Open Night
A Wonderful Evening at Our Open Night
This week we were proud to welcome an incredible turnout for our recent Open Night, with our campus coming alive thanks to the strong support of families from across our local primary schools. A vibrant “rainbow” of school uniforms could be seen throughout the grounds.
With perfect weather on our side, visitors were able to explore a wide range of activities both indoors and outdoors, showcasing the breadth and diversity of our learning areas. From hands-on experiences in our Technology and Art spaces to engaging Maths games, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
A number of novelty challenges proved especially popular, including axe throwing, the M&M’s chopstick challenge, and a crowd-favourite “How Long Can You Blow?” trombone activity, which had students and families laughing and competing throughout the evening.
Our School Captains and student volunteers were outstanding ambassadors, confidently guiding visitors and sharing their experiences of life at MSC. Tours were in high demand, with many families eager to explore our facilities and gain a genuine insight into secondary school life through hands-on experiences.
A big thank you goes to the Lions Club of Mornington, whose BBQ ensured everyone was well fed and added to the welcoming, community atmosphere we are so proud of.
We extend our sincere thanks to all the families who joined us. We look forward to welcoming many of our visitors back on their very first day of Year 7 in the years to come.
Important Dates
Middle School
Dear Families,
It is always wonderful when our extended family members can visit the school. This morning, we welcomed our Year 7 grandparents and special adults to the college for a morning tea, followed by some fantastic classroom activities.
I had the pleasure of joining Alex Mackenzie’s tabloid sports session, where we had a great time throwing, jumping, playing table tennis and pickleball, and shooting hoops. It was fantastic to see our students confidently demonstrating their skills and teaching our visitors how to play.
We began the morning with scones, jam and cream, along with a cup of tea. Grandparents also had the opportunity to have a photo taken with their grandchild, which was ready for them to take home at the end of the session.
There are many staff members to thank for making this event such a success. I would like to acknowledge our wonderful Year 7 Leader Evangeline Romage and Year 7 Coordinator Alex Mackenzie for their excellent organisation. A big thank you also to our teachers, Lara Adams (Technology) and Sarah Walker (English) who led a spelling session using Wordle. I would also like to recognise our invaluable administration staff—Alesha, Alli, Shellie, Emma and Moira—whose support is always appreciated. Finally, thank you to Jess Jenner for baking the delicious scones, which were a hit with everyone.
We truly value every opportunity to welcome families into our school and will continue to keep you informed about future events.
I have also included some feedback from our grandparents about the morning tea.
We loved seeing the kids in class. It was great to see the children so engaged with the activities. Great teacher!
It was good to see how they behaved and handled themselves in a classroom environment.
It was a great opportunity to get an insight of their time in class.
It was very special. Thank you for organising this event.
The highlight of the visit was meeting the wonderful staff and having lots of fun in PE with everyone.
Visiting helped realise the different levels of maturity between boys and girls and the difficulty of combining such diverse levels of maturity. A pay rise is deserved! Yr 7 Great Grandmother
Wishing you all a wonderful week
Denise Leggett
Assistant Principal
Senior School
To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,
Just three school days and a Parent Teacher Interview day remain before the Easter break. It’s quite natural for our students (and staff) to be feeling the effects of a long and busy term as they prepare to recharge their batteries. Parent Teacher Interviews are one of the most valuable opportunities we have to strengthen the three-way partnership between students, parents and teachers, providing insight into what is happening in the classroom and helping to identify the key areas for continued improvement.
Courage to Lead
Leadership, at its core, requires courage; the courage to set a direction, to hold high expectations, and to make decisions that are not always easy or popular but are in the best interests of students. As we approach the end of term, I’d like to publicly acknowledge the retirement of our Principal, Linda, and try to provide some insight into the impact of that kind of courageous leadership on Mornington Secondary College.
Over her time leading the school, we have seen clear and measurable improvements in key areas of student outcomes, including NAPLAN growth, VCE median study scores, and our Attitudes to School Survey data. These results don’t happen by chance – they are the product of consistent, deliberate leadership that has remained focused on improving learning outcomes. That same courage to lead is reflected in the strong foundation that has been built across the school. We now have a clear and consistent instructional model, a calm and orderly learning environment through our Classroom Mastery approach, and expanded opportunities for students beyond the classroom. Our relationship with the city of Osaka has strengthened, our inclusion practices are recognised across the region, and our Applied Learning program continues to lead the way on the Peninsula. These are just some of the outcomes of leadership that has been prepared to stay the course and make decisions with long-term impact in mind.
