From the Principal

Hello everyone,

It has been another exciting and busy time at Mornington Secondary College, with many events showcasing the energy and commitment of our students, staff and families.

We were delighted to welcome our new families into the College at the 2026 Year 7 Parent Information Evening. It was wonderful to see so many future students and their families begin their journey with us, and we look forward to supporting them as they prepare for secondary school.

This week, some of our talented students proudly represented the College at the Mornington Rotary Club Showcase Evening, performing a song from our production Frozen JR. Their performance was an excellent display of the creativity and confidence of our students and was warmly received by the community.

For our senior students, the Year 12 trial exams are now underway. These assessments are an important step in preparing for final exams and allows students to practise under exam conditions while receiving valuable feedback from their teachers.

During the week our Sports Captains, along with Alex Mackenzie, provided a community service to our nearby primary schools. Our students represented MSC proudly in various officiating duties at the Primary School Division Athletics competition. The day provided our Sports Captains with the opportunity to gain confidence in running an event as well as practicing their leadership skills

Meanwhile, our Year 11 students will celebrate their Formal tonight — a memorable evening that recognises their hard work and gives them a chance to relax and enjoy time together as a cohort.

Tomorrow, I will be travelling with a group of 15 students and staff members, Nick Evans and Mel Brindle, to Osaka, Japan for a 14-day cultural and educational exchange. This long-standing program is a wonderful opportunity for our students to experience Japanese schools, culture, and hospitality, and we know they will represent MSC with pride.

All of these events reflect the vibrant learning opportunities at Mornington Secondary College and the strong sense of community we share.

In my next newsletter, I will be sharing highlights of our trip.

Have a wonderful week.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 3 2025

Term 4 2025

Middle School

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we near the end of Term 3, it’s a wonderful time to pause and celebrate the learning, achievements, and experiences of our students across the college. Each year level has been working on exciting projects and activities, and their enthusiasm has been truly inspiring. Thank you for the ongoing support you provide—it makes such a difference to our students’ growth and success.

Year 7

Tonight, we welcome our 2026 Year 7 students and their families to Mornington Secondary College. We are so excited to meet you and introduce you to our wonderful school community.

REMINDER: Our current Year 7 students will hold their Showcase on Wednesday 17 September from 2.30 to 4.30pm in the J block, where families can enjoy seeing the fantastic work completed this term.

Spotlight on Year 8

Our Year 8 cohort are truly amazing! They are working with great enthusiasm, completing their learning tasks, and consistently impressing their teachers and coordination team. It seems the wider community has noticed too—we’ve had several new enrolments at Year 8 this term!

Currently, Year 8 students are creating a video about their class. This is a competition, and the entries will be showcased at their final assembly for Term 3 next week. At this assembly, students will also be recognised with awards for participation, Green Posts, academic excellence, and kindness.

In Mathematics, students have been working on a measurement performance task, which will be on display at our Year 8 Presentation Day on November 17. This special day will see each student present their learning in a 15-minute time slot.

In English, students are writing an analytical essay on Andy Mulligan’s novel Trash. The story explores themes of poverty, injustice, resilience, and loyalty, and students have enjoyed engaging with its powerful ideas while developing their analytical writing skills.

For Humanities, students are currently exploring Mega Cities and will later present their Economics projects using the Shark Tank method at Presentation Day. Next term, they will also take part in an excursion to Martha Cove, directly linking to their studies and exhibition work.

We are so proud of the hard work and commitment shown by our Year 8s and can’t wait to celebrate their learning with families in November.

Year 9

Year 9 students are currently completing their performance tasks and eagerly awaiting news of their Year 10 electives. Their end-of-term assembly will celebrate their achievements and involvement in a wide range of activities.

We are also in the early stages of investigating an interstate trip for Year 9 in 2026—an exciting opportunity that we hope to bring to life. We will keep you updated as plans develop.

Thank you all for your ongoing support throughout what has been a wonderful term. With one week to go, I wish you all the best for the final days of Term 3 and a great week ahead.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

Well, just like that, we have arrived at the end of new content in Year 12 VCE ATAR classes and they are moving into trial exams (which started today). 

VCE VM Final Interviews (scheduled in the first 2 weeks of Term 4)

Our Year 12 VCE VM students will be booking their final presentations in the first two weeks of Term 4 and parents will be invited to join the panel for the first time. The allocated session times will be visible on Compass before the end of Term 3. We understand work and other commitments may mean it’s not possible for all parents to attend their child’s presentation, but we wanted to make it a possibility.

