From the Principal Team

Dear staff, parents, carers, students and friends of the College,

From 2027, Mornington Secondary College will transition from having individual year level teams to a sub school model; Junior, Middle and Senior School. Nick Evans will oversee the introduction of the new structure and the ongoing operation of all three sub-schools. Each sub-school will have a leader and two coordinators who will support students across two year levels. I am pleased to introduce the teams who will work with our students and families next year.

We want every student to feel known and to have a strong sense of belonging at Mornington Secondary College. Each sub-school will give students a smaller community where they can build connections with their peers and get to know the staff they can turn to for support. Families will also have a familiar team to contact about their child’s learning or wellbeing.

Student leadership opportunities for 2027

This week, our Student Leadership Team began recruiting student leaders for 2027. Our new Sub-School Captains will represent students in the Junior, Middle and Senior Schools and work alongside our 2027 College Captains, Natalia Althorp, Kayla Christie and Will Bassett.

Students can also apply for Specialist Captain roles in Sport, Technology, Performing Arts and Visual Art, or contribute to the College. If you enjoy bringing people together or have an idea that could make school better for others, I encourage you to come along, especially if this is your first leadership role.

The student leadership information session will be held in Learning Centre 2 at lunchtime on Friday 6 November. Come along to hear what each role involves, ask questions and find out how to put yourself forward.

PAT testing and preparing for next week’s exams

This week, students in Years 7–10 began their Progressive Achievement Tests (PAT). Teachers will compare these results with earlier PAT results to understand how each student’s learning has progressed over the past six months. They will use this information alongside classwork and classroom assessments to identify students’ strengths, see where further support is needed and plan what to teach next.

Our College examination period begins next week. While PAT testing helps us track growth over time, exams give students an opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned in their subjects and build confidence with formal assessments.

Best of luck to all students completing exams.

Kind regards,

Adam Slater

Principal

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Michael Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Important Dates

Dates correct at time of posting and subject to change.

Camps

Class of 2027 – Year 12 Retreat 

Dates: Wednesday 2 December – Friday 4 December 2026 

Location: Alexandra Adventure Resort 

Payment Due: Sunday 22 November 2026 

Visit the Alexandra Adventure Resort website 

The Class of 2027 Year 12 Retreat is an exciting opportunity for students to prepare for a successful year ahead. Across the three days, students will participate in activities designed to develop important leadership, teamwork and personal skills. 

Students will work together and challenge themselves through a range of exciting activities, including the leap of faith, giant swing, laser tag, indoor archery, flying fox, canoeing and much more! 

The retreat runs during Fast Forward, allowing all students the opportunity to attend before VET courses, work placements, SACs and exams commence. 

The cost includes all activities and meals during the camp. 

Please note: This event is payment only. Once payment and consent have been provided, students will be asked to complete additional documentation regarding medical needs and sleeping group preferences. 

Payment Assistance 

Families wishing to use CSEF, SSB or arrange a payment plan are encouraged to contact Erin Dixon to organise this: Erin Dixon: erin.dixon3@education.vic.gov.au 

Further Information 

If you have any questions regarding the Year 12 Retreat, please contact Year 12 Leader: 

Joanne Reeman 

Phone: 5970 0200 

Email: joanne.reeman@education.vic.gov.au 

We look forward to providing our future Year 12 students with an engaging and memorable experience to help them prepare for a successful year!

Jo Reeman

Team Leader Year 12

Year 10 OES – Otways Camp 

From soaring through the treetops to tackling rugged coastal trails and catching waves at Apollo Bay, our Year 10 Outdoor Recreation students experienced three action-packed days of adventure, challenge and teamwork in the spectacular Otways! The camp provided the perfect opportunity for students to step outside their comfort zones, put their outdoor skills to the test and develop a deeper appreciation for Victoria’s natural environment.

Day 1 saw students take on the exciting challenge of tree surfing, testing their confidence, teamwork and ability to step outside their comfort zones.

Day 2 involved a challenging 14 km hike from Blanket Bay to the iconic Cape Otway Lighthouse. Students demonstrated excellent resilience, determination and teamwork as they navigated the coastal trails, carrying their heavy hiking packs and supporting one another throughout the journey.

Day 3 finished with surfing at Apollo Bay, providing a fantastic opportunity for students to develop their skills in the ocean and enjoy the beautiful coastline.

Throughout the camp, students demonstrated outstanding behaviour, a positive attitude and a genuine appreciation for the natural environment. It was particularly pleasing to see students supporting and encouraging each other, practising their outdoor skills and demonstrating responsible environmental practices.

A special thank you to John Walker and AFL Trainee Shine for their support and contribution to making the camp such a successful and memorable experience.

Grant Olarenshaw

Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence

End of Year Activities: Don't Miss Out!

Bookings for End of Year Activities Week are open!

