From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Students and Community

Good morning everyone, I am pleased to report our students have settled into school life very well. As I walk around the school and into classrooms, I see happy young people engaging with each other and their teachers. There have been many green posts on Compass to recognise the great effort and work from students. It's a fantastic start to the year.

Year 7 students have completed their transition activities. This week they participated in swimming trials in our pool, ready for the carnival held at the Pines pool. They had fun with the musical instruments, and I nearly became a student with them as I was given a mouthpiece for an instrument to practice on. Fortunately, or unfortunately, I couldn’t participate as I had booked a tour with a family looking to enrol their daughter.

In the short time we have been back at school, I have conducted 2 tours with families wishing to join our community. Both tours ended with families enrolling their children with us.

Teaching staff are focussing on Explicit Teaching and Classroom Mastery. They have partnered with a colleague to observe their classes and provide feedback to each other. A most powerful form of professional development.

Included below in the this newsletter is information about School Council. I am calling for nominations – 3 parents, 1 student and 1 staff member. Please read the information below and contact Alli Betts if you are interested in joining. It is a great opportunity to learn more about the College.

Today we say goodbye to Kai Zhang. He has accepted a teaching position at Padua College. We wish him well and I have thanked him for his service to our community.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Linda Stanton

Principal

What is a School Council?

All Victorian government schools have a School Council. Members are elected in Term 1 for two-year terms, with eight meetings held each year. School Councils are legally established bodies that guide the school’s strategic direction and support improved student outcomes.

Who Can Be on the School Council?

School Councils include:

• Parent members (elected) – More than one-third of members. Department employees may be parent members if they do not work at the school.

Current vacancies: 3

• School employee members (elected) – No more than one-third of members. The principal is automatically included.

Current vacancies: 1

• Student members (elected) – Two positions in schools with Year 7 and above.

Current vacancies: 1

• Community members (co-opted) – Appointed for relevant skills or experience. Department employees cannot be community members.

Current vacancies: 4

Terms are two years, with half the positions becoming vacant each year.

Why Parent Membership Matters

Parents contribute valuable skills and perspectives that help shape the school’s future and strengthen students’ sense of belonging and connection.

Do I Need Experience?

No. A genuine interest in the school and a willingness to work collaboratively are most important. Training and support are provided.

Code of Conduct

School councillors must act:

· With honesty, integrity, and in the best interests of the school

· Fairly and impartially

· Respectfully with confidential information

· Responsibly in financial and leadership decisions

· In compliance with legislation and policies

How to Get Involved

• Vote in the Term 1 elections
• Nominate yourself or encourage another parent to do so
• Ballots are required only if nominations exceed vacancies

Timeline

• Notice of Election & Call for Nominations: 17 February

(Nomination forms available from Alli Betts – 5970 0200)

• Nominations close: 24 February
• Elections held: if required
• First meeting: 10 March, 5:00pm

Important Dates

Middle School

Dear families,

What a fantastic start to 2026 it has been!

Our Swimming Sports Day was a huge success, with students showing great enthusiasm, teamwork and school spirit. In the lead-up, our Year 7 students spent a couple of periods in the pool completing time trials, and they absolutely loved getting involved.

Our Year 7 students have also had a wonderful week engaging in musical instrument trials and Drum Corps. They are thoroughly enjoying our Transition to Secondary program as they continue to settle into secondary college life with confidence and excitement.

Year 7 parents and carers are warmly invited to our “Meet and Greet the Year 7 Teachers” evening on Thursday 19 February from 4.30 to 6.00 pm. This is a great opportunity to meet your child’s teachers, ask questions and see some of the fantastic work happening in classrooms. Ms Romage will be sending further information next week.

Our Year 8 students have made a very positive start to their second year of secondary college. They are enjoying the familiarity of school routines while embracing the challenges and opportunities of new curriculum areas. Excitement is already building for the Year 8 camp at Phillip Island in Week 6 of this term, with two sessions running from 2 March to 6 March. This action-packed camp is always a highlight of the year. Any questions, please contact Mr Pirrie.

