The Star - Winter/Spring 2023

Registered by Australia Post Publication No. VBQ. 6695

Volume 37 No.2 Winter/Spring 2023

Community and Connection Education is about people – past and present. In this edition of The Star, we share some of the inspiring human stories and shared achievements that drive education forward.

Cover story As per tradition, Year 12 students were farewelled by the whole community as they walked through MLC’s iconic Krome Gates.

Editorial Committee Director of Community Engagement Aimee Suchard-Lowe Associate Director of Advancement, Maria Mercuri Family Engagement Senior Manager Kate Woodford Alumnae Engagement Manager Fiona Douglas Editor and Writer, Claire Roberts Brand and Creative Manager, Vivian Smith Distribution A digital copy of The Star is available at mlc.vic.edu.au/thestar. To change how you receive The Star (digital or post), please complete our online form using the QR code below, or email thestar@mlc.vic.edu.au with your details.

To uphold the environmental values of the College, including reduction of print volumes and minimisation of wastage, each household will receive one copy of The Star. Should you wish to receive additional copies please email thestar@mlc.vic.edu.au.

In this issue

From the Principal

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More than just subjects Insights from our Senior Vice and Vice Principals

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Around MLC Snapshots of life around the College

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Together through blue, grey, and green 8 A look at the history of the MLC school uniform

Confidence springs from community 16 The link between an all girls’ education and lifelong self-confidence.

Looking after our college and community Meet MLC’s friendly Security and Community Liaison Team.

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Alumnae stories Four trail blazing women

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Junior School A shared learning journey

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OCC update From the OCC President

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Junior Secondary School Immersing young minds in French

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Parents’ Association update Meet our new President

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Middle School Working together for a cause

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Foundation news Creating opportunity through Philanthropy

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Senior School Sharing experience and wisdom

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Boarding At home while at school

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Reunions Staying connected through vibrant events

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Community notices Celebrations, commemorations and accolades

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Kindle Our journey to the 2023 Kindle Art Exhibition

Community notices We encourage all Old Collegians to contact us and share news for inclusion in The Star’s community notices section.

Please read our Community Notices Guidelines at mlc.vic.edu.au/ communitynotices Contact us Alumnae Relations: alumnae@mlc.vic.edu.au +61 3 9274 6357 MLC Foundation: foundation@mlc.vic.edu.au +61 3 9274 6308 MLC Admissions: admissions@mlc.vic.edu.au +61 3 9274 6316

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Building school connectedness, see pages 4-5.

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History of the MLC school uniform, see pages 8-9.

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Meet our amazing security team, see page 18.

207 Barkers Rd Kew Victoria 3101 Australia mlc.vic.edu.au Methodist Ladies’ College Limited ABN 55 006 036 979 CRICOS 00325A The Star is printed on ‘Pacesetter uncoated’ paper to uphold the environmental values of the staff and students at MLC. This paper is FSC 30% recycled and made up from elemental chlorine-free bleached pulp, which is PEFCTM certified sourced from sustainably managed sources. It is manufactured by an ISO 14001 certified mill.

Our magazines are wrapped using BioWrap biodegradable film, which is recyclable but will also decompose in landfill.

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How girls’ schools foster confidence, see page 16.

Principal’s editorial

From the Principal

The Importance of Community

Welcome to the Winter/Spring 2023 edition of The Star, which explores the role and value of connection and community at school.

MLC is a strong school community with many connections.

First and foremost, there are the bonds and relationships between students and teachers that shape the school day.

There is also the community and connection created by the school and its staff, current parents and families, and our broader community. Then there’s the continued connection, solidarity, and bond between our Old Collegians, and their inspirational relationship to current students as role models.

Education is about people – past and present. The human experiences, stories, and achievements (large and small) that drive education forward should be celebrated. Which brings us to the wonderful stories shared in this edition of The Star.

On page 10 we gain an insight into the Junior School community, as shown through our annual Learning Showcase. Over 600 parents and families attended this event and shared in the learning journey of our Prep to Year 6 students.

