From the Head of Junior School

It has been a wonderful week of celebrations across the Junior School as we 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.

Year 5 Assembly 

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. It 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.

Year 5 Canberra Immersion

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $30 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Farewell to Staff 

From the Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing, Year 4 Preparing to be Leaders

Self-Awareness, Courage and Responsibility!

During Term 4 Year 4 have been preparing to be leaders, ready for Year 5.

As a Round Square School MLC Junior School makes use of the Round Square Heroes of Discovery to develop character traits in our students.

We have developed a leadership upskilling program, using the RS Heroes of Discovery, to support our Year 5 girls as leaders of the Junior School. In Year 4 this program starts with:

Self-Awareness: What are my likes and dislikes? What am I good at? What are my interests? By becoming self-aware the girls can discern what leadership portfolios they might be suited to and enjoy. There are leadership portfolios in Junior School Captaincy, Junior School Student Council, art, environment, library, music, service, sport and technology.

Courage: It takes courage to put yourself forward for a leadership position and potentially miss out on it. It takes courage to give a speech in front of others. The girls also learn about strategies to handle their nerves and disappointments (a very important element in this program).

Responsibility: All leadership positions have responsibilities to action. The girls learn what responsibility is and how to can look in their actions. We look at the responsibilities of different leadership roles, so the girls understand what is expected of them in each one.

The program includes stories about each Round Square Heroes of Discovery, along with a response on Seesaw so parents can be informed of the girls’ reflections and ideas. I have been really impressed with the Year 4 girls’ participation and discernment about themselves and others. We are currently in the process of choosing the Junior School Captain and Vice-Captain and the courage of the girls who have nominated and put themselves out there is evident.

Next year the leadership program continues with the character traits of teamwork, communication and problem solving – traits that can be well used when taking responsibility of their portfolios.

The Junior School Captain and Vice-Captain will be announced at Speech Day.

– Joanne Sharpe
Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing

MLC School’s Annual Kindergarten to Year 2 Twilight Dance Recital

Wellbeing Wednesdays in Junior School

On Wednesday in Week 5 and Week 6, the Junior School held our first Wellbeing Wednesdays. It was a wonderful way for students to connect with others through having fun. The Service Captains and Monitors put out two new parachutes on the lower grass area, as an invitation for the students to engage with and lead some games using them. Many enthusiastic students joined in and had a lot of fun playing with the parachutes at lunchtime on Wednesday. 

The Service portfolio were inspired to hold a Junior School Wellbeing Wednesday, after a trip to the Senior School’s Wellbeing Wednesday, and meetings with their Service group. The Junior School’s Wellbeing Wednesdays were a lot of fun and we hope that the next year’s students in Year 5 will continue to build on Wellbeing Wednesdays. 

– Beatrice Bastin-Loy (Year 5)
Leawarra Service Captain

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

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

As we approach the end of Term 4, we would like to extend our warmest wishes to all families for a joyful and successful conclusion to the term. It has been a busy few weeks, and we are incredibly proud of all our students and the wonderful support from their families throughout this period.

We are also looking forward to the upcoming Christmas House Challenge on Wednesday next week, which promises to be filled with festive spirit, friendly competition, and plenty of fun for everyone involved. Students should wear their House shirts and Sports uniform on the day.

We congratulate the Technological and Applied Studies (TAS) and Visual Arts Departments for winning the inaugural Christmas office decorating competition! Our Captains did a fantastic job judging the entries, and the efforts of staff have certainly brought a festive touch to our School environment – even if we are still in November! The creativity and Christmas cheer displayed by all involved have brightened the end of term.

A gentle reminder that Speech Night is fast approaching. This compulsory annual event for students is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the achievements and milestones of our School community. Please click here to view the final details letter.

Most importantly, we wish all families a wonderful time spent together over the coming weeks. Whether you are travelling, enjoying the festive season at home, or simply spending quality time together, we hope it’s filled with laughter, joy, and cherished memories. Thank you for being such an important part of our School community, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the new year.

Study Hub Next Week

– Joanna Graffen
Head of Senior School

Outstanding Results from Mathematics Competitions

What a year it has been for Mathematics Competitions! There were various competitions and challenges held throughout the year and a lot of incredible results from students across Year 7–Year 12. Some highlights include:

Maths Challenge

• 12 students received a High Distinction
• 22 students received a Distinction

Kangourou sans Frontières

• Perfect score: Sissi Zheng (Year 7)
• Two students received a High Distinction
• 23 students received a Distinction

ICAS Assessments

• Nine students received a High Distinction
• 19 students received a Distinction

Australian Informatics Olympiad

• Bonnie Li (Year 8) voluntarily took part in this 3-hour coding challenge and received a Credit

Australian Intermediate Mathematics Olympiad (AIMO)

A handful of students in Year 9 and Year 10 were invited to take part in this 4-hour competition

• Yolanda Deng (Year 9) High Distinction
• Jocelyn Su (Year 10) High Distinction
• Sophia Hu (Year 10) Distinction

Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC)

• AMC Prize Winner and Best in School: Sissi Zheng (Year 7)
• Five students received a High Distinction
• 16 students received a Distinction

Special mentions

Based on results from previous competitions and the AIMO, Yolanda Deng (Year 9), Jocelyn Su (Year 10), Sophia Hu (Year 10) and Chloe Lin (Year 10) were invited by the Australian Maths Trust (AMT) to take part in the Australian Training Tournament, a 3-hour competition at the University of Sydney on Saturday 1 November 2025.

Yolanda Deng (Year 9) was also invited by the AMT to the Mathematics School of Excellence, a week-long program from Monday 24 to Friday 28 November 2025, to provide mentorship and help students further develop their problem-solving skills. We hope she had a wonderful time taking part this week and can’t wait to hear all about it!

Sissi Zheng (Year 7) has had some incredible achievements this year, with perfect scores in the Kangourou sans Frontières and the Australasian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO), as well being awarded the AMC Prize. This prize is generally awarded to no more than one student for every 300 students within a region and year group. Sissi was invited to the 2025 AMT State Awards on the 11 November, and received her award from the AMT organiser. She made some new friends during the workshop held on the night and came back from the event feeling extremely inspired!

A hearty congratulations to all students who took part in Mathematics Competitions this year. It was great to see the enthusiasm and dedication of the students to these competitions on top of their schoolwork.

If you would also like to take part in such events next year, make sure to keep an eye out in the newsletter for registration information.

– Monica Lee
Teacher

A Vibrant Year of Reading at MLC School

As we wrap up another vibrant year of reading at MLC School, we are thrilled to celebrate our students’ enthusiasm and dedication. This year’s Year 6 to Year 10 Wide Reading Program was a tremendous success, with students borrowing almost 15,000 books, reflecting a strong and growing culture of reading for pleasure across the School.

We would like to acknowledge and congratulate the students who have completed the Premier’s Reading Challenge, particularly those who have successfully completed the challenge every Year since Year 3.

Medals

The following students have completed the PRC every year from Year 3 to Year 9:

• Lauren Carmody (Year 9)
• Bridget Cortis-Jones (Year 9)
• Hannah Dastyari (Year 9)
• Marni Heavener (Year 9)

**The lead photo shows our PRC winners, missing Lauren Carmody.

Platinum Certificate

The following students have completed the PRC for seven years:

• Peta Bianchi-Howden (Year 6)
• Elana Chrun (Year 6)
• Emma Cook (Year 6)
• Catherine Coorey (Year 6)
• Eloise Dastyari (Year 6)
• Daisy Han (Year 6)
• Audrey Henderson (Year 6)
• Qaylah Mohamed (Year 6)
• Zara Pandher (Year 6)
• Ariana Paterson (Year 6)
• Olivia Smith (Year 6)
• Clara Southwood (Year 6)
• Michelle Wang (Year 6)
• Camellia Yao (Year 6)
• Rayna Zhu (Year 6)

Gold Certificate

The following students have completed the PRC for four years:

• Alannah Chan (Year 6)
• Avery Satchcroft (Year 6)
• Audrey Truong (Year 6)

As we move into the summer break, we encourage all students, together with the wider community, to continue reading widely to maximise the benefits that come from regular, enjoyable reading. Whether discovering new stories or revisiting old favourites, we wish everyone a joyful season of reading and a very Merry Christmas.

– Louise Piggott
Head of Library Services

Linguafest! Award winners at the NSW School Language Short Film Festival!

The Year 10 language students participated in a short film competition in Term 3 this year.  We are proud to announce that the Year 10 French team won the Award for Best Musical Performance! This team was made up of:

• Isabel Warusavitarne (Year 10)
• Rebecca Ho-Bui (Year 10)
• Nicola Keast (Year 10)
• Sanaya Nair (Year 10)

Here is what the girls had to say about the competition:

‘Linguafest is a short film competition within NSW for any language other than English. There is a theme every year and an object which must be included within the film. This year the theme was discovery, and the object was a paintbrush.

The best part of making this short film was going into a little street in Burwood and lip-syncing to the rap we created in French! While we might have gotten a few stares from the public, it was still very fun! For future French students, this has been one of the most fun projects I have gotten to do so far, I would highly recommend putting your all into and just have fun with your friends!’
– Isabel Warusavitarne (Year 10)

– Candace Robertson
Head of Department – Languages

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Wrap Up

As we reach the end of another year in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE), I would like to celebrate the diverse learning experiences and achievements of our students across Year 7 to Year 12.

Throughout the year, students engaged in a wide range of movement contexts designed to build their fundamental skills, teamwork, confidence and enjoyment of physical activity. Our practical program featured activities such as artistic swimming, gymnastics, lacrosse, touch football, fitness training, invasion games, and striking games including cricket and softball.

Our Year 10 Physical Activity and Sports Studies students also had the invaluable opportunity to coach Junior School classes, applying their understanding of skill acquisition in real, authentic learning environments.