Strong leadership is not about pleasing everyone. It requires the courage to make decisions that may not always be widely supported but are grounded in what is right for students and the future of the school. Linda has demonstrated that courage throughout her time as Principal, and the school is in a stronger position because of it. As I thank Linda for her contribution, I also recognise that the next Principal of the College will need that same courage to lead and continue building on the strong foundation work that has been done to this point.
There is also an important parallel here for our MSC students. Courage in the Senior School is not just about big moments – more often it is shown in the small, everyday decisions. It’s having the courage to try their best, even when they are not guaranteed the result they want. It’s choosing to give up some free time to seek feedback from a teacher, to complete a practice SAC, or to revise when others are not. It’s making good decisions outside the classroom – choosing not to get into a car that would overload a P-plater, calling out a comment that isn’t acceptable, or isn’t kind, or walking away from situations that don’t feel right. It’s standing up for what is right, rather than what is easy or popular.
If our students can develop that kind of courage – to put in the effort, to learn from mistakes, and to make strong decisions – then they are setting themselves up for success, regardless of the pathway they choose post school.
Of course, when I tell students how lucky they are to be at school with so many opportunities in front of them, I do see some metaphorical (and occasionally real) eye rolls and I’m sure they might want to tell me that it’s a very “boomer” or “Gen X” thing to say 😉. So instead, I’ll just say this: the effort they’re putting in now is building something valuable for their future, even if it doesn’t always feel that way in the moment. Dare to dream, strive to achieve.
Edrolo update for VCE ATAR students
We have just a few days left on our extension on Edrolo payments until April 2nd, so any outstanding or overdue payments can be finalised. In particular our VCE physics and VCE psychology students can take advantage of this payment extension.
Study Tip of the week:
Start with your weakest subject first. Fresh brain = hardest task.
What is coming up this term in the Senior School?
Kind regards,
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
ANZAC Day – Honouring Service and Sacrifice
Our school will be holding an ANZAC Day Ceremony on Thursday 23 April at 10:00am. We warmly invite families and members of our community to join us as we come together to reflect, remember and show our respect.
Mornington has a long-standing tradition of coming together to honour ANZAC Day, with strong community participation in both commemorative services and the annual march.
ANZAC Day is a significant occasion in Australia’s history. It provides an opportunity for us to pause and acknowledge the courage, service and sacrifice of those who have served our nation, and to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy today because of their commitment.
Students are also strongly encouraged to participate in the community ANZAC Day march on Saturday 25 April. We will assemble from 8:30am at the corner of Main Street and Queen Street before stepping off with the wider community.
Participating in the march is a powerful way for our students to connect with the values of respect, service and community. It is also an important opportunity to stand alongside veterans and community members in a shared moment of remembrance.
Athletics Day – Get Involved and Show Your Colours
Our annual Athletics Day will be held on Tuesday 21 April, and we’re looking forward to a fantastic day of energy, participation and house spirit.
Students are encouraged to come dressed in their house colours and get involved in as many events as possible. Every event—whether competitive or just for fun—contributes points towards the House Cup, so every effort counts.
The day will feature a mix of traditional athletics events alongside a range of novelty activities, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether students are aiming for personal bests on the track and field, or simply getting involved with friends, the focus is on participation, teamwork and school pride.
We encourage all students to take part, support their house and make the most of what is always one of the highlights of the school year.
Parents: Please consent for this event (if you haven’t already done so).
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing
Students of the Week
Ruby Overton Year 7
Favourite food: Taco’s
Hobbies out of school: Shopping and volleyball
Favourite movie/TV show: Mean girls
Do you have any pets? 2 cats named Pebbles & Lolly and a dog named Alfie
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: Making more friends and I am looking forward to food tech
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends, I am enjoying art
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I want to be a fashion designer
What's one skill you have that makes you unique? High jump and I can sew clothes
Your greatest strength: Creative
What three words best describe you? Kind, funny and positive
Heath Goldfinch Year 7
Favourite food: Hot dogs
Hobbies out of school: Riding my bike
What sports team do you follow? Chicago Bulls
Favourite movie/TV show: Happy Gilmore
Do you have any pets? A cat
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: Fit Club and new friends
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Cooking and using Fit Club more
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? To be a professional dirt bike racer
Your greatest strength: Dirt bike riding
What three words best describe you? Blue eyes, friendly, caring
Addison Petley Year 8
One skill you have that makes you unique: I am good at sport
What's one goal you're currently working on outside of class? I am trying to get better at swimming and working towards doing my first competition.
