From the College Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to the 2026 Academic Year
As we commence the 2026 academic year, I extend a warm welcome to all returning students, families, and staff, and to those joining our College community for the first time. I hope the summer break provided an opportunity to rest, and recharge for the year ahead.
This year, we continue our commitment to offering rich learning experiences that empower every student to explore their capabilities, nurture their passions, and develop confidence in their own potential. Our 2026 Animating Principle, “Create Your Future,” which is aligned to our College value of Personal Success, will guide our work and shape the culture we continue to build together.
A Smooth Start to the Year
Our staggered start of year levels has once again supported students in settling quickly into their new routines. In Week 1 our Year 7 students and their families began the year through their Ready to Learn Interviews, whilst Prep students had their assessments aimed at supporting their learning point of need. Students across other year levels commenced their normal classes on their respective days.
I thank our teachers and support staff for the extensive preparation that has gone into readying curriculum programs, learning spaces, administrative systems, and resources. Their dedication has ensured that students have begun the year in an environment designed for success.
Thank you also to our parents and carers for ensuring students arrived ready for learning. A reminder that The Uniform Group in Craigieburn remains our uniform supplier, and Campion Books in Thomastown supplies secondary school books and stationery.
Payment options at our College, including Centrepay, BPAY, and Compass Billing continue to be available. Families experiencing financial difficulty are encouraged to contact Ms. Nancy Wain, our Accounts Manager.
Staying Connected
The MRC newsletter, published three times per term, remains a key communication tool. Each edition can be accessed via COMPASS and our College website. Please ensure your contact details—email, phone number, and residential address—are current so you receive all updates promptly.
This edition includes our updated Communication Directory, also available on the College website under the Contact tab. This directory is aimed at providing you with an outline of College personnel who are able to assist you as directly as possible.
Families new to MRC should now have received COMPASS login details. Please contact the Main Administration Office if a username or password needs to be reset.
Enrolment Snapshot
In 2026, our enrolments are as follows:
Early Years: 399 students
Junior Years: 488 students
Middle Years: 758 students
Senior Years: 1135 students
With 306 staff supporting these 2780 students, 1856 families and 69 nationalities, our Mini School structure continues to ensure teams can focus on the needs of specific year levels and deliver personalised learning.
What’s Ahead in 2026
Several exciting projects and initiatives will shape the year, including:
Further expansion of our Languages program, with the Punjabi Beacon School initiative providing integrated language experiences in both Punjabi and Humanities at Years 7 and 8. The Punjabi language is also available at Year 11 alongside our Italian and Japanese programs.
Further development of recreational and flexible-use outdoor areas across the College, including the commencement of construction of our main oval sports precinct.
Commencement of planning for a new VCAF and adjacent student outdoor eating area.
An expanded lunchtime and homework club activities program.
Strengthened partnerships with industry and business organisations to enhance entrepreneurship, mentoring, and workplace experiences for our students.
Construction of a Year 10 Learning Hub which will replace the Brookfield and Oval portables. This double storey facility will include general purpose classrooms; a mini school office; staff workrooms; and a staff professional learning skills centre.
Expansion of the Senior Leadership team aimed at further supporting student learning and staff professional development.
Celebrating 2025 VCE/VM Success
This is the first opportunity since the release of the 2025 VCE/VM results and tertiary entrance offers to confirm our students’ achievements.
Once again, the Year 12 graduating class showed that through hard work, perseverance and a flexible attitude they were able to achieve outstanding results. These outcomes would not have been possible without the tremendous efforts of MRC staff. Their commitment to supporting the needs of our Year 12 students are to be applauded.
You will be pleased to note that 98% of our students satisfactorily completed their VCE/VM certificate and that 96% of our VCE students received a VTAC offer into university or TAFE. The remaining students have confirmed employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, are seeking employment or taking a gap year. Of particular note, is the top ATAR score of 96.4 and the higher number of students (10%) who achieved an ATAR of 80 or above compared to previous years. A more detailed report outlining our VCE and VCEVM accomplishments will be published on our website in early March. We are extremely proud of our 2025 Year 12 graduating class and wish every student continued success in their future endeavours.
