From the Principal

Term 4 in Full Swing

We’re now well into Term 4 and the pace across the College has certainly picked up.

This is a particularly important time for our senior students, with Year 12s preparing for their final assessments and exams. Their Final Assembly will be a special occasion to recognise their efforts and contributions throughout their time at the College. Year 11 students are also working hard to complete their Unit 2 studies as they prepare to step into their final year of schooling.

Across Years 7–10, students are continuing their learning programs and working towards finishing the year strongly. Staff are also busy preparing the 2026 timetable, ensuring that students are well placed for a smooth start next year.

A reminder that mobile phones must remain switched off and stored in lockers during the school day, in line with College policy. We also ask students to continue wearing full school uniform with pride, reflecting the high standards and strong sense of community we value at Mornington Secondary College.

Let’s continue to make Term 4 a productive and successful one for everyone.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Middle School

Dear Parents and Carers,

I must share how incredibly proud I am after visiting our senior Systems Engineering students this week.

Celebrating Excellence in Systems Engineering

Our Year 12 and accelerated Year 11 Systems Engineering students have produced an extraordinary range of projects that highlight their technical expertise, creativity, and problem-solving ability. Among the projects on display were a robotic hand, a magnetic levitating train, a pen plotter drawing machine, an automated dog door, and more than twenty other highly sophisticated designs.

Under the expert guidance of Mr Chris Jones, our students have demonstrated not only exceptional practical and theoretical understanding but also the imagination and innovation that lie at the heart of engineering. The quality of their work reflects countless hours of dedication and collaboration, and many of these designs have real-world applications that could one day influence fields such as engineering, medicine, and technology.

This work truly represents the pinnacle of learning at Mornington Secondary College — where curiosity meets challenge, and ideas become reality. Of course, the journey begins long before Year 12, with each stage of learning from Year 7 onward building the knowledge, resilience, and skills that lead to this kind of success.

Welcome to Our 2026 Applicants

It was wonderful to welcome our Grade 6 students who attended the college this week to sit for our academic scholarship testing. Thank you to all families who applied and attended. We loved meeting so many enthusiastic young learners. Successful applicants will be notified by 30 October.

Year 9 Adventures

A huge thank you to Mrs Jones and Mr Doherty for organising such engaging Year 9 celebrations. Our students had a fantastic time completing The Amazing Race in Melbourne and are enjoying a fun-filled day at the Cable Park today. It’s been wonderful to see so much teamwork, laughter, and energy!

Year 8 Excitement

Ms Rattue has emailed all Year 8 families with details about the upcoming Martha Cove excursion and Year 8 Presentation Day. Please check your emails for all the information. Students are also looking forward to presenting their Humanities Shark Tank performance task — a wonderful opportunity to showcase creativity, problem-solving, and confidence in front of their peers.

Year 7 Learning and Celebrations

Our Year 7 students are working on personal responses to the film Bridge to Terabithia, exploring themes of friendship, family, loss, and kindness. They’ll be writing analytical responses to express their ideas and reflections. If your child has missed the film, it would be great for them to watch it at home.

We’ll also be holding a Year 7 Assembly this morning to celebrate all the fantastic things our students have achieved this term. Details about our Year 7 Portfolio Day on 14 November will be sent home soon — it’s sure to be a highlight of the year!

Inspiring Futures, Together

It’s such a privilege to see our students grow — from curious Year 7s discovering their potential to confident young adults designing innovative projects that could change the world.

Thank you, as always, for your ongoing support and partnership. Together, we make Mornington Secondary College a truly special place to learn and thrive.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

The final full week of Year 12 is over for our class of 2025. 13 years of schooling for most has finished (well there is one full day of classes on Monday for our ATAR students) before the Year 12 final assembly on Tuesday and then the Valedictory Dinner later that evening. Then a short SWOTVAC before VCAA exams begin on Oct 28th. Why those 13 years of schooling often appear to come down to 13-15 hours of exams is a question for those above my pay grade, but our ATAR students will play the game that has been set for them and do their best to achieve excellent outcomes. It is essential that all students use the experts at their disposal (teachers, siblings and parents who have been through these exams) as they prepare for those exams.

Year 12 Valedictory Dinner

It will be so exciting to see the Class of 2025 graduate on Tuesday 21st October. I believe the event is now sold out. It is always gratifying to recognise the efforts of students at the end of a significant part of their lives. School has been a constant for these students for three quarters of their lives so far and at times must have felt like it was going to be forever! While we will be awarding many students for their exploits in their subjects and for special awards, the main focus is to acknowledge the achievement of the Class of 2025 for completing their secondary schooling, having survived a pandemic on top of the usual trials and tribulations that come with any 13-year journey. I can’t wait to see the Class of 2025 proudly accepting their graduation certificates next week.

