From the Principal

Good morning everyone, I hope you have had an enjoyable week. It has certainly been a busy week at school with incursions and sporting events. This week has also been the week of the Production, Frozen Jr, kicking off on Monday with more than 100 students in attendance from Mornington Primary School. Tuesday night was ‘sing a long’ night. I look forward to seeing the show on Saturday with my grand daughter.

Next week, our school will recognise Bullying No Way, National Action Week, a valuable opportunity to reflect on how we can all contribute to a safe, respectful and inclusive community.

The theme for 2025 is “Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.” 

It encourages every student to: 

• Be bold – Stand up for what is right, even when it’s hard 
• Be kind – Treat others with empathy, respect and care 
• Speak up – Use your voice to report bullying and support those affected

As part of our commitment to Child Safe Standard 9, we actively empower students to understand their rights, participate in decisions that affect them, and take action when they or others don’t feel safe — at school, in the community, or online. ‘Have a Say Days’ are occurring over the next couple of weeks, where students have the opportunity to speak with school staff about issues concerning them.

Online Safety Matters

We also know that online interactions are a big part of life for young people. Students are reminded how to:

• Protect their privacy and digital footprint
• Block, report and not engage with cyberbullying
• Use social media responsibly
• Reach out for help if they feel unsafe online

How Parents and Carers Can Support

Families play a key role in reinforcing positive behaviour and supporting young people. You can help by:

• Starting open conversations about respectful relationships, online safety and bullying
• Encouraging your child to speak up if they or someone else is being mistreated
• Monitoring online activity and guiding responsible technology use
• Reinforcing that kindness, empathy and inclusion matter — in person and online
• Contacting the school if you have concerns or need support

Together, as a whole school community — students, staff, and families — we can build a culture where bullying has no place and young people feel empowered to be bold, be kind, and speak up.

Have a great weekend.

Linda Stanton

Principal

Important Dates

Term 3 2025

Middle School

Dear Parents and Guardians,

It’s been an exciting time for our school community, with many events taking place across the middle school.

Year 7 – Frozen Jr Production

Many of our Year 7 students have been involved in the school production of Frozen Jr – whether performing on stage or helping behind the scenes, they are doing an amazing job. We recently welcomed Mornington Primary School students to our dress rehearsal and they absolutely loved the show and enthusiastically joined in the singing, especially during Let It Go! While students from all year levels are involved, it’s wonderful to see our newest students so thoroughly engaged and contributing to the school culture.

Year 8 – Guest Speaker Eric Agyeman

On Thursday August 7th, Year 8 students had the privilege of hearing from motivational speaker Eric Agyeman. Eric was dynamic, relatable, and engaging – a true storyteller. He spoke about the power of words to hurt or to heal, the importance of resilience, the impact of our actions, and his journey from Ghana to Australia and back again. One powerful message he shared was: “Failure is only an event, never a person.” Eric touched on themes of self-respect, peer influence, and life choices, including his own experiences. Our students were captivated – you could have heard a pin drop.

A big thank you to the Year 8 team and to Mrs Lavonne Neal for her help with this event.

Year 9 – Connect Day

Our Year 9 students had a fantastic time on Connect Day, organised by Mrs Jones and Mr Doherty. They enjoyed a variety of activities including ice skating in Melbourne, visiting ArtVo, and touring the MCG. It was a great opportunity to strengthen connections and have fun together.

Middle School Maths Week

We’ve had a huge week of mathematics enrichment across Years 7–9!

• Event #1 – Melbourne University Outreach: Selected high-ability students in Years 7,8 and 9 participated in two sessions led by mathematicians from the University of Melbourne. Students were chosen based on PAT data, performance task data, and VHAP involvement.
• Event #2 – Regional Maths Fun Day: Mornington Secondary College hosted the Maths Association of Victoria’s Games Day, with 80 students from across the region invited. This was a fantastic day of fun, challenging, and collaborative mathematical games.

A huge thank you to Mrs Tracey Watchorn for organising and overseeing these outstanding opportunities for our students.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN certificates and results have been distributed to all Year 7 and Year 9 students. We are proud of how our students performed overall —especially the great results in Year 9 Numeracy and Year 9 Reading.

Wishing everyone a great week.

