From the Principal

Dear parents and carers,

Our Year 12 VCE ATAR students have now completed their final exams and will receive their results in mid-December. We are incredibly proud of their hard work throughout the year and hope their results reflect their dedication and persistence.

Community is one of our core college values, and this year we have truly seen families return to the school in meaningful ways. The Year 7 Portfolio Afternoon and the Year 8 Shark Tank panels were outstanding events, enriched by the presence of parents and carers. It is always a privilege to watch our students share their learning with such pride.

Recently, Tom McIntosh (MP) spoke in parliament about Mornington Secondary College and our Remembrance Day ceremony. He highlighted the strength of our tradition and the deep respect shown by our students. Our bugler, student leaders, and Drum Corps once again brought great honour to the college. The ceremony was also acknowledged on local radio, further recognising the respectful and engaged community we are proud to lead.

Our annual Art Show was another wonderful highlight. From professional-level media posters to impressive paintings, drawings, models and the imaginative Denim Reborn textiles display, our students demonstrated exceptional creativity. Thank you to our talented Art team for guiding and inspiring students to achieve work of such high quality.

This week, our Year 10 students celebrated their Formal, enjoying a well-deserved night together. Thank you to Mr Uhlenberg and Mr Malligan for their organisation and support of this memorable event.

On Monday, we commence Fast Forward, with each year level moving up and beginning their 2026 learning program. This is always an exciting time of year as students look ahead and begin the next phase of their learning journey.

I would also like to acknowledge our School Council President, Col Mason, who is retiring from the role after 20 years of dedicated service. Col has provided exceptional leadership, strong governance, and unwavering support for public education throughout his time at Mornington Secondary College. We extend our sincere thanks for his remarkable contribution. Col’s final meeting as President will be held on 9 December.

You will have received a Compass newsfeed introducing Adam Slater as the Acting Principal while Linda is on leave. We warmly welcome Adam to the Mornington Secondary College community. Adam will commence in the role at the beginning of Fast Forward on 24 November 2025.

As this is a particularly busy term, we will continue to keep families informed of upcoming events through Compass Newsfeed and our college newsletter.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Acting Principal

Important Dates

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

After a big week and a half of exams and interviews (VM) our senior school assessments for 2025 have come to an end and we start our 2026 curriculum from Monday as part of the Fast Forward Program. Sian Corfu was the final student from the class of 2025 to complete her exams, having to wait until the last day to sit her French exam. Needless to say, Sian was very happy to be finally finished. 

Results for the Class of 2025 will be released on Dec 11th. I’d like to thank the Year 12 team (Jo Reeman and Jo Dixon) for their work ensuring the VCAA exams ran smoothly, and students were well supported. I’d also like to extend that gratitude to the Year 10 (Jake Uhlenberg and Alex Malligan) and Year 11 (Jasmine Keough and Mick Williams) teams for their work in running another successful exam period for those students. The Year 11 VM team also ran the whole interview process as well and put in a lot of effort in preparing students for that experience.

Fast Forward Timetables on Compass and Year 12 Retreat

Classes for the next two weeks are now showing in Compass. Classes will run for two weeks, commencing on Monday 24th November, with year level assemblies spread over the first two periods to set the scene for Fast Forward. 

2026 Year 12 students will start their final journey by taking part in a 2 day Year 12 transition program with some outside presenters including:

• use of AI in education, 
• mental health, 
• employment opportunities, and 
• the policies and processes that will support their successful completion of Year 12.

Then they’ll have several days of classes before heading off on a Year 12 Retreat and a chance to spend time together as the Class of 2026. It is expected that all Year 12 students attend the retreat, but those who are unable to attend will have an alternate program running for them at school which they will be required to attend. There are several payment options available for the retreat including use of CSEF monies.

2026 Options / Apprenticeships or Finishing School?

Some senior school students and families consider their pathway forward at the end of a year and consider options such as apprenticeships. While each situation is different, Apprenticeships Victoria keep detailed statistics on the outcomes of such decisions. 

So, what are the chances of completing an apprenticeship successfully in Victoria? The table below compares the data and shows the impact of a school-based apprenticeship (SBAT) on successful completion.  (SBAT – a part time apprenticeship with part time school).

Further to the above statistics, data shows that 63% of apprentices drop out in the first 12 months of their apprenticeship. In the first 12 months of having an SBAT (starting at any year level), students have a 78% retention rate.