On page 11 we are immersed in the French Immersion Program on offer in Junior Secondary School. French immersion students receive a significant part of their education in French, with some students starting from zero with no previous experience of the French language.

The community they build together through the experience is remarkable.

On page 12 our Middle School students show us what can be achieved when we all band together for a cause. Service Learning at MLC is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn new skills, connect with their peers, and make links with the broader community.

On page 13 we hear about the introduction of a new program that connects current Year 12 students with recent graduates. Year 12s gain a great deal of information and insight from our newest Alumnae members, who have only a few years ago walked in their shoes.

You will also find on pages 24 and 25, an invitation from our Associate Director of Advancement, Maria Mercuri, to consider how your philanthropy can make a difference, along with two powerful stories from Old Collegians one a scholarship recipient, another a scholarship donor.

As these stories attest, MLC is a strong, inclusive, and vibrant community that is committed to our current and future students. Each of us is a small puzzle piece in the giant jigsaw puzzle that is MLC, and we are each indispensable to completing the vibrant picture.

Best wishes,

Julia Shea, Principal

At the Old Collegians’ Club Year 12 Farewell Coffee Morning, Ms Shea, joined OCC Treasurer, Bridget Ward (1991) and Vice President, Alex O’Keefe (1999) to farewell the Class of 2023.

Ms Shea announces Cato the winner of this year’s energetic House Cheer competition.

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Learning and Curriculum MLC encourages peer-to-peer relationships across year groups through initiatives such as the Big Sister program, which matches Year 7 students with a Year 11 ‘big sister’ such as Hailey (Year 7) and Anika (Year 11)

More than just subjects Schools must be places where students can find a real connection and build a genuine sense of community. Why? Because the research shows that school connectedness is one of the best predictors of students’ academic progress, health, and wellbeing.

At MLC, the school curriculum is more than just subjects and timetables, it also encapsulates positive peer-to-peer and teacher relationships and student wellbeing as a whole.

In 2024, Years 7 - 12 are moving to the Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing model that will usher in greater frenquency of contact between students and subject teachers, dedicated Mentors with low staff-to-student ratios, fortnightly individual check-ins that are tailored to individual

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needs, group wellbeing sessions that tackle contemporary issues, and clearer academic pathways with a sequential progression that strengthens student learning, as well as their social and emotional development.

“MLC will feel more like a community than ever,” says Margaret Horton, Senior Vice Principal, who along with Mark Gray, Vice Principal, was one of the main drivers behind the curriculum review.

“With these changes, students in their secondary years will have a stronger sense of belonging, of being known and valued.”

- Margaret Horton, Senior Vice Principal “Curriculum evolution like this is crucial,” says Margaret.

“As trusted educators, a school has a deep obligation to constantly test and evolve its curriculum to ensure that it is responding to contemporary and emerging issues as well as the latest research and knowledge into how students, but particularly girls, best think, learn, and develop resilience.”

“We now know just how important relationships and a strong sense of belonging are to learning outcomes and wellbeing overall, which is why we can’t just put wellbeing in a box, out of sight. Wellbeing must be threaded through the structure of the school day and the curriculum as a whole,” adds Mark.

“At MLC, we emphasise developing positive relationships between students, teachers, and parents, because this allows us to partner with parents as we monitor their daughter’s progress. Our secondary teachers will be wellplaced to identify emerging concerns, leading to earlier intervention, and better outcomes for students, where needed.”

For both Margaret and Mark, the old adage ‘it takes a village to raise a child’ rings true. “But we would say it takes a wellconnected community,” says Mark.

“This is why MLC has always fostered a strong sense of belonging through our cross-College House system, our small Marshmead groups, student clubs, interdisciplinary work, and even our year level assemblies. We offer multiple levels of connection,” says Margaret.

