From the Principal
Good morning everyone,
Wednesday I had the pleasure of attending the State Government Education State Forum. The theme was ‘Building and Sustaining Momentum’. The Hon. Ben Carroll MP, Deputy Premier of Victoria, Minister for Education made the keynote address where he spoke about the introduction of Phonics and the Victorian Teaching and Learning Model 2.0 (VTLM 2.0). This was followed by Lisa Holt from Rosebud Secondary College who gave a school perspective of the education reforms.
We then participated in 3 workshops. They included – ‘Behaviour Expectations’, ‘Elevating Government Schools’ offering in preparing young people for life’ and’ Excellence in every classroom – VTLM 2.0’. The workshops were designed to provide information about many of the programs and offerings already within schools and looking at new reforms and recommendations. A very interesting day.
Yesterday we held our first whole school assembly for the term. Our College Captains, Ethan Barker and Carter Nicholson led the assembly with confidence. The focus was ‘community’. Here is an excerpt of my speech:
…Today I wish to speak to you about what community means and what it means to belong to Mornington Secondary College. We are more than just a group of people in the same place. We are a community. Community is about connection, belonging, and a shared purpose. Community brings us together, helps us grow, and reminds us that we’re never truly alone.
We’ve seen this in action many times already this year. Think about our ANZAC Day service—students from all year levels showing respect, honouring the sacrifice made, and remembering the past. In that moment, we weren’t just individuals—we were one community, united in reflection and gratitude. You were amazing and so respectful, thank you.
Last term we also held an Open Night Carnival. Students, families, and staff came together to showcase what makes our school special. There were smiles, conversations, and a sense of pride in what we’ve built together. That’s community.
Last term we also held a Grandparents’ Morning Tea—where different generations shared stories and laughter, and where students proudly introduced some of the most important people in their lives. Moments like that remind us how community connects us across age and experience.
Our Parent-Teacher Interviews—something that might seem routine—are part of this picture. They show how families and teachers work together to support each of you, to listen, and to help you grow. That’s community, too.
But here’s the thing: community isn’t just something we attend or watch. It’s something we help create.
You help build community when you show kindness, when you support a classmate, when you include someone new. You help build it when you take responsibility, when you give your best, and when you treat others with respect.
So I want to challenge you—no matter what year level you are in—I want you to think about the kind of community you want to be part of. And then ask yourself: what am I doing to make it real?
Because community isn’t built by one person. It’s built by all of us. And when we build it well, it becomes something we’re proud to belong to—something strong, supportive, and lasting.
Next week, our Yr 7 students will be going on camp. They will work together and get to know each other more. They will work together in teams and learn to get along with each other. All things that lead to a stronger community.
Later this term, you will be asked to participate in the Attitudes to School Survey. This is the survey you do every year. The statements refer to our community and does it provide you with a sense of belonging and connectedness. As mentioned before, how can you contribute to making our community as strong as it possibly can be.
Also, this term, many of you will be asked to consider your future pathways by thinking about the subjects you want to study next year. For students entering senior school, you need to consider the 2 different themes of VCE. Which one is the right one for you. Some of you may even consider accelerating into the next year level by enrolling in a subject a year above. Start asking questions of your community. Ask for advice and consider all options. Your teachers and other students will be willing to support and encourage you, all you need to do is ask.
As I said last week, welcome back everybody. It is great to see you today. You look amazing and you are amazing. You and the staff at MSC make our community great.
Thankyou for your ongoing support.
Linda Stanton
Principal
Important Dates
Term 2 2025
May
May - Monday 5th to Wednesday 7th Year 7 Camp - Golden Valley Adventures Camp
May - Thursday 8th Year 9 Wellbeing Day Speak and Share
May - Friday 16th Year 9 Morrisby My Career Insights
May - Thursday 22nd Year 12 Formal
May - Friday 23rd Curriculum Day, pupil free day
May - Monday 26th Year 7 and Year 10 Vaccinations
June
Jun - Monday 9th King's Birthday public holiday, student free day
Jun - Tuesday 10th to Friday 13th Year 7 to Year 10 PAT testing
Jun - Wednesday 11th to Thursday 19th Year 10 and Year 11 Exams
Jun - Tuesday 17th GAT Day for students studying VCE Units 3 and 4
Jun - Friday 20th Report writing day, student free day
Jun - Monday 23rd Semester 2 commences
Jun - Thursday 26th to Friday 27th Year 12 Snow Camp - Mt Buller
July
Jul - Tuesday 1st Course Information Evening for 2026 Year 9 to 12 students
Jul - Friday 4th End of Term 2, 2.30pm dismissal
Middle School
Dear Parents and Carers,
I often speak about how much we value community involvement in our college events, and our recent ANZAC service was a perfect example of this.
