From the Principal

Greetings from Osaka. Nick Evans, Mel Brindle and I are enjoying 2 weeks in Japan with 15 amazing students from MSC. 

I am writing this article on board the bullet train bound for Hiroshima. Today will be a very special day. We will get to see ground zero, explore the museum and hang cranes at the Children's Peace Monument in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. 

Yesterday, our students dressed in Kimonos whilst visiting the Museum of Housing and Living. We explored Osaka Castle and the Osaka Museum of History. 

During our time, students also attend school. On these days, we the staff, visit the schools. 

One of the highlights I have is seeing the expressions on their faces, when they see something new, try a different food or experience something for the first time, like wearing a kimono and boarding the bullet train. 

Each student is staying with a different family and they have been welcomed and treated as a member of their family. 

The days we come together are very special. Smiles and hugs all round as they share individual stories. 

Each day is different from the last. Our experiences will be remembered for a lifetime. 

Our students have been wonderful ambassadors for our school, local community and the city of Melbourne. 

-- from Linda, Nick and Mel

Please have a wonderful break. Stay safe and look forward to working with you next term.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 3 2025

Term 4 2025

Middle School

Dear Parents and Carers,

Wishing all our students a wonderful break, and for our families the chance to enjoy some time together as we begin our Term 3 holidays.

This term has been full of activity, with our students involved in so many wonderful experiences. Yesterday was all about our Year 7s, who competed in the Premier League Soccer Playoff. It was a fantastic sporting event with students cheering each other on—Johnny Walker will reveal the winning team in his section of the newsletter.

Another highlight was our Year 7 Showcase. What a great afternoon! We loved welcoming not only parents and carers, but also many grandparents. It was heart warming to see students proudly sharing their learning and exhibits with their families. Our Year 7 area was beautifully decorated by students and staff, creating a welcoming and vibrant space that reflected the happy, supportive learning environment we enjoy.

Students exhibited work across all their subjects, with a special focus on Humanities and English. The photos included will give you a glimpse of their efforts, and we are also delighted to share the opening of Lucian’s essay. Lucian explained that he worked hard to perfect his writing, and he was very proud of the result.

Every time we showcase student learning, having parents and carers attend makes the occasion so much more meaningful. These events not only allow us to share student achievements but also give us the chance to connect with families and hear the valuable insights you share about your children and their lives beyond school.

Looking ahead, Term 4 is shaping up to be exciting:

• Year 7 Portfolio and End-of-Year Celebration – Thursday 14 November (time to be confirmed)
• Year 8 Showcase – Monday 17 November, with students booking their presentation times
• Year 8 Class Videos – presented on the first Friday back, with a winning video announced
• Year 9 End-of-Year Excursions – Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 October

Lucian White-Alker, Year 7

Once essay 

Morris Gleitzman is a writer who can effectively present how people act, change, and adapt in hard times. He expresses these themes in a multitude of different ways depending on the situation and the emotional state of the characters. Gleitzman often explores how individuals change when faced with trauma, suffering, and disruption to their lives. He expresses change, action and adaptation through character development and the shift in perspectives that occur during these challenging times. These shifts are not always immediate but rather progress slowly as the characters confront the harsh realities around them. Gleitzman enjoys throwing challenges and roadblocks in the way of his characters to encourage both growth and changes in perspective. This writing technique draws the reader in and encourages them to become invested in the characters’ journeys. These decisions have a lasting impact not just on the characters themselves, but also on the reader, who is kept on their toes, constantly engaging with and thinking about the moral and emotional dilemmas the characters must face and overcome throughout the story.

Gleitzman presents to us that the characters in Once slowly lose their old, innocent and naive selves as they are forced to mature in response to the rapidly changing world around them. Their regular routines and understanding of life are shattered as they face loss, suffering and unexpected distress. This transformation is particularly evident in Felix the young protagonist. Gleitzman illustrates this when Felix says to himself: “Maybe it’s not just our books they hate. Maybe it’s us.” This heartbreaking realization marks a critical point in Felix’s development. It suggests that Felix is beginning to adapt his once hopeful and innocent worldview into one that acknowledges the truth of the situation around him. His interior world is reshaped by the pain he witnesses, pushing him to let go of comforting illusions he imagined. From this we can conclude that the characters’ perspectives have not only developed but have been reshaped into ones that are more realistic, cautious, and emotionally resilient. The strength of this transformation makes the story powerful and moving.