She continues, “We can think of these activities, and the changes to the curriculum broadly, as markers for social and emotional learning (SEL). At MLC, the focus is not just purely academic, because research shows that SEL not only improves achievement by an average of 11 percentile points,

but it also increases prosocial behaviours (such as kindness, sharing, and empathy), improves student attitudes toward school, and reduces depression and stress (Durlak et al., 2011). Effective social and emotional development requires coordinated classroom and schoolwide practices.”

For Mark, this is all in keeping with MLC’s commitment to excellence and innovation in education. “MLC’s Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing will provide a broader, more balanced, and integrated secondary schooling experience,” says Mark. “With enhanced relationships and wellbeing activities at its core, students will have a more personalised program to meet their learning and wellbeing goals resulting in a better learning experience.”

“It takes courage to do things differently, but that’s what draws so many families to our incredible College.”

- Mark Gray, Vice Principal Citations Durlak, J.A., Weissberg, R.P., & Pachan, M. (2010). “A meta-analysis of after-school programs that seek to promote personal and social skills in children and adolescents.” American Journal of Community Psychology, 45, pp.294-309.

Students Hazel (Year 7) and Bianca (Year 11) catch up for advice on navigating the secondary years.

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College news

Around MLC A snapshot of College life If you have seen MLC’s social media pages lately, you will know that the school year flies by with a plethora of exciting events that bring students from every part of the College together for a cause, with an emphasis on real-life learning and positive role models. Here are just some of the events that students took part in.

Stay up to date with the latest MLC news: Facebook: facebook.com/mlckew Instagram: @mlckew

Year 12 VCE VET Hospitality Final Service For our Year 12 VCE VET Kitchen Operations students’ final restaurant service, each student designed a dish and then prepared, cooked, and served their menu, demonstrating key skills and the knowledge required to work in a commercial kitchen.

Snack Shop Snack Shop is a great leadership opportunity for Year 6 students. Being able to run Snack Shop is a great opportunity for students to learn about teamwork, financing, and money handling while keeping their environment clean and tidy and raising money for charity.

Penne Pasta Drive In Term 1, Year 7 students collected 485 kilograms of penne pasta for FareShare.

1 kilogram of pasta makes 6 meals, which equates to 2,910 meals for people experiencing poverty in Melbourne!

What a tremendous effort!

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GoGirls Fundraiser In March, MLC hosted the Go Girls Luncheon.

The Go Girls Foundation supports long-term unemployed women and women at risk of domestic violence to become work ready, allowing for a more independent life. Our VCE VET Hospitality students prepared a delicious menu for the occasion.

Book Week This year, MLC celebrated Book Week and the theme “Read, Grow, and Inspire”. Our fabulous Library staff organised an amazing line-up of reading and writing-inspired events for our students from Prep to 12, including talks from bestselling authors and an award-winning journalist.

Spring Concert Spring Concert is the largest event in MLC’s Music Performance calendar, and it involves all the Choirs, the Flockart Band, the Symphonic and Big Bands, the MLC Drumline, the Concert Orchestra, Amati, Quattro and Senior String ensembles, and a large, combined Percussion Ensemble.

GSV Athletics, Swimming and Diving In a stellar year for sports, MLC has been crowned GSV Athletics Champions after taking out the Division 1 Track and Field Carnival - our first win since 2010! MLC is also the first school to win three Division 1 GSV Championship Carnival Sports in a calendar year!

Legally Blonde 80+ students came together to present MLC’s 2023 Senior Musical, Legally Blonde.

Audiences across three nights were wowed by the fast-paced, energetic, fun, very pink and funny show. The hard work, passion, and commitment of all involved made for a truly joyous production.

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From the archives

Together through blue, grey, and green

MLC Class Group (1910s)

By Stacey Coenders, College Archivist

Despite major changes to the MLC uniform over the years, it remains a key component of our sense of community and unison.

At MLC, we have had several major uniform changes across our 141-year history. However, when the College first opened in 1882, there was no uniform. The expectation was for students to wear clothing of “plain and useful character” (1884 Prospectus).

Between 1882 and 1906, student enrolment increased and there was a growing need to identify MLC students from other schools. Over several years, a variety of uniform items were introduced, including the MLC Star badge (which had a blue inscription), a green tie, and a green hatband.