In the theory classroom, students continued to demonstrate curiosity, critical thinking and a strong commitment to their studies. Our Stage 6 students in both the HSC Personal Development, Health and Physical Education and IB Sport, Exercise and Health Science courses explored the complexities of human performance, health promotion and global health issues 

Across all year groups, we have been proud to see students grow not only in skill and knowledge, but also in teamwork, resilience and personal wellbeing. PDHPE aims to empower students to make informed, healthy choices, and it has been a pleasure watching them thrive in both individual and collaborative settings.

– Sarah Papachristoforou
Head of Department – Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 7

As we wrap up an incredible 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the wonderful journey we’ve shared in Year 7. It has been such a privilege to watch this group of girls grow, learn, and support one another throughout their first year of high school. Our Christmas catch-ups this week were a beautiful way to celebrate the bonds formed between our Big Sisters and Little Sisters. The laughter and joy in these gatherings truly captured the fun Year 7 have had this year.

Upcoming Events

House Christmas Challenge – Wednesday 3 December 2025

Get ready for some festive fun and friendly competition next Wednesday as the Houses go head to head and celebrate the end of term together. Students are to wear their House shirt and PE gear all day. Classes will run in 1AB so students are to be prepared for that portion of the day.

Speech Night – Thursday 4 December 2025

A highlight of the School calendar, where we come together to recognise achievements and celebrate the year that was. Congratulations to all the Year 7 prize winners. Information has been sent home from the Head of Senior School outlining the uniform requirements and timing of the event. A reminder that this is a compulsory event. Click here to read the email.

And finally, to you, the Year 7 families. Thank you for your unwavering support throughout 2025. Your support and partnership have made a world of difference in helping our students thrive. Thank you also to the incredible team of Luminaries who have guided your girls through the start of their high school journeys. As we look ahead, I’m excited to continue this journey with the same amazing cohort as they step into Year 8 in 2026. I know it will be another year filled with growth, challenges, successes, and fun.

Wishing you all a joyful Christmas and a safe and happy holiday. See you next year!

– Claire White
Head of Year 7

Year 7 Museum Exhibition: Bringing History to Life

This term, our Year 7 students transformed their classrooms into vibrant museum spaces, showcasing an impressive array of exhibits that captured the essence of ancient civilisations. The Museum Exhibition was a celebration of creativity and research, giving students the chance to share their learning in an interactive way.

Students curated their own museum-style displays, focusing on key themes of societies such as Ancient Egypt, Rome, Greece, and the Maya. Each exhibit included:

• A digital or physical display featuring primary sources and artefacts
• A model of a ‘must-see’ artefact, crafted with historical accuracy
• A pamphlet or brochure for visitors, summarising key insights and themes

The exhibition day was the culmination of weeks of research and creative planning. Students had the opportunity to peer mark each other’s work, ask specific questions and showcase their understanding of their chosen ancient civilisation through their displays. They also left positive affirmations for one another, recognising effort, creativity and the unique perspectives each exhibit brought to the classroom.

Student Reflections

‘The museum project was such a different, exciting experience. From making models and typing up PowerPoints, to reviewing other people’s projects while walking around the classroom to “museum music”. I have learnt a lot about my chosen ancient culture – Ancient Mayan Art, through researching and discovering facts, and making models. By far though, one of the best parts was seeing everyone else’s. Whether it was a huge temple, or a clay model, I loved seeing how everyone had taken on this task. This was a really fun opportunity, and I know that we all enjoyed this project.’
– Olivia Eddy (Year 7)

‘In the museum project, we learnt about different ancient civilisations. From the Ancient Incas to Ancient Greek gods, myths and legends, the museum project had it all. We had a great time, writing kind comments and reviews on each other’s work, and admiring the projects we worked so hard on while walking around to fun museum inspired music.’
– Mikaela Panagiotidis (Year 7)

‘The Museum Exhibition Project was really fun! It was great to see everyone’s interpretation of different ancient cultures and traditions. We got to experience many different cultures and see things like Architecture, Myths and Legends, Religion, Gods, Art and many more! Overall, this task was fun and eye opening as now we know lots more about other cultures and countries.’
– Abira Sanan (Year 7)

– Year 7 History Team

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 8

As we reach the conclusion of 2025, it is rewarding to reflect on what has been an extraordinary year for Year 8. Our students have embraced a wealth of opportunities, from vibrant school carnivals and immersive experiences to meaningful community service, numerous house events, and the many activities that enrich our daily school life. 

Year 8 is often a period of transition for many students, marked by evolving friendships, personal growth, and, at times, social challenges. It is reassuring to note that these changes typically begin to stabilise in Year 9, as students mature. In Year 9, students tend to broaden their social circles, engaging more widely across the year group. This expansion of their social connections is not only natural but also highly beneficial for their development. 

This week’s featured photo captures the final session of the Strong Together Program, delivered in partnership with Inner West Neighbourhood Aid. Throughout the program, our student volunteers have consistently demonstrated commitment and compassion, earning high praise from both participants and support workers alike. I am pleased to share below an extract from one of the support workers, highlighting the positive impact our students have made. 

‘Everyone enjoyed the enthusiasm, joy and kindness that the students bring to Strong Together. On the trip home from the club, the clients were particularly mentioning how genuine the students all are and how they are not only kind to them (our seniors) but to each other. They felt that was a true sign of their good characters. 

The students have been such a wonderful addition to the Strong Together Program and are perfect ambassadors for the ethics and principles that the School nurtures in them. We look forward to working with the new Year 8 students in 2026.’

Having served as Acting Head of Year 8 for the past two terms, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to both parents and students for the warm welcome and support I have received. It has been a privilege to work closely with the Year 8 cohort, and I have greatly valued the opportunity to connect with so many of you. I am pleased to share that Bridget Kovats will return in Term 1 2026, to continue supporting our students.

I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas. May your break be safe, restful, and filled with opportunities to recharge for the year ahead.

Key Dates for the Diary

• Wednesday 3 December 2025 – Last day of classes
• Thursday 4 December 2025 – MLC School Speech Night, this is a compulsory event. See more details here.

– Kate Schurch
Acting Head of Year 8

Year 9

This week during our Year Meeting, we introduced Year 9 to Jo Cilia, Head of Futures and Pathways, and Nicole Massara, Careers and VET Coordinator. Jo and Nicole will work with your daughters over the coming years to support them in Senior School and beyond.

During the session, Year 9 learnt about:  

– Careers profiling in Term 1;
– Subject selection and how profiling results can guide choices for Year 11 and Year 12; and
– Experience days and work experience.

Year 9 also received their own magazine packed with career stories and self-reflection activities. It was wonderful to see their engagement throughout the session. They were absorbed in the content, asking thoughtful questions, and enthusiastically discussing their ‘future selves’, possible work experience ideas, and subject choices.

A huge thank you to Jo and Nicole for running this session. It was a fantastic introduction to the Futures and Pathways Team and an opportunity to showcase some of the exciting initiatives they have planned for Year 10.

Peer Support Training

On Thursday, we ran the first of two full-day Peer Support training sessions with Year 9. Students worked in groups to develop their leaderships skills, and completed modules on topics including speaking skills​, active listening​, taking personal responsibility, responding with flexibility​, demonstrating assertiveness, working with co-leaders​ and planning effective sessions.

It was a wonderful day and all students are to be commended for their positive engagement in the activities. At the end of the day, students reflected on what it means to be an authentic leader and the kind of leader they hoped to be. I have included some of their reflections below:

‘I have learnt about the importance of understanding the perspective of those who you are leading. I think that a good leader listens, considers perspectives, and communicates effectively. I aim to be an approachable, impactful leader who is supportive.‘

‘I have learned many things about leadership and gained many leadership skills. I have learned that good leaders act confident, even if they don’t feel it. They are empathetic and approachable. I hope to be the kind of leader who people can talk to and ask for help from.’

‘I learnt that leadership can vary from person to person but they contain the core concepts of listening, engaging and being considerate of others while also ensuring a positive and productive environment for you and the people you are leading.’

End of term arrangements

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

Wednesday 3 December 2025 – Last day of term for students

Students will finish the school year by participating in the House Christmas Challenge. Students are asked to wear their sports uniform and House Shirt on Wednesday.

Thursday 4 December 2025 – Speech Night at the International Convention Centre (ICC)

A reminder that students are not expected at school on Thursday, but student attendance at Speech Night is compulsory and a roll will be marked. Parents will be asked to explain any absence and this will be recorded on the student record. Your daughter is expected to wear full formal Summer uniform, which includes a blazer and polished shoes. See more details here,

I look forward to seeing you at Speech Night, thank you for your support this year and wish you a wonderful holiday.

– Emily Marsh
Head of Year 9

Click on image gallery for full size images.

From Bugs to Brownies: Investigating the Future of Food in Year 9 Geography

This term, Year 9 Geography students have once again delved into one of their most exciting and thought-provoking units – ‘Food for the Future’ – exploring innovative solutions to the global challenge of food security. Building on last year’s success, this year’s program introduced a stronger project-based element, with students taking greater ownership of their research design and developing deeper understanding of sampling techniques, ethical considerations, and how to conduct a valid geographical primary data investigation.

As part of the unit, students examined the adoption and barriers of emerging protein sources such as cellular meat and insects. Each class began with a model experiment involving a blind taste test between a regular corn chip and a cricket corn chip, before planning and implementing their own investigations.

Working in groups, students designed their own experiments by developing two food samples:

• Sample A – made with regular flour
• Sample B – made with cricket flour

Armed with consent forms, surveys, and carefully structured sampling plans, students invited members of the School community to participate in their experiments. They explored perceptions of taste, texture, and willingness to adopt insects as a sustainable food source.

