From the Principal 

Dear staff, parents, carers, students and friends of the College,

As we approach the end of Week Two, our attention turns to an important milestone for our Year 12 students and the completion of our School Review. It is a time to celebrate the contributions of our young people while also looking ahead to the future of Mornington Secondary College.

On Monday 19 October, we will farewell our Class of 2026 at their final whole-school assembly before gathering with students and families that evening for Valedictory. These occasions provide an opportunity to recognise years of learning, effort, friendships and personal growth.

Each student has taken a different journey to reach this point. Across VCE and VCE Vocational Major, our students have developed their strengths, worked through challenges and explored the pathways that will take them beyond school. We look forward to celebrating those achievements together.

In his Senior School report this week, Nick Evans shares his reflections on the relationships and experiences he has enjoyed with this cohort. His message is a reminder of how well our staff come to know the young people they teach and support. Behind every name is an individual with their own story, aspirations and achievements.

Relationships matter in learning. As our Year 12 students prepare to leave, I hope they recognise the difference they have made to one another and to the staff who have shared their journey. Their humour, enthusiasm and contributions have helped shape our College community.

For students preparing for VCE examinations, the coming weeks are an opportunity to consolidate their learning and make the most of the support available. I encourage students to maintain a balanced study routine, seek feedback from their teachers and make time for sleep, exercise and connection with others. We wish them every success as they prepare to demonstrate what they have learned.

Thank you to our teachers, education support staff and Senior School team for their care and commitment throughout the year, and for the work involved in preparing these celebrations. To our parents and carers, thank you for the encouragement and support you have provided along the way. Monday will be a significant occasion for you, too.

Our School Review reaches its final scheduled day on Friday 16 October. Thank you again to the students, parents, carers and staff who contributed through focus groups. The review team acknowledged the valuable insights participants shared and their clear commitment to the College’s success. We look forward to using the findings to inform our next School Strategic Plan and will share more with our community as this work progresses.

Planning for 2027 is also continuing. It has been pleasing to see staff express interest in Positions of Responsibility across curriculum, student support and extracurricular programs. Their willingness to contribute reflects a shared commitment to providing positive experiences and opportunities for our students.

For our students in Years 7 to 11, the farewell to our Year 12s is a reminder to make the most of their own time at school. There is still much to learn and achieve this term. Being present, prepared and willing to participate will help every student finish the year well.

To the Class of 2026: we are proud of you and look forward to celebrating with you on Monday. Thank you for your contribution to Mornington Secondary College. 

Kind regards,

Adam Slater

Principal

Senior School 

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

To the Class of 2026: Thank You for the Memories

Over the past week, I've had the privilege of signing the completion certificates and special awards for our graduating Class of 2026. As I worked my way through the names, I found myself reflecting on just how many memories and experiences I've shared with this group of young people. What struck me most was that, for almost every name that crossed my desk, I could recall a conversation, an experience, a moment of achievement or, occasionally, a moment where things hadn't quite gone to plan!

Over the years, I've been fortunate enough to get to know so many of you in different ways. Whether it was through teaching ROADMAP classes and other subjects, camps, aerobics competitions, the Japanese exchange trip in 2025, sporting events, student leadership, course counselling conversations or the occasional last-minute subject change, each interaction has helped me get to know the individuals behind the names on those certificates. Of course, there have also been a few restorative conversations and opportunities to reflect on decisions or situations that may not have gone as intended! But even those conversations have been important, because growing up isn't about getting everything right. It's about learning, taking responsibility and becoming a better version of yourself.

As I reflect on your time at Mornington, I'm incredibly grateful for the memories you've given me. I've seen students grow in confidence, discover their strengths, overcome challenges, support one another and begin to find their place in the world. One of the great privileges of working in a school is getting to share a small part of that journey. While you might remember your teachers for the lessons they taught you, I hope you also recognise just how much you have taught us along the way.

As we approach your Valedictory celebrations on Monday, I want to congratulate every member of the Class of 2026 on reaching this important milestone. For those preparing for their VCE examinations, I wish you every success over the coming weeks. Trust in the preparation you've done, continue to work hard and remember to look after yourselves along the way. For those moving into employment, apprenticeships, further training or other pathways, I hope you embrace the opportunities ahead with confidence and enthusiasm.

Most importantly, I want to say thank you. Thank you for the conversations, the laughs, the challenges, the achievements and the memories. You've each contributed something to Mornington Secondary College, and you've certainly contributed something to my experience as your Assistant Principal.

I'm looking forward to celebrating with you and your families on Monday. Whatever comes next, I hope you leave Mornington proud of how far you've come, excited about where you're heading and knowing that you'll always be part of our school community. 

Congratulations, Class of 2026. It's been a privilege to be part of your journey.

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Important Dates

Dates correct at time of posting and subject to change.

