From the Principal Team
To students and families of Mornington Secondary College,
Building Our College Community
There is always something happening at Mornington Secondary College, and the coming weeks are a wonderful reminder that school is about so much more than classrooms and assessments. Alongside learning, we continue to create opportunities for students to connect, celebrate success and build lasting memories together.
This week we are delighted to be hosting our visitors from the City of Osaka, and we are now midway through their ten-day homestay. It has already been a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange, new friendships and shared experiences that are enriching both our students and families. The group will return home on Tuesday August 4th, and we are sure they will leave with many fond memories of their time with us. A sincere thank you to the many host families who have opened their homes and made this program possible.
Next week also marks the opening of our College production of High School Musical. Bringing a production of this scale to the stage is a tremendous achievement and reflects months of dedication from our students and staff. We encourage everyone in our community to come along, support our talented performers and celebrate the creativity and spirit that make our college such a vibrant place.
Strengthening Our Wellbeing Safety Net
Over the coming weeks, all Year 10 students will participate in a two-hour Mental Health Safety Net session during their Connect classes. These sessions are designed to equip students with practical strategies to recognise when they or their friends may need support, understand where to seek help, and build confidence in accessing the many wellbeing supports available both within our school and the wider community. Looking after our mental health is an important life skill, and we are proud to continue investing in the wellbeing of our young people.
Planning for the Future
Thank you to the more than 300 students and families who participated in our recent Course Counselling Interviews. These conversations are an important milestone, providing students with the opportunity to reflect on their progress, explore future pathways and make informed decisions about their subject selections. The strong level of family engagement demonstrates the value our community places on education, and we appreciate everyone who took the time to be involved.
A Timely Reminder About Progress
Progress Reports will open for teachers to complete next week. This makes now the perfect time for students to redouble their efforts, ensure outstanding work is submitted and demonstrate positive learning habits in every class. Every lesson is an opportunity to improve. We encourage students to make the most of this opportunity and finish the reporting period strongly.
Kind regards,
The MSC Principal Team
Adam Slater
Principal
Nick Evans
Senior School Assistant Principal
Mike Parker
Assistant Principal - Curriculum and Student Wellbeing
Important Dates
Dates correct at time of posting and subject to change.
Students of the Week
Harley Gason - Year 7
Favourite food: Pizza
Hobbies out of school: Footy, boxing and gaming
What sports team do you follow? Richmond Tigers
Favourite movie/TV show: Fast and Furious
Do you have any pets? A Staffy named Lulu, a Rottweiler named Lucy and a cat named Sydney
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? Drum Corps
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? Seeing friends each day and sport
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? To join the Air Force
Your greatest strength: Sleeping
What three words best describe you? Funny, positive and kind
Ella Doherty - Year 7
Favourite food: Strawberries
Hobbies out of school: Aerobics, art and dancing
Favourite movie/TV show: Ginny and Georgia
Do you have any pets? A cat named Leo and a dog name Chloe
What are you excited for at Mornington Secondary College? The aerobics roadshow
What do you enjoy most about being at Mornington Secondary College? My friends, Art and English
What career do you wish to follow when you finish school? Working with animals or maybe working with the elderly.
What's one skill you have that makes you unique? Art and dancing
What three words best describe you? Kind, outgoing and determined
High School Musical Opens Next Week!
The countdown is on!
Mornington Secondary College's 2026 Production of High School Musical hits the stage next week, and you won't want to miss it.
For months, our talented cast, musicians and backstage crew have been working tirelessly to bring this much-loved musical to life. From rehearsals and choreography to costumes, lighting and set design, every student has played an important role in creating a production packed with energy, talent and entertainment.
Join us in supporting our students as they showcase the results of their hard work and dedication. Gather your family and friends for a fantastic night at the theatre – tickets are selling fast, so don't leave it until the last minute!
Performance Dates
- Thursday 6 August 2026
- Friday 7 August 2026
- Saturday 8 August 2026
Venue
Performing Arts Theatre
1051 Nepean Highway, Mornington
We can't wait to see you there!
Osaka Visitors
Last Sunday we welcomed visitors from Osaka, Japan to the MSC community as part of the MSC International Exchange Program.