This year, the creativity and complexity of recipes was remarkable – from brownies, cinnamon rolls, macarons and pizza – each reflecting student choice and innovation. Through this inquiry, students not only developed their geographical investigation skills but also engaged critically with issues of sustainability, ethics, and the future of global food systems.

A huge thank you to the Year 9 Geography Team who helped me bring this vision to life: Lynne Bondar, Bronwyn Peace, Abbey O’Connor and Thomas McCosker.  Below are some quotes from 9GE6 to summarise the unit so far:

I did not expect people to not notice the difference between normal baked goods and ones with cricket flour.
– Anjina Wagle (Year 9)

Our group made pizza with cricket flour (sample B) and plain flour (sample A) it was really successful because everyone could barely tell the difference between the two samples and all our survey answers were diverse and detailed.
– Cloris Xu (Year 9)

It was a really great experience trying to cook with insects and it was fun to cook with our friends. My group made biscoff cookies and they were very successful in terms of very similar look and taste.
– Greta Sharp (Year 9)

Our group made caramel slice, and the results were spilt evenly, meaning cricket flour didn’t make a notable difference.
– Xanthe Johnson (Year 9)

Our group made caramel slices which turned out to be a fantastic result! The only difference that I could measure was the crumb base being airier and crunchier in the cricket flour sample.
– Summer Le (Year 9)

Our group made brownies. It was interesting how the majority of people were able to determine which one had cricket flour since both tasted very similar.
– Sarah Zhang (Year 9)

– Danielle Rodrigues
Acting Deputy Head of Academics – Year 10 to Year 12

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Loaves and Fishes – Reflections on Service by Year 9

Last Friday, Year 9 Booralee had the privilege of volunteering at the Loaves and Fishes Restaurant in Ashfield. This experience was incredibly rewarding and gave us the opportunity to give back to the community. Throughout the day, we did lots of tasks, including food preparation, chopping ingredients, organising supplies, washing up, setting up cutlery, and serving meals to guests. Each task played an important role in helping the restaurant run smoothly and ensuring that everyone who came in felt supported and cared for.

We also had the chance to meet a variety of people, fellow volunteers, staff members, and guests who rely on the service. The meal we served for lunchtime was honey soy chicken and vegetables, with chocolate donuts that were especially popular. Handing these out was fun, as we engaged with many of the guests. The other volunteers were welcoming and taught us new skills, from working efficiently in a kitchen to communicating respectfully with guests.

By the end of the day, we had not only completed many practical tasks but also learnt valuable lessons about empathy, teamwork, and responsibility. Overall, it was an enriching and memorable experience that we were grateful to be part of.

– Caydence Sumantri, Bridget Cortis-Jones, Zara Paterson (Year 9 students)

Click on image gallery for full size images.

Year 10

It is hard to believe that this is the final newsletter for Year 10 in 2025. It has been my absolute joy to work with and get to know your daughters and you over the course of this year. What a fantastic group of students I have the privilege of supporting as they move into their final two years of school.

Throughout this year, I have seen all Year 10 students grow as an individuals and I feel confident they are ready to step into Year 11 in 2026. I have been so proud to see them come together as a cohesive year group. The Year 10 Immersion Program has played a significant role in shaping this positive culture. It has been wonderful to see the cohort develop strong connections and a sense of shared purpose that we can continue to build upon together next year.

I hope they have all enjoyed their Work Experience week. Stories have been trickling in about the great opportunities they’ve had and the challenges they’ve faced. On Monday, the project will culminate in their presentations. This is an opportunity for your daughter to reflect, think critically about future goals, and articulate a plan for the years ahead. Of course, it is perfectly fine if that path is not yet 100% clear. What matters is that they demonstrate a deeper understanding of who they are, their strengths and areas for growth, and some initial thoughts about life beyond MLC School. These presentations, delivered to two teachers with follow-up questions, are designed to develop key skills that will serve them well in the future.

I am looking forward to celebrating our Year 10 Award Recipients on Thursday evening at the MLC School Speech Night. These students should be exceptionally proud of their achievements. However, this is also an opportunity to celebrate every member of Year 10. Each Year 10 student has impressed me in one way or another this year, and I hope they finish the year proud of their accomplishments and ready for the next big step. A reminder that attendance at Speech Night is compulsory, see more details here.

I wish you all a wonderful summer break and hope you enjoy time together with friends and family.

– Penny Hewett
Head of Year 10

Year 11

At our year meeting on Tuesday 25 November, Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School came to wish the cohort a safe and productive holiday and commend them on an amazing year and particularly how they have stepped up as leaders of the School this term. She also spoke about the phone policy updates at school for the new year. Year 12 2026 will only be allowed to check their phones during recess and lunch times in the Year 12 Common Room. Alternative arrangements for payment at the Café will need to be arranged over the break, such as a debit or Eftpos card, or using their MLC School card. Danielle Rodrigues, Acting Head of Senior School – Academic, Year 10 to Year 12, came to speak about ways to utilise the break for practical study such as 15 minutes a day on recall.

We have been fortunate to enjoy our third week in a row of having our own year group Chapel service while Year 10 are on immersion experiences. The singing this week was beautiful. On Wednesday 26 November, our Year 11 Chapel service, led by Reverend Viniana Ravetali, focused on the fourth week of Advent: Love. The Advent theme of love reminds us to show kindness and compassion to others, reflecting the generous spirit of the season. Thank you to Emma Sullivan who stepped in and coordinated the students for the service.

I hope those of you who took the opportunity to participate in the Learning Progress Conversations over Tuesday 25 November and Wednesday 26 November, found the process collaborative and helpful in planning for the year ahead.

Year 12 Mentor Program

Year 12 2026 should receive their staff mentors early next week and have the opportunity to discuss if they need to before making the assignment of mentors formal. Over the week, students also had the opportunity to offer suggestions of teachers they feel would be beneficial for them in their final year. These staff mentors will meet with their Year 12 mentees about twice a term to listen and offer guidance and study advice if requested.

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 will be required to wear full School Uniform, including blazer and sheer stockings. Please refer to the letter here from Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School for finer details. This was emailed directly and will also be visible in your Omnia newsfeed. The cohort have been told via Canvas who the award winners are. I will look forward to seeing the cohort celebrating the past year, as they look forward to their break. This evening is a celebration of student achievement and leadership, and we look forward to sharing this special occasion with you.

Year 12 2026 Commemorative Jersey

The cherished tradition of Year 12 students creating a commemorative jersey for their last year at MLC School continues in 2026.

This long-sleeved jersey features a sleek sports design crafted from lightweight, quick-dry cotton for ultimate comfort. The front proudly displays the MLC School crest alongside Year 12 2026, while the back is personalised with the student’s surname and the number 26, making it a unique keepsake.

Order your jersey here.

Thank you for your support in working together and I wish all Year 12 2026 families a safe and enjoyable break.

If you have any questions, please email me or call 8741 3278.

Thursday 4 December  2025 – Speech Night and the last day of term, click here to read the email.

– Angela Renwick
Head of Year 11

Year 11 Holiday Study Tip – The Power of Daily Recall

As we head into the break, one of the most effective and surprisingly simple ways to stay prepared for the HSC and IB courses is through retrieval practice: actively trying to remember what you’ve learned without looking at your notes. In this week’s Year meeting, I shared with the 2026 cohort one simple strategy and tracker sheet to help them develop their retrieval practice over the summer break.

Why is this important?

Research across education and cognitive science shows why this works so well:

John Hattie’s Visible Learning research highlights spaced practice and metacognition (thinking about what you know and don’t know) as high-impact strategies that significantly boost achievement.

Cognitive psychologists like Roediger and Butler show that testing yourself strengthens long-term memory far more than re-reading.

Studies by Karpicke and Blunt found that students who regularly recalled information even with simple free recall tasks performed better after a week than those who used more time consuming strategies like concept mapping.

A simple idea for the holidays: create a Daily Recall List

Step 1: Choose Your Focus
 ✔ Select 4–6 key syllabus points or dot points from one subject.
 ✔ Write them in the table below.

Step 2: Recall Without Looking
 ✔ Set a timer for 10 minutes.
 ✔ For each dot point, write down or verbally explain everything you remember. No notes or study resources.

Step 3: Check and Correct
 ✔ Open your notes and fill in the gaps.
 ✔ Highlight anything you forgot,  this becomes tomorrow’s focus for recall.

Step 4: Track Your Progress
 ✔ Repeat daily using new or previously challenging dot points.
 ✔ Aim to cover each syllabus area twice over the break.

Unsure where to start or how to hold yourself accountable? See the canva link below to a daily recall tracker for your daughter to use:

Daily Recall Tracker Template

It’s short, manageable, and backed by strong research. Most importantly, it helps you return in the new year with confidence and momentum.

Wishing everyone a restful break and a strong finish to the year!

– Danielle Rodrigues
Acting Deputy Head of Senior School – Academic Year 10 to Year 12

Year 11 HSC Drama Students Gain Insights from Playwright Jane Harrison: Exploring The Visitors

Our Year 11 HSC Drama students have kicked off their exploration of Australian Drama and Theatre with a bang, diving headfirst into Contemporary Australian Theatre Practice. In this dynamic unit, students aren’t just reading – they’re bringing to life two captivating plays: The Visitors by Jane Harrison and Neighbourhood Watch by Lally Katz.

The Visitors is no ordinary history lesson. It reimagines the British landing at Sydney Cove on 26 January 1788, but from a fresh, powerful (Indigenous) perspective. On this sweltering day, seven clan leaders gather on a sandstone escarpment overlooking the harbour. Beyond the friendly banter, protocols, and hospitality, a momentous decision is waiting to be made. The attendees, six of them Elders and one new initiate, catch-up, laugh together, share a meal and compare notes. Once the welcoming procedures are complete, the group gets down to business: what to do about the fleet of giant ‘nowee’ that have appeared on the horizon and are drawing closer to shore? Who are these newcomers? Should they be welcomed, sent packing, or something more? After all, aren’t visitors meant to leave?