Denise Leggett

Assistant Principal

Senior School

To students and families of the Mornington Senior School,

The first full week of August has come and gone with the promise of warmer weather on the way. It’s been an exciting week for the senior school with course selection interviews for our future Year 10, 11 and 12s. It was great to be able to meet with some of the future Year 10 students and families on Friday August 1st and having really rich, student-focused conversations about their futures.

We’ll now set about following up with anyone who missed out on the selection process and then start analysing the numbers for 2026 and building our senior school program. Today we have our Year 10s going into Year 11 having their course selections and it’ll be another fantastic day as our students select the most relevant pathway (ATAR or Vocation Major) for their future career. 

VTAC account creation for University and Tertiary study in 2026

Our Year 12 ATAR students have spent time this week setting up their VTAC accounts and some have taken the first steps in using the VTAC platform to explore the various essential requirements for each course. Over the next 3 weeks they’ll learn about different course application requirements (although many already know after meeting with Kylie in our Pathways office) and about SEAS (Special Entry Access Scheme) which can promote their selection rank (changed the ATAR without changing the ATAR).

Some key dates for the VTAC application process:

• August 4th – VTAC opens
• Sept 29th – Timely course application closing date (all course applications submitted and paid for by this date will cost $80 for current Year 12 students, all others $100. Applications made after this date will cost at least $160.
• Oct 10th – All Equity schemes (SEAS) and scholarship applications due
• Dec 11th  - VCE ATAR results released
• Dec 13th – Change of Preference window closed (midday)
• Dec 23rd, Jan 13th and various dates in Feb – University course offers released

VCE VM activities

Thank you to those who have already offered donations for VM Market Day. If you still had something of interest or you have any queries please contact Kirsty Hamson (VCE VM PDS teacher) at kirsty.hamson@education.vic.gov.au.

Aerobics Showcase Night

Congratulations to our Aerobics Squad who put on a showcase last Friday evening in the Herbie Gym. Our dedicated aerobics coach, former student and current staff member, Indie Jowett, has done a fabulous job with all teams over the last couple of years. The showcase was a big success, with performances, raffles for a plethora of prizes and the guess the number of lollies in the jar competition being a big hit. Unfortunately for me, but also fortunately for my dentist, my guess wasn’t the closest!

Term 3 2025

Kind regards,

Nick Evans

Senior School Assistant Principal

Parent-Teacher Conferences – August 28

Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held on Thursday, August 28th. This is a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s progress and how best to support their learning through the remainder of the year. Bookings will open on Wednesday, August 13th.

We encourage all families to make a booking and look forward to seeing you there.

College Production – Reaching for the Stars

One of the great strengths of our College community is the way staff go above and beyond to support students – and this year’s College Production is a perfect example.

Ranging from initial auditions, directing, set design and construction, teaching singing, supervising rehearsals and creating a space where students can express themselves with confidence, our staff have poured incredible time, energy, and passion into making the show a success. Their belief in what our students can achieve is what makes experiences like this so powerful.

There are still a few tickets left for the Saturday matinee, don’t miss out! Please find the booking link below in our Production newsletter article.

Mike Parker

Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing

School Contributions - Sporting Equipment Funds

Schools provide students with free instruction to fulfil the standard curriculum requirements and we want to remind you that all contributions are voluntary.

Nevertheless, the ongoing support of our families ensures that our school can offer the best possible education, support and resources for our students. We want to thank you for all your support. This has made a huge difference to our school and the programs we can offer. 

However, there are a number of areas that need further support. One of these areas is the Sporting Equipment Fund. It is simple to contribute and can be done via Compass. Every little bit helps, so if you haven't contributed already, please do. 

Our goal is to provide our students with safe, modern, and inclusive equipment that allows everyone to participate and thrive in physical activities and outdoor education learning opportunities. Your contribution can make a direct impact on the health, confidence and performance of your students.

Contributions towards the School Equipment Fund are needed to purchase:

• representative MSC sports uniforms
• equipment for inter school sports; footballs, soccer balls, netballs, badminton racquets, etc
• Outdoor Education equipment; tents, trangias, fuel bottles, sleeping mats and backpacks
• FIT Club equipment for PE classes and free lunchtime FIT Club (open to all MSC students) 

These items deteriorate through normal wear and tear, so annual contributions from families ensure our students can perform at their best. The recommended contribution for 2025 is $20 per student.

