From the Head of Junior School

It was wonderful to have so many parents visit our Year 3 Celebration Assembly on Wednesday with our Principal, Lisa Moloney, in attendance. At our Kindergarten to Year 5 Assembly we celebrated our School Value for Term 4 ‘Growth’. We acknowledged and award girls for their achievement in growth across various subjects. Congratulations girls!

• Janet Hu (Kindergarten A)
• Hazel Hua (Kindergarten A)
• Emilia Shi (Kindergarten S)
• Jenny Fu (Kindergarten T)
• Eliza Wong (Kindergarten T)
• Evaleen Ali Ahmed (Year 1R)
• Yuyi Chen (Year 1A)
• Yara Zhang (Year 1A)
• Ivy Youssef (Year 1W)
• Charlotte Ho (Year 2M)
• Celeste Jones (Year 2K)
• Kaira Lal (Year 2M)
• Charlotte McKenzie (Year 2P)
• Lara Zhuge (Year 2K)
• Keira Dempsey (Year 3W)
• Charlotte Hu (Year 3W)
• Alana Jin (Year 3W)
• Ruby You (Year 3B)
• Isabel Zoghbi (Year 3E)
• Eva Bangia (Year 4P)
• Myer Boulton (Year 4P)
• Tarlay Edwards (Year 4C)
• Maya Erazo Djurisic (Year 4C)
• Xintong Guan (Year 4M)
• Lily Marnane (Year 4M)
• Amelia Stillone (Year 4C)
• April Adams (Year 5C)
• Amaya Clapham (Year 5W)
• Freyja Clifford (Year 5W)
• Delilah Hodgson-Fopp (Year 5N)
• Amelia Lee (Year 5N)
• Carla Cagliostro (Year 5O)
• Sarah Lin (Year 5O)
• Brittany Mok (Year 5O)
• Asher Nevill (Year 5W)

Garden Day 

I was very touched this week by our MLC School family support for Garden Day. Girls dressed in bright ‘garden’ clothes. This was in support of raising money for the Peace of Mind Foundation, a charity that helps Australian families affected by brain cancer. As you know, this year we lost our much-loved and respected Junior School teacher Richelle Gyau-Awuah due to a brain tumour. Many families have been generous in your financial support. It is so very much appreciated. I have contacted Richelle’s husband to share with him what took place on our Garden Day and the wonderful support from our MLC School families. Click here to read the article on Garden Day.

String and Band Performances  

Our dedicated Music Department hosted our string and band performances during the past week. One of the many joys of being in a Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 school is the opportunity for our Junior School girls to watch and be inspired by our Senior School students. Congratulations to our Music Department and all the students who participated.

Current Year 5 Families – Year 6 2026, A Year of Transition, Growth and Readiness

A letter from the Head of Junior School was sent to all Year 5 families earlier this week. This was sent via the MLC School app and will also be visible in your ‘News’ section of Omnia.

Click here to view the letter.

Year 6 Celebrations 

Year 6 had much fun on the dance floor at the Year 6 Dinner with their families and at the Year 6 Social, hosted this year by Newington Junior School.  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.

Please read the article here on how our Year 12 2026 leaders have been meeting with Year 6 students to help their smooth transition into the Senior School.

Orientation Day and Co-Curricular Expo 

Today we welcomed our new Junior School girls. Orientation Day is a special event all the girls very much look forward to attending. Our current girls and the new girls joining us in 2026 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 for our Year 6 students joining the Senior School. 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 your daughter experiences that she has ‘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 – in particular, their special buddy.  

Following Orientation Day is the Co-curricular Expo. Our co-curricular program is the envy of many schools. Next year there is a new timetable for co-curricular that is available on the MLC School website. Families will be able to register for 2026 commencing this coming Monday 24 November 2025.

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Junior School Photo Day 2026 – Pre-Orders Open Now

Photography day for Junior School will be a few days after return to school in Term 1 2026.

Wednesday 4 February 2026

Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below.

Junior School Photo Order link

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: CE3 9QF BAK

If you prefer to order using an envelope please visit the Junior School Reception, collect an order envelope and hand your payment to the photographer on the photo day. Sibling photos will also be taken on this day.

• Online orders – do not require an envelope returned the school
• Sibling Photos – Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so the School is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at the School. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
• Late fees – a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery – School photographs will be returned approximately six weeks after the day of photography. Please note this delivery timeframe is dependent on proofing and additional photography days at the School.

Previous Years’ photos – Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the “previous years or group photo” tabs at MLC School’s advancedorder site when you click on the “Order School Photos Here” button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past.

Click here for the Advanced Life Order flyer

– Junior School Reception

Junior School Celebrate Garden Day

On Wednesday this week, the Junior School celebrated Garden Day. It was a wonderful opportunity for our community to come together in support of the Peace of Mind Foundation. Thank you to all for your donations, and to the girls for dressing in their bright, garden-inspired outfits that brought a cheerful energy to the day!

During lunchtime, some girls took part in art activities with Marian Doull, Visual Arts teacher, and Bernadette Weston, Junior School Churunga House Patron, including colouring and making paper flowers to take home as a keepsake. We reflected on the purpose of Garden Day and the importance of helping others to shine and grow. It was a lovely day for our Junior School girls!

– Bernadette Weston
Junior School Churunga House Patron

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Pre-Kindergarten Rainbow Chapel Service and Christmas Celebration

Tuesday 2 December 2025
1pm MLC School Chapel
followed by Christmas celebration in the Pre–K Studio

MLC School warmly invites our Pre–Kindergarten families to join us for an afternoon of fellowship at the Pre–K Rainbow Chapel service on Tuesday 2 December 2025.

The Chapel service with Christmas Carols will commence at 1pm and go for approximately 30 minutes. Students and parents will then return to the Pre-K Studio for afternoon tea together and a surprise visit from Santa. This will finish by 2.40pm which will conclude your daughter’s first year at MLC School. 

If you wish to make a donation to the Pre–Kindergarten charity, The Peace of Mind Foundation, we kindly ask you to use the QR code provided on the day.

Please arrive just prior to 1pm at the MLC School Chapel on Rowley Street.

We look forward to sharing our end of year celebrations with you.

RSVP is via Omnia, please login using your usual School login details and password.

Please RSVP here

Year 3 Celebration of Learning

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Junior School Portrait Prize

Finally, we have the culmination of one of the most exciting times in the Junior School Visual Arts calendar…the announcement of the winning entries in the Portrait Prize. There were over 40 entries, all showing the creativity and passion of our student artists from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 6.

A big thank you to all the artists who entered their work in the prize this year. Your creativity and skill amazed the judges and made their job very difficult.

There were three different judging panels this year, covering the different prize categories.

The People’s Choice Prize – Emma Zhang (Year 6)

The People’s Choice prize was a new prize this year, voted for by staff members and pupils of MLC School, including maintenance staff, cleaning staff, catering staff, after school care staff, teaching assistants, teachers and students from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6. There was a clear winner in this category, an artwork obviously loved by many, created by Emma Zhang in Year 6

The Packing Room Prize – Gwendolyn Li (Kindergarten S)

Next is the Packing Room Prize, selected by Visual Arts assistant Miss C, who organised the whole competition and displayed the work so beautifully. The winner is Gwendolyn Li in KS.

The next prizes were awarded by a panel of judges including Daniel Sandral, Head of Junior School, Marian Doull, Visual Arts Teacher, and past Junior School Art teacher Lesley Snelgrove.

• Marina Chen (Year 4C) – Overall winner, First Prize
• Yinuo Jin (Year 2P) – Third Prize
• Veronica Ao (Year 1A) – Second Prize

Congratulations to all our winners and competitors. We hope you accept the challenge, and we see your incredible artworks again next year!

– Marian Doull
Visual Arts teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

News From the Library

MLC School’s Best Borrowers 2025

Congratulations to these passionate readers:

• Shaya Banerjee (Kindergarten T)
• Janet Hu (Kindergarten A)
• Emilia Shi (Kindergarten S)
• Queena Zhang (Year 1 W)
• Amber Li (Year 1A)
• Eva Ali Ahmed (Year 1R)
• Lara Zhuge (Year 2K)
• Esther Sim (Year 2M)
• Christina Shi (Year 2P)
• Tianna Sui (Year 3E)
• Gloria Zhang (Year 3B)
• Charlotte Cordina (Year 3W)
• Emily Wong (Year 4W)
• Maya Srisathkurunathan (Year 4M)
• Lillian Ma (Year 4P)
• Eloise Qiu (Year 5C)
• Sabine Woodhouse (Year 5N)
• Brittany Mok (Year 5O)
• Olivia Wang (Year 5W)

– Best eBorrower – Eloise Qiu (Year 5C)
– Best Overall Borrower – Lilian Ma – 166 (Year 4P)
– Best Borrowing Class – Year 3B – 1887

Total books issued this year – 26,826!