August (and part of July) Senior School Students of the Month

It with much pride that I announce the students of the month for August (and part of July):

Year 10 Scarlett Murdoch

Scarlett is a quiet achiever who is constantly improving and always meeting the expectations around learning at MSC as well as being a kind and supportive friend.

Year 10 Charlie Ross

Charlie is a student who upholds all the expected values within our Pre-Senior cohort, preparing himself for Vocational Major by consistently engaging with class activities as well as with his VET on Fridays.

Year 11 Tex Allen

Tex is a polite and cheerful student. He works to the best of his ability at all times.

Year 11 Noah Langridge 

Noah has shown so much growth and has developed into a student who always tries his best and is an asset to the VCE VM program.

Year 12 Jasper Shirley

Jasper is an amazing member of the VCE VM community, planning and organising market day and promoting his popcorn and drinks stall all while dressed as a dinosaur!

Year 12 Brodie Underwood

Brodie works hard in all his classes, using his study periods to revise and is a polite and respectful community member.

Year 11 Formal and Osaka Exchange Trip

Tonight, is the Year 11 Formal and I look forward to seeing our students and staff enjoying a fun-filled evening together. I’d like to thank Jasmine Keough and Mick Williams for their work in preparing for the event with the assistance of some wonderful Year 11 students. 

Our students have always been well behaved at social events outside of the school and tonight will be no different. Thank you to all the parents who will be picking up the students at the end of the night and to the staff who attend and are giving up time away from their families to ensure the students can have a great night out.

For the first time ever, I’ll have to leave the formal a little early as I’m flying to Japan tomorrow as part of our amazing Osaka Exchange Program. Spending my last night in the country for the next two weeks without seeing my family may not be the smartest move, especially if I want a ride to the airport tomorrow evening!

On that note, I’m not sure if I’ll be able to contribute to the newsletter next week (as we are not meant to take department laptops out of the country) but I’ll try and send some photos! So, if I am not able to write then I wish you all the best for the last week of Term 3, a refreshing and relaxing holiday period (except for our Year 12 ATAR students who will be in full revision mode) and I’ll see you in Term 4. 

Key Senior School events for Term 3 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

5 Ways Parents Can Support Secondary School Students at Home

At Mornington Secondary College, we know that learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Parents and carers play a vital role in supporting students to succeed. Here are five practical ways you can help your teenager thrive:

1. Create the right environment: Set up a quiet, well-lit space for homework and study. Keep routines consistent, and make sure there’s time for both learning and relaxation.
2. Show interest (without taking over): Ask your child what they’re learning, not just their grades. Encourage them to explain ideas and share their thinking, while building independence in how they tackle tasks. “What was the most interesting thing you learned today?”
3. Promote good habits: Help with organisation by using planners or digital reminders. Encourage regular breaks, balanced meals, exercise, and plenty of sleep— these all boost focus and learning. Don’t forget to check their materials for the start of term 4.
4. Stay connected with school: Check Compass, newsletters, and attend Parent–Teacher Interviews. Reinforce expectations at home and contact teachers early if extra support is needed.
5. Encourage curiosity and confidence: Model a love of learning yourself, celebrate effort as much as results, and remind your child that mistakes are a natural part of the learning journey.

Together, we can help every student strive for their best. Thank you for the role you play in supporting your child’s education.

Parent Opinion Survey – We Need Your Voice!

Each year, the Parent Opinion Survey provides families with the opportunity to share feedback that helps shape the future direction of Mornington Secondary College. Your insights guide us in improving teaching, learning, wellbeing, and communication across our school community.

This year, we are aiming for at least 300 families to respond. Every voice counts, and your participation makes a real difference in ensuring that our programs and policies reflect the needs of our students and families.

If you haven’t already done so, please take a few minutes to complete the survey using the link provided via email/text message (sent on August 25th) and on the STAR menu on Compass.  Your feedback is confidential and will help us continue to make MSC the best it can be for every student.

