From the Head of Junior School

It has been a wonderful week of celebrations across the Junior School to conclude a successful year and give thanks to those who have contributed to that success. This week Year 4 hosted their Celebration of Learning. Thank you to all the parents who took time out of their work schedules to engage in many learning activities with the Year 4 girls.  

Pre-K Rainbow Chapel and Celebration 

As our youngest learners in our School hosted a beautiful Chapel service, our School Chaplains and Principal, Lisa Moloney. Parents’ faces where beaming with pride. Following the service at the Junior School campus the biggest smiles were on the girls’ faces when Santa arrived! We were delighted that Santa accepted Pre-K’s invitation, along with some Senior School ‘elves’. They managed to make a quick visit to the other grades on the Junior School campus before returning to the North Pole!  

Year 6 Musical 

Our annual Year 6 Musical is taking place this evening and Saturday afternoon (Friday 29 November and Saturday 30 November) in Potts Hall. This year’s theme is ‘Frozen’. The rehearsals are all done, and it is going to be a great night of entertainment. I look forward to sharing photos and other highlights on our social media accounts.  

Year 5 Assembly 

At our assembly this week the Kindergarten to Year 4 girls said ‘thank you’ to Year 5 for their exemplar leadership of the Junior School campus this year. Each girl received a flower as a token of thanks, with parents and other family members proudly in attendance. Our Principal, Lisa Moloney addressed the girls, talking about the opportunities that they have to look forward to in the coming years.  

Next year our current Year 5 students will complete their final year of Junior School in the Year 6 Centre. Our Year 6 program is unique, designed to prepare our students for great success as they enter Senior School in Year 7. In Year 6, the students’ specialist teachers are Senior School staff. They are gradually introduced to some of the Senior School structures and events. I was my pleasure to show many of our current Year 5 parents around the Year 6 Centre prior to the assembly. I am immensely proud of our Year 6 program and the success it brings to our students. I look forward to seeing our current Junior School leaders take advantage of this unique opportunity next year.  

Farewell to Staff 

This week many of our students had a formal opportunity to thank members of staff who will be leaving our MLC School community at the end of this year. We farewell Lesley Snelgrove and Victoria Bradshaw from the Art Department, grade teachers Merna Malek, Kylie O’Brien and Amber Bidwell, who takes on a Deputy position at Tudor House. We also farewell our much-loved Junior School Library assistant Grace Kapellos. My deepest thanks to all these dedicated and committed people and we wish them all the best in their future endeavours. We also wish Kate Aghion all the best for the birth of her first child and look forward to her returning in 2026.  

Picnic Day 

As part of our end of year celebrations it has been a tradition for our Year 3 to Year 5 students partake in a fun filled picnic day on the last day at school. Year 6 will be participating in Senior School House Christmas Challenge as their activity before they enter Senior School next year.   

Picnic Day is filled with exciting activities. For Year 5, Picnic Day also includes a Year 5 lunch. It is a time to acknowledge Year 5 girls’ leadership throughout the year, reflecting upon their time at the Junior School Campus.   

Speech Day  

On Thursday 5 December 2024 we will be celebrating the Junior School Speech Day with all Year 3 to Year 6 students in attendance. Please ensure your daughter is her full School uniform (excluding hat), wearing School permitted earrings with polished shoes. 

Awards will be presented and 2025 School Captains will be announced. It is very appropriate to acknowledge effort, excellence, and personal qualities. However, awards are offered to the minority, even if the majority are deserving of such. Our ability to take pleasure in someone else’s achievement without resentment is a sign of a generous and secure person. We need to work together to validate all the wonderful aspects of each girl. The glittering prize may not be hers next week, perhaps another time, or come in a different form at another stage in life.  

Season’s Greetings  

Thank you parents for all your support in so many ways throughout the year. To my colleagues, my appreciation for your commitment and all that you have done to support the students in our care. Finally, to each girl Pre-K to Year 6, thank you embracing our School values, for giving your personal best in all that you do as well as supporting to others to make a better world.   

May the festive season’s spirit of goodwill and peace be with you all.  

– Daniel Sandral
Head of Junior School

Junior School Photo Day Ordering Reminder

Photography day is coming up soon for Junior School.

Wednesday 5 February 2025

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

– Junior School Reception

Thank You for a Wonderful Year in Music!

As we close out this school year, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our incredible students for their dedication and passion for music. Their talent has shone brightly in every performance, from the Town Hall concert to the various string and band soirees, voice and piano festivals, Battle of the Bands, MLC School Idol, K-2 Musical, Opera Express, Hamilton, and Year 6 Musical – Frozen Junior. Following the past few years of COVID, we were so happy we could take our students on our Regional music tour for a few intense days of music and performance opportunities. 

Thank you for the continued support for our sold-out Groove at Camelot night of Jazz and Contemporary music. Due to the overwhelming number of parents we are currently investigating a slightly larger venue for next year, so watch this space. 

Our hugely successful Australian Music Day had a great turnout of other visiting schools and an incredible line up of presenters. Each event was a testament to our students’ hard work and enthusiasm.

We also express our sincere gratitude to parents for their unwavering support and encouragement of their children’s musical pursuits. Your involvement and energy have been instrumental in making this year a resounding success.

Looking ahead to 2025, we have many exciting events on the horizon, including our Biannual Sydney Opera House Concert, Music Camp, our 2025 European Music Tour, and a reimagining of our individual music soirees. More details will follow. 

A huge thank you to our wonderful Music staff for their endless care, support, and encouragement of our students. Your dedication and hard work have been the backbone of our music program.

Thank you all for an unforgettable year. We can’t wait to see what musical adventures 2025 will bring!

Wishing all families a wonderful and well-deserved break. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year.

– Trevor Mee
Director of Music

Final 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

Acting Head of Senior School

What a term we have had! As I reflect on the term and we reach the end of another successful year, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our community for your continued support for your daughter’s education. Term 4 has filled with learning, growth, joy and many memorable moments.

In addition to the wonderful teaching and learning opportunities, in Term 4 we have introduced our Captains, Prefects and student leadership teams, today we recognised our Year 12 leaders at our Leadership Assembly. Our focus for all  students is that they are responsible for leading and shaping the ethos of our School as ‘keepers of culture’. We are looking forward to our annual House Christmas challenge on Wednesday 4 December. The House Captains and students have been rehearsing with passion, for what we hope will be a fun filled close to the year.

I look forward to seeing you all at Speech Night on Thursday 5 December at at 5.30pm. This will be held in the International Convention Centre (ICC), Sydney, on Thursday 5 December and is a traditional and most significant event in the life of the MLC School Community.

Students are not expected at school on Thursday, however student attendance at Speech Night is compulsory.

All students from Year 7 to Year 11, who are not involved in the rehearsal are asked to arrive at 4.15pm to have their names marked off, uniform checked and be seated.

MLC School staff will be in the foyer of the ICC, to guide students into the theatre where they will have their uniform checked and name marked off by their Luminary. The ceremony starts at 5.30pm by which time everyone must be seated. Doors will open at 5pm for parents and guests.

As we look towards 2025, we are committed to providing a supportive and stimulating environment for all to thrive, and hope everyone has an opportunity to spend quality time family and loved ones for a enjoy a restful and rejuvenating break. We look forward to seeing our students return invigorated and excited for all the opportunities in 2025.  