Your greatest strength: Helping people
What's your superpower? I can do sport really early in the morning
What three words best describe you? Kind, chatty, funny
Nicky Evans Year 8
One skill you have that makes you unique: My personality
What's one goal you're currently working on outside of class? To try more with my schoolwork by reading and doing homework.
Your greatest strength: Communicating with people
What's your superpower? Making some people laugh, even those I don't really know
What three words best describe you? Crazy, shy, loyal
Year 12 Outdoor and Environmental Studies - Murray River Paddle Camp
Our Year 12 OES students returned last week from their Murray River Paddle Camp—an unforgettable adventure!
Students tackled a challenging 40 km paddle, starting from the Gulf and finishing at Bramah Lakes. We had a very muddy start to the trip, with students sinking shin-deep into the riverbank before setting off on the first day. Despite some rain, the students had an absolute blast.
One of the biggest highlights was the pontoon at Picnic Point—a very sunny day where lunch by the river is sure to be remembered as a standout moment. We also spotted plenty of wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead, along with some cheeky emus.
We hope all students had a fantastic camp—and we’re already looking forward to the next one: skiing at Mount Buller this winter!
A massive thank you to our incredible teaching team—Madison Nicholls, Mick Williams, Shine Schwarz, and Alex Malligan—for their support in making this year’s Paddle Camp one to remember.
VDSS Showcase 2026
You are warmly invited to the VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) Showcase 2026.
This interactive event is designed to support Years 9–12 students and families as they explore future study options and career pathways. It will provide valuable insights to help young people make confident, informed decisions about their next steps.
At the VDSS Showcase 2026, families will have the opportunity to:
- Explore a wide range of industry areas
- Speak directly with leading training providers from across the region
- Learn about course pathways and program entry requirements
- Understand how VET integrates with secondary schooling
- Discover practical, skills‑based opportunities that help students build career‑ready experience
Whether students are just beginning to consider their future options or are preparing for the next stage, the showcase is an ideal opportunity to gain clarity, ask questions, and connect with the experts.
VET Delivered to Secondary Students (VDSS) Showcase 2026
📅 Tuesday 19 May
📍 Frankston Arts Centre, 27–37 Davey St, Frankston VIC 3199
⏰ Open from 5.00pm – 7.00pm
Open to Years 9–12 students and families
Bookings are essential and can be done via the below link.
Bookings close Monday 11 May.
Fi Cornwall
VET/Workplacement/Careers | Exemptions | VASS Administrator
Careers - School Holiday Events
SMR Sport
Lawn Bowls Championships - Runners Up at Regionals!
Our lawn bowls trio of Ciaron Best, Sam Rankins and Lucas Box delivered a superb performance at the Regional Finals, rolling confidently through the early rounds before finishing as worthy runners-up.
In the opening match against Cheltenham Secondary College, the boys found their line and length early, drawing shot bowl after shot bowl to build scoreboard pressure. With tight heads and smart weight control, they controlled the mat and jack to claim a dominant 8–1 victory. The team consistently held shot, trailed the jack when needed, and showed excellent teamwork across the eight ends.
The second game against Sandringham Secondary College proved a much tighter contest. Ends were traded, heads were crowded, and every bowl counted. Our players stayed composed, converting crucial shots and protecting the head late to edge out a strong 8–7 win. It was a clutch performance with calm draw bowling under pressure.
In the final against Albert Park, momentum shifted despite our best efforts. A few unlucky rubs of the green and some well-weighted opposition bowls saw the scoreboard tip the other way, with Albert Park running away 10–1.
Congratulations to the boys on their fantastic efforts, sportsmanship, and teamwork. Finishing runners up at Regionals is a brilliant achievement!
Rob Horwill
Head of PE
Swimming
On Monday Jensen Barrett (Boys 12-13 years 50m Butterfly) and Neve Lyons (multi-class 14 years Girls 50m Freestyle) competed at the SMR Swimming Championships at the Oakleigh Outdoor Pool. Congratulations to both Jensen and Neve on reaching this level and representing MSC so capably.
Calling for Host Families - Japanese Visitors
ANZAC Day Tributes - Year 7 Drum Corp Members
Patrick James: This ANZAC Day I remember two family members.
