From the Principal

Welcome to the last week of Term 2. It has been a wonderful term with so many opportunities for our students to participate in. It began with the amazing ANZAC day service followed by marching Main St. Mornington. Excursions have occurred at every year level and camps in most years. Interschool sport saw many of our students compete and move to the next level of competition. Primary school students joined us for some fun activities and the Year 12 students danced the night away at their Formal. All students have been engaged in their schoolwork and have sat tests and exams. Course Information Evening occurred this week and students are beginning to consider courses for next year.

In my newsletter dated 20th June, I mentioned our College Captains attended the Committee for Frankston & Mornington Peninsula first student voice forum. Please find an excerpt of the email I received about the event.

We were joined by Jodie Belyea MP, Paul Edbrooke MP, Paul Mercurio MP, Cr Emily Green (Frankston City) and Cr Max Patton (MP Shire).

Cr Green and Cr Patton provided a snapshot of life as a young person in community leadership positions, and why students should consider getting involved in politics within their communities.

During the workshops and panel Q&A, the Committee ensured that student voices were listened to.

We provided students with direct access with key local decision-makers and local representatives, and facilitated workshops and an open panel Q&A.

The Workshops covered five key areas that were raised as critical issues at the School Leaders Presentation Event, including:

• The Environment, climate change, and renewable energy – What difference can we make as individuals and as a region?
• Cost of living challenges for young people are ignored, our HECS debts are too high, and there are far fewer economic opportunities for young people in 2025.
• Gender, Age and mental health: Tackling the scourge of domestic violence and violence against women, and better funding and support for mental health.
• Young people care about politics less than ever before. Is this true? How do we fix it or make it more engaging and impactful for youth particularly in our region?
• Housing – how do we deal with the challenge of getting young people into their first home? Is the great Australian dream out of reach for the next generation of young people on the peninsula?

Our workshop facilitators, led by Committee board members and business leaders, prompted conversations about solutions, proposals, initiatives and responses to some of these key issues.

They key takeaways from the Student Voice Forum for 2025 were:

• The top issue for student leaders in our region is housing affordability.

1. Many feel they will require assistance to buy their first home.
2. Many believe the expectations of home ownership are different to the previous generation. Young people are likely to be more comfortable in smaller builds with community links.
3. Many expressed specific concern about the local housing market and its affordability, which may see some priced out of their own hometowns.

• Students would like to see more direct action and support for mental health and domestic violence programs within schools.
• The prospect of a significant and burdensome HECS debt is a worry shared by many local students.
• Disengagement with politics by young people can be addressed by better education of politics in schools and promoting young people to leadership positions across all levels of government.
• Students are interested in taking direction environmental action locally and are seeking to partner with local government or environmental organisations to provide practical responses to local environmental issues.

Our MP's and Councillors will now take these concerns to Federal Parliament, State Parliament and our local council chambers.

Thank you to our elected representatives for attending this forum or the School Leaders Presentation breakfast held in March.

• Jodie Belyea MP, the Federal Member for Dunkley
• Zoe McKenzie MP, the Federal Member for Flinders
• Paul Edbrooke MP, the State Member for Frankston
• Paul Mercurio MP, the State Member for Hastings
• Chris Crewther MP, the State Member for Mornington
• Cr Emily Green, Frankston City Council
• Cr Max Patton, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council
• Liberal Candidate for Dunkley, Nathan Conroy
• Labor Candidate for Flinders, Sarah Race
• Independent Candidate for Flinders, Ben Smith

Committee Member schools that participated across both events included:

• Frankston High School
• Flinders Christian Community College
• Balcombe Grammar
• Mt Eliza Secondary College
• Woodleigh School
• Mornington Secondary College
• Peninsula Grammar
• Toorak College
• Foundation College

Our students thoroughly enjoyed participating in this event. They were great ambassadors of Mornington Secondary College. We look forward to participating next year and beyond.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff, students and parents for an excellent term. Please have a wonderful break students and staff. See you next term.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 2 2025

Term 3 2025

Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we wrap up another wonderful term, we want to thank you for your ongoing support. Despite the chill in the air, our students have embraced the challenges of winter with enthusiasm, and we've enjoyed some memorable moments together.

Year 7 – 100 Days of Secondary!