Adding even more excitement to this unit, on Thursday 20 November, our students scored an exclusive chance to meet Jane Harrison herself (via teams)! Jane pulled back the curtain on her creative process, delved into the heart of her characters, and unpacked the powerful issues and motifs woven through her play. Students fired off insightful questions, sparking a lively discussion that took their understanding of the play to a whole new level. It’s been a truly engaging start to the unit – full of inspiration, curiosity, and important conversations.

‘It was simply amazing to be able to talk the writer of “The Visitors”. The experience gave me some incredible insight into the workings, characters, and productions of the play that I otherwise wouldn’t be able to get. Jane was so knowledgeable, and the experience was highly valuable and provided me with a much deeper understanding of the play.’
– Erin Barrett (Year 11)

‘Meeting Jane Harrison was such an incredible experience; hearing her speak about “The Visitors” gave me a whole new appreciation for its complexity and humour. I loved learning how she balances historical truth with dramatic storytelling. It made me even more excited to keep working with the play.’
– Zoë Andrews (Year 11)

‘HSC drama had the thrilling opportunity to speak with Jane Harrison, playwright of The Visitors, a play that has had various successful seasons across Australia, and is currently on its way to New York! This contributed to our HSC studies of Contemporary Australian Theatre Practice, as The Visitors has become a monumental piece of modern Australian theatre, contributing to the retelling of first contact. My favourite takeaway from this was Jane’s understanding that “stories tell us who we are, they tell us what we believe in, and what we think and feel.” Our class is wildly grateful for this opportunity to engage with such an admirable Australian playwright!’
– Seraphine McNamara (Year 11)

– Alisha Vigna
Teacher, Drama

Term 4 Music Highlights 🎶

As we wrap up Term 4, we are thrilled to share the musical achievements and events that have made this term truly memorable. Our students have shown remarkable growth and dedication, and we couldn’t be more proud of their accomplishments.

This term, we hosted a combined Instrumental Festival, featuring Piano, Strings, Band, and Vocal Festivals. These events provided our students with the opportunity to showcase their talents through solo performances. Around 150 students performed on the night. It was heartening to witness the improvement and growth in our students over the last semester.

Another one of the highlights of the term was the String Spectacular. This special evening showcased the talents of around 200 of our string musicians from Year 1 through to Year 12, with performances from both Junior and Senior School co-curricular string ensembles. Families were warmly invited to attend and enjoy a diverse program of works. The event was a true celebration of the musical growth and dedication our students have shown throughout the year, culminating in an outstanding combined finale performed together by all ensembles.

We also had a fantastic Band Soiree, featuring performances from 200 students across our Year 5 to Year 12 band ensembles, as well as our Year 3 and Year 4 curriculum bands. The event showcased the repertoire students have been developing throughout the year, highlighting their musical growth and ensemble skills across all stages of the band program.

Another standout event was MLC School Idol. We were blown away by the high standard of performances this year. It was great to see the whole Senior School cheering on the performers – the energy was electrifying! MLC School Idol served as a wonderful introduction to the force and energy of MLC School for all the 2026 incoming girls that were present. Congratulations to Amélie Wallace (Year 9) for taking the win this year!

Congratulations to Samantha Kelson Gray

Congratulations to our wonderful clarinet tutor Samantha Kelson Gray who enjoyed high tea with the Governor General recently in recognition of her services to Orchestral Music with the Canberra Symphony.

​We would like to thank our students for the continued hard work, efforts and enthusiasm they have shown this year. Thank you to all the families and staff for their continued support. Wishing everyone a lovely break over the festive season, and we look forward to an even bigger year of music in 2026!

– The Music Department

From the Principal

2025 has been a year of remarkable achievement and progress at MLC School underpinned by our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan, which reaffirmed commitment to developing the whole girl within a rich and challenging academic environment.

It is my pleasure to share a snapshot of our progress and achievements with you:

Learning and Teaching

Achievements include a comprehensive mapping of current teaching practices leading to the establishment of Professional Learning Teams in the Senior School that focus on evidence-based approaches and research specific to girls’ education.

The Junior School has strengthened curriculum consistency through team teaching and curriculum modelling, and all Junior School staff have received extensive training in reading instruction. Instructional coaching for all teachers has also been introduced. The introduction of the Nuffield Early Language Intervention (NELI) programs at Pre-Kindergarten has resulted in exceptional growth in literacy for our youngest learners. Our NAPLAN results confirmed the strong growth in learning as students’ progress through the School, with the students in the ‘Exceeding‘ category recorded as two to three times the state average and evidence of learning growth being ranked ‘higher’ or ‘significantly higher’ than like students in other schools.

In the Senior years, academic support initiatives, such as mandatory study periods, the Study Hub, and Study Camps, have been introduced, alongside pilot programs to assess student engagement and progress conversations. Enhanced student tracking systems are now in place for Year 12 students and will be rolled out across the School.

The School has also prioritised attracting and retaining outstanding teachers, expanded subject offerings – such as accelerated mathematics opportunities for selected students and the introduction of Engineering for 2026 – and improved enrichment opportunities and support structures for students, including EAL/D groups, parent support meetings, and Individual Learning Plan reviews.

The appointment of new leaders in High Potential Learning, Learning Enrichment and STEM has been received positively, and we are celebrating the significant increase in participation in STEM and Senior Science.

You can read more about the remarkable work being done in the Teaching and Learning space by clicking here.

Spiritual Life

The successful re-establishment of the JIST (Jesus in School Time) club, which fosters a strong sense of community and spiritual engagement among students, has been very effective in providing an opportunity for interested and committed Christian students to meet. The School has also continued to acknowledge and celebrate its diverse community, ensuring that Chapel services and other celebrations of faith are inclusive and welcoming of all.

The Chapel Captaincy, announced in 2024, has continued to thrive in 2025, with the Captain’s respected and effective leadership contributing to a positive chapel culture. Ongoing refinement of the Chapel schedule and encouragement of student involvement have further strengthened participation in spiritual activities.

The School’s commitment to engagement with the Uniting Church (UC) has been demonstrated through regular meetings with the UC Schools Relationship Manager, student participation in forums led by the Moderator and the strengthening of connections with our Tongan sister school, Queen Salote College.

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Significant enhancements have been implemented to strengthen student pastoral care and wellbeing. The introduction of My Mind Check for Year 9 students enables proactive, regular tracking of student wellbeing, while across the Junior School and Middle Years, Trust Mapping is used to ensure that changes in student connection are proactively monitored.

Comprehensive reviews and further development of pastoral programs in both the Senior and Junior Schools – particularly with a focus on inclusivity in 2025 – reflect a commitment to supporting all students.

Junior School parent engagement has been enhanced through the restructuring of Junior School workshops, which now align with other onsite events and have received positive feedback. Plans are underway for a social media workshop targeting Year 5 or Year 6 parents.

Moving to more face-to-face parent/teacher interviews and Luminary meetings in the Senior School has helped to build stronger connections between teachers and families.

For the first time, reflection on achievements against the graduate attributes was incorporated into the selection of school leaders and they are also being used as part of the refresh of Adventure and Immersion programs, ensuring that there is a consistent understanding of why these programs and developing the attributes are important.

Co–curricular and Service

Significant enhancements have been made to the co–curricular and service programs, with a focus on broadening student opportunities and increasing engagement.

Following feedback from the community, Sport has been an area of focus this year and we have been thrilled with the improvements in participation and quality of performance across the school. At this week’s Sports Awards, over 500 people gathered to celebrate the success of individuals and teams from across the School.

Co-curricular offerings now include greater STEM and Art choices, such as the introduction of VEX Robotics in the Senior School which has led to significantly increased participation and successful competition performance. Our Junior STEM Academy and Co-curricular STEM programs saw record enrolment, with over 95 students in Year 1–Year 6 and 125 students across Year 1–Year 12. 

There is more excitement ahead for our STEM and Robotics programs with the 2026 opening of a new senior STEM laboratory in the Senior Centre, supported by an Alumna’s donation, to enhance advanced STEM learning.

Service learning has also been strengthened, with additional community initiatives like supporting elderly residents and ongoing contributions to Loaves and Fishes and Sony Foundation Camp and the introduction of service activities as part of all immersion experiences. New partnerships are being explored to offer service opportunities both locally and internationally, while efforts are underway to make service learning more purposeful for younger students through the IPSHA Social Action team. Feedback mechanisms, including surveys after adventure and immersion activities, have been introduced to measure program impact and enhance quality.

Staff

Our teaching, professional and operational staff are our most important resources and rightly, there has been ongoing investment in their development and wellbeing. The Staff Senior School common room was redesigned to provide a comfortable gathering space and is encouraging staff connection and a place in which to relax and refresh.

As described above, professional learning for teachers has been completely reviewed and in addition, we have a large number of staff undertaking further study, chosen as HSC and IB markers, involved in professional research collaboration and attending and presenting at conferences nationally and internationally.

Professional and Operational staff reflection processes to identify training needs and foster professional growth. The introduction of a Psychosocial Hazard survey and the development of a related policy, along with scheduled Psychosocial Training for 2026 are also noteworthy.

Community

Community events such as the Parent Welcome Evening, Multigenerational High Tea, Alumnae Awards, Reunions, Sapphires, International Night, Parent Forums and the MLC School Colour Run supporting Sony Foundation Camp provided our community with a range of opportunities to connect and celebrate. NAIDOC Week and Reconciliation Week events confirmed our strong focus and commitment to Indigenous education and our Reconciliation Action Plan.