We wish you a safe and enjoyable break, and we look forward to seeing everyone back refreshed and ready for Term 4.

Warm regards,

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

With no computer, the odd 'postcard' from Nick will take place of his usual Senior School report.

Key Senior School events for Term 3 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Last Chance to Have Your Say!

We’re on the home stretch for the Parent Opinion Survey — 74 families have completed it so far, and we’re aiming for 300! The survey closes today, so if you haven’t had a chance yet, now’s the perfect time to click the link found on the STAR menu in compass, or in the SMS we sent you, or check your email!

Every response helps us make Mornington Secondary College the best it can be. Think of it as your way of cheering from the side lines — your voice really does count. Let’s see how close we can get to that magic 300!

Why Student Leadership Matters at MSC

At Mornington Secondary College, leadership is more than a badge or a title – it’s an opportunity for students to grow, contribute, and shape the culture of our school. Taking on a leadership role builds confidence, responsibility, and teamwork skills that extend well beyond the classroom.

Student leaders are role models who inspire their peers, strengthen our community values, and provide a vital student voice in decision-making. They learn to communicate effectively, problem-solve, and represent not only their classmates but also the College in a positive and meaningful way. These are life skills that support academic success now and open doors for future study, work, and community involvement.

We are proud to offer a wide range of leadership positions at every year level, ensuring all students have the chance to step forward and make a difference.  Every leadership role contributes to our shared culture of achievement, respect, and community.

Nominations for 2026 leadership positions will open early in Term 4.  We encourage all students to consider applying and parents to support their children in taking this exciting step.

A Special Visitor in the Year 7 Area

Students and staff were treated to a wonderful surprise this week — a tawny frogmouth spent the entire day perched near the Year 7 area!

At first, some thought it was part of the tree itself, with its incredible camouflage, but soon enough the secret was out. The bird stayed calmly in place all day, giving students the rare chance to observe one of Australia’s most unique and well-loved native birds up close.

It was a great reminder of the amazing wildlife we share our school grounds with, and how important it is to respect and protect our natural environment.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

Students of the Week

Year 7 Lara Kendrick 

Favourite food: Pasta 

Hobbies out of school: Reading and Kung Fu

What sports team do you follow? Essendon Bombers

Favourite movie/TV show: Buffy

Do you have any pets? 2 cats and a dog

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

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Hairdresser or a makeup artist

Year 7 Baylan Bradshaw

Favourite food: Pizza

Hobbies out of school: Soccer and basketball 

What sports team do you follow? Carlton FC

Favourite movie/TV show: I like watching sport

Do you have any pets? a dog named Mason

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Getting to see friends, having fun, interschool sport and PE

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? A soccer player!

Year 8 Noah Sheen 

Favourite food: KFC

Hobbies out of school: Soccer, Athletics

What sports team do you follow? Man U, North Melbourne 

Favourite TV show/movie: Goal (Movie)

Do you have any pets? a dog, German Sheppard (Chaos)

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? The Basketball and Aths Squads

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Professional Soccer Player

Year 8 Brylee Elso     

Favourite food: Thai

Hobbies out of school: Drawing, footy, basketball

What sports team do you follow? Geelong, Melbourne Storm 

Favourite TV show/movie: Ginny and Georgia

Do you have any pets? 2 dogs (Lab and Golden Retriever)

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Friends and social interactions

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Artist or restaurateur

MSC Students 'Kicking Goals'

Congratulations to Noah Hibbins-Hargreaves, Darcy Irving, Rafa Merchan and Jack Duggan for significant sporting accomplishments outside of school.

Noah was recently named in the 2025 Coates Talent League Team of the Year. After weekly nominations made throughout 19 home-and-away rounds, the competition’s best, most dominant and consistent players were selected. Well done Noah!

Darcy, Rafa and Jack will be representing the South East Stingrays in next week's V/Line Cup at Ballarat. The V/Line Cup provides a platform for talented young footballers to compete against each other and make a case for selection in Coates Talent League and Victoria Country representative squads in the years to come. Good luck Darcy, Rafa and Jack!

2026 Year 7 Information Night

On the evening of Thursday September 11 we 'rolled out the red carpet' for 2026 Year 7 families in a heavily student focused and run information session. Congratulations to our Year 7 representatives who confidently presented their experiences so far at MSC to a large crowd, who along with performances by our Drum and Flags Corp, Aerobics Squad and school band, ensured our future families were entertained and informed.   