Thank you for your support and for being an active part of our school community.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Kade Parsons

Favourite food: Cob loaf

Hobbies out of school: Basketball and footy

What sports team do you follow? Bulldogs 

Favourite movie/TV show: The Middle

Do you have any pets? 2 cats and 2 dogs

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? New friends I've made, Japanese, humanities, sport and health, and interschool sport 

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? A mechanic  

Year 7 Havi Peirson

Favourite food: Maccas- Big Mac Meal

Hobbies out of school: Playing basketball and spending time with friends

What sports team do you follow? Hawthorn Football Club

Favourite movie/TV show: The Summer I Turned Pretty

Do you have any pets? 1 dog, 2 cats and 10 chickens

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Sport and hanging with my friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not 100% sure but maybe The CEO of a company 

Year 8 Lilly MacLean   

Favourite food: Tacos

Hobbies out of school: Footy and hanging out with friends

What sports team do you follow? Richmond and Melbourne Vixens

Favourite TV show/movie: Prison Break and The Vampire Diaries

Do you have any pets? A boxer-mastif named Dookie

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? I really enjoy Health and PE and hanging out with my friends

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Real estate agent

Year 8 Oscar Su    

Favourite food: Rice

Hobbies out of school: Basketball and gaming

What sports team do you follow? Golden State Warriors & Richmond

Favourite TV show/movie: Netflix - anything

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Seeing all my mates

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure yet but I think I would like to go to Uni

Oskaka Departure

Tomorrow, September 13th, 15 of our students who are currently studying Japanese will represent Mornington Secondary College and Australia, when they participate in a two week international exchange program. 

Each student will stay with a Japanese host family and attend school in Japan, being fully immersed in the country's culture, providing them with a wonderful opportunity to practice speaking Japanese. During their stay students will be based in the city of Osaka, and will also travel to Hiroshima. In addition to experiencing school and family life in Japan, students will travel as a group for cultural and sightseeing experiences. 

Accompanying our students will be Principal Linda Stanton, Assistant Principal Nick Evans and myself. We hope our 15 exchange students have a wonderful experience, and create lifelong memories. We know they will make us very proud. 

Mel Brindle

Head of Language

Robotics: Mornington Park Primary School

Our Robotics team and Year 7 representatives Ed Tout and Zach Scanlan visited Mornington Park Primary School on Monday September 8th, taking our hands-on Robotics Workshop on the road again. There was much enthusiasm and interest from the students at MPPS as they experienced the exciting world of coding, electronics, and design through the use of BBC Microbits. 

Once again, the off-site workshop was an amazing opportunity to showcase the opportunities here at MSC to our nearby primary schools, whilst also being a wonderful chance to see the thirst to learn these younger students have.

R U OK? Day

MSC recognised R U OK? Day on Thursday September 11th with a splash of yellow throughout the day. 

Our Wellbeing team cooked up a banquet of cupcakes and sausages, with our school band providing a festive atmosphere. 

Chalk drawings and face painting were on offer, featuring phrases to symbolise optimism and support. Thanks to the team at Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services for joining in with their spin the wheel conversation starter about how we can all help each other, reminding us all that a conversation can change a life.

More information about R U OK? can be found on the below link, including:

• How to ask R U OK?
• Everyday resources
• Real stories
• Resources for young people
• Merchandise, to assist with fundraising efforts

Maddy Collinge

Student Wellbeing Counsellor

Primary School District Athletics Championships

On Wednesday the 10th of September, a dedicated team of Year 8–10 Sports Leaders from Mornington Secondary College proudly represented the school by assisting at the Primary School District Athletics Championships.

Our student leaders played a vital role throughout the day, helping to marshal both track and field events, results entry and event coordination. Their involvement ensured the smooth running of the day and provided valuable support to the young primary school competitors.

The students were outstanding ambassadors for Mornington Secondary College, demonstrating professionalism, enthusiasm, and leadership in every aspect of their work. Their respectful and encouraging approach made a positive impact on the primary school students, helping to create a supportive and enjoyable environment.

Representatives from School Sport Victoria praised the students for their professionalism and expressed sincere gratitude for their contributions on the day.

We are incredibly proud of our Sports Leaders for their commitment, teamwork, and community spirit. Their efforts exemplify the values we uphold at Mornington Secondary College.

Well done to all involved!

Alex Mackenzie

Health and PE Teacher

Mornington Rotary Club Showcase Evening

On Wednesday September 10th, MSC, along with other local schools, attended the Mornington Rotary Club Showcase Evening. Sarah Jeffs accompanied four of our students who performed in the showcase; Charli Tepaske, Maggie Topalovic, Elise Waring and Max Mathy. Not only did they perform splendidly on the night, our four dedicated performers sacrificed free time for rehearsals beforehand. Well done and congratulations to all involved!