The School has implemented a range of strategies to strengthen connections with its community. A new Parent Code of Conduct designed to promote positive engagement was launched after consultation with parents and staff.

Parents have been actively involved in a variety of committees, such as the Uniform Committee, and benefited from enhanced communications through Omnia, which has seen strong uptake of the parent portal in conjunction with the MLC School app. Parent workshops and seminars have been conducted for various year levels, with further sessions under development; and the Coffee with the Principal mornings are always well attended.

The Old Girls’ Union (OGU) Choir and a podcast series featuring alumni experiences have fostered intergenerational connections.

Stewardship

The School has made significant strides in risk management, cybersecurity, and data management, ensuring that our approach to student and community safety, operating efficiencies and governance are of the highest quality.

Student Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) was introduced for Year 7 to Year 12, designed to operate without reliance on mobile phones, further strengthening security protocols. The launch of Microsoft CoPilot AI for all staff and the work of the AI Taskforce in deploying AI agents are streamlining administrative and pedagogical processes.

Data-driven decision-making is being supported by initiatives such as data cleansing and the development of trial dashboards. The selection of the new Student Information System, Compass in 2026, will be critical in enabling further use of data in decision making and tracking.

The School has continued to invest in improvements to facilities and grounds to ensure that our students have the best possible learning and outdoor spaces.

I welcome your feedback on our progress on these key initiatives through the survey that was sent on Thursday.

Thank you and farewell to the following teaching staff, who are moving onto new opportunities in 2026.

• Elisa Scala, Deputy Head of Senior School – Academic
• Priscilla Quintaina, IB Coordinator
• Jamie Castrisos, Head of Bands

My thanks to everyone for their involvement and support again this year. I am incredibly proud of the progress that has been made, the commitment and hard work of our teachers and the joy that is evident as our students make their way through the day.

Wishing you a safe and restful break.

I look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026.

– Lisa Moloney
Principal

PS: In exciting news, we launched the new MLC School mascot, Millicent, the bear to all students today – isn’t she gorgeous?! See the header image.

Seasons Greetings

As we celebrate this festive season, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our parents, students, families, and wider community for your support and partnership throughout the year.

May your holidays be filled with joy, peace, and cherished moments, and we look forward to an exciting year ahead together.

*Photo Credit – Unsplash

Exciting News – HSC Showcase Selection

We are delighted to announce that Elissa Kim’s major work has now been Selected for the 2025 HSC Showcase. This is recognition of the highest order. Congratulations!

ARTEXPRESS – HSC Visual Arts

• Elissa Kim – Columned Continuum

‘My artworks aim to show an appreciation of traditional craft, highlighting the lack of it in the modern world today. The different figures embody the significance of history and culture, as it lies within architecture (pillars) representative of that specific time. The use of pillars as the main structure is pertinent as it allows incorporation of patterns and decorous style which are important in representing a period’s values and beliefs. Other than the physical aspect, the pillars hold a metaphorical significance, as it holds connotations of being the supporting system and structure of bigger structures like how old time architecture supports and builds the foundation of what surrounds us today. The large scale of my panels aim to be confronting and eye-opening, criticising how less and less of the emotional, cultural and historical value is represented and appreciated in modern society.’
– Elissa Kim (Year 12)

Congratulations on this outstanding achievement, Elissa.

Read the full list of all the exceptional achievements by our HSC students here

Year 12 IB Important Process Details – From the Acting IB Coordinator

Here is some important information for Year 12 IB students and their parents about the IB results process over December 2025 and January 2026.

Attached, you will find the following resources to help during this important time:

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

Letter from Acting IB Coordinator

• The IB Remark Form for 2025–2026

IB Remark Form for 2025

Please don’t hesitate to contact me via email here if you have any questions or require assistance.

Please also refer to the full UAC Information article from Head of Futures and Pathways, Jo Cilia, in the Year 12 section by clicking here.

– Angela Renwick
Acting IB Coordinator

UAC – Important Information from the Head of Futures and Pathways for Year 12 Graduates

Over the next few weeks, you will receive your HSC results, ATAR/IBAS scores, finalise your UAC preferences, and begin accepting offers. This is an incredibly exciting time as you consider what lays beyond Year 12 and MLC School and begin your next chapter.

This period can also feel overwhelming for some. I want to reassure you that there are numerous pathways and opportunities available to everyone and many ways to achieve your goals! I will be available throughout key dates during results and offers to provide guidance, discuss alternative pathways, and of course to celebrate your successes. Don’t hesitate to reach out – we are here to support you during this time.

Please see below relevant information to help guide you through the upcoming key dates. Do not hesitate to reach out to me, and I wish you the greatest of success in the coming weeks. Please drop a line to let us know of your news and plans for 2026!

ATAR/IBAS release day – Thursday 18 December 2025

How to view your ATAR on the UAC website

• You can access your ATAR via this website on Thursday 18 December 2025. You’ll need your Year 12 student number and UAC PIN.
• Your Year 12 student number: Your 8-digit student number was issued to you by NESA. If you’ve lost it, call NESA on 1300 13 83 23.
• Your UAC PIN: Your 4-digit UAC PIN was issued to you on 2 April 2025. It is different to your HSC PIN. If you lose your UAC PIN, call UAC on (02) 9752 0200.

IB Students: UAC will notify you of your IBAS via email on Thursday 18 December 2025.

Further information about IBAS

CHANGE OF PREFERENCES – by Thursday 18 December 2025, 11.59pm

How to change your course preferences

OFFER RELEASE – Tuesday 23 December 2025, 7.30am

• Notifications sent via email and recorded in the UAC application.
• You may receive one offer per round based on their highest eligible preference.
• To be considered for other courses, you can accept an offer, remove it from their preferences, and adjust them for the next round.
• If you receive offers in multiple rounds, you may accept a new offer and withdraw from previously accepted offers.

 Pathways to your dream degree

Applying for uni next year but worried that you won’t meet the ATAR requirements for your dream degree? Most institutions offer pathway options for applicants who don’t meet the standard entry criteria for their courses. Often, you’ll be able to find a different avenue into the course you’re aiming for.

If you don’t get an offer into your chosen degree because you haven’t met the required lowest selection rank, you could start an alternative undergraduate course with a lower entry rank. Once you’ve successfully completed the first year of that degree, and have results that will improve your selection rank, you can then apply again for the degree you really want.

How to transfer to a different degree.

Please find attached useful information to assist you through the University admissions process:

UAC key dates

UAC ATAR Essentials Guide

Applying for Uni in NSW and ACT

Educational Access Scheme – application guide

Medicine/Dentistry/VET key dates

University Information Days Thursday 18 December 2025

Get the information and advice you need before UAC preferences close.

All metropolitan universities will hold information sessions and campus tours. Speak to the admissions team and academics about your pathways and degree-specific questions. Click on the buttons below:

University of Sydney

UNSW

UTS

Notre Dame

Macquarie University

– Jo Cilia
Head of Futures and Pathways

Thank you and Happy holidays from MLC School P&F

Looking back over the past year there have certainly been some highlights in our School calendar. The Principal’s Welcome drinks at the beginning of the year, the amazing Sydney Opera House Concert involving the whole School and the Mother’s Day Classic in May where we had over 100 walkers and runners representing MLC School and who starred in a live interview segment on the TODAY show.

Last Friday, we held our very first Christmas (Santa’s) Sing-a-long event which had a beautiful festive vibe. Thank you to our parent volunteers who cooked sausages, set up tables and worked as a team on the night. Thank you also to all the students who attended, helped out and made us sell out of sausages! You were awesome! The night wouldn’t have happened without the support of Elizabeth Gilberthorpe, Assistant Director of Music, Trevor Mee, Director of Music and Alice Chance, Head of Composition, who were all present after hours to help with the music items. The performers were brilliant, had everyone bopping, and it was very special to have the OGU Choir attend for their very first performance. We were also very grateful for Principal Lisa Moloney, Deputy Principal Melissa Boyd and Head of Senior School, Joanna Graffen, who joined us in true Christmas spirit. We look forward to doing it again next year.

The P&F held three parent forums this year, Susan McLean, Paul Dillon and RespectED. All were very relevant and popular amongst parents, and the feedback was incredibly positive from those who attended. We held our annual dinner at Onyx Grill, Crowne Plaza Burwood with a lovely gathering of parents from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. The P&F Second Hand Uniform Shop has continued to grow and is a welcome resource for our families. We continued the tradition of gifting the Year 12 cohort with a signature book and pen which they truly value and are very appreciative of. The P&F proudly donated a lighting upgrade to the Birdbath Quad this year and have contributed towards a substantial new playground for the Junior School.

As my term as P&F President now comes to an end, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to those who I have worked with closely over this time. I have met so many wonderful parents, students and staff and have enjoyed all the experiences that have come with the role. The P&F works very closely with the School Executive Team, and I would personally like to thank Lisa Moloney, Melissa Boyd, Joanna Graffen, Michele Dunn, Head of Marketing and Community Relations, and Jillian Avramis, Event Manager, for their ongoing support of the P&F. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated leaders in our school who care and work diligently for the benefit of our girls.

Thank you to all the P&F members, and especially those who are finishing their time at MLC School with daughters in Year 12. I wish Judy MacIntyre all the best as she steps into the President role and I look forward to working with the MLC School P&F again in 2026.

Wishing all our families a Merry Christmas and safe and happy holidays.

– Felicity Clemens
MLC School P&F President

Congratulations to the 2026 P&F Members

Final Details for Speech Day and Speech Night

Final detail emails have been sent to all families regarding Speech Day and Speech Night Final Details.

