From the Principal Team
To students and families,
That is a wrap for Semester One classes. Well done to our Year 10 and Year 11 students on completing their exams and/or their work experience block and/or their VCE VM semester presentations. A semester is a significant piece of work and those who pushed themselves to succeed should acknowledge the effort.
On Monday 15th June all students will start the Semester Two timetable. Attendance numbers begin again for VCE classes and as a reminder, 90% VCE approved attendance (per subject) is the minimum attendance level required to ensure successful completion of each VCE Unit.
Does attendance really matter for VCE success?
As part of our ongoing work to better understand the factors that contribute to success in VCE, we recently analysed attendance and achievement data from our senior students. While attendance is not the only factor that influences academic outcomes, the data reinforced something we have long known: attendance matters. Our analysis found that students with 90% or greater VCE attendance achieved study scores approximately three points higher on average than students whose attendance fell below 90%.
It is important to acknowledge that attendance alone does not guarantee strong results. Success in VCE is also influenced by factors such as effort, study habits, organisation, revision and engagement with feedback. However, attendance is one of the few factors that students can control every day. Regular attendance ensures students are present for new learning, class discussions, teacher explanations, practice activities and feedback opportunities that are difficult to fully replicate outside the classroom.
For students and families, the message is simple: attending school consistently gives students the best opportunity to succeed. Every lesson counts. While a missed class may not seem significant in isolation, the cumulative impact of missed learning time can be substantial over the course of a semester or an entire VCE program. Strong attendance will not guarantee a high study score, but it provides students with the best opportunity to maximise their learning and achieve their personal best.
What does my future hold…?
Course counselling will be the major flavour of the next few school weeks. Students have assemblies about course counselling, excursion opportunities to Monash University and Holmesglen TAFE, Course Information Evening, course selection reflection & planning booklets to complete. All with the aim of having students and families as informed as possible heading into course counselling interviews early in Term 3.
Young people today will average 3-7 different careers and 17-21 different jobs, so they don’t need to decide what to do forever, just what they wish to try first!
Make sure you attend the Course Information Evening on Tuesday 23rd June. It is an important night and an opportunity to ask lots of questions of different experts. We look forward to seeing you there!
Senior School Study Tip of the week: Visualise the end goal. Your ATAR, your VM, your apprenticeship, your pathway.
As we begin Semester Two, it is a great opportunity for every student to embrace a fresh start. Whether Semester One brought success, challenges, or a mixture of both, a new semester provides the chance to set new goals, establish positive habits and approach learning with renewed determination.
Students will receive new checklists in their subjects this semester. These checklists outline the essential learning tasks and activities that need to be completed throughout each unit of work. They are designed to help students stay organised, monitor their progress and take responsibility for their learning. We encourage students to regularly review their checklists, keep up to date with their tasks and seek support early if they need assistance.
Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their child's learning. Simple actions such as asking about what they are learning at school, checking Compass for updates, encouraging the completion of checklist tasks and providing a regular time and space for homework can make a significant difference. Celebrating effort, persistence and improvement helps students build confidence and resilience.
Semester Two is a chance to reset, refocus and strive for success. By working together—students, families and staff—we can ensure every student is supported to achieve their best and make the most of the opportunities ahead.
At times, it can feel like there is a lot of anger in our world. We see it in the news, on social media, in online comments and sometimes in the way people speak to one another in everyday life. It can be easy to become frustrated, impatient or quick to judge.
That is why kindness matters more than ever.
Kindness does not have to be a grand gesture. It can be as simple as including someone in a conversation, thanking a teacher, checking in on a friend, showing patience when things don't go our way, or choosing words that build others up rather than tear them down. These small acts have a powerful impact and help create a community where people feel safe, valued and respected.
As adults, we have an important role in modelling kindness for our young people. The way we respond to challenges, speak about others and show empathy, teaches our children how to navigate the world around them.
At Mornington Secondary College, we want our students to strive for excellence while also being good people—people who show respect, compassion and understanding. As we move through Semester Two, let's all make a conscious effort to choose kindness. In a world where we can be anything, being kind is a choice that can make all the difference.