Premier’s Reading Challenge

This year every girl in the Junior School from Kindergarten to Year 5 will receive a certificate from the Premier! If your daughter was enrolled in MLC School after the challenge closed in September, she can look forward to participating next year. The girls below will receive a gold certificate for completing four years of the challenge:

Year 3

Syra Advani, Mialina Angell, Lakshmi Bedadam, Harper Begnell, Petrice Cassar, Winona Chan, Isabella Cheng, Olivia Chi, Hanadi Elkordi, Elizabeth Feng, Maya Ganda, Ellie Kang, Amelia Lim, Victoria Lim, Annabelle Ling, Audrey Liu, Noelle Liu, Grace Luo, Yinuo Lyu, Vicki Nikolakopoulos, Ellie Park, Charlotte Qian, Rachel Rodrigues, Isabel Selim, Elise Shen, Alexandra Southwood, Tianna Sui, Ruby Taor, Hannah Wang, Lavinia Yeh, Gloria Zhang, Isabel Zoghbi

Year 4

Tarlay Edwards, Sally Hafer, Sofie Haremi, Avery Lan, Emi Liu, Colette Myssy, Olivia Ngo, Chloe Robic, Sahana Siva, Amelia Stillone, Alyssa Trinh, Emily Wong, Claire Wu

Year 5

Calais Durie, Miranda Ho, Delilah Hodgson-Fopp, Hayley Lam, Charlotte Mok, Skye Nguyen

Year 6

Alannah Chan, Avery Satchcroft, Audrey Truong

These girls will receive a platinum certificate for completing seven years of the challenge:

Year 5

Sienna Cordony

Year 6

Peta Bianchi-Howden, Elana Chrun, Emma Cook, Catherine Coorey, Eloise Dastyari, Daisy Han, Audrey Henderson, Qaylah Mohamed, Zara Pandher, Ariana Paterson, Olivia Smith, Clara Southwood, Michelle Wang, Camellia Yao, Rayna Zhu

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 by Wheelers Books

• User ID: Your 6-digit student number.
• Password: 12345
• Select from the Junior School Recommendations row.

For Year 3 and Up

Borrow Box

• 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

Our Vacation Care program runs in the 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 email elsupport@uniting.org.

View the MLC OSHC Summer Vacation Care Calendar 2025 here.

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

From the Head of Senior School

Celebrating the Year 10 ‘Dear Future Self’ Immersion Program

This year, MLC School proudly launched the revitalised Year 10 Immersion Program, ‘Dear Future Self’, designed to inspire students to reflect on their identities, set future goals, and build practical life skills. This program’s innovative structure and diverse activities have made it a highlight of the academic calendar, fostering growth, independence, and a sense of community among our Year 10 students. The students have genuinely embraced the opportunities.

Congratulations to Sarah Jauncey, our Director of Experiential Learning, who has brought this program to life. She has worked tirelessly with our pastoral, curriculum and futures teams to provide our Year 10 cohort with a meaningful and educational experience to round out the year before they move into their senior years of study. Our Head of Futures and Pathways, Jo Cilia along with Nicole Massara, Careers and VET Coordinator, have brought the work experience program to life which is a huge feat!

Week-by-Week Program Overview

Week 5: Immersion Trip – North Coast
A week dedicated to wellbeing and independence, with activities such as surfing, snorkelling, hiking, painting, yoga, and budgeting for and cooking meals. Attending supermarkets with their planned shopping lists was quite the highlight! Students stayed in holiday cabins at Foster, supervised by MLC School staff and Land’s Edge Foundation. Read more in the Year 10 article by clicking here.

Fiona Pow, Head of Students – Year 10 to Year 12, beautifully captured the spirit of the program:

‘When we take the kids away (like here in Forster, or Year 11 retreat) they excel themselves with their teamwork and can-do attitude. Providers and the general public are so positive about how they conduct themselves. They are a joy to be around, and it makes staff want to go away with them to be a part of the experience. Our students are incredible (and this is on the last day of a tiring camp 😊).’

I was even more impressed to receive the following feedback from the Forster Buslines: ‘The students and teachers that are in Forster/Tuncurry at the moment are the most polite and respectful students, my drivers and I were discussing how wonderful they were to drive around. It would be our pleasure to have the group back with us next year.’

Week 6: Future Forward Week

Students participated in workshops and sessions designed to guide them in developing their independence.

Monday: MLC School Future Ready Day. Students participated in each of these workshops during the day:

• Thinking Traps – Challenging our anxious and unhelpful thoughts, run by Tool box education.
• Galmatic – Empowering young drivers with essential car knowledge for greater safety and confidence on the road by learning the 10 minute ‘servo check’, how to change a tyre, what to do in an emergency and accident reporting.
• Sleep Connection – Lisa Maltman from The Sleep Connection ran a session on good quality sleep habits, how to get into good habits, why and what to do if you aren’t getting enough sleep.
• Biting Truth Nutrition – This session was all about nutrition, what to eat when and how to make health food choices that will work around study, physical activity and busy lifestyles. This session also gave the students recipe ideas and some tips and tricks to make easy healthy snacks.
• Moneyvest Financial Education – Practical and engaging financial literacy session that provide hands-on strategies to build financial health, capacity and confidence.
• PPEP Talk Periods, Pain and Endometriosis – PPEP Talk is a fun, medically accurate information session that explores periods, pain and endometriosis from the perspective of modern pain neuroscience.

Tuesday: Future Studies and Careers Experiences

Offsite experiences that were available for selection:

• Creative Direction and Styling workshop
• Barista Training
• Keeper for a Day – Taronga Zoo
• Macquarie University – Leaders and Achievers
• UNSW: Psychology in Focus
• UTS: Law in Focus
• Gourmet Food Truck Business
• Sydney Airport: Planning and Delivery
• UTAS: Paramedicine and Nursing, Marine and Antarctic Studies

Wednesday: University visits (UTS and USYD)

Students embarked on a full-day university experience, beginning at UTS Broadway in the morning and concluding at the University of Sydney in the afternoon. We received further feedback from University of Sydney staff member Ceren Gunduz, Management Office who had this to say: ‘From my lens, it was an absolute pleasure having the girls at SYD today. They represented their School with such honour and pride, and they should be genuinely proud of how they presented themselves. All my colleagues were full of compliments about how inquisitive and lovely the girls were.

I truly hope they found value in the day and are inspired to do what we do and dare to be more.’

The aim of these visits was to inspire students and broaden their understanding of higher education pathways while supporting them in making informed decisions about their future studies and careers.

Thursday: Academic workshops on campus.

Students had choice of academic workshops for the day:

• 101 of Essay writing
• CEO of the future
• Art and Design
• Sports Science
• eLearning

Friday: RYDA driver safety education course offsite.

Week 7: Work Experience

Students participate in offsite work placements, with teacher check-ins. Our Head of Futures and Pathways, Jo Cilia, has created a comprehensive program for students and we are so excited to welcome the program back after a number of years. Read more about Work Experience requirements by clicking here.

Our students have secured a wide range of placements and will be spending the week gaining valuable hands-on experience with their host employers.

Each student will receive a Student Placement Journal to document their daily activities and sign-off from their host employers at the end of the week.

A teacher will be conducting an in-person visit or phone call at the start of the placement as well as a follow-up check-in later in the week to assess their progress and gather information about their experiences.

Week 8: Final Week of Term 4

Students work on their final projects and present them to a teacher panel. Each student will have an interview with two staff members presenting their project, who they are, who they want to be and how they are going to get there, explaining all their learnings along the way. Students have the option of doing this on a visionboard, PowerPoint presentation, video or a verbal presentation.

Looking Ahead

MLC School’s Year 10 Immersion Program stands as a testament to our commitment to holistic education. By blending academic learning with practical experiences, we empower students to become confident, capable, and compassionate individuals – ready to embrace their futures with optimism and purpose.

Congratulations to all Year 10 students, staff, and families for making this year’s program a resounding success!

Study Hub Next Week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Middle Years Production Trackers – A Sold-Out Sensation!

Who’s watching? Who decides what’s right? What happens when you refuse to follow? These were just some of the questions asked in this year’s Middle Years Production of Trackers by Donna Hughes – a show that played to sold-out audiences and left the audience community buzzing with excitement.

At its heart, Trackers is a story about young people finding their voices in the face of overwhelming pressure. It is a tribute to the resilience, creativity, and spirit of our students. Their willingness to interrogate difficult ideas, to collaborate, and to support one another made this production a true ensemble achievement.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Year 9 students for demonstrating maturity and enthusiasm in their final Middle Years production. The crew, expertly led by Year 12 VET Entertainment student Lilah Randall, 2026 Crew Captain, ensured the show ran smoothly. Year 12 VET Entertainment student Haegan Sitou was responsible for designing and operating the lighting for the show. There is truly nothing our MLC School girls cannot do!

This production challenged our cast to grapple not only with the dystopian world of the play, but also with the deeper questions it raises about agency, courage, and community. I am deeply grateful to the cast and crew for their dedication, energy, and openness throughout this process. We hope Trackers inspired you to notice the unseen, to challenge the status quo, and to celebrate the power of standing together.

– Alisha Vigna
Drama Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7

The theme for Luminary over the final weeks of the term is resilience. There are many points of change coming up for our Year 7 girls. As mentioned previously, the incoming social media delay is set for Wednesday December 10. There has been plenty of information shared with students and families to help them prepare for this, but for some of them, it will be challenging. Click here to read the article from our Director of eLearning, Marianna Carlino.

