From the Principal

This week, Mornington Secondary College proudly celebrated the final day of classes for our Year 12 students. The day was filled with excitement, reflection and pride as we farewelled the Class of 2025. The celebrations continued at our Valedictory evening, where students, families and staff came together to acknowledge the dedication, growth and achievements of our graduates. Congratulations to the below special award winners. We wish all Year 12 students the very best as they embark on their next chapter—whether that be university, training or employment.

In addition to this wonderful milestone, we are proud to announce that Mornington Secondary College received the School Best Practice Award at the Peninsula Applied Learning Awards Night. This recognition highlights our school’s commitment to excellence in hands-on, applied learning pathways that support students in achieving success beyond the classroom.

We are also pleased to share that the 2025 School Performance Report has placed Mornington Secondary College in the High-performance group overall.

School Performance Reports are generated each year and outline how schools perform across a set of student outcome measures compared with all other government schools. These measures are grouped into two equally weighted domains:

• Learning (50%), which includes NAPLAN performance and growth, VCE results, senior secondary completions, and school transitions.
• Wellbeing (50%), which includes student emotional awareness, managing bullying, sense of connectedness, student voice and agency, and attendance.

Achieving a HIGH overall rating reflects strong outcomes across both LEARNING and WELLBEING measures and is a testament to the dedication of our staff, the engagement of our students, and the support of our families.

At Mornington Secondary College, we remain committed to fostering a culture of Respect, Achievement and Community, ensuring every student is supported to thrive.

Thankyou for your ongoing support, we are truly an exceptional community.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Middle School

Dear Parents and Carers,

Community is one of our core values, and we truly value having our families actively involved in school life. Throughout the year, we’ve enjoyed many opportunities to connect with our wonderful Year 7 families, and we’re excited to see you again soon for our Year 7 Student Portfolio Day.

Mrs Mackenzie has shared details of this special event with all Year 7 families. Please ensure you RSVP so your child can proudly share their best work from the year. The event will also feature a video presentation with each student sharing a few words about their learning journey. This will take place on Friday, 14 November. Each home group has been allocated a set time for presenting their portfolios, which will take place in the conference room. 

Prior to the day, your child will present you with an invitation. (see below)

Our Year 8 students recently had a fantastic day at Martha Cove, walking over 6 kilometres and enjoying the great outdoors. A big thank you to Ms Rattue and Mr Pirrie for organising such a memorable experience. Year 8 students also have their Shark Tank Day coming up on Monday, 17th November, where families are invited to attend and hear their child present their Humanities project.

Meanwhile, our Year 9 students had two wonderful days participating in the Melbourne Amazing Race and a day at Cable Park. These activities provided a fantastic opportunity for students to connect with one another and with their teachers. Thank you to Mrs Jones and Mr Doherty for planning such engaging and enjoyable events.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

And just like that, we have only two full year levels in the senior school. On Tuesday our wonderful Class of 2025 had their final day festivities before their Valedictory event that evening.  

Year 12 Final Day celebrations

Our Year 12s focus on Monday October 20th was on their futures, in a fun way!

Their last dress up for the year was themed as FUTURE CAREERS, and we had a range of costumes on show. Meanwhile, some of our MSC staff members stepped back in time with their outfits.

As is tradition at Mornington SC, staff run a BBQ breakfast for our graduating class in a cordoned off Year 12 only area, so students are free to share their final morning as a cohort together. They share the time with their teachers, taking photos, trying to identify their teachers from pictures of them as children (yes teachers were students once 😉 – always surprises the students) and having some laughs with music playing.

After the breakfast on Tuesday October 21st, we ran a whole school assembly where the Class of 2025 were led into the stadium by the MSC Drum Corps for the final time. 

A series of speeches were made by Linda Stanton, the College Captains Carter Nicholson and Ethan Barker, Vice Captains Larni Thomas and Luka Jurkovic, and a wonderful message from Year 7 student Aida-Grace Moses. The students were also shown some highlights of their Year 12 year on the screen and a special video made by the staff (including some questionable dancing 😉). Our two VCE bands performed for the final time (at school) and then our graduating class completed a final lap of the stadium, thanking their teachers and younger students before exiting to their final Year 12 assembly.

In the final Year 12 assembly, there were final speeches from the Year 12 captains, more videos shown, a final speech from myself and handing out the letters the class of 2025 wrote to their future selves a year ago. 

Then, armed with some pizza and ice-cream, the students set about getting their uniform signed before heading home and preparing for Valedictory. I won’t speak too much about the night as Linda will write about it, suffice to say it is always one of my favourite nights of the year where we get to recognise every Year 12 student’s journey and acknowledge the efforts of students who have gone above and beyond. This night was no different and congratulations to the graduating Class of 2025.