– Andrew Taylor
Acting Head of Senior School

From the Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

As the extended summer break beckons, all students had the opportunity this week to reflect on our School cybersafety Code of Conduct and Discipline Code. On Thursday, all Luminary groups read through the relevant pages in the student diary and signed off to say that they had read and understood them. It was a timely reminder of the expectations around phone use in particular. A reminder that if your daughter experiences any kind of negative messaging on social media, you can report it to the esafety commissioner https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/cyberbullying

Without the structure and expectations of School, the holidays often present a challenge to young people in regulating their phone use and access to social media. As a family, there are steps that you can take to help regulate your daughters’ phone use and ensure the holidays are balanced and enjoyable. Here are some suggestions:

1. Establish Clear Rules and Expectations

• Set specific guidelines for phone use, such as no devices during meals, family time, or after a certain hour in the evening.
• Collaborate with your child to create these rules, ensuring they feel involved and understand the rationale behind them.

2. Create a Daily Tech Schedule

• Designate phone-free times, such as mornings for chores, reading, or outdoor activities, and limited periods for entertainment or social media.
• Use phone features like screen time tracking or parental controls to enforce these limits automatically.

3. Encourage Alternative Activities

• Offer engaging alternatives like sports, board games, craft projects, or family outings to reduce reliance on screens.
• Encourage social interaction and keep them active.

4. Lead by Example

• Model healthy phone habits by limiting your own screen time, particularly during family interactions or shared activities.
• Make phone-free zones in your home, such as the space where you eat or bedrooms, and stick to these rules as a family.

I hope that all our students get a much needed opportunity to switch off from school, get a good rest and enjoy quality family time. Wishing all our families a happy and healthy Christmas.

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Class of 2024 at Speech Night on Thursday 5 December. Please can I ask for the support of parents in ensuring that the uniform guidelines are followed, and in particular that false eyelashes and false nails are removed before the event. Hair should be a natural colour and tied back.

Students should also have one small plain stud or sleeper in the lobe of each ear, Year 10 to Year 12 students should have sheer stockings, all students should have polished shoes and a blazer.

– Fiona Pow
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Pastoral

Year 7

Not only am I reflecting in this newsletter item on an interesting week but also on a remarkable term and year for all of Year 7 and their families. This year has been one of settling into new routines and experiences with students learning about the Senior School and following a timetable that involved up to 11 different subjects. Students have learned about themselves and others through the Pastoral Care program through a specific focus on social and emotional learning and navigating relationships with peers.  

Many have tried new things, taking on new co-curricular experiences such as Sport, Debating, the Drama Production – just to name a few. Alongside their learning, they have participated in positive experiences which provided opportunities to grow closer to their peers such as Camp, excursions, House initiatives and carnivals.  

I hope everyone in Year 7 can look at how far they have come across the year and see that they have grown into students who are now ready to take on Year 8 (wow!) I do hope all families have a safe and relaxing summer break and I look forward to seeing you return in January 2025!  

As a reflection on the year, I’m sharing a few photos of the cohort together – including our very first photo together at Year 7 Adventurers Camp in February.

This week Year 7 students Grace Guo and Bonnie Li attend the Year 10 Chapel Service to talk about the Year 7 Food Drive, here is a reflection from Grace:  

“We introduced to Year 10 what we are aiming to achieve with the Year 7 Food Drive project, including what type of livability it focuses on and who will benefit from the result of the drive. The aim is to provide essential needs to financially burdened people from within Burwood. Bonnie and I explained what items would be perfect for donation like clothing, non-perishable foods and more. As one of the Year 7 representatives for the Year 10 chapel, during the service, I felt eager to share what we all have worked on for the past few weeks and after Chapel today, I also learnt a new understanding of what Service truly means to me and what action I should carry out.” 

Congratulations to Téa Costin (Year 7) on her achievement at the Science Teachers Association of NSW Young Scientist Awards. Téa was awarded 1st place in the Year 7 and Year 8 Biology Investigation Category for her focus on Optimising Water Use in Agriculture! Well done Téa!  

Key Dates for the Diary:  

• Final day of lessons and House Christmas challenge – Wednesday 4 December 2024 
• Speech Night –Thursday 5 December 2024 
• Commencement Day (for new students only) – Friday 24 January 2025 
• First day back for all students –Tuesday 28 January 2025

– Bridget Kovats
Head of Year 7

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 7 Stronger Together: A Term of Teamwork and Connection

As we wrap up a fantastic year of PDHPE, we are so proud of the incredible progress our Year 7 students have made. This term, the Stronger Together unit focused on building relationships and appreciating diversity with students exploring the importance of communication, empathy, and understanding of others. In the Game On practical unit, students participated in modified striking games, putting their teamwork skills into action and reinforcing that success comes from collaboration and celebrating each other’s strengths. It has been a wonderful term of growth, learning, and connection. We couldn’t be more impressed with effort Year 7 have shown throughout the year.

– Jane Timor
Teacher

Year 8

The past week has been a time for celebration and preparation.

Firstly, congratulations to Piya Kaur (Year 8) and Amélie Wallace (Year 8) who performed at MLC Idol last Friday! It was a wonderful, albeit hot, afternoon and all of Year 8 were dancing and cheering in support of the performers. A special mention must also go to the Year 8 cheer squad who supported Piya and Amélie with particular zest and enthusiasm!

We also welcomed some new Year 9 2025 students on Friday for Orientation Day. Thank you to all Year 8 students who made these new girls feel very welcome and included, demonstrating the MLC School Values.

This week during out pastoral care time, students participated in a range of activities to prepare for the end of the year! On Monday, students gathered in their Houses to rehearse their dances for the House Christmas Challenge. The final performance will take place on Wednesday in Week 8, and we are looking forward to celebrating the creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm of all MLC School students. On Thursday, students also celebrated the end of the year with their Luminary groups and spent time organising their lockers and discussing their plans for the holiday break.

To finish the term, students will participate in a session run by the Director of eLearning, Marianna Carlino. The purpose of this session is to support students with their digital organisation, and there will be a particular focus on using Outlook effectively and organising files on OneDrive. This will be a valuable session for students as they prepare for their Year 9 studies.

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. Students will finish the school year by participating in the House Christmas Challenge.
• Thursday 5 December 2024 – Speech Night at the ICCC. 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.

I hope all have a lovely holiday break with your family.

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 8

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 9

The last three years have gone in a flash. I simply cannot believe that this is my final newsletter piece to you all. It was January 2021 when I was introduced in person to this amazing cohort of students, all hidden by face masks in our post COVID lockdown era. We have navigated friendships, COVID, new teachers, harder schoolwork, COVID, more friendships, camp, new classes, new friends, more camp, leadership opportunities, cadets and more! It has been an amazing journey getting to know each and every student, watching them grow, change, find who they are and thrive. It has been an absolute pleasure working with so many of you to help guide, and support where needed, and celebrate the wins. I know this cohort will go on to achieve all they set their sights on, and I can’t wait to watch them all shine. I’ll be cheering them on from the middle year!

Have a well-deserved Christmas break, time with family and friends and get ready for Year 10! Class of 2027, you have been awesome.

– Claire White
Head of Year 9

Year 9 PDHPE – Moving together

This term has been filled with learning, teamwork, and movement for year 9 PDHPE students.

Students embraced a variety of activities that developed their teamwork, movement skills and fitness. During the Games on the Green unit, students participated in lawn games such as bowling, bocce, croquet, and ring toss, focusing on hand-eye coordination and accuracy, whilst enjoying a relaxed but competitive atmosphere. Alongside this unit, students were lucky to have the opportunity to use the cardio room where they worked hard during a variety of group fitness lessons. Year 9 enthusiastically participated in circuits, boxing, partnered and team workouts, which focused on enhancing both strength and endurance. These sessions not only challenged Year 9 to improve their fitness but also encouraged collaboration and developed their understanding of a range of exercises and workout styles.

