Dempsey's Digest

In true MECS style, we finished Term 3 with a bang and we are straight on board with an exciting Term 4 that has already been marked with fun, creativity and loads of wonderful learning. Here’s a little snapshot from my perspective of what has been happening!

School at Work Tours

Our School at Work tours continue to bring many people in to have a look at MECS during an ordinary day of school. When they visit, I warn them that the school hasn’t been polished like we might do for an open day. The school is operating as it does, so they might see rubbish around the place, or a student having a 'moment' or a class that looks a little unsettled. As one parent commented to me though, for a school that didn’t polish up for this occasion, you guys “knocked it out of the park”. That’s good to hear, isn’t it? It’s good for people to see that MECS is a school that is not ashamed or needs to hide. We know who we are, we are proud of our students and staff and people are welcome to come and check us out. Make sure you tell your friends about what we are up to as this might be the right school for their kids.

Welcome Back Morning Tea

I’m not sure if it’s the delicious scones made by Year 10s and Mr Wright or the relaxed atmosphere and good laugh, but I warmly encourage you to mark the next Welcome Back Morning Tea (start of Term 1 next year) in your calendar. They are a great way to join together in conversation and meet new people.

Grandparents and Special Friends Day

What a joy to meet Nannies and Grampies, Nannas and Poppas, Grandpas and Grandmas, Pa's and Mama's, Opa’s and Oma’s, Brons and Tamaras and every other expression of grandparents and special friends. The newsletter will be full of photos of this special event, but I just wanted to say what a privilege it was to host around 300 special visitors last Tuesday and see them engage in our classrooms and with our students. Yes, we need an accessible space for them to be in one room together (the gym is a bit tricky to get to), but we will continue to persist to include this wonderful afternoon on our yearly calendar. Thanks for coming!

EGM

Our EGM last week was a wonderful opportunity to catch up on all that is happening at MECS from a couple of student performances and them leading devotions, to hearing about our teaching and learning framework, to strategic planning and budget updates.

Thanks to all of our association members who came to support. It means a lot to see our association come together.

We welcomed Jo Sutton, Matthew & Phoebe Carson and Mim Stekelenburg into membership. If you would like to know more about Association Membership please speak to me, one of our Board Members or contact Robyn in the office.

Shrek Viewing

What a joy to see the 'swamp' crew gather together to watch the video recording of our marvellous production. The theatrette was a buzz of excitement on Friday afternoon, with everyone donning their Shrek ears for this final gathering and opportunity to reminisce such a fun time.

Final Classes for Year 12

Our Year 12s have been on the home stretch of their studies as exam preparation is in full swing. What a joy to see them enjoy their final days at MECS with fun activities and time with staff. I am still processing how I managed to get so wet!! MECS is a special place for students to build relationships with staff who speak volumes in to the lives of our young people. Please join me in praying for our Year 12s over this next month of exams and pressure. We are proud of our students and excited for their futures!

Staffing Updates and changes

It is that time of the year again when allocations of classes happen for next year and we get to know of any staff changes that might be happening. There’s a few changes that we would like to let you know about.

Bre Boutillier, our senior school English and VCD teacher is expecting a baby in the new year. We wish you all the best, Bre, with baby number two and hope you will join us again in due course!
Sam Farmilo, our Well Being Officer is finishing up with us in November and stepping into an exciting career opportunity. Thanks Sam for the wonderful, professional love and care you pour on our students.
Aijun Zhong, our science teacher in secondary has accepted an opportunity and calling to join the team at Gawa Christian School on Elcho Island, Arnhem Land. You will be such a blessing to that community Aijun, as you have been to us.
Duc Tran, our much loved secondary teacher who has taught many subjects and classes over the past 13 years is also following a calling to join the ministry team at his church as an Associate Pastor. Duc has a knack of speaking beautifully into the lives of young people and will be sorely missed.

Further to these changes, the following staff will be joining MECS in the new year;

Belinda (Bindy) Albury will be joining the secondary team and serving as our Year 7 Coordinator for 2026. Bindy will also be leading the Secondary Well Being team and teaching English. Bindy comes to us as a very experienced teacher, and is currently serving at Donvale Christian College. We look forward to welcoming her next year.
Marnus Prinsloo has been working part time at MECS as an intern in our PE department and will be joining the team as a teacher in 2026. Marnus is particularly passionate about science and will be joining that department as his main focus. He will also be teaching Outdoor Education and PE.

Michelle Dempsey

Principal