interest in Science, particularly Chemistry and Biology)

European Music Tour

This tour offers a comprehensive and enriching musical experience that goes beyond the confines of the classroom. It aims to provide students with opportunities to explore diverse musical genres within their social, cultural, and historical contexts. By following in the footsteps of renowned musicians, attending professional concerts at prestigious theatres, participating in music workshops, and delving into the world of music history, students will gain valuable insights. They will also discover the importance of music history, examine the evolution of musical instruments, explore the impact of music in different cultures, and appreciate the versatility of music genres in various settings.

Round Square International Conference

The Round Square International Conference is an annual event run by, and for, students aged 16 years – 18 years. Students and teachers in Round Square schools have the chance to take part in age-appropriate local and global conferences that bring them together with peers from different countries to share perspectives, debate topical issues, forge friendships, support local communities, and develop international understanding. Next year’s international Conference will be held in Dubai and will see three Round Square schools share the hosting duties. The theme is ‘Beyond the Dunes’.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) and Human Society and its Environment (HSIE) Japan Tour

Japan offers unique opportunities to enrich students understanding of their Stage 6 PDHPE and HSIE courses, giving them the ability experience firsthand some of the key course concepts and content they encounter throughout their studies. These include but are not limited to (for their respective subjects) psychology, types of training for elite athletes, periodisation, use of technology/ethical considerations in sport, economics, finance and business studies. Through visual literacy staff and students can integrate learning experiences within their curriculum and enrich the learning completed in the classroom. It also allows staff the opportunity to gather new resources/ideas and bring them back to MLC School to continue to enhance their/the faculties teaching practices.

2026

The tours listed below are proposed but not confirmed, for your information.

2025 Booklists Now available

The Campion booklist for 2025 is now available. The full resource list for each Year group is listed below.

Please ensure orders are placed by the due date Friday December 13 2024, to ensure delivery by the start of school in 2025. If you have any questions about the booklists, please refer to the subject’s Head of Department. For any issues with online ordering, contact Campion directly. 

The booklists are also available via Omnia

Year 7 Booklist 2025

Year 8 Booklist 2025

Year 9 Booklist 2025

Year 10 Booklist 2025

Year 11 HSC Booklist 2025

Year 11 IB Booklist 2025

Year 12 IB Booklist 2025

Year 12 HSC Booklist 2025

Book Now: Year 6 Frozen JR Musical

• Friday 29 November 2024, 6pm
• Saturday 30 November, 5pm

Christmas Food Drive

Exodus 1:13-14,And the Egyptians made the children of Israel to serve with rigour: ¹⁴And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all manner of service in the field: all their service, wherein they made them serve, was with rigour.

This is the basis of the Exodus Foundation beliefs and morals, founded by Reverend Bill Crews, fighting to help people in difficult situations have food on their plate. 

For the last 30 years MLC School has had a strong connection and partnership with the Exodus Foundation mainly based around feeding their appeals and meeting their requests for food donations or hampers. Because of the geographical location of the Exodus Foundation, MLC Schools partnership with them is convenient for both us and the foundation, further strengthening the partnership. 

As part of our Year 7 Geography unit on improving liveability and community, we are participating in a food drive to collect supplies for those in need. To do this we are collaborating with the Exodus Foundation for their Christmas Food Drive. To make this food drive successful, we need donations from MLC School students. These can be left in the pod outside SCGO1.  

We will be collecting food across Week 5 – Week 7 in boxes, please feel free to put in items such as canned goods, or meal prep. Some of the things that we would appreciate being given are, canned foods, 2-minute-noodles, microwaved rice, dried fruits, pasta, pasta sauce, cereal, chips, canned soup, bottled water, and foods for vegan, vegetarian and other dietary requirements. 

Thanks in advance for all donations!

– Angelyn Xiang (Year 7) and Camille Sheehan (Year 7)

Lucis is Now Available Online

The Spring issue of Lucis is now available online, please click on the link below.

Read about virtuoso violinists; our athletes and supporters at the Paris Olympics; farewell the Class of 2024 plus lots more.

If you have not received your copy in the mail, please contact us by emailing here.

Read Lucis online here

Pizza with a Purpose – Year 10 and Year 11

A Year 11 initiative to help local women recovering from domestic violence

On Thursday Week 7 (28 November) a group of Year 11s will be hosting a pizza lunch as a celebratory end to the year for Year 10 and Year 11. As we head into our final year(s) at the school this will be both a celebration and a send-off time to have some fun with friends as we head into the holidays.

With this event, we want to raise awareness and funds for an important cause in our community –– violence against women. The money from this event will go towards helping women at a shelter here in Burwood rebuild their lives as they recover from their hardship and trauma.

All students involved have either already received order forms with envelopes or will be on Monday Week 6, (with extras available at the studies office) to fill in and add $15 for their pizza-drink combo (dietary options covered). Students are also welcome to order a second pizza for a younger sibling or to take home: the more we sell the higher our donation to the shelter!

We would like to encourage all students to submit an order, both as part of their cohort in the event and to show solidarity and support to the women in our community. These people so near to us make up part of Australia’s mounting statistics that show 1 in 5 women have experienced abuse or violence from a partner. The humbling facts of this reality have motivated us to make a difference for the lives of these women, and we hope you will join us in making this positive change for those around us.

Orders will be taken no later than Friday 22 November 2024, so make sure to bring yours in on time. 
We can’t wait to have everyone there!

Please feel free to reach out with any questions to:

Tess Petschner (Year 11) : apetschner@student.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Sarinna Cai (Year 11): scai@student.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Angelina Zhang (Year 11): azhang@student.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

– Year 11 Students

📣 Calling All Volunteers for the 2025 MLC Junior School International Night! 🌍

The P&F Organisers are excited to announce the upcoming 2025 MLC Junior School International Night and are seeking expressions of interest for the following roles:

 Food Vendors 🍔

• Must have ABN & required insurances
• Must be able to provide 350-400 portions (TBC with ticket sales)
• Provide a food safety supervisor and staff trained in food service

Please reach out to Bec Lim at rebecca_lim@outlook.com.au.

 Cultural Experiences 

🎨🕺 We are looking for families interested in leading cultural experiences for our guests. Can you share cultural arts or crafts, teach a dance, play a game, or any other activity that immerses guests in a cultural experience?

Please contact Karina Dam at mk.sumantri@gmail.com.

Cultural Performances 

🎶💃 We are seeking performance groups to take the stage and showcase cultural dances or musical items. We welcome both pre-existing groups and parents or friends of MLC who can teach students to perform. Performance pieces should be limited to approximately five minutes each.

Please get in touch with Kacie Tulliani at kacie_tulliani@hotmail.com.

Join us in making the 2025 MLC Junior School International Night a memorable event for everyone! 🌟

– The Junior School P&F 

Last Day of Term 4 2024 Details

Tuesday 3 December 2024
Term 4 ends for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2.

Thursday 5 December 2024
End of Term 4 for Year 3 to Year 6. Compulsory attendance at Speech Day for Year 3 to Year 6

End of Term 4 for Year 7 to Year 12 following Speech Night. Compulsory attendance for Year 7 to Year 12. Students in Year 7 to Year 12 are not required to attend school during the day, but meet at the ICC in full formal School uniform, at the time advised.

