Principal's Message

Dear MGSC Community

As we move through the middle of Term 1, it has been a busy and productive time across the college, with a strong focus on learning, wellbeing and community connection.

I would like to begin by congratulating Rochelle Dickson on her appointment as Senior Policy Advisor – Mathematics with the Department of Education. Rochelle has made an outstanding contribution to Mentone Girls’ Secondary College, particularly in strengthening our assessment and reporting practices, and while she will be greatly missed, we are proud to see her expertise recognised at a system level. The appointment is for two years and I hope to see Rochelle back after her time with the Department.

Our students have continued to engage in a wide range of opportunities, including NAPLAN, the Year 10 Elevate study skills sessions, and Peer Support activities. It has also been wonderful to see students involved in initiatives such as Clean Up MGSC Day, as well as participating in events recognising International Women’s Day, Harmony Week and Neurodiversity Celebration Week. These moments reflect the inclusive and values-driven culture that we are so proud of at MGSC.

A significant event this fortnight was the statewide stop work action on Tuesday 24 March. At MGSC, 71 teachers and eight Education Support staff participated in the action. This left eight teachers and 23 Education Support staff onsite, and I thank those staff for ensuring that the school remained open and that students who attended were supervised.

For such a large number of staff to take part in stop work action reflects that many teachers and support staff feel they have reached a tipping point in relation to workload and recognition of their profession or roles. As a Principal, I see firsthand the dedication, care and professionalism that our teachers and education support staff bring to their work every day. Teachers in Victoria are currently the lowest paid nationally, and alongside our education support staff, they continue to give generously of their time and energy to support student learning and wellbeing.

While I must remain mindful of my role within the Department of Education, I do want to acknowledge the professionalism of our staff and express my appreciation for their ongoing commitment to our students and school community.

I would also like to thank the parents and carers who joined us at the march. Your support was greatly appreciated. On the day, 27 students attended school, and we respected that families made decisions that best suited their circumstances, while ensuring that the school remained open for those who required supervision.

Finally, I thank our entire community for your continued support. The strength of MGSC lies in the partnerships we have with our students, staff and families, and I look forward to all that we will continue to achieve together throughout the year.

School Council Election outcome

I am pleased to share the outcome of the recent School Council elections. I thank all nominees for their willingness to contribute to the governance of the college.

Parent Category Members

Tess McGeoch

Bala Natarajan

Aoife McCann (newly elected member)

Community Members

Rosa Ferrari (Treasurer)

Mark Murray (President)

Fiona Keele (Vice-President)

Student Category Members

Emily Adams (newly elected member)

Anushka Pradhan (casual vacancy)

DET Category Member

Carol Duggan

I would like to thank our departing student category member, Gemma Ong for her time and contribution to Council over the past two years.

Wellness Studio update

100% funded by locally raised funds which includes the voluntary contributions

The Wellness Studio is progressing well and is really starting to take shape, with an anticipated opening in early August. This important project reflects our values of Inclusivity, Achievement, Empowerment and Creativity, providing a space that will support student wellbeing and growth.

The Wellness Studio has been 100% funded through locally raised funds rather than government funding. I would like to sincerely thank the many parents and families who have contributed to the school over many years through voluntary contributions and donations to the building fund. Without this ongoing support, this project would not have been possible. These voluntary contributions have a direct impact on the learning environment for our students today and into the future.

Kind regards

Linda Brown

Principal