From the Principal

Welcome back everyone, I hope the break was enjoyable and there was an opportunity to   ‘recharge the batteries’ in readiness for Term 4. 

Term 4 is always the longest term and is often the busiest. Planning for next year is well underway. Information about subject choices, end of year activities, exams, formals including valedictory and presentation evening will be sent to all students and families within the next couple of weeks. Fast Forward (starting the 2025 school year) begins 25th November. 

Lately there has been much hype within the media around social media and keeping our young people safe. The Department of Education has provided a response with links to fact sheets to support students and families.  

‘Parents and carers play an important role in supporting their children to be safe online and on social media. You can help your children safely navigate their digital world and educate them to avoid harmful online experiences. You can explore websites, games, apps and social media together and set some rules and boundaries.  

Your support and guidance can give your children the knowledge to make sound decisions online and confidence to ask for help when they need it. It is also important to stay informed about online safety.   

The Department of Education recognises this important issue and has developed fact sheets about supports to help keep students safe online and what to do if they are involved in an online incident.  

The fact sheets contain links to evidence-based information on supporting positive and safe online experiences, signs a child or young person might need support, what to do if something unsafe happens online, and where to reach out to for more support.   

To access the fact sheets, refer to the Safe Socials webpage. The fact sheets are available in 19 community languages.    

The government is also launching public consultation on age limits for social media.  

You and your children can share your experiences to inform proposed changes via an online survey, before 5 pm on Friday 1 November 2024. For more information on the survey and to take part, refer to Proposed changes to social media age limits on the Engage Victoria website. 

If you have any queries about this information, you can contact the department by email: bullystoppers@education.vic.gov.au 

Year Level Coordinators and Wellbeing staff at MSC are also available to assist you.  

Have a wonderful week. 

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 4

October

Friday 11th October - Year 11 Formal - Frankston Art Centre

Tuesday 15th October - Year 10 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Phillip Island Surf Excursion

Wednesday 16th October - Year 8 Showcase and Systems Engineering Exhibition - 2.00 to 4.30pm

Tuesday 22nd October - Final day for Year 12 students and Valedictory Evening

Tuesday 22nd October - Whole School Assembly to farewell our Year 12 students

Tuesday 29th to Thursday 31st October - Year 10 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Otways Camp

November

Monday 4th November - Staff Professional Development Day - Student free

Tuesday 5th November - Melbourne Cup - Public Holiday

Wednesday 6th to Friday 8th November - Year 10 Outdoor and Environmental Studies Otways hike

Monday 11th November - Remembrance Day commemorations - 10.45am

Tuesday 12th November - Year 11 SWOTVAC - No classes for Year 11 students

Wednesday 13th November to Thursday 21st November– Year 10 & 11 Exam period 

Thursday 14th November - Final presentations for Year 11 VM students

Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th November - Final assessment presentations for Year 11 VM students

Tuesday 19th November - Year 7 celebration of first year of secondary school - Portfolio showcase afternoon

Thursday 21st November - Year 9 Graduation and social - Frankston Arts Centre

Friday 22nd November - Professional Practice Day for all teachers - Student free

Monday 25th November - Fast Forward commences - students transition into their 2025 year level and classes

Thursday 28th November - Year 10 Formal - Frankston Arts Centre

December

Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th December - Japanese visitors from Nara

Friday 6th December - Year 11 2025 students final day

Tuesday 10th December - Grade 6 Orientation Day for students joining MSC in 2025

Monday 16th December - Presentation Evening - New Peninsula Baptist Church - 6.30pm

Tuesday 17th to Thursday 19th December - 3 day activity program

Friday 20th December - Last day of Term 4

Don't forget to look on compass for sport sign ups, excursions and any other information sent to students and parents. 

Below is a link to help guide you in your use of compass.

https://mornsc.vic.edu.au/for-parents/compass-parent-guide/

Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

Welcome to Term 4!

As we dive into the final stretch of the year, it’s hard not to think about the excitement of the recent AFL and NRL football finals. Watching these athletes perform at their very best as they work towards victory reminds us that success doesn’t happen overnight. Of course, there is only one winner on the day, but what we see in the grand final is just the tip of the iceberg – the result of months, if not years, of preparation, dedication, and hard work.

This journey is much like that of our students. To reach their own “grand final” moments – whether it’s excelling in their studies, achieving personal goals, or building skills for their future – they need to put in the effort and stay focused throughout the term. Every lesson, every assignment, and every challenge faced is a step towards their success.