At Mornington Secondary College, we have many successful SBAT stories from 2025 and SBATs have proved a reliable pathway into steady employment with qualifications. SBATs can be for anyone but are most suited to students in the VCE VM pathway.

To find out more information, please contact Fi Cornwall or Kylie LeBrasse in the Pathways Office and we can set up a meeting with our local SBAT coordinator who is based at MSC.

Key Senior School events for Term 4 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Fast Forward Program: Setting Students Up for a Strong Start in 2026

Over the next two weeks, all students will take part in our Fast Forward program—a unique opportunity to step into their 2026 classes early and begin building the habits, knowledge, and confidence they will carry into next year. This program is more than a timetable change; it is a purposeful head start designed to help every student reflect, reset, and refocus.

Fast Forward allows students to strengthen the things that are already working well for them. Whether it’s organisation, classroom participation, or a positive study routine, these two weeks provide the space to consolidate good habits while learning new expectations for next year’s subjects. Students will become familiar with their teachers, routines, course outlines, and assessment styles, reducing uncertainty and building momentum before Term 1 even begins.

Just as importantly, Fast Forward gives students the chance to adjust the things they want to improve. For some, this might mean refining their approach to homework, improving punctuality and preparation, or lifting the effort level needed to succeed in their chosen pathways. For others, it may be about building confidence in a new subject or forming stronger partnerships with classmates and teachers. Early feedback and guidance during this period help students make meaningful changes now—before the busy start to the 2026 school year.

By the end of the program, students should feel more prepared, more focused, and more capable of taking ownership of their learning. We encourage parents and carers to speak with their child about what they hope to strengthen and what habits they want to adjust during Fast Forward. Together, we can ensure every student begins 2026 with clarity, purpose and a commitment to doing their best.

We look forward to seeing our students make the most of this valuable opportunity.

Donations of Good-Quality Used Uniforms Welcome

As we prepare for the year ahead, we are seeking donations of good-quality used school uniform to support families within our community. If you have items that your child has outgrown but are still in excellent condition, we would greatly appreciate your contribution.

Donated uniform helps us provide affordable options for families, reduces waste, and ensures all students can access what they need to feel confident and prepared for school. We are particularly grateful for clean, well-kept items such as jumpers, shirts, PE uniforms, skirts, dresses, and school jackets.

If you are able to donate, please drop items at the General Office during school hours.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Madi Segrave

Favourite food: Pesto Pasta

Hobbies out of school: Footy and Basketball

What sports team do you follow? Essendon Bombers

Favourite movie/TV show: I like watching sport - AFL and Basketball

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends, sports, extra-curricular activities

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

Year 7 Lachie Waterhouse

Favourite food: Pizza

Hobbies out of school: Footy and basketball

What sports team do you follow? Essendon Bombers

Favourite movie/TV show: I like watching sport- mainly footy

Do you have any pets? A dog named Buddy and a cat named Finley

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Mates & sport

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? AFL Player

Year 8 Taylah Rowe

Favourite food: Pasta

Hobbies out of school: Netball, shopping and going to the beach with friends

What sports team do you follow? St Kilda & Melbourne Vixens

Favourite movie/TV show: The Rookie

Do you have any pets? A Border Collie named Poppy, French Bulldog named Hugo and Blue Staffy named Peggy

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Netball squad and I like that we get to choose subjects for Year 9

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I’m not sure yet but probably something to do with sport

Year 8 Evie Evans

Favourite food: Pasta

Hobbies out of school: Footy and basketball

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood

Favourite movie/TV show: Ginny & Georgia

Do you have any pets? Donkey named Whinnie and a horse named Flicker

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? All my peers are caring and we have lots of opportunities

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Carpenter

Year 8 Zane Berryman

Favourite food: Tacos

Hobbies out of school: Art and gaming

What sports team do you follow? Richmond

Favourite movie/TV show: Breaking Bad

Do you have any pets? A bulldog named Bentleigh and Chinese Shar Pei named Mooshi and 2 birds named Goose & Goose

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The different Art classes and that we have an Art club

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? An art teacher

Year 8 Dean Long

Favourite food: Lasagna

Hobbies out of school: Gaming and tennis

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood & Memphis Grizzlies

Favourite movie/TV show: The Rookie

Do you have any pets? A Siberian Forest cat named Gizmo

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Drum Corp and all the extra curricular activities and opportunities we get outside of classes

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Technician – IT support

Year 8 Connor McKenzie

Favourite food: Tacos

Hobbies out of school: Dirt biking

What sports team do you follow? McLaren and Ferrari

Favourite movie/TV show: F1 the Movie

Do you have any pets? Bord-oddle named Skye

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Drum Corp and Wood Technology

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Army

2026 College Captains

We are pleased to individually introduce our 2026 College Captains, who all recently shared with us their inspiration behind applying and their future plans.