Special mention goes to Charli who was presented with a Citizenship Certificate on the night, in recognition of her commitment to caring for others. Charli was an extremely supportive member of our FROZEN JR production team, always including everyone and hyping up the quieter cast members. Charli was consistently positive, invested and caring. Congratulations Charli!

Year 7 Premier League Lunchtime Soccer Competition Round 5

On Wednesday 10th September the final round phase of the Year 7 Premier League Lunchtime Soccer Competition was held. 

The first match was between top of the table teams Aston Villa and Liverpool. Aston Villa went into the match undefeated and without having a goal scored against them. Straight from the kick off Liverpool came out hard playing with high intensity. Liverpool found the back of the net which really rattled Aston Villa. Possession was held equally between both teams throughout the match. Aston Villa had many opportunities to equalise but to Liverpool’s credit they held on to win the match, which stunned the crowd. 

The second match was against Man United and Man City which was equally as exciting with both teams throwing everything at the ball. Possession kept changing with both teams peppering the goals. Somehow the ball was kept at bay by both goalkeepers doing an excellent job for their teams. The match ended with a 0-0 draw. 

The final match of the round was Arsenal v Chelsea. Early in the match Arsenal scored to take the lead 1-0. Chelsea tried their best to equalise but Arsenal with some great set ups scored again to finish the match with a 2-0 victory. 

The final standing at the conclusion of the round stage finds Aston Villa on top of the table. The finals will be played on Wednesday 17th September with Man United playing Arsenal in the minor final followed by Aston Villa playing Liverpool in the Grand Final. 

Good luck to all teams who are playing in the finals.

John Walker

Premier League Boss

Year 8 

Year 8 Girls Futsal

The Southern Peninsula Division (SPD) Year 8 Boy’s and Girl’s Futsal Championships were held at our school stadium on Tuesday 9th September. Our girls’ team comprising of 8 girls (5 players on the court at once) came out very strongly against Somerville winning 8-0 which was very impressive. Their second game was played against Mt Eliza which was a much tougher match with the girls from Mt Eliza winning 5-3. Our girls rebounded against Western Port winning 1-0. In their final match against Dromana the girls had another goal spree winning 5-0. 

At the conclusion of the competition our girl’s placed second behind the eventual winners Mt Eliza, who remained undefeated in the competition. Our girl’s represented our school with distinction playing to the best of their ability and demonstrating outstanding sportsmanship throughout the competition, which was played in a very friendly manner. 

Year 8 Girl’s Futsal team: 

The officiating for the boys and girls competition was completely run by five of our Year 10, boys who did an outstanding job of controlling the games. 

Year 10 referees:

• Joseph Arena
• Sam Friebe
• Leo Hume
• Evan Schlinus
• Ethan Sheen

John Walker

College Sport Coordinator (team coach)

Year 8 Girls Basketball

Tuesday September 9th saw 18 of our Year 8 girls represent MSC in basketball.

Our A team, coached by Lacey Rattue, had a great day, finishing second in the A comp with only one loss for the day to a much stronger Dromana.

Our B team, coached by Amber Firth, finished second in the B comp.

I was very proud of the sportsmanship, leadership and teamwork all girls demonstrated on the day. All 18 girls scored at least one basket, Grace O’Shea was our top scorer for the day and Evie Motherwell our only successful 3-point shooter.

Well done to all the girls!

Kim Rattue

Year Level Coordinator 8

Year 8 Boys Basketball

On Tuesday September 9th, both an A team and B team travelled to Dromana Secondary College to compete in the Southern Peninsula Division (SPD) Year 8 Boys Basketball Championships.

Both teams took to the court with their best efforts and managed 2nd place in both the A and B pool.

Thank you to our coaches on the day, Thomas Keady (Year 11) and our AFL Trainee Rory.

Lewis Lynch

Humanities Teacher

Year 8 Table Tennis

We had a strong team of six Year 8 boys represent MSC on Tuesday September 9th at the Southern Peninsula Division (SPD) Year 8 Boys Table Tennis Championships.