Friendships continue to grow and change, and the excitement of Year 8 and what that will bring are also things to prepare for. To strengthen resilience, throughout the school year the students have:

– Embedded reflection and goal setting in Luminary sessions.
– Completed mindfulness and emotional regulation activities beyond the Wellbeing Day.
– Engaged peer mentoring with Year 10 leaders and Year 11 Big Sisters for ongoing support.
– Integrated outdoor education learnings into discussions on courage and growth

I am confident that Year 7 will manage these changes with an open heart and mind. Have a wonderful weekend and please reach out to your daughter’s Luminary or teachers if you have any questions.

– Claire White
Head of Year 7

Year 7 PDHPE – Diversity and Inclusion

This term, our Year 7 students have been engaging in a thought-provoking unit on diversity and inclusion as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum. The focus has been on understanding and celebrating differences, fostering empathy, and promoting respectful relationships within our School community. To deepen their learning, students watched the inspiring film Wonder, which tells the story of a young boy navigating life with facial differences. The movie sparked meaningful discussions about kindness, acceptance, and the importance of seeing beyond appearances. Students reflected on how these themes apply to their own lives and the way they interact with others.

As part of this unit, we also acknowledged the International Day of People with Disability (Wednesday 3 December 2025), a day that promotes awareness, understanding, and inclusion for people of all abilities. This provided an opportunity for students to consider how they can contribute to creating a more inclusive environment both at school and in the wider community. The students learned about Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott and other influential Australians with disability, creating a fact file. Some students also learned about braille and its importance for those with visual impairment.

We are proud of the thoughtful contributions and insights shared by our students throughout this unit.

– Claire White
Teacher, Head of Year 7

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 8

I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to last week’s guest writers of the newsletter. Your support while I was away with Year 10 was invaluable, and the quality of your work was outstanding. Thank you, Aditi and Amara, for your excellent contributions.

This week, our Year 8 students concluded their participation in the Lean in Girls Leadership program during Luminary time. I hope that this initiative has been both valuable and inspiring, encouraging students to broaden their understanding of leadership, reflect on their individual strengths and values, and adopt a growth mindset by viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning and development.

During Chapel, our focus has been on the season of Advent, with this week’s theme centred on the concept of waiting. In an age where instant access to information and resources is commonplace, the discipline of waiting is increasingly rare. Advent offers a timely reminder of the importance of patience, inviting us all to slow down and appreciate the anticipation that comes with waiting. 

As the term draws to a close, we look forward to a range of enjoyable activities that celebrate the end of the school year. One highlight is the MLC School Idol competition. At the time of writing, the winner has not yet been announced, as the final took place on Friday at lunchtime. I would like to express my pride in all Year 8 students who participated in the qualifying rounds. Performing before peers requires considerable courage, and I commend each participant for their bravery. Special congratulations to Alex Price, who reached the final – we wish her every success.

Key Dates for the Diary

• Wednesday 3 December 2025 – Last day of classes
• Thursday 4 December 2025 – 140th MLC School Speech Night

– Kate Schurch
Acting Head of Year 8

Year 9

This week, our Peer Support sessions in Luminary focused on developing effective speaking skills. These skills, such as presenting, giving clear instructions, listening actively, and asking thoughtful questions, are key to creating engaging and supportive group environments.

Students began with a hands-on activity using string to explore the importance of clear communication. Working in small groups, they followed step-by-step instructions to complete a task, then reflected on what made the process easier and how instructions could be improved. A second round introduced a twist: each group member could only complete one instruction before passing control to the next person. This encouraged teamwork, patience, and effective verbal guidance.

The session then moved to focus on questioning techniques. Students discussed why questions matter in facilitation and practiced creating open-ended questions to spark conversation. Through partner activities and class discussions, they explored the difference between open and closed questions and learned how to use questioning to gather information and promote dialogue.

By the end of the session, Year 9 had strengthened their ability to guide activities, communicate clearly, and foster collaboration – skills that will serve them well as Peer Support Leaders and in future leadership roles.

During our Year Meeting, we acknowledged several Year 9 students who have shown remarkable growth and courage. Congratulations to:

• Lauren Carmody
• Niamh Canadas, and
• Talia Richards

for earning their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh’s Award! Each student received their certificate and pin in recognition of this outstanding achievement. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a voluntary program for young people aged 13–25 years, designed to inspire personal challenge and growth. It encourages participants to engage in meaningful, enjoyable activities outside the classroom. To achieve the Bronze level, students complete three months of Voluntary Service, Physical Recreation, and Skills development, along with a practice and qualifying Adventurous Journey.

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 9

Year 10

Week 2 of the Year 10 Immersion Program has been a tremendous success. Once again, your daughters have been excellent ambassadors for MLC School, and we are so proud of their engagement and the way they have interacted in the different experiences offered this week.

On Monday, students participated in a range of practical and wellbeing workshops, from learning how to change a tyre to sessions on spotting unhelpful thoughts before they spiral and practising realistic, flexible thinking. They also attended a medically accurate presentation on periods, pain and endometriosis, explored strategies for better sleep and nutrition, and learned how to be financially responsible. These sessions were designed to equip the girls with essential knowledge as they grow in their independence.

On Tuesday, the focus shifted to career pathways through hands-on experiences. Students took part in barista training, tried their hand at being a zookeeper at Taronga Zoo, and explored professions such as psychology, paramedics, law and creative design. I was fortunate to attend the Sydney Airport workshop, which was an incredible experience and showcased the diverse range of career opportunities that are possible. Wednesday continued the theme of future planning, with students exploring university options and possible next steps. The week concluded on Friday with an important day at RYDA, where students learned about driver safety and the importance of being responsible on the road.

All these experiences will culminate in Week 8 (Monday 1 December 2025), when Year 10 will present what they have learned about themselves, the paths they may wish to explore (or avoid), and the skills needed for their final two years of school. I am truly looking forward to hearing their reflections.

Next week is Work Experience Week – I hope you daughters  have a fantastic week full of new opportunities and I look forward to seeing them all back at school in Week 8.

Speech Night 2025

A reminder that Speech Night will be held on Thursday 4 December 2025 and is a compulsory event for all students. Students are required to wear full school uniform, including blazer and sheer black stockings (not tights), with shoes polished.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 10

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 10 Work Experience: Monday 24 to Friday 28 November 2025

Monday 24 November to Friday 28 November 2025

Thank you to parents, carers, and host employers for supporting our students in gaining valuable experience and confidence.

All parties have been sent copies of the signed Student Placement Record, Workplace Learning Guides, and Certificate of Currency. It is important to note that students should not attend work experience with a host employer without having completed this documentation.

In meeting with Year 10 today we shared the following Work Experience Preparation Slides, (Thursday 20 November 2025).

Key important notes are as follows: In preparation, students are to:

• Complete the Work Experience Readiness modules and download copy of their Certificate.
• Take a copy of their Student Contact Card for safety and emergency information.

Click here for Work experience slide 20 November 2025

Before Placement students are to:

• Check details with your host employer (address, arrival times, dress code, etc).
• Plan your travel, clothing, and lunch in advance.
• Have a copy of your Student Placement Record to show your employer on the first day.

During Placement:

• Bring any required medication and action plans as noted on the Student Placement Record.
• Be punctual and do not use your mobile phone during placement hours.
• Notify host employer and the Studies Office if you are unwell.
• Remind host employer that you will be required to join check-in on Thursday 27 November 2025.
• Thank your host employer and request feedback on your final day.
• It is important to note that students will be contacted by their Luminaries during their placement.
• Students are to join a compulsory MS Teams meeting at 10.05am on Thursday 27 November 2025.

Students should contact their Luminaries in advance if they have any questions and to ensure that they have received their link.

Contact the Careers and Pathways team for any questions Jo Cilia and Nicole Massara, phone number 02 8741 3147.

Year 11

On Wednesday 19 November, our Year 11 Chapel service, led by Reverend Viniana Ravetali, focused on the third week of Advent: Joy. This theme reminds us of the importance of gratitude and hope as we approach the end of term. Thank you to the Whitley Luminary group for leading the service and to Principal, Lisa Moloney for joining us.

The Year 12 Common Room was officially opened to the 2026 cohort on Thursday 20 November. This space is a privilege for students and provides an opportunity for independence and collaboration. Please note that, due to duty-of-care and supervision requirements, access is restricted during certain periods of the day.

2026 Sub-Captains Announcement

Congratulations to the following Year 11 students on their appointment as 2026 Sub-Captains. These roles reflect leadership, responsibility, and service to our School community.

Music

• Serena Farley – Band Captain
• Inez Murray – Choir Co-captain
• Laila Chopra – Choir Co-captain
• Hannah Shortus – Contemporary Music Captain
• Tiffany Lai – Keyboard Captain
• Yoyo Wu – Orchestra Captain

Technological and Applied Studies (TAS)

• Lily Clemens – Design and Technology Captain
• Genevieve Thai – Multimedia Captain
• Zoe Bigg – Textiles Captain

Sport

• Abby Coxsedge – AFL Captain
• Tess Wright – Athletics Captain
• Kimberley Chou – Basketball Captain
• Elena Sun – Fencing Captain
• Carina Savoca – Football Captain
• Evelyn Kerr – Hockey Captain
• Eve Parker – Rowing Captain
• Hayley Leung – Swimming Captain
• Serena Farley – Tennis Captain
• Annette Benn – Touch Football Captain
• Indiana Hodgkinson – Volleyball Captain
• Eve Ireland – Water Polo Captain

Speech Night 2025

A reminder that Speech Night will be held on Thursday 4 December 2025 and is a compulsory event for all students. Students are required to wear full school uniform, including blazer and sheer black stockings (not tights), with shoes polished.