Our Year 7 students recently celebrated their 100 days of Secondary College—what a fantastic milestone! The day was filled with fun and excitement, including lantern-making, trivia games, “Minute to Win It” challenges, a movie screening, and a delicious BBQ. A highlight was the postcard photo sent home with each student—we hope it’s proudly displayed on your fridge or somewhere special!

In the classroom, our Year 7s have settled in beautifully. Their rooms are buzzing with learning, curiosity, and connection. We’re proud of the growth they’ve shown already. Don't forget, parent-teacher interviews will be held at the end of next term, providing another chance to celebrate progress and work together.

Year 8 – Hands On Learning

Some of our Year 8 students have been thriving in the Hands-on Learning program, held on Wednesdays and Fridays with Mr. Pirrie and Mr. Butcher. This hands-on experience has included building walls and garden beds, painting, art therapy, gardening, cooking, chopping wood, and more!

Not only have they developed important life and work skills, but they’ve also made a real impact on our school environment. The garden beds and retaining walls are looking fantastic! A huge well done to all the students involved—you’ve made us proud.

Year 9 – Exploring Future Pathways

Year 9 students have been working with our Morrisby Career practitioners to explore career options tailored to their interests and strengths. It’s been wonderful to see them gain confidence and direction as they think about life beyond school.

Looking ahead, Year 9 Course Selection appointments will take place on August 1. Students will come to school for their scheduled time only, in full school uniform, to meet with a member of our curriculum team and discuss their Year 10 pathways for 2026. We strongly encourage parents to attend these important conversations. More details about bookings can be found in Mr. Michael Parker’s section in this newsletter.

Wishing You a Safe and Happy Holiday!

We’ve had a busy and rewarding term, and we hope you and your family enjoy a restful and fun-filled break. Thank you again for being part of our vibrant school community. We look forward to welcoming everyone back next term, refreshed and ready for more great learning and connection.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

We’ve made it to the end of the longest term for senior school students for 2025.

Students of the month – Assistant Principal Awards

I’m excited to be able to announce the AP students of the month for June.

Year 12

Isabella Russell-Lothian and Sian Corfu

• Isabella jumps straight into her tasks, is always upbeat about what she has to do and is happy to work with all students on task work.
• Sian is a hard worker who quietly just gets the tasks done.  Sian is committed to completing work to the highest standard whilst also supporting others when they need.

Year 11 - Isaiah Feiloakitau

• Isaiah Feiloakitau is a Year 11 Captain. He has been excelling in all his VM subjects and is a supportive and helpful student. His work is always at a high standard, and he elevates the people around him. Isaiah is always approachable to everyone.

Year 10 - Seung Lykokapis & Regan Bolger

• Seung Lykokapis is a great supporter of our school values and is always willing to lend his help to students, staff and the wider community as demonstrated in his role as Year 10 Captain and the time and effort he gave to help organise and support our charity event.
• Regan Bolger is a student constantly pushing herself to improve. Her Semester 1 results speak for themselves and demonstrate that Regan takes her learning seriously and is always looking for opportunities to extend.

VCE VM activities

This term the VM students have been busy working on Effective Teamwork in VM Personal Development. Part of this Unit included students working in teams to design and build a Marble Run. At the VM assembly last Monday the winners of each class had a Marble Run Off and the judges decided on the most effective Marble run. Well done to all the VMPDS students this term on all their creations. Congratulations to the winning team, consisting of Sienna Hughes, Amelie Kakantonis, Grace Attwood and Max Dart.

As Term 3 fast approaches, The VCE Vocational Major program at Mornington Secondary College, will host their Community Market Day on Tuesday, 26th August. This event is completely run by Year 12 Vocational Major students. They will be running a Market Day during recess and lunchtime, raising funds for the school’s chosen charity – ‘HomeGround’. HomeGround is an organisation that was created with a vision to ‘champion the strengths of the local community’.  They aim to bridge the gap between unemployed youth within the region providing an opportunity to pursue a career in the hospitality industry.

The students will be seeking donations from our local community to assist them with their stalls. Any donations would be greatly appreciated by our students and will help to contribute to the success of the Market Day stalls or the overall raffle prizes. For any donations or queries please contact Kirsty Hamson (VCE VM PDS teacher) at kirsty.hamson@education.vic.gov.au.

Course Selection – what are the next steps!