Winners – School Best Practice

I know this will be reported elsewhere in the newsletter, but I wanted to acknowledge the great work that was officially recognised at the Peninsula Applied Learning awards for the Frankston Mornington Peninsula LLEN awards on Tuesday October 21st. Mornington Secondary College was awarded the winner of the School Best Practice for 2025 (the major award of the night) for excellence in Applied Learning Education. 

The transformative nature of our Applied Learning program over the last few years was highlighted including changes to leadership, applied learning structure and educational practices including the prioritisation of high performing staff into the program. I’d like to thank our Applied Learning Leader, Rebecca Slater, for her diligent and tireless work in her portfolio. It has been a great experience to work with Bec and further develop the vision for applied learning at the college and then see it executed successfully. We are continually working on improving the Applied Learning programs, but this is just another vindication that we are on the right track. I also want to extend that acknowledgement to Kate Wilson (our VM KLA leader) and all our applied learning staff for their part in delivering a great program for our students who are suited to an applied learning pathway. 

Arrangements for Year 11 and 12 students during SWOTVAC (study without teaching vacation)

Now that the final classes have finished, 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 11s who have a Year 12 exam may have the day before their exam as a nominated home study day if they wish. These students will have the day coded as a study day in Compass. Students are welcome to attend their classes if they wish on that day but a full day of preparation before their first Year 12 exam would generally be very useful for them.

Key Senior School events for Term 4 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

How are we PROGRESSing?

Progress Checks for all students are now available on Compass. These short reports provide parents, carers and students with timely feedback on effort, engagement and learning behaviours as we move through the term.

Students are assessed across key learning behaviours, including being prepared for class, completing work on time, positively participating, acting on feedback, and maintaining strong attendance. Each area is scored using a 4-point scale, which is then averaged to provide an overall Progress Check rating.

Students need to achieve an overall average of 3.75 or above to be eligible for a STRIVE Award, recognising their commitment to learning and our school values.

We encourage parents and carers to sit down with their child to discuss their Progress Check—celebrating strengths, acknowledging growth, and setting small goals for improvement where needed.

If you have any questions after viewing the Progress Check, please contact your child’s teacher or Year Level Leader.

Together, we continue to support every student to achieve their personal best.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Ashton Bradbury

Favourite food: Lamb

Hobbies out of school: Play computer games

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood Footy Club

Favourite movie/TV show: Minecraft Movie

Do you have any pets? 2 dogs named Archie and Shady

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Seeing friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Engineering

Year 7 Dot Kerr

Favourite food: Dim sims

Hobbies out of school: Volleyball

What sports team do you follow? Richmond Tigers

Favourite movie/TV show: Demon Slayer

Do you have any pets? 2 rabbits and a cat

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

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Police Officer 

Year 8 Mason Keisoglu

Favourite food: Steak

Hobbies out of school: Football, any sport

What sports team do you follow? St Kilda, Lakers & Melbourne Victory 

Favourite TV show/movie: Breaking Bad

Do you have any pets? Cavoodle named Kobe and English Staffy Dargo

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? PE and I like the canteen

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure yet, going to see what I like when I do my electives over the next 2 years

Year 8 James Payne

Favourite food: Tacos

Hobbies out of school: Tennis and footy

What sports team do you follow? Essendon

Favourite TV show/movie: MythBusters 

Do you have any pets? A Kelpie named Buddy and another dog Mazie

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? All the excursions and camps we have had in year 8 and that I get to choose some of my Year 9 subjects

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? K9 Police officer

Peninsula Applied Learning (PAL) Awards night

Congratulations to Thomas Fraser, Thomas Kernick and Ruby Capes who received awards at the Peninsula Applied Learning (PAL) Awards night on Tuesday October 21st . This individual recognition is a testament to their dedication and hard work, both at school and within their respected industries. Well done to you all!

Excellence Award - Thomas Fraser

This student exemplifies determination, creativity, and a positive attitude throughout the year. Despite initial challenges in securing a School Work Learning (SWL) placement due to public transport difficulties, he demonstrated remarkable perseverance and passion for buses and trains, ultimately securing a placement with Kenetic Melbourne—committing to an hour and a half of travel each day to attend. Alongside this, he pursued a part-time job and, after overcoming setbacks, successfully gained a position at the local bistro. With a strong attendance rate of 94%, he consistently engages fully in classroom activities, demonstrations, investigations, and problem-solving tasks, always putting forth his best effort. Additionally, he contributes actively to community events, showcasing not only his work and VET achievements but also his commitment to growth both inside and outside the classroom. This dedication makes him a deserving recipient of the Excellence Award.