This evening is a celebration of student achievement and leadership, and we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

Thank you for your continued support. If you have any questions, please email me here or call 8741 3278.

Coming Up

• Tuesday 25 November and Wednesday 26 November 2025 – Learning Progress Conversations
• Thursday 4 December 2025 – Speech Night and the last day of term

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 11, IB Coordinator

Year 11 (Year 12 2026) Leaders Guiding Year 6 Through Change

From the Principal

Thank you to our Community Volunteers

As the school year draws to a close I would like to acknowledge and thank all those parents, Old Girls and community members who have volunteered to assist MLC School in 2025. By giving of their time, energy and expertise, our volunteers have provided parents and Old Girls with the opportunity to connect with each other, built community and supported our staff.

The Parents & Friends (P&F) committees continue to support valuable and educational parent forums, this year sponsoring Susan McLean, an expert of cybersafety and RespectEd which provided access to a range of expertise and guidance to help parents address the complexities of raising girls and ensuring their safety. Additionally, Paul Dillon’s presentations for Senior students ensured that our students have access to best practice advice from one of Australia’s foremost authorities on Drug education. His insight for parents was eye-opening, as always.

The P&F ran the Second Hand Uniform shop, sponsored teacher appreciation morning teas and regularly met with the School Executive to share community feedback. 

The Junior School P&F organised a host of community building and fundraising events such as International Night, Father’s and Mother’s Day stalls, and the Paper Plane Challenge. These are huge undertakings, and we are incredibly thankful for the efforts of all involved.

Sincere thanks are also extended to the Year ambassadors, who have welcomed new parents, answered countless questions, and communicated with the School on a variety of issues.

The final P&F event for the year is the Senior School Santa Sing-A-Long which is being held this evening – please see details here.

We are most grateful to the 2025 P&F Executive and welcome working with the new team for 2026.

The Old Girls Union (OGU) has again supported staff to attend the International Coalition of Girls School conference and contributed funds for new initiatives including the publication of an anthology of the best writing from our senior students. The newly formed OGU Choir is going from strength to strength and our annual reunions are a highlight of the year. Thank you to all who provide these important opportunities for our former students to connect with each other and the School.

I would also like to thank members of the Rowing support group and parents who have helped out at the School in many other ways.

Dare to Be More Episode 3

Thank you to everyone for the positive feedback about our new Podcast series. In this week’s powerful episode, Daniel Sandral, Head of Junior School and Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, dive deep into why girls’ schools remain not just relevant, but essential in today’s educational landscape. Their discussion is engaging and wide reaching, covering a range of insights into the benefits of a single sex education including:

• The Elimination of Gender-Based Stereotypes 
• Confidence Building Across Developmental Stages 
• Safe Spaces for Social and Emotional Development
• Leadership Without Limits 
• Extended Participation in Sports and Activities 
• Breaking Through Career Barriers 
• Legacy and Community 

You can listen to this fascinating discussion here.

Parent and Carer Survey Coming Next Week

At MLC School, we are committed to working in partnership with our families to provide the very best educational experience for every student. Your feedback is vital in helping us understand what we are doing well and where we can improve. Next week we will be sending all parents and carers a short survey (by direct email). Thank you in advance for taking the time to participate – your voice matters.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

More HSC Nominations and Selection

Further to last week’s  report on HSC Showcase Nominations and Selections, we have a exciting news to share with the MLC School community.

Ava Eshragi – Selection – OnSTAGE

Following two nominations in the HSC 2025 Showcase, Ava Eshragi has now received a Selection.

OnSTAGE, Individual Project – Ava viewed live theatre productions that used bridal characters and imagery to assess their cultural significance. 

To be selected into a Showcase event is an outstanding recognition. Congratulations Ava.

ENCORE, Music Composition 

Mia Johnston – Nomination 

To be nominated for the HSC Showcase is a significant achievement as it acknowledges those projects as best in the State. 

Mia wrote three outstanding compositions this year, each very different but woven together by her playful compositional voice. Her Core composition was inspired by Australian Jazz greats such as Judy Bailey – a swinging, raucous big band piece with catchy melodies and surprising moments. Her extension pieces delved into more niche art music subgenres. She composed a string quartet inspired by the unique landscapes of Argentina, with Piazzolla-style tango colours. Finally, she wrote a punchy brass quartet, taking advantage of the deep resonance of the Tuba and the elasticity of the trumpet.

Congratulations Mia.

And further, we were very happy to receive the following news:

V-Fest, Film

Eve Banyer – V-Fest 2025 Selection

V-Fest is a distinguished student film festival held each year. Eve’s creativity has been recognised with selection into the Senior Section of V-Fest 2025.

Her outstanding short film ‘Biloela’ will be proudly screened at the historic Chauvel Cinema on Monday 8 December 2025.

Congratulations to Eve.

If you would like to support Eve and attend this evening, click here for the invititation.

Click here for the V-Fest 2025 Program

Head of the River – Gold All the Way for MLC School Rowing!

It was a great weekend of racing for the MLC School Rowing team! Our Year 9 to Year 11 athletes travelled to Melbourne to compete at the Melbourne Head Regatta, entering nine crews and delivering exceptional performances racing over 3500m.

A highlight was our Schoolgirl Quad, who claimed gold. Congratulations to:

• Ella Hu (Year 11)
• Eve Parker (Year 11)
• Rebecca Beaton (Year 11)
• Sophie Winnall (Year 11)
• Alannah Ng (Year 7)

Adding to the success, our Schoolgirl Double of Eve Parker and Rebecca Beaton also secured gold. Strong results were achieved across all other crews, showcasing depth and determination in the squad.

Meanwhile, our Junior Crews were in action at the Loreto Kirribilli Regatta at Sydney International Regatta Centre, entering five boats and achieving excellent results.

In a display of commitment, Eve Parker flew back from Melbourne on Saturday evening and raced at the Sydney Girls Regatta on Sunday winning gold in her single scull.

A huge congratulations to all students who raced. We are proud of your efforts and achievements.

We look forward to All Schools Regatta next weekend!

– Charlotte Almond
Head of Program – Rowing

Dare to be More Podcast Episode 3 Now Live! The Importance of Girls Schools

Episode 3 of the Dare to Be More podcast explores why girls’ schools are more vital than ever.

Daniel Sandral, Head of Junior School, and Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, share how single-sex education removes gender stereotypes, builds confidence, and gives girls equal access to every opportunity. They discuss how this environment fosters resilience, strong peer relationships, and a mindset where leadership and achievement are the norm, preparing girls to thrive at university and beyond. 

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

Stay connected and join the conversation as we continue to celebrate the opportunities that empower every MLC School student to dare to be more. 

Navigating the Social Media Delay, Together

To support our community during the social media delay, we implemented a comprehensive plan that prioritised clear communication, targeted engagement, and inclusive resources. We began by collaborating with the eSafety Commissioner to ensure staff and parents had access to trusted guidance, including webinars and the Social Media Age Restrictions Hub. These partnerships allowed us to provide accurate information and practical strategies for navigating the changes.

Communication was carefully staged to keep everyone informed. In Week 4, we distributed flyers to students in Year 7–Year 10, posted announcements on Canvas, displayed prompts on Vivi screens, and placed posters around campus. Week 5 featured a whole-School assembly presentation and the launch of an informative Padlet (virtual pinboard) linked to Canvas courses, giving students and families a central hub for resources. By Week 6, we introduced videos during Luminaries and House meetings and created a Question Hub where students could raise concerns. Week 7 reinforced these messages with reminders and continued visual prompts across the School.

Alongside these efforts, we developed a suite of resources to make information accessible and engaging. This included informative slides, posters, and flyers, as well as pre-recorded webinars for parents to use in 2026. A dedicated Padlet was created to house campaign materials and curated resources for families. We also worked closely with Year 4–Year 6 teachers to plan tailored sessions for younger students, ensuring they understood the changes and felt supported. Presentations for Year 6 and later Year 5 cohorts were designed to prepare them for the transition into high school under the new restrictions.

Inclusivity was a key focus throughout the campaign. We incorporated First Nations wellbeing posters and shared messages from the Commissioner to ensure cultural sensitivity and representation. These combined efforts aimed to keep our community informed, supported, and ready for the changes ahead, fostering a safe and positive online environment for all.

Click here to view the Padlet

– Marianna Carlino
Director of eLearning

Head of Composition, Alice Chance (2011) Hits No 1 on Limelight’s Playlist

In partnership with Cameron Lam, curator of the Australian Art Music Playlist, Limelight Magazine invited readers to explore the Guide to Australian Composers and vote for their favourite tracks. The response revealed a rich mix of voices that capture the breadth of Australia’s musical imagination.

Congratulations to Alice Chance (2011), MLC School Head of Composition for coming in No 1 on the playlist!