Arrangements for Year 12 students during SWOTVAC (study without teaching vacation)

Year 12 teachers will be available during their usual scheduled Year 12 class time for any student who wishes to come in for support in preparation for their exams. The teacher of their Year 12 class will be available in those times up until the exam for that subject. In my teaching career, I saw a direct correlation between students who came in for extra support and better exam results and thus study scores. Year 12s do not need to come in uniform for these sessions (they do for exams) and if they come in with prepared questions/responses for staff to provide feedback on, it could make a huge difference. Year 11 students studying a Unit 3&4 subject will continue to attend classes as scheduled up until their exam.

Year 10 and 11 final weeks – showing up (in more ways than one)

With Year 10 and 11 exams on the horizon, it’s important for our students to finish their Semester Two studies with vigour and determination to achieve their personal excellence. It all starts with showing up. Yes, attending classes is obviously important but it’s attending those classes with intent to be a more knowledgeable and capable student at the completion of that class. Every day, class and minute matters. In the last few weeks before our Year 11s become Year 12 students or our Year 10s commence their VCE, there is no time like now to focus on being the best student they can be. There is no secret to the formula of being a successful student. It still is:

• Being in class every day unless medically unwell
• Being prepared for classes (multiple pens/pencils, charged laptop, relevant text and workbooks) by being on time
• Participating in those classes fully (engaged in class discussions when prompted, focusing on individual tasks as required, seeking assistance after trying to solve the problem first)
• Completing preparation before class (read ahead)
• Completing any independent learning (homework, revision) as required 

It’s important for our students to know what they are capable of before the results really start to impact on their future outcomes.

Key Senior School events for Term 4 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Student Leadership – Applications Now Open

Applications are now open for Year 11 students wishing to nominate for the positions of College Captain and Vice Captain for 2026. This is a fantastic opportunity to represent Mornington Secondary College, lead by example, and contribute to shaping our school’s future. Applications close Wednesday 22nd October. Students should follow the link on the STAR menu of COMPASS to apply.

Progress Checks Underway

Teachers are currently conducting progress checks for all classes. These provide valuable feedback for students and families on learning progress and areas for improvement as we move through Term 4. Please take time to review this feedback together and celebrate the effort and achievements shown so far.

Supporting Young People Through the Social Media Ban

From December 2025, the Australian Government’s new social media age limit law will come into effect, preventing children under 16 from holding accounts on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat and Facebook. While this change aims to protect young people from online harms, it also represents a big adjustment for many teenagers who use these platforms to connect and express themselves.

As parents and carers, there are practical ways you can support your child during this transition:

1. Talk early and often. Openly discuss why the change is happening. Acknowledge that while social media has positive sides—connection, creativity and fun—it can also bring risks like pressure, distraction and exposure to harmful content. Framing the conversation around wellbeing and balance, rather than restriction, helps students feel heard and understood.

2. Plan for connection. Many young people rely on social media to stay in touch with friends. Encourage alternatives such as group chats on safe, age-appropriate platforms, in-person catch-ups, sports, gaming or creative activities that maintain those friendships offline.

3. Model healthy tech habits. Children and teens notice how adults use devices. Setting screen-free times, avoiding phones at meals, and showing interest in offline hobbies all send powerful messages about balance and boundaries.

4. Strengthen digital literacy. Even as social media access changes, students still need to understand how to think critically about what they see online. Talk about privacy, misinformation and respectful communication, so they’re ready to navigate the digital world safely when they reach 16.

5. Reach out if needed. If your child feels anxious or isolated because of the change, please contact the school’s Wellbeing team. We’re here to help students adapt positively and find healthy ways to stay connected.

The coming social media restrictions offer a chance for families to reset digital habits and refocus on real-world connection, wellbeing and learning. Working together, we can help students feel supported, safe and confident in this next chapter of online life.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Parker Dentry 

Favourite food: Pizza

Hobbies out of school: Footy (South Mornington Tigers) and basketball

What sports team do you follow? Carlton FC

Favourite movie/TV show: I like to watch sport

Do you have any pets? A sausage dog named Frankie

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

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? A trade or and AFL player

Year 7 Layla Van Wyngaardt

Favourite food: Sushi

Hobbies out of school: Spend time with friends

What sports team do you follow? Saint Kilda

Favourite movie/TV show: Ginny and Georgia

Do you have any pets? No pets- I’d like a cat

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends and I like English

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Maybe a lawyer

Year 8 Jake Field

Favourite food: Chocolate - white

Hobbies out of school: Basketball and dirt bike riding

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood, Melbourne United and Golden State Warriors

Favourite TV show/movie: Prison Break

Do you have any pets? A lot of budgies

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? All the excursions we have had a year 8 and choosing our own subjects going into Year 9

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Pro-basketball player and architect

Year 8 Sam Pentland 

Favourite food: Teriyaki chicken sushi

Hobbies out of school: Gaming

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn

Favourite TV show/movie: MythBusters 

Do you have any pets? A tabby grey and black cat named Lloyd

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? That we get to choose subjects at Year 9 

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Mechanical engineer

VCE Systems Engineering Showcase

On Thursday October 16th our Year 12 and accelerated Year 11 Systems Engineering students exhibited their genius in technology whilst hosting a showcase for staff and students. The session was an insight to their amazing year in Systems with unbelievable achievements and some truly inspiring projects.  