Achievement Award - Thomas Kernick

This student consistently demonstrates strong effort and commitment, maintaining a 94% attendance rate and staying on top of all classwork. He actively participates in class discussions and shows a genuine enthusiasm for his School Work Learning placement, especially through his passion for animals at Funky Farm. His dedication to improving his skills and engagement in vocational activities has led to notable progress compared to previous years. By embracing challenges and building confidence, he has achieved high levels of success, making him a worthy nominee for the Achievement Award.

Student Industry Award - Ruby Capes

Ruby Capes had been nominated for the Student Industry Award for her exceptional engagement with industry through her SWL placement with the school production team. Ruby played a key role in planning, adjusting, and creating costumes for student performers, working collaboratively with both staff and students to ensure everyone felt comfortable and confident on stage. Going above and beyond her SWL requirements, Ruby attended every production show, actively workshopped creative ideas, and demonstrated resilience in overcoming challenges as they arose. Staff praised Ruby for her leadership, strong communication, quick decision-making, and commitment to the success of the production. Through this experience, Ruby has shown a clear passion and talent for fashion and styling, and she is now confidently pursuing a future pathway in the industry she loves.

End Of Year Activities Week: 16th - 18th December

In the last week of Term 4 we move to celebration mode and encourage our students to enjoy a range of off-site and on-site fun activities in the wind down to school holidays. These events include, but aren't limited to 

• Tree Surfing at Enchanted Adventures,
• Le Mans Go Karting and Laser Tag,
• Learn to Surf at Phillip Island, and 
• Gravity Zone Jump and Laser Tag. 

In previous years many activities have booked out quickly, so to avoid disappointment, please use the below link to book tickets.

Bookings for the End of Year Activities Week opened via trybooking on Wednesday 22nd October, and closes Sunday 23rd November, unless sold out.

Emma Kirkos

Activities Week Co-ordinator

Year 7-12 2026 Resource List

Campion is the school resource supplier for Mornington Secondary College. To receive first choice of school needs and FREE delivery, orders must be placed online by Wednesday 17th December 2025. Please find links to the Year 7-12 Resource lists at the bottom of this newsletter article. Note: 2026 subject confirmation for Year 9-12 will be communicated mid November, date to be confirmed.

To order, please head to: https://order.campion.com.au/

Your school resource code: VVRH

Your order-by date is 17th December 2025

The How to Order flyer is below.

The Campion Parent Hub includes How to Order video & How to Order PDFs in 11 languages https://campion.com.au/parents/how-to-order/

Family help:

FAQs: https://campion.com.au/support-help/support/

Email help@campion.com.au

Tel 1300 433 982

Year 11 Outdoor Education Grampians Camp

On Monday 13th of October our Year 11 Outdoor and Environmental Science students made their way to the Grampians National Park (Gariwerd) to explore the impacts of human activities on natural environments. 

Across the four days the students observed conservational activities such as zoos and community-based environment groups, participated in recreational activities that included rock climbing, abseiling off an 80-foot rock wall and hiking the beautiful Pinnacle, Hollow Mountain and Mackenzie Falls. Whilst doing all of this our students also analysed the impacts of urbanisation and economic activities, such as farming, on the surrounding lands. 

The students were amazing throughout, showcasing enthusiasm for each activity, a care for nature and a willingness to work together, display leadership, communication and improve their outdoor skills. 

Mick Williams

Year Level Coordinator 11

Year 9 End Of Year Celebration Excursions

Last week, our Year 9 students headed out on two days of excursions. Thursday was spent in the CBD where students put their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills to the test as they took part in The Amazing Race, an interactive team-building challenge run by the company The Great Race. Friday was an action-packed day at the Cable Park, taking full advantage of the sunshine and the opportunity to get active outdoors.

Amazing Race

The day was filled with energy, laughter, and friendly competition as students raced around completing creative challenges, deciphering clues, and collaborating to reach checkpoints. 

The event encouraged students to step out of their comfort zones, show leadership, and support one another as they tackled mental and physical challenges. Some of the challenge highlights included having their nails painted, eating Tim-Tams dipped in vegemite, and meeting Jimmy Giggle from the kids show Giggle and Hoot.

Cable park

The highlight of the excursion was the Inflatable Aqua Park, where students bounced, climbed, and slid their way through a series of floating obstacles.

The day was all about teamwork, confidence, and fun. Whether they were racing each other across the inflatables, helping friends back onto the platforms, or simply cheering one another on, students showed fantastic spirit and support throughout the day. There were plenty of laughs, a few spectacular splashes, and lots of friendly competition.