We are so proud of Alice and her wonderful achievement!

To hear Alice’s composition, Alice Chance: Nose Scrunch Reel performed by Australian String Quartet, please click the link below.

Limelights 25 in 25 playlist

2026 Co-curricular – Registrations Open on Monday

Registration for Term 1 2026 activities that require payment open on Monday 24 November 2025 at 10am.

Please note: there’s no need to rush at 10am when registrations open. There are plenty of places available, and where interest is strong, we’ll do our best to add extra spots. If too many people log in at once, the booking system may crash, so take your time. 

The dedicated Co-curricular webpages and timetable are live. If you haven’t yet viewed the website, please take the opportunity over the weekend to see the full range of offerings and organise activities that fit your family’s schedule before registrations open on Monday.

If you have any questions about particular activities please contact the coordinator listed.  

Co-curricular activities at MLC School open the door to a world of possibilities. They allow students to explore passions, develop skills, and make a difference beyond the classroom. From sports and the arts to Tournament of Minds and Debating, these experiences foster qualities like teamwork, discipline, time management, and leadership. They also help students build lasting friendships and strengthen their connection to our School community.  

We look forward to seeing your daughter embrace these exciting opportunities in 2026! 

– Sarah Jauncey 
Director of Experiential Learning 

Speech Day and Speech Night Tickets

Thursday 4 December 2025
Junior School 11.30am–1.30pm
Doors open at 11am for guests.

Senior School 5.30pm–7.30pm
Doors open at 5pm for guests.

VENUE 
International Convention Centre (ICC)
Darling Harbour Theatre 
14 Darling Drive, Sydney

Kylie Bryden–Smith, Chair of Council and Lisa Moloney, Principal, request the pleasure of your company at MLC School’s Annual Speech Day, with Junior School achievements celebrated in the morning, followed by an evening event for our Year 7 to Year 12 students.

This special day celebrates the achievements of our students and is a time to acknowledge our Year 6 Class of 2025 as they move on to Senior School, and farewell our Year 12 Class of 2025.

Tickets are free of charge. We are pleased to offer three tickets to families for the Senior School event, there is no limit for the Junior School event. 

This is a compulsory event for all students to attend.

Students do not need to book a ticket as they will be seated in allocated areas – not with their parents. 

This is a compulsory school day and non-attendance will be treated as an absence.
Leave from such events is not routinely granted by the Head of Junior School or the Deputy Principal.

Tickets are on sale now.

Book Speech Day tickets here

Book Speech Night tickets here

2026 Booklists Now Available

The Campion booklist for 2026 is now available. The full resource list for each Year group is listed below.

Please ensure orders are placed by the due date Friday 19 December 2025, to ensure delivery by the start of school in 2026. 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.

Click here to view the ‘Campion’ How to Order Leaflet.

The booklists have been uploaded to the ‘Book List’ tab in Omnia. 

Year 7 Booklist 2026

Year 8 Booklist 2026

Year 9 Booklist 2026

Year 10 Booklist 2026

Year 11 HSC Booklist 2026

Year 11 IB Booklist 2026

Booklists for Year 12 HSC and Year 12 IB 2026 have already been supplied and can be found in Omnia.

Year 11 page here

Booklists page here

Parent Ambassadors Needed for 2026 Senior School

• Facilitating communication with the year group
• Organise parent catch ups to promote and build community
• Provide assistance for schoolwide fundraising efforts
• Attend events such as Commencement Day, P&F Forums, Principal’s Welcome.
• Foster a positive environment and school spirit
• Liaise regularly with the P&F Executive 

Year 6 2025 Musical – We Will Rock You! Tickets On Sale Now

Friday 28 November 2025
6pm–7.30pm
Potts Hall

Saturday 29 November 2025
5pm–6.30pm
Potts Hall

MLC School warmly invites all students, parents and extended family to attend the Year 6 2025 musical.

Featuring chart-topping Queen songs including ‘Another One Bites the Dust,’ ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’, ‘Killer Queen’, ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘Somebody To Love’, ‘We Are the Champions’, and many more, this 70-minute adaptation of the West End show follows two young rebels as they restore rock ‘n’ roll to ‘the iPlanet’ in a post-apocalyptic world.

WE WILL ROCK YOU Young@Part® is a musical for our time: a fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to individuality.

We hope you can join us!

Book tickets here

From the Uniform Shop – Holiday Trading Hours

The MLC School Uniform Shop will close for the School holidays – Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 3pm

Reopening for Term 1 on – Friday 9 January 2026 at 9am.

Appointments can be made by clicking here, or using the QR code.

Term 4 Extended Trading Hours

• Friday 5 December 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Monday 8 December 2025 – 9am–3pm
• Tuesday 9 December 2025 – 9am–3pm

Term 1 Extended Trading Hours

• Friday 9 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Monday 12 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Tuesday 13 January 2026, 9am–3pm

Wednesday 14 January 2026, Store will be closed

• Thursday 15 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Friday 16 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Monday 19 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Tuesday 20 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Wednesday 21 January 2026, 9am–3pm
• Thursday 22 January 2026, 9am–3p
• Friday 23 January 2026, 9am–3pm

Monday 26 January 2026, Store will be closed

• Wednesday 28 January 2026, 8am–4pm

The Uniform Shop will resume normal hours on – Thursday 29 January 2026

Monday to Tuesday, 8am–4pm
Wednesday, Closed
Thursday to Friday, 8am–4pm

The Uniform Shop can be contacted by phone on (02) 8741 3177 or by email here.

You can also access the Uniform Shop information by going to the MLC School website here.

Pockets – Order Now

For those students requiring pockets to be sewn onto their blazers, please hand to the Uniform Shop, with the filled out Pockets Form, no later than:

Friday 28 November 2025 at 10.30am

Complete this form Pockets Form

– MLC School Uniform Shop

MLC School App: Managing Your Subscriptions for 2026

A reminder that from the end of the year parents and carers will need to update their subscriptions on the MLC School app.

Please don’t update just yet – we need parents and carers to do this after the MLC School year finishes.

For example: If your daughter was in Year 7 during 2025, your subscription will need to be changed to Year 8. This applies to all students moving up a year level. If you have more than one daughter, please ensure you change all your Year group and co-curricular subscriptions.

Here are the steps you will need to take in readiness for 2026 (after the end of the MLC School year).

Manage Your Subscriptions

• Tap Settings, then Subscriptions and make your selection.
• You can change your subscriptions at any time.
• Join the relevant Year group, class (Junior School only), and any sport, dance group, or music ensemble for tailored communications.

If you have any enquiries, please email communications@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

Download the MLC School App

If you have not yet downloaded the app, we encourage you to do so as this is one of MLC School’s main communication channels.

Follow these simple steps:

Step 1: Search and Download
Search for MLC School on the Apple App Store or Google Play.
NB: If you see two MLC School apps, please download the version from Digistorm, not Double First.

Step 2: Sign In
Sign in using your MLC School login details.

Step 3: Manage Your Subscriptions
Tap Settings, then Subscriptions and make your selection.
You can change your subscriptions at any time.

Click here for instruction flyer

Lost Property – Please Collect before Donation or Disposal

Lost property continues to be an issue with items not being claimed.

The amount of clothing currently being held would be extremely disappointing for parents and carers. We need these items to be collected or unfortunately we will need to donate or dispose of them.

• Clothing items
• Sports tops
• Sports bags
• Shoes
• Water Bottles
• Plus many more items

Many of these items are being left behind at the Aquatic Centre, which are then brought over to the Senior Centre.

These Items will be donated or disposed of at the end of term if they are not collected. Unfortunately Studies Office does not have the capacity to continue to store these items.

If your daughter has lost items over the term, she should come to the Studies Office to check Lost Property. It is important that students do not take items that do not belong to them.

Thank you for your assistance in this.

– Anita Brown
Senior School Administrator

From the Head of Learning and Teaching – Flexible Ability Groupings

At MLC School, we believe every girl has academic potential and deserves to be challenged at her point of need. Learning happens best when students work just beyond their comfort zone, where they are challenged at their point of need. It is important that we create opportunities for healthy struggle that lead to deep thinking and meaningful growth.  Because every girl starts from a different place, in 2026 we will introduce flexible ability groupings in some subjects. This approach helps teachers design learning that meets each student where she is. It allows them to provide the right level of challenge and support for each student, ensuring that learning is meaningful and engaging. Our goal is for every girl to reach the high expectations we set, supported by teachers who are trained to differentiate for individual needs, including gifted learners and neurodivergent students. This approach is central to our 2026 professional learning focus and aligns with our 2025–2027 strategic plan. We are committed to helping every girl reach her full potential.

