Dempsey's Digest
Last year I mentioned in the newsletter how much I love Christmas and in particular the lights. Well, there is another part of Christmas that I get super excited about, and it’s nativity scenes! In fact, I love to collect them from all sorts of interesting places across the world! My favourite ones are those that are handmade, in particular one I bought in Brugge, Belgium and one that was sewn by ladies in the Solomon Islands. Earlier this month I bought one online that is 3D printed and then last week, I bought one at the Year 9 Industry Week Market. (come and see it in the window of my office!)
What is it about nativity scenes that I love? Well, obviously they tell a story that is really important to this community. A story of hope and possibility, humility and freedom. I’m on a bit of a mission you see, to keep collecting nativity scenes, as they seem to be disappearing from public places and out of shops as the years go by. It’s my little attempt to keep the story of Christmas alive in a culture that wants to reject it, but needs it so badly.
As we sign off on a year that has been wonderful, and challenging, and everything in between, may we take time to focus on the story of Jesus and why he came into the world. Have the best break and I’m already looking forward to seeing what 2026 will bring!
In the meantime, here’s some updates on what’s been happening over the last few weeks.
Year 11 Study Camp
I had the privilege of visiting our Year 11s on camp and bringing along two of our school captains, Grace and Irin along with me. Grace and Irin were able to share tips and stories of how they coped with Year 12 and the kind of practices they put in place to make sure they had the best possible year. For Grace, this was a reflection on our Vocational Major (VM) program and for Irin, a reflection on our scored VCE program. It was great to see these leaders share with our incoming Year 12s.
Orientation Day
What a buzz around the school on Orientation Day! It was lovely to see so many new students joining us for the day. In particular, it was such a joy to see the way our current students engaged with and welcomed our new students with warmth and kindness. Top job students!
CFA Community Event
It was a pleasure to invite the CFA into our community last week and have them share stories and common sense around managing ourselves for the upcoming fire season. The message was clear – plan ahead and plan to leave early. Keep an eye on fire ratings and weather forecasts. There’s plenty of information on the CFA website https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
Let me assure you again that we take our emergency management very seriously at MECS and that includes awareness of what is happening in the local area. Our relationship with Montrose Fire Brigade is something we value highly. On the community event evening, two of our Year 5 students, Sienna and Flynn, were able to present the Montrose CFA with a ‘cheque’ for around $1200 from part of the proceeds of their recent market. It was a wonderful surprise for Liz who represented the Montrose CFA. I was so proud of our students.
Year 9 Industry Week and Market
Our Year 9s were under pressure this week to meet deadlines for their Industry, “The Festive Collective”. From 3D printed creatures to old fashioned spiders, carols and music, sewn items and chopping boards, Industry Week culminated in a wonderfully festive market that was very much enjoyed by our community. Huge thanks to our Year 9s and their teachers for a fabulous week of different learning and a focus on building community.
Year 6 Graduation
I have to say I was blown away with our Year 6 graduation last Friday. What a delight to see these young people all dressed up and purposed for a night of celebration, good laughs and many tears of pride and joy. The Year 6 students all took on the challenge of speaking to the audience and the whole night was focussed on them leading and sharing. What gave me the most joy was the way that our teachers really know their students, speaking words of life, challenge, and hope over them. It was stunning! I can’t wait to see how this group makes its way through junior secondary and on towards their next graduation, Year 12 in 2031!
Year 12 results
Congratulations to our Year 12 students on the official completion of Year 12 as results came out on the 11th December. Particular congratulations to Miya McTier on being the highest achiever in our Year 12 cohort. We are delighted for you Miya.
Students now will be preparing their next steps as they hope for placements in tafes, universities, colleges, RTOs or commencing apprenticeships or other work. At MECS, every student’s pathway is important and we celebrate with them in the gifts that God has given them. The ATAR is not the only pathway, and we are delighted to support our students in the many different avenues that God opens up for them.
May God bless you and your family, this Christmas.
See you in 2026!
Michelle