With the course selection software now open, it’s important to spend time as a family looking over the Semester 1 reports and working out which is the most appropriate pathway for 2026 based on the following key principles:

• What do I like?
• What am I good at?
• What prerequisites do I have for a course/would be useful for my future pathway

When we confirm the subject and pathway preferences in Term 3, we will be guided by what the learning data has demonstrated to support a successful senior school program.

For queries regarding 2026 course information please contact the year level teams, careers & pathways team, or myself. The Course Information Booklets are a great resource (link in the course counselling email and on the MSC website). These are big decisions but note some change is possible throughout the senior school years.

Term 3 Availability

I’ll be on leave until July 28th so I wish you all the best over the July holidays and look forward to reconnecting in Term 3! Stay warm!

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

EpiPens

The school asks parents of students who have the need for a EpiPen to provide a pen to be kept in Sick Bay.  These are essential life saving devices that we have in case of an emergency.  The Sick Bay is in the process of checking the dates on these pens and will contact families if they have become out of date.  

Students who do not have an in date EpiPen will not be permitted to attend camps and excursions.

Course Information Night, July 1st

It might have been cold and a little bit wet but what a fantastic night we had as a College community. So great to see students and families exploring future opportunities provided by our College. Thankyou so much for coming along and to our great staff for supporting our students and families.

The next stage for MSC 2025 Year 8-11 families and students is 2026 Subject Pre-Selection, which opened online Wednesday 2nd July and closes Wednesday 30th July.

Course Selection Interviews

Current Year 9 and 10 students will participate in Course Selection Interviews early next term. All students are required to sit an interview and we would encourage parents to attend if possible.  The booking system for these interviews is now open on compass, just like a parent teacher conference.

• Year 9 into 10: Friday 1st of August 9:00-3:00 
• Year 10 into 11: Friday 8th of August 9:00-3:00

Families are able to book to see a specific staff member who will be listed in the booking system.  Year 10 students can select either a Vocational Major or an ATAR interview, this allows students who know what their next step is to have a more focused interview. If your child is not sure then select either of the 2 interview options.

Reports

Reports will be published to families today. Please check the link on your child’s compass page to see their report.  Reports capture the work that your child has undertaken over the past 6 months. All students should see this report as a reflection on the effort and skill they have demonstrated and use it as motivation to maintain or improve their efforts into Semester 2.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Compass Hints For Parents: How to view your child’s Semester Report

Please find below how-to video to help parents stay up to date with their child’s academic progress. The video walks through how to easily access Semester Reports in the Compass app— making it simpler than ever to stay informed and involved.

Students of the Week

Year 7 James Wright

Favourite food: Hot chips

Hobbies out of school: Footy and basketball

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn 

Favourite movie: Grown ups

Do you have any pets? A dog named Lenny and a Cat named Luna

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Friends & sport

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? AFL otherwise a tradie

Year 7 Madi Smith 

Favourite food: Watermelon and Pesto Pasta 

Hobbies out of school: Basketball and aerobics

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood 

Favourite TV show: Modern family

Do you have any pets? A dog, a cat and a chicken 

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Aerobics, friends and sport

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? An interior designer 

Year 8 Rose Williams

Favourite food: Pasta

Hobbies out of school: Playing basketball with my brothers

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn

Favourite TV show: Squid Games

Do you have any pets? 3 dogs, a Bulldog names Brutis, a Pug names Blue and a Retro Pug named Pinkie

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Doing art, going to Art Club and hanging out with my friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I would like to be an artist or a baker

Year 8 Charli Christie 

Favourite food: Chicken curry

Hobbies out of school: Tennis and hanging out with friends

What sports team do you follow? Essendon

Favourite TV show: My Girl

Do you have any pets? Cavalier dog named Bonnie and a cat named Twylie

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Seeing my friends every day and being part of Drum Corp

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I would like to be a psychologist or heart surgeon

Year 8 Max Mathy 

Do you have any pets? Yes, a black lab named ReRe

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? New experiences and learning new things

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I'm not sure but maybe something in electronics

2025 Production FROZEN JR - Tickets on Sale

Tickets are available to purchase now - DON'T MISS OUT!  Remember we have a sing-a-long session on our open night so you can join in the fun!

When:        Tuesday 5 August 2025 SING-A-LONG SESSION     7-8:30pm

                     Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th August 2025     7-8:30pm

                     Saturday 9th August 2025     2-3:30pm

Location:   Performing Arts Theatre, 1051 Nepean Highway, Mornington Vic 3931

Tickets can be purchased via trybooking, on the below link.