Below is a heartfelt letter from Irma, the mother of Dean Long. It was wonderful to have both Dean’s parents and grandparents attend the service. Please take a moment to read Irma’s lovely acknowledgement of our ANZAC service—it’s a reminder of the impact these events have beyond the school gates.
“Last week we attended the ANZAC Day service at MSC. Our son is Dean Long who is in the Drum Corps. Deans grandparents Pasquina and Vincent Galati who live in Caulfied have never seen Dean perform. That has now changed as they made the early and long journey to MSC last Thursday. They were delighted to see their grandchild, Dean, performing among the other children in the Drum Corps. It was truly amazing.
To say they were extremely moved and proud of how well-run and organised the event would be an understatement. The precision displayed by the Drum Corps was outstanding. The service that MSC put on ANZAC Eve every year is one of the best that a school puts on. The staff and students made Pasquina and Vincent with myself feel very welcome; from being welcomed as we arrived, to being served at the morning tea. The staff surpassed in accommodating to my parent’s needs.
Dean’s grandparents Pasquina and Vincent were thrilled that they finally made the journey to attend . It was well worth the early drive. It surpassed all expectations. They are still talking about the event with family and friends. Well done MSC and congratulations on running such a wonderful event which takes a lot of organising which doesn’t go unnoticed.” Irma Long
Have a great week
Denise Leggett
Assistant Principal
Senior School
To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,
As we head into May, the days are definitely feeling shorter and it will soon start to get cooler. The academic demands on our senior school, however, are starting to heat up. Our Year 12s are heading into a heavy SAC period, and our Year 10 and 11s have just around 6 weeks until their Semester 1 exams (or presentations for our VM students).
Sometimes we get caught up in the moment and focus just on what is happening in front of us and the issues of the day. I had the opportunity during the week to have my focus drawn back to the longer-term picture when I attended a regional VDSS (VET) steering committee meeting in Linda’s place as the representative from the Central Mornington Peninsula network. Linda was invited by the Education Minister, Ben Carroll, to attend a Victorian Schools forum on the same day, and it’s a great opportunity for the school to have a voice in the shaping of future policy and educational direction. I was able to meet with representatives from the Department of Education, Chisholm TAFE, VET cluster leaders and other pathways leaders to discuss barriers, enablers and future opportunities for students in accessing VET/TAFE placements and future employment areas of need. While I won’t go into the details of what we spoke about (I want you to keep reading 😉), it was a very clear reminder about the purpose of our work in schools. It isn’t just about supporting our students today, it’s about providing opportunities for them to find enjoyment in learning and setting them up with the skills, knowledge and pathways into the careers they’ll be doing for the next 50 years or so.
It's therefore fitting that next week is National Careers Week and there will be lots of focus on the future of our students, rather than just the present. The work our students are doing is important, partly for the knowledge they’ll gain but mainly for two other reasons. They are learning transferable skills, irrespective of whether they do anything in future linked to the subject matter, but more importantly because they are learning to learn and that will be needed whatever they do in future. In case your (and our) young people are worried they don’t yet know what they are going to do in future, they need not worry about choosing yet, provided they immerse themselves in as many different options and opportunities as they can to help them learn what they enjoy and conversely what they do not enjoy. Knowing these things are important and powerful tools in future when it does come time to pick an initial journey post-school.
Key Senior School events
22nd May (Thurs) – Year 12 Formal. No Year 12 classes after lunch
23rd May (Fri) – Curriculum Day
11th – 19th June (Wed – Thurs) – Year 10-11 exams and VCE VM Semester 1 presentations (year 11)
17th June (Tues) -VCAA GAT – all students studying a Year 12 VCE ATAR or VM subject required
20th June (Fri) – Report writing day (no classes)
23rd June (Mon) – Start of Semester 2 rotations (years 7-11)
1st July (Tues) – Senior Pathways Course Information Night
4th July (Fri) – End of Term 2
Kind regards,
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
Time to get into gear
As we move into Term 2 lots of things are happening, but the most important thing is IN CLASS. As the flow of a subject goes, students often start as novices and they grow in confidence and skill as they learn breadth and depth. It's now time that they can really get their teeth into the content and strive for high levels of academic achievement. So at home you should be encouraging an expansion of home study time, where students not only catchup on work, but where they review work they have done during the day to help embed it into long term memory (what “learning” actually is).