Isobel Reed

Why did you want to be school captain? 

I wanted to be school captain as it has been a long-term goal of mine to achieve. I decided to run because I love being part of my school and I want to give back to the community that’s supported me. I’ve had great experiences here and I’d like to help others feel that same sense of belonging and pride. I also enjoy working with people, listening to their ideas, and turning them into action — I think that’s what good leadership is all about.

How does it feel to be taking up the role? 

It feels amazing and a bit surreal. I’m really honoured to have this opportunity, and I’m excited to take on the challenges ahead. I can’t wait to work with the rest of the leadership team to make a difference.

What do you want to do after you graduate high school? 

I want to study at the University of Melbourne and get a master’s degree in law to go on and become a criminal law barrister.

Emmerson Mellor

Why did you want to be school captain? 

I wanted to be school captain because I’m passionate about representing our school community and making a positive difference. I’ve always looked up to past leaders who showed dedication and teamwork, and I wanted to take on that same responsibility — to support others, celebrate achievements, and help create a welcoming environment for everyone.

How does it feel to be taking up the role? 

It feels really exciting and a bit surreal. I’m proud and grateful for the opportunity, and I’m ready to put in the effort to be someone others can rely on. I know it will come with challenges, but I’m looking forward to learning, growing, and giving my best to the role.

What do you want to do after you graduate high school?

After I graduate, I want to go to university and study something I’m really interested in, but I also want to take some time to travel. I’d love to see a bit of the world, experience new cultures, and just enjoy some new experiences before fully settling into university life. I think it’d be a great way to learn more about myself and what I want to do in the future.

Noah Almond

Why did you want to be school captain?

I wanted to become a school captain because I wanted to bring a smile to everyone’s face and to help people in any way I can. 

How does it feel to be taking up the role?

I feel both excited and nervous because I have dreamed of this but also the pressure of the expectations that are placed upon the shoulders of the school captains. 

What do you want to do after you graduate high school?

After I graduate school I plan to go to university and get an engineering degree so that I can follow my passion of building with both mechanical and electrical components.

Class of 2026 - Retreat - CONSENT CLOSING SOON

Our Class of 2026 begin their transition into Year 12 on Monday 24 November, and will complete their Fast Forward program with the Year 12 Retreat. This Retreat is a wonderful opportunity for the Class of 2026 to come together as a united cohort and celebrate the exciting beginning of their final year of secondary schooling. 

Students can look forward to fun activities, shared experiences, and memories made.

A reminder that Compass consent and payment for the Retreat closes on Friday 21 November at 11.59pm.To ensure your child doesn’t miss out on this valuable and memorable experience, please ensure all requirements are completed before the deadline.

2026 Student Subjects and Contributions - Now Available on Compass

Families can now view 2026 student subjects and pay contributions via Compass (Parent Access). To get started, simply log in and click into the Payment Centre on your Compass dashboard. There, you’ll be able to see your child’s allocated 2026 subjects and associated contributions.

Year Level Information

Years 7 & 8

Students in Years 7 and 8 will automatically be enrolled in all subjects listed in the 2026 booklist.

Year 9

All Year 9 students will study the below subjects, with their associated costs described as Classroom Materials:

Year 9 elective subjects can be viewed by checking your contributions in the Payment Centre.

Year 10

All Year 10 students will study English and Maths, with their associated costs described as Classroom Materials.

All additional Year 10 subjects and electives can be found under your contributions.

Years 11 & 12

All VCE/VET/VCAL subjects for Years 11 and 12 are listed within your contributions.

2026 Subject Contributions Parent Information Booklets can also be accessed anytime on our school website.

Benton Junior College - Grade 5 Transition Visit

On Monday 17th November our visitors from Benton Junior College plunged right into 'PE life at MSC'. This year we've had them visit MSC for Science and Maths Days, and we've visited BJC for Robotics sessions and a travelling roadshow of our Drum and Flag Corp and Aerobics Squad. In their final transition day for the year on Monday, our Grade 5 BJC visitors spent the morning in our on-site indoor pool having lots of fun with board races, aquatic games, diving and more. Thanks again for visiting us BJC!