This morning, we held a fantastic Year 9 assembly where we celebrated the achievements of our students with several awards. The assembly ended on a high note with a general knowledge quiz, which featured a range of science-related questions. Our students excelled, impressively answering all the questions correctly! It was a wonderful display of their knowledge and enthusiasm.

This term we are holding a special formal social night for our Year 9 students. It is on the Compass Newsfeed and the students know all about it. Please go on to Compass to approve and pay. We are very excited to be able to hold this event for our Year 9 students.

Next Wednesday 16 October we have our Year 8 SHOWCASE as well as our Year 11 Systems Engineering students exhibiting their work. This is from 2 pm to 4.30pm. The students are excited and really want to show you their work, so please make it a date and come along. We would love to see you!

Again, let’s work together this term to ensure our students finish the year strong, learning the value of persistence and hard work, just like those elite athletes.

Wishing you a great week.

Denise Leggett

Middle School Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

Welcome back! Term 4 always starts with a bang, and it’ll be no different this year. I’ve enjoyed seeing our students back at school looking mostly refreshed and for the most part in their full school uniform. The Year 12 Vocational Major students have been working through their final presentations, while there is a nervous energy amongst our Year 12 ATAR students. There are still 18 days until the first exam and that is easily enough time for students to effectively revise and maximise their exam scores. Our Year 12 students should be ready for each exam on the day, there is no point them being 100% ready right now.

Study tips for exam preparation

In case you are wondering how to support our Year 12 students when they are at home, here are some tips (they are valid for all years really).

Study tips leading up to exams:

• Start small (use a mind-map for different areas of study/key knowledge). Use your memory first, not your notes. 
• After mind-mapping, use your notes to fill in what you can’t remember.
• Focus your study on what you didn’t remember
• Be positive – you need to be exam ready in 20 something days, not today!
• Use your experts! (your subject teachers!). It’s good for you and they will feel awesome knowing they are helping you!
• Study/do practice exams for subjects at the same time when the exam is scheduled (i.e. English at 9am, HHD at 3pm, Maths at 2pm etc). Train the mind to be working in those subjects at that time.
• Ask for feedback on specific questions after you’ve tried self-marking first (where solution guides are available).
• You should be asking for feedback on answers that you can’t tell are clearly correct or incorrect after you’ve compared them to the answers.
• Email/Teams your teacher to let them know when you’ll be coming and what topics you’ll be seeking support on – this helps teachers prepare for you.

What is coming up this term? Answer: A lot!

Friday 11th October – Year 11 Formal

Mon 21st October – Final Day of Year 12 classes

Tues 22nd October – Final Year 12 assembly and 2024 Valedictory

Wed 23rd – Mon 28th October – Year 12 SWOTVAC (study without scheduled classes – students welcome to come in and see their Year 12 teachers for assistance, who will be available during their usual Year 12 class time)

Tues 29th Oct – Wed 20th Nov – Year 12 VCAA exam period

Mon 4th Nov – Professional Development Day (no classes for students)

Tues 5th Nov – Melbourne Cup Day (no classes or exams)

Tues 12th Nov – Year 11 SWOTVAC Day (to prepare for exams)

Wed 13th Nov – Thurs 21st Nov – Year 10 & 11 Exam period (assessed on 2024 content)

Fri 22nd Nov – Exam correction day and planning day for Fast Forward program

Mon 25th Nov – Fri 6th Dec - 2025 Fast Forward program (Year 10 and 11 students finish on this day)

Friday 29th Nov – Year 10 Formal 

Thurs 12th Dec – VCE ATAR results released to students

Mon 16th Dec – 2024 MSC Awards evening

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Students Lead the Way

It's that time of the year again where we start thinking about student leadership for 2025. School Captain applications opened today for Year 11 students and once these are filled we will be looking for Captains for each year level. Here are a few thoughts on why your child should think about becoming part of the college leadership team.

Building Confidence and Responsibility

When students take on leadership roles, they develop confidence and learn to take responsibility. This helps them grow as individuals, both in school and in life. Whether leading a group project, organizing events, or participating in student council, leadership experiences teach students how to manage challenges and achieve goals.

Developing Key Life Skills

Leadership opportunities in school help students improve important skills like communication, teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving. These are skills that students will need not only for academic success but also for future careers and everyday life.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Students who are involved in leadership feel more connected to their school community. Being part of something bigger encourages a sense of pride and ownership, which can boost motivation and school spirit.

Encouraging Initiative and Innovation

Leadership roles allow students to take initiative, think creatively, and make positive changes in their school. This sense of empowerment teaches them how to advocate for themselves and others, which is important for their personal development.

Kind regards,

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal

Primary School Division and District Athletics Championships

I’d like to acknowledge the following students for their sensational contribution in assisting with the Division and District Primary School Athletics Championships.