From the Head of Junior School for Year 3 to Year 6 Speech Day

Click here to read final details email – From the Head of Junior School

From the Head of Senior School for Year 7 to Year 12

Click here to read final details email – From the Head of Senior School

Speech Day and Speech Night Tickets – Book Now

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

Term 1 2026 Bus Registrations Now Open

Parents and carers wishing their daughters to use the MLC School buses should pay for Term 1 2026 travel before Tuesday 20 January 2026. Please make sure you select a stop on the appropriate route – morning (AM stop) and/or afternoon (PM stop) .

A reminder to check your daughter’s co-curricular timetable before booking.

Click here to register and pay

Buses commence on Tuesday 28 January 2026 and all travellers must be fully paid.

Relive the Magic of the 17th Sydney Opera House Concert

Fate fortune fantasy, MLC School’s 17th Sydney Opera House Concert, continued the outstanding tradition of the School coming together to perform under the sails of this iconic venue.

In a nod to the past and view to the future, we continue to share a wide variety of music at MLC School.

For those who couldn’t attend and for those who would like to relive the experience, please click on the video below to view the Showcase. (You may need to scroll down on the image.)

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

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.

Dare to be More Podcast Episode 3 – 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. 

Podcast Episode 4 and Episode 5 will be available during the holiday break. Social media announcements will advise when these are live.

Senior School Photo Day 2026 – Pre-Orders Open Now

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

Monday 2 February 2026

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

Advanced Life Link

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: 9DY JGM 577

• 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.

– Studies Office

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

Year 6 Musical – We Will Rock You! Tonight and Saturday Night

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

Last Day of Term and Term Dates for 2026

Last Day of Term 4

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.

2026 Term Dates

Term Dates for 2026 be found in Omnia here or on the MLC School Website by clicking here.

Term 1
Tuesday 27 January 2026
Commencement Day
Commencement event for all Year 7 and all new students and parents Pre-Kindergarten to Year 11

Tuesday 27 January 2026
Term 1 starts for all Year 7 and all new students in Year 5 to Year 11

Wednesday 28 January to Thursday 2 April 2026
* Start dates will vary depending on academic year and if new to the School. More information below.

• Wednesday 28 January 2026 – First day of Term 1 for Year 1 to Year 12 students
• Thursday 29 January 2026 – First day of Term 1 for Pre-Kindergarten 5-day program students
• Friday 30 January 2026 – First day of Term 1 for Kindergarten students
• Monday 2 February 2026 – First day of Term 1 for Pre-Kindergarten 3-day program students

Term 2
Tuesday 21 April to Friday 26 June 2026

Term 3
Tuesday 21 July to Friday 18 September 2026

Term 4
Tuesday 13 October to Tuesday 8 December 2026
* Pre-K to Year 2 students finish on Friday 4 December 2026
Term 4 ends for Year 3 to Year 6 and Year 7 to Year 12. Attendance at Speech Day/Speech Night is compulsory.

*Photo Credit – Unsplash

Highlights in Learning and Teaching in 2025

It has been a very reflective and productive year in learning at MLC School. We started the year with a very thorough results analysis, leading us to some excellent initiatives in 2026.

Study Camp, Study Hub and Study periods

To complement our excellent Study Hub+ program, we introduced after free after hours study sessions for Year 11 and Year 12 girls which is staffed by MLC School teachers on Monday to Thursday. These sessions afford students a quiet space to study and they have been incredibly popular. We also introduced Study Camp for Year 12 girls in the June/July and September holidays. Girls could attend revision workshops, collaborate in the open area, study privately or receive help from our Study Hub+ mentors. Additionally, students in Year 11 and Year 12 were engaged in supervised study periods this year with a teacher. The girls thrived on the opportunity to study in a structured, disciplined way.

Student engagement reporting and progress conversations

This year, MLC School piloted assessing student engagement. Engagement and effort are the strongest predictors of academic success. Students in Year 11 and Year 12 were assessed in key areas of persistence, organisation, risk-taking, initiative, and task management. Parents were invited in to support the girls in a self-reflection on their learning. Year 10 Engagement data was used to help girls make the best decisions for their Year 11 pattern of study.

Broadened range of subject offerings

To cater for our diverse learners, MLC School has expanded its offerings in Stage 5 (Year 9 and Year 10) and Stage 6 (Year 11 and Year 12). Engineering Technology will run for the first time in Year 9 2026 with two classes. Society and Culture has been introduced for girls doing the HSC and Business Services VET has also been introduced. Girls who complete the workplace requirements and the HSC examination in a VET course are able to get an HSC and an industry-recognised Certificate II or Certificate III. Did you know Certificate III students are able to get early entry at ACU? See Jo Cilia, Head of Futures and Pathways or Nicole Massara, Careers and VET Coordinator for more info!

Acceleration opportunities

To support our girls working beyond their year level in Mathematics, acceleration opportunities have been introduced this year. We will have our first cohort of accelerants complete the HSC in Year 11 in 2026. Opportunities for acceleration begin in Year 9. For enquiries about acceleration in Maths, please contact Phuong Do, Acting Head of Department – Mathematics.

We are also proud to offer Studies of Religion 1 as an accelerated option for our HSC girls. We have a large cohort of Year 11 girls undertaking this compressed course in 2026, and we are all very excited! Students will be able to bank these units, giving them further study time in Year 12. They will also have early exposure to what the examinations are like and this is great preparation for Year 12.

Outstanding new professional learning opportunities for teachers

We successfully launched the MLC School Professional Learning Teams Pilot Model, underpinned by the research of Dr Simon Breakspear and Helen Timperley et al.’s Spiral of Inquiry. Through this model, staff collaboratively identified five key learner observations and reframed these into puzzles of practice. Educators then self-selected into inquiry groups, each facilitated by teacher leaders, to engage with contemporary research and illustrations of practice. Each team implemented a targeted strategy within a structured sprint cycle, measuring impact on student learning and success.

W also introduced innovative, opt-in Professional Learning opportunities designed to foster a culture of deep learning and professional curiosity. Initiatives included:

• Chapter Collective: A reimagined book club that ran for six weeks, where facilitators curated readings or podcasts and guided participants through structured routines for unpacking ideas.
• Lesson Study PL: A collaborative model enabling teachers to work 1:1 with the Director of Professional Practice to co-plan, co-teach, and co-reflect, promoting iterative improvement and shared expertise.
• Embedded a culture of observation and reflection, with the Director of Professional Practice actively engaging as a learner, observer, and participant in over fifty classrooms throughout the semester. Insights from these observations have informed a comprehensive mapping of the learning landscape. These findings will underpin the development of the MLC School Approaches to Teaching and Learning framework, alongside Professional Learning Team outcomes, across 2026–2027.

• Strengthened faculty-level practice through targeted support in curriculum programming, feedback strategies, skill continuum development, and the creation of a faculty writing continuum. These initiatives aim to ensure alignment, coherence, and progression in student learning experiences.

Providing Individualised Support for Teachers

The Director of Professional Practice offers timely, personalised support, including on-demand coaching, collaborative problem-solving, and practical guidance. This responsive approach helps teachers refine practice, build confidence, and implement evidence-informed strategies when they need them most.

Instructional Coaching and the Impact Cycle
The first cohort of teachers has commenced the Growth Coaching International: Impact Cycle as part of our Instructional Coaching program. This process is proving highly valuable in fostering reflective practice, targeted goal-setting, and measurable improvements in student outcomes. The Coaching Team are engaged in blue sky thinking for how this might look, sound and feel at MLC School for maximum teacher and growth and student impact.

Partnership with AIS Hub Schools and Teacher Internships
MLC School has launched a strategic partnership with AIS Hub Schools, securing two teaching interns for the upcoming year. This initiative is designed to encourage and support emerging educators, providing them with a rich, mentored experience within our learning community. A rigorous selection process ensures we attract and develop the best talent aligned with MLC School’s vision and standards of excellence.

Building the MLC School Professional Learning Framework
We are in the process of designing and implementing the MLC School Professional Learning Framework, which will launch next year. This framework is grounded in our belief that the ‘MLC girl is at the heart of everything we do, and so are the educators who inspire, guide, and grow alongside her’. It will provide a clear, cohesive structure for professional growth, integrating research-informed practices, collaborative inquiry, and personalised development pathways. The framework aims to cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that every educator is empowered to deliver exceptional learning experiences that reflect our values and aspirations.

Junior School

• Implementation of evidence-based structured synthetic phonics program. This has lead to significant improvement in early reading scores (Kindergarten to Year 2).

Reading Instruction in Junior School

• Use of evidence-based reading assessment program that aligns with new teaching and learning programs. This screener takes a few minutes per student and gives us very targeted data, which we are using to deliver great Tier-2 interventions. For example, we can identify quite quickly whether a student is struggling with phonemic awareness, fluency or vocabulary and we can use this data to create small-group targeted interventions. 

Instructional coaching in Junior School

• Instructional coaching has focused on daily review, modelling, guided practice, checks for understanding and explicit teaching. We are seeing excellent practice in daily review, in particular. I’ve had a couple of teachers tell me they are seeing huge improvement in learning as a result of daily review.

Oral Language Program – Pre-Kindergarten

• Introduction of NELI (Nuffield Early Learning Intervention) in Pre–Kindergarten. This is an explicit instruction program aimed at developing oral language skills in early learners. It is particularly appropriate for our heavy EAL/D population and has given teachers much more confidence in delivering literacy and vocabulary lessons.

High Potential Learning Leaders and new program

• MLC School has employed two High Potential Learning Leaders, Amy Kirk and James Adams to enrich and extend the learning of our high potential students. This year, James led the lunch time Horizons program, which was designed to extend the thinking of our girls in areas such as psychology, leadership and philosophy. We kicked off our initial teacher–PD sessions in educating high potential learners in Term 4, and we will extend the focus to how we challenge all of our girls at their point of need in 2026. Look out for a raft of new opportunities in the high potential space in 2026. Read more about this here.