Year 12 Outdoor Education Snow Camp

Our Year 12 Outdoor Education students visited Mount Buller June 26 and 27 for an unforgettable Snow Camp experience. With a fresh dump of snow the day before we arrived, excitement levels were sky-high from the moment we hit the slopes. 

Many of our students arrived as beginners, decked out in the best of Aldi’s snow sale gear — but they left with skills, confidence, and stories to tell. By the end of the camp, they were already planning their next trips to the snow! We couldn’t be prouder of their progress. This group gave future cohorts a serious challenge to live up to — they were out on the slopes until the last lift each day, and may just be our most competent group yet.

A massive thank you to our incredible staff: Mick Williams, Viv Collins, Chris Jones, and Rory Wagner-Watts. Your support, energy, and expertise made the camp a huge success. A special shout-out also to everyone who worked behind the scenes to handle the logistics — your efforts never go unnoticed.

Madison Nicholls

OES Teacher

Art Show

Last week MSC held our first Mid-Year Art show. Held over two evenings (25th June and 26th June) and open to MSC students, families and friends, the Art Show was a showcase and celebration of all Year 7-10 Semester 1 students efforts and passion for Arts at MSC.

Our Art Gallery and art rooms were transformed into a beautiful exhibition space that showcased a broad range of art forms.  Students sculptural works and giant charcoal drawings were a particular highlight. 

Across both nights, visitors had the opportunity to nominate their favourite pieces for the People's Choice Award. The overwhelming winner was Archie McGarry, for a portfolio of work (Year 9 Art and Media). Congratulations Archie! 

We look forward to announcing the Year level winners, as voted by the MSC Art Department, at the Whole School Assembly to be held Week 1 of Term 3. 

Lea Gilbert

Head of Art

100 Days of Secondary School

Celebrating 100 Days of High School: Year 7's Crazy Hair Day Extravaganza

On Friday, June 27, our Year 7 students marked a significant milestone—completing their first 100 days of high school—with a day filled with activities and our student picked theme ‘Crazy Hair Day’.

The day commenced with a special assembly, proudly run by our Year 7 leaders and helpers, where students were celebrated for their growth and achievements over the past 100 days. This was followed by creative arts and crafts sessions, where students crafted lanterns decorated with symbols representing their favourite experiences and memories from high school so far.

Adding to the excitement, Year 7 students participated in a series of 100-second team challenges and trivia games, fostering teamwork and friendly competition. The festivities continued with a delicious BBQ lunch and cupcakes galore, keeping everyone energized and in high spirits.

The day concluded with a movie screening of the Croods in the Performing Arts Centre, where each student received a '100 Days of High School' award, acknowledging their dedication and accomplishments.

A huge thank you to Ms. Parker, Ms. Watchorn, and Ms. Hamson for their assistance in cooking the BBQ, and to our AFL trainee Kobi for helping set up the 100-second challenges and assisting throughout the day.

Congratulations to the following students for winning the Craziest Hair Competition:

Ethan, Neve, Marlin, Antonio, Blayde, Alice, Zarli, Dakota, Aida-Grace, Chelsea, and Aria.

This celebration marks a significant achievement in our Year 7 students' high school journey. We extend our congratulations to all Year 7 students and express our gratitude to their families for their unwavering support.

Evangeline Romage

Year 7 Team Leader

Alex Mackenzie

Year 7 Coordinator

Let's Get Moving

In today's fast-paced, technology-driven world, it’s more important than ever to encourage students to get moving. Physical activity plays a vital role not only in maintaining physical health but also in boosting mental well-being, academic performance, and overall quality of life. Regular physical activity helps students build strong bones and muscles, improve cardiovascular fitness, and maintain a healthy weight. 

Studies consistently show that students who engage in regular physical activity tend to experience reduced stress, improved mood, and enhanced concentration in the classroom. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, which helps with memory, focus, and cognitive function. 

Team sports and group activities help students develop important social skills such as teamwork, communication, and leadership. They also provide a sense of belonging and an opportunity to build confidence. For students struggling with anxiety or low mood, physical activity can be a powerful, natural mood-lifter. 

Experts recommend that teenagers get at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity each day. This doesn’t have to happen all at once—walking or cycling to school, playing sport, dancing, or even active chores all count.