Below, I’ve answered some common questions to help you understand what this means for your daughter and how it supports our vision for excellence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are flexible ability groupings?
   Flexible ability groupings mean that students are placed in classes with others at a similar stage of learning for certain subjects. This helps teachers design lessons that meet each girl’s needs more effectively. These groupings are not fixed – students can move between classes over time as their learning progresses.
2. Why is MLC School introducing this approach?
   We want every girl to be challenged at her point of need. Research shows that meaningful learning happens when students work just beyond their comfort zone. Grouping students by ability allows teachers to provide the right level of challenge and support for each learner.
3. Does this mean only high-achieving students are challenged?
   No. We believe every girl has high potential and deserves to be challenged. Our goal is for all students to experience healthy struggle and deep thinking, regardless of their starting point.
4. Will my daughter be ‘labelled’ by her class placement?
   Absolutely not. Groupings are flexible and reviewed regularly. Students may move between classes from one semester to the next or between years, based on their progress and in consultation with parents.
5. How does this support students with different needs?
   Teachers are trained to differentiate within each class, so every student receives personalised support. This includes strategies for gifted learners and for students who are neurodivergent or need additional help.
6. How does this fit with MLC School’s vision?
   Challenging every girl at her point of need is our whole-school professional learning goal for 2026 and aligns with our 2025–2027 strategic plan. We are committed to high expectations for all students and ongoing teacher development to achieve this.

Welcome to our new Head of Department – English, Emma Brandon

We are delighted to have Emma Brandon joining us at the start of 2026 as our new Head of Department – English.

Staff Spotlight – Candace Robertson

Introducing Head of Department – Languages, Candace Robertson

I have always had a passion for language. It is a privilege to be able to experience and embrace the many traditions and cultures of our community and of the wider world. MLC School is a beautiful community of inclusion and I am excited to have joined the dedicated teachers here at MLC School. Working alongside the diligent and enthusiastic team of Languages teachers is a pleasure. 

Learning a language broadens our students’ horizons. I want our students to understand that there is more than one perspective in the world, and to learn how to respectfully express their opinions, to live and to interact with people of all cultures and experiences – my goal is to build successful, well-rounded and emotionally intelligent people.

Learning a language provides so many important life skills for our girls. It aids literacy skills, memory, communication, critical thinking, interpersonal skills and compassion. I am sure everyone who has ever studied a language remembers the many ‘ah-ha’ moments they experienced in learning something new about their first language too. 

The Languages classroom is a safe space for students to explore concepts of cultural identity and their role as global citizens. Currently a PhD candidate, undertaking the Higher Degree Research programme at UTS, I am looking into the extent to which the foreign language classroom is conducive to teacher observances of student mental health wellbeing concerns, and the implications on both school and classroom practice. It is the intention that understanding of these practices will provide students with an additional means of support.

Studying a language gives our girls a skill for life and I look forward to guiding them on this journey.

– Candace Robertson
Head of Department – Languages

Professional Practice at MLC School

Helene Schmidt (Year 12 French IB)

In Helene Schmit’s Year 12 IB French class, the atmosphere was alive with purposeful energy. Students were deeply engaged in rich comprehension tasks, and what stood out most was the way learning felt collaborative and joyful. There was clear success criteria on the board, and the simple act of ticking off completed learning experiences gave students a sense of progress and validation.

‘Turn and talk’ moments were rich with active listening and fluent language speaking, and Helene’s laser sharp hearing, a superpower which allows her to listen into multiple conversations at once, and warm humour created a safe space for ideas to flow. There were visible ‘a-ha’ moments, those sparks of insight that make learning memorable.

The carefully curated tense ‘cheat sheet’ was a hit, with one student declaring, ‘I’m going to stick this on my mirror!’ It was more than a tool; it was a confidence booster. Movement-based activities like chat stations kept the energy high; Helene continued to raise the stakes by adding new challenges which extended our girls and also brought excitement. The collaborative photo analysis task drew smiles and comments like, ‘This is good Miss!’ – a clear sign of engagement.

Even the brain break was purposeful: idiom practice gave students a burst of energy and renewed focus. Later, the image analysis activity invited depth and collaboration, perfectly aligned with slowing down learning to ascertain greater depth and detail. Students worked through steps together, building cognitive stamina and making meaning from visuals.

The synonym prompt was another useful touch, helping students consolidate vocabulary and make connections to word roots, especially when linking English and French origins, which sparked genuine curiosity.

The lesson closed with an exit quiz on Canvas, a purposeful way to check understanding and affirm progress. What truly made this practice shine was the harmony between structure and spontaneity: clear goals that anchored learning, scaffolds that supported challenge, and those unexpected sparks of curiosity that transformed the classroom into a space of discovery. It was a lesson where rigor met joy, and where every strategy worked together to keep students thinking deeply, moving purposefully, and feeling empowered.

Chapter Collective

Our Week 4 and Week 5 Chapter Collective, led by James Adams, High Potential Learning Leader, and Felicity Cassidy Powell, Science teacher, invited us to grapple with two big ideas: the complexity of High Potential Learning and the challenge of creating classrooms where thinking is the norm.

The Gordian Knot in Gifted Education

Gifted education is often described as a Gordian knot – complex, tangled, and resistant to quick fixes. The article highlights persistent challenges: inconsistent identification practices, lack of diversity and equity, and theoretical tensions around what ‘giftedness’ truly means. These issues are deeply interconnected, making them hard to resolve without systemic change. The authors call for clearer frameworks, stronger teacher training, and inclusive practices that ensure gifted programs serve all learners equitably. It’s a reminder that progress in this space requires both courage and collaboration.

The Thinking Classroom: Moving Beyond Passive Learning

Peter Liljedahl’s Thinking Classroom approach flips traditional instruction on its head. Instead of students sitting passively, they work in randomly assigned groups at vertical whiteboards, tackling rich, non-routine problems together. This method is built on 14 research-based practices designed to foster engagement, risk-taking, and deep thinking. By reducing anonymity and encouraging mobility of ideas, the approach transforms classrooms into dynamic spaces where students learn by doing, and thinking becomes the norm. While it originated in mathematics education, its principles are adaptable across subjects, offering a powerful model for active learning.

Why These Ideas Matter

Both pieces challenge us to look beyond surface-level solutions. Whether it’s untangling systemic issues in gifted education or creating classrooms that prioritise thinking over rote learning, the message is clear: meaningful change requires intentional design, equity, and a willingness to innovate.

– Amy Murphy
Director of Professional Practice

Study Support Opportunities at MLC School

MLC School offers two Study Support Opportunities:

• Year 10, Year 11, and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub
• Year 7 to Year 12 Study Hub+ – please click here to read further and to access the nomination form.

These operate 3.30pm–6pm Monday to Thursday during term time.

Year 11 and Year 12 After-Hours Study Hub

Recognising the importance of a conducive environment for focused study, MLC School has established a free after-hours Study Hub exclusively for our Year 11 and Year 12 students. Located on Level 3 of the Senior Centre, the Study Hub provides a quiet and supportive space where students can concentrate on their studies, complete assessments, and prepare for examinations under the supervision of experienced MLC School staff across many subject areas.

Key Features:

• Experienced staff: Two teachers rostered each evening from different subject areas, to guide and assist students with their academic queries and provide valuable feedback.
• Convenient location: Level 3 of the Senior Centre, providing easy access for Senior students.
• Flexible hours: The study hub is open Monday to Thursday 3.30pm–6pm, allowing students to make the best use of their time outside regular school hours. Partial attendance is welcome.

We encourage all Year 10, Year 11 and Year 12 students to take advantage of this excellent resource to enhance their learning experience and achieve their academic goals. The staff roster will be published in advance of each week in Audacia, the School newsletter. Students will be required to sign in on arrival to Study Hub and sign out on departure, as part of our student welfare management system.

There is no need to register for this program.

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Study Hub+ Term 4

Term 4 Nomination Form

Study Hub+ is MLC School’s structured, pay-per-use after-school study support program for students in Year 7 to Year 12. Sessions run Monday to Thursday, from 3.30pm to 6pm, on Level 1 of the Senior Centre.​

Please use the form above to nominate the day(s) your daughter will attend in Term 4. You may select all Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays, or choose specific dates on a weekly basis.

Led by Program Coordinator Ela Huber and supported by a team of knowledgeable mentors, all of whom are pre-service teachers. Study Hub+ offers subject-specific assistance across a wide range of disciplines, including English, Mathematics, Sciences, History, Legal Studies, Economics, Geography, Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), and Drama.​

Program Overview:

• Schedule: Monday to Thursday, 3.30pm–6pm
• Location: Level 1, Senior Centre
• Cost: $25 per session, charged to your daughter’s account at the end of term
• Environment: Phone-free zone to minimise distractions which will allow students to build good study habits.
• Support: A minimum of two mentors per session, rotating to provide diverse subject expertise.
• Additional Assistance: Mentors can assist with study plans, exam preparation techniques, and provide verbal feedback on drafts.​

To foster consistent study habits, families are encouraged to register on a termly basis. However, weekly bookings remain available via Omnia and the newsletter. Students will receive a reminder email at around 1.30pm on their scheduled day, confirming their session and assigned room.​

Cancellation Policy:

If your daughter is unable to attend a scheduled session, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice to avoid being charged. In cases of illness where your daughter is absent from school, you will not be charged.​

For any questions or further information, please contact Program Coordinator Ela Huber.

Important Messages

We’re wrapping up the year with a bang in MLC School sport! Last weekend was a showcase of our students’ incredible talent – our Rowing team shone in Melbourne, swimmers gave their all at SOPAC, gymnasts impressed at state competitions, divers celebrated their achievements at the Diving NSW presentation night, and our Junior School Basketball teams enjoyed their first wins of the season. The excitement on the sidelines from parents, students and coaches rivalled an NBA Final!