Learning Enhancement Initiatives

• We welcomed our outstanding Director of Learning Enhancement, Stephanie Dimitrelis. The focus for this new team has primarily been on getting to know the girls and their families, and developing a shared understanding of how LED works to support the girls.
• We introduced a Getaway space for girls needing a quiet space to retreat from the noise and rush of senior school life. This space will be extended to the Junior School in 2026. LED invited parents into a series of Check and Connect sessions to foster connection between families and the staff supporting the needs of girls. These proved to be highly popular events. Additionally, more than 100 families have met with our team to talk about the learning needs of each girl, and to developing shared understanding as to how we work together to enhance learning.
• Read more about this here.

eLearning Achievements for 2025 

In 2026, the eLearning program at MLC School continued to evolve, delivering a wide range of impactful achievements across staff, students, and the wider community

Artificial Intelligence Integration

• Full Copilot licence for staff, with a co-created rollout plan and AI acceptable use policy.
• Faculty-specific Copilot workshops and whole-school professional learning sessions focused on practical AI use and pedagogical integration.
• Collaboration with AI expert Leon Furze for workshops, presentations, and documentation.
• Optional workshops on effective AI use, including Copilot, Padlet, Canva, and Diffit.
• Active AI Taskforce and JS ICT, with regular meetings and action facilitation.

Canvas (LMS) Automation and Course Design

• Automation between Canvas and TT, ensuring correct access for staff and students – a first for the school.
• Streamlined course structures (sections vs. blueprints) for improved accessibility.
• Weekly Schedule feature supporting student learning, staff collaboration, and real-time data for Heads of Department.
• Creation of faculty-specific templates for course creation (PDHPE, Languages, Visual Arts, Mathematics).
• Rubric development and implementation in marking processes for select faculties.

Workshops and Resources

• Sessions on weekly schedule editing, announcements vs. assignments, and top DesignPLUS tools for Canvas course design.
• Student engagement rubric creation and accessibility for Year 10 to Year 12.
• Instructional videos and step-by-step resources for students.
• Data export for reporting and analysis.

Student Cybersafety and Digital Skills

• Presentations on cybersafety topics: group chat etiquette, deepfakes, digital footprint, online dating, time management, respectful relationships, trolling, and social media delay (Year 4–Year 9).
• AI education for Year 7–Year 9: understanding AI, using AI as a study assistant, research, and modelling.
• Digital skills training: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneDrive, To Do, Quizlet, and Padlet.
• Time management using Microsoft apps.

Faculty and Parent Support

• Targeted faculty support (eg:Year 6 PDHPE, Year 2 Touch Typing, Year 9 Geography with Canva).
• New Staff induction meeting
• Parent webinars and presentations on eLearning and cybersafety for all year groups.
• Information sessions for new students and parents.

Wider Community Engagement

• Presentations at AIS Conference, IPSGA, and St Augustine’s College.
• Podcast episode sharing eLearning insights.
• MITIE conference @ MLC School

– Melissa McMahon
Head of Learning and Teaching

From the Learning Enhancement Department

Thank you to our parent community!

It has been truly wonderful to meet with more than 100 families this term as we plan and personalise learning enhancement for students in 2026. The Learning Enhancement Department appreciates your time, trust, and collaboration during these discussions.

The Term 4 Parent Check and Connect Morning was an opportunity to share MLC School’s commitment to fostering flexible, inclusive learning environments that adapt to students’ evolving needs. Thank you parents for attending. We strive to ensure students who engage with the Learning Enhancement Department feel a sense of belonging and are supported at their point of need.

With dedicated staff for both personalised academic support and high potential learning, collaboration with parents remains a priority. This includes regular review cycles and active consultation. In 2026, student voice will also be incorporated, starting with Year 9, to further tailor learning experiences.

2026 Expanded offerings:

A staged rollout of High Potential Learning Programs will begin in the Middle Years in 2026. As well, academic support interventions will continue. 2026 Offerings include:

• Expansion of the Horizons Program
• da Vinci Decathlon
• Ethics Olympiad
• Writer’s Club
• 1–1 Mentoring
• Philosophy in schools 2026
• Transition Program
• Expanding the suite of Multi-lit offerings
• Introduction of evidence-based intervention programs for Mathematics in some years

Communication

We encourage open communication with families and provides regular updates via Audacia (newsletter). All parents and students are invited to engage with the department, as appropriate, to ensure equitable access to these enriching opportunities.

Conclusions from Horizons 2025 Program – From the High Potential Learning Leader

As the term comes to a close, we have reviewed the immense academic depth accomplished through the pilot Horizons Program this semester. The 16 participating Year 7 and Year 8 students have used a Princeton University textbook to explore the most infamous psychological experiments of the twentieth century.

This term, as a final demonstration of their learning, students have been asked to write an extended response on the following, paradoxical question: ‘The most infamous psychological experiments of the twentieth century furthered our understanding of human nature not despite their disregard of ethical standards, but precisely because of them –  Discuss’ In this response, students are expected to synthesise a wide swathe of psychological experiments learnt across the term, and then evaluate the relative costs of achieving psychological breakthroughs at the expense of following ethical guidelines.

In 2026, we look forward to exploring new ‘beyond the curriculum’ topics and expanding the Horizons program to Stages 3, 4 and 5.

For questions or further information, contact led@mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au.

– James Adams
High Potential Learning Leader

Wishing you a restful Christmas Season.

– Stephanie Dimitrelis
Director of Learning Enhancement

Professional Practice Report

Professional Learning Team Wrap Up and Mini Conference

As we close out this term, our Professional Learning Teams have much to celebrate. Over the past weeks, educators have engaged in dynamic sprints focused on enhancing practice, deepening curriculum understanding, and driving student success. These short, purposeful cycles have allowed teachers to experiment, reflect, and refine strategies that make a real impact in classrooms.

To cap off this incredible journey, we hosted a PLT Mini Conference – a vibrant showcase of innovation and collaboration. Teachers stepped into the role of facilitators, leading Masterclasses and Workshops that highlighted their sprint outcomes. From practical classroom strategies to creative approaches for assessment and engagement, each session reflected the passion and expertise within our team.

The energy in each of the spaces was inspiring. Colleagues shared insights, exchanged ideas, and left with actionable takeaways to elevate their practice. This event was not just a celebration of what we’ve achieved – it was a springboard for what’s next. Together, we’ve built a culture of continuous learning, and the ripple effect will be felt across our schools.

Click here for the Mini PLT pdf

Chapter Collective

Our recent Chapter Collective sessions have sparked rich discussion and practical insights for classroom practice. In Week 6, we explored David Yeager’s work on growth mindset and adolescent motivation, unpacking strategies to foster resilience and purpose in our students. This conversation reminded us of the power of language and relationships in shaping learner confidence. Moving into Week 7, our focus was on ‘pacing’ from Teach Like a Champion, which examines techniques to maintain lesson momentum and keep students engaged without sacrificing depth. We know that clear transitions and varied activity structures can transform classroom energy.

These sessions continue to strengthen our collective expertise and commitment to high-impact teaching.

– 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 (please note they run till Wednesday only next week).

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+ Bookings Now Open for Term 1 2026

Nomination Form for Term 1 2026 Study Hub+

Over the past year, we’ve been delighted to see a steady increase in students taking part in Study Hub+, particularly in Year 8 and Year 9. Many families have shared that the program has been a valuable space for students to build on their prior learning, stay on top of homework and develop positive and consistent study routines. Our mentors also play an important role in strengthening students’ understanding of their classwork, something especially helpful at a time when using AI tools can sometimes leave students unsure about the task or concept they are working on. It has been wonderful to see students becoming more confident, independent and engaged in their learning.

As we approach the end of the academic year, we are now opening enrolments for Study Hub+ in Term 1 2026.

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 1 2026. 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 2pm on their scheduled day, confirming their session and assigned room.​

Cancellation Policy:

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

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

Nomination Form for Term 1 2026 Study Hub+

Important Messages

On Tuesday night we celebrated the year that was in sport at MLC School. It was a great celebration of individual athletes and teams. Thank you to all the parents and families that attended. We were lucky enough to have Melissa Wu, five times Olympic diver come and speak to us. She was inspirational in telling us how she was able to overcome the challenges in her diving career to be able to achieve the amazing things that she has done. The major award winners from the night are as follows:

• Senior School Team of the Year: IGSA Athletics team
• Junior School Team of the Year: Division 5 Skier X team
• Para Athlete of the Year: Gem McGuire (Year 4)
• Junior School Athlete of the Year: Eloise Dastyari (Year 6)
• Senior School Athlete of the Year: Georgia Coxsedge (Year 9)

Congratulations to all the awards winners and every single MLC School student who has played sport for MLC School this year.

New Assistant Director of Sport

At the Sports Awards we also welcomed our new Assistant Director of Sport, Francesca Fitzhenry. A little bit about Francesca: not only has she come to us from a sport coordinating background but she has 15 years of experience as an elite swimmer and has been a Junior Dolphin on the Australian Team. She is a 3 x National Age Gold Medallist and has competed at two Olympic Trials, placing in the top 8 for both 200 and 400 IM. Francesca has also completed a Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science and a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport Management at UTS, where she was also a valued member of the UTS Elite Athlete Program. Francesca is joining us next week.

Sport in Term 1 2026

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

Please ensure you sign up for sport this week, we do need to enter teams into competitions by the end of the school year so don’t miss out on a spot by waiting!

Scott and I hope everyone has an active and great holiday break and we look forward to an exciting 2026.

Thanks for your support!

– Acting Directors of Sport

Around The Grounds

Tennis

This past Saturday, IGSA MLC01 demonstrated exceptional tennis against a solid Santa Sabina team. Securing a 5/3 victory. Santa Sabina, who was leading our pool with strong wins against Pymble, posed a tough challenge. The MLC School team maintained their cohesion, experimenting with doubles pairings in preparation for next season. Isabella Munoz and Hannah Olsson paired up and achieved a good win, showcasing excellent net play. However, the pairing of Yasmine Allam and Georgia Delis faced a tough match against Santa Sabina’s top team.

