From the Principal

Last year Mornington Secondary College was invited to form a partnership with 3 other secondary colleges to develop the next stage of the senior secondary reform, and this is to deliver the Victorian Pathways Certificate within the Vocational Major stream.

Rebecca Slater and Kate Wilson have been working together to develop units of work. Nick Evans and Amanda Symons have developed a checklist to determine which students would be suitable for the certificate.

Last week, the team were asked to present their work at the Department of Education Regional Pathways Workforce Planning Day. They formed a panel to showcase their work and answer questions from the audience. I received an email acknowledging their work, and I thought I would share with you.

‘Dear Linda

Thank you for supporting your team to attend the Department of Education Regional Pathways Workforce Planning Day yesterday. Nick, Rebecca and Kate shared their learnings about the VPC Curriculum and Collaboration Access Fund project but also their experiences in shifting perceptions of the VCE VM.

The audience were really impressed by the high value that Mornington Secondary College places on applied and vocational learning and the commitment to professional learning for all of the team. There were lots of questions for me and Jodie afterwards as well.

Well done to Nick, Rebecca and Kate – we were so happy for you to have an opportunity to showcase your achievements’.

Katrina King, A/VDSS Access Manager, VET Delivered to School Students (VDSS) Access

Senior Secondary Pathways Reform Taskforce

Department of Education

The checklist has also been distributed across the State of Victoria for all schools to use and the team have been asked to present at 2 other forums. Well done and congratulations to everyone involved.

Today, the College Captains are attending the Youth Leaders Forum in Frankston. They will be involved in round table discussions with Paul Edbrooke MP, Donna Hope, representing Chris Crewther MP, Tom McIntosh MP, Cr Emily Green and Cr Max Patton. The topics for discussion are:

1. As young people living on the peninsula, what are the biggest challenges you see in (pillar)?

2. How can community and governments go about addressing these challenges?

3. What can our region do to show leadership in this (pillar) and lead by example?

4. Are young people on the Peninsula affected by this issue more than other sections of the community?

A great experience for everyone. 

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 2 2025

Middle School

Celebrating Achievements, Big and Small

It’s always wonderful to have awards that recognize achievement, kindness, and care. But recognition doesn’t always come in the form of certificates or trophies. Often, it’s as simple as a kind compliment or a teacher acknowledging a student’s focus and thoughtful answer in class. After all, everyone loves hearing their name spoken with appreciation.

This week, Ms. Rattue invited me to read some stories her students wrote. With parent permission, we are excited to share these heartfelt stories here. It’s truly lovely to see the passion and pride these students express as they write about their family members — their real-life heroes. Please take a moment to read these stories and let me know what you think.

My hero is my mum.

My mum is my best friend. She's kind and smart and the most hard working person I have ever met. She shows up for me and my brothers and shows me what it feels like to be loved.

Without my mum I wouldn't be here. Without my mum I wouldn't have a role model to show me how to make my way through life. I wouldn't have a best friend to talk to anything and everything about. But most importantly, I wouldn't have a mum to help me do my hair, choose my outfits and drive me everywhere.

My mum comes to all of my games and any award ceremonies I have.

I love my mum so much. 

Chloe Lynas, 8A

My Hero: My Dad

I want to talk about someone very special to me; someone who I look up to, someone who makes me smile, and someone who makes me become a better person everyday.

That person is my hero - my dad.

You might think heroes are people in movies who fly through the sky or save the world, but my hero doesn't need a cape or have superpowers because he's already amazing just the way he is.

My dad is my hero because he always takes care of our family. He works really hard, even when he's tired, and still comes home with a smile, but more than that, he teaches me important things. He shows me to always try my best, and when I fall, he helps me up.

I want to thank my dad for putting up with my nonsense sometimes, and my obsession with Sabrina Carpenter.

Thanks Dad! 

Dean Long 8A

My father was born in Houston, Texas, America. He grew up in a suburb called Sugarland, which was named after the Imperial Sugar Factory which sadly shut down in 2003 due to a bad geographical position and lack of sugarcane. However, it would have been pretty cool living in the same area as a sugar factory wouldn't it?

He had an older brother named Chris (who he squabbled with when he was young), a Great Dane (a very big dog), and a horse named Silver (so he could say "Hi Ho Silver").

