7 minute read
The impact of giving
giving THE IMPACT OF
GIVING THE GIFT OF OPPORTUNITY
For former student, Elizabeth Willis (Blythman 1963), the chance to spend her final years of secondary schooling at MLC was “a dream come true.”
“I begged my parents to let me go to MLC,” recalls Elizabeth, whose older cousins attended the College and inspired Elizabeth with their stories of opportunity and a first-class learning environment. “I loved the facilities at MLC, from the gymnasium to the swimming pool to the Assembly Hall – it was like nothing I’d ever experienced,” Elizabeth says. “MLC was ahead of its time. I wasn’t especially academic, but I completed the MLC Business School qualification, which has held me in good stead throughout my working life.” “Looking back, I would have loved to have attended MLC for longer than just two years. Perhaps if I had had access to a scholarship, that may have been the case.” This sentiment has inspired Elizabeth to leave a bequest to MLC in her Will, which she has directed towards the Dr Wood Scholarship Fund. “I hope that my contribution will enable future students to attend MLC who may not otherwise have the opportunity to do so,” she says. Elizabeth is a believer in the power of many to achieve great things in education. “When you look around MLC you can see the impact of philanthropy through the generations – from the Cato Building to the Nicholas Learning Centre. Contributions small and large all add up and enable MLC to remain an educational leader.”
Choosing to leave a bequest to the Dr Wood Scholarship Fund also reflects Elizabeth’s fond memories of MLC’s much loved third Principal, who led the College from 1939 – 1966. “Dr Wood was such a presence. He knew every student and guided the school with incredible wisdom.”
After finishing school, Elizabeth spent a short period working at MLC, as Dr Wood’s secretary. Dr Wood officiated at Elizabeth’s wedding in 1967. “I was lucky to attend MLC and am leaving a bequest in order to give that opportunity to girls in the future,” Elizabeth says. To have a confidential conversation about MLC’s Bequest Program please contact Maria Mercuri, Associate Director on + 61 3 9274 6308 or email bequests@mlc.vic.edu.au.
For more information please visit mlc.vic.edu.au/Bequests
DR WOOD SCHOLARSHIP UPDATE
The tax deductibility status of the Dr Wood Scholarship Fund has recently changed. Donations to this Fund are now fully tax deductible, in line with all other MLC Funds including the Building Fund and the Library Fund.
The Dr Wood Scholarship is meanstested and awarded to a current or future MLC student at Year 9 or 10. It is valid for the remainder of their time at the College.
Clementine McNabb (2019).
MAKING THE MOST OF AN MLC EDUCATION
From GSV sport to performing arts festivals and leadership roles, Clementine McNabb (2019) remembers an MLC education that was rich with opportunities – and she took advantage of them whenever she could, supported by an MLC scholarship. “Receiving a scholarship enabled me to get the most out of my schooling through the full range of activities that MLC has to offer,” Clementine says. “I am very grateful to the Scholarship Fund donors who made my MLC education possible.” Clementine attended MLC from Years 7 to 12 and remembers two flagship moments in her personal development. The Year 9 MLC Marshmead experience was “an opportunity to be in touch with the environment and to reflect on my own selfimprovement and discovery” while the Year 10 Japan study tour “helped me to develop my language skills and experience the broader world.”
MLC’s extensive art and music programs influenced Clementine’s passion for these areas.
“In Senior School I was lucky enough to be the Art and Design Prefect, which taught me so much about leadership, teamwork and how to combine my hobbies with change.” She also valued her selection as an Outdoor Leader in Year 11, where she acted as a role model and mentor for students in Year 7.
Clementine is currently studying a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Melbourne, with plans to complete the postgraduate Juris Doctor there as well.
“My MLC education set me up to achieve the results that I needed to be in the position I am in today. Most importantly though it gave me lifelong friends and experience in teamwork and leadership that has proved extremely valuable.”