If you require further assistance on how to contribute, please contact our office team on Ph. 5970 0200 or via email.

Students of the Week

Year 7 Kalani Fostin

Favourite food: Hot chips

Hobbies out of school: Basketball spending time with friends

What sports team do you follow? Richmond Tigers

Favourite movie/TV show: Cobra Kai  

Do you have any pets? Two cats (Collin & Saphire) & a dog named Indi

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Friends, recess and lunch times, and Food Tech

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

Year 7 Sirawit (Soda) Jansena  

Favourite food: Pizza

Hobbies out of school: Soccer, computer games, watching TV

Favourite movie/TV show: Anything funny on Netflix

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Sport, cooking, spending time with friends, soccer at lunch

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Not sure maybe soccer player or a builder

Year 8 Kendal Christie   

Favourite food: Pasta

Hobbies out of school: Soccer, surfing

What sports team do you follow? Melbourne Victory, Collingwood

Favourite TV show: Friends

Do you have any pets? A golden retriever named Bruno

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends and all the sporting opportunities

What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? I am not sure, maybe something to do with soccer

Year 8 Alex Chant    

Favourite food: Sausages

Hobbies out of school: Basketball

What sports team do you follow? Golden State & Melbourne

Favourite TV show: Brooklyn 99

What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My mates and sport

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

2025 Production FROZEN JR

Thank you to all guests who attended our 2025 Production this week. Our cast and crew thoroughly enjoyed presenting FROZEN JR to all those who attended, including 150 Year 4 visitors from Mornington Primary School who witnessed a preview show on Monday August 4th. Congratulations to everyone involved! It's been enjoyable to watch the production move from conception to show week and see the pride and excitement of everyone involved, including cast, crew, and staff!

We have one last show on Saturday 9th August - DON'T MISS OUT!  Tickets are available to purchase via trybooking. 

When:        Saturday 9th August 2025     2-3:30pm  LAST SHOW

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

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

Maths Days Spark Curiosity and Collaboration

Mornington Secondary College recently hosted two Maths Game Days in the Learning Centre that brought together students from Years 7 to 10 for a celebration of mathematical thinking, teamwork, and creativity. Tuesday 5th August was the Melbourne University Outreach program, led by Dominic and Cindy from their Maths Department and Thursday 7th August was Maths Fun Day where MSC hosted the Mathematics Association of Victoria (MAV) event run by mathematician Andrew Lorimer-Derham (ThinkSquare). 

🎓 Melbourne University Outreach Program – High Ability Workshops 

On Tuesday August 5th, students were treated to a 90-minute deep dive into mathematical problem solving, led by the Melbourne University Outreach Program. These sessions were tailored to challenge and inspire high-ability learners across different year levels.

• Year 7 & 8 - Block Stacking Challenge: Students explored the fascinating question: How much overhang can be created with a finite number of blocks stacked on top of each other? This hands-on workshop encouraged learners to think critically about balance, gravity, and geometric reasoning. Teams worked together to test hypotheses and discover surprising truths about overhang limits, turning a simple stack of blocks into a rich mathematical investigation.
• Year 9 - Modular Arithmetic Workshop: Diving into the world of remainders, Year 9 students tackled modular arithmetic, a concept often overlooked in favour of decimals and fractions. Through engaging activities, they uncovered the hidden power of remainders in number theory, including how they underpin systems like the 13-digit barcode. This session illuminated the elegance of modular systems and their real-world applications.

🧠 Thursday: Maths Games and Puzzles with Andrew Lorimer-Derham

Thursday’s event on August 7 brought together students from Years 7 to 10 for a dynamic session led by mathematician and educator Andrew Lorimer-Derham. Drawing from the Think Square collection of games, Andrew transformed the classroom into a playground of mathematical puzzles and logic challenges. Students rotated through stations featuring games like; Mathematical Snakes and Ladders – exploring factors and multiples through strategic gameplay, Money Box Challenge -investigating tessellations and patterns, angles, decimal addition, decimal multiplication, area and value for money, and Mahtzee – sharpening times-table fluency and multiplicative thinking.

These games weren’t just fun, they were designed to align with the Australian Maths Curriculum and foster deep mathematical thinking. Students were encouraged to collaborate, strategise, and reflect on their problem-solving approaches in real time.

