Dempsey's Digest

Grandparents and Special Friends Day! 

What a joy to see so many Grandparents and Special Friends come and see our Primary students. The Primary School was buzzing with activity and engagement as our special visitors engaged with each other and the children they were visiting. Thanks Grandparents and Special Friends for your partnership with MECS. We love having you visit! 

Koalas come for a visit

I had a special time a few weeks ago when our Koalas Kinder group came to visit me in my office! They asked me some very interesting questions about where I live (no, I don’t live at school…) and what I like to do and even what my job is about. What a special time to allow our kinder kids to visit other parts of the school and get familiar with the broader community. We had a lot of fun and even enjoyed a story together. 

Primary Music Showcase

I’m not sure if it was the classic 80s rendition of Van Halen’s 'Living on a Prayer', the duet of Chopsticks or the performance of a jazz classic, 'Summertime', but I was pretty hooked on the Primary Music Showcase right from the start! What a wonderful opportunity for our students to give performing a shot. For many, this was the first time that they had ever performed in front of a live audience, and what a vibrant and appreciative audience it was! Congratulations to Penny Mentiplay, Tristan Forrest and our wonderful instrumental music teachers. Music is alive at MECS! 

Prep Transition Underway

It’s that time of year when our Preps for next year begin their transition by getting used to the classroom and their teachers. It’s a wonderful time for them and for parents, though it is the realisation that things are changing and your child is growing up. We encourage you to trust us in this process. We love your child and can’t wait to see them flourish in the context of school! 

Art Show

Our vibrant art teacher, Alyce Vanderjagt hosted an art show last week which was a great chance for students and staff to view all of the wonderful work that has been produced in the art room. We have very talented students and this was obvious in the quality of the items on display. My favourites were the examples of printing work and the mini canvas paintings based on influential artists. So creative! 

Twilight Working Bee

Thanks to those that dodged the rain and made it to the twilight working bee last week! We are trialling what it might look like to do some at twilight for those that can’t make it on weekends. Happy to have your feedback! 

New roles in the school 

It was a pleasure last week to announce some new roles in the school for 2025. These included the following: 

• Danny Gamble – Deputy Head of Primary
• Tim Eddy – Deputy Head of Secondary 
• Angela Smit – Learning Support Coordinator
• Stephanie Canov – Daily Organiser for Primary
• Donovan Bailey – Digital Technology Teacher in Primary (new staff member)
• Shannon Jenkins – Year 11 Coordinator
• Sharon Payze – Year 12 Coordinator
• Ashley Ellis – VM Coordinator

Engagement News! 

We are delighted to announce the engagement of one of our learning assistants, Tommy McMaster to Gracey Vallos. They will be married in September.

CEN News

Congratulations to Narelle Sketcher on her appointment as the Victorian State Executive Officer for Christian Education National (CEN). It will be a pleasure to work with Narelle in this capacity. 

Lots of things to celebrate in and around MECS!