Term Dates for 2025

Term Dates for 2025 and 2026 can be found in Omnia here or on the MLC School Website by clicking here,

Term 1 2025

• Friday 24 January 2025 – Term 1 starts for all Year 7 and new students in Year 5 to Year 11. Commencement Day for all Year 7 and all new students Pre-K – Year 11 and parents
• Monday 27 January 2025 – Australia Day
• Tuesday 28 January 2025 – Term 1 starts for students in Year 1 to Year 12
• Thursday 30 January 2025 – Term 1 starts for Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten 5-day program
• Monday 3 February 2025 – Term 1 starts for Pre-Kindergarten 3-day program
• Friday 11 April 2025 – Term 1 ends
• Friday 18 April 2025 – Good Friday Public holiday
• Monday 21 April 2025 – Easter Monday Public holiday

Term 2 2025

• Tuesday 29 April 2025 – Term 2 starts
• Monday 9 June 2025 – Public holiday
• Friday 27 June 2025 – Term 2 ends

Term 3 2025

• Tuesday 22 July 2025 – Term 3 starts
• Friday 19 September 2025 – Term 3 ends

Term 4 2025

• Tuesday 14 October 2025 – Term 4 starts
• Tuesday 2 December 2025 – Term 4 ends for Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2
• Thursday 4 December 2025 – Term 4 ends for Year 3 to Year 6 and Year 7 to Year 12 following Speech Day/Speech Night. Compulsory attendance for Year 3 to Year 12

*Photo Credit, Unsplash

Uniform Shop Holiday Extended Trading Hours

The MLC School Uniform Shop will close for the School Holidays on Monday 9 December 2024 at 3pm and reopen for Term 1 extended trading hours on Thursday 9 January 2025 at 9am.

Term 4 2024

• Closing on Monday 9 December 2024, 3pm

Term 1 2025 – Extended Trading Hours

• Thursday 9 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Friday 10 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Monday 13 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Tuesday 14 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Wednesday 15 January 2025 – CLOSED
• Thursday 16 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Friday 17 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Monday 20 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Tuesday 21 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Wednesday 22 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Thursday 23 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Friday 24 January 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Monday 27 January 2025 – CLOSED FOR AUSTRALIA DAY PUBLIC HOLIDAY

Normal trading hours resume on Tuesday 28 February 2025.

• Monday – 8am – 4pm 
• Tuesday – 8am – 4pm
• Thursday – 8am – 4pm 
• Friday – 8am – 4pm 

You can also contact the Uniform Shop by email here, or by calling 8741 3177.

Academic Care Update

Final Week for 2024 – After School Study Support – Year 10 to Year 12

Next week is the final week for the program in 2024.
The program resumes in Week 2 2025 (Monday 3 February 2025).

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 25 November 2024 to Thursday 28 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 25 November 2024 to Thursday 28 November 2024 – After School Study Session Nomination Form.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

From the Head of Junior School

Parent Visitors to the Junior School 

It was wonderful to see so many parents visit our special Kindergarten to Year 5 Celebration Assembly on Thursday with our Principal, Lisa Moloney, in attendance. Our School Value focus for Term 4 is ‘Growth’, as we acknowledged and awarded girls across the Junior School for their achievement in growth and in other domains. It was a fitting day to celebrate growth as it was also the day our Pre-Kindergarten to Year 5 girls (and staff – who knew so many want to be MLC School students!) dressed up as someone they wish to be when they grow up. Our thanks for your donations to Leawarra’s Christmas appeal for the Rev Bill Crew’s Foundation, and to those families who attended our Leawarra House Chapel last Sunday.

Year 3 to Year 12 String and Band Soirees  

On Monday and Tuesday evenings our Music department hosted our string and band soirees. One of the many joys of being in a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 school is the opportunity our Junior School girls have to watch and be inspired by our Senior School students. Congratulations to our Music department and all the students who participated.  

Year 6 Social  

Year 6 had much fun on the dance floor at the greatly anticipated Year 6 Social, hosted this year by Newington Junior School. Newington, Trinity Prep, PLC, Trinity Junior, Meriden and MLC School Year 6 cohorts come together for a fun evening. It was wonderful to see the girls enjoying this memorial event during their final weeks of primary education. Next week we look forward to our Year 6 Musical performances.  

Orientation Day 

Today we welcomed our new 2025 girls to Junior School. Orientation Day is a special event all the girls very much look forward to. Our current girls and the new girls joining us in 2025 have a sense of anticipation, trepidation and excitement. For our current students, it involves the thrill of ‘bumping up’ to the next studio or the Year 6 Centre or joining the Senior School for our Year 6 students. Our current girls have the opportunity of getting to know new girls who will be joining them in their learning journey next year. We endeavour to keep the current grade teachers in their classes so that our current girls really feel they have bumped up to the next grade for the day. For our new girls, it is an opportunity to become familiar with new surroundings, a new environment and make new friends, particularly their special buddy.  

This year we hosted for the first time our Co-curricular Expo on Orientation Day. Our co-curricular program is the envy of many schools and it was wonderful to see so many of our popular activities on display.

Next Tuesday evening, (26 November) we look forward to our co-curricular Kindergarten to Year 2 Dance Twilight Recital.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

URstrong in the Junior School

Following on from combined feature article from the Principal and Deputy Principal in this newsletter, it is timely to know what specifically goes on in the Junior School to educate students about how to treat others with respect, to stand up for oneself and others.

URstrong is the foundation from which much of our Pastoral Care program is based. The URStrong approach is to distinguish between normal conflict (friendship fires) and Mean-on-Purpose behaviour. This forms part of our bullying prevention plan.

This plan is age and stage appropriate, with school-wide positive relationship strategy at the centre. It is designed to shift school communities towards a culture of kindness and respect. The key factors include:

• A consistent, whole-school approach so that teachers and parents are using the same language to support students
• A skills-based strategy that empowers students to self-govern and make healthy choices in their relationships
• Kid-friendly language and pedagogy that promotes learning, retention, and application of knowledge and skills
• Proactive system that teaches interpersonal skills and conflict-resolution at a young age

The word ‘mean on purpose’ is used rather than ‘bullying’ as it is easier for young students to understand. This complements the School’s code of conduct and information in the MLC School diary’s Anti bullying strategies for students, p.150.

Another resource I came across recently is a The Parenting Couch podcast Stop the Bully: Proven Strategies to Empower Your Child Justin Coulson, psychologist and founder of the website ‘Happy Families’ and past speaker at MLC School is interviewed.

Below is an overview given by the Podcast:

In this powerful episode, we dive into one of the hardest challenges facing kids and parents today: bullying. Joined by leading parenting expert Justin Coulson, we uncover what’s really at the heart of bullying behaviours, how they impact young minds, and, most importantly, the steps we can take to create safer, kinder spaces for our children. 

• What bullying actually is (and what it isn’t)
• How a parent should support their child if they suspect or know they are being bullied.
• Steps that parents can take to help their child build resilience and self-confidence in the face of bullying.
• How to address bullying with the school or teachers without escalating the situation?
• The situation when it might be okay to talk directly to the child’s parents
• When should parents consider involving professional help, like a counsellor, to support their child?
• How parents can talk to their kids about cyber bullying.
• What can parents do if they discover their child is the one engaging in bullying behaviour?

Justin’s insights and heartfelt advice give parents the tools to support their kids, empower them with resilience, and stand up against the cycle of hurt.

I encourage parents/carers to reach out at any time you feel you or your child needs some extra support or to talk through any concerns you may have.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads Results

Earlier this year, students from Year 3 to Year 6 participated in APSMO competitions. The Australasian Problem Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) aims to improve students’ problem solving skills, encourage creativity, and stimulate enthusiasm for and enjoyment of mathematics. Well done to all the girls who participated in 2024 and congratulations to the following high achievers.

Maths Games – Year 3

• 1^st (aeq) – Marina Chen and Chloe Tang
• 3^rd – Hillary Gu
• 4^th – Jasmin Ganda
• 5^th – Jesslyn Yong

Maths Games – Year 4

• 1^st – Caitlyn Law
• 2^nd (aeq) – Leanna Shen and Olivia Wang
• 4^th (aeq) – Caitlin Eadie, Hayley Lam, Charlotte Lim and Brittany Mok

Maths Olympiad – Year 5

• 1^st – Estella Tran
• 2^nd (aeq) – Elana Chrun, Caoimhe McAtamney, Remy Pereira and Sarah Tian

Maths Olympiad – Year 6

• 1^st (aeq) – Jasmine Luo, Maggie Ma and Freda Xie
• 4^th – Ashwini Kanesalingam
• 5^th (aeq) – Aerin Kim, Emilia Sarayar, Selina Shan and Chloe Zheng

– Natalie Hird
Deputy Head of Junior School – Learning

Junior School Portrait Prize Results

This year, our Junior School artists responded to the theme of ‘My Story’. Students were asked to explore how a portrait can communicate a person’s story.

