Principal Update

Dear Families, Students and Community Members,

Welcome to Term 2; it is great to check in with you all, showcase the great things that have been happening around the college, and highlight some pertinent information that I know will make things easier for you!

Anzac Day Service

On Saturday 25th April, Ms Julia Hockey and I joined our student leaders to represent Mordialloc College at the ANZAC Service at the Longbeach RSL. 

Seeing so many other Mordialloc College students at the service with their local groups was a great reminder of how valuable the connections are that we have to the wider Mordialloc College community. It is a privilege to lead our wonderful students in such a close-knit community.

Alongside this, the College held a whole school assembly to recognise Anzac Day and to reflect as a community as we commemorated the landing at Gallipoli. The service was organised and led by our School Captains and Middle School Captains and included a talk by our guest speaker Tony Galea of the Longbeach RSL, and Trevor Beswick also from the Longbeach RSL who played the Last Post.

Year 10 Work Experience

This week over 200 Year 10 students stepped out into the world of work, with the aim of getting a taste of where they see themselves once they transition out of Mordialloc College. Our Career Pathway team have been exceptionally busy pulling together this amazing experience, which culminates this week with every one of those students being visited at work by a member of Mordialloc College staff. Our students can be found in local schools, shops, trades, sports providers, car mechanics, lawyers, universities, architects and airlines, to name but a few! 

I am sure you will join me in thanking the employers, and the staff who have made this happen for our students. What a wonderful community effort!

Year 7 Camp

This week, nearly all of Year 7, and twenty staff went to The Summit in Trafalgar East for our annual Year 7 camp. I had the pleasure of going up for the day and joined in with them whilst they had an amazing time engaging with rock wall climbing, the underground wombat run, and the infamous mud run.  There was plenty to eat, time to socialise and rest, and most importantly cement some great friendships. A big thank you to all of the staff who made this happen, and provided the opportunity for our students to make important connections and wonderful memories.

Captain’s Article

Why did we choose to be captains?

April 

From year 7 I always looked up to the School captains as they confidently led assemblies and acted as an aspiring role model and leader to the rest of the students. As the opportunity of leadership came up, I knew I wanted to apply so that I was able to make a difference at our school and act as that same role model and leader to the younger year levels. 

Since being selected, I have felt immense pride in representing our school and being able to share the voice of the students. I’ve really enjoyed having insight into different meetings and decisions that happen behind the scenes throughout PDC meetings which involve curriculum of all year levels and school council meetings where parents are able to have their say too. 

We have helped lead assemblies which has helped to further develop my public speaking skills and confidence in front of large groups! Recently, we presented to parents and students that attended our open night, followed by leading tours around the school. This was a great opportunity to connect with our community and provide positive insight into our school and learning experiences. 

The different tasks and meetings have allowed us as captains to connect to the Mordialloc College community and develop a deeper understanding into our school. We have learnt valuable lessons on what leadership looks like and small everyday acts that display this. Ultimately, these experiences have empowered us to grow as leaders dedicated to positively influencing our community. 

Zander

Having participated in the Alpine School for Student Leadership at Don Valley Campus in year 9, I learnt all of the aspects necessary to being an effective leader. Ranging from ensuring proper collaboration to organisation of events, I knew I had the ability to really make an impact.

I wanted to be able to help in any area I could, and having the opportunity to pursue the position of School Captain during year 12 presented me with the chance to make a change in every aspect of the school. 

As I was accepted, I was immediately immersed into the deeper workings of decision-making and I’ve really enjoyed being able to act as a student voice that represents the school. It’s been a learning experience too, throughout each speech and assembly I’ve learnt how to better speak and work with my fellow students!

The major change was being involved in PDC Meetings which discuss any necessary changes within the curriculum throughout various subjects. Here, I’ve found a place to offer my input so that the school can make better educated decisions through the lens of the student experience and expectations. 

In tandem with the PDC meetings, we have participated in School Council Meetings to expand our input outside of just the curriculum, and throughout other choices in the school. Conversing with parents in these meetings has been similarly valuable, by being able to focus on what every aspect of the school needs advice on.

Overall, I’ve enjoyed the consistent tasks that have enabled me to engage deeply within the school community. Learning from not just myself, but from peers, parents, and teachers has enlightened me on how to better approach leadership. Assuming this role is extremely fulfilling as a representative of the school, and the voice of the students.

What was Mordialloc College up to in Term 1?

Swimming Carnival

During the bright and warm summer, the entire school enjoyed the house event: Swimming Carnival. From a heap of fun activities and races, to the community experience, Swimming Carnival was a day for connection and friendly competition where all students could enjoy time under the sun, participate in the water, or watch the swimming!

To build house spirit, students were encouraged to wear their house colours whether it be a splash of their colour, or an entire costume based around it! There was a major turnout of house colours during the Swimming Carnival which was spectacular to see, and certainly a great way to build companionship and fun.

Athletics Carnival

To finalise term 1 was the fantastic Athletics Carnival, where students were granted the opportunity to demonstrate their athletic skill, and for some to dress up in costumes for the fun of it! Thankfully staffed by teachers and subcommittee members volunteering their time, was both the barbeque and the canteen. This was excellent in facilitating entertainment and food for the entire event, and it was great to see so many people helping out!