Year 9 have shown excellent engagement and growth throughout the year. As they move into Year 10, we hope they look forward to building on these movement skills, tackling new challenges, and fostering a love for lifelong physical activity.

– Emily Osborne
PDHPE Teacher

Click on gallery to view full images

Baking with Cricket Flour – Food of the Future

This term Year 9 Geography students have been undertaking their most exciting unit Food for the Future and have been exploring new and innovative ways to tackle food security. Part of this unit is looking at the adoption and barriers of new sources of protein such as cellular meat and insects.

This Year’s Cohort were tasked with the challenge of investigating the perceptions of student and staff attitude towards insects as a food source through an experiment. Students in year 9 classes did a class experiment where they had to blind taste test a regular corn chip and a cricket corn chip as a model before planning and implementing their own experiments. From there, students were divided into groups and planned an experiment which involved baking two samples:

• Sample A – contained regular flour
• Sample B – contained cricket flour

From there, with a consent form and survey they asked members of the school community to see if they could taste the difference between the two samples. Here is the snapshot of the results from the Year 9 students:

• “Oh my gosh, everyone is saying they like my cookies better, even though they’re made from cricket flour. Not everyone could tell which one had cricket flour, it was about 50:50.” – Carla Najadek
• “On a blind tasting, people were convinced there was a difference even when they sampled both of the plain ones.” – Stephanie Skilton
• “I got a massive ego boost because everyone said mine were better even though they had the cricket flour, but most people couldn’t tell.” – Ava McClean
• “A lot of people can’t tell without them looking different but some people say there is a slight aftertaste difference.” – Alice van der Stel
• “Having burnt biscuits seemed to bother people more. All the descriptions from surveys were about the quality of the cooking not the cricket flour itself. People just rushed the reading of the ingredients and consent not realising they were eating insects till after, sometimes.” – Stephanie Keo
• “A lot of people tried to guess the cricket one but regularly got it wrong. People often seemed to guess based on which one they preferred the flavour from but it was not an accurate guide.” – Isabella Vangestel

None of this would have been possible without the support and guidance of the Year 9 Geography Team: Tom McCosker, Polly Meadow and Bronwyn Peace.

We look forward to continuing to support your daughter’s study of Geography in 2025.

– Danielle Rodrigues
Head of Department – HSIE

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 9 Visual Arts

Year 9 elective Visual Arts and Photography and Digital Media students and even some of our new Year 12 students this week had the pleasure of doing workshops with Scarlett Stokoe, a fantastic emerging mixed media artist. Who has been a feature artist at The Other Art Fair where I first saw her work and enquired if she would like to come and take some workshops with our students. All classes explored the natural and manmade combining seedpods, banksia, shells with beads, wire, material and plastics to create extraordinary creatures. It has been the first of many collaborations we have in mind working with Scarlett.

– Sally Marks
Head of Department – Visual Arts

Year 10

A big congratulations to our rowers on their success at the Head of the Yarra in Victoria.

Thank you to Mooramoora Luminary for leading a lovely Year 10 Chapel Service delivered by Lynne Bondar, Religion Teacher on Tuesday 26 November. Led by the Luminary Representatives Maria Stamoulos (Year 10) and Genevieve Beattie, (Year 10) we also thank Year 10 students Crystal Huang, Gauri Nathan, Erin Barrett, Alexis Morcos, Zoya Rezainia, Isabella Townsend, Inez Murray and Sienna Dodd.

We are now eight days into the Year 11 Transition program. Year 10 have been exposed to a raft of strategies to help make them Senior ready to begin in January 2025 their two-year journey. I sat in on a session on Wednesday 27 November which involved a panel of our Year 12 students and teachers sharing strategies to stay focused, maintain a social life and maintain wellbeing through ensuring enough sleep, exercise and an appropriate diet. English and Mathematics masterclasses have been providing a lot of scope on how to prepare for next year, along with the cohort receiving back a formative assessment task they completed just prior to the immersions. Yesterday Moneyvest delivered an engaging and practical session on financial literacy. Today there was a moving presentation from a survivor of the Rwandan Genocide, along with Dr Ari Lander, formerly of the Sydney Jewish Museum and Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation and finishing the afternoon off with a presentation from the Pelvic Pain Foundation on periods, pain and endometriosis. There has been a range of activities, and the following students have kindly provided their summaries for us:

“Over the past week, the Year 11 Transition program has been an enriching and insightful experience that has significantly broadened my perspective and prepared me for the challenges of the upcoming years. One of the most notable highlights was the autonomy to choose from a diverse range of workshops that resonated with our personal interests. From sessions on climate change, CEOs of the future, girls that invest, to drama, art, design technology, and language cultural experiences, this flexibility allowed us to explore new areas of interests and engage with content beyond the confines of regular timetabled lessons. In particular, the Thinking Trap workshops and introductory seminars about senior years were the most helpful, offering both a clear overview of what lies ahead and practical strategies for managing the increased workload and stress. These sessions also incentivised us to foster an open mindset and equipped us with practical strategies to manage the increased stress and workload. Overall, the transitionary period has been both engaging and supportive, laying the foundation for our senior studies.”

– Bella Nguyen (Year 10)

The Year 11 Transition program has been instrumental in equipping us with valuable study habits and organisation strategies for the coming two years. We had the opportunity to sign-up for specific master classes form a variety of courses, including Psychology, Drama and Languages. Additionally, the compulsory core subject sessions, including Maths and English, have familiarised us with the expectations and requirements for next year. I particularly enjoyed the Psychology of Studying workshop led by Ms Meadows and Mr Symes. The interactive sessions introduced us to effective study memorisation techniques, as well as offering an invaluable insight into the course content. Overall, the skills and guidance provided across the transition program are highly applicable to our studies, laying a strong foundation for the IB or HSC journey.

– Anna Obaid (Year 10)

“The Year 11 transition program has been equally exciting and eventful, as each day has offered invaluable insights preparatory to our forthcoming courses. By allowing us autonomy to choose subject-specific workshops that accommodate our personal interests, including Climate Change Activists, CEOs of the Future and Psychology Experiments, this level of self-direction enabled us to deeply engage with topics that intrigued us—a key aspect of Senior School learning. Similarly, the fundamental Maths and English sessions were particularly beneficial, as they provided practical preparation for what to expect in these essential courses. Personally, I found the Psychology of Studying workshop especially helpful, as it introduced unfamiliar techniques for memorisation that will be crucial during exam preparation. Additionally, with the next two years heavily reliant on technology, the ICT (Information and Communication Technology) session was essential, presenting skills in online organisation and secure storage that I know many of us plan to use regularly. Overall, this program has been critical in easing the transition to the Senior Years, boosting our confidence and equipping us with the tools and knowledge to face what lies ahead.”

– May Nguyen (Year 10)

Dates coming up:

• Wednesday 4 December 2024 – Last day of lessons
• Thursday 5 December 2024 – Speech Night

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

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

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 10

Year 10 Urban Challenge Immersion

Our Year 10 girls have been on an incredible journey across Sydney! From cracking codes and surfing to budgeting, dancing, and preparing food for those in need, they’ve embraced every challenge with enthusiasm and teamwork.

– Xavier Maling
Teacher, Cadet Coordinator, Round Square Coordinator

Click on gallery to view full images

Year 11

The end of term is nearly here and Year 11 are ready for a break. This week both the IB and HSC cohort completed a suite of assessments, some of which are also due next week. The assessment programme in the senior years offers a range of tasks that assess a wide range of skills, from research on original projects and special interest topics, speeches, viva voce tasks to more traditional written examinations. The HSC students began their Year 12 assessment programme in a range of subjects, with the whole year group sitting the English task on Tuesday. Every assessment is an exercise in growth and assessment for learning, using the feedback and the experience itself to develop skills, capacity and ability, ready to apply for the next task. There will be ups and downs in the process but please assure your daughter that support is here at school prior to and after each assessment.