Over the coming weeks teachers will be completing Progress Reports looking at how the student is participating in the learning process, this will also include an academic “check in” to make sure students are on track with the content. Please encourage your children to double down on their efforts.
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal
Students of the Week
Year 7 Meadow Payze
Favourite food: Quesadillas
Hobbies out of school: Footy- Mount Eliza FC
What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn
Favourite TV show: Friends
Do you have any pets? A dog named Ivy and a cat named Lottie
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? All the clubs and sport opportunities
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? AFLW player
Year 7 Declan Maddocks
Favourite food: Raman and Lasagne
Hobbies out of school: Footy (Beleura Demons) and athletics
What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn
Favourite TV show: Dragon prince or Dragon Ball
Do you have any pets? Chickens, a dog, fish, a turtle and some shrimp
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The learning, the atmosphere, the people in general students and teachers
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure - AFL player otherwise no idea
Year 8 Nick O’Sullivan
Favourite food: Tacos and Cheese
Hobbies out of school: Basketball, Surfing
What sports team do you follow? Collingwood
Favourite TV show: Stranger Things
Do you have any pets? Dog (Hugo)
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Good teachers and students
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure
Whole School Assembly
On Thursday 30th April we held our Term 2 Whole School Assembly. The theme of today's assembly, and indeed the focus for the term, is COMMUNITY, including our school community.
Joining us on the day was Peter Horton who spoke about the hospitality pathway opportunities his registered charity Home Ground provides. Home Ground is our school chosen charity for 2025 and it is a charity that provides:
- education around healthier eating and access to growing foods, and preparing community meals
- inclusion, belong and mentoring that builds greater sustainability and empowerment in the community
School Captains Carter Nicholson and Ethan Barker encouraged our Year 12's, our Class of 2025, to embrace the challenges of this year and to keep pushing forward.
School band, Harry and the Jennings, wonderfully performed both the National Anthem and a song of their choice.
To end the assembly raffle prizes were presented to random winners. To be eligible for the raffle, students need need to meet certain Progress Check Scores, so congratulations to all winners and enjoy your prize!
MP Magazine media 'stars'
On Thursday May 1st our College Captains and Year 7 representative students hosted MP Magazine's social media team. In preparation for the filming session, our Year 7 students prepared the following insights.
Gus Wilson, Chelsea Eagleson, Ethan Neath-Saito, Aria Oakley
What's your favourite part of being at Mornington Secondary College?
Gus: The massive three court gym and the teachers are approachable to any type of questions.
Chelsea: Being able to do aerobics as one of the school Clubs.
Ethan: The variety in subjects, like Woodwork, Food Technology and Japanese. I love that we have a swimming pool at school which enables us to join Swimming Squad. I also attended the ANZAC Day March with the Drum Corps which was a very unique opportunity.
What is something cool you've learnt recently?
Gus: I learnt how to use the Bunsen Burner.
Chelsea: Cooking pizza muffins in Food Technology.
Ethan: Recently I learnt the range of concepts in algebra. It was fun to get to know a new area in Maths.
How would you describe your school in three words?
Gus: Fun, exciting, inclusive
Chelsea: Friendly, fun, caring
Ethan: Fun, inspiring, leadership
If you could teach any subject for a day, what would it be and why?
Gus: Sport, because I love to run and do lots of different activities.
Chelsea: Food Tech, because I like to cook.
Ethan: Japanese, because I used to live in Japan and I think it would be fun to share my experience on how to navigate the streets of Tokyo and learning the language on the way.
What do you think your parents could never come back and re learn?
Gus: Math, especially Algebra.
Chelsea: I think they would have trouble being told what to do.
Ethan: Anything involving coding or advanced technology because back when they went to school the subject of coding, and even mobile phones, didn't exist.
What advice would you give to someone starting Year 7 next year?
Aria: Don't be nervous.
