Dear MRC Community,

Welcome back to Term 4. Although it is only the end of week 3 of Term 4, the students have already been busy participating in a wide range of activities across the College.

Year 12

Our Year 12 students concluded their formal classes earlier this week, celebrating their final moments before the commencement of their exams. Their onsite Celebration Day was a full circle moment, in more ways than one, with students beginning their parade at their Senior school building and concluding on the Early Years campus where younger students cheered them on. A symbolic tradition, that our Prep to 12 College provides, allowing our graduating students the opportunity to conclude their last school day with a look back on their own early years in which their own school journeys began. We extend our gratitude to all staff who contributed to making this a positive and memorable celebration week for our Year 12s, and to everyone who has supported them throughout their schooling journey.

VCAA Exams

SWOTVAC is currently underway, running from 24 October to 28 October. During this period, staff are dedicated to supporting our Year 12 students as they prepare for their end of year exams. The VCAA examinations will officially begin next week, starting with the English exam on 29 October. This marks an important milestone for our students, and we wish them every success as they approach these final assessments.

Year 7 ABCN Innovate

Our Year 7 students have recently participated in their first few sessions of the Innovate program, which is designed to inspire young people to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Innovate encourages students to engage with STEM subjects by connecting them with mentors who guide them through three facilitated sessions. During these sessions, students work in small groups to apply skills such as creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The mentors, who share their own career journeys and experiences, help to broaden students' perspectives as they consider future study and career options.

The program began with a session in the city, offering students an exciting start to their program with a follow up session held via Zoom, remotely connecting students with mentors. The final session will take place next week in the city, bringing the program to a close with another day of engaging activities. We look forward to seeing students return to the College as leaders and innovators, applying their new skills and insights to further contribute to our STEM program.

Growing Together in the Garden

Students have started participating in weekly sessions that establish and maintain the Early Years Community Garden. The sessions occur with a multi-age peer group including students from Prep – 6 and Vocational Major (Year 11 & 12). The focus of the group is to foster connection to the College, develop positive peer mentor-mentee relationships and promote positive health practices. Participating in gardening activities has been proven to be both mentally and physically therapeutic. Together, our students have connected, learned, and grown – both literally and figuratively!

Prep excursion to Melbourne Zoo

Our Prep students spent an exciting and educational day out at the Melbourne Zoo, becoming ‘Wild Explorers’ as they learned how to respect and care for animals. It was a day filled with hands-on activities, where students engaged and exercised their curiosity, discovering what makes each animal unique.

Throughout the day, our ‘Wild Explorers’ uncovered fascinating facts about animals' features, habitats, life cycles, and essential needs for survival. By the end of their exploration, students had gained a deeper understanding of unique animals, the importance of caring for them and their habitats, and how we can create a sustainable future.

We hope you have had a wonderful start to the term and wish you a restful weekend.

Kind regards,

Stacey Lawlor

Assistant Principal – Student management (Years 8-12)

MRC Kitchen Chronicles