Year 7 

Portfolio Presentation Day

Last week's Year 7 Portfolio Presentation Day was a joyful and inspiring celebration of our students’ achievements and growth. It was wonderful to see so many families coming together, sharing smiles, laughter, and pride as students showcased the highlights of their first year at Mornington Secondary College. The energy in the room was truly special.

Our Year 7 students put together incredible portfolios that beautifully captured their learning journey—full of achievements, new friendships, memorable moments, and personal growth. Watching them excitedly talk about their work, reflect on their favourite experiences, and share what they’re most proud of made the day even more meaningful.

A huge shout-out to Rory and Kobi, our amazing AFL trainees, for capturing the highlights of the year by filming students’ reflections. We also want to extend a warm thank you to our wonderful Connect teachers, who have supported, guided, and cheered on our Year 7s throughout the year. Their dedication has made a tremendous difference in helping students thrive.

Thank you to all the families who joined us—you helped make the day feel truly celebratory. We’re so proud of our Year 7 cohort and can’t wait to see the incredible things they’ll achieve as they step into Year 8.

End of Year 7 Celebration Assembly 

What an incredible way to celebrate an equally incredible group of young people! Our End of Year 7 Celebration Assembly was a joyful, proud, and heartfelt moment for the entire Mornington Secondary College community.

From the very beginning of the year, this cohort embraced their first year of high school with enthusiasm, resilience, and a genuine eagerness to learn. Their journey has been filled with growth, new friendships, challenges overcome, and plenty of laughter along the way.

At the assembly, we had the pleasure of recognising many students for their outstanding achievements across academics, leadership, personal growth, and community involvement. These awards reflected not only talent and effort, but also the character and determination that define this wonderful group. We couldn’t be prouder of each and every one of them.

To all our Year 7 students: we wish you the very best as you step confidently into Year 8 and beyond. Your positivity, curiosity, and resilience have made this year truly special, and we have thoroughly enjoyed working with every single one of you.

Thank you for bringing your energy, kindness, and spirit to Mornington Secondary College. We cannot wait to see what you achieve next. Keep striving, keep smiling, and keep believing in yourselves—your journey is just beginning! 

Evangeline Romage

Year 7 Team Leader

Alex Mackenzie 

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 8 

Year 8 Presentation Day

Monday 17th November saw our first ever Year 8 Presentation Day take place.

Our Year 8 students have spent Term 4 creating a Shark Tank proposal in Humanities. They presented this proposal, along with a piece of work from every other subject, during their allocated time, with parents and family members invited to join and celebrate their child’s achievements.

The Shark Tank proposal required students to come up with a business that could be added to Martha Cove to help improve the ambience and the local economy and present their idea in front of a panel and their family members, dressed in corporate attire / smart casual clothing.

Students had some great ideas including; cafes, Pilates studio, fishing charters, kayak hires, yacht charters, a floating platoon including a restaurant and live music, underwater restaurant, day spas, a gym, and my personal favourite, a rockpool design that allows for inclusivity with access for people in wheelchairs or with disability who can’t usually access beach water.

We would like to congratulate our Year 8 students on their efforts and thank families for coming along and supporting their child. We are very proud and impressed with the quality of work and the time and effort students have put into their Presentation Day.

Also a big thankyou to our panel of teachers / Sharks; Lavonne Neal, Adam Pirrie, Lewis Lynch, Katrina Antione, Julie Cameron, Mel Brindle, Lara Adams and John Molino, who were very impressed with their student’s ideas, efforts and presentations.

Year 8 Celebration Day

Thursday 20th November saw us celebrate our Year 8 cohorts' achievements with an assembly followed by a day at Mills Beach.

At the beginning of the year we started with 92 students in Year 8, we move into Fast-forward with 115 students, a testament not only to the amazing group of students we have had in Year 8 this year but the hard work of the Year 8 team and teachers throughout the year.

More than half our Year 8’s received STRIVE awards and 95% received awards in Kindness, Determination, Improvement and/or Class Stars. 

