Dempsey’s Digest

I’m not sure about you, but I find that the cup weekend brings a lovely refreshment prior to the hectic nature of the end of the year. It’s good for the soul, to spend time with others, take a moment to read a book, go for a longer walk than usual or just simply, catch your breath! I hope that for our students the weekend was refreshing as we take on these last 6 weeks of term! Yep, Christmas is only 7 weeks away!

Let’s be mindful, shall we, in this busy time of year to stop and smell the roses, listen to each other and support those around us who are doing it tough. Christian education is beyond education, it’s about seeking God in all things and seeing him at work in all of life. Let’s embrace this gift and go for it!

Industry Week Interviews

Last week I had the privilege of being involved in the Year 9 group interviews for the General Manager role for Industry Week. This has got to be on the top 10 of fun things I get to do as a Principal! I am always so blown away by the lengths our students go to, to put their best foots forward as they apply for and go through the process of interview for this role. The maturity of the students and their willingness to support each other through the process was inspiring! Based on these interviews alone, I think this year’s Industry Week will be marked with integrity, encouragement and hard work. We are proud of you, Year 9 students!

Working Bee

It’s always great to see the school humming whilst people are working on gardens, painting, cleaning and moving rock! Our Twilight Working Bees seem to have a lovely vibe as we make the most of daylight hours at this time of the year.

Thanks to all those that have made working bees a priority this year!

Year 12 Exams Underway

Year 12 exams are fully underway with our Biology and General Maths students even turning up on Monday! Thanks to the teachers that are supporting our students as they work through the exam period and look forward to a well-deserved break from studying.

Prep Nativity Filming

If you were around last week you might have noticed some shepherds, a donkey, some wise men and certainly Mary and Joseph wandering around the school. Oh and even an angel or two… Yep, the annual Prep Nativity is underway in preparation for the special assembly at the end of the year. They are very convincing!

Karen Young Event

It was a pleasure to have Karen Young at MECS last week. Karen is a renowned expert on child and adolescent anxiety and she gave us some great insights into managing “big feelings” in our children and students. Staff came together for an afternoon with Karen and then parents joined for the evening session. Both were very worthwhile and I’m grateful for Karen’s insights.

If you missed the evening, you might be interested in checking out her website which is full of great articles, resources and good, practical ideas. https://heysigmund.com/

2026 State Election

The Victorian State Election will be held on Saturday 28 November 2026.

Independent Schools Victoria (ISV), an organisation of which MECS is a member provides information relevant to the independent school sector. ISV does great work in supporting us and they will often advocate to the government in relation to issues that impact independent schools.

The three key issues that ISV are advocating for are -

1) Delivering Fair funding to support our schools and sector be sustainable,

2) Invest in School Infrastructure

3) abolishing payroll tax.

Although the issues around payroll tax don’t impact MECS, they do impact other independent schools that we are in good fellowship with. Issues around funding and Infrastructure however, do impact us and we would love to see the government continue to share fair funding with our types of schools so we can continue to provide Christian education at an affordable price. We also believe strongly that parent choice in education is important.

If you are keen on these conversations, feel free to jump onto this link and express your views to local government in the lead up to the election. The link provides an easily generated letter that will be sent directly to your local member.

https://is.vic.edu.au/2026-state-election-campaign/

Let us also continue to uphold our State, our Government officials and this election in prayer.

Please Pray

As I wrap up Dempsey’s Digest for this week, could I ask you to pray for many of our staff and families that are dealing with situations of grief and loss. From ageing parents that have passed to staff and parents who are walking with family members who are very unwell. Each of these situations hold complexity, angst and the need for faith and hope. Let’s continue to be a community that upholds each other in times of trouble.

Cheers,

Michelle

MECS Matters

Head, Heart, Hand

Newsletter 2, Term 4 · 05 Nov 2026

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