How do your teachers help you feel confident in class?
Aria: By helping me when I need help.
What's one goal you've set for yourself this year?
Aria: To get on the athletics team.
Please keep an eye out for them in the Mornington Peninsula Magazine May edition: Education Week Feature, which is currently live on the MP Magazine website and in distribution throughout the community. Our students and staff will feature in @mornpenmag FB and Instagram during Education Week (19th to 23rd May), so please keep an eye out for them then too!
Junior Rangers
On Wednesday 30th April some of our indigenous students started the Junior Rangers Indigenous program facilitated by the Briars. In our first session we went to Police Point at Portsea, starting the day with a smoking ceremony, welcoming new members to the program. Then our students drew/painted/burnt their life journey onto possum pelts and made damper. They connected with peers from neighbouring schools and had a great day.
Nicole Boland
Mental Health Practitioner
The Ian Potter Centre: NGV
On Thursday 30th April our VCE Art students visited The Ian Potter Centre at the NGV to view and select three additional Australian Artists that compliment the three they have already chosen as part of their SAC. This research will assist them in planning an exhibition of their artworks. In addition, during the excursion our students learnt about the roles of a curator and exhibition designer, as well as storage and safety considerations.
Lea Gilbert
Head of Art
Year 9 and 10 Tennis
On Monday April 28th, Jed Clinch, Curtis Eagleson, Heath Tiller, Sam Friebe and Niteesh Kanthan represented MSC at the Year 9/10 Regional Tennis at Packenham Tennis Centre.
The boys easily dispensed of Keysborough Secondary and Kambrya College, before losing by one solitary game to Cranbourne, to finish second in our Pool.
It was a great day of tennis and the boys should be extremely proud of their efforts.
Shaun Doherty
Year 9 Coordinator
Senior Girls Tennis
The Senior Girls tennis team: Erin Blythe, Rebecca Davies, Mitssy Gonsalves and Sky Schwarz travelled to Pakenham during the week to play in the SMR finals. The girls went into the competition as underdogs, as they are all relatively new to tennis playing against schools with club ranked tennis players. To their credit the team won one match for the day against some very tough competition, and they thoroughly enjoyed the day, showed wonderful sportsmanship and are already looking forward to representing the school again next year when they are all in Year 12.
Michelle Barnes
Teacher
Youth Summit held at Willum Warrain
On 28th March our Indigenous students were invited to the Youth Summit held at Willum Warrain. It was a fabulous day starting with a smoking ceremony, Indigenous cultural dance and yarning circles. It was great for our students to connect with culture and peers from neighbouring schools.
Nicole Boland
Mental Health Practitioner
Aerobic State Qualifiers
Saturday 3rd May, our aerobics teams are competing at the Victorian State Qualifiers competition at Patterson River Secondary College.
The Aerobics Squad have been training tirelessly throughout Term 1 and over the holidays to create, learn and polish the various routines we have. This year, we have four teams representing MSC at the State Qualifiers – 30 students all together. This is up there with one of the largest number of participants our Aerobics Squad has ever had!
This year will also be the first duo performance MSC has ever entered! A huge shout out to Sophie Van Der Meer and Seren Chespy (Year 11), who have created their entire duo performance, start to finish, and are performing on stage for the first time this weekend.
Duo Party Starters: Seren Chespy, Sophie Van Der Meer
Our four teams consist of:
Team Step One: Chelsie Surridge, Fern Jenner, Emma Bassett, Amy Trott, Billie O'Sullivan, Alice Barr, Freddie Fogaty
Team Steptacular: Paula Arena, Charlotte Davies, Grace Neeson, Emily Cooper, Hannah Cooper, Chelsea Eagleson, Madi Smith, Alina Papat
Team Adrenaline: Makena Baard, Heidi Hoffman, Phoebe Harris, Lily Hall, Melsie Pascuzzo, Acacia Reiger, Lulu Ramalinga
Team Atkinspire: Mya Stunes, Seren Chespy, Sophie Van Der Meer, Anna Begley, Eleanor Wright, Elise Bristow, Olivia Willis-Whitelaw
This will be the most local competition we have this year. So, if you’re in the area on Saturday and want to come support the squad, Sophie and Seren are competing in an 11:24am section, and all of our teams are all competing in a 2:57pm section.
