From the Principal Team

Dear staff, parents, carers, students and friends of the College,

Welcome back to Term Four! We hope all our students, staff and families enjoyed a restful break and had the opportunity to spend time with the people who matter most to them. We look forward to a busy and rewarding final term, with plenty of opportunities for learning, celebration and connection across our College community.

Week One has begun with our School Review, an important opportunity to reflect on our progress, celebrate our strengths and identify where we can continue to improve. The review will help shape our direction for the next four years, keeping student learning and wellbeing at the centre of our planning. Thank you to the parents, students and teachers who have participated in focus groups and provided valuable insights for the review team. Your willingness to share your experiences, perspectives and ideas is greatly appreciated. Hearing from across our community helps us build a fuller understanding of what is working well and where we need to focus our efforts.

Over the school holidays, a number of our staff generously gave up their time to run exam preparation sessions for our Year 12 students. These sessions were well attended and warmly received, providing valuable opportunities for students to consolidate their learning, ask questions and build confidence ahead of their final examinations. Thank you to the staff involved for your dedication and care, and well done to the students who made the most of this support. Our VCE Vocational Major (VM) students are completing their final assessments this week, with presentation interviews being conducted for all our VCE VM graduates. These interviews provide an opportunity for students to reflect on their learning, share their achievements and discuss their future pathways. We congratulate them on their hard work and the progress they have made throughout their time at the College.

Term Four is a significant time for all our Year 12 students as they complete their studies and prepare for the next stage of their lives. We wish those preparing for examinations every success and encourage them to draw on the support of their teachers, families and peers. We look forward to celebrating with all our Year 12 students at their Valedictory, recognising their achievements, contributions and the many memories they have created during their time at Mornington Secondary College.

For all students, this term is an opportunity to build on their progress, maintain positive learning habits and finish the year with pride in their efforts. Our values of Respect, Community and Achievement will continue to guide us as we work towards excellence for every student, in every class, every day.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. We look forward to sharing a positive and successful Term Four with you all.

Kind regards,

Adam Slater

Principal

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Important Dates

Dates correct at time of posting and subject to change.

Students of the Week

Oliver Hogan - Year 7

Favourite food: Steak & Chips

Hobbies out of school: Beach, swimming, gaming 

Favourite movie/TV show: Ice-Age

Do you have any pets? No pets currently. We had 2 dogs and 3 cats in the UK. 

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? The Gumbuya World excursion coming up later in the year 

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Sport, recess and lunch. 

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? A robotics engineer

What's one skill you have that makes you unique?  IT and gaming

What three words best describe you? Sporty, friendly, smart

Lola Franks - Year 7

Favourite food: Tacos

Hobbies out of school: I like to ride my bike with friends 

What sports team do you follow? Richmond Tigers Footy Club

Favourite movie/TV show: Coraline

Do you have any pets?  Two dogs names Franky and Heidi

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Making more friends

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The canteen, the wellbeing programs, cooking and PE

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? To be a singer

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I can wink with both eyes

What three words best describe you? Passionate, silly, caring

Year 10 Work Experience

During the final week of Term 3, our Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in Work Experience, gaining valuable insight into the world of work and exploring a range of career pathways.

Students found placement at a diverse range of employers and organisations, providing them with the opportunity to experience different workplace environments and develop valuable skills. Placements ranged from working on farms and in trades to professional environments such as law offices.

Our teachers visited students at their workplaces or checked in by phone throughout the week, and it was wonderful to hear such positive feedback from students, teachers, and employers. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and embraced the opportunity to step outside the classroom, develop their confidence and gain a greater understanding of what it is like to be part of a workplace.

We would like to thank all the employers and organisations who generously welcomed our students and supported them throughout the week.  Their involvement plays an important role in helping our students explore their interests and make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Fi Cornwall 

VET/Workplacement/Careers 

2027 Production: Seussical Jr

We are excited to announce that Mornington Secondary College’s 2027 production will be Seussical Jr! Step into the colourful, imaginative world of Dr. Seuss and help us bring this heartwarming musical to life.

There are lots of ways to get involved, whether you want to be on stage or behind the scenes. A detailed description of the involvement opportunities can be found in Emily Parker's Compass Newsfeed (5/10/26). Opportunities include:

• Lead roles
• Ensemble
• Dance troupe
• Backstage and Tech

If auditioning for lead roles, please read the Singing & Acting Audition Pack carefully when preparing for your audition. This contains the correct song and/or monologue to prepare for each character. This pack can be found in Emily Parker's Compass Newsfeed (5/10/26).

INFORMATION SESSION: 

Come along to our Seussical Jr Information Session

When: Monday 12 October, lunchtime

Where: Learning Centre

This session is open to anyone interested in being part of the production and is a great opportunity to find out more about the different roles and opportunities available.

Whether you love performing, dancing, singing, creating, designing, building, organising or working behind the scenes, there is a place for you in Seussical Jr!