We received 29 entries and subjects included themselves, family members, friends and teachers. With a wide variety of art mediums used to create their artworks, the skills and techniques demonstrated by all students as well as a clear passion for artmaking were certainly elevated this year.

Congratulations to the following winning entries:

• 1st Prize – Lavinia Luoyi Xu (Year 6), Couch Siblings
• 2nd Prize – Marina Chen (Year 3), My Mum and My Cat
• 3rd Prize – Yinuo Jin (Year 1), My Dream – Become a Policewoman
• Packing Room Prize – Peixin Chloe Mai (Year 2), Hugs

Congratulations to the following students whose artworks were selected as ‘Highly Commended’:

• Livia Li (Year 2), Disco
• Mia Li (Year 5), My Curious Spirit
• Elyse Ma (Year 1), Me and My Cats
• Peili Doris Mai (Year 2), My Dad
• Carlyn Nie (Year 5), My Thoughts
• Brielle Zhao (Pre-Kindergarten), Portrait Drawing

Congratulations to our ‘Participation Award’ recipients:

• Beatrice Bastin-Loy (Year 4), Alice and India
• Victoria Bongiorno (Year 2), My Mum
• Elsie Chen (Year 1), My Violin Teacher
• Isabella Cheng (Year 2), My Big Sister
• Olivia Cheng (Year 4), My Sweet Sister
• Catherine Coorey (Year 5), An Indigenous Male Actor
• Sienna Dib (Year 5), Taylor at the Grammies
• Daisy Han (Year 5), My Story
• Caitlyn Law (Year 4), Mr Park
• Gwendolyn Li (Pre-Kindergarten), Portrait
• Holly Martin (Year 1), Mummy in Australia
• Arielle McBrien (Year 5), Memories
• Brittany Mok (Year 4), All About Me
• Charlotte Mok (Year 4), Thoughts
• Jade Neeld (Kindergarten), Wot is This Big Thing
• Julia Singh (Year 1), My Dog Rio
• Mariella Tsolis (Year 5), Story of Her Life
• Eliza Wong (Pre-Kindergarten), My Grandma is a Fantastic Cook
• Emma Zhang (Year 5), The First Memory

Well done to all students who entered the competition. All artworks are proudly on display in the Junior School just outside the Hub.

– Victoria Bradshaw, Lesley Snelgrove and Liane Simpson
Junior School Visual Arts Department

Year 4 Immersed in the early History of Sydney and the First Fleet

Year 4 Excursion Recap – further to our story from last week

On 8 November, Year 4 embarked on an exciting excursion to Bare Island, immersing themselves in the history of early Sydney and Australia’s First Nations people. The day was filled with interactive learning experiences that brought our history lessons to life.

Students began by exploring Aboriginal artefacts, where they had the opportunity to hold and examine traditional tools, learning how they were used for hunting, gathering, and daily life. The session highlighted the incredible knowledge and skills of the First Nations people, who have lived on this land for over 60,000 years. We also discussed the native animals that shared the environment, with students getting a close-up look at taxidermy specimens.

Next, we moved on to learn about the early European explorers who arrived in Australia, including Captain Cook’s historic landing at Botany Bay and the journey of the French explorer La Pérouse. The students were especially fascinated by the story of Matthew Flinders and his adventurous cat, Trim. Using natural materials, the class even had the chance to build small model ships, imagining themselves as explorers setting sail on new voyages.

The convict life session gave the students a glimpse into the harsh realities faced by the convicts who were sent to Australia. Through role-play activities, some of our students dressed up in convict uniforms, learning about the difficult journey on the First Fleet and the strict rules they lived under once they arrived. The discussion about the different ranks of soldiers and their roles in the early colony helped students understand the challenges of establishing a new settlement.

The highlight of the day was the guided tour of Bare Island Fort. Students were led through historic rooms, including the gun emplacements and the Commander’s Post. The guide explained the strategic importance of the fort in protecting Sydney’s coast and how the cannons were used to defend against potential attacks. The tour gave everyone a sense of what life might have been like for soldiers stationed there over a century ago.

Overall, it was a fantastic day filled with hands-on learning, storytelling, and exploration, helping our students connect with the history of our city and understand the different perspectives of the people who lived here in the past.

Student Reflection: Excursion

Vaani Narang (Class 4A)

On 8 November, Year 4 went on an excursion to Bare Island. I had a lot of fun. We began our adventure with going on a tour of the whole island. During the tour we saw and learnt about all the cannons that the soldiers used. My favourite part of the excursion was when we acted as convicts. We each got a card of a convict and saw what their crime was; we also were able to see if that convict was sentenced to prison for seven years, 14 years or for life. Another part of the excursion that I loved was seeing all the artefacts. We even got to use the clapping sticks. This excursion was a wonderful experience to learn about the First Fleet and how their journey was to Australia.

– Maria-Louise Chami
Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 5 Writes about Recent Events in Year 5!

Museum of Australian Democracy (MOAD)

‘All the students in Year 5, experienced a virtual tour of the Museum of Australian Democracy. On the tour, we talked about the history of Australia and the different statues and paintings in the Museum. We got to experience the inner workings of the House of Representatives and the Senate. We also learned about the process of law making. After the educational tour on the screen, we virtually saw the Aboriginal Tent which is right across from the Museum of Australian Democracy. Overall, all the Year 5 students had a blast learning about everything in Old Parliament House.’
– Qaylah Mohamed (Year 5O)

 ‘During our Canberra Immersion, Year 5 were fortunate and visited MOAD – the Museum of Australian Democracy. This is the Old Parliament House Building. We toured the building and learned additional information about democracy, the Senate and the House of Representatives. It was great to have previewed this experience during our online incursion the previous week.’
– Elizabeth Horvath (Year 5W)

‘Before year 5 went to Canberra for our immersion, we had a Zoom meeting with Neil, who works at MOAD. He told us about old Parliament House and we visited all the rooms in it, including the green room called The House of Representatives and the red room called the Senate. We also were lucky enough to hear real life politicians speaking and debating against each other. Neil taught us how democracy works and why it is important for us and our lives. It was very beneficial, and it taught us so much.’
– Clara Southward (Year 5B)

‘Year 5 had a Zoom meeting with an amazing person, Neil who works in MOAD. He was able to give us an extraordinary presentation all about our Old Parliament House, which is now called MOAD, fascinating right! He took us on an online tour all around MOAD (and later we visited it in person!) Year 5 learned a lot from the meeting and, we still have lots to learn, but Neil helped us to see things from different perspectives. It was so cool to learn all about MOAD and its history! It was interesting to see all these cool jobs especially being a politician! We learned how they present a convincing case to pass a law and how different their daily lives are to ours. We soon realised how politicians, and all the other important jobs can help us live safely!’
– Sienna Dib (Year 5B)

DEBORAH JENKINS – MLC School parent*

‘Year 5 had a magical experience with Deborah Jenkins who works at Parliament. She taught us many things about her career as a Deputy Secretary, and about how the government manages tax. Her job is extremely important as she makes sure that people pay the right amount of tax to ensure our country has enough money.’
– Caitlyn Rodrigues (Year 5O)

‘Following our Canberra Immersion, Year 5 had a face-to-face visit from the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Workplace and Employment Relations (DEWR), Deborah Jenkins. We learnt so much about what life is like for her working in a Commonwealth Government role, her family, and much more. It was an Incredible moment for Year 5 to take a step into the world of a mum and Government Employee. We were so glad that she could come and join us to talk about her job, her life. I would love another chance for her to come visit us again.’
– Kyrani Countouris (Year 5W)

‘Deborah is an MLC School Member of Council, who works at the Parliament House. She came to Year 5 to talk about her job. She has a daughter that is in Year 7 and her name is Charlotte. Deborah is a Deputy Secretary who works at the Parliament House and has thousands of people working with her. Deborah flies between Sydney and Canberra all the time and she often misses her family, so they FaceTime each other. Her expenses are covered by the government so she chooses wisely which flights and hotel wisely and economically. Year 5 students were impressed about what she does for a living and some students were so impressed that they also want to work the at Parliament House in the future.’
– Camellia Yao (Year 5B)

‘On Tuesday 12 November, the Deputy Secretary of a government department and member of the MLC School Council, Deborah Jenkins joined Year 5 to talk about her job. Deborah is a mother of 13-year-old Charlotte who is in Year 7. She has been working with the Commonwealth Government in Canberra at Parliament House and Deborah also works with Ms Moloney (Principal) on the MLC School Council. She is a mother who loves football so much that she has decided to coach the 11 year old football team in her local area. Her favourite part of her job is everything! The fact that she has lots of people working with her and that she sometimes gets to work with the Prime Minister. The only part of Deborah’s job that she is not as fond of is the late nights and the fact that she has to be away from her family and community.’
– Aashani Chandramohan (Year 5B)

* Note: Deborah Jenkins is a current parent at MLC School and serves on the MLC School Council. Please click here for Deborah’s bio.