Let’s work together to create a culture where moving more is just part of everyday life. By making physical activity a priority, we’re setting our students up for healthier, happier futures.

Shaun Doherty

Year Level Coordinator 9

Semester 2 Underway

June 23rd saw the start of Semester 2. Below is a visual insight of new electives some of our students have enjoyed so far in Semester 2; Year 10 Studio Art and Year 10 Marvellous Menus.

Junior Rangers

This week was our last Junior Rangers for the term. The students had a choice of indoor activities, due to wet weather. They could choose to learn to weave, clay work, painting and working on their possum pelts. Students enjoyed morning tea together and they also had time to voice what activities they would like to do next term. It is great seeing new friendships form between indigenous students from our local schools.

Nicole Boland 

Mental Health Practitioner 

Girls AFL

Junior Girls - Year 7 and 8

On Monday June 30, our Year 7 and 8 girls represented Mornington Secondary College at the Junior Football Interschool Sports Competition. Our team played four hard-fought games, finishing with two wins and two losses. Throughout the day, the girls displayed fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship. They improved with each match, learning from every contest and supporting one another on and off the field. Despite the chilly conditions, they stayed positive and determined, kicking some impressive goals and celebrating each success. Congratulations to all the players on a great effort!

Evangeline Romage

Year 7 Team Leader

Intermediate Girls - Year 9 and 10

On Monday 30th June I had the pleasure of coaching our Year 9/10 Girls Footy Team to start our final week of Term 2. With only a handful of girls that play footy, the majority being netballers and a few soccer players, the girls tried hard all day. Whilst they did not get over the line for any wins, they played great first halves and kicked a few goals.

All the girls played fierce defence and laid multiple tackles. Nat stepped up in the ruck, Rhiannon, Harley, Kaitlyn and Shayla held up our back line, Lilly, Ellie and Jess ran midfield, Tommie-Lee, Mya and Heidi were great support on the wings and Lacey,  Harley and Sienna all contributed to our goals. 

A great day, with great sportsmanship shown by all of our girls and a big thankyou to Kobi for coming along and helping out for the day.

Kim Rattue

Year 8 Coordinator

Boys Netball

Junior Boys- Year 7 and 8

On Monday June 30 the MSC Year 7 and Year 8 Boys' Netball Teams competed at an Interschool Divisional Competition at Mornington netball courts. 

The teams had been training for 3 weeks before the competition, demonstrating their dedication to performing at their best on competition day. Both teams showed fantastic teamwork, great skills and dominated their pool matches. Both the Year 7 team and the Year 8 team were undefeated in the pool matches, winning 3 games each and dominating on the court. The grand finals were both played against Dromana and, unfortunately, both our boys teams were beaten by better teams on the day, finishing second overall. 

A huge congratulations to all competitors, they showed great sportsmanship and teamwork and represented MSC with pride. And a personal thank you to Mollie Dentry, Zara Brown and Mya Stynes who coached and trained the Year 7 team. The day couldn't have run without their contribution. 

Jenny Vanin

Health & PE Teacher

Wellbeing - Term 2 Programs

Art Therapy

During Term 2 Kate, a local art therapist, ran Art Therapy with some of our Year 8 and 9 students. Each week they enjoyed a different art activity that supported the students to learn, identify and acknowledge their own personal strengths and attributes. The students loved having the time and space to explore and create, while also making new friendships. They were able to take home their creations and were gifted a watercolour art set to further explore their love of art. 

Nicole Boland 

Mental Health Practitioner 

RAGE - Renavigating Anger and Guilty Emotions

This term, we had two facilitators from Detour run the RAGE program with 10 Year 8 male students. Over the course of six weeks, the students learn what anger is and how it presents in the body, how to be assertive instead of aggressive when they experience conflict, and strategies to put in place to prevent outbursts that cause issues in the future. The students loved how they were given the time and space to be listened to and validated in their experiences, as well as learning practical and effective strategies to regulate how they are feeling in the future. 

B.R.A.V.E - Building Respect and Valuing Equality

Throughout Term 2 we were given the opportunity to run a new program with Year 9 male students. B.R.A.V.E was developed with the intention of educating students about masculinity, and how gender stereotypes, social media and other factors influence their choices and beliefs. Over the course of eight sessions the students learnt about emotional literacy and regulation, how societies gender stereotypes influence their perceptions of themselves and others, the role algorithms and social media play in perpetuating these stereotypes, and how this influences their mental health and wellbeing. The students also learnt how to show empathy and respect for others, what healthy and unhealthy relationships looks like, and how to resolve conflict with others appropriately. Overall, the students thoroughly enjoyed the sessions and showed an improved ability to think deeper about these topics and begin to identify their own personal beliefs and values. 