Year 9 students are buzzing with excitement about our inaugural Year 9 camp to Far North Queensland, Cairns. This incredible experience will allow students to explore tropical environments, work alongside a marine biologist on the reef, learn about Indigenous culture and connections to Country, and enjoy unforgettable experiences—including seeing crocodiles up close. For more information, please contact Mrs Jones.

By now, or shortly, you should have received an email from your child’s teacher welcoming them to their class and sharing a checklist of essential coursework for each subject. These checklists outline the key learning tasks students are expected to complete. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child complete their work to a satisfactory standard and achieve their best. If you have any concerns about your child’s learning, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the College so we can support them together.

Wishing you all a wonderful week ahead.

Kind regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

I want to start this week’s article by saying how impressed I have been with the start made by senior school students. Senior school students have averaged over 100 positive posts on Compass a day which is a frenetic pace. In coming weeks I’ll be recognising some students who have received high numbers of these posts. Just for this week though I will mention that the students below have had a fantastic start to the year:

• Year 10: Deyvina Kanthan
• Year 11: Lucinda Taylor, Jack Ainsworth, Kyah Hart, Andy Segrave and Aden Tschappeller
• Year 12:  Seren Chespy, Oscar Corcoran, Kyrah Harris, Arawyn Lees and Rhiley Mangan

I am fortunate to be in the classroom with Year 10s, Year 11s and Year 12s this year and I have noticed a shift from previous years. Usually when the school year starts, an increase in intent and focus in the Year 12 students is noticed, but so far this year I have noticed it in both Year 11 and 12s, with the Year 10s more advanced than they have been in previous years. This is exactly what we want to see because the successful outcomes in Year 12 are usually a direct result of years of honing a dedicated approach, rather than switching it on in the last 12 months. It is part of the reason for our checklists, which you should have received. Students need to build up their learning ‘endurance’ and be well practiced at delivering their best efforts, day in and day out, before they reach VCE. I’m encouraged by what I have seen in 2026 so far and it reinforces that the gains we have seen over the last few years with relation to VCE results, NAPLAN and our student survey data are signposts of a significant positive move towards even better student outcomes.

Subject Change window for Semester One

The Semester One subject change request window has now closed (although some requests may take some time to be processed and appear on Compass). Four weeks of class time and holiday homework has now been completed and changing classes is likely to have a detrimental impact on the chance of successful outcomes. This also includes any program changes (VCE ATAR to VCE VM for example). The next subject change window will open just before the mid-year Year 10 and 11 exams (early June).

VET classes

For senior school students studying a VET subject, these classes will commence next week. VET attendance is crucial for successful completion of these year-long units as each unit of competency is assessed in real time and it is difficult for students to ‘catch-up’ if they miss classes. VET classes are delivered in a more adult manner, and the onus is on the student to ensure they are up to date rather than being chased by VET trainers (they will but by then it is often a problem). Please ensure that any missed VET class is explained with a medical certificate or school-approved event (i.e. a camp, excursion or sports day). More information has been provided in the VET agreement forms signed by parents and students.

What is coming up this term in the Senior School? 

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Learn to Play a Musical Instrument – Year 7

This week our Year 7 students took part in a Learn to Play a Musical Instrument day, giving everyone a hands-on introduction to instrumental music at the college. All students had the opportunity to try a range of instruments, including saxophone, clarinet, trumpet and trombone, with some students also having a turn on flute or tuba.

The focus of the day was exploration and confidence-building — learning how instruments work, producing their first sounds, and discovering which instrument might be the right fit for them. For many students, this was their first ever experience playing a brass or woodwind instrument, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and willingness to give everything a go.

Next week, students will take part in a Play in the Band Day, where they will be grouped into class bands and experience what it’s like to make music together. This collaborative experience is a key part of learning music and helps students build teamwork, listening skills and confidence.

Learning to play a musical instrument has many benefits for students. It supports concentration, memory and problem-solving, builds persistence and resilience, and provides a creative outlet that enhances wellbeing. Playing music together also strengthens a sense of belonging and connection within the school community.