After the doubles matches, the teams were tied, making the singles matches crucial. Captain Yasmine  Allam led by example, winning her match 6/4.  Isabella and Georgia excelled with sharp game plans, both securing 6/1 victories. Due to time constraints, we couldn’t play the next two doubles matches. 

Overall, a 5/3 win was a fantastic effort and an impressive performance, especially considering the absence of Lana McLean. Congratulations to MLC01!

– Ludo Catherine
Head Coach

Water Polo

MLC01 Water Polo

MLC01 has had an incredible season this term. While we sit third on the table, the standings don’t reflect the determination and passion the team has shown. Last Saturday, we faced a tough match and went down 16-7, but it highlighted the team’s resilience and never-give-up attitude. Every player fought hard, showing the improvement and teamwork we’ve built throughout the season. With one game left this weekend, it’s inspiring to see how far we’ve come. Let’s hope we can finish strong and go out with a bang.

– Zoe Pollard (Year 11)

MLC02 Water Polo

This week MLC02 faced off Abbotsleigh in a difficult water polo match. In a fast-paced and competitive match, our team showed determination and strong teamwork despite a 12-9 loss to Abbotsleigh. The game stayed tight through all four quarters, with both sides trading goals and applying constant pressure. Abbotsleigh capitalised on a few quick counterattacks and power plays, which ultimately created a gap on the scoreboard. Our defence worked hard throughout the game, especially under repetitive drives from Abbotsleigh’s points. Even under heavy pressure, our players communicated well and recovered quickly after turnovers. In attack, we created strong opportunities and kept momentum with several impressive goals from the perimeter and forced exclusions that put Abbotsleigh on the back foot multiple times. 

The team remained resilient from start to finish, refusing to let the scoreline define the intensity of play. Even in the final minutes, we continued pushing for goals and applying pressure, showing great determination and sportsmanship. Despite the loss, the match showcased excellent effort, teamwork, and improvement.

– Melisande Pitman (Year 9)

MLC03 Water Polo

Our MLC03 waterpolo team has had a great term, full of teamwork, enthusiasm, and lots of improvement! I am so grateful for a wonderful coach, Bridget who taught us so many skills! So many people have developed stronger passing, shooting, mushroom setup, and swimming! The team’s communication and encouragement in the water makes every game enjoyable. This term has been a term full of fun, with every player playing an important part! 

– Ashley Clapham (Year 7)

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 we celebrate Beatrix Marriott (Year 8), Santa Sabina Volleyball. Beatrix hurt her foot and is wearing a boot – she has attended every single game and training session this term, even stepping in as Assistant Coach. She has shown the ultimate MLC School spirit!

– Acting Directors of Sport

Weekend Fixtures

Saturday 29 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

Cadets – NSW 2nd Brigade Leadership Day

On Saturday 22 November, we travelled to Randwick Barracks to attend the NSW 2nd Brigade Cadet Leadership Day. We had an amazing experience, getting to interact and discuss leadership topics with other senior leaders from across NSW school units. We heard many insightful talks from guest speakers including an Australian Army Brigadier, AAC Lieutenants, and the outgoing National CUO, who all spoke about their experiences in their roles and different styles of leadership, drawing inspiration for our roles within the MLCSACU.

A concept that resonated with us was that we are ‘planting seeds in a garden we never get to see’. This notion is incredibly relevant to us as we begin our new unit, developing new initiatives and hopefully leaving behind a legacy that continues for years to come. We were then presented to by SET-C, a team whose purpose is to help cadets transition to careers after completion of their cadet service and support the ADF application process. We felt that this information was valuable and are looking forward to bringing it back to our unit, to assist any cadets who may benefit from this. Finally, we were given the opportunity to split into Syndicate Groups and have discussions with the leaders of other units, we ran through scenarios and how we would approach them. Overall, it was a valuable experience, giving us the chance to connect with other leaders, and provided us with information that we are looking forward to bringing back to our own unit.

– Senior Under Officer CUO Olivia Ebel (Year 11)
– Regimental Sergeant Major WO1 Evelyn Kerr (Year 11)
– Adjutant CUO Rhiti Bhatta (Year 11)

Debating Update: End of 2026 Season

As the Debating season draws to a close, I would like to acknowledge the dedication of our students and coaches, who have been engaged in debates almost continuously since early February. Our most recent event was the selection trials for the 2026 Year 8–Year 12 competition debating teams, while trials for Year 6 and Year 7 will take place in Week 2 of Term 1 next year. All eligible students will be sent an email in Week 1 with a link to register for these trials.

Last Friday, eight of our teams participated in the IDC finals. Reaching the Octo-finals and Quarter Finals is a significant accomplishment. The Year 6 MLC 3 team showed great determination in their Quarter Final but were narrowly defeated. In the Junior division, the MLC 13 and MLC 10 Year 8 teams both competed in the Octo-finals, with MLC 12 advancing to the Quarter Final before being eliminated.

In the Senior division, four teams competed in the Octo-finals. MLC 16 (Year 9) concluded their season at this stage, while MLC 15 (Year 9), MLC 17 (Year 10), and MLC 18 (Year 11) advanced to the Quarter Finals. Despite the challenge of participating in back-to-back debates, all three teams performed admirably. MLC 15 and MLC 17 faced each other in the Quarter Final, with MLC 15 (Year 9) emerging victorious. Our most senior team, MLC 18, progressed to the Semi Finals.

This Friday, two Senior teams will compete in the Semi Finals, with the opportunity to participate in the Grand Final should they succeed.

I extend my sincere gratitude to all parents and carers for their unwavering support of our debaters and coaches throughout what has been MLC School’s most successful debating year to date.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator

Regional Exchange Update

My time in Tasmania, Launceston was amazing and unforgettable. The experience of a new school, with new peers, and a new environment was so enjoyable, and fun. I travelled all around Tasmania.

We went to Hobart, Bruney island, Bridport, Deven port and Cradle Mountain to name a few. Spending time and living in a different house with my exchange was amazing and a really great experience. Overall, it was one of the best times and I would really recommend it to everyone.

– Olivia Burke (Year 8)

Model United Nations New Co-curricular Program

Overview of the MUN Program

Many high schools recognise the importance of a co-curricular program that facilitates participation in Model United Nations (MUN) events throughout Sydney, Australia, and worldwide. At MLC School, we are excited to introduce two dedicated MUN classes during term time: a Junior class for Year 7 and Year 8, held from 3.30 to 4.30pm, and a Senior class for Year 9 to Year 12, running from 4.30pm to 6pm, both scheduled on Thursdays. These sessions will be guided by experienced Model UN alumni who bring a wealth of practical knowledge to the classroom, focusing on teaching the fundamentals of MUN and preparing students for future conferences and events run by UN Youth Australia, including the Evatt Competition, NSW Voice Competition and NSW Negotiations competition.

Link to enrol for MUN Co-curricular

Benefits of Participating in MUN

Engaging in Model United Nations offers a wide range of advantages for students. Participation not only enhances your resume, making you a stronger candidate for university admissions or job opportunities, but it also boosts your self-confidence and equips you with valuable skills in leadership, diplomacy, and global awareness.

Skills Developed Through MUN

Leadership Skills: Students will learn how to take initiative and effectively lead discussions, honing abilities that are essential in academic and professional settings.

Public Speaking Confidence: The program provides opportunities to practice and improve public speaking, helping participants overcome stage fright and communicate clearly in front of large audiences.

Teamwork and Networking: Through collaboration, students will work alongside peers from diverse backgrounds, building connections and learning the value of teamwork in achieving common goals.

Any questions please email Andrea Rowe by email here.

– Dr Andrea Rowe
Oratory Co-ordinator

Round Square Mural

This year, Round Square representatives have taken on the challenge of representing our IDEALS in a school mural (this can be found on the cafe wall opposite the F Block art rooms). We hope that this mural will represent what our international group is all about: collaboration, leadership, and service with purpose. Each part of this mural represents a different facet of Round Square, Adventure, Service, Democracy, Environmentalism, Internationalism, and Leadership, and the finished piece is a reminder that real change begins with small, shared actions. This mural isn’t about titles or experiences; it’s about students who want to make a positive difference and support others while doing it.

As we look to next year, MLC School will have the exciting opportunity to support Barker College in hosting the International Round Square Conference, welcoming student delegates from across the world. The themes of collaboration, service, and global citizenship that will shape the conference are the same values reflected in our new Round Square mural.

More than just an artwork, the mural is designed to feel like an open invitation, a space where like-minded people can recognise themselves, feel encouraged to get involved, and know they’ll be welcomed. Its message mirrors what Round Square is about: students supporting one another, celebrating differences, and working together for good. As we prepare to greet schools from across the globe next year, the mural sets the tone for who we are and the community we hope to share, one that is warm, inclusive, and driven by purpose.
– Melisande Pitman (Year 9)

This mural draws its inspiration from Round Square student groups of years past. Long before the Bird Bath Quad existed, Round Square Week, then known as Rainbow Week, came alive in Palm Court, where students gathered for celebrations, singalongs, and dance parties. The window that once stood where the mural is now installed was traditionally painted each year by students to reflect that year’s theme.

Thank you to Khushii Varma, our 2025 Round Square and Community Captain, and her team for developing the initial designs. An extra special shoutout must also go to Melisande Pitman, whose leadership has brought the project to life, rallying students to add a brushstroke in passing or devoting lunch times and afternoons to the evolving vision.

– Xavier Maling
Teacher

Click on image gallery for full size images.

December and January Holiday Productions

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.

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