LANCE BALCHIN VISIT

‘Last week Year 5 got to have a Zoom call with Lance Balchin, the author of ‘Mechanica’, a book that Year 5 have been reading. Year 5 had a lot of remarkably interesting questions for Lance, as he explained why and how he created ‘Mechanica’. He told us that he was working on a fashion design, and he needed a robotic element. He realized that the same technique could work on animals. Lance did not hand draw the illustrations, but he got different pictures and made a collage.’
– Poppy Frederick (Year 5O)

‘Year 5 has been focusing and learning all about the dystopian picture book ‘Mechanica.’ Mechanica was written by Lance Balchin in 2016 but Year 5 never expected to interact with him over a Zoom call. We had many questions to be answered from why he wrote ‘Jurassica’ and ‘Aquatica’ to why he writes in this picture book format. Lance told us all about his life changing story that shaped him to the man he is today.’
– Aaliyah Liu (Year 5W)

‘We were so fortunate to have a zoom meeting with Lance Balchin. This was such fun because Lance told us about his job, and how he is working on a video game! He told us some secrets, just like that there might be a new book coming out next year! It was interesting to learn about what Lance does. Now I even want to be an author!’
– Carla Di Leo (Year 5B)

‘We were lucky enough to have Lance Balchin, author of ‘Mechanica’, ‘Aquatica’ and ‘Jurassica’, tell us about his books. He spoke about the inspiration for his novels and what provoked him to be an author.

His inspiration was sourced from many different books, such as Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep by Philip K Dick, and novels by George Orwell. He also told us how he made the Mechanicas. He got photos of gears and other robotic equipment and put them together on Photoshop. It was a great experience. I would love to do it again!
– Peta Bianchi-Howden (Year 5B) 

– Susan Blanche
Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 6 Enjoying Japanese Culture

Year 6 have been having a great time learning about Japanese language and culture. They’ve been practicing how to introduce themselves and others. 

The class has also been making origami figures, including their own origami people. The students have loved getting creative with paper folding and have shown impressive skills. It’s been a fun and exciting way to learn more about Japan!

– Natasha Collins
Teacher

JS Leawarra Service Learning Initiative – Rev Bill Crews Christmas Appeal

On Thursday 21 November Leawarra Junior School hosted a ‘When I Grow Up…’ Dress Up Day.

The theme for our Service Learning this term is ‘Growing in Grace: Guided by the Light’ students in the Junior School were encouraged to dress as who they would like to grow up to be and bring in exchange an item for the Rev Bill Crews Christmas Appeal. It was amazing to see all the doctors, teachers, astronauts, artists, athletes and more. With so many ‘Grown Ups’ around some of the Junior School teachers decided to take a break and be MLC School girls for the day!

We were inundated with so many donations for our Christmas Appeal thank you for your generosity and spirit of giving to support those in need this the festive season.  

– Marie Cassar
Leawarra House Patron

Click on image gallery for full size images.

News from the Library

MLC School Best Borrowers 2024

Congratulations to these passionate readers:

Kindergarten

• Eva Ali Ahmed (KA)
• Jade Neeld (KK)
• Dorothy Li (KT)

Year 1

• Charlotte Ho (Year 1A)
• Airley Li (Year 1G)
• Esther Sim (Year 1W)

Year 2

• Amelia Lim (Year 2B)
• Amelia Huang (Year 2P)
• Lavinia Yeh (Year 2W)

Year 3

• Isabella Castillo Sun (Year 3E)
• Sahana Siva (Year 3N)
• Sonia Chung (Year 3W)

Year 4

• Brittany Mok (Year 4A)
• Sum Yeung Cheng (Year 4C)
• Sabine Woodhouse (Year 4P)

Year 5

• Daisy Han (Year 5B)
• Scarlett Gromann (Year 5M)
• Mary Marshall (Year 5O)
• Kathy Zhang (Year 5W)

Best e-Borrower

• Eloise Qiu (Year 4A)

Best Overall Borrower

• Sabine Woodhouse (Year 4P)

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year almost every girl in the Junior School will receive a certificate from the Premier! The girls below will receive a gold certificate for completing four years of the challenge:

Year 3

Eva Bangia, Isabella Castillo Sun, Siya Chauhan, Marina Chen, Sonia Chung, Jasmin Ganda, Hillary Gu, Yvonne Henderson, Tara Kuhan, Aimee Li, Olivia Li, Sammi Liang, Yisa Liang, Lillian Ma, Lily Marnane, Gem McGuire, Inneke Nielsen, Colette Obaid, Tahra Peries, Aida Sidhom, Rhianna Sui, Ayla Sumantri, Chloe Tang, Evelyn Tsang, Alicia Wen, Emily Zhong

Year 4

April Adams, Zoe Baker, Miya Cai, Sophie Dowd, Caitlin Eadie, Verity Hodgson-Fopp, Lana Hutchison, Becky Kwan Gu, Caitlyn Wong, Maggie Xu

Year 5

Isabel Archer, Annika Bou, Lara Byrnes, Aashani Chandramohan, Joyce Guan, Elizabeth Horvath, Eve Hutchison, Lexie Lovett, Caoimhe McAtamney, Shantelle Nguyen, Tara Siddharth, Matilda Taor, Vivienne Woon, Emma Zhang

Congratulations!

Holiday eReading

Did you know that MLC School has two eBook and audio book platforms that offer a wide range of quality books?

To borrow follow the steps below:

ePlatform

https://mlcsyd.wheelers.co/

• User ID: Your 6-digit student number.
• Password: 12345

Select from the Junior School Recommendations row.

Borrow Box

For Years 3 and up

https://fe.bolindadigital.com/wldcs_bol_fo/b2i/mainPage.html?b2bSite=6493

• User ID: Your 6-digit student number
• Password: 12345

This has mostly Australian authors and books.

Happy Reading!

– Sharon Seymour
Teacher/Librarian

Summer Vacation Care Program

Vacation Care Bookings are now online!

School holidays, in a safe, secure and caring environment from 8am–6pm.

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

For more information, please visit our website or to make an enquiry call 1800 864 846 or fill out an enquiry form.

View the Uniting MLC School OSHC Summer vacation care program here.

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

Year 7

This week Year 7 had the final opportunity for the year to spend time with their Big Sisters who are now in Year 12! Each Luminary prepared a token of their appreciation for their Big Sisters by creating gifts and writing thank you or Christmas cards. During the session, some groups also started some rehearsals for the House Christmas Challenge by rehearsing on the Bird Bath Quad! I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Big Sisters from Year 12 for their support of Year 7 in their first year of Senior School. We look forward to this connection continuing across 2025! 

As a way of reflecting on how far Year 7 2024 have come, during our Academic Care session on Wednesday students created some informative posters or videos for Year 7 2024. Students introduced Luminary time, House activities, what to expect at a Senior School assembly as well as what takes place in Chapel. These will be shared with Claire White, Head of Year 7 2025 who will pass them on as resources to help Year 7 settle in. 