Year 12 Formal

The year 12 formal was a luxurious night of delectable food, exciting dancing, and the entire cohort dressed to their very best. Planned consistently by the formal committee and teachers Miss Goebel, Miss Bruce, and Mr Haber, this night was planned to be fun and a lifelong memory for all year 12 students!

Highlights were the excellent food, with desserts of white chocolate mousse and biscoff tiramisu, as well as mains of lamb and chicken schnitzel. The lolly bar was absolutely a main attraction, only beaten by the dancefloor and professional photographers!

The glamorous photos captured all the sparkling dresses and snazzy suits, ensuring each and every student will have a perfect memory captured in the moment!

The dancefloor was an extremely joyful attraction, with people showing off their best moves! Through multiple dancefloors, various duos, and individual stars, dancing the night was a memorable experience for all with the fantastic DJ playing music.

And finally, there were the awards voted on by the entire year level. They gave students the opportunity to showcase their talents, expertise, and contribute to more activities throughout the already extensive night.

Leadership Assembly

The leadership assembly provided the leaders a chance to be formally acknowledged by students and parents, whilst presented with their badges. Mr Mark Dreyfus and Mr Tim Richardson visited our school to present the awards to our leaders and student council, showing the support of the community. 

We then welcomed Steven Strange to speak about the Richard Williams scholarship and present the award recipients. Following this, past student Benjamin Woolridge spoke about his high school experience and passed on some important advice to the students regarding their studies. 

It was a great way to bring the school community together and recognise the efforts of the Mordialloc School council.

Anzac Service

During the Anzac Service, a time for remembrance of sacrifice and gratefulness for the privilege we have today, the leadership team attended to lay wreaths for those who were lost.

We were called up with other schools near Chelsea, this was a chance to reflect on the immense loss, and to honour the sacrifice the Anzacs made.

What are we doing in Term 2?

Year 11 Formal Planning and Event

Under-way is the year 11 formal, being planned by the dedicated committee to make sure it’s a memorable event! The year 11s are extremely excited for such a fun event to make friends and form connections.

With the success of the year 12 formal, we are really looking forward to what’s to come during the year 11 formal. It will certainly form lifelong memories.

Senior Interschool Sport

Notably, students are being offered the opportunity to sign up in interschool sport to show off their skills through whichever sport they choose. We are very excited and wish immense luck to our students participating!

Subject Tasters

Term 2 will be subject tasters for students moving from year 9 to year 10, and year 10 to year 11. These will present students in these year levels the chance to learn what to expect from any subjects and if it’s meant for them, offering a chance to recognise which subjects they want to do before they have to commit. This is an excellent opportunity for students to start choosing where they want to go during their subjects, and for student volunteers to demonstrate their love for the subjects!

We are extremely excited for all to come!

April and Zander

Staffing Update

Some of you may have noticed that Simon Cummins is not with us this term, this is because he has been promoted to an Acting Principal position in Regional Victoria for Term 2. We wish him all the very best!

Joining us as Acting Assistant Principal Junior School / Teaching & Learning  is Chris Knowles; a big Mordialloc College welcome to him.

For clarity, Assistant Principal Middle School / Student Services (Integration and Wellbeing) is Aaron Davis.

Assistant Principal Senior School and Operations is Amanda Keen.

End of Semester 1 – Reminder of Key Dates

As we creep ever closer to the end of Semester 1, here are some key dates that you will find useful to support your child with their organisation: 

• Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May: Revision week (Years 10 - 11) 
• Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June and Tuesday 9th June to Thursday 11th June: Exams (Years 10 - 11) 
• Thursday 11th June: Year 11 Formal
• Friday 12th June: Professional Learning Day (Report Writing) - Student Free Day
• Friday 12th June: Semester 1 ends.
• Monday 15th June:  Semester 2 starts 
• Tuesday 16th June: GAT (All Year 11/12 studying a VCE 3/4 subject and all Year 12 VM)

Year 10 and 11 Exams

All senior students have a copy of their exam timetable and the Exam Navigator will also be available soon. I hope you will be able to make good use of this document; I know that families often ask how they can support their child during this time and my advice would be to create a timetable, and commit to completing the work in a quiet space, away from distractions including mobile phones.

Year 10 and 11 students have classes cancelled during the examination fortnight, but must remain at school if they have more than one exam on any one day; the Hub and Senior School Centre will be available for their private study during this time.

If students only have one exam on a day, they should be at home for the remainder of the day, engaging in home study in preparation for their next exam.

As the gym is out of action during the exam period, all changing rooms will be closed from Monday 1st June to Friday 5th June. For PE or Sports lessons this week only, students are allowed to arrive and leave school in their PE kit; please note that on days where they do not have PE or Sport, they should be wearing their normal school uniform. 

Please support us by using the timetable provided via the Compass App to ensure that your child wears the correct clothes, on the correct days, which are clearly identified as “PE” and/or “Sport”. 

As per our Mordialloc College Dress Code expectations, students who choose to wear the incorrect uniform on days when they do not have PE/Sport will be given a lunch-time detention.

Report Writing Day

Please note as per previous newsletter correspondence, we have a designated Report Writing Day on  Friday 12th June: this is a student free day.

All staff will be onsite for that day, finalising Semester One reports and preparing for the beginning of Semester Two. 

Thank you for your continued support of the college; please remember that I can always be contacted via the college email address mordialloc.co@education.vic.gov.au .

Rachael Stone

Principal