From the Principal Class Team

Dear MRC Community, 

We've reached the end of a busy Term 1, and our success is a direct result of the powerful partnership between staff, students, families, and our community. One of the many advantages of belonging to a Prep to Year 12 College is that we can offer the benefits of a range of specialist staff, equipment and facilities to cater for a wider variety of student interest. Student choices aren’t restricted by being allowed to do one of a selection of opportunities, but rather students can be included in in a variety of activities according to their interests and abilities. We are well placed to promote student leadership and learning through cross-age and mentoring activities, which can develop self-esteem and responsibility in older students, and provide younger students with positive role modelling and leadership examples. Students and teachers can develop relationships over a longer period within our school. Furthermore, this connectedness allows us to better coordinate various learning programs and support services across the P-12 spectrum, thus allowing for a more holistic approach to student support. As we look forward to the break, we celebrate what we've accomplished together, proving that "together we achieve more."

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN)

Congratulations to all the Year 3, 5, 7 & 9 students who completed the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) program for 2025. We know that tests and exams can be a daunting experience for many young people, so it was wonderful to see all students giving the tests their best shot. The success of the NAPLAN online program would not have been possible without the willingness of staff, students and parents to work collaboratively to support the implementation of this significant logistical and administrative task.

NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment, that allows parents/carers and the College to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy, against the national standard and compared with peers throughout Australia. A NAPLAN individual student report will be provided to parents/carers during Term 2. 

Inter-school Sports

Over the past few weeks, we have had several sport teams participating at inter-school competitions as well as our VET Sport and Recreation students acting as event facilitators. The feedback about the conduct and teamwork of all the students who have participated have been very positive. Inter-school sport provides opportunities for students to develop skills through a program of training and competitive experiences, connecting students to the wider community and promoting teamwork and good sportsmanship. Congratulations to students who have qualified for the next level of competition; thank you to staff and senior students who have helped to train and organise the teams.

Incursion / Excursions 

School excursions and incursions are an important and effective means of motivating students and engaging them in active learning experiences.  Over the past month students have been involved in Molto Bello Italian excursion, ABCN Future Thinkers Program, Careers Networking Expo, Victorian Careers and Employment Expo, Year 8 IBM Skills Cyber Lab, Year 6 Sovereign Hill excursion, Year 2 Light and Sound Incursion, VCE National Gallery of Victoria excursion, Year 12 Biology Ecolinc excursion, VCE Seasons of Excellence Top Designs excursion and the Year 3 MCG excursion. These events would not be possible without the great work of individual staff and teams.  Thank you to our organising teachers for your consistent efforts in providing our students with rich educational experiences.

Cultural Diversity Week and Harmony Day 

Cultural Diversity Week was celebrated across the state of Victoria from 17 - 23 March.  Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths, with over 60 nationalities represented at MRC.  It is an integral part of our national identity and is at the heart of who we are.  The week’s events enabled us all to bring major celebrations to the attention of students and illustrate that as a community, we are a true reflection of the ‘outside world’.  In doing so we invited students and staff to wear an orange accessory to commemorate Harmony Day, the Wellbeing Team ran activities in Berkshire and students and staff were encouraged to complete various cultural activities in their classes.  

Year 10 Work Experience 

Congratulations to our Year 10 students who completed Work Experience this week.  Student work experience serves as a crucial bridge between academic learning and the professional world, offering invaluable opportunities for personal and career development. Beyond simply observing workplace routines, students actively engage in tasks that foster essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. This hands-on exposure allows them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings, clarifying their understanding of potential career paths and enhancing their employability. Furthermore, these experiences often cultivate a sense of responsibility and build confidence, empowering students to make informed decisions about their future education and professional endeavours. 

Early Years Mini School Athletics Carnival

This past Monday, our Prep to Year 4 students participated in the annual Early Years Mini School Athletics Carnival. The sensational weather, house spirit and enthusiasm from all participants went a long way to making the event a huge success. It always impressive to see students and staff come together on days such as these, offering to help in any way they can and enjoying the activities on offer. 

WeShare Interviews

WeShare interviews took place onsite at the College on Wednesday 2 April. At MRC, WeShare Interviews are crucial for fostering a strong partnership between home and school, ultimately benefiting the student's educational journey. These interviews provide a valuable opportunity for parents and carers to gain insight into their child's academic progress, strengths, and areas needing improvement. Conversely, teachers learn more about the student's individual needs, home environment, and any factors that may influence their learning. This collaborative dialogue allows for the development of shared goals, strategies, and support systems, ensuring that both parents/carers and teachers are working together to maximise the student's potential. This open communication is vital for early identification of any learning challenges, enabling timely intervention and promoting a supportive and nurturing learning environment.

Winter Uniform

A reminder that when we return from term break students will be expected to be in full winter uniform. Uniform requirements and where to purchase uniform items are on the College Website under the ‘Engagement’ tab.

Friday 4th March: Last Day of Term 1

Please note, students will be dismissed at 2.00pm on Friday 4th April. 

The Principal Class team extends warm wishes to all staff, students, parents and carers for a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break spent with family and friends. We eagerly anticipate welcoming our students back on Tuesday, April 22nd, refreshed and prepared for Term 2.

Helen Casey

Deputy Principal: Curriculum