Principal's Message
Dear MGSC Community
As we move towards the conclusion of Semester One, students across all year levels are finalising assessments and preparing for upcoming examinations. Our Years 9–11 students are approaching semester exams, while our Unit 3 students are completing their final SAC and SAT coursework. This can be a demanding period, and we thank our dedicated teachers and sub-school teams for the ongoing guidance, encouragement and support they continue to provide to students throughout this time.
To support their wellbeing and academic success, students are encouraged to:
- Communicate regularly with teachers regarding subject-specific questions
- Reduce recreational screen time to maximise effective study habits
- Prioritise sleep, aiming for 7–8 hours each night to support focus and concentration
- Maintain balance through activities such as sport, exercise and part-time work
- Continue making healthy food choices to support energy and wellbeing
It has been wonderful to see students taking advantage of the free fruit available in each sub-school area as part of maintaining healthy routines during this busy period.
Since our last newsletter, there have been many outstanding events, achievements and learning opportunities across the college.
Ms Brown and I had the pleasure of attending the VCE Theatre Studies production of The Real Inspector Hound. The cast and crew delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing remarkable creativity, confidence and teamwork. We congratulate all students involved, along with staff who supported the production.
Our Performing Arts program continues to thrive, with Year 9 Script and Performance students presenting their work on 21 May, followed by the Year 10 Drama performance on 26 May. Students and staff are also continuing rehearsals for the upcoming production of Hadestown, and we look forward to sharing this exciting performance with the community later in the year.
MGSC was delighted to host the well attended and highly successful StringFest on Thursday 28 May. String musicians for many schools in the south-east region filled the Lecture Theatre stage to develop their skills, make music together and share their love of string instruments.
On Wednesday 13 May, our annual House Athletics Carnival was held at Dolamore Oval in Mentone. The day was filled with enthusiasm, participation and outstanding house spirit. Thank you to all staff who contributed to the organisation and smooth running of the event, and to our SRC students who supported the day through fundraising activities including the BBQ and house-coloured bandana sales.
Our students also represented the college with pride at the Victorian All-Schools Cross Country Relay Championships at Jells Park, the State Cross Country Championships on 15 May, and the State Aerobics Finals held from 22–24 May. We congratulate all students involved on their commitment, determination and sportsmanship, and extend special congratulations to those who have now qualified for the National competition. Ms Dureau attended both events and I was able to attend the aerobics competition. We sincerely thank Matt Currie, Sports Coordinator, Tess Molina, and the many current and past student coaches whose dedication and hard work continue to support the success of our programs.
On Thursday 14 May, we proudly acknowledged IDAHOBIT Day — an important opportunity to celebrate diversity, inclusion and respect within our school community. Students participated in a range of lunchtime activities and workshops coordinated by our Wellbeing Team and Kingston Youth Services, including badge making, wellbeing conversations and community-building activities within the Wellbeing Space. We thank all staff involved for supporting these important initiatives and fostering an inclusive culture at MGSC.
Student wellbeing continues to remain a key priority across the college. This fortnight, our Year 8 students participated in Stress Management workshops as part of the Headspace in Schools program, supporting students to develop positive wellbeing strategies and resilience.
Our Year 10 students participated in Work Experience placements, engaging in valuable real-world learning opportunities beyond the classroom. Thank you to all staff who conducted workplace visits and supported students throughout this process. I extend particular thanks to Karen Garton, Careers and Pathways Coordinator, for the enormous amount of work completed behind the scenes to ensure this year’s program has been such a success.
For our senior students, the Year 11 Semester 2 subject change process is currently underway. Students are encouraged to continue discussing pathway decisions carefully with teachers and coordinators to ensure informed choices are made for future learning pathways. As exams approach, we also acknowledge the efforts of staff supporting students through revision programs, exam preparation and study strategies.
On Monday 18 May, we recognised World Education Support Personnel Day. Our Education Support staff make an invaluable contribution to the daily life of the college through their professionalism, care, expertise and commitment to supporting students, staff and families. We sincerely thank them for the important role they play within our school community.
Student safety remains a fundamental priority at MGSC. On the 1 May students and staff participated in a lockdown drill to ensure our emergency management procedures remain effective and well understood. Thank you to Jackie Mathews, Assistant Principal, for coordinating this important work.
This fortnight also marked the implementation of the annual Attitudes to School Survey across all year levels. Coordinated by Hayley Dureau, Assistant Principal, the survey provides valuable feedback that helps inform our ongoing school improvement strategies. Student Voice remains central to the continued growth and development of our college.
We also congratulate Sophie, a valued member of our First Aid team, who has officially qualified as a paramedic. This is a wonderful personal and professional achievement, and we are delighted to celebrate this milestone with her.
Our MGSC Mega Raffle fundraising campaign is now underway, and we warmly welcome support from businesses and organisations within our broader community. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to this important initiative.
Finally, thank you to all students, staff and families for your ongoing support, partnership and contribution to our vibrant, inclusive and connected school community. It is through this collective commitment that MGSC continues to thrive.
Kind regards
Carol Duggan
Acting Principal