From the Principal
Thank you to the community for welcoming me to the college.
I have enjoyed my first week, particularly the student-led tour of the college facilities, and athletics day. Congratulations to all involved in the college’ ANZAC Day ceremony, again this well -respected event brought the community together to honour the ANZAC spirit.
My role over Term 2 is to support the college as it appoints the new Principal and prepares for the future direction. There is much to be proud of at Mornington Secondary College and I am looking forward to learning more about the college from students, families, and staff.
Lisa Holt
Acting Principal
Important Dates
Senior School
To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,
Welcome back to all the students and families of the Senior School here at Mornington SC. I trust you all had a great Easter break, despite the weather being a bit ordinary in the second week. Hopefully you ate lots of chocolate (my dentist told me this week that I may have eaten too much ☹) and spent some quality times with friends and families. I’d also like to welcome our acting Principal, Lisa Holt to Mornington and thank Lisa in advance for her guidance, leadership and professional challenge over the period until our new substantive principal is appointed.
Term 2 Expectations for VCE students
Term 2 is an important term for all senior school students, irrespective of year level.
Our Year 10s will finish their first full semester of the expanded Year 10 elective program, culminating in an exam period in early June. They will then move into course information and selection for their VCE programs. Therefore, our Year 10s need to take careful note of what they like, what they are good at and what they want to pursue post-school. This will help inform those really important decisions that we’ll make together as a school, student and family early in Term 3.
Our Year 11s should just be starting to feel more at ease in the rhythm of VCE after a few months. The initial discomfort that often comes with an increased workload should be starting to be replaced with a curiosity for finding out what study strategies they find effective in their quest for optimal grades. At Year 11, VCAA expects students to be completing a minimum of at least 2 hours of study per subject per week outside of school hours. Our VM students should be settled into all 3 settings – school, TAFE (VET) and a structured workplace setting and gaining a sense of what life would be like in the vocation they are studying.
For our Year 12s they are probably starting to feel the pressure. The SACs are frequent as we move at a relentless pace to teach and explore the curriculum that will be assessed in end of year exams in a few short months. The recommended 3 hours per subject per week in study outside of school becomes so important for those students who want to achieve their SAC and ATAR goals. Year 12s also have the General Achievement Test (GAT) to look forward to later in the term and we’ve mandated Unit 3 exams this year (mostly to be done in class time) to rigorously prepare them for end of year exams (and provide a live check on their current progress). All Year 12s will also have an excursion to the Teenage Road Accident Group (TRAG) later this term, and their final formal to attend.
I haven’t even included half of what’s happening this term and it’s already huge. Students need to look after their health and get plenty of sleep this term as the weather gets colder. One of my favourite quotes is apt here… “the harder I work, the luckier I get”. So, I would like to wish the senior students’ luck this term but really, I’m wishing them a great work ethic 😉
Study Tip of the week:
Create a “mistake log.” Every error is a future mark if you learn from it. The best-performing students I’ve had in the past made the same mistakes other students made, but they made them early (before a SAC or test), learnt from it and got it right in the SAC/test/exam
What is coming up this term in the Senior School?
Kind regards,
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
ANZAC Day Student Presentation
On Thursday we gathered to mark ANZAC Day — a day that sits at the heart of our national story. It is a day of remembrance, of respect, and of reflection.
But, I want to ask a question that is not always easy to answer.
What was it all for?
When we think about the young men who landed at Gallipoli, many not much older than you, it is hard not to ask this. They left behind their families, their friends, their futures — and many never returned. Wars since then have carried the same cost.
So what was it all for?
When we look beyond the battles and the headlines, we begin to see something else. We see courage in the face of fear. We see mateship — people standing by each other when it mattered most. We see resilience, sacrifice, and a commitment to something bigger than themselves.
Perhaps what it was “for” is not something we can measure in wins and losses. Perhaps it lives on in the values that have been passed down to us.
And that brings us to the second question:
What does ANZAC Day mean for you — for students today?
You are not being asked to go to war. But you are being asked to live with purpose. The ANZAC spirit is not just something that belongs in history books. It is something that can be seen every day — right here in our school.
It is in the student who stands up for someone else. It is in the effort you put into your learning, even when it’s difficult. It is in showing respect — to your teachers, your peers, and your community. It is in having the courage to do the right thing, even when no one is watching.
These may seem like small things compared to the scale of war — but they are not small at all. They are the building blocks of the kind of society those soldiers hoped they were protecting.