Thanks to generous MLC community support, the refurbishment of seating in the MLC Assembly Hall is now complete. Pictured: Vice Principal, Mark Gray and Senior Vice Principal, Margaret Horton experience the newly refurbished seats.
RECOGNITION FOR NICHOLAS LEARNING CENTRE
Members of the MLC community were invited some months ago to ‘take their seat’ to support the refurbishment of seating in our treasured MLC Assembly Hall. The refurbishment program is now complete. All seats and arm rests have been newly padded and recovered, new springs have been fitted and seat frames renovated. As well as being much more comfortable, the refurbished seating looks truly magnificent! The success of the Take Your Seat program reflects the contributions of hundreds of current parents, past students, staff and friends of the College who ‘purchased’ a refurbished seat. We thank all members of the College community who gave to this project. Donors chose the wording for the plaques on the back of ‘their’ seats to honour loved ones, students past or present, MLC community members, or simply to record their own names for posterity. The Take Your Seat program will support our students on a daily basis, while at the same time help to preserve our historic Assembly Hall for the benefit of generations to come. We are of course conscious that our refurbished seats are empty right now. The pandemic has put the events synonymous with this special space – music and drama performances, assemblies, House meetings and other events – temporarily on hold. Not being able to hold such events reminds us just how much they mean to our MLC community. We can’t wait to be together again, enjoying memorable moments in our much-loved Assembly Hall. A very limited number of refurbished balcony seats remain available for ‘purchase’ and dedication. Should you wish to take your place in the Assembly Hall’s life story by purchasing one of these seats, please visit mlc.vic.edu.au/takeyourseat or email foundation@mlc.vic.edu.au MLC’s new Nicholas Learning Centre (NLC) has received a commendation in the Learning Environments Australasia Award. These annual architecture awards celebrate excellence in learning spaces, with a clear focus on the role design plays in supporting educational objectives.
The NLC was realised with the incredible support of the MLC community. This state-of-the-art learning environment facilitates teaching and learning in flexible, open areas that offer students agency and choice in how and where they learn, ultimately placing the student at the centre of the learning environment.
Thank you to all members of the MLC community whose collective contributions made this wonderful
THANK YOU FOR TAKING YOUR SEAT
facility possible.
YOUR SUPPORT FOR MLC
ANNUAL ASK 2020 OUR HEARTFELT
Thanks — we are most grateful for your
As we are all aware, 2020 has been an extraordinary year for everyone, including MLC. The pandemic has resulted in our students spending many months studying from home via our Continuous Learning and Wellbeing program, well supported by our committed teachers and IT team. Online information evenings and parentstudent-teacher conferences have also been provided for families.
Earlier in the year, the College made a number of decisions to restrict spending, including the suspension of all capital works (excluding the refurbishment of the Harold Wood Wing, which was already well under way). All families were given a 15% fee reduction in June: we were greatly heartened by some parents’ generous decision to donate their fee rebates back to the College to
Given the current environment, it was decided to replace the traditional Annual Giving program this year with an invitation to members of the MLC community (except current parents) to consider supporting families in need. We would like to acknowledge all Old Collegians, past parents, current and past staff members who responded by making such a gift, either to emergency fee relief or means-tested scholarships assist other MLC families.
thoughtful and practical support. Thank you too to all the current parents who kindly supported scholarships by opting to pay their Voluntary Contribution.
Although the total level of giving this year has, understandably, been much lower than usual, every gift will make a positive impact. The College will continue to do all it can to uphold and look after MLC students and families during the coming months. Thank you for your valuable role in helping us to do this.
With warm regards, Principal, Diana Vernon and Chair, MLC Foundation, Marjorie Nicholas OAM (Thompson 1956)
There is still an opportunity to make a gift this year in support of families, if you would like to do so: please visit www.mlc.vic.edu.au/giving to give online, or contact the Advancement team at foundation@mlc.vic.edu.au