Lisa Holt
Acting Principal
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing
Important Dates
Save the date: Course Information Evening, Tuesday 23rd June, 5.30pm-6.30pm
- Presentation: 5.30pm (approx. 15 minutes) in the Robert Herbert Gymnasium
- Following the presentation, Subject Expo in the Learning Centre
In attendance on the night will be:
- our Principal team, including provisionally appointed new Principal Adam Slater,
- Year 10-12 teachers, and
- the Careers team.
The Course Information Evening is an invaluable session for 2027 Year 10-12 students and their families. Students and families from other year levels are welcome to attend as well.
We look forward to seeing you there!
Year 7 Students of the Week
Sienna Clarke
Favourite food: Mango
Hobbies out of school: Footy
What sports team do you follow? Sydney
Favourite movie/TV show: I love watching the footy
Do you have any pets? A dog named Lola
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Sport and new friends
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The people are great
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Radiologist
Your greatest strength: My laugh
What three words best describe you? Sporty, nice, funny
Max Ainsworth
Favourite food: Big Mac wraps
Hobbies out of school: Footy, cricket and basketball
What sports team do you follow? Saint Kilda Footy Club
Favourite movie/TV show: Grown Ups
Do you have any pets? A turtle and two dogs
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Sporting opportunities
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Seeing friends each day
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? AFL player
What's one skill you have that makes you unique? Cricket skills
What three words best describe you? Sporty, kind, funny
Excursions
Mornington Peninsula Choral Festival
Last week a talented group of 11 MSC vocalists attended the Mornington Peninsula Choral Festival lead by the amazing Emily Parker. The group performed for a room of over 200 people and wowed the audience with their vocal skills.
A huge thank you to Emily for all her hard work in preparing the students and Michael Parker for driving the bus. The students who performed were Lilliana Cananzi, Tara Casey, Trae Copeland, Zeke D'arcy, Max Mathy, Daisy Street, Emily Sudadetch, Charli Tepaske, Maggie Topalovic, Elise Waring and Isabella Wright.
Joe Tobias
Proud Music Coordinator
VCE VM FMP Careers & Pathways Expo
Our VCE Vocational Major (VM) students recently attended a Careers Expo, hosted by Frankston Mornington Peninsula (FMP) Local Learning Network, providing them with a valuable opportunity to explore a wide range of post-school pathways and career options.
Throughout the day, students engaged with representatives from universities, TAFEs, training organisations, employers, apprenticeship providers, and industry professionals. They gathered information about future study opportunities, employment pathways, apprenticeships, traineeships, and emerging industries.
The expo encouraged students to think about their interests, strengths, and future goals while gaining a greater understanding of the qualifications and skills required for various careers. Many students took the opportunity to ask questions, collect resources, and make connections with organisations that align with their career aspirations. Even better, to our surprise, popular food trucks were a big hit!
Experiences such as the Careers Expo play an important role in supporting our VCE VM students as they develop their Pathways Plans and prepare for life beyond school. We are proud of the enthusiasm and maturity our students demonstrated throughout the event and look forward to seeing them continue to explore and pursue their future career goals.
Thank you to Ms Slater, Ms Wilson and Ms Cornwall, who assisted me in accompanying the students and helped make this valuable learning experience possible.
To learn more about FMP Jobs: www.fmpjobs.com.au
Kylie Lebrasse
Careers Practitioner
Year 9 Sport & Recreation
Students from the Year 9 Sport and Recreation class recently enjoyed an exciting excursion to Gravity Zone, where they spent two hours bouncing, flipping, and challenging themselves on the trampolines. The session provided a fun and engaging way for students to participate in physical activity while developing their coordination, balance, and overall fitness.
A key focus of the Sport and Recreation course is promoting the importance of regular physical activity and understanding the many health benefits it provides. Through experiences such as this, students are encouraged to explore different ways of being active and discover activities they can enjoy as part of a healthy lifestyle. The day was filled with energy, enthusiasm, and plenty of smiles, making it a fantastic learning experience for everyone involved.