On Friday we welcomed students who will be joining us in 2025, for Orientation Day and the Co-curricular Expo. Thank you to Alicia Tien, Freyja Gray, Maddie Dowd, and Scarlett O’Connell for being wonderful buddies to our new students.

Please see below arrangements for Week 8 (Monday 2 December 2024), the final week of Term 4 and 2024:  

• Wednesday 4 December 2024, last day of term for students. All of Year 7 should have their lockers completely empty by this date to avoid having to take everything home. Students will spend part of the day preparing their performances for the House Christmas Challenge, which will be judged by an expert panel in the afternoon.  
• Thursday 5 December 2024, Speech Night at the ICC. Students do not attend school this day. Attendance is compulsory at Speech Night. As this is a formal school occasion,  we ask that you please ensure your daughter is in full formal summer uniform, including blazers (and for many, this will also require a polish of their school shoes). Further information regarding arrival times and arrangements for students will be shared shortly.

Commencement Day, this is only for NEW students starting Year 8 in 2025 –  Friday 24 January 2024.  

School resumes for all students in Year 8 2025 on Tuesday 28 January 2024.

A reminder that Year 8 Booklist 2025 is now available, books need to be ordered by Friday 13 December 2024. These can also be found on Omnia

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 7

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7 PDHPE Receive a Very Special Visitor

Last week 7PE3 were lucky enough to have a visit from Rosemary Mula (Grandmother of Victoria, Year 7) during their PDHPE lesson. Following a talk during a year meeting earlier this year, Rosemary paid a special visit to the class to kindly distribute Olympic memorabilia from the Australian Olympic Committee. The pack received by each student included Australian Olympic team pins and stickers, along with a national pin from one of the National Olympic Committees that Rosemary assisted, including Malta, Kiribati, British Virgin Islands and Tonga.

Rosemary has volunteered at Olympic Games over the past 20 years and shared a variety of wonderful stories with the students. She also brought with her two replica Olympic Gold Medals for students to look at and hold from the 1952 and 1956 Olympic games. This was a gift given to her at the Opening Ceremony during the Sydney 2000 Games where she managed a team of volunteers. The students were mesmerised by these medals and gifts and were very grateful for the visit from Rosemary.

 We thank Rosemary for sharing her stories and kind gifts and look forward to the next visit.

 – Emily Osborne
Teacher

Year 8

The past two weeks have been busy for Year 8, with time for celebration, discussion and reflection.

Firstly, it was wonderful to hear Lucy Stoddard, Melisande Pitman, Evie Fergus and Greta Sharp speak during the Senior School assembly and share their experiences of Round Square Exchange to Orange and Canberra. The girls are to be congratulated for their courage and resilience in volunteering for the program, and for speaking with confidence and enthusiasm during the assembly.

During our Year Meeting last Friday, Fiona Pow (Head of Year 12) announced the Academic Prizes for Year 8 2024. It was lovely to see the support from Year 8 as their peers were recognised for progress, growth, academic development and academic distinction. The prizes will be awarded at Speech Night on Thursday 5 December 2024.

On Wednesday during Academic Care, Year 8 participated in a session on Cybersafety run by the Director of eLearning, Marianna Carlino. In the session, students discussed the importance of respectful communication in group chats and were given some strategies they could use to deal with unkind comments. These included:

• telling a trusted adult and asking them to help;
• changing the settings on their device or online account; and
• reporting any harmful material to eSafety Commissioner.

These important discussions continued in Luminary sessions on Thursday, where students were supported to share their experiences and ask further questions in a circle activity.

Finally, a reminder that the Campion booklist for Year 9 2025 is now available. Please view the PDF below. Orders are due in four weeks, Friday 13 December 2024. If you have any questions about the booklists, please refer to the relevant Head of Department. For any issues with online ordering, contact Campion directly. Booklists can also be found on Omnia by clicking here.

Year 9 Booklist 2025

Please see below an overview of the arrangements for the final week of Term 4:

• Wednesday 4 December 2024 – Last day of term for students. All students should have cleared out their lockers by this date. Students will finish the school year by participating in the House Christmas Challenge.
• Thursday 5 December 2024 – Speech Night at the ICC. A reminder that students do not attend classes on this day. Attendance at Speech Night is compulsory and your daughter is expected to wear full formal summer uniform, which includes a blazer and polished shoes. More information about arrival times will be shared soon.  

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

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 8

The photo above is from the Middle Years Production – Wendy and Peter

Year 8 Physical Education – Fit For Life

In the Year 8 Physical Education unit this term, ‘Fit for Life’, students have been learning essential skills and knowledge to maintain a physically healthy lifestyle. This unit covers various aspects of fitness, including cardio-respiratory endurance, measuring heart rate whilst exercising, using gymnasium equipment safely, and performing total body workouts in various circuit classes in the Cardio room.

A circuit class is a high-intensity workout that involves performing a series of exercises back-to-back with minimal rest in between. Each exercise targets different muscle groups, and the sequence of exercises is called a ‘circuit’. A good circuit session will include aerobic activity and specific exercises for each major muscle group. A typical circuit includes multiple exercises, such as squats, push-ups, lunges, and burpees, to name a few. These exercises can be done using body weight, free weights, or gym machines.^.

Engaging in a ‘Fit for Life’ program helps Year 8 students develop a strong foundation for lifelong health and wellness. At this age, students are at a critical stage of growth and development, both physically and mentally. Learning about fitness and healthy lifestyle choices empowers them to make informed decisions that can help to prevent chronic diseases and promote overall well-being. By understanding the importance of regular physical activity, students can establish healthy habits early on, which can lead to improved academic performance, better mental health, and increased energy levels.

Learning how to use gym equipment safely and effectively teaches students the importance of safety and responsibility. These lessons help prevent injuries and promote a culture of respect and care for oneself and others in the gym environment. Fitness activities often involve working in pairs or groups, which helps students develop teamwork and social skills. Collaborating with peers to complete a circuit workout or support each other in achieving fitness goals fosters a sense of community and cooperation.

Moreover, a ‘Fit for Life’ curriculum can foster a positive attitude towards physical fitness and self-care. It encourages students to explore various forms of exercise and find activities they enjoy, making it more likely they will continue to stay active throughout their lives. Additionally, this topic can teach valuable life skills such as goal setting, time management, and resilience. By participating in group activities and challenges, students also learn teamwork and social skills, which are essential for their personal and professional lives. Overall, ‘Fit for Life’ equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to lead healthy, balanced lives, both now and in the future.

– Andrew Simos
IB Sports Science Consultant and Elite Athletes Mentor

Click on image gallery for full size images.

A Tasty Cultural Excursion for Year 8 Chinese Students

On Monday 18 November, our Year 8 Chinese students embarked on an enriching excursion to Sydney’s vibrant Chinatown (唐人街). This unique experience offered the students an opportunity to practice their Chinese speaking skills while immersing themselves in the rich traditions of Chinese culture and cuisine.

The day began with a visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship, where students delighted in the tranquil atmosphere and stunning views of ponds, lush greenery, pavilions, and bridges. This visit provided valuable insights into traditional Chinese architecture and design, sparking curiosity and appreciation for cultural heritage.

On their way to a Yum Cha restaurant, the students stopped to enjoy the famous Emperor Puffs. They practiced their Chinese language skills by ordering in Mandarin, savouring the warm, creamy custard-filled pastries—a definite highlight of the day!

At The Eight, a renowned Yum Cha restaurant in Market City, students experienced a traditional Chinese dining atmosphere. They sampled a variety of authentic dishes, including prawn dumplings (虾饺), garlic pork (豉汁排骨), and Yangzhou fried rice (扬州炒饭). The hands-on experience allowed the students to connect with classroom lessons, and many discovered new favourite dishes to enjoy.