Students of the Week

Martha Gray - Year 7

Favourite food: Sushi

Hobbies out of school: Ocean swimming  

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood Footy Club

Favourite movie/TV show: Age of Ultron 

Do you have any pets?  No pets but I’d like a dog or cat

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Year 9 Cairns Camp

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends and Flag Corps

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Something to do with the ocean 

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? I can play the violin

What three words best describe you? Funny, kind and shy 

Antonio Jones - Year 7

Favourite food: Pizza 

Hobbies out of school: Perform & Act, Scouts 

Favourite movie/TV show: My favourite move is Holy Grail

Do you have any pets? 15 fish and a dog named Storm  

What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Drama

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Drum Corps and English 

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? No idea at all yet!

What's one skill you have that makes you unique? Acting 

What three words best describe you? Motivated, positive and quirky 

Year 12 VCE VM Farewell

Year 12 VCE VM Students Prepare for Life Beyond School

Year 12 VCE Vocational Major (VM) students have now completed their final interviews with the interview panel consisting of their VM teachers, parents/carers and Year 11 students. The interviews provided an opportunity to celebrate their achievements and allowed Year 11 students to gain a better understanding of what to expect when it is their turn next year.

During the interviews, students presented their Work Related Skills (WRS) portfolios, which included their resume, cover letter and relevant qualifications collected throughout their educational journey. These documents demonstrated the practical steps students have taken to prepare for future employment and highlighted the importance of presenting themselves professionally to potential employers.

Students also reflected on their learning in Personal Development Skills (PDS) and Numeracy, discussing their experiences during Market Day. They explained the financial responsibilities involved in running a stall, including budgeting, calculating costs, managing money and making decisions to help their stall succeed. This reflection allowed students to connect their classroom learning with real-world experiences.

Throughout the interviews, students demonstrated their communication skills, confidence, professionalism and ability to respond to questions in a formal setting. They spoke about their learning experiences, the challenges they had overcome and the valuable skills they had developed throughout the year.

The final interviews were a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their growth and achievements while demonstrating their readiness for the next stage of their journey. The experience highlighted how the Vocational Major program equips students with practical, transferable skills to support their future pathways into employment, further education and training.

Kate Wilson

Applied Learning Key Learning Area Head

Year 11 Formal

Year 11 Formal photos, as promised!

Aerobics Squad

A reminder to all current Year 7-11 students, that aerobics training starts again this Monday, the 19th of October. 

If you're interested in joining the Aerobics Squad next year,  join us in the Herbie Gym from 3:15-4:30pm to begin our weekly sessions in preparation for 2027. Training is open for all returning squad members as well as new members. These sessions are essential for developing skills and helping the coaches with team selection.

Please submit your interest through the below form, if you haven't already. 

2027 Aerobics Squad - Sign Ups – Fill in form

Indie Jowett

Aerobics Squad Coach

End of Year Activities

Get ready to celebrate the end of the school year with Mornington Secondary College End of Year Activities.

This year, activities will be running from:

• Tuesday 15th - Thursday 17th December 

Students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities including:

• Melbourne Cable Park
• LeMans Go Karting
• Gravity Zone
• Learn to Surf, and 
• school-based activities including minor games, movies, and sport.

External activities will cost around $50 - $80 per activity. This includes transport to and from the venue. School-based activities are free. Ticket purchasing will be via Try Booking.

Further information will be available soon. 

Please note – Thursday 17th December activities will be school-based only.

Interschool Sport

Year 8 Boys Futsal SMR Finals

On Wednesday 14th October the Year 7 and 8 boys Southern Metropolitan Regional (SMR) Futsal Championships were held at our stadium. It was a fantastic competition with six schools represented in both the Year 7 and 8 boys competitions. Schools came from as far as Albert Park and Dandenong to compete. 

• Our Year 8 boys team started off their campaign very strongly with a 4-1 win against Dandenong. 
• The boys followed this up with another strong team performance against McClleland 5-3. 
• The round three match against Albert Park was very exciting accompanied with some controversy! Albert Park came out strong and scored two goals in the first half before we could reply with one of our own. Albert Park scored again in the second half to take their lead out to 3-1. With only a couple of minutes left to play we scored to peg it back to 3-2 keeping us in with a chance. Unfortunately, we scored an equalising goal a split second after full time was called. 
• Our fourth-round match was against Dromana which the boys won easily 3-1. 
• Our final round game was against the undefeated Mordialloc. This was a must win game for us, and the deciding game for the SMR Championship. The boys came out strong and scored 2 quick goals to put Mordialloc on the back foot, and continued to do an excellent job of controlling the game and denying Mordialloc control and possession of the ball. Mordialloc managed to penetrate our defences to take the score to 2-1. Our boys lifted the intensity to another level and scored another 3 goals to win the game 5-1. 