He went to medical school and now works as a plastic surgeon, and when I say 'plastic surgeon', I don't mean cosmetic surgery, but instead reconstructive surgery, which saves lives.

What I admire most about my father is his unfaltering resilience. Even when patients are on the verge of death right in front of him, he does not give up and does everything he can to ensure the survival and health of his patients.

In conclusion, my father has helped me throughout my life, teaching me important values, and how to get back up again. Especially when we moved to Australia, and I left most of my childhood memories behind, he taught me to keep looking ahead to the future and how to be resilient. I hope we can all find someone to look up to, whether that be a parent, a friend or someone in the community. 

Max Mathy 8A

We have also drawn the canteen voucher prizes for the Year 7 parents who completed our quiz. Thank you so much — your feedback is incredibly valuable in helping us ensure that your child has every opportunity to engage in an excellent education. We are delighted to hear that you enjoyed the Year 7 curriculum booklet. The raffle winners were thrilled when their names appeared on the wheel! The winners were Tait Bassett, Dylan McCay, Ryan Fensome, Ed Tout, Harvey Allan, Taylor Wallace, Flynn J-M, Dylan Ford, Layla Van Wyngaardt, and Dot Kerr.

Please keep an eye on the Compass newsfeed for upcoming events. On July 1, we will be holding our Course Information Evening, which we strongly encourage all current Year 9 students to attend.

We are also finalising the Morrisby profiles, with interviews scheduled to take place shortly. This is an important process, as the Morrisby assessments help students identify their strengths and connect them to potential career opportunities.

Wishing you all a great week. 

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

VCAA General Achievement Test (GAT) has been run and done

Our students studying a Unit 3&4 subject in either VCE ATAR or VCE VM sat the GAT on Tuesday, and it was a good day to be inside! The GAT ran with barely a hiccup and all students have gained valuable insight into how VCAA external exams are staged, the VCAA rules and what a state-wide exam feels like. The GAT results will be included in the release of VCE results in mid-December. I’d like to thank the Year 12 Leader, Jo Reeman for her work in preparing for and running the day, along with support from Year 12 coordinator, Jo Dixon. Thank you to the staff who ran the BBQ for the students after part A of the GAT. I’d also like to acknowledge the work of our chief supervisor, Peta Foley, and her team of supervisors.

Year 12 English & Literature predicted study score analysis

I’ll be working with the Year 12 English team to analyse our Unit 3 scores and make predictions about who is at risk of not achieving a study score of 25 or higher in their English subject. Why will we do this? 25 in an English subject is usually a pre-requisite score for most university courses. Students who don’t get a 25 in their English subject often have to apply for a pathways course to get to their preferred destination. 

Once this analysis is done, parents and students who have been identified as being at some risk or significant risk of not achieving 25 in their English subject, will receive an emailing outlining the concern and what practical steps that can be taken to change that situation. I do want to stress, being at risk of not getting a 25 in English is not the same as being at risk of receiving an ‘N’ for the subject. This is simply alerting students and parents that there is a need to address the approach to that English subject and plan for multiple pathways to a post-school pathway. There will be plenty of time to turn around the trajectory and perform better on the exam. I also want to highlight that this is a prediction based on Unit 3 data (compared to similar data at the same point over the past few years) and is not an exact science.

In future weeks I will explain in detail the different options that exist for most students post-school and address the ‘un-scored VCE’ you may have heard about and why we generally discourage it but why it may be appropriate for some students. 

Year 10 and 11 exams are done – on to Semester 2!

Well done to our Year 10 and 11 ATAR students who have completed their Semester 1 exams. The conduct of our students was by and large, excellent. Exam results will be published in the Semester 1 reports. Our VCE VM students in Year 11 have also completed their Semester 1 presentations. I had the opportunity to sit in a couple of student presentations and it is fantastic to hear about the experiences they are having. I did hear about a cassowary named Ted Bundy at one structured work placement, but I won’t go into further detail! 