Our first image this week shows Anita Mohanan, Hannah Banks and Amaya Karunakaran, who represented Year 11 in a panel discussion with Head of Learning and Teaching Linda Emms, Head of PDHPE Sarah Papachristoforou and Head of Year 8 Emily Marsh about life as a Senior student. They were part of a presentation on the Year 10 Immersion Program, sharing their experiences on study, relationships with teachers and managing life and study. They were very honest and articulate and Year 10 gave them their undivided attention. Our other image shows Whitley captains – Angelina Le (Year 11) and Mimi Pullinger (Year 11) after they lead a very successful house meeting that welcomed the 2025 Year 7 students, last Friday.

We are looking forward to seeing you at Speech Night next Thursday. A reminder that this is a compulsory school event and a highlight of our year. Full school uniform is required, including blazers, and the RSVP is available on the Omnia portal. Attendance is compulsory.

Please check in if you have any concerns about your daughter’s academic progress or wellbeing. Class teachers are the first points of contact for academic issues and myself or your daughter’s luminary for pastoral concerns. My contact is 02 8741 9736 or sconnolly1@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Click on gallery to view full images

PDHPE 2024 Wrap up

As the 2024 academic year comes to an end, the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Department would like to thank students for their ongoing enthusiasm for the subject as well as families for their support. The program continued to lay the groundwork for our students to lead healthy, active, and fulfilling lives. By offering a range of sports and activities, we’re able to ensure that all students, regardless of their preferences or abilities, can find an activity they enjoy. Participation fosters essential skills like communication, empathy, and conflict resolution – the keys to navigating relationships and challenges in everyday situations. In theory lessons, we continued starting each lesson with 10 minutes of mindfulness which we hope equips students with habits that benefit them well beyond their school years.

The lessons learned in PDHPE extended far beyond the classroom and sports field. Some of the highlights from the year include Year 10 PASS students visiting Blacktown Exercise Sports and Technology Hub at the Australia Catholic University. This unique experience gave students a hands on opportunity to understand cutting edge approaches to fitness and sports science. Year 9 PASS students had a thrilling adventure to Thredbo where they explored risk in an alpine environment and of course, learnt/refined their skiing technique. They also explored inclusivity in sport and broadened their understanding of adaptive physical activity by participating in a Wheelchair Rugby League session. We hope families have a Happy Christmas and enjoy a slower pace over the break. See you in 2025.

– Sarah Papachristouforou
Head of Department – PDHPE

Click on gallery to view full images

Celebrating MLC School’s Maths champions!

MLC School students have once again demonstrated their mathematical brilliance, achieving outstanding results in various national competitions this year. Their hard work, problem-solving skills, and commitment to excellence were on full display and earnt them well-deserved recognition. It was wonderful to celebrate their achievements and present them with their certificates this week.

In the Australian Maths Competition our students excelled, with six High Distinctions awarded and an impressive 45% achieving Distinction or High Distinction. Congratulations to Hana Lee (Year 7), Anna Poortvliet (Year 7), Phoebe Tang (Year 7), Chloe Lu (Year 8), Sophia Hu (Year 9) and Nadia Chan (Year 11) on receiving a High Distinction.

The ICAS Maths Competition also saw stellar results, with ten High Distinctions and over 40% of participants achieving Distinction or High Distinction. High Distinctions were received by Hana Lee, Bonnie Li (Year 7), Lauren Liu (Year 7), Phoebe Tang, Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 8), Yolanda Deng (Year 8), Chloe Lu, Veronica Pan (Year 8), Sarah Zhang (Year 8) and Sophia Hu.

Both our Year 7 and Year 8 Maths Olympiad teams showcased their logical thinking, earning places in the top 10% nationwide—an incredible achievement!

Special congratulations go to Jocelyn Su  (Year 9) and Sophia Hu, who tackled the highly challenging Australian Intermediate Maths Olympiad (AIMO) which is designed for advanced Year 10 students. Both excelled, with Jocelyn earning a Distinction and Sophia a Credit.

These results highlight the talent and dedication of our students and the unwavering support from their passionate teachers. We are incredibly proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing their continued success in future competitions!

– Alex Schroder
Mathematics Enrichment Teacher

UAC and IB Information from IB Coordinator and Head of Careers

We are happy to share important information for Year 12 students and their parents about the HSC and IB processes. This includes details on applications, results, and offers during December 2024 and January 2025. Attached, you will find the following resources to help during this important time:

• A letter from the Head of Careers about results, managing applications, pathways, and admission schemes.

Letter from Head of Careers

• A UAC Applications PowerPoint with key dates, including those for medicine, SRS, and EAS.

UAC Applications 2024-25

• A letter from the IB Coordinator on accessing IB results, the release of results, IBAS scores, and the remark process.

From IB Coordinator

• The IB Remark Form for 2024 – 2025.

IB Remark Form 2024-2025

– The Careers Department

From the Principal

Thank you to our parents, carers, and members of the broader school community for your support again this year. Whether you have had a formal role as part of the P&F, Sports Committees, assisted with school events, acted as a Year Ambassador, or simply taken the time to provide encouragement, complete a survey or attend a school function, your participation is very much appreciated.

Throughout 2024 we have invested in a range of opportunities for feedback in consultation with our parent and student community, and I hope very much that you can see evidence of change and improvement in response to your input.

There was some feedback about academic results and inaccurate perceptions about HSC and IB achievement. While I have addressed this quite recently, I want to reassure our community that we closely monitor and reflect on our NAPLAN, HSC and IB results and a significant amount of time is spent analysing the data, identifying areas for improvement and reviewing our approaches. We also have many teachers who are HSC and IB markers, giving them a unique insight into the specifics of requirements in their subject areas. However, as an open entry school there will be differences in our results from year to year.

Parents also asked for after school academic support particularly for older students. We were very pleased to introduce our academic support sessions; initially for Year 11 and 12 students but then extended to Year 10 due to demand. The feedback has been incredibly positive, and we look forward to continuing and refining the program in 2025.

Another of the areas identified in the initial consultation was Sport, and in response we followed up with a specific survey on this important part of MLC School life. In another section of this newsletter, you will find a summary of the findings and an outline of our plans for improvement.

Teacher turnover is an area that parents want to understand more about and for the School to address. While we are not immune from the global shortage of teachers, I am incredibly pleased to report that not only have our turnover rates returned to pre-COVID levels, but a number of much-loved staff, who had previously spent some time away from MLC School, have returned or will return next year. We are investing significantly in the development of partnerships with tertiary institutions to develop opportunities to mentor and attract talented potential teachers, investing in leadership development opportunities for interested staff, and seeking to provide a positive and supportive work environment for our staff.

Feedback about the multiple communication channels the School used drove the development and implementation of the parent portal Omnia, which sits beside the MLC School app, to provide a much improved experience for our parents. There is more work being done now to improve this experience further.

Senior School students requested that the Café be open after school and reported that it was taking too long to be served at lunchtime. With further input from the Student Representative Council (SRC), we have trialled new arrangements which are working well.

One of the big projects this year has been the development of the next Strategic Plan, which I look forward to introducing to you on Speech Day/Night and sharing more about throughout 2025. I hope very much that you will see in that plan, our intent to respond to the issues raised while also looking ahead and continuing to provide a learning environment where girls know that they can succeed, have a strong sense of self, and are supported to achieve their best.