Scott and I are thrilled to keep this momentum rolling into 2026. Registrations for all co-curricular activities open on Monday 24 November 2025. Please note: Saturday sport registrations will be available for just one week due to upcoming grading sessions and team entries with external organisations. If your child already knows which sport they’d like to play, grading and trial sessions for teams will be held next week. Don’t worry if your daughter can’t attend these sessions – she’ll still be placed in a team and graded appropriately.

If you’re considering joining a sport in Term 1, now’s the perfect time to jump in! As an added bonus, every Junior School student in Year 3–Year 6 who signs up for IPSHA Football in Term 1 will receive a signed football from Matilda, Ellie Carpenter. Plus, every student who registers for a Term 1 sport will go into the draw to win a signed Ellie Carpenter jersey!

MLC on 3!

Here are the Saturday sports available in Term 1:

Junior School:

• IPSHA Football
• IPSHA Water Polo (Year 5 and Year 6 only)

Senior School:

• AFL (Saturday afternoon)
• IGSA Badminton
• IGSA Tennis
• IGSA Touch Football

In addition to our competitive Saturday sport programs, students from Year 5 to Year 12 can join:

• MLCFIT gym sessions
• Fencing
• Recreational Tennis,
• Run Club
• Athletics
• Yoga
• Gymnastics
• Diving (beginner, recreational and competitive)
• Swimming
• Rowing

Tuesday 25 November 2025 is the annual Sports Awards night beginning at 6pm. Students who are receiving awards have been notified via email and parents invited. Any questions about the night, don’t hesitate to reach out.

– Acting Directors of Sport

Swimming Timings and Trials – Important Information

Key Details for MLC School Swimmers and Families

Sprint Squad Training Overview

Sprint Squad training will be available throughout the upcoming holiday period and continue into Term 1, 2026.

This squad is designed to help our swimmers prepare for competition during the swim season. Sessions will focus on sprint technique, race strategy, and building speed to ensure our athletes are ready for the competitive calendar.

Sprint Training Timetable

• Friday 9 January 2026 – 8am–9am
• Friday 16 January 2026 – 8am–9am
• Friday 23 January 2026 – 8am–9am

Ongoing Fridays Term 1, 2026 – 7am–8am – Until completion of the IPSHA and IGSA competitions

2026 Swimming Age Champions

The 2026 Swimming Age Champions will continue to be determined based on results from the MLC School Championships. All swimmers are encouraged to participate in the championships to be considered for age champion honours.

School Champs (Year 6–Year 12)
Friday 2 February 2026, lunchtime to 3.15pm

200m Freestyle:
Monday 9 February 2026

200m Individual Medley:
Wednesday 11 February 2026

Make-up: 200m Freestyle or 200m IM time (For students who are time-clash with other commitments:
Tuesday 10 February 2026 (Morning)

IPSHA/ IGSA Swim Team Selection

Selection for the IGSA/IGSA swim team will primarily be based on performance at targeted meets. Swimmers’ times at these meets will be closely monitored and form the basis for team selection.

IGSA – Under the strict and complicated IGSA swimming rules, the team and individual swim selection will be based on achieving the best possible team score.

NSWCIS selection: All swimmers can submit their times for NSWCIS selection.

Targeted / Selection Meets for IPSHA  and IGSA

NSW State Age Championships:
Saturday 13 December to Friday 19 December 2025

Speedo Sprint Series – Heats: Times and locations TBC

IPSHA Time Trial (Year 3–Year 5): During PE class in term 1

School Champs:
Friday 6 February 2026, lunchtime to 3.15pm (4x 50m and 100m FS)

School Champs: 200m Freestyle:
Monday 9 February 2026

School Champs: 200m Individual Medley:
Wednesday 11 February 2026

School Champs: Make-up: 200m Freestyle or 200m IM time (For students who are time-crashed with other commitments:
Tuesday 10 February 2026 (Morning)

Senior Metro Swimming Championships:
Friday 13 February to Sunday 15 February 2026

MLC Invitational (Year 7–Year 12):
Friday 20 February 2026 (Night)

Speedo Finals (SOPAC):
Saturday 28 February 2026

IPSHA Swimming Championships (Year 3–Year 6):
Tuesday 3 March 2026

State Open (SOPAC):
Friday 6 March to Sunday 8 March 2026

IGSA Swimming Championships (Year 7–Year 12):
Friday 13 March 2026

Key Information and Reminders

All dates are subject to change. Please check school communications regularly for updates.

For meet locations and times labelled TBC, details will be released once confirmed.

Contact and Queries

Don’t hesitate to get in touch with Colman or Janmy regarding training, swim meet and IPSHA /IGSA questions.

We look forward to a successful swimming season and wish all our athletes the best in their preparation and competition!

– Acting Directors of Sport

Sporting Achievements In the Pool and Gymnastics

MLC School Diving Reaching New Heights! 

At the recent NSW Diving Presentation held at Rydges Parramatta, our talented MLC School divers made a big splash!  Congratulations to:

• Eloise Dastyari (Year 6) – Awarded 2nd place in the 12/13 Girls category
• Ada Savage (Year 9), our newly appointed MLC School 2026 Dive Captain – Awarded 1st place in the Elite Junior B Girls category

Also in attendance was our Head of MLC School Diving, Golden (Shixin) Li, pictured proudly with the girls and their well-deserved awards. As an added thrill, the girls had the opportunity to meet Rhiannon Iffland, World Champion cliff diver, during the presentation! A huge congratulations to our outstanding divers – your dedication and achievements continue to inspire.

Swimming

Over the weekend, four MLC School students competed at the Metro South East Swimming Championships and the Manly Swim Meet, delivering outstanding performances in their individual races. Congratulations to the following students on their performances.

• Madison Chantler (Year 10) – Metro South East Swimming championships
• Isabel Floro (Year 9) – Metro South East Swimming championships
• Lauren Cheng (Year 7) – Metro South East Swimming championships
• Ashley Clapham (Year 7) – Manly Swim meet

For full Sprint Squad Swimming Training and 2026 Competition Information –
Please read separate article on important timings by clicking here.

Gymnastics

Over two weekends in November the following MLC School Gymnastics students competed at the Junior and State Levels Championships. Some were on selected teams to represent our Inner City Region and contributed to strong team results;  whilst others gained the highest Gold banding or had season best performances. A great way for many of our gymnasts to finish off their 2025 competitive season.

Selected onto Inner City Region teams:

• Artistic Level 3 : Katherine Huynh (Year 2), Emily Obaid (Year 2), Isabel Selim (Year 3)
• Artistic Level 4: Charlotte Lim (Year 5), Victoria Wai (Year 6)
• TeamGym Intermediate: Avery Satchcroft (Year 6), Annaliese Bott (Year 7), Charlotte Hing (Year 7)
• Rhythmic Level 1: Christina Shi (Year 2), Lara Zhuge (Year 2), Maya Srisathkurunathan (Year 4)
• Rhythmic Level 2: Selina Ha (Year 3), Claire Wu (Year 4)
• Rhythmic Level 3: Amelia Stillone (Year 4), Ayla Sumantri (Year 4)
• Rhythmic Level 4: Olivia Ngo (Year 4), Sophia Ma (Year 6), Zoe Fotoulis (Year 7), Linlin Wei (Year 7), Joycelyn Yong (Year 10)
• Artistic Level 3: Amanda Zhang (Year 5)
• Artistic Level 4: Yinuo Lyu (Year 3), Calais Durie (Year 5), Maiya Rozario (Year 5)
• Artistic Level 5: Scarlet Akers (Year 6), Georgia Chiang (Year 7), Sahana Ramesh (Year 7)
• Artistic State Level 7: Niamh Johnson (Year 10)

Key results include a Gold overall band for Victoria Wai (Year 6) in Level 4 and 1st place Level 3 team for Katherine Hyunh (Year 2) and Emily Obaid (Year 2) in within the ultra competitive first weekend of Artistic competition.

Gold overall band for the TeamGym Intermediate team and for Yinuo Lyu (Year 3) and Maiya Rozario (Year 5) in Level 4.

Gold band for Level 4 Hoop for Olivia Ngo (Year 4), Zoe Fotoulis (Year 7) and Linlin Wei (Year 7). Rachel Rodrigues (Year 3) also competed in Rhythmic Level 3 and achieved gold bandings.

– Naomi Bruce
Head of MLC School Gymnastics

Around The Grounds

Touch Football

MLC01: Amalia Lagabra

This week MLC01 had a great game, pumping Ascham with a final score of 6-3. Our try scorers were Cate Campbell, Maxine Hawkins and Eadie Scott, all leading the team to victory. The team played very well in attack, having strong sets of six and mastering new skills. Defence was excellent, defending in twos, and saving heaps of tries. Our player of the match was Riya Singh, strongly supporting the team in both offence and defence, noticeably improving every week. A standout in Riya’s game play was her timing in offence, allowing the team to make new ground every set.