Course Selection Information Night

A must attend event for all 2025 Year 8-11 students and parents. This year’s information night will be held on Tuesday 1st of July. This is the best opportunity to speak to teachers about different subjects, the careers team about different pathways and, school leaders, about anything you want to know. The most critical part of successful VCE outcomes for students is making informed decisions that are based on what a student likes, what they are good at, and then any required subjects they need to progress to their pathway after Year 12. Making informed decisions starts with getting all of the information from nights like this one. I look forward to seeing you there!

Year 10 expression of interest form for VCE pathways – Year 10 students will have the opportunity to attend one or more excursions to either a university (Monash) or a TAFE to assist them with their decision-making. The survey (Initial Expression of Interest for VCE pathway in 2026 (for Year 10 students) also gives an indication of their initial plan for their VCE pathway. 75 students in Year 10 have already completed this short form.

Key Senior School events - Term 2

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

A Clean Slate

On Monday June 23rd we will be starting Semester 2. Many students will be starting new subjects, meeting new teachers, and a new group of students. It is really important that as students move into new units of study that they reflect and learn from their experiences in Semester 1. What things went well for them? What things helped them be successful? They should focus on keeping those things going. Conversely what things maybe didn’t go so well, and what new strategies should they try to make them more successful at school.

Semester 2 provides everyone with a reset moment. Have a chat with your kids about what they are going to do to make the second half of 2025 their most successful year at school yet!

Keep your pants on!

As you be aware the Minister for education has announced changes to school uniform guidelines which will come into effect in 2026. I have been tasked by School Council to lead a review of the College uniform “Dress Code” to ensure it is compliant with the Ministers guidelines.  The process we will be following is to firstly run some student and staff forums to gather views and suggestions. The College Council has formed a working party which will then look at the feedback and draft a new dress code which will be shared with the parent community for another round of feedback. If you have views on uniform I would encourage you to speak with your child and suggest that they make sure they attend the student forums (to be held early Term 3).  I will keep the community updated through the newsletter.

Moving with the times

Last Friday Year 10 Systems Engineering students sat their final exam. But this was an exam with a difference, students were provided with a complex 3D shape and then had 20 minutes as part of their exam to recreate the shape precisely on their computer in TinkerCAD, the 3D software they have been learning. I’m not sure that it would be fair to say that the students “loved” the experience, given it was an exam, but it did give them an opportunity to demonstrate practical skills they have learnt in exam conditions.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Lily Kelly- Ingram 

Favourite food: Sushi 

Hobbies out of school: Volleyball and Drawing

What sports team do you follow? Collingwood

Favourite TV show: Arcane

Do you have any pets? A dog named Bonnie

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Making new friends, most of my classes, the social skills group

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I’d like to work in Animation 

Year 7 Max Inglis-Nicholls

Favourite food: Pizza 

Hobbies out of school: Reading, playing with my dog 

What sports team do you follow? Sydney Swans

Do you have any pets? A dog named Crumpet

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Meeting a lot of people

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure yet, maybe an architect

Year 8 Mark George 

Favourite food: Chocolate chip cookies

Hobbies out of school: Crochet

What sports team do you follow? Don’t really follow sports

Favourite TV show: Avatar

Do you have any pets? No

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The teachers are encouraging and want us to do our best and improve.

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

Year 8 Abby Perry-Rule 

Favourite food: Chicken and gravy

Hobbies out of school: Hanging out with friends

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn

Favourite TV show: Bump

Do you have any pets? A budgie named Bob and Rottweiler named Bundy

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? I love Hands on Learning with Mr Pirrie

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Some type of work in retail.

Year 12 Legal Studies - Supreme Court

On Tuesday 10th June, Year 12 Legal Studies visited the Supreme Court in Melbourne.  

It was a shame we could not get to see the mushroom murder trial because that was being held elsewhere but we were hopeful we may see something exciting.  After going through scanners like at the airport at the entrance we entered Court 3.  The case being heard there was arson and alleged murder.  We heard submission from the Fire Investigation/Forensic Officer as to what he and his team discovered.  We saw the jury and the alleged offender and how the Judge oversees proceedings.  

It was amazing for the Year 12s to see a serious indictable offence on trial for real and a great experience overall.

Sian Jones

Team Leader Year 9

2025 Art Show

On June 25 and 26, we are proudly opening our Art Gallery to family and friends of MSC in celebration of a showcase of talent, imagination, and inspiration from our 2025 Year 7 to 10 students. 