Over the course of both days, students were immersed in engaging and intellectually stimulating mathematical experiences that transcended textbook learning. The High Ability Maths program at Mornington Secondary College, led by Mrs Watchorn and the dedicated Maths Team, provided a platform for advanced learners to think creatively, communicate with clarity, and appreciate mathematics as a vibrant and exploratory discipline. 

These Maths Days exemplify the school’s commitment to nurturing high-potential students through meaningful enrichment opportunities that extend their thinking and cultivate a lifelong appreciation for mathematics.

Don’t forget Melbourne University Open Day Sunday August 17. If you are keen to participate in the Open Day Maths Olympiad Team, please reach out to Mrs Watchorn or Ms Lamb. 

Tracey Watchorn

Numeracy Leader

Aerobics Showcase Night

On Friday August 1st, we welcomed families and friends to attend the Aerobics Showcase Night to celebrate our 2025 Squad. Over 70 guests joined us in the Robert Herbert Gym, along with 25 of our students who performed their routines. 

It was an amazing night celebrating and fundraising for our hard-working squad, and I am pleased to say that we raised a total of $860.10! A huge thank you to those who donated by purchasing raffle tickets and guesses for the lolly jar. Congratulations to our lucky winners who took home the prizes. 

The showcase couldn't have happened without the help of some amazing people and businesses. We are very grateful for the generous raffle donations we received, and would like to send our thanks to the following businesses: 

• Fernwood Mornington
• Chemist Warehouse Mornington
• The Private Sea
• Bayside Osteopathy Clinic
• CorePlus Rosebud
• LUUP
• Zen Living
• KX Pilates Mornington
• Warrior One Mornington
• Mornington Golf Club
• Enchanted Adventure Park
• Arthur’s Seat Eagle
• The Winey Cow  
• Farrell’s Book Shop
• Bunnings Warehouse Mornington
• STRONG Pilates

I'd also like to thank the staff who helped in the organising and promoting of the showcase and those who attended and assisted with the smooth running of the night. 

Thank you to everyone who came down to support the Aerobics Squad, the students and I really appreciate it. Now the countdown is on for the National Championships which are just 8 sleeps away! 

Indie Jowett

Aerobics Squad

Girls Soccer Southern Metropolitan Region Finals

Intermediate Girls Soccer

On Friday August 1st, the Year 9/10 Girls Soccer team took on the challenge of the Regional Championships. Despite being down several players due to illness, several talented Year 8 students stepped up to support the team and rose to the occasion. While the girls didn’t come home with a win, they gained valuable experience, played with great determination, and represented the school with pride and spirit.

Grant Olarenshaw

Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence

Year 7 Girls Soccer

On Wednesday August 6th the Year 7 Girls Soccer team travelled to Cheltenham to compete in the SMR finals. The team had been training in the lead-up to the tournament and were keen to get out on the pitch and put their skills to the test. The team represented the school with pride and determination and came away with one win and two losses. It wasn't the result they were hoping for but they should be proud of their efforts on the day, as they were competitive in all three of their matches. 

A big thank you to Mr Walker for driving the bus and to Lily Hall and Kayla Paas for coaching the girls on the day and in the lead-up. A great effort by all involved. 

Jenny Vanin

Science/Health & PE Teacher

Year 8 Science - Squid Game Shape Fame!

This week in Science, 8C has been investigating the differences between physical and chemical changes. To bring the concept to life, one student, Evan, suggested a creative and hands-on idea — making cookies inspired by the popular Squid Game series.

Recognising this as a fun opportunity to demonstrate a physical change through a chemical change, we used sugar and baking soda to prepare traditional Korean dalgona-style biscuits. 

The process allowed students to observe how heating sugar causes a chemical change, while cutting the shapes represents a physical change, as the substance remains the same.

The activity sparked great discussion, teamwork, and curiosity — and the results can be seen in the pictures below. Well done, 8C!

Robert Horwill

Head of PE

Year 9 

Year 9 Connect Day at Docklands (Ice Skating & ArtVo)

To celebrate Year 9 completing their course selection, on Monday 4th August, we went ice skating at O'Brien Icehouse in Docklands followed by a visit to ArtVo museum.  Some of the students had never ice skated before and after a few hesitant starts all students were managing to get round the rink well.  Many students commented on how much harder it was than they thought it would be but they persevered and enjoyed themselves.  Once we stepped outside of the ice house it felt almost tropical compared to the chilliness of the rink.