ANZAC Day reminds us that the freedoms we enjoy — to learn, to speak freely, to live in a safe and democratic society — did not come without cost.
But it also reminds us of our responsibility.
A responsibility to make something of those freedoms. To contribute positively to our community. To look after each other. To strive to be the best version of ourselves.
So today, as we pause and remember, don’t just think about the past.
Think about the present.
Think about the kind of person you want to be.The kind of community you want to help build. And the way you will carry forward the values we honour today.
Because in the end, perhaps that is what it was all for.
Not just remembrance — but responsibility.
Lest we forget.
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing
Students of the Week
Indy Sheen Year 7
Hobbies out of school: Cheerleading and Athletics
What sports team do you follow? North Melbourne Football Club
Favourite movie/TV show: Soul Surfer
Do you have any pets? A dog named Chaos and a Cat named Minty
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: All the sporting events - Cross Country, Aerobics and Athletics, as well as Interschool Sport
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends, making new friends and the sport
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? An elite athlete or something in the area of sport
Your greatest strength? My athletic ability and motivation
What three words best describe you? Caring, energetic & motivation
Lucas Zarb Year 7
Favourite food: Pizza
Hobbies out of school: Drawing
Favourite movie/TV show: Godzilla
Do you have any pets? A puppy named Daisy
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: I’m looking forward to doing woodwork
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Lunch and recess with mates
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I want to be a game developer
What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I am a very fast sprinter
What three words best describe you? Fast, friendly, caring
House Athletics Carnival
Stay tuned for a full report and photo album from the MSC House Athletics Carnival held on Tuesday 21st April in next week's newsletter. To give you a sneak peek, we’re excited to share some photos of the creative outfits our Year 12 students wore on the day.
Best costume winners went to The Smurfs, The Croods and Sesame Street, but it was a 10/10 effort across the board for getting into the spirit.
ANZAC Day Preparation
Our dedicated Drum & Flag Corps at MSC put in countless hours of rehearsal and preparation for our ANZAC Day service. Beyond perfecting their performance, there’s also the care and pride shown in polishing shoes, pressing uniforms and ensuring every detail is just right.
Their dedication and commitment has been noticed by our neighbours, with one taking the time to write to us:
I would just like to pass onto the Wonderful Drumming Squad at MSC, how Fabulous your practice for Anzac Day sounds. I live across the road from Bunnings, and have heard you Drum for hours...So In Time!! Well Done, and you do yourselves, your School and your Community..PROUD.
We are incredibly grateful to members of our local community who have generously donated produce to support our Corps on the day. A sincere thank you to Ali from Woolworths Mornington Central, Colin from Prime Cuts Butcher Mornington, and Steve from Palamara Fruit & Veg Mount Eliza for their valued support.
We'd also like to acknowledge our wonderful gardener Steve, whose love and care in our school gardens allowed him to prepare these vases for our ANZAC Day morning tea, picked straight from MSC garden beds!
Year 7A Maths
Counting McDonalds Chips - Fractions & Percentages in Action
This week in Year 7A Maths, students explored fractions and percentages through a fun and very relatable real-world investigation — comparing serving sizes and prices of hot chips from McDonalds!
As a class, we counted and analysed the number of chips in two different sizes. On average, a small serving contained 56 chips, while a large serving had 75 chips. Students then calculated the percentage increase in quantity when moving from a small to a large.
They discovered that the increase of 19 chips represents approximately a 33.9% increase in the number of chips.
Next, we compared this to the change in price. A small chips cost $3.45, while a large cost $5.75. This is a price increase of $2.30, which students worked out to be approximately a 66.7% increase.
This led to some great discussion and critical thinking. While the large chips offered around one-third more chips, the price increased by about two-thirds — meaning the cost rises much faster than the quantity!
By the end of the lesson, the class confidently concluded that buying small chips provides better value for money, reinforcing the importance of using maths skills to make informed everyday decisions.
Fantastic work, 7A!
Rob Horwill
Head of PE
MSC Students Assist our Primary School Community
This week MSC students assisted with basketball refereeing when Primary Schools from our local community visited for their Lightning Premiership tournament. Congratulations to all students who assisted in the smooth running of the day and represented themselves and MSC so aptly.
Congratulations to new SBAT Student - Jake Taylor
Congratulations to Jake Taylor (Year 11) who recently signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeship (SBAT) with employer Mornington Hyundai and is now completing his Certificate III in Light Vehicle Mechanical Technology.
