From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers, Students and Community

Student Attendance – Every Day Counts

At our school, we are deeply committed to ensuring every student can learn, grow and succeed. One of the strongest predictors of student achievement, wellbeing and future success is consistent school attendance. Quite simply, every day counts.

Why Attendance Matters

Regular attendance is directly linked to:

• Stronger academic achievement and learning growth
• Improved literacy and numeracy outcomes
• Better social development and peer relationships
• Greater confidence and resilience
• Higher senior school completion and positive post-school pathways

When students miss school, even for what may seem like small or occasional absences, gaps in learning quickly accumulate. Missing just one day a fortnight equates to nearly four weeks of lost learning time over a school year. That lost time can impact confidence, connection and academic progress.

Attendance is not only about academic outcomes — it is also about belonging. Students who attend regularly build routines, form strong relationships with peers and staff, and feel connected to their school community.

Our Commitment

We closely monitor attendance data to identify patterns early and provide support where needed. Our focus is always on partnership — working with families to ensure students are supported to attend regularly and engage fully in their learning.

We understand that there are legitimate reasons for absence, including illness or family circumstances. Our goal is not to penalise, but to work collaboratively and proactively so that small attendance concerns do not become ongoing barriers to success.

How Parents and Carers Can Help

Families play a critical role in establishing strong attendance habits. You can support your child by:

• Setting clear expectations that school attendance is a priority
• Establishing consistent morning routines
• Booking medical appointments outside school hours where possible
• Avoiding extended holidays during term time
• Encouraging resilience — helping your child attend even on days when motivation is low
• Communicating early with the school if there are concerns impacting attendance

If your child is reluctant to attend school, please contact us. Often early conversations can identify practical supports that make a significant difference.

Working Together

Attendance is a shared responsibility. When students attend regularly, they build momentum in their learning, strengthen friendships, and develop the habits that support future success.

As a community, let us continue to send a clear message: Being at school matters. Every lesson. Every day.

If you have questions or would like to discuss your child’s attendance, please contact your Year Level Coordinator or our Wellbeing Team. We are here to support you.

Together, we can ensure every student can thrive.

Have a wonderful week everyone.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Middle School

Dear Families,

Last night we held our Year 7 Meet and Greet, which provided a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to meet teachers and hear about how the year has started. It was a fantastic evening, and it was so pleasing to see so many families in attendance.

I would like to sincerely acknowledge our Year 7 Team Coordinators for the outstanding job they did in organising the event. My thanks also go to our dedicated Year 7 teachers, who are deeply committed to ensuring your child receives a high-quality education and feels supported throughout their learning journey.

Meeting and chatting with new families is always a highlight. I particularly enjoyed speaking with Carla and Leonor, whose son Cruz has settled into Year 7 so well. Carla has kindly contributed a piece to the newsletter sharing their family’s experience of the start of the year. 

"Starting Year 7 has been a wonderful experience for our son. The dedicated friendship‑building time at the beginning of the year has really laid the groundwork for what we’re confident will be a fantastic year ahead. He’s excited about the chance to try new things and embrace new opportunities. It was also great to meet the teachers today — those conversations will help strengthen the connections that will support him as he begins this new high‑school journey."

I also had the pleasure of speaking with Kalpana and Avinesh, who were incredibly proud of what their son Avi had written about himself and his time at school. Kalpana has also provided a brief reflection on Avi’s start to secondary school.

"I would like to thank Mornington Secondary College, for all the support and encouragement in giving my son Avihaan - Year 7 student to become a part of Mornington Secondary College.

I remember the first day of orientation , not only was my son nervous but I also was anxious of how my son would fit in as a freshman in a new school in a new country (we are from the Fiji Islands). To my surprise the teachers had already introduced a friend on the very first day to make him feel comfortable!

Everyday my son returns from college with great happiness, with learning experience which has brought positive changes in Avihaan, he never wants to miss any school day!"