Before heading back to school, the students visited a nearby bubble tea shop to order their favourite bubble tea (珍珠奶茶). From classic milk tea with pearls to refreshing fruit-flavoured options, this activity offered yet another fun way to practice speaking Chinese while indulging in a popular treat.

Throughout the excursion, students not only enhanced their language proficiency but also gained deeper insights into Chinese culture – from cuisine to architecture. This interactive and exciting experience helped bring their classroom learning to life in a meaningful way.

We look forward to the next adventure that continues to inspire curiosity and cultural exploration!

– Helena Wang
Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 9

I am struggling to believe that the end of the school year is less than two weeks away!

In true MLC School spirit, there is no winding down, and plenty of action and busy times instead. Thursday was a wonderful day for the 90 plus Year 9 students who signed up to be Peer Support Leaders for 2025. They were split into four groups and spent the day working through activities to help them learn how to facilitate sessions with Year 7. The Year 9 students were insightful, reflective and open to sharing and the day was excellent. I know they are going to make wonderful mentors to Year 7 next year.

Congratulations also to the Year 9 students who performed in the MLC School Idol final on Friday! It’s always incredible to see them shining confidently on the stage. Thank you also to the Year 9 students who were buddies for the incoming 2025 new students to the cohort. You were delightful and I’m sure the new students have left Orientation Day excited to come back next year.

A reminder that Year 10 Booklist 2025 is now available, books need to be ordered by Friday 13 December 2024. These can also be found on Omnia

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

– Claire White
Head of Year 9

Photos – Year 9 students working together in their Peer Support Training Day

Year 10

The Year 10 immersions to New Zealand and within Sydney offered invaluable opportunities for personal growth, skill development, and team building. These experiences helped to foster independence, resilience, and leadership while encouraging our students to step out of their comfort zones. I am proud of our cohort and their ability to make the most out of the opportunities provided to them. Such activities also provided a unique chance for them to develop confidence in their abilities and forge connections with both staff and students that can support their academic and personal journeys.

Watching the videos Year 10 made as part of the Immersion projects on Tuesday 19 November, it was clear they have a greater understanding of Indigenous stewardship and empowerment as they compared the similarities and differences between the Māori and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and have developed further their cultural appreciation and respect of the different cultures.

The Year 10 Transition program was launched on Wednesday 20 November. This program is important for the cohort because it marks a shift toward greater academic and personal responsibility, as well as the beginning of more specialised learning. This transition helps our Year 10 students prepare for the increased demands of their senior years by developing key skills such as time management, study techniques, and critical thinking. We anticipate that this supported transition should reduce anxiety, boost confidence, and ensure that students are better equipped to handle the challenges of Year 11 and beyond.

I encourage you to engage in conversation with your daughter about what they are being exposed to regarding their future studies and any plans they have begun to make about setting themselves up for next year.

Today at the Orientation Day we welcomed Year 7 2025 students to the School and our respective Houses. I was extremely proud of the enthusiasm and compassion that Year 10 showed to their future Little Sisters and the cards that many of them shared. We also welcomed four new students to Year 11 2025, and I thank Olivia Ebel, Evelyn Kerr, Eve Ireland, Laila Chopra, Leylim Ozer, Grace Bettar, Alexis Morcos, Kimberly Chou and Stephanie Bombatas for being buddies to our new students. I am sure they will help the new students have a smoother start in January 2025.

We have had an interesting week, and I am looking forward to the rest of the Year 10 Transition program next week.

Please be reminded that you will find the Year 11 2025 booklists for IB and HSC on Omnia.

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

Coming up

• Wednesday 27 November 2024 – Parent-teacher evening
• Wednesday 4 December 2024 – Last day of lessons
• Thursday 5 December 2024 – Speech night

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 10

Year 11

We are well into the home stretch for the end of term. Year 11 have been busy with assessments, IA testing, prefect interviews, leadership workshops and focusing on their study skills.

Last week, the Captains attended a leadership workshop from Burn Bright. Our images show the group engaging in team building exercises and strategising their projects and activities for the coming year. The whole day was run by Andrew Taylor, our Acting Head of Senior School and the first session began with a panel of MLC School leaders – Lisa Moloney (Principal), Melissa Boyd (Deputy Principal), Fiona Pow (Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral), Rev Vinnie and myself sharing our experiences of leadership. We are all here, as you are, as part of the support network for the Captains to achieve their goals in 2025.

Prefect interviews have been held throughout the week. This has been a wonderful opportunity to work with the Heads of House to meet the candidates to hear their stories and vision for prefectship. A common theme has been the desire for senior students to be a role model for the younger years. The influence of senior students can be profound and we encourage our whole year group to see the value of their leadership as a group and the positive impact they can make at MLC School. The prefects will be announced at next Wednesday’s assembly and the whole year group will be introduced as the 2025 leaders next Friday in Daphne Line Hall. We would love to see as many parents there as possible – please check Omnia for details and RSVP.

This is a formal assembly and full school uniform with sheer black stockings is required. Blazers must also be worn. Cadets must be in normal school uniform for the assembly and bring cadet gear for later in the day.

Dr Prue Salter spoke to parents and students on Wednesday night at the Year 12 Study Skills Evening. The slides and resources from the evening are available on www.enhanced-learning.net (Password: smartstudy). Prue is a highly experienced educator and researcher. Page 2 of the guide for parents outlines specific things you can do to support your child in Year 12, one of them being:

‘Ask students what they need from you and what you can do. Offer to help with revision, to go and buy books and stationery needed. Be their PA this year and help with exam timetables, preparation, lunches, etc’ and for wellbeing: ‘Focus on a positive outlook and personal best: encourage students to be proud of their successes and what they achieve and constantly assure them that all you want is for them to do the best they can and walk away feeling proud of their efforts this year. Avoid criticism and negativity. Remember there are always multiple paths in life to get to where you want to go.’

Our images this week are of the newly renovated common room that Year 11 moved into late last week, as well as some scenes from the team building exercises on the Leadership Day.

A reminder that the Year 12 2025 Book Lists are available, books need to be ordered by Friday 13 December 2024. These can also be found on Omnia

Year 12 2025 HSC Book List

Year 12 IB Booklist 2025

If you have a concern about your daughter’s academic progress, please contact their classroom teacher. For wellbeing issues, please contact myself on 02 8741 9736 or sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

– Sharon Connolly
Head of Year 11

Click on image gallery for full size images.

2025 Science Excursion – Exmouth, Western Australia

2025 – Science Excursion (IB & HSC) and Duke of Ed
Year 11 and Year 12
Exmouth Western Australia

Please note: This excursion is for Year 11 (2025) HSC and IB students who will be undertaking study in Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Last Monday the Science Department and Duke of Ed ran a presentation for Year 11 and 12 students (2025), launching the upcoming Science excursion, planned for April 2025 to Exmouth Western Australia.  

Just in case you missed it, here is a link to the presentation

Presentation Recording

This tour is for students currently in Year 10 (Year 11, 2025) who will be undertaking study in Biology, Chemistry or Physics. This experience will deepen the understanding of biodiversity, adaptations, evolution, ecosystems past, present and future, plus many more concepts.

Year 11 HSC (Year 12, 2025) electing to undertake Science Extension will also consider concepts around cultural observational knowledge, epistemology and current influences on scientific thinking as well as considering application of hypothesis development based on literature and publicly available data sets, various types of scientific methodology, using statistics to analyse data and how researchers report their findings and communicate scientific understanding.

Duke of Ed Silver or Gold Participants

Duke of Ed Silver or Gold participants will be able to count this as their Practice and Qualifying Adventurous Journey (AJ).

This excursion has been designed to comply with Duke of Ed AJ requirements and provides a fantastic opportunity to gain a better understanding of the beauty of nature and develop teamwork and leadership skills in the unique landscape of Western Australia.

Whilst exploring their chosen subjects, your daughters will be making lifelong memories and friendships while participating in activities such as camping, kayaking and snorkeling in a unique setting.

Here is the link to the Expression of Interest if you would like your daughter to attend the excursion, the deadline for EOI is next Monday 25 November 2024.