Farewell to departing staff

I would like to thank everyone for their support and contribution to MLC School this year.  The downside of reaching the end of the School year is that a number of staff will be leaving us to take up new opportunities:

Executive

• Linda Emms, Head of Learning and Teaching
• Nyrissa Filetti, Head of People and Culture

Senior School

• Alfred Chu, Head of Department, Mathematics
• Annie Conway, Teacher, History and Religious Education
• Frederique Pech, Teacher, Languages

Junior School

• Amber Bidwell, Year 6 Teacher, Year Coordinator
• Victoria Bradshaw, Visual Arts Teacher
• Emily Bryson, Teacher, Junior School
• Lesley Snelgrove, Visual Arts Teacher
• Grace Kapellos, Library Assistant

We have been fortunate to have a number of very capable and hard-working staff on temporary contracts that conclude at the end of this year.  Thank you and farewell to:

• Merna Malek, Teacher, Junior School
• Anita Modok, Teacher, Visual Arts
• Xujie Wang, Teacher, Mathematics

I look forward to seeing many of you at our Annual Junior School Speech Day and Senior School Speech Night on Thursday 5 December 2024. 

I hope that you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year and look forward an equally productive year in 2025.

Possible problematic link in certain Oxford University Press textbooks

At MLC School we take online safety very seriously. We have recently received advice from AIS that certain Oxford University Press textbooks contain a problematic and highly concerning weblink that redirects students to a pornographic site. The issue impacts textbooks sold as recently as September of this year although a comprehensive list of impacted texts has not been provided. We have contacted our textbook supplier Campion Education, and they have advised that the only Oxford University Press texts on our book list are those used in Years 11 and 12 IB Diploma courses. They have also advised that as MLC School accesses the digital versions of texts through MyConnect there should be no reason for students to use the link in the text. Our IT team have taken the additional measure of blocking the key words contained in the link on the MLC School network. AISNSW has reported this matter to the eSafety Commissioner.

If you wish to check your daughters’ textbook the problematic link can be found at the front of the text and contains the text “obookassess”. If any of her texts are impacted, please contact our Director of eLearning Marianna Carlino in the first instance. This issue does not impact any new texts sold post September 2024.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

HSC Showcase – More Outstanding Results

Congratulations to all our students who have been nominated for inclusion in the HSC Showcase events. These performances and exhibitions showcase exemplary work from across the state, celebrating student achievement by reflecting on the creativity and innovation of HSC students. To receive a nomination is acknowledgement of the outstanding work completed for their externally examined projects and performances. We are delighted to announce nominations for the following students.

As an update from our nominations in Week 1 of this term, please see newsletter link here, we are excited to announce the following updates to: 

CALLBACK

CALLBACK: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Dance students in NSW including core performance and composition.

• Calista-Grace Savva (Year 12) – Callback (Dance) Nomination – Core Composition
• Madison Snowden (Year 12) – Callback (Dance) Nomination – Core Composition

ENCORE

ENCORE: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Music students in NSW including performance and musicology.

• Ella-Rose Mayne (Year 12) –  ENCORE Performance

OnSTAGE

OnSTAGE: a selection of outstanding major works by HSC Drama students in NSW including individual and group performance, and individual projects.

• Lucy Dickson (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination and OnSTAGE Individual Project Nomination
• Ivana Dolenac (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination and OnSTAGE Individual Project Nomination
• Amelia Glastonbury (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
• Amelia Glastonbury (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
• Sasha Kovarik (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination and OnSTAGE Individual Project Nomination
• Sienna Marriott (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
• Kate Morfoot (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination and OnSTAGE Individual Project Nomination
• Amelia Norton (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Group Performance Nomination
• Amelia Comley (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination
• Isabella Bednaic (Year 12) – OnSTAGE Individual Performance Nomination

SHAPE

SHAPE: a selection of outstanding major projects by HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students in NSW.

• Ivana Dolenac (Year 12) – SHAPE Design and Technology Nomination
• Megan Ebel (Year 12) – SHAPE Textiles and Design Nomination

Please note: Nominations for Visual Arts, Drama: Individual Projects (excluding Performance) and Music: Musicology and Composition are expected mid-November.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Sports Survey Results

Recently, a survey was conducted among MLC School parents to gather feedback on the School’s sports programs. Thank you to those who provided valuable insights into their experiences with sport at MLC School. The findings reveal a mix of satisfaction and areas for improvement, highlighting both the strengths and challenges faced by the Sports Department.

The infographic at the end of this article summarises the key findings and offers a glimpse into the overall sentiment of the parents, their appreciation for the variety of sports offered, and their suggestions for enhancing the quality of co-curricular sport at MLC School.

Survey Overview:

• 24% of parents responded to the survey.
• Of those respondents, 87% had daughters who participated in sports

Satisfaction Levels:

• 53.8% expressed satisfaction with the current sports offerings
• 23.8% responded as neutral with their satisfaction rating
• 22.4% of parents were dissatisfied with the sports programs 

Key Findings:

Goals for Sport:
It was pleasing to note that families shared the same goals for their daughters’ experience with sport as the Sports Department do. Above winning and results, parents believe that girls will want to keep playing sport if they find it fun and enjoyable. They were also interested in students being provided with opportunities to develop teamwork and leadership skills and improve their fundamental movement skills.

Compulsory Sport:
Many parents support the idea of making sports participation compulsory for students, particularly from Year 7 to Year 10. They believe that engaging in sport has numerous benefits, including physical health, mental well-being, and social skills development.

There were suggestions to allow flexibility in the types of physical activities that count towards compulsory participation. This includes recognising activities like martial arts, surfing, and dance, which some students are already committed to outside of school.

Positive Aspects:
Many parents appreciated the variety of sports available and acknowledged the positive impact of sports on their daughters.

Areas for Improvement:

• Communication: There is a need for better communication between the Sports Department and parents.
• Scheduling: Challenges with scheduling were noted as a significant issue.
• Investment: Parents expressed a desire for the school to invest in better coaches, resources, and facilities.

Addressing the feedback from the survey requires a strategic plan that focuses on enhancing the areas of improvement.

In 2025, we will be implementing a new sports strategy with a focus on the following areas:

1. Enhanced Communication:

• Accessible Communication:

We will continue to use various communication channels such as emails, newsletters, OMNIA app, and social media to reach parents through their preferred medium. 

• Regular Updates: We will continue to keep parents informed about sports events, schedules, and any changes through newsletters, OMNIA, emails and social media platforms.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Your feedback is valuable in helping us provide an excellent program. We will provide both formal and informal channels for ongoing feedback from parents and students. We will be sending out surveys to students and parents at the conclusion of the season or semester to gather feedback on their sport experience. This will help address concerns promptly and improve transparency.
• Timely response to emails: We will ensure that we respond to your emails within 24 hours during the working week so that any concerns or queries can are addressed in a timely manner.

2. Improved Scheduling:

• Flexible Schedules: Develop a more flexible scheduling system to accommodate the diverse needs of students and parents. This might include avoiding clashes with other cocurricular activities and school events.
• Advance Notice: Where possible, provide advance notice of schedules and any changes to help parents plan better.

3. Investment in Coaches, Resources, and Facilities:

• Hiring Qualified Coaches: We will aim to invest in hiring well-trained and experienced coaches to provide quality training and mentorship to our students and younger coaches.
• Upgrade Facilities: Allocate budget for upkeep of our sports facilities, such as fields, courts, and gyms, to ensure a safe and conducive environment for practice and competitions. Where this is not possible, we will look at alternative venues.
• We are excited to announce that plans for our new Performing Arts and Sports Centre are well underway. We are currently in discussions with our architects regarding the two new indoor courts that will provide much needed training space, storage space and grandstand seating. Stage 2 will see an additional Learn to Swim pool, and additional strength and conditioning room and learning space.
• Resource Allocation: Ensure that adequate resources, such as sports equipment and uniforms, are available for all sports programs equitably.