• Bailey Barrett
• Sienna Bradshaw
• Milla Dooley
• Gus Dooley
• Curtis Eagleson
• Grace Estcourt
• Samuel Friebe
• Asha Harber
• Dane Hogarth
• Zaya Lindsay-Rechter
• Gus Lyons
• Harley Mckenzie-Cundy
• Rafa Merchan
• Leena N'Diaye
• Lulu Ramalinga
• Lacey Rattue
• Evan Schulinus
• Ethan Sheen
• Noah Sheen
• Chloe Smith
• Ellie Smith
• Heath Tiller
• Jimmy Tiller
• Baylin Wilcox

 Our MSC Sporting Leaders from Years 7- 9 assisted in the running of the track and field events at the Mornington Athletics track on September 11 and October 9. Each student involved represented the school in a very professional manner and contributed to both events running smoothly.

Many officials from School Sports Victoria commented on how impressed they were with our students’ professionalism and contribution to the day. The organisers were very appreciative of our support.

Thank you to Rob Horwill for taking our students to the Division event as well Zarah Carnie our AFL Trainee for helping officials set up and pack as well as help officials throughout both events.

Alex Mackenzie

Athletics Coach

Students of the week

Year 7

Anthony Tabet 7C

Favourite subject: Food Tech

Hobbies: Hanging out with friends

Pets: Have none

Favourite food:  Brownies 

Favourite tv show: Simpsons

The thing I have enjoyed most being at Mornington Secondary College is going out on excursions, meeting new people and having a great time with friends.

Year 8

Deyvina Kanthan 8C

Favourite subject:  Science

Hobbies: Painting

Pets: Dog

Favourite food: Steak

Favorite tv show: CSI

My favourite thing about Mornington Secondary College is how it is fun for the students and it is a very hands on school so it isn’t always learning with writing and reading they allow us to have fun while also learning things to help us in our future.

Year 9 

Joseph Arena 9E

Favourite subject: Sport

Hobbies: Playing soccer

Pets: Dogs and cats

Favourite food: Pasta

Favourite tv show: Lost

The best thing that I have learnt at Mornington Secondary College is that it is important to balance your studies with your out of school hobbies.

School Uniform Update

Available to purchase now, new white school shirt short and long sleeve and tailored shorts

Please refer to the current School Uniform Policy

$400 School Saving Bonus Update

As shared with you previously, parents and carers of every child enrolled in a Victorian government school in 2025 will receive the one-off School Saving Bonus $400 support.

In the coming months, the Department of Education will send you 2 email communications foreach of your children enrolled in Victorian government schools.

By Friday 18 October 2024, please ensure that your child’s 2025 enrolment is completed and that your contact information is up to date.

The 2 emails from the Department of Education will:

1. Confirm your email address between mid-October and late-November.

2. Provide you with your unique $400 School Saving Bonus code by the end of November.

If you do not receive a confirmation email from the department by late-November, please check your spam or junk folders and contact the college, via email mornington.sc@education.vic.gov.au, if needed.

You can read more about the School Saving Bonus on the Department of Education website, with key information now available in 14 different languages.

RUOk? Day

The Wellbeing team organised a fun interactive lunch time event for RUOk? Day. Students were able to give a gold coin donation for a sausage in bread. Face painting and impromptu karaoke was part of the celebration. 

The Mornington Peninsula Youth Centre workers attended and interacted with students sharing stories and services available to young people in the local area. 

Money from the donations collected at the sausage sizzle went towards our school charity Food for Change.

It was a really fun day had by all. 

Nicole Boland

Wellbeing Team

Smile Squad Team

Peninsula Health Smile Squad Team and their dental treatment van have been based at our college this week and have conducted a good number of dental checks and treatments.

The appointments are free and a great way to get reassurance your child’s teeth are healthy.

We do have a few appointments left, if you would like to book your child an appointment, please see Smile Squad post in Compass Newsfeed for the link to consent.

Canteen Volunteers Wanted!

From term 3 the college has been managing the canteen in house.

It has been such a success that we are now looking for parent volunteers to help us in the busy times.

If you can volunteer 1 to 3 hours during the day (from about 10:30am) please give Wendy Parkinson - Business Manager a call on 03 5970 0200 or email wendy.parkinson@education.vic.gov.au

The tasks would be:

• Assist with serving students and staff mainly at recess
• Assist with preparation of food items
• Assist with restocking of drinks and other supplies

A Working With Children's check is essential.

You could volunteer once a week, once a month, or once a term!

Come and meet our friendly canteen operations team!

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