Year 7 THRIVE Group

This term Lani from the Mornington Peninsula Youth Hub "The Corner' ran the THRIVE program with 10 Year 7 female students. The students participated in a 'dotmocracy' in which they were able to vote on which topics they wanted to cover each week. Over the course of the term, they learnt about emotions and emotion regulation, anxiety, friendships, mindfulness, the impact of social media and more. Each session was tailored to the students and were given the opportunity to create scrapbooks and regulation tools such as glitter jars to support their understanding of the topics. The girls loved coming together at the end of the day and being given the space to share how they were feeling and build new connections with their peers.

Maddy Collinge

Student Wellbeing Counsellor

Year 8 Term 2 Awards

On Friday June 27, our Year 8 Assembly celebrated high achievers in each class. Certificates were presented for Improvement, Kindness, Determination, and Class Star. Congratulations to all recipients!

While we had a captive audience, our Year 8s were presented with information about Tuesday July 1st Course Information Evening. Our Year 8s move in to a new phase in 2026, with the opportunity of electives. Subject selection for 2026 opened Wednesday July 2nd and closes Wednesday July 30th.

Hands on Learning - Semester 1

There were several projects undertaken in Hands on Learning (HoL) in Semester 1 that have been extremely beneficial to the students enrolled in the program. Students in both the Wednesday and Friday groups have gained valuable work and life skills in projects that are transferable to many hospitality and trade industries. These projects included:

• constructing walls and garden beds, 
• painting, 
• art therapy (Neurographic art), 
• gardening, 
• cooking, 
• digging, 
• chopping wood, and 
• cleaning.

“I’m thinking of being a Sparky when I leave school and I have learnt how to use tools I never knew how to use” Nikki Hueber, Year 8

Adam Pirrie and Matthew Butcher bring different leadership styles that encompass HoL’s main principle of “Engaging students with authentic readily achievable tasks that focus on doing and self-belief, and building personal, emotional and social skills to support the different ways young people learn”. While implementing the focus plans, (HoL’s toolkit of strategies), they both encourage and celebrate the student’s strengths highlighted in the visible mutual respect between them and the students they care for. 

“Mr Pirrie has taught me so much about concreting and cooking.” Axel Sims. 

“He’s real chill but still keeps us in line.”  Charlotte Munro/Dakota Rees. 

“Mr Butcher is caring and kind.” Trish Bradshaw, and the “best teacher ever!” Evie Evans. 

Below is an excerpt of a journal from a participant of Mr Butcher’s Friday group.

In amongst all the hard physical work, I have been privileged to witness a greater sense of teamwork, improved friendships and inclusive group dynamics. As an inclusion aid, I have even seen improvement in student’s attendance, behaviour and study ethics in their regular classes. The fun and playful banter while working on projects together only seems to strengthen the bonds amongst the students and the teachers. When the groups were asked what one of their favourite things about HoL was, it was a unanimous “The friendships that we have made.” 

Our projects have reflected a contribution to service within the school and the wider community. Collaborations in our mural painting project and plantation day were a great success where the students not only enjoyed the lessons learnt and the adventure, but felt a sense of community and belonging with their accomplishments. 

Behind the scenes work at beach clean-up day, (yes, we also got to enjoy the good weather, beach and BBQ) and in house maintenance (garden beds at the cottage and near the staff room) are amongst the work the students do that may go unnoticed, but do exist. 

Some exciting future projects include a visit to animal shelters, working on a project with the MSC Art Department, art and design projects on the inside and outside of the Cottage and holding a stall at the Year 12 Market Day fund raising event.

I feel very honoured and privileged be a part of, and contribute to this program and get the opportunity to witness firsthand the students showing up every week inspired and excited to be part of our little community inside a wider community. 

Anastasia Maragakis

Inclusion/Hands on Learning

NAIDOC Week: July 6-13 

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year (6th-13th July in 2025), to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth. You can support and get to know your local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities through activities and events held across the country. More information about NAIDOC Week and local events can be found on the below website.

To learn more or to reach out to us