4. Promoting the Positive Impact of Sports:

• Highlight Success Stories: Share success stories of students who have benefited from sports, both academically and personally. This can encourage more participation and support from parents.
• Community Involvement: Foster a sense of community by organising events that involve parents, students, and staff, such as sports days, and attendance at inter-school competitions.
• Explore the introduction of parent merchandise: The survey indicated that parents were interested in MLC School supporters’ gear. This will build a sense of community and belonging for our parents and families when they attend sports fixtures to cheer on our teams.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Performance Measures: Establish clear performance measures to evaluate the effectiveness of the improvements. Regularly review these measures to make informed decisions, keeping parents informed.
• Continuous Improvement: Keep referring to the sport strategy and reviewing it based on feedback and changing needs. Regularly update the plan to reflect new challenges and opportunities.

Implementing this strategic plan will require collaboration between the Sports Department, the School Leadership team, coaches, parents, and students. By focusing on these key areas, we can enhance the cocurricular sport program and create a more positive and supportive environment for MLC School students.

– Melissa Boyd              – Lisa Filby
Deputy Principal             Director of Sport

Click on the gallery below to view full infographic

Term 1 2025 Bus Registrations

Term 1 2025 bus registrations are now open. Please note there has been an increase in fares due to the rising running costs being incurred by the bus provider.

Parents/carers wishing their daughters to use the MLC School buses should to pay for Term 1 2025 travel ahead of the start of the term.

Unfortunately, where payment has not been received, girls will be refusedtravel.

Click here to register and pay

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

2025 Booklists Orders Close Soon

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

MLC School Partnerships: Collaborating to build a better future

As part of a continuing partnership between the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and MLC School, an innovative mentoring program has been co-designed to support pre-service teachers and their corresponding teaching partners on our staff. This strengths-based growth model is deeply rooted in building a community of trust and practice. On Thursday 21 November, the collaborative efforts of Cathryn Moore, Susan Rowley (MLC School) and Doctors Kohloff and Yoo (UTS) were showcased to numerous New South Wales public schools. We highlighted three online modules focusing on mentoring, observation, and feedback, and shared a range of professional learning PowerPoints and resources that serve to facilitate this program.

During our presentation, we emphasised the value of this model in fostering a nurturing and collaborative educational environment. The modules and resources were developed to enhance mentoring practices, providing valuable tools for both mentors and mentees. The facilitated professional learning circles offer a supportive space for continuous professional development, promoting a culture of constructive feedback and reflective practice. This initiative is not just about professional growth but also about cultivating meaningful relationships and a strong sense of community among educators.

We are proud to announce that the resources developed by MLC School and UTS are available at no cost to any school, sector, or system interested in building a dynamic mentoring culture. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. By offering these resources freely, we hope to inspire other institutions to adopt and adapt our model, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and effective educational landscape for all.

– Cathryn Moore
Strategic Projects Leader

MLC School P&F- A Year of Connection and Growth

2024 has been another busy year of connection and growth for our school community.

The main aim of the P&F this year was to continue to build and strengthen our parent community. Parents and carers have been invited to enjoy many school events that have taken place on school grounds including; The Principals Welcome event, Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day Breakfasts, Sunday House Chapel services, drama and dance performances, Illuminate, Music and sporting events and P&F Parent Forums. These are wonderful opportunities to catch up with and meet other parents and carers not only in the same year group but from across the whole school.

There have also been many other events that parents have had the joy of attending such as the Mothers’ Day Classic in The Domain, Showcase at NIDA, Music concerts at The Sydney Town Hall and P&F catch up events organised by Ambassadors and the P&F Executive. We encourage all families to be involved in school events when and where possible as it really is a great opportunity to feel part of the community and meet others in a casual, relaxed environment. We are fortunate to be part of a school that offers such a wide range of activities and quality events.

The P&F is committed to supporting and working with the School to enhance the school experience for all students and families. Our meetings have been a great opportunity to share ideas, hear from the School leadership team, and collaborate on initiatives that benefit students. This year we have seen the fruition of the after-school study program for Senior students, extension of Library and Cafe hours in the Senior school and worked on the expansion of new school merchandise, which will be available next year. We have increased the opening times of the second-hand uniform shop and organised the very popular signature notebooks to our Year 12 students.

Thank you to all the volunteers and supporters who have made this year such a success. Your time, energy, and input are so valuable and make a difference. There will be more opportunities for parents and carers to be involved next year, which is something to look forward to. We are always ready to welcome parents and carers who are interested in participating in and organising school events. We understand that people are busy as we are too, but every bit of involvement helps and is appreciated by the whole school community.

We would also like to sincerely thank and acknowledge the teachers and School leadership team who are dedicated to making MLC School the amazing, busy place that it is. We appreciate the work and time it takes to provide so many opportunities for our daughters in all areas of the school, both in and out of the classroom. Special thanks must go to Principal Lisa Moloney, Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd, Head of Marketing and Community Relations Michele Dunn and Events and Social Media Coordinator Jillian Avramis who we have worked closely with throughout the year.

Wishing all our community a safe and happy holiday season and new year,

– Felicity Clemens
P&F President

Parent Ambassadors Needed for 2025

• 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 

Old Girls Union: Year in Review 2024

As the president of the Old Girls Union, I am excited to share the impactful initiatives and contributions we have made this year. Our collective efforts have enriched the experiences of current students and strengthened our community. Here’s a summary of our key projects and expenditures:

1. Sony Camp: We proudly sponsored the inaugural Sony Camp, contributing $20,000.00.  We hope this provides a memorable experience for our year 11 students and to those young people with special needs attending the camp. This initiative allowed us to give back to the community and foster inclusivity.
2. Teacher Conference: We invested $6,074.96 in a teacher professional development. Marie Cassar attended the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools conference in Baltimore this year.  This investment contributes to giving our educators access to the latest teaching strategies and resources, ultimately benefiting all our students.
3. Alumnae Trophies: As part of our annual Back to College and Alumnae Awards evening, we allocated $1,378.00 for alumnae trophies. This celebration recognises the achievements of outstanding past students and inspires current students to strive for excellence.
4. Queensland Student Trip: We contributed $2,795.00 to help a current student who would otherwise not be able to attend the Queensland trip. This support made it possible for them to participate in a valuable learning experience outside the classroom.
5. Year 12 Morning Tea Packs: To celebrate the hard work of our Year 12 students, we provided morning tea packs at a cost of $1,071.00. This small gesture was a way to recognize their dedication as they approach their final exams.
6. Junior School Etching Press: We invested $3,387.05 in a Junior School etching press, enhancing the art curriculum and providing students with new creative opportunities to express themselves.
7. Year 6 Year Book: To commemorate the achievements of our Year 6 students, we contributed $600.00 towards their Year Book. This book serves as a lasting memory for students as they transition to their next educational stage.
8. Chapel restoration: The final stages were completed this year of our Chapel restoration.  We hope this restoration means the Chapel can continue to be a special place for generations of MLC students to come.

It has been another wonderful year for the Old Girls Union, and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting the committee each term and working with the School leaders.  We are grateful for your continued support and engagement, which makes these initiatives possible.

– Elizabeth Ritchie
President, Old Girls Union

Second Hand Uniform Sale

The next P&F second-hand uniform sale will be held on Commencement Day, Friday 24 January 2025.

Opening times will be 7.30am-10.30am in the demountable near the Sports Field.