During their 10-day stay, our visitors are experiencing 'life in Australia' while staying with MSC host families plus a varied day-time program including viewing the MSC High School Musical Production, visiting Benton Junior College, Main Street Market, cooking class with Ms Nottle (Honey Joys, Fairy Bread and Cheesy Vegemite Scrolls), a visit to Willum Warrain for Aboriginal studies, and a day in the city.
Our host families have already created some wonderful experiences, introducing their guests to Australian favourites like Vegemite and pavlova, sharing sporting activities including badminton, AFL, golf and dancing, and exploring attractions from Mornington to Phillip Island.
A sincere thank you to the families who have opened their homes to host our visitors. Your generosity and hospitality make this valuable exchange possible and provides an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.
Artist of the Month
Senior School - July Artist of the Month
The name of my piece is "Capital Punishment" named after the Big Pun album. Direct inspiration was drawn from the gritty frivolous rap scene of the early 2000s. The chain depicts Ghandi riding a horse in 24k gold, a playful depiction of someone who dealt with serious issues. My artwork was painted over the course of 12 weeks, entirely with oils. - Archie McGarry, Year 10
Middle School - July Artist of the Month
I did an observational drawing of some bottles that were in front of me in class for Art. - Jayden Klepacki, Year 7
Aerobics Showcase: 14th August
With the 2026 National Championships just four weeks away, we warmly invite our school community to our annual Aerobics Showcase on Friday the 14th of August.
Join us from 5:30pm in the Robert Herbert Gym to celebrate the hard work and dedication of every member of the Mornington Secondary College Aerobics Squad, while giving our National qualifying team Nova and duo Dynamite a wonderful send-off before they travel to the Sunshine Coast to compete at the 2026 National Championships.
The Showcase is one of our major fundraising events for the year. We kindly ask that you bring along a gold coin donation for entry and support our fundraising activities on the night.
We are excited to announce that Benton Junior College's first aerobics team, Benton Blaze, will be joining us at our showcase! Benton Blaze will join our MSC teams on the stage to perform their routine before also heading off to the National Championships. We are excited to welcome them to the college and cheer them on before Nationals.
We are currently seeking donations for our raffle. If you or someone you know owns or works for a local business that would be interested in donating a prize, please contact Indie Jowett at Indie.Jowett@education.vic.gov.au.
We look forward to seeing you there and sharing an exciting evening of performances as we celebrate our talented aerobics athletes and wish them the very best for the National Championships!
Indie Jowett
Aerobics Coach
Morning Tea with MSC Principal and Leadership Team
If you would like to attend, please complete the attached expression of interest form.
Our sessions will be held at 11:00 a.m. on:
- Friday 7 Aug 2026
- Wednesday 12 August 2026
Course Counselling 2027 – Planning for the Future
Over the past two weeks, our Year 9 and Year 10 students have participated in our annual Course Counselling Interviews, marking an exciting milestone as they begin planning their pathways for 2027 and beyond.
In the lead-up to the interviews, students spent several sessions completing a Course Selection Planning Workbook during their Connect lessons. This workbook encouraged students to reflect on:
- their strengths,
- interests,
- learning preferences,
- career aspirations and post-school options,
- while also researching the pathways required to achieve their goals.
Interviewing teachers were able to read each student's workbook before meeting with them, allowing conversations to be personalised and purposeful from the very beginning. Rather than simply selecting subjects, students and staff were able to have meaningful discussions about future careers, tertiary pathways, apprenticeships, vocational education and the knowledge and skills students will need to develop over the coming years. This preparation ensured interviews were focused on helping students make informed decisions that align with their long-term aspirations.
It was fantastic to see how well prepared our students were for their interviews. Many arrived with clear goals, thoughtful questions and a genuine understanding of how their subject choices connect to their future aspirations. In particular, our Year 9 students impressed staff with the incredible range of career ambitions they shared. From aspiring financial lawyers, Japanese teachers or land surveyors to following trades such as electricians, diesel mechanics, singer/songwriter to beauty therapists, it was inspiring to hear students speak so confidently about their future pathways. Of course, there were also many students who are still exploring their interests—and that's perfectly okay. Choosing a broad range of subjects that keeps future options open is often the best decision at this stage.
