From the Principal Class Team
Dear MRC Community,
As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, the college is alive with activity and momentum. In the coming weeks, our focus shifts toward the completion of assessment tasks, including mid-year reports and exams for many of our secondary students. This is a crucial time for students to prepare thoroughly, engage deeply with their learning, and seek meaningful feedback from their teachers to support their progress.
Italian Cultural Tour – A Journey of Discovery and Connection
Over the past three weeks, a group of our Mount Ridley College students has embarked on an unforgettable journey across Italy, immersing themselves in the rich culture, history, and culinary traditions of this remarkable country.
From the grandeur of Rome and the ancient ruins of Pompeii, to the enchanting canals of Venice and the artistic brilliance of Florence, each destination offered unique opportunities for learning, personal growth, and lasting friendships. Our travels also took us to the charming hilltop town of Orvieto, where students explored cobblestone streets and awe-inspiring cathedrals that brought Italy’s timeless beauty to life.
A peaceful farm stay in the countryside provided a welcome change of pace. Students participated in a hands-on cooking masterclass, preparing traditional Italian dishes and, of course, enjoying an abundance of authentic food and sweets—memories that are sure to linger long after the tour ends.
A highlight of the trip was the visit to our sister school, ITES Aldo Pasoli in Verona. Here, students engaged in meaningful cross-cultural exchanges, collaborated on group projects, and formed international friendships that we hope will continue for years to come. This experience gave our students a firsthand understanding of global citizenship and the power of human connection.
Our final days were spent exploring Verona, the storied setting of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, and cruising across the serene waters of Lake Garda to the picturesque town of Sirmione—a fittingly magical way to end our adventure.
We are incredibly proud of how our students conducted themselves throughout the tour. They represented Mount Ridley College with maturity, curiosity, and respect, and truly embraced every experience with open hearts and minds. We thank our school community for supporting this enriching opportunity. We encourage families to take time to reflect with their children on the stories, memories, and perhaps even new gelato preferences they’ve brought home.
A sincere thank you to the following students for their exceptional participation:Prasansha, Lydia, Chloe, Devra, Kara, Lilijana, Maddelyn, Brooke, Ekjot, Juliet, Sophie, Khanh, Kunal, Jacob, Lachlan, Jessica, Jesse, Victor, Talia, Ross, Avaree, Avni, Nathalia, Lola, and Kordell. We hope this experience inspires you to continue exploring the wider world.
Special thanks must also go to the wonderful staff team—Con Stamatelatos, Hayley Davies, Gabby Forrest and Lino Pagano—for their dedication, energy, and care. Their guidance went far beyond the classroom, as they embraced roles ranging from mentor and friend to travel companion and parent figure. This tour would not have been possible without their unwavering commitment.
Together, we have shared something truly special—an unforgettable chapter in our students’ educational journeys.
Attitude to School Survey
The Attitudes to School Survey is administered every year to students in years 4 to 12 by the Department of Education. Students have undergone this survey during weeks 4 and 5 of this term. The College really values feedback and will use this information to continue to develop opportunities that are valuable and interest the students.
The survey has 4 main focusses:
- Effective Teaching Practice for Cognitive Engagement
- Teacher-Student Relationships
- Learning characters and disposition
- Social Engagement
We look forward to analysing the data with staff and students alike to enhance opportunities for learning and social and emotional endeavours across the college.
Education Support Staff Day
World Education Support Staff Day was celebrated on Friday, May 16th. This day recognises the vital contributions of professional, administrative, and support staff in our school. This is a global initiative by Education International, the global federation of education unions, including the Independent Education Union (IEU). In addition to World Support Staff Day, Education Support Personnel (ESP) Day is also celebrated on May 16th, focusing on the benefits of union membership, such as the Australian Education Union (AEU).
To our incredible Educational Support Staff,
Thank you for the unwavering dedication, patience, and care you bring to our schools each and every day. Your behind the scenes efforts and one-on-one support make a profound difference in the lives of our students and the success of our learning community.
You are the steady hands and kind hearts who lift others up, guide quietly, and ensure no student is left behind. Your contributions may sometimes go unnoticed, but they are deeply valued and appreciated.
On behalf of all of us at MRC, thank you for being the foundation of support that helps our schools thrive. We see you, we appreciate you, and we are truly grateful for all you do.
Excursions & Incursions
As you will read in other sections of the newsletter, the last few weeks have been particularly busy with numerous excursions and incursions taking place. These events require much work and preparation, and we acknowledge the great effort and contribution of staff and community partners to ensure their success, congratulations to all involved.
DadFit
MRC has embarked on weekly DadFit sessions which includes a full-body workout, open and honest dad chats, and practical 'dad challenges' to help you be the best dad you can be. Led by experienced facilitators and fellow dads, Dadfit will support men wanting to get active, share stories, and connect with other dads.
Reviews:
"Dadfit has been one of the best experiences of my life", dad of 2.
"Adding small steps each week to being a better dad", dad of 1.
"Feels like I’m improving my life, and my family’s, a little every week", dad of 2.
“Working towards being a better dad, fitter dad”, dad of 2.
Hope you have a terrific and restful weekend and stay warm,
Sebastian Naselli
Assistant Principal: Curriculum Programs Prep - 6