It wasn’t until the 1920s that the first full official uniform was established. This uniform consisted of a dark navy-blue tunic and blazer, worn with a white blouse, a green tie and a hatband. This mixture of colours caused confusion amongst students at the time, with one student writing to the Editress of the Silver and Green: “Is it fact or only rumour that our school colours are silver and green? If fact, why is it that the only silver in our uniform, our school star, is decorated with blue? Surely this could be remedied. Yours, silver or white, blue or green?” (Silver and Green, 1929).

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Despite best intentions, uniforms tend to unite students through a shared dislike. After only ten years of having a uniform, students publicly noted their disdain for the dark uniform: “It seems strange in Melbourne’s Centenary Year that her youth should dress in Mourning” (Silver and Green, 1934). This feedback was taken on by the College, and in 1935, students were permitted to wear light grey instead of dark blue during the summer months, which delighted many.

The permitted grey summer uniform must have sparked some rethinking of the College’s uniform, because two years later, MLC introduced its first major uniform change.

The 1937 uniform consisted almost entirely of grey – a grey tunic, blazer, hats, gloves, and stockings. This uniform persisted with small changes for nearly 40 years and was the first uniform to really unite students and created a sense of belonging: “In life, it is essential that we ‘belong’…the wearing of the uniform while we are at school serves to show that there is something that binds us together” (Silver and Green, 1958).

MLC Uniform through the years

Early MLC Star Pin with blue lettering (1900s)

Students on bench in the old Quadrangle (1917)

Green blazer and grey jumper with summer dress (1978)

Senior and Junior School students in summer uniform in Crabapple Walk (1992)

MLC Winter Uniform (1993)

By 1969, the grey uniform was starting to wear on students with some referring to themselves as “grey-uniformed automatons” (Silver and Green, 1969). This led to the second major uniform change at MLC where things went from grey to green, complete with a green pinstripe blouse and green tie. The summer uniform was a simple green and white checked dress.

Twenty years later, in 1988, there was an adaption of the winter uniform. The green blazer changed style to a new green braided blazer with a matching pleated green skirt and a white blouse with a green pinstripe. The tie was replaced with a Star badge worn at the neck.

The third major uniform change was implemented during the College’s 120th Anniversary in 2002. This time, the uniform was designed to be multifunctional, competitively priced, and suitable for the different needs of our diverse student body, while still honouring tradition, with the choice of green and the silver star harking back to our very first uniform items, all those years ago.

MLC Boarders (2017)

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Junior School The annual Junior School Learning Showcase invites JS families into the classroom to celebrate student learning.

A shared learning journey Junior School’s annual Learning Showcase brings parents and families together in celebration of the amazing work that goes on inside our classrooms. This year, over 600 parents and family members were able to attend and show their support.

Every August, Junior School classrooms open their doors to showcase student learning and projects. Families connect across all year levels, as they travel from the Prep to Year 6 classrooms and get a glimpse into their daughter’s learning journey, and that of other students’. The festive atmosphere is complimented by food trucks outside and, this year, a cricket clinic facilitated by Melbourne Stars and the Kew, North Balwyn and Boroondara Cricket Clubs.

“The showcase was really a showcase,” says Christine Rammos, Year 4 parent. “My daughter was my tour guide and I absolutely loved that. She showed me the fantastic work she had created. Then she took me on a tour around the other classrooms and even to the P-2 building to see past teachers.”

It was a treat for Christine’s daughter, Eleni, as well: “My daughter always says, “I love it when you come to my classroom. I want to show you what I created.””

JS parents also welcomed the opportunity to spend time with one another, creating and deepening connections. “We enjoy spending time together at family events and watching the girls flourish,” says Joanne Sheldrick, Year 3 parent.

“The Year 3 parents have grown to know one other over the past four years and we welcomed some lovely new families this year.”

“Every year the girls face new and exciting challenges, and family support is crucial in helping them negotiate the ups and downs of school life. MLC creates wonderful opportunities for families to be involved and celebrate their daughters’ achievements. We are very much part of the learning journey,” adds Joanne.