On Tuesday the same students visited General Public Frankston for ten pin bowling. On return, the report was that everyone (students and staff) had so much fun there was no time for photos!
Grant Olarenshaw
Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence
Interschool Sport
SMR Cross Country
On Tuesday 6th June, MSC competed in the SMR Cross Country Championships held at Hastings Foreshore. With the sun shining and perfect running conditions, our students produced some fantastic results on the day. Congratulations to all students who represented the school and competed with determination and sportsmanship.
A special congratulations to our Under 16 boys team, who finished 1st overall and have qualified for the State Championships. The team will now have the opportunity to defend their State Champions title for the third consecutive year—an outstanding achievement.
Congratulations also to Hannah Cooper, who qualified for the State Championships after an excellent 7th-place finish.
At this level, cross country races are extremely fast-paced, and students are competing against some of the best runners in the region. We are incredibly proud of our students commitment, resilience, and achievements on the day.
Results:
- 12/13 Girls: Indi Sheen 31st, Paige Cooper 73rd
- 12/13 Boys: Baye Kill 17th, Ryleigh Vella (injury during race)
- 15 Girls: Hannah Cooper 7th , Emily Cooper 36th, Grace Neeson (injury during race)
- 15 Boys: Noah Sheen 18th, Dimitri Watson 38th, Knox Wehner 58th
- 16 Girls: Eden Chant 51st, Ella Doherty 53rd (both competing 2 age groups above)
- 16 Boys: 1st place overall team winners! Individual results - Rafa Merchan 2nd, Ethan Sheen 3rd, Kai Peel 7th, Bailey Barrett 17th
- 17-20 Girls: Chelsie Surridge 54th (competing 2 age groups above)
- 17-20 Boys: Ethan Neith-Saito 60th (competing 2 age groups above)
MSC wishes all qualifiers the best of luck at the upcoming State Cross Country Championships, to be held in Term 3 on Thursday the 16th of July at the Yarra Valley Racing Club.
Alex Mackenzie
Health and PE Teacher
Incursions
Business Management Guest Speaker
Our Year 11 Business Management students, and a few Year 12s, recently had the opportunity to hear from guest speaker Alistair McCredden, who delivered an engaging and insightful presentation about real-world business experiences. The session provided students with valuable knowledge about business structures, leadership, franchising, corporate responsibility, and the realities of running successful businesses in today’s world.
Students were highly engaged as Alistair shared personal experiences from his extensive career in business, including as a franchise owner of Schnitz in Echuca and Sharetea in Rosebud, and previous owner of the X-golf franchise in Mornington, along with his role as a director of Kyvalley Dairy. Students particularly enjoyed hearing practical examples about business decision-making, leadership under pressure, and the importance of balancing growth with risk. The presentation brought classroom concepts to life and gave students a deeper understanding of how Business Management applies beyond the classroom.
Thank you to Alastair McCredden - Chairman of the Board Kyvalley Dairy & Managing Partner of Beyond20 Melbourne | FMCG Consultancy Specialists in Australia.
Tracey Watchorn
Numeracy Leader
Learning Snapshot
Year 11 VM Semester 1 Presentations
While Year 11 ATAR students were completing their exams, our Year 11 Vocational Major students took part in their Semester 1 VM Presentations.
As part of the Unit 1 Vocational Major program, students created and presented a presentation showcasing what they have learned while completing VM this semester. The presentations gave students the chance to reflect on their achievements, challenges and the skills they have developed throughout the year so far.
Students spoke about their VET programs and structured workplace learning opportunities, sharing the real world practical skills they have gained while learning and working in their own industry. They reflected on projects completed in Literacy, including their family recipe and website tasks, where they explored communication, digital skills and Melbourne’s diverse food culture. In Numeracy, students presented their 3D model projects, explaining the design process and the mathematical concepts they used, such as patterns, rotation, reflection, and translation. Personal Development Skills focused on The Biggest Morning Tea, with students reflecting on their involvement in planning and running the event. In Work Related Skills, students shared their career investigations, outlining future pathways, industry opportunities and personal goals.
