Principal's Message
Over the past few weeks, there has been so much to celebrate at Mentone Girls’ Secondary College. From success in the classroom to creativity on the stage and kindness out in the community, it’s been a wonderful reminder of how our values—Empowerment, Inclusivity, Creativity and Achievement—guide everything we do.
We were thrilled to be recognised in 'The Age' as one of Victoria’s Top 25 Most Improved Schools. This recognition belongs to every student who strives for their best, every family who supports learning at home, and every teacher who brings their expertise and care into the classroom. It’s a proud milestone that reflects the strength and direction of our learning community.
In Performing Arts, our students have truly shone. The Theatre Studies production of 'Radium Girls' was a powerful and moving performance that left audiences thinking deeply about courage and justice. Congratulations to the students and to Ms Jenny Connolly for guiding the production with such care and vision. Our House Performing Arts event was another spectacular showcase—colourful, loud, and joyful. It was fantastic to see so many students taking creative risks, cheering each other on, and working together. Congratulations to Kenny House, our overall winner, and thank you to the many staff who helped make the event such a success.
On Wednesday 5 June, our Year 9 Drama students presented their original performance titled 'The Last Call' - a devised piece that they wrote and produced themselves. The evening included a short performance and a Q & A session where the students spoke confidently about their creative process and production roles. It was a brilliant example of student voice and imagination, and we’re proud of how confidently they shared their work with the audience.
Music continued to thrive, with gigs at the Mentone RSL, a well-attended Vocal Night, and inspiring performances from our VCE Music students. Whether students were playing, singing, or supporting behind the scenes, they all demonstrated the power of dedication and passion.
Meanwhile, our Aerobics program continues to be a source of pride. At the recent State Finals, we had 40 routines performed and 20 routines qualified for the National Championships in Hobart. A big congratulations to all students involved—and to Tess Molina and her team of coaches, including former MGSC students, for their outstanding leadership. Our Aerobics students are known not only for their talent but also for their reputation as “good sports,” supporting each other and showing genuine respect to competitors from other schools. That’s the MGSC way.
Our Year 9 students on camp at Wilson's Promontory represented the school beautifully. We were touched to receive an email from a member of the public who encountered a group of students at a bakery. He wrote:
“They were extremely kind and courteous. Several of the girls spoke to me and my young family, offering us to jump ahead in the long queue … well-spoken and polite.
So I just wanted to say well done.”
Moments like this are a wonderful reminder of how our students carry themselves with dignity and care—within and beyond the school gates.
We also acknowledged National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week through student-led reflections, a Smoking Ceremony and Flag Raising, and meaningful class discussions. Our community remains committed to learning from our shared history and celebrating the cultures and achievements of First Nations peoples.
Finally, our Year 10 students have just completed Work Experience, and we’ve had Morrisby Interviews taking place to support career planning. These opportunities help students build confidence, explore pathways, and gain a clearer sense of their future. Thank you to all staff who supported these programs, especially Simone Bouchier, Jackie Mathews, and Assistant Principal Hayley Dureau.
As always, thank you to our students for embracing every opportunity, to our staff for your tireless commitment, and to our parents and carers for walking alongside us. It truly is a team effort—and the results speak for themselves.
Warm regards
Linda Brown
Principal