Whats happening at MRC
Yr 7Li - Radio station Excursion
On the 23rd of June, 2025, students from the Punjabi Language Immersion Program participated in an enriching excursion to the 88.9 Wyn FM radio station. The visit provided students with the unique opportunity to showcase their language skills in a real-world setting, engaging in a live radio segment conducted entirely in Punjabi. The students responded confidently to all questions, expressing their thoughts in Punjabi with fluency and enthusiasm. They highlighted various program activities, such as cultural projects, language games, community visits, and collaborative learning tasks that make the immersion experience highly engaging and different from traditional language classes. A memorable highlight of the excursion was Prabhbir’s performance of a Punjabi song live on air. This not only demonstrated their language proficiency but also showcased their cultural pride and teamwork. Students also shared personal stories about how learning Punjabi has strengthened their family connections and deepened their understanding of their cultural heritage. Many expressed excitement about the long-term benefits of being bilingual, including career opportunities, travel, and community leadership roles. The radio presenter was genuinely impressed by the students’ confidence while speaking on air. They praised the students for their fluency, enthusiasm, and ability to engage so comfortably in a public forum. The excursion was a resounding success, offering students an authentic and meaningful experience to apply their language skills beyond the classroom.
ACED - 8C MEDIEVAL INCURSION
On Friday 30th May, the Year 8 ACED Humanities class had a visit from Medieval Education to learn all about crime and punishment in medieval times as part of their unit on Medieval Europe. There was fun and interactive participation whilst they explored the various trials by ordeal, cutting off of ears, whippings using all sorts of brutal weapons and tools. This experience reinforced the students learning about the social hierarchy of the times and the lives of the Nobles and Lady of the manor, knights, peasants and the priest within the medieval villages and the role they played in keeping the village running and administering justice to those who dared to commit crimes.
Yr 8 Cubism
“This term, students explored the fascinating world of Cubism through the creation of their own Cubist-inspired portraits. Drawing from key themes, artists, and techniques studied throughout the semester, students were challenged to conceptualise and design a portrait that reflects the bold, fragmented forms of the Cubist movement.
Using A3 paper as their canvas, students developed their understanding of artistic conventions, selected appropriate materials, and applied various techniques to produce unique and expressive artworks. Each portrait was accompanied by a written explanation, where students demonstrated their grasp of key vocabulary and reflected on the artistic choices behind their work.
The result is a vibrant and diverse collection of artworks that showcase not only technical skill, but also a deepening appreciation of visual art history and personal expression. From bold lines to abstracted forms, students engaged thoughtfully with Cubist principles to produce compelling and creative portraits.
Congratulations to all students for their hard work and artistic growth this semester!”
Year 9 Students I Belong in Business RMIT excursion
On Thursday, 12th June, a group of enthusiastic Year 9 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the I Belong in Business excursion at RMIT’s City Campus. This immersive program, part of RMIT’s tertiary education outreach initiative, offered students a hands-on introduction to university life and the diverse world of business careers.
Throughout the day, students engaged in interactive presentations and participated in three dynamic workshops covering areas such as project management, business, and marketing. They also had the chance to speak directly with RMIT teaching staff, current university students, and industry professionals, gaining valuable insights into study pathways and career opportunities.
The experience was designed to build students’ confidence in navigating a university environment and inspire them to consider tertiary education.
We’re proud of our students for embracing this opportunity and look forward to seeing how it shapes their future aspirations.
Year 9 Food Technology
These last couple of weeks, our Year 9 students took on an exciting design brief challenge where they brainstormed, planned, and designed their very own unique dishes showcasing creativity, problem solving, and food styling skills. In addition to their design work, students also had the opportunity to bake a delicious marble cake, learning important techniques like folding, marbling, and precise measuring. A great balance of creativity and practical skills in the kitchen!
Year 9 Biology
In year 9 Biology, students dissected sheep brains and Garfish to observe the spinal cord. They located different areas of the brain which are responsible for various functions such as vision, hearing, taste, balance, breathing and heart rate, thinking and creativity. They also compared the size and characteristics of sheep brain to a human brain. The fish dissection challenged them to cut it open and pull-out vertebrae from its spine, to extract the spinal cord. Although it took a bit of courage to be hands-on with these dissections, all were eager to observe and take a closer look through the microscope.
