Around the College
Year 12 Physics Luna Park Excursion
Wednesday 5th saw our year 12 Physics students enjoy one of the highlights of the year at Luna Park.
The current topic is, how do physicists explain motion in two dimensions? At Luna Park we took on four practical activities aligned with the upcoming SAC, and noticed how many students were doing Physics (the park was closed to the public). Aside from that, all rides were open to the students, so we were able to enjoy a rare moment in the busy physics schedule.
Our students did MMCRC proud and were a pleasure to take for a long day out.
Year 7 Camp
The Year 7 camp was held at the CYC Phillip Island Adventure Resort. Birthdays, bravery, and benevolence—the three words that best describe Year 7 camp, 2025. The students have shown kindness and a willingness to jump in and try new things. All the staff on camp this year had a fantastic experience getting to know our newest Mary Mac students.
Achievers Assembly - College Dux Speech
Good morning staff, students, and guests,
First and foremost, I must apologise for my absence today.
I would also like to pause to acknowledge the Class of 2024; the effort, perseverance and commitment displayed by my peers has been both humbling and inspiring. It is with this in mind, I am confident every award recipient today is entirely deserving of the recognition they are receiving and has dedicated themselves tirelessly over the last 12 months. I wish them and the entire cohort every success and thank all of you for the laughs, memories and support I’ve received over the last 6 years.
However, it’s impossible to discuss our high school success without celebrating the support of our teachers. The countless hours spent planning, marking, and teaching often go unrecognized, yet they are invaluable to our growth and development. Of course we’ve all had different experiences along the way, but I think I speak for the year level when I say that the guidance and dedication of our teachers have been a huge part of what got us to this point. To those who have gone above and beyond, we extend our heartfelt gratitude.
While I may not feel entirely qualified to offer advice, I’d like to take a moment to share an important point with the current students in the room today: success looks different for everyone. For some, final grades may play a significant role in shaping their future, while for others, a career that values interpersonal skills and real-world experience may be more important than academic achievements. The number you receive at the end of Year 12 may hold little significance for your future, and if that is the case, I encourage you to make the most of your education without feeling pressured to follow a strictly academic path. You have every right to carve out your own path and define success on your own terms.
For those of you who choose to pursue academics as the path to your future career, I urge you to remember that no grade is worth compromising your mental health. While striving to do your best each day is important, it’s equally crucial to prioritize your well-being. At the end of the day, no score can guarantee happiness. People will tell you countless times there are many ways to get to where you want to go, but I promise you that is true. I know many people who were disappointed with their ATAR but are still going on to study something they love. Even I didn’t get my first preference for university courses, yet when I reflect on the past year, I can genuinely say that I gave it my all, while still taking care of myself and enjoying the experience. I believe that a big part of success in your final years of school is building relationships that not only help you with your studies but also give you the balance you need to enjoy the year and make it memorable. This is the balance I wish for all of you as you eventually graduate and look back on your time at Mary Mac.
Finally, to the current VCE students, as you undertake the gruelling final years of secondary education, I implore you to advocate for what you need. The pressure of your studies can sometimes be overwhelming, but it is essential you remind yourselves this is your education. Simply harbouring your frustrations will not bring about change, it is your school’s responsibility to support you and facilitate an environment in which you can learn. Therefore, if you encounter an issue that is hindering your ability or that of your peers to succeed, you have every right to take action to ensure the best possible outcome at the end of the year.
Thank you for your time and best of luck in whatever you choose to peruse.
Sandra Dyke