Laidlaw House Service and MND Fundraiser

Congratulations to all Laidlaw House students, Head of House Toby Hawthorne, Laidlaw staff member Peta Alexander and Music teacher Anne Kristin Christie for a wonderful House Service on Monday. The theme of belonging fitted perfectly with Wellness Week, and was expertly relayed via songs, readings, a play and reflections.

AFL legend and motor neurone disease (MND) campaigner Neale Daniher AO sadly passed away on Monday, following a courageous 13-year battle with motor neurone disease. Daniher’s legacy is monumental, encompassing both his stellar football career and his tireless advocacy. At our 2025 Year 6 Badge Assembly, the Year 6 students were presented with their leadership badges and a quote from Neale - ‘The mark of a person is not what they say, it’s what they do.’

This week, Laidlaw House held events to raise funds for MND research.

Hamilton Eisteddfod

Next week is a big week of music at the 62nd Hamilton Eisteddfod. Across the fullness of the week, the Junior School will be represented in a plethora of individual and group sections. Best of luck to the following students and groups.

Groups:

Chamber Singers
Year 2/3 Strings
Year 5 Instrumental Group
Pizzicato Strings

Individuals:

Lydia King, Emily McVeigh, Evie McVeigh, Jack Nagorcka, Rihaan Golwala, Harriet King, Harriet Small, Shriaan Golwala, Bobby Giles, Evie Price, Annie Barber, Amina Barrera, Eloise Bufton, Daisy Tigges and Eadie Tigges.

Thank you to our talented Music staff for their efforts in preparing our students.

Cross Country Success

Well done to Year 4 student Will Diprose who competed in the SSV Greater Western Region Cross Country Championships in Warrnambool on Tuesday. Running on a cold and wet course, Will finished a creditable 34th in a field of 53 runners. Well done Will.

Behaviour Expectations at School Events

Monday evening was a wonderful celebration of the College music program at the Wellness Week Musical Gala. Junior School staff and parents in attendance were very proud of the performances of the Year 2/3 Strings, Pizzicato Strings and Chamber Singers.

Whilst the music on stage was spectacular, the behaviour of a minority of Junior School students in the MPAC foyer area whilst Senior Sch students and staff were performing on stage was very disappointing and, not representative of the College value of respect.

With College Has Talent this Friday evening, it is timely to touch base and revisit the College expectation of our students when they attend out of hours events. Students need to always be in the supervision of their parents and, are not permitted to leave a venue to play in unsupervised areas of the school. Our expectation is they support all performers and remain in the auditorium. Parents are asked to accompany their children to and from the toilets.

Weekend Hockey

Hockey returns after the break for last weekend’s Country Week Championships in Melbourne.

Under 10s College Vikings v Demons Red at 12.00 pm - Pedrina Park

Under 10s College Knights v Coleraine Gold at 1.00 pm - Pedrina Park

Under 13s College Chiefs v Coleraine Gold at 2.00 pm - College

Under 13s College Warriors v Demons Blue at 3.30 pm - Pedrina Park

Wellness Week

Wellness Week at Myrniong looked a little different this year, with our House and School leaders stepping into the spotlight to lead the celebrations. While KidsMatter guided the overall planning, each event was proudly organised and run by our student leaders, who did an outstanding job bringing the week to life.

Young House kicked things off with a magical start to the week on Magical Monday, transforming the sandpit into a hub of creativity as students gathered at recess to showcase their impressive sandcastle-building skills. Lunchtime excitement continued with Junior School Has Got Talent, where students entertained the crowd with an incredible range of performances including magic tricks, hula hoop routines, musical performances, dancing and even a hilariously entertaining lesson on how to tie a tie! Safe to say, it was such a hit that we may need to revisit those skills in the future for anyone still mastering the art. Our Year 6 judges — Ed, Hugh and Hazel — took their roles very seriously, providing thoughtful (and at times tough!) feedback for our performers.

On Teamwork Tuesday, Learmonth House encouraged students to work together and let their imaginations shine. Pathways around Myrniong came alive with a vibrant sea of chalk art as students covered the grounds with colour and creativity. Lunchtime saw the whole school join in an energetic game of Bobs and Statues, with Mrs. Bell keeping the atmosphere alive with fantastic music.

Wednesday brought a quieter but equally meaningful focus. Senior School Library Captain Kendra joined us at recess for National Simultaneous Storytime, sharing the story Luna Roo. This beautiful story particularly resonated with our sports-loving students, delivering important messages about courage, determination, teamwork and discovering inner strength. A special thank you to Mrs. Dempsey for helping bring this special event together. Later in the day, students contributed to a fingerprint display celebrating belonging and connection — a message so beautifully reinforced during the Laidlaw House Service earlier in the week. The finished display can now be seen proudly in the Myrniong hallway.

Thoughtful Thursday, led by Laidlaw House, continued the creative spirit of the week with a collaborative graffiti wall where students could express themselves through art and messages. Students also enjoyed delicious treats at the bake sale while wearing blue to raise money for MND — a cause especially close to many hearts following the sad passing of Neale Daniher and ahead of the upcoming Big Freeze on the long weekend.

Berry House will wrap up Wellness Week with a relaxed and cosy finish, organising Lego building at recess and a movie at lunchtime — the perfect way to unwind as the colder weather begins to settle in.

What a wonderful week it has been celebrating creativity, teamwork, kindness, belonging and student leadership at Myrniong.

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