2025 Science Excursion

– Glen Mole
Duke of Ed Award Leader

Important Details – University Information Days for Year 12 Graduates

Wednesday 18 December 2024

• On Wednesday 18 December 2024 you receive your results, ATAR/IBAS.
• You have until 11.59pm to reorder and lock in your preferences for Round 1 offers (Monday 23 December 2024).

Visit the universities to finalise your UAC preferences with confidence and explore your dream degree, admissions and pathways.

Speak to staff and attend info sessions and lectures. Discover the campus with a tour.

UTS  Register here

NOTRE DAME  Register here

USYD Register here

UNSW Register here

MACQUARIE Register here

Information Sessions; Webinars; Holiday Programs

Defence Air Force Careers Information Sessions

Albury: Tuesday 26 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

Defence Submariner Careers Information Sessions

Newcastle: Tuesday 26 November 2024

Sydney & Online: Wednesday 27 November 2024

Are you looking for a career with rewarding challenges, competitive pay and opportunities for travel?

World-class training will equip you with all the skills and resources you need to work as a Submariner in the Navy.

Join us for an info session to speak with current serving members about the benefits of serving your Country as a Navy Submariner.

Find out more

AIT Sydney Info Night – Tuesday 26 November 2024

Exclusive invite to AIT’s Sydney Info Night on Tuesday 26 November 2024.

You’ll hear from our inspiring Academic Director and meet our very talented current students talk about what it’s like to study at AIT. You will have the opportunity to speak to our friendly course advisor crew one-on-one and learn about the flexible learning options and pathways available, career outcomes, and more. You’ll get to meet the Admissions Team to discuss the admissions process or even better – apply on the spot to save your seat in the next Intake!

Find out more

Why study business at Sydney?

Wednesday 27 November 2024

Discover how our degrees in commerce can prepare you for the future of work and a wide range of career opportunities. You will learn about the range of study areas available, including marketing, finance and entrepreneurship, as well as the many ways in which you can combine your interests from over 100 study areas in our shared pools of majors and minors.

We will also cover internships, industry-focused experiences, and global mobility opportunities open to our Bachelor of Commerce students.

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

Discover Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School Webinar

Thursday 28 November 2024

Are you passionate about hospitality and the hotel industry? Join this session to discover why BMIHMS is the ideal choice for you.

Hear from our successful alumni as they share their study journeys and how it has prepared them for success. Explore the vibrant campus life at our Leura campus and the unique student community. Learn about how our practical training distinguishes us from other universities and how it can get you ‘job-ready’ upon graduation.

Find out more

University of Sydney | Entry schemes and admission pathways

Wednesday 4 December 2024

There’s more than one way to gain entry to your dream degree at the University of Sydney. Our entry schemes and pathways help you make the most of your ATAR by recognising your circumstances, special high school achievements and other abilities and activities. Join us to find out more.

Find out more

AIM Sydney Info Day

Wednesday 18 December 2024

Deciding which path to take after school can feel daunting, but if you’re passionate about music, we’re here to guide you.

Our Sydney Info Day offers the perfect opportunity to get first-hand insights into what it’s like to study at AIM. Hear directly from current students about the skills they’ve gained and the networks they’ve built.

If you’re thinking about studying with us in 2025, our expert staff can provide insights and answer your questions before UAC preferences close.

Find out more

Notre Dame Info Day 2024 – Sydney Campus

Wednesday 18 December 2024

Explore your future options at this event, it could be your key to starting your university journey in 2025 with confidence. Whether you’re a high school student, a university graduate, or an international student, this is your chance to experience life at Notre Dame. 

You will have the opportunity to speak one-to-one with faculty staff, receive personalised assistance and advice on your pathway to university, and discuss your study options. For those who have already applied to Notre Dame, our student advisors and admission officers will be available to guide you to the next stage of your Notre Dame journey ahead of Semester 1 commencement. 

You can also: 

• Attend discipline specific information sessions and workshops
• Find out more about scholarships available 
• Meet your faculty staff
• Join a tour and explore our expanding Fremantle campus 
• Enjoy tasty treats

Find out more

UTS Info Day 2024

Wednesday 18 December 2024

Info Day is your chance to explore undergraduate course and pathway options at UTS.

Why attend Info Day?

• Engage in personalised 1:1 consultations with UTS staff, including our Admissions team 
• Get your last-minute questions answered before the closure of UAC preferences 
• Explore the various alternate pathways and study options available to you 
• Discover the wide range of support services and how they can aid you in your economic journey 
• Chat directly with academics and current students from your desired course 
• Take a tour of our vibrant UTS city campus led by current students 

Find out more

UNSW Info Day 2024

Wednesday 18 December 2024

Get personalised advice and insights before you finalise your UAC preferences at UNSW Info Day. With ATARs released at 9am and UAC’s change of preferences deadline at midnight, this is your opportunity to get all your last minute questions answered. Explore your study options, tour our campus, and chat with academics and current students, so you can feel confident in your choice.

Get a taste of life as a UNSW student:

• Attend lectures on your area of interest
• Explore UNSW on a campus tour
• Chat with academics and current students in our advisory zones

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

Accepting Your ANU Offer – What’s Next?

Friday 20 December 2024

Have you received an offer to study a degree at ANU but unsure of your next steps?

Join us for a step-by-step guide on the deferral process, how to accept your offer and enrol in your program. We’ll also discuss the many support services available to ANU students and key dates. The webinar will finish with a live Q&A session where you can get all your questions answered.

This event is suitable for domestic students who have received an offer at ANU.

Find out more

NAS Art Club Intensive 2025

Wednesday 15 January 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 15th – 17th 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

SciX@UNSW 2025

Monday 20 January to Friday 24 January 2025

The SciX@UNSW program is designed to support passionate high school students who are eager to delve into scientific research. Join one of our research groups and conduct an independent research project, ideal for HSC Extension Science, IB independent projects, or as a taste of a career in research science. The projects are overseen by our academic research staff and are delivered primarily by our graduate research students. They will introduce you to cutting-edge research tools and methodologies and guide you as you extend your scientific skills.

The centrepiece of the SciX experience is a one-week intensive summer school, held in January. During this week on campus at UNSW Sydney, you’ll be supported in developing your individual hypothesis, collecting your data, and getting started on your analysis, all before the summer holidays are over!

On-time registrations will close at 11:59 PM on Wednesday 18th December 2024.

Find out more

ACPE February Open Day 2025

Saturday 1 February 2025

Exploring your study options for a career in the sport industry? Join us on campus. See where you will study, meet our students and lecturers, and participate in info sessions and practical sessions to take the next step with confidence.

Find out more

– Futures and Pathways

Scholarships and Competitions

Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship

Offered by: University of Melbourne

Value: Up to $32,500 AUD

Now Open

Closing date: Tuesday 14 January 2025

This scholarship is offered to high-achieving students in recognition of their outstanding academic achievement during their Australian Year 12 or International Baccalaureate (IB) undertaken in Australia.

Find out more

Competitions

Young Reporters for the Environment International Competition

Offered by: Foundation for Environmental Education

Now Open

Closing date: Saturday 10 May 2025

2024/2025 Competition Deadlines

• Wednesday 30 April 2025: International Deadline for Competition Submissions
• Early-June 2025: Shortlisting and International Jury Meeting
• Mid-June 2025: Announcement of 2024/2025 International Competition Winners

Young Reporters for the Environment holds an Annual International Competition for young people aged 11-25 involved in the programme.

The purpose of the competition is for young people to investigate environmental issues, propose solutions, report it through various communication and journalistic ways to a local network and raise awareness by sharing it with an international community.

The theme for the 2024/2025 competition is Ecosystem Restoration.

Find out more

– Futures and Pathways

Sports Registrations for Term 1 2025

SOME REGISTRATIONS HAVE CLOSED OR ARE AT CAPACITY.

Please contact the Sports Department if you have missed out on a spot to discuss alternative options.