Indie Jowett
Aerobics
Returning and New Staff Members
Hi, I'm Emily Lombard and I am returning to Mornington Secondary College as an English teacher and the intervention specialist at the school. The past year I have been living and teaching abroad in Japan. It was an amazing and once in a lifetime experience that I got to have, but I am very thankful to be back working with my students here (both new and old). I'm keen to help with the school production this year and to share my travel stories with anyone who is interested!
Emily Lombard
Teacher
Hi, I am Kaitlyn McKay, and this is my first year teaching here as an English and History teacher. I am currently in my final year of studying my Bachelor of Arts (Humanities) / Bachelor of Education (Secondary) at the Australian Catholic University and have been granted Permission to Teach after completing placement at MSC in 2024. Outside of work, I enjoy long distance running, reading and cooking. I am looking forward to meeting you all and becoming a part of the school community!
Kaitlyn McKay
Teacher
Immunisation Program 2025
Please find attached important information from Mornington Peninsula Shire relating to the Year 7 and Year 10 Immunisation Program planned for Monday 26 May 2025. The letter details the Shire's request that the college sends parent contact details to them so they can follow-up any student who has missed their immunisation.
Please read carefully.
Please consent or decline for your child to take part in the Immunisation Program using the following links:
Year 10 Immunisation 2025 Consent Link
Year 7 2025 Immunisation Consent Link
A help sheet from the Shire is attached.
Shellie Farnill
Education Support - Student Services
2025 Production - FROZEN JR
Announcing our MSC Cast for 2025 for FROZEN JR!
Finally our ensemble are the true heart and magic of our show!
Tickets are available to purchase now! Remember we have a sing-a-long session on our open night so you can join in the fun!
When: Tuesday 5 August 2025 SING-A-LONG SESSION 7-8:30pm
Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th August 2025 7-8:30pm
Saturday 9 August 2025 2-3:30pm
Location: Performing Arts Theatre1051 Nepean Highway, Mornington Vic 3931
Tickets can be purchased via trybooking, on the below link.
ANZAC Day
On Friday 25th April our college participated in the Mornington ANZAC Day service and Main St march.
It was a pleasure to receive the below email from a member of the public acknowledging the school's involvement.
Please pass on my congratulations to the wonderful display given by your College students at today’s Anzac Day event in Mornington. The drum corps and the students marching were exemplary, showing great discipline, skill and dedication to the event. I have never had any association with your school and people are always so quick to criticise young people. Today your students represented your school proudly and impressively. Congratulations to everyone involved.
State Team Registrations
Team Vic registrations are now open across multiple sports! Find Trial Information and Selection Guidelines on the below website to learn how you can represent Victoria. Don't miss your chance to compete at the highest level!
State Team Opportunities for Student Officials
Become a Student Official! With roles available as umpires, referees and judges across multiple sports, register to represent Victoria.
School Sport Australia (SSA) presents a range of SSA Championships on an annual basis. These Championships occur all around the country, with opportunities not only for student athletes, but also for student officials to represent their state as a member of Team Vic.
SSV is seeking an expression of interest from interested students who wish to represent their state as a student official.
Registrations for interested student officials are now open. The registration link is now available below:
Registrations for this round close on Friday, 30th May 2025.
Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards
Do you have a story to tell? Entries are open for the 5th annual Mayor's Short Story Writing Awards! We're calling on local writers aged 8 and up — of all abilities — to share their voices. Let’s celebrate our diverse talent and showcase the stories that make our community come alive.
🎉 Prizes up to $1,000 + book vouchers + an artist residency + your story published in Mornington Peninsula Magazine! @mornpenmag
Details can be found in the below link.
Peninsula Plus - Psychology Availability
Peninsula Plus are pleased to share that their team has expanded, allowing them to increase their support for individuals and families in the local community.
They currently have immediate availability with their psychologists and provisional psychologists, with no waitlist for support in the following areas:
• Cognitive assessments
• Assessments for intellectual disability
• Learning profiles and educational assessments (including dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia)
• ADHD assessments
They are also accepting referrals to their psychology waitlist for the following areas of support:
• Autism assessments
• Emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
• Support for neurodivergent children, including those with autism and ADHD
• Understanding and expressing emotions
• Mental health, including anxiety, depression, and related experiences
• Building and maintaining friendships and social connections
• Strengthening family relationships
• Support during school transitions
• Parent and caregiver support
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