We then went over to ArtVo and as you can see from the pictures it was a great experience being immersed into the art.  We ended our visit by having lunch in Docklands before heading back to school.  The students were amazing and the staff enjoyed it too!!

Sian Jones

Year 9 Team Leader 

Year 9 Connect Day at the MCG

On Monday August 4th, our Year 9 students had the incredible opportunity to step behind the scenes of one of Australia’s most iconic sporting landmarks – the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). Known as the beating heart of Melbourne sport, the MCG has played host to unforgettable moments in cricket, AFL, and even the Olympic Games.

As part of our school’s enrichment program, students embarked on a guided tour of the stadium, learning about its rich history, cultural significance, and the role it continues to play in Australia’s sporting identity.

Highlights of the tour included a walk through the famous Long Room, access to the players' change rooms, and the chance to walk along the boundary line of the hallowed turf. The group also explored the National Sports Museum, where interactive exhibits and treasured memorabilia brought the stories of sporting legends to life.

Experiences like the MCG tour allow students to step outside the classroom and connect with real-world contexts in memorable ways. We’re proud to offer excursions that spark curiosity, inspire passion, and broaden horizons.

Shaun Doherty

Year 9 Level Coordinator

Year 9 Celebration Assembly

At a recent Year 9 assembly many students were presented with awards, including Merit Awards for Arts, Sport and Recreation, and Community and STRIVE Awards. Congratulations to all recipients.

Year 10

Year 10 Chisholm TAFE Frankston Campus Tour

Year 10 students attended Chisholm TAFE Frankston campus on Tuesday 5th August to explore the course offerings and facilities. We were guided by Nick Prior, in student recruitment, and he provided us with a welcomed tour of all areas of the campus. The tour included a representative in each area, who provided a better insight into VET course offerings, as well as post school course offerings in the following pathways: 

• Hair & Beauty
• Early childhood
• Dental
• Building and Construction
• Automotive
• Nursing and 
• Cookery

People choose TAFE courses for a direct pathway to new skills and careers, focusing on practical, hands-on learning in industry-relevant fields. TAFE offers flexible study options, including online, on-campus, and blended learning, often with shorter course durations and more accessible entry requirements than university. It provides a gateway to higher education, offers specialised support services, and can be a cost-effective route to employment or a career change. 

Chisholm offers various services including a Skills and Jobs Centre for career support, various Student Support services like counselling and financial advice, Library and Learning Centres with study resources, free on-campus parking, and services provided by students in training, such as in a hair and beauty salon or a café and patisserie. 

We encourage parents, guardians and students, if they are seeking additional information to attend their monthly campus tours, or their main event on Wednesday September 3rd, 2025. To register for an Info Day or to learn more, please click on the below link.

Kylie Lebrasse

Careers Practitioner

Year 10 Studio Art

In class this week our Year 10 Studio Art students explored Figure Drawing. Using mannequins, and the amazing natural light on the day streaming into the Gallery space, our students drew a number of sketches using quick gestures with the charcoal, pastels and pencils provided.

Year 11 Art Gallery Visits

On Thursday July 31st VCE Art Making and Exhibiting students went on an excursion to Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) and Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA) for their Unit 2, Outcome 1: Thematic Exhibitions. During the excursion they explored the themes in MPRG & MUMA’s current exhibitions to learn how curators and exhibition designers develop links between the artworks on display in the galleries. From here, our students will consider methods and approaches to researching and curating a hypothetical exhibition.

Lea Gilbert

Head of Art

Hands on Learning

It was a beautiful day for some planting at Main Ridge on Wednesday July 30th. Our HoL students had fun planting and even creating their own pot plant snake which they carefully transported. Our guide for the day, Greg, educated us in ecology, wildlife and habitat and afterwards we enjoyed a stop at Dromana foreshore for some beach clean up and lunch. All in all, it was a fun, productive, educational and an eventful adventure.

After our excursion last week it was back to business on Wednesday August 6th. It was a perfect day for garden maintenance, painting doors for the inside roof and outdoor labour. Kransky sausages were on the menu for lunch and brownies for dessert. All in all, it was a very productive day.

Anastasia Maragakis

Hands on Learning Assistant 

Shire and Community Programs

To learn more or to reach out to us