Across Campus

MRC

“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft

The MRC has been a wonderful hub of hardworking students showing their dedication to their studies and willingness to learn and improve their skills.  The Year 12 students have completed their formal classes and have been using the MRC as a study space, a place to meet with teachers and somewhere they know they can always get help.  Congratulations to all Year 12s, on completing their classes and good luck with your exams. May the odds be ever in your favour. 

Lunchtimes have also been a hub of students playing games, sitting and chatting or finishing off some homework / study. We encourage all students to utilise the MRC after school for Homework club as teachers are available and can help students study for upcoming tests and for Years 10, 11, 12 help prepare for exams. It is a great opportunity to speak with your daughters about the difference between Homework and Study, to reiterate those messages from teachers at home. 

This term we look forward to welcoming back our Year 7 classes, this time for their Renewable Energy research task. We have a Dashboard, QuickLists and displays prepared for the students, everything is available to them if they are willing to put in the hard work and succeed. 

Our displays have been focused on ‘Spring into Reading’ & ‘Blooming Good New Books’ with our September releases. Our Spring display focused on the environment, the importance of bees in our world and some gardening books. Every person, no matter how small their garden, from a pot plant, window ledge plant to a patch of grass can help support our pollinators and environment. 

ABC Radio National have organised a vote for the Top 100 Australian Books.  Our visiting Librarian extraordinaire, Robyn Knowles has compiled a display of those on the list that we have in our Collection.  As a staff our most voted for books were: 

• Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton 
• The Book Thief by Markus Zusak 
• The White Girl by Tony Birch 
• Tomorrow, When The War Began by John Marsden 
• The Dressmaker by Rosalie Ham 
• The Straight Dope by Chip Le Grand 
• Possum Magic by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas 
• Window by Jeannie Baker 
• The Yield by Tara June Winch 
• talking to my country by Stan Grant 
• The Rabbits by John Marsden and Shaun Tan 

Can you see any of these in the list?  How many have you read?  Lists like this can be a great conversation starter to increase your daughter’s engagement in reading. 

Ms Siobhan Taylor & Ms Cathy Bennett

MRC Co Learning Leaders

An Italian Adventure to Remember 

From the canals of Venice to the Renaissance splendour of Florence, the ancient streets of Rome and the vibrant city of Milan, our Italian Cultural Study Tour was an extraordinary journey of discovery, friendship and unforgettable experiences.  

Over nearly three weeks, our students immersed themselves in Italian language, history, art and culture, discovering that some of the most meaningful learning takes place well beyond the classroom.  Our adventure began in Venice, where students navigated the canals aboard vaporetti, explored the colourful island of Murano and embraced the artistry of traditional Venetian mask-making. The experience of travelling by water and wandering through Venice's narrow streets provided a wonderful introduction to Italian life.

In Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, students marvelled at magnificent works of art and architecture, including the treasures of the Uffizi Gallery and the iconic Ponte Vecchio.  Yet, as several students reflected, one of their most memorable experiences was entirely spontaneous: dancing with locals in a Florentine piazza, surrounded by music, laughter and residents watching from their windows.  It was a wonderful reminder that cultural immersion is as much about connecting with people as it is about visiting famous landmarks. 

Our excursion to Lucca was another favourite.  Cycling along the city's historic walls, enjoying the beautiful Tuscan weather and even engaging in an impromptu Michael Jackson dance battle with local boys made for a particularly memorable afternoon! 

In the hilltop town of Orvieto, students discovered a different side of Italy.  From exploring ancient Etruscan caves to enjoying the tranquillity of the countryside, the experience offered a welcome contrast to the bustling cities. Learning about traditional Italian cooking and sharing time together in a rural setting were particular highlights.  Our journey south introduced students to the spectacular coastline around Sorrento, the island of Ischia and the archaeological wonders of Herculaneum.  A gelato-making experience was especially popular, providing a delicious opportunity to appreciate one of Italy's most celebrated culinary traditions. 

In Rome, students encountered centuries of history, art and faith.  Early morning visits to the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps allowed them to appreciate the beauty of the Eternal City before the crowds arrived.  Our visit to St Peter's Basilica was particularly meaningful, while the opportunity to celebrate Mass added a special spiritual dimension to our journey. 

However, Rome also offered a spiritual experience of an entirely different kind! At 4:30 am on a Sunday morning, Ms Camera, Ms Curci and eight enthusiastic students ventured through the quiet streets of Rome to an Aussie café to watch the AFL Grand Final. Surrounded by fellow Australians, thousands of kilometres from home, they experienced the excitement, passion and nail-biting drama of an epic clash.  Watching one of Melbourne's most iconic sporting events in the heart of Rome was certainly an unexpected highlight — and a memorable reminder that a little piece of home can be found even on the other side of the world! 

Throughout the tour, students embraced opportunities to practise their Italian, navigate public transport, sample regional cuisine and develop greater independence.  From ordering meals and negotiating unfamiliar streets to discovering local customs, each day presented opportunities for personal growth.  

Of course, no overseas adventure is complete without a few unexpected challenges! Our delayed return journey through Bangkok became an adventure of its own.  Despite the disruption, the students demonstrated patience, resilience and good humour, supported by the calm and reassuring presence of their accompanying teachers.  As one student reflected, the unexpected stopover was almost a bonus to the experience! 

Perhaps the most significant outcome of the tour, however, was the sense of community that developed among the students.  Friendships strengthened across year levels, new connections were formed, and shared experiences created memories that will endure long after the journey.  

In their reflections, students repeatedly returned to the same themes: friendship, laughter, connection and the joy of experiencing another culture together.

The Italian Cultural Study Tour was far more than a sightseeing adventure.  It was an opportunity for our students to grow in confidence, independence, cultural understanding and appreciation of the wider world — qualities that reflect the Academy's commitment to educating young women who are curious, compassionate and ready to embrace new experiences. 

We congratulate all our students for the enthusiasm, adaptability and wonderful spirit they brought to the journey.  We also extend our sincere thanks to the families who supported this invaluable educational experience.  

Che viaggio indimenticabile!  What an unforgettable journey — and what wonderful memories to treasure! 

Arrivederci, Italia… alla prossima!

Professoressa Elena Camera 

International Programs Coordinator

Italian teacher Yr 9 - 12