We truly value the strong partnerships we share with our families as we work together to support your child’s learning and development. It is a genuine privilege to be part of your child’s educational journey.

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

Another busy week in the senior school has gone by with the first School Assessed Coursework (SACs), Applied Learning Projects (ALPs) and Learning Tasks starting to be completed. These assessments are a critical aspect of achieving a satisfactory result for the Unit (semester). The results in assessment are combined with the essential coursework (checklists) and attendance to determine whether a student has been successful in each unit.

If a student misses one of these assessments (especially in VCE ATAR) through illness they need to provide a medical certificate (to student services) to explain the absence and will have their assessment re-scheduled by their teacher/year level team.

Attendance

I wanted to acknowledge those students who have 100% school attendance so far this year. It’s a great start. Our expectation for success is for students to have 95% school attendance. 90% would be the minimum and even a 90% attendance rate over 13 years of schooling is the equivalent of over one year of lost schooling of their educational journey.

Well done to the following students who have made a great start to the year:

Year 10

• Ezekiel D’Arcy
• Nataliya Heyward
• Luca Keisoglu
• Isabella Maddocks
• Ella Pleiter-Singleton

A further 44 students have greater than 95% attendance and 23 students have over 90% attendance. I look forward to these numbers increasing in Year 10 as just over 52% of the year level have attendance above 90%.

Year 11

A further 41 students have greater than 95% attendance and 17 students have attendance between 90-94.%. Over 70% of the year level have attendance over 90%.

Year 12

A further 18 students have greater than 95% attendance and 25 students have attendance between 90-94.% Over 72% of the year level have attendance over 90%.

Edrolo subscription for VCE ATAR students

Some subjects in Year 11 and 12 have a learning enhancement that families are strongly encouraged to purchase based on the results seen by students with high usage of this program. Health & Human Development (Units 1-4), Physical Education (Units 1-4), Physics (Units 1-4), Psychology (Units 1-4) currently have access to these resources. We have now added Art Making & Exhibiting, Media and General Math. There is an expectation that students hoping to succeed in VCE will access this resource. Students will have access for a few short weeks without paying and then it becomes unavailable (until payment is made).

For families to subscribe to this resource at the school negotiated rate of $35 per subject (reduced from $20 per month for one subject or $40 per month for all subjects for single subscribers), families need to:

1.Go to https://edrolo.com.au/ and click on the activate button (see below) and then enter the schools activation code - cza-eqx. 

2.Then follow the prompts to setup your account. For students who have already created an account in previous years, you simply login (you’ll need to use your current school email).

3.For students who have an account they’ll see this on entry…

4.Then families can proceed to the payment screen to finalise access and support their child’s VCE success. 

The sooner payment is finalised, the sooner students can start maximising their VCE performance.

What is coming up this term in the Senior School? 

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

The Value of Extra-Curricular Involvement at Mornington Secondary College

At Mornington Secondary College, learning extends well beyond the classroom. While academic growth is central to what we do, we know that some of the most powerful development happens when students choose to get involved in the wider life of the school.

Extra-curricular activities provide students with opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, form friendships, and discover passions that may shape their future pathways.

Our music and performing arts programs give students the chance to learn instruments, join ensembles, participate in vocal groups, and perform in productions. Whether it’s playing in a band, joining a choir, or stepping onto the stage, students learn:

• Discipline through rehearsal and practice
• Confidence through performance
• Collaboration through ensemble work
• Resilience through constructive feedback

Research consistently shows that students involved in music and performing arts demonstrate improved concentration, creativity and emotional regulation — all of which support academic success.

Sport plays a significant role in fostering teamwork, commitment and perseverance. Through interschool sport, house competitions and special sporting events, students learn to:

• Work toward shared goals
• Manage success and disappointment
• Demonstrate respect for opponents and officials
• Maintain physical and mental wellbeing

Participation in sport often builds a strong sense of belonging — a protective factor for adolescent wellbeing.