A huge thank you goes to our parents and carers who attended the interviews and partnered with us throughout the process. Your support, encouragement and conversations with your children play an invaluable role in helping them make informed decisions about their future.
Although students have now submitted their preferred subjects, our work is only just beginning. Behind the scenes, our Curriculum and Timetabling teams will now commence the complex process of building the 2027 whole-school timetable. This involves balancing hundreds of student preferences, staffing, room availability and curriculum requirements to create the best possible timetable for all students. It is a significant undertaking that continues throughout Term 3 and into Term 4.
Important Reminder: VET Applications Deadline Friday 14 August
Students intending to undertake a VET program in Year 10 or Year 11 in 2027 must ensure that all VET application paperwork is fully completed and returned to the Pathways Office (located at the back of R Block) no later than Friday 14 August.
If you have not yet collected a VET application pack, please see Fiona in the Pathways Office as soon as possible.
As students continue to think about their future, we encourage families to keep the conversation going at home. Career planning is an ongoing journey, and regular conversations about interests, strengths, emerging opportunities and future goals help ensure that the subjects students have selected continue to align with their aspirations. These discussions also reinforce the importance of students remaining engaged in their learning and taking advantage of the many opportunities available to them as they prepare for life beyond school.
We look forward to supporting our students as they continue their educational journey and begin preparing for an exciting 2027.
If families or students still would like more information or clarification on subject choices you can contact the Pathways office or have a chat to Michelle Barnes (Curriculum Leader), Mr Parker or Mr Evans (Assistant Principals).
Interschool Sport: Southern Metropolitan Finals
Intermediate Girls Badminton
On Friday 24th July the Intermediate Girls Badminton Team, consisting of Paula Arena, Charlotte Davies, Fern Jenner and Deyvina Kanthan, represented MSC in the Southern Metropolitan Region badminton championships. The girls had a fantastic day out honing their badminton skills.
Sally Fisher
Science/Technology Teacher
Senior Girls Netball
A huge congratulations to our Senior Girls Netball Team who competed in the Southern Metropolitan Region (SMR) on Monday.
The girls powered through three tough matches with some incredible teamwork. Our goalers—Emme Mellor, Izzy Reed, and Heidi Barnes—sank shots left, right, and centre, thanks to some super confident feeding from Kayla Christie and Mya Stynes. Down the other end, Lucy Ferlazzo was a powerhouse in defence and right across the mid-court.
A huge shoutout to our original players who helped us qualify, and a massive thank you to the Intermediate fill-ins who stepped up and glued the team together: Heidi Barnes, Lucinda Bradshaw, Kendal Christie, Alana Classon, Liv Costa & Grace Neeson.
Madison Nicholls
Maths/OES Teacher
Learning Snapshot
Year 12 PE – Putting Training into Practice
This week our Year 12 Physical Education students completed a big day of practical and academic learning as part of their VCE PE studies.
Students participated in five different training programs:
- circuit training,
- resistance training,
- plyometrics,
- short interval training, and
- flexibility.
The combination of programs gave students the opportunity to experience and apply the training methods they have been studying in class.
After putting their bodies to the test, students then put their knowledge to the test by completing their written SAC.
It was a challenging but rewarding day, with fitness certainly coming out the winner!
Well done to all our Year 12 PE students on their effort and commitment throughout the day!
Grant Olarenshaw
Director of Teaching and Learning Excellence
On Monday, our Year 9 Advanced Mathematics students took their learning outdoors to create a human linear graph. Working collaboratively, students took turns standing along the x-axis while classmates applied different linear rules to determine their positions on the graph. This engaging, hands-on activity helped bring abstract mathematical concepts to life, allowing students to develop a deeper understanding of linear relationships through movement, collaboration, and problem-solving. It was a fantastic example of active learning in action!
Our Year 11 Physics students put Newton’s Second Law to the test in a hands-on investigation using a dynamics cart, pulley and hanging mass. Students added 50g masses to the cart and measured the time taken to travel 50cm, enabling them to investigate how increasing mass influences acceleration. Through collecting and analysing their results, students reinforced the fundamental relationship between force, mass and acceleration, bringing one of physics' most important laws to life.
