Year 11 & 12 Sub-School News
Assistant Principal's Report
What a fantastic and full start to the year it has been!
Term One has been buzzing with energy across the school, highlighted by two whole school assemblies led by our Senior School Executive and School Captains. From celebrating our new student leadership teams and Swimming Carnival chants, to a vibrant Harmony Day assembly showcasing incredible performances from students of diverse cultures and backgrounds - it has been wonderful to see our community come together. A huge thank you to the Diversity captains and the student performers that put in hours of practice prior to this assembly. In other student groups, it has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm and initiative students have brought to Pedal Power Cinema, with so much time, energy and creativity going into making it a success.
Breakfast Club continues to thrive, with over 150 students joining us regularly after morning training or simply spending time with friends before the day begins. A big thank you to our Parents Association for their generous support for this program, and for helping make our much-loved pancake breakfast happen last week!
School photos were also a great success, providing a lovely opportunity to connect with students across all year levels. It was fantastic to have the chance to chat with such a wide range of our school community on the day.
On the sporting front, our rowing teams have had a hugely successful term, competing at several regattas including Head of the Schoolgirls and Nationals. It was particularly special to see such strong team spirit and support for one another in mid-March, and we thank our families for their ongoing encouragement and volunteering at these events.
Our Year 12 students enjoyed a memorable camp in Ballarat, embracing a taste of university life (and some very enthusiastic Zumba sessions!). We also welcomed back our alumni earlier this month, giving staff a chance to reconnect and see where their pathways have taken them.
Across Years 11 and 12, students have been busy with assessments, excursions and incursions, while our Year 11 cohort has settled into VCE life, starting to make use of the Study Centre and navigating their first busy SAC period with confidence.
Wishing everyone a well earned rest over the Term One holidays. We look forward to another exciting term ahead.
Kate Nicholls
Assistant Principal Years 11 & 12
Year 11
As the sun shone and the birds chirped on Monday 30 March, the Year 11 students and wellbeing teachers went to Serendip Animal Sanctuary and the You Yangs Regional Park to explore the environment, strengthen their bonds with their classmates and teachers and focus on their wellbeing. It was a wonderful day!
The day started at Serendip Animal Sanctuary with a walk through the Sensory Garden encouraging students to develop their mindfulness by concentrating on their 5 senses and what they could see, feel, smell, taste and hear in nature. We wandered through the wildlife centre looking for bird life, kangaroos, wallabies, and an intimidating emu!
We then travelled to the gorgeous You Yangs where students explored the stunning surrounds and could choose to go on a hike or play some games and enjoy a delicious picnic with their friends and classmates.
When asked what word they would use to describe the day, many students said ‘relaxing’, ‘wholesome’, ‘adventurous’ and ‘fun’. It was a fantastic day and a wonderful way to celebrate the end of their first term as VCE students.
We hope all Year 11’s and their families have a happy and restful easter holiday and return to school ready for a productive and joyful Term Two.
Claire Tudor
Year 11 & 12 Student Engagement & Wellbeing Leader
Year 12
What a great start to the year for the Class of 2026. It has been a busy few weeks with the Year 12 as we headed to Federation University in Ballarat for our annual study retreat. The Year 12 completed a variety of sessions designed to assist them throughout the year.
These included:
Zumba
Yoga
Study Skills
Wellbeing
Careers
English skills
Thinking and Learning Skills
Team Building
What is VCE?
Time Management
The camp was well supported by Year 12 teachers and staff who worked incredibly hard to provide information and skills to the students. Op Shop formal night was a highlight and out came the clothing from past decades. This year we introduced a mass Zumba class to finish the retreat with and it was brilliant. Our Year 12s brought all the energy for a fun activity involving the whole cohort.
Swimming sports were next and this year saw the most Year 12's swimming in events than we have seen in a very very long time! The costumes and positive nature of the students was wonderful and they had a great day.
On 3 March during Wellbeing we had International Youth Speaker Sonya Karras visit our Year 12's. Sonya has been speaking to the Year 12s at MGC for around 13 years now. She is engaging, fun and delivers great messages around being safe whilst having a good time. We enjoyed welcoming her back to MGC for 2026.
Well done Year 12 on a fantastic start to your journey. Your enthusiasm, engagement and effort is a credit to you all!
Leigh Hanley & Tonia Douglas-Scarfe
Year 12 Level Leaders