MSC and the Head Start program will support Jake as he embarks on his SBAT journey commencing his qualification certificate, attending work with his employer, and also working towards completing his VCE VM studies at Mornington Secondary College.
The Head Start team wish Jake all the best as he pursues his chosen career pathway.
For further information about the Head Start program, please see the website and short video:
http://www.vic.gov.au/headstart
About Head Start – 3 minute video
Brett Murphy
Head Start Coordinator
Doctors in Schools
Do you need to see a doctor?
Dr Steph is onsite on a Thursday, each week. For an appointment - click the following link: Doctors in School request for an appointment form
This link is on Compass under the STAR.
Appointments can also be made by emailing shellie.farnill@education.vic.gov.au or asking Shellie in Student Services.
Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisation
A reminder to parents of Year 7 and Year 10 students that Immunisations are on Monday 11 May.
Please click the following link to consent (if not done so already):
Online Consent for 2026 Immunisations
Every day vaccination saves lives and makes it possible for Victorians to live free from the illness and disability caused by many infectious diseases.
See Compass for further information
School Photos 2026
School photos will be available to order very soon. At the end of March, parents were emailed a unique student code and and a link to register with Arthur Reed. If you are interested in ordering photos, please complete this step. The link is https://order.arphotos.com.au/
If you cannot locate the email, please contact Shellie on shellie.farnill@education.vic.gov.au for the code to be sent again.
Calling for Host Families - Japanese Visitors
Schools Mountain Bike Race
Schools Mountain Bike Race is an AusCycling sanctioned event hosted by the Red Hill Riders MTB Club, and will be held in Dromana on Sunday 3rd of May.
This is the first of a series of races where both Primary and Secondary School aged children can race Mountain Bikes on the Mountain Bike specific track around Dromana College.
AusCycling has registered Mountain Biking with School Sports Victoria, however students will need to enter individually for this event using the Entryboss entry system.
Entries for Round 1 at Dromana are now open.
More information can be found here: https://entryboss.cc/races/29984
Students race representing their school for both individual places, and an overall Schools Trophy. Every entrant earns points for their school which will be totalled at the end of the series.
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.
Community News & Opportunities
Peninsula Link Closure – Important Travel Information
Peninsula Link will be closed northbound between Moorooduc Highway and Bungower Road from 8 April to 8 June 2026 to allow for essential pavement works.
During this time, detours will be in place and travel times may be longer than usual. Families are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time, and check the latest traffic updates before travelling.
For more information please visit: https://servicestream.com.au/peninsula-link/traffic-updates-peninsula-link
Work dates are subject to weather and construction conditions.
Mount Martha Junior Football Club
Mount Martha JFC are Seeking Under 14 girls for this season.
Whether you're new to the game or already love playing, they'd love to hear from you.
✅ Make new friends
✅ Learn new skills
✅ Be part of a supportive team environment
Keen to join or want more info? Head to www.mtmarthajfc.au.au
Koala Habitat Restoration Project 2026 🐨🌿
The 2026 tree planting season is almost here and we help is needed!
Anyone interested can join the Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation Team from May to September across the Mornington Peninsula as they work towards planting 30,000 indigenous trees to restore and increase vital koala habitat and wildlife corridors.
Planting days are inclusive, family-friendly, and a great way to make a real impact.
Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) – Japanese Cultural Celebration
On Saturday 9 May 2026, Peninsula Hot Springs will be hosting a Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) – Japanese Cultural Celebration.
Kodomo no Hi is a cherished Japanese national holiday celebrating the health, happiness and bright future of children. It is a day rich in symbolism, tradition and joy, and we are honoured to bring this celebration to life here in Australia through a thoughtfully curated program of Japanese cultural experiences.
This event holds significance for Peninsula Hot Spring's co-founder Charles Davidson. The inspiration for Peninsula Hot Springs was born from a visit made to Kusatsu Onsen in Japan in March 1992. Experiencing Japan’s deeply ingrained bathing culture, and its connection to wellbeing, community and nature, left a lasting impression.
The Kodomo no Hi celebration will include:
- Traditional Koinobori (carp streamer) displays
- Origami workshops for children and families
- Live Taiko drumming and Japanese musical performances
- A Japanese Izakaya pop-up dining experience
- Guided sound bathing journeys inspired by Japanese instruments
- A vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere celebrating Japanese culture
The event is complimentary with Bath House bathing entry.
Further details can be found below.
To learn more or to reach out to us