Year 7 

Year 7 Assembly

On Friday September 12th we celebrated nearing the end of Term 3 with our Year 7s by acknowledging winners in the following awards:

• 100% attendance for Term 3 
• the most Green Posts (positive behaviour reports by teachers)
• Class Superstar: presented to all round high achievers who consistently achieve outstanding results and make positive class contributions.
• Academic Growth: presented to students who have shown great growth and determination throughout Term 3.
• Positive Impact: presented to students who contribute to a positive learning environment and always demonstrate kindness and respect to both peers and staff.
• Art, Sport and Community Merit Awards: presented to students who go above and beyond in representing the school through their involvement in extra-curriculum activities.
• 'Wear it Purple Day' Amazing Race Champions

Year 7 PE – Gymnastics Unit

Our Year 7 PE program is wrapping up the term with an engaging and practical gymnastics-based unit. Throughout the unit, students have been developing fundamental movement skills such as safe landing techniques, completing forward rolls, and exploring different ways to manipulate their bodies through a variety of shapes.

The focus has been on building confidence, coordination, and control while ensuring students understand the importance of safety in movement. It has been wonderful to see so many students challenge themselves and improve their ability to move with balance and precision.

We look forward to continuing to teach this unit with our Year 7s and hope they have enjoyed it as much as we have enjoyed seeing their progress and enthusiasm in class.

Rob Horwill

Head of PE

Year 7 Table Tennis 

On Tuesday September 16th, our team of six eager table tennis players took to the tables at Mount Eliza Secondary College for the Southern Peninsula Division Championships. They may not have come away with the title of Division Champions but there was a lot of fun had by the team, who represented the school with high spirits.

Grant Olarenshaw

Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence

Year 7 Boys and Girls Southern Peninsula Division (SPD) Futsal Championships

The Year 7 boys and girls SPD Futsal Championships were held in our stadium on Tuesday 16th September. All six SPD schools were represented in the boys A Division, and 3 teams in the Boys B Division: Mornington, Dromana and Western Port. Three teams represented their schools in the girl’s competition: Mornington, Dromana, and Mt Eliza. 

It was an extremely exciting day with great skills and team work on display throughout all levels of competition. Our girls did an outstanding job winning both of their games 3-1 v Dromana and 1-0 v Mt Eliza to take out the championship. 

The Year 7 Girls team consisted of Chelsea Eagleson, Milla Kohn, Jessica Matthews, Ellie Mooney, and Aida-Grace Moses.

Our B Division boys had one loss against Dromana 8-0 and a win 1-0 v Western Port to be runners up in their competition. 

The Year 7 Boys B Division team consisted of:

The Boys A Team Division was a massive competition with each team playing 5 matches. Our A team boys were fantastic showing exceptional skills and team play. Mornington, Dromana, and Mt Eliza tied at the end of the round robin with 4 wins and 1 loss each. The winner was decided on goal difference with Mornington placing third, Mt Eliza second and Dromana winning after smashing Somerville 21-0 in their final game. 

The Year 7 Boys A Division team consisted of:

Congratulations to all players and to our Year 10 boys who officiated all games in the competition; Joseph Arena, Sam Friebe, Leo Hume and Evan Schulinus.

John Walker

College Sport

Year 7 Boys Basketball

Our Year 7 boys proudly represented the school in the recent interschool basketball competition, with two teams entered. Both groups showed outstanding teamwork, determination, and improvement throughout the day.

Team A played with great spirit, winning four out of five matches. Their only loss came in the opening game against Dromana College, who went on to win the overall tournament. Despite facing a highly skilled and competitive opponent, the boys responded strongly, growing more confident with each game and displaying impressive resilience.

Team B had a fantastic day, going undefeated to claim the B Division title. Their effort, teamwork, and willingness to compete hard in every match was rewarded with well-deserved success.

Both teams should be congratulated, not only on their results but also on the way they represented our school – playing hard, supporting one another, and continually improving as the day went on.