We are accepting uniform donations that are in good condition and current design – they are always needed to keep our shop running. These can be dropped off at Senior School Reception this term and before Friday 17 January 2024.

Thank you.

– MLC School P&F 

Blazer Embroidery and 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 

Please be advised that the embroidery service for MLC School blazers will be unavailable from Friday 29 November 2024, to Monday 27 January 2025.

Students requiring embroidery services are requested to submit their blazers by 10am on Tuesday 28 January 2025.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

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

Lost Property – Please Collect before Donation or Disposal

Lost property is currently taking up more space than we can allocate.

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
• Shoes
• Water Bottles
• Bags

These Items will be donated or disposed of at the end of term if they are not collected.

Thank you for your assistance in this.

– Anita Brown
Senior School Administrator

From the Head of Learning and Teaching

As I prepare to leave my role as Head of Learning and Teaching, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journey we have shared over the past 6 years. We navigated unprecedented times in education through a global pandemic and then went on to embrace the advent of AI as the next major paradigm shift in education when many schools were trying to block and prevent it’s use. MLC School has always been a place where people are not afraid to try new things or do things differently if we hold firm to the values that are integral to who we are as a school, these being courage, compassion, growth and respect. It has been an honour to be part of such a vibrant community.

I have had the pleasure of working alongside a team of passionate, dedicated staff who go above and beyond to support our girls, and it has been a privilege to play my small part in the growth and development of the students in our care. Together, we have overcome challenges, celebrated successes, and continuously strived to enhance the learning experience for every girl at MLC School. Our girls know the value of hardwork, and this is integral to their outstanding academic achievements with each girl achieving her personal best. They have a strong sense of social justice, unafraid raise their voices to support others in our community and I have been proud to stand beside them. I am immensely proud of the progress we have made in continuing to foster a culture of inclusivity, cultural awareness and safety, and excellence in education. Our collective efforts have not only enriched the academic environment but also nurtured the personal growth and development of both staff and students.

Among the many memorable experiences, the Immersion to Arnhem Land though our partnership with Culture College stands out as a particularly special. This unique opportunity allowed both students and staff to engage deeply and authentically with the Yolgnu people in an environment unlike any we had experienced. The experience fostered a greater understanding of Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and perspectives, leaving a lasting impact on us all. It was a profound experience that underscored the importance of engaging in the untold parts of our history and learning beyond the classroom.

As I move on to my new role as Principal of Emanuel School, I carry with me cherished memories and a deep sense of gratitude for the relationships and experiences that have shaped my time here. I am confident that MLC School will continue to thrive and achieve new heights under the extraordinary leadership of our Principal Lisa Moloney and the commitment of our exceptional staff. Personally, I wish to acknowledge Lisa’s unwavering support of me as both a member of the Executive and in helping me to achieve the next step in my career. MLC School will always hold a special place in my heart but in living the motto of our School it is time for me to step up and dare to be more. I wish all in the MLC community the very best for the future and look forward to hearing about the continued successes of this wonderful school.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Year 7 2025 Language Selection – current Year 6 students

The Year 7 2025 language selection process is now complete. At MLC School we work to develop a timetable in which all students can study the language they have selected in Years 7 and 8. The Year 7 Language program is a beginner’s program that assumes little to no prior knowledge of the target language. Unless you have received an email from me, you can assume that you daughter has been placed in a class for her chosen language and purchase textbooks accordingly.

For the very small number of parents that we have contacted regarding their daughter’s language selection, we ask that you please respond as soon as possible so we can finalise classes for the new academic year.

– Linda Emms
Head of Learning and Teaching

Sports Awards

Last Friday evening the Sports Department held the annual Sports Awards. This evening was an opportunity to acknowledge the commitment and achievements of our athletes for 2024.

We were lucky to have Keesja Gofers (2007) as our guest speaker. She shared some valuable insights into the highs and lows of being an athlete. We were in awe of her determination, resilience and perseverance as she worked to reach her goal of being an Olympian.

Keesja enrolled at MLC School in 1999 into Year 4. In her final year at the school, she was the 2007 Sports Captain, an HSC High Achiever, was awarded the Senior Athletics Champion and Intermediate Swimming Champion prizes and received an MLC School Blue for Sport: all the while maintaining a rigorous National and International training and competing schedule.

While completing her HSC years Keesja represented the University of Sydney in various national water polo championships including the Opens National League and represented NSW in both the Interstate Challenge and the Australian All Schools championships; often being crowned MVP.

In 2006, Keesja was part of the Australian Under 20s team who won gold in the international tournament in Greece, and in 2007, she was selected to be a member of the Australian All Schools team which travelled to NZ, Canada and the USA. She was also selected to represent the Australian All Schools team in the Trans-Tasman Cup and was part of the Australian under 20s water polo team who won the World Championship in Portugal.

In 2010, Keesja become a member of the Australian Stingers squad and attended her first Olympic Games in Rio in 2016. Since then, she has competed at two more Games: the 2020 Tokyo Games and this year’s 2024 Paris Games, where the Stingers won the silver medal. An impressive achievement considering Keesja and her husband Scott welcomed their first child, daughter Teleri, just the year before.

Keesja was known at MLC School as a true sportsperson. Not only did she compete and perform outstandingly at National and International competitions, but she also gave her best for MLC School, representing the school every chance she had. She swam, ran, played basketball, netball, and, of course, water polo for MLC School. It was said that every team she was a member of was stronger for her presence. In her role as the 2007 Sports Captain, Keesja led by example; she was always one of the first to put her hand up to volunteer to help MLC School achieve sporting success.

Keesja’s contribution to sporting life is exemplary and she was, and still is, a wonderful ambassador for her School and her country.

Sports Award Recipients

Lisa Filby
– Director of Sport

Click here to view Facebook album

Click on gallery to view full images

2024 December Tennis Holiday Camp

The 2024 December Tennis Holiday Camp will be in the first week of the December holidays at the end of Term 4.

This holiday camp is for Pre-K to Year 12 girls, who are keen to focus on their Tennis skills while participating in a fun holiday environment. The camp aims to develop players’ match play and individual skills.

The camp runs from 9am to 1pm (TBC), for four days starting Monday 9 December concluding Thursday 12 December 2024. Participants have the option to attend for one, two, three or all four days.

Click the link below for more information and to register.

Click here to register

– Lisa Filby
Director of Sport

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

Saturday 30 November 2024

Upcoming Dates

• Monday 9 December – Monday 16 December 2024 – Australian Volleyball Schools Cup, Various, Gold Coast
• Thursday 1 February – Netball Grading Day, Various, Netball Central

– 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

MLC School’s Annual K-2 Twilight Dance Recital

On the evening of Tuesday 26 November, the MLC School Drama Theatre hosted our Annual K-2 Twilight Dance Recital, featuring seventy young dancers from the Kindergarten to Year 2 co-curricular dance program. This year’s theme, ‘It’s Showtime’, inspired students to engage with performance and expression skills before a supportive audience of friends and families.

Many of our dancers performed on stage for the first time, and it was a joy to see their talents shine. Special thanks to our amazing co-curricular dance tutors Miss Jorja, Miss Ivy, Miss Claudia, Miss Tori, Miss Madi and assistant Dance Coordinator, Jess Dyson for their dedication and care, providing the girls with the confidence to step on stage.