Leadership opportunities allow students to contribute meaningfully to the school culture.

Through leadership, students learn to:

• Communicate effectively
• Represent the views of others
• Make responsible decisions
• Demonstrate initiative and integrity

These experiences strengthen confidence and prepare students for future civic and professional roles.

Why It Matters for Adolescents

Adolescence is a critical period for identity formation. When students engage in extra-curricular activities, they:

• Develop a stronger sense of belonging
• Build positive peer networks
• Experience achievement beyond academic grades
• Learn time management and responsibility
• Strengthen resilience through challenge

Students who are connected to school through activities are more likely to attend regularly, feel motivated and experience positive wellbeing outcomes.

How Parents Can Support

You play a vital role in encouraging involvement. Consider:

• Having conversations about what interests your child
• Encouraging them to “try something once”
• Supporting commitment and follow-through
• Valuing effort and growth rather than perfection

Not every activity will be the perfect fit — and that’s okay. The goal is exploration, growth and connection.

At Mornington Secondary College, we believe education is about developing the whole person. Extra-curricular participation strengthens community, builds achievement and fosters respect — values that underpin everything we do.

We encourage all students to take up at least one activity that connects them more deeply to our college community. The benefits extend far beyond school years.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Year 7 Students of the Week

Year 7 Paige Cooper

Favourite food: Steak, Chips and Salad

Hobbies out of school: Basketball, swimming, nippers, athletics & aerobics

What sports team do you follow? The Western Bulldogs and the All Blacks

Favourite movie/TV show: Murder Mystery

Do you have any pets? Guinea pigs

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: New teachers, new opportunities, and new friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? A midwife

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? Extra kind and I chat a lot

Your greatest strength: Sporty

What three words best describe you? Organised, outgoing, and responsible

Year 7 Ashley Estcourt

Favourite food: Pizza

Hobbies out of school: Basketball, pickleball and netball

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood Football Club

Favourite movie/TV show: Mitchel vs The Machine

Do you have any pets? No pets but I’d love a dog

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: Awards, new friends and new classes and tennis

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I would like to work in demolition 

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I am very friendly and approachable

Your greatest strength: I am really good at swimming and basketball

What three words best describe you? Funny, enjoyable to be around and friendly

Year 7 Chelsea Matthews

Favourite food: Lasagne

Hobbies out of school: Athletics and footy

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn Footy Club

Favourite movie/TV show: The Rookie

Do you have any pets? No, but I'd love a dog 

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: Learning new things, making new friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Work in a Zoo or personal trainer 

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? Athletics 80m hurdles and 100m and 200m

Your greatest strength: I am really good at athletics

What three words best describe you? Motivated, sporty and animal-lover

Year 7 Jayden Klepacki

Favourite food: Mango

Hobbies out of school: seeing friends & soccer

What sports team do you follow? Geelong

Favourite movie/TV show: The Truman Show

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College: New friends, opportunities, sport, PE

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Archaeologist 

Your greatest strength: My spelling

What three words best describe you? Happy, shy, friendly 

Year 9 Student Spotlight

Paula Arena

Your MSC Highlight: 

Being part of the Aerobics squad

Favourite learning activity you have completed in class this year: 

2D Art – Shading activity

What are you most looking forward to in Year 9? 

Trying all different subject this year instead of being in the same subjects all year

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? 

I enjoy all the different opportunities we have such as the clubs offered, especially the aerobics squad.

Archer Trenwith

Your MSC Highlight:

Year 8 Phillip Island Camp – all the activities

Favourite learning activity you have completed in class this year:

Badminton in sport

What are you most looking forward to in Year 9?

The Year 9 Cairns Camp

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College

The teachers at MSC take time to help me learn by teaching different topics in a way I understand.

Open Night 2026 – NEW EVENT DATE

Please note that our upcoming MSC Open Night, will be held on site on Wednesday 25 March, from 5.00–7.00pm.