- My great-grandfather’s brother, Daniel Ollerenshaw who served as an Able Seaman in the Royal Navy during World War II. He was aboard HMS P615, which was sunk by the German submarine U-123 on 18 April 1943, in West Africa. There were no survivors. Daniel was 22 years old.
- I also have a great-grandfather, Douglas James, who served during World War II as part of a minesweeper crew. He survived the war, and my dad now has his medals.
Clodagh McConvey: This ANZAC Day, I drum in honour of Henry Henly, a 27-year-old man who served in the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. He was killed in action on 29 August 1915 during the Gallipoli campaign in Turkey—one of the most brutal and defining battles in Australia’s history. Like so many others, Henry gave his life far from home, in service to his country and alongside his mates.
As I drum, I remember not just his sacrifice, but the life he never got to live, and the family and future he left behind.
Lest we forget.
Zlata Barnikov: This ANZAC Day, I will be marching in memory of Harold John Clark, who served as a Private in the 3rd Battalion during the First World War. As I march, I am thinking about him and all the other soldiers who fought for our country and never made it home. It’s hard to imagine how brave they had to be, and how much they gave up.
Lest we forget.
Tyler Wilks: This ANZAC Day, I will be marching in memory of Private Noel Travers Edgeworth Somers, a young man from Mornington, Victoria, who served in the 14th Battalion of the Australian Imperial Force during the First World War. Noel was killed in action at Gallipoli on 8 August 1915, far from home. As I march, I remember not just Noel, but all the men and women from Mornington and across Australia who served and gave their lives so future generations could live in peace.
Lest we forget.
2026 Contributions Friendly Reminder
The Department of Education provides schools with funds to assist in the running of a school. All government schools rely on parent subsidies that enhance and extend what our school can offer ensuring the best possible education and support for your family.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could review all of the recommended contributions we have requested as well as any other payments requested, for example Music Lessons.
To assist you with reviewing this on Compass please follow these instructions.
Compass Portal on a computer
Please follow the CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION link in the Payments Centre box. In this section, you will see all upcoming event and contribution links.
Click on the arrow next to ACTION REQUIRED to see more information and make any payments.
Compass Portal using the phone app
Please find below a link to the Compass Parent User Guide for the mobile app.
Year 12 Photo Day & Photo Catch Up Day
Year 12 photos will be taken on Photo Catch Up day, Monday 30th March.
Unique image codes will be issued to all students after Monday 30th March. Families use that code to register online to view images when they become available in the Arthur Reed Web Shop. Once registered, please wait for a SMS notification that 2026 images are online to view and make your purchase.
Please contact Shellie in Student Services if you need assistance.
Wellbeing
Foster Carers Needed
Key Assets Victoria is a not-for-profit foster care agency supporting children in care that operates in all areas of Melbourne and many regional areas.
There are currently 12,458 children in Victoria that need the support of a loving caring foster family.
If you have thought about foster care, please get in touch and ask the questions you have always wanted to.
Ring: Key Assets 1800 932 237 or 1800 WE CARE
Email: info@keyassets.com.au
Web: canifoster.com.au or keyassets.com.au
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 & Opportunities
Mornington Lions Club Book Fair
Swinburne Innovation in Action School Holiday Program
The Swinburne Innovation in Action school holiday program is a 1-day program based at their Hawthorn campus where Year 10 - 12 students are given the knowledge and tools they need to come up with brilliant new ideas to solve real-world problems.
In this free program, participants will:
- Visit the Hawthorn Campus of Swinburne University of Technology and identify a problem they'd like to solve, framed by the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Work together with their peers to build a prototype solution for their chosen problem
- Level up their learning through hands-on, interactive workshops that focus on teamwork, design thinking, problem solving and communication
- Have fun!
Come alone, OR bring some mates! Everyone needs to sign up individually though.
Program Details
Date: Friday 10 April , Wednesday 1 July, Wednesday 30 September
Venue: BA and ATC Buildings, Swinburne University of Technology, Hawthorn Campus
Registration Requirements
The registration form is designed to be submitted by a parent, guardian or carer. By submitting the registration, parent/guardians are confirming that their child meets all following requirements as outlined:
- Demonstrates readiness and an ability to complete the activity.
- Has parental/guardian consent to participate in the activity should this request be approved.
- Has shown aptitude in the activity curriculum area.
To learn more or to reach out to us