June 25 (5-7pm) is an invitation only event, and June 26 (3.30-5pm) is open to the public. Both evenings will be held in the Art Gallery in M block.

Year 7 Sport

Girls Soccer

On Monday 16th June the Year 7 Girls had a fun day out at soccer! They won their first game 2-0 against Mount Eliza and the second against Dromana 4-0. They had a super fun day, in very windy conditions. We are so proud of the teams efforts and are looking forward to competing at SMR next term. 

Our goal scorers were Aida, Ellie and Jess. Great defence was supplied by Mya, Madi, Alba and Chelsea. Aria did a great job in goals. Great team play all round by Kiara and Akayshah as well! Great job girls! 

Jenny Vanin

Health & PE Teacher

Boys and Girls Badminton

On Monday 16th June the Year 7 Southern Peninsula Division Badminton Championships were held at our stadium. Our school was represented by two boys’ teams and a girls’ team. The standard of the play was very good considering many were just starting to learn the skills and rules of the game. 

The Boys A team were very competitive, winning four out of their 5 matches against the other schools. The only game that they lost was against the competition winners from Dromana SC. Our girls team recorded two wins and two losses to place a very commendable third behind Mt Eliza and Dromana. 

Congratulations to all players who participated with great spirit and enthusiasm and represented our school with distinction.

John Walker

Team Coach

Girls Netball

On Monday June 16th our Year 7 Girls Netball teams braved the cold and took to the courts. Although we didn’t come away with the overall win, both teams had a fantastic day out, showing enthusiasm and great teamwork. 

The A team finished an impressive 3rd overall, while the B team placed 6th, improving with every game. Well done to all players for their effort and positive attitude!

Evangeline Romage

Netball Squad Coach

Boys Soccer

On Monday June 16th the Year 7 Boys Soccer team played at Civic Reserve. They lost narrowly to Dromana in the B pool and played Somerville for 3rd place. The wind was howling and the sun shone slightly. The boys played so well as a team and showed fierce determination and great sportsmanship throughout the entire day. Special thanks to some Year 9 students Noah Sheen, Harvey Austin and Otis Burley for additional tips from the side-lines . A great chilly day was had by all.

Kirsty Hamson

Japanese/Drama/Personal Development Teacher

Boys AFL

Our Year 7 boys football team put in a fantastic effort at their interschool sports day, finishing 2nd overall with 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 loss. 

It was an impressive display of teamwork, grit, and sportsmanship – especially considering we only had 19 players available on the day. The boys played with heart across all matches and represented the school with pride. Their commitment and support for one another stood out just as much as their skills on the field.

A special thanks goes to AFL trainee Rory Wagner-Watts, who did a superb job coaching the team throughout the day. His leadership, game-day guidance, and encouragement helped the boys lift and stay competitive in every match.

Well done to all involved – we’re incredibly proud of your efforts!

Rob Horwill

Health and PE Leader

GAT

Today our Year 12's sat the GAT: General Achievement Test.  Both our VM and ATAR students completed GAT A which assesses students on their writing, literacy and numeracy.  

Some of the students were very nervous at the start and were happy to finish the first part and have a BBQ with their friends before the ATAR students sat GAT B which assesses students on specialty subjects.

There were relieved faces once the GAT was over!  It is a long day, starting at 9am and finishing at 3pm.  

Well done to all of our VCE students!

Jo Reeman

Team Leader Year 12

Year 7 - Werribee Open Range Zoo

On Tuesday June 17th our Year 7 students headed to the Werribee Open Range Zoo for a fun day out focused on strengthening group bonds. 

The adventure began with a safari bus tour through the zoo’s open plains, where students came face-to-face with rhinos, giraffes, and zebras. There were plenty of laughs and excitement as the animals roamed freely just metres from the bus, creating a truly immersive experience. 

After the safari, students continued their journey on foot, visiting a range of incredible animal exhibits. One of the highlights was the zoo’s newly opened elephant enclosure, home to nine Asian Elephants. Other popular stops included the lions, who were relaxing in the sun, and the hippos. 

More than just a fun day out, the excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to bond with their peers and develop stronger connections across classes. It was a wonderful day of exploration.