La Trobe University Incursion
On Monday 30th June, Our Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in a inspiring incursion with La Trobe University, gaining insight into university life and future pathways. A highlight was hearing from current La Trobe student that was a past student from Mount Ridley College who shared their personal journey, offering reassurance and motivation to those still figuring things out.
Following the incursion, senior students attended a Q&A session in the Study Center, where La Trobe representatives answered questions about ATARs, scholarships, and student life. The session encouraged students to explore options early and seek support when needed.
Events like these help bridge the gap between high school and university, empowering students to take charge of their futures with confidence.
Year 11 Food Studies
In Year 11 Food Studies, students have been exploring Australia’s diverse food systems by cooking a range of multicultural dishes that reflect the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our nation. Through hands-on cooking experiences, students have developed a deeper understanding of where our food comes from, how it is produced, and the journey it takes to reach our plates. We have also been investigating the role of importing and exporting food goods, and how global trade impacts what we eat here in Australia. This unit has provided valuable insights into the complexities of food production, sustainability, food security, and food sovereignty, helping students understand the importance of access, fairness, and independence in our food systems.
Year 12 Food Studies
In Year 12 Food Studies, students recently completed a practical SAC where they prepared a kangaroo bolognese, applying their understanding of healthy eating and sustainable food choices. This task supports our current focus on Unit 4, Area of Study 1, where students are learning to analyse food information using principles of evidence-based research. They are also evaluating food trends, fads, and diets, along with claims made on food packaging and in advertisements. Through both theory and practical activities, students are developing the skills to assess food choices against the Australian Dietary Guidelines and make informed, health-conscious decisions.
As part of this unit, students also recreated a popular TikTok trend pasta to explore how social media influences food choices. This allowed them to assess how well these trends align with the Australian Dietary Guidelines and reflect on their nutritional value.
Year 12 Formal & Pyjama Day
Last week was a whirlwind of celebration and comfort for our Year 12 students! On Thursday night, 274 students and staff gathered at the stunning Lakeside Banquet & Convention Centre for the much-anticipated Year 12 Formal. The students looked absolutely radiant; dressed to the nines in elegant gowns and sharp suits. A student even made a grand entrance in a horse and carriage, adding a magical touch to the evening! The night was filled with dancing, delicious food, and countless photo moments. Some well-deserved students also snagged awards and prizes for ‘Best Dressed’, ‘Life of the Party’ and ‘Best Dancer’, amongst others. The energy was electric, and the feedback from students was unanimous: “Best night ever!”
The following day, the vibe shifted from glam to cozy as students rolled into school for Pyjama Day. Dressed in their comfiest PJs, oodies, and onesies, they embraced a well-deserved day of relaxation and fun whilst continuing with Unit 4 content. It was the perfect way to wind down after such a memorable night.
Photos from both events are included below, enjoy the highlights!
VM
VCAF Café: Serving Teachers and Building Skills
The Vocational Major students at Mount Ridley have continued their project of the VCAF Café, a student-led initiative that serves staff while helping students develop essential workplace and hospitality skills. From customer service to food preparation and time management, students are thriving in real-world learning conditions.
“It’s been great seeing students take pride in their work and build confidence,” said one of the supervising teachers. “They’re learning responsibility, communication, and professionalism in a way that truly prepares them for the workforce.”
The café has quickly become a hit among staff, not only for its great coffee but for the enthusiasm and care students bring to the experience. The Vocational Major Team will be excited to serve parents and carers at the next WeShare interviews night in term 3.
Excursion to Ninja Nation: Teamwork in Action
In an exciting day away from the classroom, students recently visited Ninja Nation to participate in a physical team-building excursion. The activity-based outing was designed to improve collaboration, problem-solving, and mutual support through a variety of fun and challenging obstacle courses.
Students were encouraged to push their limits, cheer each other on, and reflect on how working together can lead to better outcomes—not just in sport, but in all areas of life and work.
Herb Garden Update: Chilli Explosion!
Meanwhile, back on campus, the Vocational Major Herb Garden has been experiencing mixed success. While the cold weather has taken a toll on many of the herbs, the chilli plants are thriving, growing faster and stronger than ever.
Students are now planning to replant more cold-hardy herbs and introduce new methods to protect the garden from winter conditions. Strategies include insulating soil, using mini-greenhouses, and creating weather shields to maintain plant health through seasonal changes.