Key Reminders for 2026
Student Attendance
Regular attendance remains essential. The Department of Education’s “It’s Not OK to Be Away” initiative emphasises the importance of consistent attendance and punctuality. Families are asked to schedule appointments outside school hours and avoid extended leave during term time. Attendance procedures for absences, late arrivals, early departures, and extended holidays are outlined in this newsletter.
Late last year, the College introduced a new process for managing students who need to leave class for reasons such as using the bathrooms, accessing their locker, or attending to non-urgent matters. Under this process, parents and carers are notified through COMPASS, which records the time the student was out of class.
This procedure reinforces the importance of students using scheduled breaks appropriately so that all learning opportunities are maximised and classroom instruction is not unnecessarily disrupted. It also supports our duty of care by ensuring we have a more accurate record of student movement during lesson times.
Pedestrian Safety
Students must use designated crossings, particularly on busy roads, model safe behaviour and be mindful of staff yard duty times (8:40 am–3:20 pm). We appreciate your patience during busy drop-off and pick-up periods.
The speed limit around our College grounds during peak times is 40km/h. We ask all drivers to please adhere to this limit and drive safely to ensure the wellbeing of our students and community members.
Towards the end of last year, the decision was made to close the gate at the rear of the College (Aitken Boulevard) at the end of each day. This change was made in response to ongoing concerns regarding traffic safety and the misuse/non-use of the designated pedestrian crossings.
To alleviate this safety risk, a new gate is in the process of being installed at the top of Hampton Street, close to the existing traffic lights. In the meantime, it should be noted that the rear Aitken Boulevard gate remains open in the mornings for student entry as the flow of traffic and pedestrian movement during this time is not as congested. Other designated gates are available each afternoon for students to utilise as exit points. We appreciate your understanding and support in working with us to reduce student safety risks.
Uniform Requirements
MRC has a uniform dress code for all students which consists of a standardised range of clothing, including footwear and headwear. It is in place to clearly identify students of the College. Students are required to wear the uniform during school hours, while travelling to and from school and when engaged in school activities out of school hours. The Uniform Dress Code reinforces in students a sense of pride in their appearance. It instils in them the recognition that they are an integral part of the College community and assists in developing pride in representing their College. The wearing of the School uniform promotes equality amongst students at MRC and helps to ensure that students are safer within the school environment.
College Council requires that the College Principal be responsible for the implementation of the Dress Code in a manner consistent with the Student Engagement Guidelines. It is a requirement of College Council that all students will adhere to the uniform dress code which will be enforced by all teachers. For Term 1, students are required to wear the summer uniform. The sports uniform should only be worn on your child’s scheduled sports days (as outlined on COMPASS).
Mobile Phones and Associated Devices
Families are reminded of the current government directive regarding mobile phone use by students in schools. Under this mandate, students are not permitted to use mobile phones or similar personal electronic devices while on the school site during school hours. This includes classrooms, the yard, and all transition times throughout the day.
All mobile phones must be switched off and securely stored in lockers or with their Mini School upon arrival at school. Devices may only be accessed once students have been dismissed at the end of the school day. Students using their mobile phone or similar personal electronic device during school hours will have them confiscated.
Canteen Services
Menus for both canteens (Early Years and Years 5–12) are available on COMPASS and the College website. Families can order online via Bocca Foods. Please ensure student details are updated each year. A priority pick-up service is available for Years 7–12 lunch orders. Please note that students are unable to utilise their mobile phones to make payments. Instead, they can use a physical credit/debit card; money notes/coins; or the online ordering system for lunch orders.
Annual Privacy Reminders
Our College collects and uses information in accordance with the Schools’ Privacy Policy and Collection Notice. Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy outlines when images may be used and how consent is managed.
In March, student photographs will be taken: details will be shared via COMPASS.
We also encourage parents to review our guidance on safe use of Microsoft 365.
Student Insurance and Personal Property
The Department of Education does not provide accident insurance, ambulance cover, or insurance for personal items. Families are encouraged to consider their own insurance arrangements and avoid sending valuable items to school unless necessary.
As we embark on another inspiring year at MRC, I look forward to working with our students, staff, and families, and celebrating the many achievements that 2026 will undoubtedly bring.
Kind regards,
Lino Pagano
College Principal