As we close the 2024 school year, it is a pleasure to reflect on the remarkable achievements, moments of joy, and community spirit that have defined this year at Mentone Girls’ Secondary College. Thank you for your support throughout the year as we worked together to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Canteen Operations

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Merri and Shaun, who have managed our canteen with dedication and care over the past two years. Their commitment to providing a range of food options has been much appreciated by staff and students alike.

Next year, we welcome Alan Tran and the team from “My School” Canteens. We look forward to their contributions to our school community and the exciting new offerings they will bring.

End of Year Celebration Picnic

Our end-of-year celebration picnic on the oval on Friday was a truly joyous occasion. The festive atmosphere, filled with Christmas cheer, was enhanced by the wonderful musical performances from our talented performing arts students. It was a fitting way to close out the year, celebrating the creativity and energy that makes MGSC so special.

VCE Results – A Year of Achievement

Congratulations to the Class of 2024 on their outstanding results. With a median study score of 31, 24.03% of students achieving an ATAR above 90, and another 24.03% achieving an ATAR between 80-89, the dedication and hard work of our students and their teachers have truly paid off. Our median ATAR is an impressive 78.20, and we celebrate the 81 study scores over 40 achieved by our students. A special congratulations to our Dux, Mikayla Barwell, who achieved an exceptional ATAR of 99.30! These results reflect the unwavering commitment of our teachers, the support of families, and the determination of our students. Well done to all.

Farewells and Best Wishes

We bid farewell to Dylan Reeves, Kate Allison and Josh Sinclair wishing them success in their future endeavours.

A particularly heartfelt goodbye goes to Suzanne Adams, a cherished member of our Education Support Staff for decades. Suzanne’s positive outlook, genuine interest in others, and caring nature have made her an integral part of our school community. As she steps into retirement, we hope she enjoys the freedom to travel and pursue her passions beyond the constraints of school holidays. She will be greatly missed.

We also acknowledge the retirement of Val Felsenthal, who has been a much-loved member of our school community for many decades. Val has contributed in various roles within the Education Support team, including the Canteen, First Aid, Office, and most recently in the Library. Her warmth and ability to make students feel at ease in any environment have left an indelible mark on MGSC. Val’s presence will be sorely missed, and we wish her all the best in her retirement.

Additionally, we farewell Sue Cook, a dedicated Science teacher who has also played significant roles in student management and most recently as the Virtual Schools Victoria Coordinator. Sue’s passion for science education and her willingness to mentor and share her knowledge with upcoming staff have been invaluable. We thank her for her many years of service to MGSC and the Department of Education, and we wish her every happiness in the future.

Best wishes also go to Hannah Barton, Lauren Caridi, Mary Lawler and Maddison Hill who will be on parental leave in 2025. We look forward to welcoming them back when the time is right.

Celebrating 2024 Highlights

This year has been filled with events and activities that have brought our community together and showcased the talents and spirit of MGSC:

Our annual production, Legally Blonde - The Musical, was a showstopper, demonstrating the incredible dedication and creativity of our students and staff.
The Athletics Carnival and Swimming Sports were highlights of the sporting calendar, with impressive participation and sportsmanship on display.
Our International Women’s Day celebrations inspired us with guest speakers and activities promoting empowerment and leadership.
The Year 9 City Experience provided students with a unique opportunity to explore and engage with the city environment, building independence and resilience.
The Spring Music Concert was another standout event, celebrating the hard work and talent of our performing arts students.

These events and many more have enriched the school year and created lasting memories for all involved.

Acknowledgments

I would like to extend my deepest gratitude to our teachers and education support staff for their stellar work this year. Their dedication, professionalism, and care have been the backbone of our students' success and wellbeing. I also want to thank the School Council for their unwavering support and guidance, which have been instrumental in driving our initiatives and fostering a thriving school community.

Environment team

We can't end the year without a very special 'shout out' to our All-Abilities Environment team. Each Wednesday they support our facilities staff by managing our recycling. It's a big job, as they work their way around all the spaces collecting paper and cardboard and sorting it to the appropriate bins for collection. Coordinator Christian Mitchell reminded us that we have just completed 16 years of this program! Thank you to everyone for being part of our community and performing this important service.

Holiday Wishes

As the year draws to a close, I want to wish everyone in our school community a safe, restful, and joyful holiday season. May this time be filled with relaxation, connection, and the creation of cherished memories with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025 for another year of growth, learning, and success.

Warm regards,

Linda Brown

Principal

Picnic on the Oval