From the Principal 

Class Team 

Dear MRC Community, 

With Week 6 coming to a close, we've now reached the midpoint of the term. As we look forward to longer days and warmer weather, it's important to remember that the full Winter uniform is still mandatory until the end of Term 3.

As Term 4 approaches, it's also a good time to restock your child's Summer uniform. You can purchase additional items at PSW, our uniform supplier, or keep an eye out for upcoming Second Hand Uniform sales, which will be announced via Compass.

Over the past few weeks, there have been some exciting developments around the College.

Prep – 100 Days of School celebrations

Congratulations to our Prep students on completing their first 100 days of school! To mark this milestone, students and staff enjoyed a fun-filled day dressed as 100-year-olds or wearing 100 items. They also participated in activities related to the number 100, all while sporting decorative t-shirts celebrating this special occasion.

Japan Sister School visit to MRC

Our sister school partnerships remain strong after many years. This week, we welcomed 15 students and one staff member from Akatsuki Junior High School, our Sister School in Japan. They are participating in a week-long program at MRC from August 19th to 26th, where they will be immersed in daily life at MRC and Australian culture. They will also be staying with MRC families for an Australian homestay experience.

Hume Illuminate Challenge

A huge congratulations to the group of Year 9 and 10 students who participated in the Hume Council Illuminate week-long challenge event a few weeks ago. MRC had three teams competing against students from other local secondary schools in this entrepreneurial challenge, which tasked them with solving a community issue. We are incredibly proud to announce that MRC secured first and second place.

Science Week  

During Week 5, students from across our College had the opportunity to participate in Science events as part of this year's National Science Week. The theme, "Survival of the Species," provided the focus for numerous class activities. As always, our teachers promoted Science through a series of exciting events and competitions, including:

• Science Trivia for students 
• Science experiments and demonstrations: 
  • Physics with our Smoothie bikes
  • Biology dissections
  • Chemistry focus: Instant snow experiments
  • Cosmetic Chemistry experiment: Making Bath Salts
  • Food Chemistry experiment: Ice Cream
  • Physics & Chemistry: Coke & Mentos rockets

It was great to see so many excited students participating and learning about the impact of Science on our modern lives. 

Class formation policy

Just a reminder regarding the Mount Ridley College class formation policy. When formulating class placements and mentor groups, the best possible learning environment is considered for each student. In order to do this, consideration is given to:

• The spread of abilities in each class;

• The spread of behavioural, social/emotional and other special needs;

• Gender balance;

• Equal number of students in each year level, where possible, within composite classes;

• Positive student working relationships and potential conflict situations, and

• Previous class placements.

Reminder to participate in the 2024 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey

Your family is asked to participate in the 2024 Parent / Caregiver / Guardian Opinion Survey. The Department of Education has contracted ORIMA Research (ORIMA) to conduct the survey. ORIMA is Australia’s leading provider of end-to-end research and data analytics services to the public and not-for-profit sector.

Each year the school conducts an opinion survey with the school community. All families are invited to participate in the survey. Results will be used to inform and direct our future school planning and improvement. If you have not yet completed the survey, I ask you to please take the time to do so as your opinions are important to us and will contribute to the future management and organisation of our school. The department will use the results from the survey for research purposes and to improve outcomes for students.

The survey is online and will only take about 20 minutes- access information is available via Compass.

Father’s Day Stall

The PFA will be running the annual Father’s Day stall from the Multipurpose room (Early Years Gym) next week (Tuesday 27th – Friday 30th August). Reminders will also be sent on Compass.

Years P – 6 will have allocated class time.

Years 7 – 12 will be able to visit the stalls during recess or lunchtimes on Thursday or Friday.  Staff will be allocated at the Junior Years gate during these times to supervise students crossing the road.  

This is a cash only event.

Father’s Day Timetable 2024

Tuesday 27th August - Multipurpose room 

Wednesday 28th August- Multipurpose room

Thursday 29th August - Multipurpose room

Friday 30th- Multipurpose room

Key Dates

Please note the following upcoming events which will impact student attendance and the normal functioning of the College: 

• Thursday 19th September : weShare Interviews (12:30 – 6:30pm)
• Friday 20th September: Last day of Term 3 – Student Dismissal 2pm. 

Further information relating to WeShare Interviews will be provided through Compass over the coming weeks. 

Warm regards,

Marika Convey

Assistant Principal- Student Enrolments/Pathways