Term 1 2025 Sports on Offer 

• Year 7 – 12 AFL
• Year 7 – 12 Badminton
• Year 7 – 12 Fencing
• Year 7 – 12 Water Polo
• Year 5 – Year 6 IPSHA Water Polo
• Year 3 – 6 IPSHA Football (Soccer)
• Year 6 – 10 Introduction to Rowing
• Year 6 – 12 Term 1 Rowing
• Year 5 – 12 Athletics
• Year 2 – 12 Diving
• Year 5 – 12 Co-Curricular Swimming
• Year 4 – 12 Run Club
• Year 5 – 12 Fitness Sessions
• Year 3 – Year 12 Competitive Tennis
• Year 3 – Year 12 Recreational Tennis
•  K – Year 2 Afternoon Tennis

How to Register

• Please click on the link that will take you to the MLC School Payment Page. https://payments.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au/
• Choose the sport icon to view all the sports on offer.
• Select the sport you want to register for and complete the registration form and payment. 

GYMNASTICS

Please complete the expression of interest form if you wish to join the MLC School Community Gymnastics club in 2025 This is for new participants or those returning after a break. 

https://www.mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au/forms/gymnastics-enquiry-form

Those students in Pre-Kindergarten to Year 2 in 2025 should register for Co-curricular Gymnastics through the MLC School Co-curricular Microsite. Those registrations will open at 5pm on Monday 25 November 2024.

Amazing Results for MLC School Divers

The MLC School divers as recognised by Diving NSW on Saturday night for their amazing results.

This is the first year that we have had multiple divers recognised which is a fantastic achievement.

In the 12/13-year girls, 2nd place was awarded to Clementine Lonergan (Year 7) also acknowledged for representing NSW at the Age Nationals.

11/U girls 1st place Diver of the Year was awarded to Eloise Dastyari (Year 5) who was also acknowledged for her podium placing at Age Nationals.

1st place in Elite Junior C was awarded to Ada Savage (Year 8) who was also recognised for her performance and representation of NSW at the Elite Junior Nationals.

Two other MLC School divers, Misha Behi (Year 11) and Tahlia Jeffery (Year 11) were also recognised for being part of the NSW team to compete at Age Nationals.

Well done to our divers and congratulations on these fantastic results!

Athletics News – Congrats Eve

Last weekend Eve Ireland (Year 10) competed with Canterbury Athletics in the NSW State Relay Championships. 

She competed in the U17s Javelin. The event took the best distance of each of the four team athletes and added them together to decide the best team. Eve and her Canterbury Athletics team won silver, narrowly missing out on gold. Congratulations Eve!

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

January 2025 Gymnastics Holiday Fun Camp – Now Open

Our Gymnastics January 2025 GYMNASTICS HOLIDAY FUN CAMP is now open. You can book via our online parent portal.

Gymnastics Holiday Fun Camp from 9am–3pm each day.

Week 1 – Monday 13 January, Tuesday 14 January, Wednesday 15 January, Thursday 16 January and Friday 17 January 2025.

Week 2 – Monday 20 January, Tuesday 21 January, Wednesday 22 January, Thursday 23 January and Friday 24 January 2025

• The day will consist of Gymnastics, with a possible movie and craft. On the day, you must provide your child with their own morning tea, lunch and a bottle of water
• Children do not need gymnastics experience to attend.
• This camp suits primary school aged children.

All MLC School Girls, Gymnastics and Aquatic members can attend for the cost of $65 per day and should register through the online UDIO portal – Parent UDIO Portal

If an MLC School student does not have a current UDIO portal account please create an account using the link below and contact the Aquatic Centre office on 87413154.

Sign up page

Siblings, friends and family are also welcome to attend for the cost of $75 per day. To register please click on the link below.

Sign up page

If you have any questions regarding bookings, please contact our friendly office staff. Any gymnastics specific queries should be directed to gymnastics@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au 

– Naomi Bruce
Gymnastics Program Manager

Important Sport Notices

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

REMEMBER!

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

IMPORTANT PROCEDURES FOR SPORT

Absences from Sport

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wet Weather

What do I do if it is Wet Weather?

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

FOR MORNING TRAINING

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

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

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

FOR AFTER SCHOOL TRAINING

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

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

ON SATURDAYS

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

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

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

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

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

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

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Weekend Fixtures and Upcoming Dates

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday 23 November 2024

Upcoming Dates

• Friday 22 November – MLC School Sports Awards Evening, Daphne Line Hall, 6pm
• Saturday 23 November – Saturday Sport Round 6, Various, Various
•  

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Follow MLC School Sport on Facebook

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

MLC School Sport Facebook Page

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

Outstanding AMEB Achievements for Frida and Elana

Congratulations to Frida Yao (Year 6) on Outstanding AMEB Achievement!

We are thrilled to announce that Frida Yao (Year 6) has passed her AMEB Grade 3 Theory exam with a High Distinction, the highest score category. This is a remarkable achievement, as the knowledge required for Grade 3 Theory is equivalent to the level of understanding needed for Grade 7 instrumental performance.

In addition to excelling in music theory, she skillfully balances her instrumental studies on the oboe, singing and violin, demonstrating her passion for music.

Congratulations, Frida – we are so proud of you and can’t wait to see what you achieve next!

Congratulations to Elana Chrun (5M) on Outstanding AMEB Achievement!

We are excited to celebrate Elana Chrun (5M) for achieving a High Distinction in her Grade 2 Oboe AMEB exam, her very first oboe exam! The oboe is one of the most challenging instruments to learn initially due to its difficulty in producing and controlling sound with a very specific embouchure. Earning the highest score category is a remarkable accomplishment and reflects Elana’s dedication and hard work.

Elana is an active member of the Year 5 – Year 6 Band and is looking forward to participating in even more ensembles at MLC School next year as she continues her musical journey in Year 6.

Well done, Elana! We are so proud of your achievement and can’t wait to see your continued growth as an oboist!

– Celine Kang
Teacher

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.

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

Year 6 Musical – Matinee Performance – Saturday 30 November 2024
5pm – 6.30pm
Potts Hall

– Vicky Rodrigues
Music Administrator

MLC School Recognised for Outstanding Duke of Edinburgh Participation and Completion

Since taking over the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Program for MLC School in 2015, Glen Mole has helped 442 students complete the DofE Award, with an amazing 99 Gold Awards being presented.

In 2024, so far, MLC School has seen 43 students being awarded their DofE Award, 10 of which were Gold.

These great results have resulted in MLC School being invited by the NSW Office of Sport (who are responsible for DofE in NSW) to take part in a National DofE Digital Credentials Trial. The trial will be offered to a group of successful participants within the MLC School DofE Awards Program.

The new digital badges will be to designed to help students provide evidence of completion for University and job applications. The badges are the digital equivalent of paper-based credentials, such as a driver’s license, passport, or university degree. The digital badge will be in addition to the physical badge and certificate Duke of Ed users currently receive.  (Students who aren’t part of the trial will not be affected).

December and January Holiday Productions

Students gain confidence and have lots of fun as they are taken through a rehearsal process including acting, singing, movement and dance to produce a production in five days. Students experience what it is like to be a part of a production team whether it be on or off the stage from start to finish. At the end of the five days students perform the production to family and friends.

An enormous increase in confidence and performance skills can be seen throughout the week. The productions provide a wonderful opportunity for students to form friendships with students in different year levels and allow every student to feel like a star!

The Holiday productions are open to external students as well.

December Holiday Production – Almost sold out!

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

Dates: Friday 6 December – Thursday 12 December 2024 (5 days excluding the weekend)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Venue: MLC School, Potts Hall
Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $484 (5 days)
Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $363 (5 days)

Click for enrolment or use the QR code  

January Holiday Production – Places available

Rapunzel

Dates: Monday 20 January – Thursday 23 January 2025 (4 days)
Time: 9am – 3pm
Venue: MLC School, Potts Hall
Cast: Kindergarten to Year 6 – $450
Crew: Year 7 to Year 12 – $360

Click for here enrolment 

For enquiries contact The Speech and Drama Studio

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director