John Molino

Head of Humanities

Year 7 Girls Basketball

Tuesday September 16th saw our team of seven Year 7 girls take on five divisional teams in girls basketball. The girls started strong with a comfortable win over Mount Eliza and followed it up with a double figure victory over Dromana. The following 2 games saw our girls score big numbers and hold both Somerville and Western Port scoreless. Our final game, against the other undefeated team, Rosebud A, saw the girls turn on some fierce defence and smart offense to win 31-8.

A big shoutout to Lacey Rattue who coached the girls and Amber Firth who came along to score but ended up refereeing.

It was a great team effort today with Claire and Madi pulling down endless rebounds and setting up some great offensive plays, Stella and Piper making some great outside shots, Meadow and Mya’s speed creating many turnovers, and Aria’s determination putting pressure on our opponents. 

I look forward to seeing how the girls matchup in Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) Basketball Championships next term.

Kim Rattue

Year Level Coordinator 8

Year 7 Premier League Soccer Lunch time competition Finals

On Wednesday 17th September the Year 7 Premier League Soccer Lunch time Competition Finals were held in the stadium. 

The minor final saw the third and fourth placed teams Man United and Arsenal play off against each other. The first 6 minutes of the game were very even with both teams sharing the possession equally and trading shots at goals. Arsenal was the first to break through and score closely followed by another quick goal to take the lead 2-0. Man United tried valiantly to claw back the score but at the final whistle the score remained a win to Arsenal 2-0. 

The grand final was played immediately after with Liverpool taking on Aston Villa for the championship. Liverpool was coming off an upset victory against Aston Villa in their last encounter. Aston Villa was very eager to turn the tables and show why they were the league leaders at the end of the round robin stage. The match started with both teams showing high intensity and attacking the ball with determination. Liverpool scored with a cracking shot to take the lead 1-0. Aston Villa had several real opportunities to score but frustratingly their shots were not finding the back of the net. Liverpool scored again to take the score to 2-0. Aston Villa were spurred on by this and threw everything into the attack. This increased vigour paid dividends as Aston Villa scored with great support from the crowd erupting with cheers. 

This brought the score to 2-1 but the clock was running down. Aston Villa kept hammering the Liverpool defence, but they managed to hang on to their lead as the final whistle brought the curtain down on Aston Villa’s attempts at levelling the match. Liverpool was victorious winning the MSC Premier League soccer lunch time championships for 2025.

I would like to thank all the Year 7 players and their support crews for making the competition so exciting and fun to watch. Well done everybody and congrats to Liverpool!

John Walker

Premier League Boss (at lunch time anyway)

Year 11 Formal

From caterpillars to beautiful butterflies!

The Year 11 Formal on Friday 12th September, was an evening of glitz and glamour. Starry Night was the theme and the students were indeed bright and shining stars. 85% of the year level came to enjoy themselves on Friday evening. DJ Pete lived up to his reputation of dropping the best beats for dancing. It was wonderful to see so many Year 11 teachers attend and join the students on the dance floor. 

Dr Keough and Mr Williams are proud of these lovely students – their behaviour was impeccable. Altogether a wonderful evening celebrating this great year level.

Jasmine Keough

Team Leader Year 11

Year 12 

The theme for our last Year 12 dress up fundraiser was "What on Earth are you Wearing?!?!?". This was based on our students grabbing anything from their wardrobes (without looking) and wearing it to school. There was an assortment of outfits on show; non-matching, but highly colourful and festive. Again the Year 12s put in the effort dressing up for a bit of fun, while at the same time fundraising for our 2025 school charity, Homeground Cafe.

Year 12 Vocational Major Milestone

In Term 4, our Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students will reach an important milestone, completing six years of secondary education with a final interview that showcases their Unit 3 & 4 work. 

In front of teachers, parents, and Year 11 students, they will confidently present their achievements, reflect on their career pathways and goals, and demonstrate the interview skills they’ve developed in preparation for entering the workforce. This event not only marks the end of their secondary journey but also celebrates the beginning of their next chapter. 

We wish our Year 12 VCE VM students all the best with their final interview and their career pathways. 

Hands on Learning

HoL Friday September 12th

The crew were busy today with the continuation of waterproofing/painting the concrete blocks and levelling the ground in preparation for the raised garden bed project. It was a beautiful sunny day for our weekly weeding and garden maintenance and there was great teamwork in the preparation of breakfast. The BLT  bagels on the menu on Friday were a hit and our outdoor wood oven pizzas for lunch topped off a great day. 

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant 

2026 Australia Day Local Award Nominations

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