All students will have the opportunity to join the college’s instrumental music program, and we encourage families to discuss this exciting option with their child. More information about how to get involved will be shared shortly.

We look forward to seeing our budding musicians continue their musical journey! 

Checking in!

This term we have rolled out subject checklists across the college to help students better understand and manage their learning. These checklists clearly outline the key classwork for each subject, allowing students to track what they have completed and what is still outstanding.

Subject checklists are designed to build student responsibility, organisation and independence. By breaking learning into manageable steps, students can see progress over time and better plan their workload across different subjects.

We encourage parents and carers to use Compass to check in with their child’s learning. By regularly reviewing learning tasks and due dates on Compass and having brief conversations at home about what has been completed and what is coming up, families can help students stay organised and avoid tasks becoming overdue.

When students keep their checklists up to date, it also helps teachers provide timely feedback and support, ensuring learning issues are addressed early rather than at the end of a unit.

Working together, subject checklists provide a shared tool for students, families and teachers to support positive learning habits, consistent effort and successful outcomes for all students.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Year 7 Students of the Week

Year 7 Ryan Petrichenko

Favourite food: It changes every week but currently anything Mexican

Hobbies out of school: I play cricket for the Bulldogs, and hang out with friends – especially Ethan 

What sports team do you follow? Sydney Sixers and Richmond Chicago Bulls

Favourite movie/TV show: Daredevil and Daredevil Born Again

Do you have any pets? A French Bulldog named Coco turning 9 this year and a Teacup Yorkie names Lila, which stands for little lady. She is 2kgs.

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: I really want to compete in interschool sports and I'm looking forward to having lots of different places to explore around the school.

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Either an architect or lawyer

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I can fit my fist in my mouth 

Your greatest strength: I am really good at math and have good social skills 

What three words best describe you? organised, punctual, sporty

Year 7 Isla Lindback

Favourite food: Lindt milk chocolate 

Hobbies out of school: Swimming at Yawa 

What sports team do you follow? I follow Geelong and Collingwood in the AFL

Favourite movie/TV show: Little Lunch

Do you have any pets? No pets- I would like a cat/ kitten one day

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: Going on the Year 7 excursions and Camp

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I want to be a design engineer- to design functional things!

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I am very flexible and I am very good at drawing   

What's one goal you're currently working on outside of class: My goal is to become a better swimmer

Your greatest strength: Drawing & art and craft, when I set my mind to it 

What three words best describe you? Kind, Creative, Bubbly

Whole School Assembly

On Monday, our school community came together for our first Whole School Assembly of the year. To mark the beginning of the 2026 school year, we were fortunate to welcome the Victoria Police Pipe Band, who—alongside our Drum and Flag Corps—created a memorable welcome for our Year 7 students at their first MSC assembly and formally introduced our Year 12s, the Class of 2026.

The National Anthem was beautifully performed by Tara Casey and Emily Sudadetch.

Principal Linda Stanton addressed the assembly, encouraging our Year 12 students to make the most of their final year so they can look back on the year with pride. She also reminded all students to Dare to Dream and strive to be the best version of themselves.

Our 2026 College Captains, Emmerson Mellor and Isobel Reed, spoke to our new Year 7 students, reassuring them that while everything may feel unfamiliar at first, they are not alone. They highlighted MSC as a place where students are supported, guided and encouraged to find their place.

Adding to the excitement in the lead-up to the House Swimming Carnival, this week’s raffle was open to all students who had submitted consent to attend. One lucky winner from each year level took home a box of chocolates.

School Photos 2026

Annual school photos including sibling photos will be taken by Arthur Reed Photos on Monday 9th February 2026 for Year 7 to 11 students. Year 12 photos will be taken on Photo Catch Up day, date to be confirmed.

Reminders:

• Full and correct school uniform must be worn - no PE uniform.
• You must register for sibling photos before photo day. Please click the below link to register. 

There is no need to return any forms or money to school.

Unique image codes will be issued to all students on / after photo day so families can register online to view images when they become available in the Arthur Reed Web Shop. Once registered, please wait for a SMS notification that 2026 images are online to view and make your purchase.