Christine agrees. “I feel that there is a strong partnership between families in the JS community. I really enjoy attending all the school activities. It brings joy to my daughter, too when she knows I will be attending. The school really encourages families to have a positive relationship with the school.”

For Head of Junior School, Louise Peyton, family involvement is all part of MLC’s evidence-based, proactive approach.

“A strong sense of belonging is a such an important factor in education, especially primary education,” says Louise.

“The wonderful relationships between Junior School staff and our families ensures each student is provided with the opportunities they need to flourish, explore, and learn - all within a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community that parents also enjoy and are proud of.”

“I really enjoyed seeing the other grades learning, especially the Year 6 French project because I can’t wait to learn French. The food trucks also served delicious food I ate a lot!”

- Violet Sheldrick, Year 3 Estella (1A) is all smiles with her family members at the JS Learning Showcase.

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Junior Secondary School

MLC students celebrate Bastille Day in Melbourne.

French Immersion students sit for the DELF and DALF Diplomas, a qualification recognised around the world.

Immersing young minds in French The partial French Immersion program allows participating Junior Secondary School students to receive a significant part of their education delivered entirely in French.

MLC’s French Immersion students master French in the same way that they learned their first language, by hearing and speaking French daily.

“They rapidly increase their fluency as they construct their language in an active way,” says Monique Manders, one of MLC’s French Immersion Language Teachers.

“Prior experience of learning French is not a pre-requisite, although students with a French background are catered for.

Interested students submit an application with their Year 7 enrolment and are accepted based on their motivation and overall academic ability.”

“As well as their French language classes, in Years 7 and 8 students will cover a range of core subjects, such as mathematics, humanities, and science, all entirely in French,” says Mary-Lou Ciampa, another French Language Teacher at the College.

“In Year 7, they’re often complete beginners, but by the time they finish Year 8, they’re reasonably fluent.”

Beyond fluency, both Mary-Lou and Monique observe farreaching benefits associated with the program. “Over the years, we have noticed that a large number of our JSS French Immersion students end up being student leaders once they reach Senior School. We think it’s because they develop all these wonderful skills in communication and resilience from the very beginning of their secondary schooling,” says Monique.

Both Mary-Lou and Monique appreciate the opportunity to teach the same students at different points along their educational journey.

“I have [French Immersion students] in Year 8, both in Home Group and for Science and French, and then again when they’re in Senior School for VCE,” says Mary-Lou. “It’s an incredible cross-College community,” says Monique.

“But it’s more than just immersion in the French language; our students foster a connection with French speakers all around the world.”

For students like Evie Flynn in Year 8, the French Immersion Program is a springboard to going on exchange: “At the beginning of this year, I started working towards the goal of going on exchange in 2024 and am thrilled I have a spot in a program departing mid-January.

“Personally, this program is a bridge to my dream – working in the United Nations, which includes 29 official French-speaking countries. If I learn to interact with people in their native tongues, I can build relationships and connect with them.” - Evie Flynn, Year 8

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Middle School

Working together for a cause MLC’s Community Service programs, which we call Service Learning, offer our students diverse opportunities to become involved in their local, national, and international communities, but for students in Year 9, it’s also an important opportunity to put on a show!

“Service Learning is a fantastic community-building exercise, both within the College and with the charities and organisations students work with,” says Melissa Lange, Head of Middle School. “Students bring their creativity and talents to the table. They band together and sometimes the ideas they come up with can be quite entertaining!”

Earlier this year, the students in 9K proposed a charity fashion show to raise funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA). “At the start of the year, we discussed social service, and we all elected a social activity to raise money for a charity of our choice. The students in 9K wanted to do something different, and among the ideas discussed was a dunk tank, where you throw balls and dunk teachers, and playing dodgeball against teachers,” says Home Group teacher, Isabella Divirgillio. “But then they thought maybe a fashion show might work - a pink fashion show for breast cancer awareness.”

