Whats happening at MRC
JAPAN SISTER SCHOOL AND CULTURAL IMMERSION TOUR 2025
The 2025 Japan Sister School and Cultural Immersion Tour was a truly unforgettable journey that deepened students’ understanding of Japanese culture, history, and everyday life. A key highlight was the weeklong homestay and educational exchange at our Sister School, Akatsuki Junior High School, where students experienced the warmth of Japanese hospitality, built lasting friendships, and immersed themselves in rich cultural traditions.
During the homestay, our students were graciously welcomed into the homes of Akatsuki families, gaining firsthand insight into Japanese customs, cuisine, and family life. At school, they participated in classes, shared presentations, and explored traditional arts such as calligraphy and the tea ceremony. The connections formed during this week were genuine and will be treasured for years to come.
Beyond the homestay, the tour featured visits to some of Japan’s most iconic destinations:
· Kyoto: Students explored ancient temples, serene gardens, and the historic Gion district, absorbing the elegance of Japan’s former capital.
· Osaka: A vibrant city known for its street life and culinary delights, with highlights including Dotonbori and Osaka Castle.
· Hiroshima & Miyajima Island: A moving visit to the Peace Memorial Park and Museum was followed by the tranquil beauty of Miyajima, home to the famous floating torii gate.
· Nara: Students met the friendly deer of Nara Park and visited the majestic Todai-ji Temple, housing Japan’s largest bronze Buddha.
· Tokyo Adventures: The bustling capital offered a whirlwind of excitement with stops at:
o Harajuku: A fashion-forward district full of quirky shops and youth culture.
o Shibuya Crossing: The world’s busiest pedestrian crossing, a symbol of Tokyo’s energy.
o Asakusa: A glimpse into old Tokyo with its traditional market streets and the iconic Senso-ji Temple.
o Tokyo Skytree: Panoramic views from one of the tallest towers in the world.
o Tokyo Disneyland: A magical day of fun and laughter, bringing the tour to a joyful close.
The tour was enriched by the enthusiastic participation of both staff and students, who represented the College with pride, curiosity, and outstanding behaviour. Their genuine interest in every aspect of the journey made the experience truly memorable.
We extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated staff who accompanied the students and ensured the tour ran smoothly and safely: Lino Pagano, Helen Casey, Lainey Carr, and Renee Booth. Their leadership, care, and encouragement created a positive and inclusive atmosphere throughout
Early Years: Garde 3
The Year 3 students became environmental scientists as they investigated the effects of oil pollution in our oceans. Through a hands on experiment, they explored how oil spreads on water and how difficult it can be to clean up. The activity helped them understand the importance of protecting marine life and keeping our oceans clean.
Year 3 Excursion: CERES
Our Year 3 students recently visited CERES Environmental Park to deepen their understanding of how human actions impact the environment. Throughout the day, students explored the importance of reducing waste and protecting our planet’s natural resources.
They participated in three engaging, hands-on activities:
Merri Creek Clean Up & the Litter Trap: where they learned about the effects of litter and how pollution affects waterways.
Composting – A Way to Recycle: which demonstrated how organic waste can be transformed into valuable compost.
Rethinker Tinker – Paper Making: where students experienced how recycled materials can be creatively reused.
This excursion helped students strengthen their connection to the Earth, gain practical skills to reduce waste, and develop a deeper appreciation for caring for the environment.
YR 12 Celebration Day!
This week marked a truly special milestone for our Year 12 students as they celebrated their final days of school with two action packed days. On Monday the 20th of October, the class of 2025 gathered in the Nottingham Theatre for their final assembly, a moment of reflection, joy and celebration. Staff were honoured with playful awards from the students, and everyone enjoyed a heartfelt and humorous video showcasing memories from throughout students schooling journey. The afternoon continued to be filled with energy as students took part in a range of activities including Just Dance, Just Sing and a Trivia challenge all about their teachers. After working up an appetite, students shared a delicious Italian lunch, filled with chatter and laughter as they reminisced about their time at Mount Ridley. The afternoon ended on a high with the Colour Splash, where students ran through their arena with handfuls of colour powder, silly string and water balloons, creating a sea of bright colours, laughter and joyful chaos. It was a perfect way to close their final day on campus.
The celebrations continued on Tuesday the 21st of October, as students arrived in a range of creative and entertaining costumes for the anticipated costume parade. They proudly paraded around the school grounds from Senior School to Early Years where they were greeted by cheering Prep to Year 6 students. To finish off their celebrations, students spent the remainder of the day at FunFields, where they enjoyed the lazy river, water slides, toboggans, dodgem cars and more. It was the perfect way to unwind after a busy and emotional week. We wish our Class of 2025 all the very best for their upcoming exams and future adventures. Your enthusiasm, humour and school spirit have left a lasting mark on our community. Congratulations on reaching this incredible milestone.
Vocational Major Super Teams and Grade 6 Students Take on the Marble Run Challenge!
It was a race against the clock at Mount Ridley College as the Vocational Major Super Teams joined forces with Grade 6 students for an epic two-hour engineering showdown! Armed with nothing more than basic materials—cardboard, tape, cups, straws, and plenty of imagination—students were challenged to design and build a fully working marble run. The clock ticked, ideas flew, and teamwork took centre stage as each group tested, rebuilt, and refined their creations in a flurry of excitement and laughter.
The energy in the room was electric as marbles finally zipped, spun, and soared through the homemade contraptions. From towering spirals to gravity-defying loops, every design was a testament to creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. Teachers and students alike cheered as each marble completed its thrilling run, proving that with teamwork, persistence, and a dash of fun, even the simplest materials can create something spectacular!
MRC SPORTING HIGHLIGHTS