Dana Lamb
Head of Science
Congratulations to our new SBAT Student
Congratulations to Otis Burley (Year 10) who recently signed up and commenced his Head Start school-based apprenticeship (SBAT) with employer Cliff Brown Racing and is now completing his Certificate II in Racing Industry.
MSC and the Head Start program will support Otis as he embarks on his SBAT journey commencing his qualification certificate, attending work with his employer, and also working towards completing his VCE VM studies at Mornington Secondary College.
The Head Start team wish Otis all the best as he pursues his chosen career pathway.
For further information about the Head Start program, please see the website and short video:
http://www.vic.gov.au/headstart
About Head Start – 3 minute video
Brett Murphy
Head Start Coordinator
Alumni Achievements
Congratulations to former Mornington Secondary College student Ebony Lane, who competed in the 100m women's event at the Commonwealth Games this week, progressing through to the Semi Finals. It's fantastic to see Ebony representing Australia on the international stage.
2026 Contributions Friendly Reminder
The Department of Education provides schools with funds to assist in the running of a school. All government schools rely on parent subsidies that enhance and extend what our school can offer ensuring the best possible education and support for your family.
It would be greatly appreciated if you could review all of the recommended contributions we have requested as well as any other payments requested, for example Music Lessons.
To assist you with reviewing this on Compass please follow these instructions.
Compass Portal on a computer
Please follow the CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION link in the Payments Centre box. In this section, you will see all upcoming event and contribution links.
Click on the arrow next to ACTION REQUIRED to see more information and make any payments.
Compass Portal using the phone app
Please find below a link to the Compass Parent User Guide for the mobile app.
Wellbeing
Mental Health Safety Net
Over the past four years, Mick from Mental Health Safety Net has visited MSC Year 10 students to assist them in complete their Mental Health First Aide certificate.
Mental Health Safety Net is a local charity established to provide suicide prevention education on the Mornington Peninsula. Their mission is to equip people with the knowledge and skills to assist anyone in the community that may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts.
During the two hour session students learn to:
- identify signs of poor mental health,
- increase their access to meaningful solutions, and
- improve their confidence and skills to have this conversation with someone who is struggling in real life.
We are looking forward to this tradition continuing over the next several weeks with our 2026 Year 10 cohort.
Maddie Collinge
Student Wellbeing and HOL Support
Doctors in School
Footy Tipping
Harry Ledlin continues to set the pace, extending his lead to 123 points and showing remarkable consistency throughout the season. Fellow student Alex Classon is refusing to let him get away, sitting just one point behind on 122 in what is shaping up to be a thrilling finish.
MSC staff are proving they haven't lost their competitive edge either. Allison Betts has climbed to third place on 118, while Nick Evans and Michael Williams are locked together on 117 points, keeping the pressure firmly on the student leaders.
Further back, the chasing pack remains tightly bunched. With a handful of rounds still to come, one big weekend of tipping could see the leaderboard turned on its head. The battle for bragging rights between students and staff is heating up, and every tip now matters.
Don’t Miss a Moment at MSC!
Follow Mornington Secondary College on Facebook & Instagram for news, events, and more so you never miss a moment of your student's learning journey.
Community News & Opportunities
Swim Teacher Application Open for Kingswim
Looking for a job that’s more than just a job? Teach kids. Build confidence. Save lives.
- Join Kingswim as a Swim Teacher.
- Get paid while you train
- Flexible hours
- No teaching experience needed
- Make a real difference from day one
If you love working with kids and bringing great energy, Kingswim would love to meet you. Apply today.
RYPEN (Rotary Youth Program of Enrichment) - Camp for 14-17 Year Olds
RYPEN is a 3-day camp running 18-20 September at The Briars Outdoor Ed Camp in Mount Martha, where students take part in workshops and team challenges designed to build confidence and help them discover their potential.
RYPEN is completely free for participants and their families! Rotary clubs will sponsor young people to attend, which completely covers the cost of students to attend RYPEN.
Key details:
RYPEN: A life-changing camp for empowerment and personal growth
Who: 14-17 year olds (in years 9-11)
When: 18-20 September 2026
Where: The Briars Outdoor Ed Camp, Mount Martha
Apply: https://linktr.ee/ryla9815
Applications close: 23 August 2026
Monash University Indigenous Camp
To learn more or to reach out to us