We can't wait to see you there!

Emily Parker, Sarah Jeffs, Alex Healey

The Production Team

Art Show

Please join us for a celebration of craft and creation from our Year 7–12 art students.

Made by hand

Made by practice

Made by refining

Made by resolving

Made by us

MADE. Art Show 26 will showcase the creativity, skill and dedication of our students across Years 7–12, with a diverse collection of artworks created throughout the year.

Where: The Gallery, M Block Art District

Gala Opening Night: Wednesday 11 November,  4.00–6.00pm

Gallery Showing: Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November, 3.30–5.00pm

We invite our college community to come along, view the work and celebrate the achievements of our young artists.

Year 11OES Grampians Camp

What an incredible trip! Our camp to the Grampians in the last week of Term 3 was filled with challenges, breath-taking views, and memories that will last long after the dust settles on our hiking boots. Between rock climbing and hitting the trails, the kids got a fantastic glimpse into what makes this region so special. We are immensely proud of how everyone stepped out of their comfort zones, looked out for one another, and tackled every challenge with real grit and enthusiasm.

Dragging sleepy students out of their tents at five in the morning on our final day was no easy feat, but the effort paid off instantly. As the sun broke over the landscape at Boroka Lookout, the awe on everyone’s faces and the sheer volume of photos taken, proved it was worth every early alarm. Another massive highlight was tackling the steady uphill ascent from Halls Gap to The Pinnacles. It was a tough, physical hike, but the whole group pushed through to the summit and rewarded those tired legs afterward with a well-earned, refreshing dip in the Venus Baths.

Throughout the trip, we were treated to stunning waterfalls and endless wildlife encounters, spotting everything from grazing wallabies to emus along the trail. The clear night skies were unforgettable. Even though we had to rug up tight for chilly four-degree nights, gathering around the warm campfire under a canopy of stars made the cold completely worth it. There is still so much more that the Grampians has to offer, and we hope this trip sparked a lifelong passion for our students to keep exploring the great outdoors.

A trip like this takes incredible effort behind the scenes, and it wouldn't have been possible without our wonderful team. We extend a huge thank you to everyone who worked behind the scenes to make sure this camp was organised effectively, from our dedicated admin staff right through to the principal team. 

On the ground, a massive thank you to Mick Williams for giving up his precious time away from his family, and to Amelia Vecchi for balancing her busy schedule outside of school hours to make this camp so memorable. 

Madison Nicholls

Maths/OES Teacher

Interschool Sport

Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) Athletics Championships

Congratulations to the MSC Athletics team on their sensational results at the SMR Athletics Championships on the 6th of October.

For some of our students, this was their first time competing at the SMR Championships, and it was fantastic to see them step up and take on the challenge. There were certainly a few nerves throughout the day, but our students showed great courage, determination and sportsmanship as they competed against some of the top track and field athletes in the region.

It was wonderful to see our students supporting and encouraging one another throughout the day. We had many students place in the top three in their events, demonstrating the incredible talent and dedication of our MSC athletes.

Special congratulations to Ethan Sheen, who has qualified for the State Athletics Championships in the 16 Years Boys 800m, and Charlotte Davies, who has qualified in the 15 Years Girls Triple Jump. Both Ethan and Charlotte finished first in their respective events, an outstanding achievement!

The State Athletics Championships will be held on Friday, 16 October 2026, at Lakeside Stadium in Albert Park, Victoria.

We wish Ethan and Charlotte all the very best as they represent MSC at the State Championships!

Alex Mackenzie

Health and PE Teacher

Excursions

Primary School Division Athletics Helpers

A big thank you to our MSC Sports Leadership students for their outstanding work at the Primary School Division Track and Field Championships on the 7th of October.

Our students took on marshalling and officiating duties throughout the competition, helping events run smoothly and ensuring our younger athletes were supported throughout the day.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our Sports Leadership students to represent the College while developing their confidence, communication and organisational skills. Taking responsibility for running events also allowed them to put their leadership skills into practice in a real sporting environment.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students stepped up, demonstrated initiative and contributed positively to the success of the championships.

Well done, MSC Sports Leaders, and thank you for your valuable contribution!

Alex Mackenzie

Health and PE Teacher

Careers

Monash Programs 

Monash Access Mentoring free program pairs secondary school students with a current university student. Through regular 1-on-1 catch-ups, tailored guidance, and hands-on campus experiences, university mentors give real-world advice and encouragement as MSC students step into their future with confidence. 

The benefits of the mentoring program include the opportunity to:

• Explore pathways, courses, and career options that align with unique strengths and goals 
• Get honest, practical answers about real life from balancing workloads to making subject choices. 
• Get exclusive invites to interactive course workshops and real campus visits 
• Have a supportive partner to answer questions, boost motivation and celebrate wins. 
• Develop confidence to succeed in VCE and beyond.
• Practice critical thinking skills and write with impact. 
• Implement practical tools students can start using immediately in their VCE studies.
• Complete learning modules at your own pace. 