I would like to thank Captain Harvey Allan who managed the rotation of players and kept the team focused on their objectives. I would also like to thank Harvey Austin and Campbell Duthie who refereed all day and did a very impressive job. We also had the support of the following students who scored all the matches: Ashley Estcourt, Ethan Neath-Saito, Emmet Peters, Daisy Street and Koby Taylor. 

Congratulations to our Year 8 Boys SMR Futsal champions, who each received a gold SMR medal!

John Walker

College Sport

Excursions

Year 10 Outdoor Education: Surf’s Up!

Despite heavy rain on the drive to YCW beach on Phillip Island on Monday, our Year 10 Outdoor Education students arrived to sunshine and perfect surf conditions.

The day brought classroom theory to life, with students impressing instructors by identifying rip currents, explaining how to recognise and avoid them, and discussing beach risks.

Everyone caught plenty of waves and had a ball, including the teachers, so unfortunately, there are no photos!

Well done to all students for their enthusiasm and beach safety awareness. 

Grant Olarenshaw

Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence

Year 11OES Melbourne Cable Park Wakeboarding Excursion

That's a wrap for Year 11 OES 2026 camps and excursions, and what a way to finish! 

Our Year 11 Outdoor Ed crew braved some chilly conditions at Melbourne Cable Park for an unforgettable day of wakeboarding. The students completely threw themselves into learning a brand-new skill. Several students successfully mastered a full loop and proudly upgraded from kneeboarding straight to wakeboarding. 

The G.O.A.T. Award goes to Dan Hogarth, who claimed the ultimate title by completing the most laps of the day, even out-riding the teachers!

We are so proud of everyone's resilience, enthusiasm, and willingness to step out of their comfort zones. Well done, Outdoor Ed legends!

Madison Nicholls

Maths/OES Teacher

Mornington Rotary Club Showcase

Four of our students were invited to perform at the Mornington Rotary Showcase evening on Wednesday, an event that brings together local schools to celebrate student achievements throughout the year. 

Tara Casey, Zeek D’Arcy, Elise Waring and Lilliana Cananzi, who were valued members of this year’s college production of High School Musical and are active participants in our vocal group, delighted the audience with a performance of Breaking Free from the show.

The evening also saw Liliana receive a Citizen Certificate in recognition of their outstanding commitment to our college production of High School Musical. Taking on a lead role for the first time, they demonstrated confidence, dedication and enthusiasm, while serving as an encouraging role model for younger cast members. Their willingness to give their all to every performance made them a valued member of the cast and a deserving recipient of this recognition.

Congratulations to all our students on their achievements and for proudly representing our college!

Emily Parker

Vocal Group

Learning Snapshot

Year 12 English 

As part of MSC’s ongoing commitment to supporting our students and ensuring they are provided with the best possible preparation and to help them achieve their potential, Year 12 students recently participated in an English Exam Revision Lecture hosted by Ben Taylor from The English Lab. Ben is an experienced VCAA English Assessor and Year 12 English teacher who runs The English Lab to support students undertaking VCE English. The lecture provided students with valuable exam preparation, practical strategies and resources to help them approach their English exam with confidence. 

In Year 9 Cafe Catering students designed and produced their own Wellness Bowls

Art Show

Please join us for a celebration of craft and creation from our Year 7–12 art students.

MADE. Art Show 26 will showcase the creativity, skill and dedication of our students across Years 7–12, with a diverse collection of artworks created throughout the year.

Where: The Gallery, M Block Art District

Gala Opening Night: Wednesday 11 November,  4.00–6.00pm

Gallery Showing: Thursday 12 and Friday 13 November, 3.30–5.00pm

We invite our college community to come along, view the work and celebrate the achievements of our young artists.

2026 Contributions Friendly Reminder

The Department of Education provides schools with funds to assist in the running of a school.  All government schools rely on parent subsidies that enhance and extend what our school can offer ensuring the best possible education and support for your family. 

It would be greatly appreciated if you could review all of the recommended contributions we have requested as well as any other payments requested, for example Music Lessons.

To assist you with reviewing this on Compass please follow these instructions.

Compass Portal on a computer

Please follow the CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION link in the Payments Centre box.  In this section, you will see all upcoming event and contribution links.

Click on the arrow next to ACTION REQUIRED to see more information and make any payments. 

Compass Portal using the phone app

Please find below a link to the Compass Parent User Guide for the mobile app.

Wellbeing

Doctors in School

Student scholarships

The Department of Education manages a range of student scholarships. These are available for students who: 

• complete Grade 4 to Year 11 in 2026 
• are enrolled in Year 12 in 2026 and plan to do tertiary studies in 2027. 

The department will evaluate applicants on their: 

• academic achievement 
• participation in school and community activities 
• financial need.  

Scholarships are either one-off payments or cover the duration of the student’s course. 

Applications for these scholarships open on Thursday 1st October 2026 and close on Monday 1st February 2027. 

To view all available scholarships and for more information on each, including how to apply, refer to Student scholarships. 

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.

To learn more or to reach out to us