We warmly invite our school community to help spread the word.

Open Night is an exciting opportunity for future students and families to experience the vibrant learning environment that makes Mornington Secondary College such a special place.

The evening will be action-packed, featuring:

• Interactive, hands-on displays across our Key Learning Areas including Art, Health and Physical Education, Technology, Japanese, Food Technology, Design Technology and more
• Live performances from our Vocal Group, School Band, Aerobics Squad and Drum and Flag Corps
• Tours and opportunities to speak directly with our staff and students
• A BBQ to enjoy as you explore the school

If you have primary school-aged children, we encourage you to come along and give them the chance to see, hear and experience everything MSC has to offer — first-hand.

Families are invited to pre-register their attendance by clicking the button below.

You can also add our Open Night event to your reminders via the below Facebook event or Instagram reminder, and don't forget to share the event with friends, relatives or neighbours with primary school-aged children. Please encourage them to attend and discover why MSC is the school of choice for so many families in our community.

We look forward to welcoming you to Open Night 2026.

Year 9 Cairns Camp - Wait List Now Open

Expressions of interest are now open for the Year 9 Cairns Camp wait list. Families are encouraged to join the wait list to stay informed.

To be added to the wait list please contact the Year 9 Leadership Team - Sian Jones or Kim Rattue.

Year 7 Instrumental Music Applications

Give your student the chance to build confidence, make new friends and be part of something exciting — sign up for instrumental lessons and start their musical journey today! 🎶

Please click the link below to sign up for Instrumental Music Lessons:

Year 12VM RSA

As part of their VCE Vocational Major (VM) program, our Year 12 students have completed their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and Safe Food Handler certifications this week. These nationally recognised qualifications provide valuable, job-ready skills for the hospitality industry. 

Through the Safe Food Handler course, students learnt essential food safety and hygiene practices, and even put their skills into practice by making delicious chocolate truffles.

During their RSA training, students also experienced the impact of alcohol impairment by trialling Blood Alcohol Content goggles, helping them better understand the importance of responsible service. 

These certifications strengthen their employability and open pathways to part-time and future career opportunities. We are proud to support our students in building practical skills that prepare them for success beyond the classroom.

Kate Wilson

Applied Learning Key Learning Area Head

Year 10 L.I.F.E Class

How many Year 10s does it take to change a tyre? As it turns out — the whole class!

As part of our Year 10 L.I.F.E (Learn, Inspire, Flourish, Engage) program, students participate in a unique, practical-based subject designed to equip them with the knowledge, confidence and critical thinking skills needed to navigate early adulthood.

This week, students took part in a hands-on lesson learning how to safely change a tyre — developing real-world skills that promote independence, problem-solving and teamwork.

Programs like L.I.F.E ensure learning extends beyond the classroom, preparing our students for life’s everyday challenges with confidence and capability.

Michelle Barnes

Curriculum Implementation Leader

Don’t Miss a Moment at MSC!

Follow Mornington Secondary College on Facebook & Instagram for news, events, and more so you never miss a moment of your student's learning journey.

Community News & Opportunities

Mornington Lions Club Book Fair

Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School 2026

The Victorian Indigenous Engineering Winter School (VIEWS) is an exciting program for Year 11 and 12 Indigenous students from across Australia that will expand perspectives on all things engineering. Over 5 days students will get an insight into what it’s like to study and work in engineering, information technology and tech — and it may not be what you think. They will have the opportunity to experience first-hand the work of engineers and IT specialists, meet Indigenous engineering professionals and discover pathways into engineering and information technology. By the end of the week, students will have an appreciation of what an engineering and information technology specialist does and how they can impact society and improve the lives of people across the globe.

VIEWS is a partnership between Monash University, Swinburne University, RMIT and University of Melbourne, with each partner delivering engaging STEM-focused workshops across each host university.

To learn more or to reach out to us