MLC02: Annette Benn

This past weekend MLC02 faced Pymble in one of our best performances of the season. Although the game resulted in a loss of 0-2, the game was extremely even from start to finish with both sides creating multiple opportunities to score. ⚡️🏉

As a team we held our cool throughout, applying consistent pressure in attack. Though our attempts of scoring were not successful, as a team we demonstrated clear improvement in our ability. 📈🤝 

We stayed organised in defence. Several key touches on the wing prevented us from conceding more tries. The two tries we had conceded came from small moments rather than a sustained pressure from Pymble, demonstrating how competitive we were across the whole game. 

Overall, this game was a strong performance from MLC02, although the loss was disappointing, it highlighted how far we have come as a team and how close we are to turning these close losses into wins. 💙🩷

MLC10: Felicity McCormick

MLC10 delivered a strong performance against Kincoppal-Rose Bay, finishing with a 10–2 victory. From the start, our team controlled the game with fast drives, strong passing, and a great overall attack.

Our defence was solid for the whole game, we kept our line steady, covered when needed and didn’t give KRB many chances to score. Our pressure in defence forced KRB to make mistakes, which helped us turn the ball over and give us attacking opportunities.

Overall, it was a confident and well-played match, demonstrating the team’s effective teamwork on both attack and defence. A great win for MLC School!

Basketball 

MLC04: Zara Read

Zara has provided us with the attached photos. MLC04 and families are all very excited at their win, 24–10 against Meriden!

Play of The Week

Each week, we celebrate an MLC School team or player who exemplifies our Core Values – Respect, Courage, Compassion, or Growth –whether on the field, at training, or during competition.

This week’s Play of The Week goes to Year 11 student Eve Parker, who drove down to Melbourne with the rowing team and got two gold medals, she then flew back to Sydney, competing on Sunday in the Sydney Regatta in a single and again got a Gold Medal!

Your dedication and commitment is outstanding Eve!

– Acting Directors of Sport

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday 22 November 2025

– Acting Sports Directors

Follow MLC School Sport on Facebook

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

– Acting Directors of Sport

Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – MLC School 2025 Year in Review

2025 has been a landmark year for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award at MLC School. With our largest ever cohort across Bronze, Silver and Gold, the enthusiasm from our students has been matched only by their determination to challenge themselves, support their communities, and grow in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.

This year’s achievements at MLC School closely mirror the recently released 2024 Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Impact and Outcomes Survey (DofE Australia, 2025), which highlighted the Award’s powerful influence on young people worldwide. The global survey –featuring responses from 3,794 participants across 37 countries, including 793 from Australia – confirmed what we see every day in our own students: the Award builds confidence, resilience and leadership that lasts a lifetime.

At MLC School, we watched students demonstrate exactly the qualities reflected in the national data, where 76% reported increased confidence, 80% greater determination, and 83% improved resilience. Whether students were developing new skills, taking weekly fitness sessions in rain or shine, or tackling the challenge of their Adventurous Journeys, the transformation in their self-belief was unmistakable. Many echoed the survey’s sentiment that the Award helped them ‘push their limits, set goals, and achieve them.’

Our students also embodied the Award’s emphasis on active citizenship. In line with Australia-wide outcomes – where 75% intend to volunteer regularly and 84% recognise the importance of contributing to their community – MLC School participants devoted hundreds of hours to service. From peer mentoring to community sport, environmental work and charity engagement, their impact was felt widely.

As they planned, problem-solved, and collaborated through every section of the Award, our students strengthened the very skills the survey identifies as critical for employability and post-school success: goal setting (96%), teamwork (86%), adaptability, and communication. Many students told us that their confidence in unfamiliar situations – and their willingness to try new things – grew dramatically.

Most importantly, the spirit of the Award flourished here at MLC School: courage, compassion, curiosity, and persistence. Our participants showed us what it means to see challenges as opportunities, not obstacles.

And now, a call to arms for 2026:

To our Year 9 2026 students – get ready. The Duke of Ed Bronze Award will open to you early in Term 1, and we encourage every one of you to step forward. Say yes to challenge, yes to adventure, and yes to discovering strengths you don’t yet know you have.

And if you’re in Year 10–Year 11 – it is never too late to join. Many of our most successful participants began later, bringing maturity, leadership and life experience that enrich the entire Award community.

I would like to invite every student to consider taking part in the Award: make 2026 the year you take the first step. Your journey awaits.

– Glen Mole
Duke of Ed Award Leader

Chinese Debating Opportunity

Chinese debating is a unique opportunity offered at MLC School for students to extend their persuasive and critical thinking skills, while utilising their bilingual background.

Students compete in the NSW Chinese Debating Association’s annual debating tournament, competing against schools across NSW.  

Debaters are given the topic in advance, to allow for the collection of data. Not only are students asked to analyse the validity of online resources and be able to challenge potential oppositions’ statistics, but they are also expected to come to the debate with a highly comprehensive understanding regarding the context and the different stakeholders of the topic.

I personally really enjoyed this opportunity because I did English debating side-to-side with Chinese debating, and the differences in both the structure of the debate and the approaches to break down a topic was really inspiring to me. It allowed me to gain new insights on how topics can be broken down. We are looking forward to the 2026 Chinese Debating Team as we continue to participate in this prestigious program.

Thank you to Ms Wang and Ms Sze for your ongoing support and encouragement.

The 2026 season begins in Term 1!

For those students who want a challenge and a chance to develop both their analysis, debating and Chinese speaking skills in 2026, please reach out to me or to our amazing Chinese teachers!

Elena Sun by email here

Mrs Wang by email here

Mrs Sze by email here 

– Elena Sun (Year 11)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Speech and Drama ASCA Examinations off to a Great Start

This week marked the beginning of our Senior Australian Speech Communication Association (ASCA) examinations. Our visiting ASCA Examiner, Anita Eldridge, has thoroughly enjoyed working with our Speech and Drama students and has commented on the exceptionally high standard of their programs. She has been particularly impressed by the variety of work presented and the confidence demonstrated across all year groups.

Next week, the ASCA exams continue, as we welcome Dr Paul March as our Examiner. Trinity College of London examinations will be filmed next week and submitted digitally for assessment by an Examiner based in London. Next week our Year 11 students will complete their ASCA Certificate of Communication examination or, for some, their Trinity College London Diploma during the upcoming holiday break. Both are highly regarded professional qualifications that can support university entry and future career pathways. Many of these students have been dedicated to Speech and Drama since their early years at MLC School, with several beginning their journey in Pre-Kindergarten.

This year, over 200 students have participated in ASCA and Trinity examinations across Term 3 and Term 4. The ASCA exams can be undertaken in either Performance or Communication, while Trinity offers a wide range of streams including Acting, Speech and Drama, Performance Arts, Musical Theatre, and Communication Skills.

Throughout the year, Speech and Drama lessons have challenged students to grow both physically and mentally through activities such as duologues, improvisation, and scene work. These sessions have strengthened their confidence, communication skills, and creative expression. New techniques in voice and movement have enriched their performances, supporting students whether they are preparing for examinations, eisteddfods or exploring character portrayal. Overall, they have developed a deeper understanding of how to engage and move an audience.

ASCA and Trinity exams are recognised for their rigor and high expectations, encouraging students to articulate themselves with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Last term’s Distinction average was a testament to the dedication of our junior students, and we are proud of the ongoing achievements of all our students. We are also deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our families and the wider MLC School community.

It is inspiring to see our students shine and share the results of their creativity and perseverance. Here’s to another term of exceptional accomplishments!

If you are interested in enrolling your child into our programs for 2026, please click the link below (available from Monday 24 November 2025).

Click here for enrolment

Click here for enquiries 

If you would like to join us for the December or January Holiday productions click here for Enrolment

– Monica Brian
The Speech and Drama Studio Director

Rising Star – Jordan Carattini

Back when she was in Kindergarten, Jordan Carattini (Year 2) joined MLC School’s Speech and Drama Studio holiday production of Beauty and the Beast.

That was her first experience of acting on stage, and despite being a little nervous, she had a great time. Jordan has enjoyed performing in multiple studio holiday productions since, so when she heard of another acting opportunity, in the feature film Carmen & Bolude, she made an audition video, submitted it, and got the role!

We are excited to announce that Carmen & Bolude is premiering on Netflix and available to stream.

Congratulations to Jordan on her Netflix debut and we are excited to see what she does next!

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

December and January Holiday Productions

We are excited to announce our December 2025 and January 2026 holiday productions are enrolling now. 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.

Book early as limited spots are available.

Click here to enrol

December 2025 Holiday Production 

Friday 5 December – Thursday 11 December 2025 (five days exc. weekend)
9am–3pm
MLC School Drama Theatre

• Cast – Kindergarten –Year 6, $500 (five days)
• Crew – Year 7 – Year 12, $440 (five days)

January 2026 Holiday Production

Monday 19 January – Thursday 22 January 2026 (four days)
9am–3pm
MLC School Drama Theatre

• Cast – Kindergarten – Year 6, $460
• Crew – Year 7 – Year 12, $396

For enquiries contact The Speech and Drama Studio

– Monica Brian
Speech and Drama Studio Director

Craft Club

This week, Craft Club partnered with Days for Girls, an international organisation dedicated to increasing access to menstrual products and improving menstrual health education for girls around the world. Their mission is to ensure that no girl misses school or loses dignity because of her period.