Additional awards for 2026 were as follows:

Coordinators Role Model Awards: Alana Classon and Lucas Ressugan

All Rounders Awards: Grace O’Shea and Nicholas O’Sullivan

Improvement Awards: Charli Christie and Abby Perry-Rule

AP Positive Attitude & Role Model: Juliette Parker

AP Determination and Achievement: Max Mathy

From our assembly we walked to Mills Beach where students enjoyed the beautiful sunshine in the afternoon. Mr Pirrie and Miss Antione oversaw the BBQ with students enjoying sausages topped with onions, mustard and tomato sauce and Mrs Vanin and Mr Doherty supervised the water activities where the braver students took a dip and had a swim. Mrs Salter, Indie and Rory enjoyed chatting to the students and Rory and Mr Lynch got involved in touch football, cricket and beach volleyball. The perfect way to end a fantastic year!

Congratulations to all of our 2025 Year 8 students on their efforts throughout the year.

Kim Rattue

Year Level Coordinator 8

Year 7 and 8 Lunchtime Basketball 3x3 Competition

John Walker

College Sport

Year 10 Formal: Masquerade

Last night, over 100 of our incredible Year 10 students and their teachers celebrated the end of a year of learning at Functions by the Bay in Frankston at our Year 10 Celebration Formal.

This year’s theme was titled Masquerade to encourage students to recognise the metaphorical masks that they wear in their everyday lives and to remind them of the importance to face their future pathways as authentically as they can be.

Students enjoyed the wonderful food provided at our sit-down dinner as well as the DJ’s music and the photobooth. 

The Year 10 Team presented a number of awards to the students, some of which were voted for by the students, but some were also chosen by us as a team. 

We would like to say a special thanks to the staff who attended to support and celebrate with the students, Mr Malligan, Mr Evans, Dr Keough, Ms Cameron, Ms Parker, Ms McKay, Ms Healey and Mr Dean.

The evening was a wonderful celebration of the students’ achievements and the staff of the function rooms were incredibly complimentary about how wonderful our students are.

We wish all of the Year 10s their best as they ascend to their new pathways, it has been a pleasure to work with them this year.

Jake Uhlenberg

Year 10 Team Leader

CLOSING SOON - End Of Year Activities Week: 16th - 18th December

Bookings for the End of Year Activities Week close on Sunday 23rd November, unless sold out.

We've had great interest in Activities Week, with Le Mans Go Karting and Laser Tag already sold out, and Learn to Surf at Phillip Island nearly full. 

Book now to avoid disappointment. To view options and book tickets, please use the below link. 

Emma Kirkos

Activities Week Co-ordinator

Year 7-12 2026 Resource List

Campion is the school resource supplier for Mornington Secondary College. To receive first choice of school needs and FREE delivery, orders must be placed online by Wednesday 17th December 2025. Please find links to the Year 7-12 Resource lists at the bottom of this newsletter article. Note: 2026 subject confirmation for Year 9-12 will be communicated mid November, date to be confirmed.

To order, please head to: https://order.campion.com.au/

Your school resource code: VVRH

Your order-by date is 17th December 2025

The How to Order flyer is below.

The Campion Parent Hub includes How to Order video & How to Order PDFs in 11 languages https://campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

Family help:

FAQs: https://campion.com.au/support-help/support/

Email help@campion.com.au

Tel 1300 433 982

Hands on Learning

HoL Friday November 14th

It was our last Friday for the year at HoL and the participants joined Mr Butcher in reflection, sharing their experiences with HoL in 2025. One common theme surfaced; strong bonds and great memories were created amongst the group! After tying up some loose ends, the crew celebrated our last lunch with a feast of chicken tenders, noodles and veggies, and finished off the session with some outdoor fun including a game of cricket.

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant

Wellbeing

Junior Rangers

Last week at Junior Ranges the females learnt to make digging sticks and learnt about the history and use of digging sticks, while yarning around the fire. At the same time, the males were able to start mastering playing the digeridoo. It was another great session had by all. Only 2 more weeks of Junior Rangers to go for the year but we are lucky enough to have it offered again next year!

Nicole Boland

Mental Health Practitioner

Community News and Offers

Moonlit Sanctuary - School Holiday Program

Moonlit Sanctuary is a wildlife conservation park in Pearcedale where families can meet Australia’s most unique animals while learning why protecting them matters. Their School Holiday Program, led by their Education Officers, combines hands-on environmental activities, close-up animal encounters, and engaging lessons about caring for native wildlife, all with a focus on fun.

To learn more or to reach out to us