School News

Year 7 2025 Information Night

German Exchange December/January 2023-2024

I was given the incredible opportunity to go to Germany through an exchange program. I spent 4 weeks in Germany and left just after Christmas so I could spend New Year’s Eve there. I was lucky enough to have 1 week of holidays with my exchange family but for the rest of the time I went to school just like all the other German students. During the week of holidays my exchange family and the other exchange family organised a small holiday to Austria. We visited a mountain to see the snow and my exchange family also took me to visit one of the many popular castles in that area, Hohenschwangau. I also did lots of sightseeing in the nearby towns where I was staying and I also visited a couple of museums while I was there. I am so grateful and thankful that I was able to take part in the program as I made many unforgettable connections and of course memories. I will always remember my time spent in Germany and I am already looking forward to going back as much as possible.

By Gabrielle Buissink

During December to January, Gabby and I had the opportunity to undertake an exchange to Germany. We flew across the world and met our exchange people. More than that, we had a chance to experience a completely different and unique lifestyle. By “shadowing” our respective partners, both of us learnt and saw so many incredible things. We had to attend a school system quite different to ours, entrenched into another language with other exposure to other languages completely foreign to us. 

However, this challenge was hardly daunting after a few days with incredibly nice people all so happy to help. I was in Germany during Christmas time and got to see all the amazing Christmas markets which was, frankly, life changing. Both Gabby and I were incredibly lucky to also have holidays during our exchange. We went to Austria, explored the Alps and made many memories in the snow. Overall, the experience was unlike anything I’ve ever done and easily one of the best decisions I’ve made during my school years. The people I have met will stay by me for a very long time and I am incredibly lucky to have found a second home 16,000km away with kind and talented friends. 

By Nina Flake

Welcome to our New German Exchange Students

Tamara and Teresa will be staying with Gabby and Nina

Year 7 Food Technology, Woodwork & Art

James Harvey Trust Scholarships

James Harvey Trust Specialist Program Grants 2024

The James Harvey Trust was established in 2018 with a bequeathment of funds from the estate of the late James Harvey. The Trust is managed by a committee comprising staff and school council members of Mirboo North Secondary College as dictated by both legislative requirements and the terms of the will.

Mr. Harvey was a local farmer who believed firmly that gaining an education was vital for students and especially for local students. With no children of his own, he wished to ensure that those who attend Mirboo North Secondary College may pursue opportunities that lead to greater educational learning.

Overview:The fund provides scholarships for educational purposes and may be granted for activities, resources, programs etc. that assist in the study of subjects on the school curriculum, or other educational subjects approved by the Education Department of Victoria. Mirboo North Secondary College School Council invites applications for James Harvey Specialist Program Funding. It is expected that applicants will meet at least one of the fundamental conditions of:

• Furthering education in a curriculum subject approved by the Victorian Department of Education
• Provide a program that has educational opportunities for a range of students.
• That cannot be funded through other funding available to Educational Institutions in Victoria

Funding Applications open: 18th March 2024

Funding Applications close:  5th April 2024

Funding announcements: 24th April 2024

Year 8 Art

Excursions with the German Exchange Students

While our German visitors Tamara and Teresa (from our sister school Alfred-Amann-Gymnasium in Bönnigheim) and Mascha and Ben from Bavaria are amongst us, we took the opportunity to show them some of the great things you can do in Australia! Surfing at Smith’s Beach and a wonderful trip to Healesville Sanctuary. Our Year 10 students are becoming more and more excited about their trip to Germany later this year: three students will head over into the European summer in August while the other two will hopefully have a white Christmas this year! 

Top Screens Awards 2024

Top Screens 2024 had the opening night at the Melbourne Museum last Friday. All students work is now on display.

Come and Chat Careers | Parent Teacher Interviews

A large number of career engagement activities are planned for students throughout the year which will allow for discussions to help students navigate pathways to life beyond school. It is never too early to start conversations and honestly, the earlier that these conversations begin, the easier it is for students to focus on schoolwork and navigating towards that end goal. For students who really dislike school, career and pathway conversations are even more important because it helps students realise why we study Maths and English.

Students are welcome to join me in a one-on-one discussion any time however, I will also be available during our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews at the beginning of next term. 

Discussions could involve;

• how do I help my child navigate their pathway?
• what do we need to do to best set Johnny up in a pathway to become a xyz?
• best pathway towards an apprenticeship. What really is a school-based apprenticeship? What is a traineeship? Is my child ready?
• what subjects should Johnny be looking at for next year? Especially important for University – some courses have a prerequisites and year 9/10 is where this can become important. 
• understanding the VTAC process for entry into University and Tafe.
• an introduction to VTAC course search for University and Tafe pathways.
• what is VET and what options are available? (VET/Tafe is available for students from year 11 onwards.)
• work experience options.
• job readiness.
• apprenticeships and LLN assessments | the importance of English and Maths.
• building resume’s / cover letters
  • and anything else in between.

Nicole Hobson

MNSC Careers & Pathways Coordinator | VET Coordinator