Junior School Director Update

Dear Families, Students and Mordialloc College Community,

As we approach the end of Term 1, it’s hard to believe how quickly the year has already begun to unfold. With the April school holidays just around the corner, it is a great opportunity to reflect on what has been a fantastic and energetic start to 2026 for our Junior School.

Our Year 7 students are close to completing their first term of secondary school, and it has been wonderful to see how quickly they have embraced life at Mordialloc College. Starting secondary school is an exciting milestone, and our newest students have shown tremendous enthusiasm, curiosity and resilience as they have adapted to new routines, new subjects and new friendships. Already, they are beginning to develop a strong sense of belonging and connection to the college community. While Year 12 might seem a long way away, experience tells us that the journey passes quickly. In the years ahead, these same students will grow into the leaders of our school.

During the first few weeks of the term, our Year 7 students took part in a range of connection and relationship-building activities designed to help them feel confident and supported as they settled into their new environment. It was fantastic to see students stepping outside their comfort zones, meeting new people and building friendships that will continue to develop throughout their secondary school journey.

Some of the highlights included excursions to the inflatable water park and ropes course, which proved to be a favourite among many students, particularly those experiencing it for the first time. Students also enjoyed time at Mordialloc Beach, making the most of the local environment while strengthening connections with their peers. These experiences created plenty of laughter, positive memories and shared experiences that help form the foundation of a strong school community.

Alongside these activities, all Year 7 students completed the “Me in the LC” project, an integrated learning experience that spans multiple curriculum areas. Through this project, students explored their strengths, reflected on their goals and developed a deeper understanding of themselves and their peers. It also helped students become familiar with classroom expectations and the layout of the college, while giving teachers valuable opportunities to begin building strong, supportive relationships with their classes.

Earlier this term we also hosted our Year 7 Parent Meet & Greet evening, and I would like to thank all families who were able to attend. Opportunities like this are important in strengthening the partnership between school and home, ensuring that together we can support our students as they grow and succeed.

In the coming weeks, a number of our Year 7 students and student leaders will represent Mordialloc College by visiting local primary schools. They will share their experiences of transitioning to secondary school and help current Grade 6 students understand what they can look forward to when they begin their journey with us in 2027. This is always a rewarding opportunity for our students, many of whom enjoy returning to their primary schools and reconnecting with former teachers. It is also an early opportunity for our students to begin developing their confidence as ambassadors and leaders within the community.

Our Year 8 students have also made a strong start to the year, continuing to develop the maturity and confidence that comes with being the senior students of the Junior School. As role models for our Year 7 cohort, they are beginning to understand the positive influence they can have on the school culture and community. Over the coming months, many of these students will begin considering how they might contribute further through leadership opportunities, whether that be applying for school captain roles or becoming involved in the Mordialloc College Student Council (MCSC) next year.

Another exciting opportunity for our Year 8 students was the Cape Schanck excursion, where they participated in an integrated learning experience exploring the unique geography and environment of the area. Experiences like this allow students to connect their classroom learning with the real world while building collaboration and teamwork skills. The day concluded with a well-earned and much anticipated potato cake and chip lunch at Mornington Park, which is always a highlight.

Sport has also played an important role in the term so far. Year 7 students have begun, and Year 8 students have continued, participating in weekly sports programs, proudly representing Mordialloc College in competitions against other schools. Beyond the results on the scoreboard, our students have consistently demonstrated respect, teamwork and sportsmanship, qualities that reflect the values we strive to develop in all members of our community.

Following our highly successful and always energetic swimming carnival, several Junior School students went on to represent the college at district and state level competitions, an achievement of which we are extremely proud.

To finish the term, we are all eagerly looking forward to our Athletics Day, which takes place on the final day of term. For many students, this is one of the most anticipated events of the year, bringing together house spirit, friendly competition and plenty of fun. I encourage all Year 7 and Year 8 students to get involved, support one another and make the most of the day.

Finally, I would like to thank our Year Level Coordinators for their dedication and ongoing support of our students. Their work plays a vital role in helping our students feel connected, supported and confident as they progress through their school journey.

It has been a wonderful start to the year, and we look forward to continuing to see our students grow in confidence, take on new challenges and develop into the future leaders of our college community.

Brendan McFarland

Junior School Director