Monash Navigator free program is a guided online course involving challenges with game-changing study hacks, insider tips for navigating higher education and the blueprint to super-charge strengths to help students thrive now and into the future. 

To learn about Access Monash Mentoring and Access Monash Navigator for 2027 parents, students, teachers and members of the community are welcome to register below.

• Session 1: Monday 26 October 2026, 4:00pm → Register here
• Session 2: Tuesday 27 October 2026, 5:00pm → Register here
• Session 3: Wednesday 28 October 2026, 6:00pm → Register here

Eligible students can apply via the online application form. Students must also provide a signed parent/consent form to complete the application process.

Applications for 2027 will be open on the following dates:

Mentee applications open: Monday 5 October 2026 

Mentee applications close: Monday 16 November 2026 

• Access Monash Mentoring → Apply now
• Access Monash Navigator → Apply now          

Access Monash Mentoring - Monash University

Deakin Accelerate Program

Deakin Accelerate is an extension studies free program that allows high-achieving Year 12 students in Victoria to complete two first-year university units concurrently with their VCE studies. Study two first-year units across the year; one in Trimester 1 (March-June) and one in Trimester 2 (July-October). Boost your ATAR, study for free and earn credit towards your future university degree. 

Students can find their fit with 18 Deakin Accelerate study areas. 

Who should apply? 

Apply to the Deakin Accelerate program if you’re:

• a high-achiever with above-average Year 11 results 
• looking for an extra challenge in VCE 
• a self-starter who can work independently 
• keen to make a head start on your university degree.

It counts as an extension study, can contribute to your VCE/ATAR as a 5th or 6th subject with an increment boost, and gives you credit towards a Deakin degree. 

Deakin Accelerate Program Requirements: 

• Assistant Principal requires approval for all applications
• Be completing Year 12 in 2027
• Meet the VCE subject prerequisite prior or co-requisite (studying same year) *
• Achieve an average of at least 65% across your Year 11 subjects
• Teacher recommendation required 
• Parent / guardian consent required 
• Student declaration and supporting questions required 
• Written references and copies of awards (Academic or non-academic) 
• Can commit 10 hours of study time per week: Includes weekly seminars, studying for exams, readings and activities 

Information Session: 

Deakin Accelerate Webinar 

Wednesday 21 October 2026 

6pm-7pm 

Applications Open: Now open

Applications Close: Friday 27th November 2026 

Download Deakin Accelerate brochure

Kylie Lebrasse

Career Practitioner

Local Opportunities

Wellbeing

Doctors in School

Student scholarships

The Department of Education manages a range of student scholarships. These are available for students who: 

• complete Grade 4 to Year 11 in 2026 
• are enrolled in Year 12 in 2026 and plan to do tertiary studies in 2027. 

The department will evaluate applicants on their: 

• academic achievement 
• participation in school and community activities 
• financial need.  

Scholarships are either one-off payments or cover the duration of the student’s course. 

Applications for these scholarships open on Thursday 1st October 2026 and close on Monday 1st February 2027. 

To view all available scholarships and for more information on each, including how to apply, refer to Student scholarships. 

Don’t Miss a Moment at MSC!

Follow Mornington Secondary College on Facebook & Instagram for news, events, and more so you never miss a moment of your student's learning journey.

Community News and Opportunities

Netball Trials at Tyabb

Netball trials start soon. 

When:

• October 17th 2026, 9-11am
• October 22nd 2026, 6-8pm
• October 29th 2026, 6-8pm

Where: Bunguyan Reserve, Tyabb

 Registration closes 10 October 2026

Melbourne Youth Orchestras 2027 Ensemble Program

Applications to audition for the 2027 MYO Ensemble Program are open until Friday 16 October. Interested musicians can apply to audition HERE.

2027 marks a major milestone: MYO’s 60th Anniversary Year! This is your chance to be part of something truly special and help shape the sound of a landmark year.

For six decades, MYO has been enriching the lives of young Victorian musicians. Joining the Ensemble Program connects and allows musicians aged 8 to 25 to rehearse, grow, and perform together on weekends during school terms.

What's on Offer?

With ensembles catering to every age, instrument, and skill level, musicians can find their place in:

• 3 Symphony Orchestras
• 5 String Orchestras
• 3 Symphonic Bands
• 2 Jazz Orchestras
• Adaptive Music Bridging Program

Guided by a team of conductors and talented music educators, musicians will sharpen their skills, tackle repertoire, and take the stage for unforgettable performance experiences.

Read more here: https://myo.org.au/programs/ensemble-program/

Boating Careers

Thinking about studying a boat trade? Join Boating Careers for a free info session at the Melbourne Boat Show. Friday 16 and Saturday 17 Oct, 11am to 12pm, brunch included. 

To learn more or to reach out to us