Please contact Shellie in Student Services if you need assistance.

House Swimming Carnival

Our Year 12s relished their first dress up day for the year at yesterdays House Swimming Carnival, and there were plenty of proud smiles from swimmers of all ages on the winners dais. A full report of the day will feature in next week's newsletter, but here is a sneak peak of yesterdays fun and achievements!

Don't forget to follow us on socials for school event photos throughout the year.

Don’t Miss a Moment at MSC!

Follow Mornington Secondary College on Facebook & Instagram for news, events, and more so you never miss a moment of your student's learning journey.

Year 7 Transition

Since their first day our Year 7 students have enjoyed a myriad of transition activities, and have now begun their normal Year 7 timetable.

Their transition program included, among other things:

• Tabloid Sports, well run by our Year 10 Sports Leadership class.

• An Amazing Race, a great team building activity while our Year 7s explored and became even more familiar with the school grounds and buildings.

• PAT testing (Progressive Achievement Tests) in literacy and numeracy.

• Year 7 Swimming Trials at the MSC on-site pool, a practice run before Thursdays House Swimming Carnival, full of loads of fun activities.

• 'Taster' sessions of our free Squads at MSC, Instrumental Music program and Drum and Flag Corps.

SQUADS - Athletics, Aerobics, Netball and Basketball

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC - Brass and Wind

DRUM AND FLAG CORPS

Year 9 Connect Term 1

Our Year 9’s have settled in to their new classes wonderfully. We are seeing many green posts and students engaged in their learning and giving everything a go. Our Year 9’s will be focusing on the Environment this year, with excursions and a camp to Cairns all connected to their theme. They will display their work at the end of the Year in a Presentation where families will be invited to the College to see their child work for the year.

Year 9 Term 1 Connect will see a rotation of activities including;

• Sport
• Board Games / Gaming
• Creating a class video
• Portfolio Introduction
• Portfolio Task: Otway’s Bushfires and the effect on the Environment.

We are highly impressed with our Year 9’s start to the 2026 school year. Their positive attitudes and excellent behaviour has been outstanding and we look forward to watching them grow and learn new things this year.

Year 9 Team

New / Returning Staff

Hello, I’m Sally Fisher and I am happy to be returning to Mornington Secondary College in 2026 teaching Science and Mathematics. I'm looking forward to re-joining the MSC community, it has been lovely to already see so many familiar faces in my first weeks.

Sally Fisher

Science/Technology Teacher

MSC Canteen

Online canteen order closing times changed earlier this week. Please see the updated details below.

Our friendly team at the canteen have a variety of items on offer. Day to day menus are shown below, with weekly and daily specials often available as well.

Annual Privacy Reminder for our School Community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn. 

We ask parents to also review the guidance we provide on how we use Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education safely at the school and what parents can do to further protect their child’s information. If after reviewing the guidance, you have any questions or concerns regarding your child using Microsoft 365/Google Workspace for Education, please contact the school.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in eleven community languages:

• Amharic
• Arabic
• Chinese
• Dari
• Gujarati
• Mandarin
• Somali
• Sudanese
• Turkish
• Urdu
• Vietnamese

Aerobics Squad Sign Up

All students interested in joining the Aerobics Squad in 2026 please submit your interest through the below link.

Training details are in the below flyer.

Indie Jowett

Aerobics Squad Coach

Doctor Steph Clinic- from Thursday12th February

Dr Steph and Nurse Fiona will be back for her weekly clinics at Mornington Secondary College starting Thursday 12 February.

This clinic is the same as any GP service in the community and all medical concerns can be addressed.

Dr Steph has free appointments on Thursday 12 February. If you need to see a doctor please use our services. Click the following link and soon after an appointment will be emailed to you. Doctors in School request for an appointment form. Alternatively email Shellie.farnill@education.vic.gov.au or call Shellie on 5970 0259.

You can book an appointment even if you are not at school for the day.

Wellbeing

To learn more or to reach out to us