The teachers and students who dropped by to have a look all commented on the genius of our students, their creativity, and their problem-solving skills. 

Their projects demonstrated technical skill, imagination, and ingenuity — you could say a true celebration of young minds thinking boldly about the future.

What an amazing Technology Department we have; Chris Jones, continues to inspire our students to reach beyond what they thought possible. And Mike Parker taught the system engineering students Term 1 and helped spark their curiosity.

During the session the students were on hand to present their projects, as listed below, and confidently explained the workings behind their project, problems and solutions discovered throughout the process, and the tools and equipment used.

Year 7 Remembrance Day Preparation

This month, our Year 7s have been given the opportunity to learn the art of felt poppy making in preparation for our upcoming Remembrance Day service on Tuesday 11th November. Thank you the Activities team at Bunnings Mornington for providing these sessions to our students.

MSC students, staff and special guests will be in attendance at our Remembrance Day service on Tuesday 11th November, and we extend an invitation to all members of our school community to attend this event. If you would like to attend please RSVP by Friday 31st October via email to mornington.sc@education.vic.gov.au.

Year 7 & 8 Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) Futsal Championships

On Wednesday 15th October the Year 7 & 8 SMR Boys Futsal Championships were held at our school. This is the first time that Futsal has progressed beyond a divisional level sort. We had teams coming from as far as Albert Park, Dandenong, Clyde and Sandringham to compete in the championships. We were represented by a Year 7 boys’ team with our Year 7 girls playing in the girls SMR competition which was being run at Dromana Secondary College. 

I would like to thank the following Year 7 & 10 boys for their invaluable assistance in officiating the competition:

Year 7 Boys Futsal

Both the Year 7 & 8 competitions had 6 teams which was run in a round robin format with all teams playing each other. The standard of play was exceptional with some fantastic games being played. The winners of the Year 7 competition were Dandenong impressively winning all their games. 

The runners up were Clyde only defeated by Dandenong. Our Year 7 boys finished in 6th place. The highlight for our team was a 4-4 draw against Sandringham. 

The Year 8 competition was won by Albert Park, with Dandenong as the runners up. 

Year 7 Boys Futsal Team:

John Walker

College Sport

Year 7 Girls Futsal

On Wednesday, October 15, our Year 7 girls competed at SMR Futsal at Dromana Secondary College! They smashed the first half of the day with three back-to-back wins and not letting any of their competitors score a single goal. Unfortunately, on the last two games our girls fell short but we’re still able to take away third place for the entire competition!

We are very proud of the girls performance, sportsmanship and enthusiasm throughout the entire day!

Year 7 Girls Futsal Team:

Ruby Woodward

Health & PE Teacher

Travelling Roadshow: Osborne Primary School

On Friday October 10, we loaded up the MSC bus and visited Osborne Primary School. While there, our Drum and Flag Corp and Aerobics Squad performed in front of a packed gym of Osborne PS students and staff.

Ms Romage introduced our Year 7 representatives Josh, Ruby and Charli, who took turns in speaking confidently about their experiences this year at MSC, while also encouraging any future MSC students from Osborne to make the most of the many opportunities available here. 

The travelling roadshow is a wonderful way to strengthen our relationship with local primary schools, while providing future secondary school students with an insight into life at MSC. Additionally, it's an opportunity to proudly watch our squad and club members in their element and perform so confidently. It is a testament to their dedication to training and the amazing support and direction provided by club and squad leaders Paul Papettas (Drum and Flag Corp) and Indie Jowett (Aerobics Squad).

Some Osborne students and one teacher were lucky enough to join our Drum Corp in their finale performance, with big grins all-round.

 2026 Aerobics Squad Sign Up

Sign ups for the 2026 Aerobics Squad are now available through the below link.

Please fill out this form if you're interested in joining the squad next year (no prior experience needed). We will begin training for 2026 this term! 

Indie Jowett

Aerobics Squad Coach

Wellbeing

Hands on Learning

HoL Wednesday October 15th

In their first week back this term, our Friday HoL team began working on the next stage of the brick garden bed; levelling the ground using a spirit level and a line so that the first course of blocks will be correctly laid.

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant

To learn more or to reach out to us