Congratulations to our squad who played competitively at the Mount Eliza Secondary College venue, and finished the day in 2nd place. The squad consisted of:

• Seamus Ainsworth
• Ryan Chambers
• Levi Gerrey
• Mason Keisoglu
• James Payne
• Lucas Resuggan

Rob Horwill

Head of PE

Year 8 Science

In science Year 8 students have moved through the body from the respiratory system to the circulatory system. This week students have made origami hearts, and many have participated in a heart dissection. They will move on to the excretory system next week, before going to the digestive system after the holidays.   

Dana Lamb

Head of Science

Year 9 

Year 9 Sport and Recreation - Gravity Zone

Last week our Year 9 Sport & Recreation class headed out to Gravity Zone for an action-packed excursion. 

The visit gave students the opportunity to explore a wide range of physical activities outside of the classroom setting, while also learning more about recreation as a pathway to lifelong health and fitness.

From the moment we arrived, students showed great behaviour and represented our school with maturity and respect. 

I can honestly say I’ve never seen a group use their time with such energy, enthusiasm, and vigour. Students threw themselves into every challenge, from dodgeball on trampolines to testing out flips and wall runs. 

Well done everyone on your energy and enthusiasm. 

Rob Horwill

Head of PE

Year 9 Health - Nutrition

Our Year 9 students have been diving into the important topic of nutrition this term, exploring how food choices impact both health and performance in daily life. The unit has focused on developing a deeper understanding of the major food groups, the role of macronutrients (carbohydrates, proteins, and fats), and the importance of vitamins and minerals in supporting growth and wellbeing.

Students have examined how to read food labels, assess the nutritional value of everyday meals, and make informed choices that support a balanced diet. They have also looked at the link between nutrition and physical activity, learning how proper fuelling and hydration can improve energy levels, concentration, and sporting performance.

Class discussions have encouraged students to think critically about the influence of advertising, food trends, and social media on eating habits. Practical activities have included designing a day’s meal plan for a teenager, comparing fast food options to healthier alternatives, and reflecting on their own daily eating patterns.

Through this work Year 9s are building the skills to take greater responsibility for their own health and make choices that benefit their long-term wellbeing.

Shaun Doherty

Year 9 Coordinator

Year 9 Maths

The Year 9 Advanced Maths class have started looking at linear graphs. This week they made human linear graphs. Students started standing along the x- axis and all moved a number of steps depending on where they were on the x-axis and following an equation. For example, a student standing on 2 and with co-ordinates (2,0),  when given instructions to double their number and subtract one, they moved to the co-ordinates (2, 3). This activity helped students to develop a deeper understanding of the relationship between the x and y values.

Dana Lamb

Head of Science

Year 10 Textiles

Our Year 10 Textiles DENIM RE/BORN Project is now well underway. To introduce the class to the technical aspects of working with denim, we recently took on a collaborative challenge using ten pairs of unwanted jeans. Together, students cut the pattern pieces and stitched the patchwork panels that were combined into a dress using the college logo as the focal point. 

The mini project was finished off with an incredible illustration by Abbie Fensome. This project allowed the group to practise sewing with denim and develop their teamwork skills before moving on to their own individual denim designs. 

They are now ready and excited to develop their personal projects, where they will design and produce a garment or product from unwanted denim that reflects their own style and creativity.

Shani Hodson

Food Technology Teacher

Hands on Learning

HoL Friday September 5th

Thanks to Mandy at Bunnings, introduced to us by Mick from our Maintenance team, we were able to purchase discounted concrete blocks to begin our new project of raising the garden beds at the Cottage. The crew worked together to unload all 52 blocks and start the job of painting them. 

We made pancakes for breakfast, and for lunch we enjoyed a HSP style meal with roast lamb layered with chips, garlic and even some herbs from our garden. Absolutely scrumptious! And much to our delight, we discovered that our consistent efforts in the garden from both the Wednesday and Friday groups has paid off with the discovery of fully grown carrots! 

In this session we farewelled Ally who had her last day with HoL at MSC. All the best Ally and thanks for being a valued team member and friend.  

HoL Wednesday September 10th

With the end of term getting closer, the crew spent a large part of the day working on the front entrance redevelopment project and the side entrance garden beds. To our surprise, we found a family of frogs near the cottage entrance but relocated them to another spot.

We also continued with grouting, weeding and garden maintenance. 

Home made pancakes for breakfast and Mr Pirrie’s spag bol recipe for lunch. Today’s cooking crew worked well together to dish out a brilliant meal! A smooth day with the team working really well together.

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant 

Mornington Peninsula Shire Holiday Programs

To learn more or to reach out to us