The excursion offered a great chance for students to connect outside the classroom, build resilience, and challenge themselves in a new environment. It was wonderful to see everyone participating with enthusiasm and a willingness to give everything a go.

A huge thank you to our staff for their supervision and encouragement on both excursions. 

Sian Jones

Team Leader Year 9

Shaun Doherty

Year Level Coordinator 9

Year 9 Team Sports Le Mans Excursion

Our two Team Sports classes recently headed out to Le Mans for a day of go-karting and laser tag, where students raced for both individual and team points. It was a fantastic opportunity for everyone to challenge themselves, work together, and put their teamwork and competitive spirit into action. The day was filled with excitement, laughter, and plenty of friendly competition — a great way to celebrate the skills and participation developed throughout the year.

Adam Pirrie

Team Leader Year 8

Year 8 Martha Cove / Dromana Excursion

Tuesday October 21st saw our Year 8 cohort embark on Martha Cove. For many of our students it was the first time they had visited the area and they were taken aback by how few eating / retail options were available. Students upcoming Presentation Day task requires them to think of an idea for a business that could be located at Martha Cove to draw tourists to the area and also provide for locals. Ideas that were floated included fishing charters, boat pod dining experiences, underwater restaurants, karaoke bars, dog friendly cafes and ice-creameries.

From Martha Cove we headed along the boardwalk to the beach track and Safety Beach, and then trekked to Dromana Foreshore. After our 5 km walk in the sunshine, students then explored Dromana, looking for any competitors their Shark Tank business may encounter close by. Students then purchased and ate their lunch in the sunshine.

We finished the day with beach cricket, volleyball, football and some braver students enjoyed a swim. 

Once again our Year 8 cohort were exceptionally behaved and represented the College with pride. Many locals out walking and working in the shops complimented our students on their excellent behaviour and manners.

A big thankyou to Mr Lynch, Miss Adams, Mrs Neale, Mrs Antione, Ms Ryan, Zach and Rory for making the day so successful. We look forward to our Presentation Day on Monday 17th November  to see our students ideas come to life.

Kim Rattue

Year Level Coordinator 8

Southern Peninsula Division (SPD) Lawn Bowling Championships

On Monday 20th October, Mornington Bowls Club hosted Division Lawn Bowls with our school proudly fielding five teams –  made up of three junior and two senior teams. All teams performed exceptionally well throughout the round robin stages, showing great skill, and sportsmanship on the greens.

A special mention goes to our Year 7 Girls team, who were our only team to qualify for the finals. The team of Milla Kohn, Aida-Grace Moses, Meadow Payze, Isla Tennant, and Madison Smith, who had never played before, made it through to the finals. In a tight contest against the eventual champions from Mt Eliza – a team made up of older students – our girls fought hard but were narrowly defeated 5–4.

Congratulations to all students who represented our school with pride and enthusiasm. It was fantastic to see so many students giving lawn bowls a go, and even better to hear that many are keen to play again next year!

Rob Horwill

Head of PE

State Athletics

Congratulations to Neve who placed 2nd in the 12-14 Years Girls 100m T40 Multi Class, receiving a silver medal. 

Ethan Sheen also competed at States, finishing 9th in the 15 Years Boys 1500m. Ethan ran an impressive 4 minutes 25 seconds, with 1st place running 4 minutes 13 seconds, a very close race. Congratulations Ethan on a great athletics season this year, representing MSC.

John Walker

College Sport

Remembrance Day Invitation

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.

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

Hands on Learning

HoL Wednesday October 22nd

After being away for the first two weeks of Term 4, it was nice to come back to HoL and see the crew again, and see first-hand the completion of the work on the front entrance of the cottage and Jasmine’s art creation on the outside fence. While it poured outside we kept ourselves occupied with games, watching a movie, and some fun in the pool. On the menu it was home-made yummy chicken schnitzel wraps on the menu and considering we spent the whole day indoors, it was a mellow and fun day.

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant

National Youth Parliament 2026

150 motivated young Australians - one from every federal electorate - will be selected for a five-day residential program in Canberra in 2026.  All young people who will be aged 16-17 and living in Australia in August 2026 are welcome to apply - regardless of background, education or experience.

The National Youth Parliament alllows young people to engage directly with civics and the Parliament. Through hands-on learning experiences, including simulated parliamentary debates, students will gain a deeper understanding of how Parliament works.

To learn more and express your interest please click on the below link.

All essential costs - including travel to and from Canberra, accommodation, all meals and activities - are covered by the program.

To learn more or to reach out to us