We would also like to acknowledge our 2025 Dance Captain, Erin Clowes (Year 11), for acting as MC, and our student volunteers Sasha Juel-Smart (Year 8), Zara Paterson (Year 8), Matilda Li (Year 8), Lily Clemens (Year 10), Shona Bevis (Year 10), Sanjana Iyengar (Year 11), and Helen Liu (Year 11) for their invaluable help backstage. A special thank you to Mr Sandral, Mrs Boyd, and Ms Jauncey for their support throughout the evening. Finally, we extend our gratitude to the Year 12 VET Entertainment students Kaitlyn, Tiana, Imogen, and Jasmine for their technical work on lighting, vision, and sound, under the supervision of our Theatre Technician, Bojana Kvrgic. Your combined efforts made this a truly memorable event for our incredible dancers and their families.

Thank you to all involved for making the evening truly unforgettable.

– Jenna Skepper
Dance Co-ordinator

Arnhem Land Immersion with Culture College

Round Square International Conference 2025

The Round Square International Conference is an annual event run by, and for, students aged 16 years -18 years. It moves around the world with students from different schools hosting each time.

In September 2025 we will once again be face-to-face for the 55th Round Square International Conference ‘Beyond the Dunes’, which will be hosted by three Round Square Schools: The Millennium School Dubai, Indian High School Dubai, and GEMS Modern Academy.

RSIC 2025 will start with arrivals in Dubai on Friday 19 September 2025 and end with departures on Friday 26 September 2025. Some of the things to expect throughout the conference include:

Excursion into the desert for a Bedouin Camp themed dinner, Opening Ceremony and first Baraza will be hosted at The Indian High School. Carousel of Environmental, Service and Adventure activities. Each day will begin with a Keynote and Baraza at one of the host schools before heading out to an activity.

Environmental Day will be hosted by The Millennium School. Delegates will head out into the environment beyond the dunes to connect with nature through a hands-on experience, and consider some of the environmental challenges faced in a desert environment. On Service Day delegates will stay on campus at GEMS Modern Academy for a programme of activities working with differently abled students. On Adventure Day, the Indian High School will host at an Adventure Park where delegates will take on team challenges, zip wires and high ropes. In the evenings, activities will include a barbeque, a Round Square Souk and a cultural performance opportunity. 

On Wednesday 24 September 2025, the hosts are hoping to take everyone to Expo Dubai for a day of reflection and scavenger hunts around three districts, themed to connect with the three carousel days of   Service, Environmentalism, and Adventure. That evening the closing ceremony will be held in the ballroom back at the hotels, facilitating a smooth departure on Thursday 25 September 2025.

The estimated costs of the conference including flights, conference fees and all meals is between $6,300 – $6,600

Four students from Years 10 and 11 will have the opportunity to be part of the conference experience.

Students in Year 10 and Year 11 2025 may express their interest via the form, before going through an interview process. EOI close Week 2 Friday 7 February 2025.

To see what the conference has to offer here is the conference trailer.

Please contact Xavier Maling for further information.

– Xavier Maling
Teacher, Cadet Coordinator, Round Square Coordinator

Connecting Round Square Committees

On Wednesday 30 October, we along with a couple of students from Year 11 and 12, took part in the ‘Connecting Round Square Committee’ zoom call. This ‘postcard’ looked a little different to the usual weekly school run calls and was instead moderated by the members of the Round Square organisation.

The call allowed us to connect with other Round Square schools around the world and learn about how Round Square operates in their school. We focused on a multitude of topics and participated in discussions surrounding what activities each of our schools held to celebrate the Round Square spirit. Ideas included weeks allocated to different IDEALS, interschool conferences, fundraisers, service projects, and many more exciting events. The insightful conversations have inspired us in developing new projects with the IDEALS Society for the coming year. 

Overall, the call was a wonderful learning experience and we highly recommend coming to IDEALS Society each Wednesday to take part in helping plan these upcoming projects!

– Khushii Varma
Community and Round Square Captain 2025

– Amy Li (Year 11)

Wrap up for Debating 2024

It’s been a busy and successful year for all our Debating and Public Speaking students, with over 200 students spending most of the year training and competing in various live and online events. This year expanded our horizons by entering some online international debating competitions. This gave teams the opportunity to debate teams from schools and coaching academies in Sydney that we do not usually compete against, as well as teams from Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong.

Our Term 4 activity was to enter thirteen MLC School teams in the IDC (International Debating Championships). This competition was on a Friday evening and turned out to be a lot more difficult than we anticipated, with lots of high-quality teams compete against. It consisted of four preliminary rounds of debates every week followed by a finals series. Our Year 6 team, (MLC 2) made it through to the Quarter Finals (Abira Sanan, Lavinia Xu, Georgia Sutton, Maggie Ma). Our Senior Year 10 team, MLC 11 (Jordan Vo, Umaiza Mahfuz, Elena Tulloch, Anna Obaid) made it through to the Octo finals. The Junior Year 7 MLC 5 team (Chelsea Keomanivong, Bonnie Li, Anna Poortvliet, Audrey Buck, Aditi Knowles) also made it through to the Octo-Finals and won so then had to immediately do back-to-back debates competing in the Quarter Finals on the same night. There was general jumping around and celebrations, even if it was 9pm on a Friday evening, when they were announced the winners in a close debate against the 2nd ranked team in the Junior division. MLC 5 have already put in a spectacular effort to be in the last 4 teams in the Junior division which began with 88 teams competing. The Semi-final is on this Friday evening and let’s hope they can make it to the Grand Final.

This week we did our trials for the 2025 Year 8 – Year 12 competition debating teams, there was a lot of nervous energy in the debate rooms. Somehow doing a debate with a panel of our coaches watching is more stressful than any other debate. The trials for our ISDA Year 6 Primary teams and our ISDA/FED Year 7 teams will take place in Week 2 Term 1 2025 (Starting Monday 3 February 2025). The competition debating for FED and ISDA is an invite only activity. The Year 6/7s will have to register to trial for this. An email will go out to all students in Term 1, Week 1 (starting Tuesday 28 January 2025) inviting them to register to trial.

For those who make the team the commitment is Wednesday training 3.30pm – 4.30pm every week during Terms 1 and 2. Debate night is Fridays 3.30-7pm, sometimes we are at MLC School or at another school.  Parents need to collect their child afterwards, but they stay with me and their coach from 3.30pm. Once we have decided on teams, I will send out the link for parents to enrol and pay for the activity. So, nothing to do before early next year.

For those students who do not make the teams we also have the SDC (Sydney Schools Debating) online social debating competition on 3.30-6.30pm Friday evenings based at school. We had several teams doing this competition last year as an enjoyable way to practice with their own coach and speak in a debate every week.

Our popular Oratory classes on Thursday afternoons for Years 5-12 will be running in 2025. Use the link below to enrol in a class:

Click here to enrol

A huge thank you to all the parents and carers who have supported our debaters and public speakers this year and driven all over Sydney to collect them after our many events.  Any questions about our activities please email me at arowe@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

– Andrea Rowe
Oratory Coordinator

Senior Leadership Cadet Conference

On the 2 November 2024, the SUO, the B Company Commander, and I were offered the fantastic opportunity to attend a senior leadership Cadet conference with the 2nd brigade Cadet units at Randwick Army Barracks. This included all the school Cadet units from around NSW. We were greeted by many acclaimed officers such as Scott Ferguson, the Aide De Camp for the Deputy Chief of the Australian Army, who taught us all about service leadership and the values we should lead by. I learnt so many insightful lessons about leadership and look forward to taking them on board to improve the quality of my leadership within the Cadet unit. I also had the opportunity to discuss with all the other senior leaders from different units. I discovered many differences and similarities between our leadership styles and unit dynamics. We also discussed ways our units could be improved and brainstormed ideas for how to do so. I’m so grateful to have been invited to this event and learnt so much. It was a fun and insightful experience that will aid me throughout this year as a leader within the cadet unit. 

– CUO Ella Baker (Year 11)
Alpha Company Commander