Evangeline Romage

Leading Teacher Yr 7

Year 8 - Melbourne Zoo

On Tuesday June 17th all of the Year 8s enjoyed a wonderful time at Melbourne Zoo, spending a delightful day with fellow peers. We started off the day with being welcomed kindly by the zookeepers, which is where all of our smiles began. Roaming around with our friends was a great opportunity to discover the animals in a way we hadn’t before. Some highlights that the Year 8s thoroughly enjoyed were watching the lions get fed with goats, the butterfly enclosure which wasn’t only an escape from the cold but was excellent to see all the butterflies landing on one another, the gorillas close up and the seals showing off together. 

Overall, the Year 8s had a really fun experience and appreciated doing something different for a day. We will be using the photos that were taken from the day in our final English homework task for Term 2! 

Emma Bassett and Charlotte Davies

Year 8 Captains

Year 9 - General Public, Frankston

On Tuesday June 17th, Year 9 students went to General Public in Frankston where they participated in bowling and arcades, allowing our Year 12 students to sit the GAT without distraction.   Our students were amazing and had a great time enjoying the competition of bowling and challenging themselves with the arcade games.  They then went off in groups and had lunch before our return to school.  Thank you to all the staff that accompanied us, helping to create a fun day out for our Year 9s.

Sian Jones

Team Leader Year 9

KELiS

Our Koorie students had a wonderful day on Tuesday June 3rd at Mt Eliza Secondary College, who hosted the Koorie Emerging Leadership in School program (KELiS) for Term 2. 

Students participated in a wide range of activities including wellbeing sessions, cultural performances and understanding the importance of their role in the voting system. Students engaged in hands on activities including damper, exploring bush plants as sources of food and medicine and had a great time connecting with other students from different schools and developing their understanding and appreciation of culture. 

Amanda Symons 

Inclusion Education Learning Specialist

2025 Production - FROZEN JR

Tickets are available to purchase now!  Remember we have a sing-a-long session on our open night so you can join in the fun!

When:        Tuesday 5 August 2025 SING-A-LONG SESSION     7-8:30pm

                     Wednesday 6th and Thursday 7th August 2025     7-8:30pm

                     Saturday 9th August 2025     2-3:30pm

Location:   Performing Arts Theatre, 1051 Nepean Highway, Mornington Vic 3931

Tickets can be purchased via trybooking, on the below link.

School Saving Bonus reminder and allocation to school activities

The Victorian Government is delivering the School Saving Bonus (SSB) – a one-off support of $400 for eligible government school students from Prep to Year 12 in 2025. The SSB can be used for uniforms and textbooks until Monday 30 June 2025. Any funds already allocated to school activities do not expire.

To use any remaining SSB funds to cover the cost of school activities in July, please refer to the SSB online system and allocate the funds to school activities before 30 June 2025. 

Any unspent funds remaining on the portal after 30 June 2025, including online voucher amounts that have not been redeemed, will become a credit to use on school activities. However, the unallocated credit will not be available on your family account at our school until late July. 

To learn more about the SSB online system, download the step-by-step System guide for parents and carers or watch this School Saving Bonus video. System guide translations are also available in 14 languages.

The Department of Education’s SSB contact centre will remain available until 30 June 2025. After this date, please contact Erin.Dixon3@education.vic.gov.au for any SSB related questions. The contact centre can be reached by: 

• completing the School Saving Bonus enquiry form
• calling 1800 338 663, between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm on weekdays.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund

The Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) helps eligible families to cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

If you have a valid means-tested concession card, or are a temporary foster parent, you may be eligible. A special consideration category also exists for asylum seeker and refugee families. Means-tested concession cards must be valid on the first day of Term 1 2025 (Tuesday 28 January 2025) or the first day of Term 2 2025 (Tuesday 22 April 2025). A student aged 16 years and over who is considered a mature minor and holds a valid concession card is also eligible to apply.

Eligible families will receive a payment of $256 per year for secondary school students . The funds will be paid directly to the school to be used towards camps, sports and excursion costs for the benefit of your child.

If you would like to apply, please complete the CSEF application form on Compass News Feed and return completed application forms to the school office as soon as possible.

To learn more or to reach out to us