The presentations also provided students with an opportunity to develop and practice a range of transferable skills that are valued in both the workplace and further study. Preparing and delivering the presentations helped students build their organisation, planning and public speaking skills, while listening to their peers and providing constructive feedback encouraged active listening, communication and professionalism.
The VM Presentations were a great opportunity for students to celebrate their learning, build confidence and further develop the skills that will support them in future employment, training and education pathways.
Kate Wilson
Applied Learning Key Learning Area Head
Year 8 Art
Our Year 8 students have had a productive Semester One in Art, with monochromatic posters, sculptures and ceramics keeping them busy.
Careers and Pathways
Year 9 Morrisby Profiling Interviews
Congratulations to our Year 9 students who recently completed their Morrisby Profiling Interviews. This important careers education activity provided students with personalised feedback on their interests, strengths, aptitudes, and potential career pathways.
During the interviews, students had the opportunity to discuss their Morrisby results with a qualified careers consultant, gaining valuable insights into subject selections, future study options, and possible career directions. The process encouraged students to reflect on their skills and aspirations while helping them make informed decisions about their educational journey.
We encourage families to continue these conversations at home and explore the Morrisby resources available to support future planning. We are proud of the thoughtful engagement shown by our students throughout this valuable career development experience.
Students can access their results by using the below link with their registered email address and password.
With Mornington Secondary College's Course Information Evening only a few weeks away (Tuesday 23rd June, from 5.30pm), the Morrisby Career Profiling process has been a valuable tool in helping students make informed decisions about their future pathways and subject selections.
Thinking about your future after school?
MSC senior students are encouraged to attend the Melbourne Career Expo this July to explore university, TAFE, apprenticeship, traineeship and employment pathways all in one place.
Check out the free ticket attached and take advantage of this great opportunity to connect with education providers, employers and industry representatives.
Kylie Lebrasse
Career Practitioner
Wellbeing
Junior Rangers
This week we enjoyed a day at Nairm Marr Djambana, starting from the moment we arrived when we were greeted with an incredible morning tea, followed by a wonderful lunch after the activities.
Students burnt on possum pelts and collected water samples from the waterways with Carissa and Tom. Water quality was determined by picking out the insects, identifying them and seeing if they are tolerant or sensitive bugs.
Next fortnight will be the last Junior Ranges for Term 2, where we will visit Funky Farm (Hastings).
Nicole Boland
Mental Health Practitioner
Doctors in School
MSC Student Achievements
Recently, many of our MSC students have been excelling on the field through their involvement in representative football programs. Please enjoy this brief slideshow of photos showcasing just some of these talented athletes, with many more students also achieving success beyond the College.
Congratulations to all students who continue to demonstrate dedication, commitment and enthusiasm in pursuing their passions and interests outside of school. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and the way you represent both yourselves and our school community.
If your student is achieving amazing things outside of school in their hobbies and sports, please contact us via mornington.sc@education.vic.gov.au and share their news.
School Visitors
Grade 5 and 6 Tabloid Sports - Mornington Primary School
Mornington Primary School senior students enjoyed an action-packed Tabloid Sports session in the MSC Stadium last week, taking part in basketball and soccer shootouts, egg-and-spoon obstacle races, volleyball and a range of other fun challenges.
A big thank you to our Year 7 students, who helped run activities on the day and encouraged participants. It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved, working together and having fun.
MSC Footy Tipping
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
My First Speech Competition is an annual program that provides senior secondary school students a platform to connect with, and learn about, the work of the Australian Parliament.
This national competition welcomes students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to envision themselves as a newly-elected Member of the House of Representatives and write a 3-minute speech, focusing on a topic they’re passionate about.
Retreat for Young Women
School Disengagement Webinar
To learn more or to reach out to us