In the last week of Term 4 we move to celebration mode and encourage our students to enjoy a range of off-site and on-site activities in the wind down to school holidays. These events include, but are not limited to:

• Tree Surfing at Enchanted Adventures
• Le Mans Go Karting and Laser Tag
• Learn to Surf at Phillip Island
• Gravity Zone Jump and Laser Tag
• Cable Park Aqua and Climb: NOW FULLY BOOKED

Bookings close Sunday 15th November, unless sold out prior.

In previous years many activities have booked out quickly, so to avoid disappointment please click below to book in early.

Excursions

Year 9 Team Sports: Go Karting and Laser Tag 

Engines roared and competitive spirits soared as our Year 9 Team Sports students headed to Le Mans for an action-packed day of go-karting and laser tag.

Students took to the track for 15 thrilling laps, competing individually and in race teams. With every corner offering a chance to gain ground, there was plenty of friendly rivalry, encouragement and tough racing tactics.

The competition continued with three team laser tag games, where communication, strategy and a sharp eye helped teams outwit their opponents.

Special honours for the day went to:

• Deklan Jukes, who recorded the fastest lap
• Lucinda Bradshaw, our fastest female driver, and 
• Seth Glasgow, who earned the title of deadliest shot in laser tag!

With heaps of laughs and spirited competition, the excursion gave students a fantastic opportunity to put their teamwork skills into action and enjoy a memorable day together.

Grant Olarenshaw

Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence

Year 7 Poppy Wreath Workshop

A big thank you to Bunnings Mornington, who generously donated their time and energy this week to host a poppy wreath craft session with our Year 7 students.

Our students took great pride in creating their wreath, with some learning a few new skills along the way. The finished wreath will be laid at the MSC ANZAC Deck as part of our Remembrance Day Service on Wednesday 11 November.

Thank you, Bunnings Mornington, for helping our students contribute to this important occasion.

Art Show

Every artwork has a story, and every signature represents the creativity and effort behind it.

For this year's Art Show, we wanted to celebrate the hands-on craft, creativity and critical thinking of our students. We wanted the poster itself to reflect this process and represent everyone who has been part of art in 2026.

We began with an abstract painting of our school logo, added the names of every student involved, then photographed and digitally developed the artwork into the final poster. Bringing together traditional artmaking and digital design.

And that's how MADE came to life.

From the curiosity and experimentation of Year 7 through to Year 10, to the independent thinking and creative identity of Year 12, the exhibition celebrates how students grow through refining and resolving.

Whether their future lies in art, design, architecture, fashion or something entirely different, the skills they develop along the way will travel with them. Come along to MADE. A celebration of what our Year 7 - 12 students have imagined, explored and created. 

Where: The Gallery, M Block Art District

Gala Opening Night: Wednesday 11 November, 4–6pm

Everyone is welcome! 

Careers and Pathways

Students recently had the opportunity to connect with the Monash Access Team during a lunchtime pop-up visit at school. The team provided information about two valuable programs designed to support students as they consider their future pathways.

The Monash Mentoring Program offers face-to-face mentoring, pairing students with current Monash University students who can provide guidance, encouragement, and firsthand insights into university life and study.

Students also learned about the Navigator Program, a free, guided online program for Year 11 and 12 students. Navigator helps students build effective study skills, develop confidence, and prepare for a successful transition into higher education through a range of interactive resources and activities.

Thank you to the Monash Access Team for taking the time to engage with our students and showcase the support available to help them achieve their post-school goals.

https://www.monash.edu/about/mentoring/access-monash

Kylie Lebrasse

Careers Practitioner

Wellbeing

Doctors in School

Student Achievements

Netball State Team Selection

Congratulations to Nat Heyward on her recent selection in the Two Bays Netball Region Open Female Team for the 2027 Netball Victoria State Titles!

Nat will represent the Two Bays region at the State Titles, competing against 17 other Victorian regions from 6–8 March 2027 at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo.

This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish Nat all the best for the competition!

Support the Poppy Appeal

Poppy Appeal badges are currently available for purchase at the Administration Office, with prices ranging from $2 to $5.

Staff, students and families can buy a poppy to remember our veterans and help provide practical support, connection, dignity and stability for veterans and their families.

Donations can also be made directly via the Poppy Appeal website.

Student scholarships

The Department of Education manages a range of student scholarships. These are available for students who: 

• complete Grade 4 to Year 11 in 2026 
• are enrolled in Year 12 in 2026 and plan to do tertiary studies in 2027. 

The department will evaluate applicants on their: 

• academic achievement 
• participation in school and community activities 
• financial need.  

Scholarships are either one-off payments or cover the duration of the student’s course. 

Applications for these scholarships open on Thursday 1st October 2026 and close on Monday 1st February 2027. 

To view all available scholarships and for more information on each, including how to apply, refer to Student scholarships. 

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

Australian Army Cadets 

To learn more or to reach out to us