In preparation for the show, 9K students became a tight-knit team, working together even through general periods. “In Year 9, students move into a new Home Group so projects like this are an opportunity for students to get to know each other,” says Isabella.

The fashion parade was held in the second last week of Term 2 in the JTA and staff and students paid $2 to enter. 9K students spoke about why they chose the BCNA, and what it meant to them, and then welcomed the teachers-turnedmodels onto the stage in pairs. “They decorated the whole JTA in pink and borrowed every pink piece of clothing and accessory from the Drama Department, who were more than happy to help!”

“There was a big student attendance from across the College and the teachers involved had a lot of fun. I wore an all-pink suit, and two teachers dressed up as Freddie Mercury…I don’t think the students knew who he was, but the teachers had a bit of a chuckle.”

At the end of the show, all the students from 9K got to count the money and see how much they raised.

“They were proud of the results and amazed at what they could do for the community, and as a community. They supported one another and saw themselves be supported by the whole College.”

Middle School teachers take to the stage to model 9K’s pink creations in support of their Breast Cancer Network Australia fundraiser.

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Senior School Annika Whitby with OC Georgie Moloney

Students at Monash University

Shared experience and wisdom A new program connects recent MLC graduates with current Year 12s to share their expertise, insights, and first-hand knowledge about the transition from school to university.

In Term 3, students in Year 12 took part in a university transition day, where they toured several Melbourne universities, and met and heard from current university students, to help them to think about their next steps.

“The aim of the day was to provide current students with the opportunity to hear from recent MLC graduates about their experience navigating the path from MLC to tertiary study,” says Jennifer Bailey Smith, Head of Senior School.

“Being in situ helped students to see the differences between secondary and tertiary education, and to begin to understand how they could prepare for this transition.”

Year 12 students, Eunyce He and Ella Bedoya, welcomed the opportunity to find out more about life beyond the Krome gates.

“I learned that university life is much more independent than school life,” says Ella. “There are more expectations placed on you about managing your time and schedule.

“I also learned that life beyond year 12 is not only about classes but finding groups of people that you connect with from different backgrounds.”

“They taught me that it is important to embrace change and diversity with an open mind as we become a part of a much larger community, and to fulfil our interests and passions whilst also stepping out of our comfort zones,” says Eunyce.

For Kaajal Bedi, one of the graduates who spoke on the day, who is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Monash University, it was an opportunity to help bridge the gap between secondary and tertiary education. “As someone who was incredibly unsure about what I wanted to do in the future, I felt honoured to share my experiences and ease some nerves about their next steps after high school.

“My favourite part of the session was when students came up to me after the panel to have a chat. It felt as though I had fulfilled my purpose of providing a good insight into what the future may hold for them.”

Kaajal also had some words of encouragement for those students who may be worried about losing touch with their MLC friends and connections. “I made it clear that they are not only in control of what they choose to pursue in their career, but it is also up to them to maintain friendships and connections with others,” says Kaajal.

“After high school, it can be easy to lose touch with friends, so it is important to take the time to strengthen those friendships. I highlighted that this is actually a really exciting time, as this is when you find the friendships that you know will last a lifetime.”

“We benefitted from the guidance, insight, and wisdom of past students, and caught a glimpse of what our lives might be like after school.”

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Boarding Carolyn Matthews, Deputy Head of Boarding, and Esther Boles, Senior Boarding Coordinator, join boarders in a game of cards in MLC’s homely Tiddeman House.

At home while at school Starting boarding school can be daunting, but replicating a home-like environment where each boarder feels safe, supported, and part of the boarding family makes all the difference.

On a wintry Sunday afternoon in August, MLC’s boarding house, Tiddeman House, offers a warm, inviting space with light streaming in from the central courtyard. In one corner, a game of mahjong is underway, and upstairs, boarders and supervising staff are busy baking cookies. “In terms of the aesthetic of Tiddeman House, we’re keen on having lots of break-out spaces and common spaces,” says Carolyn Matthews, Deputy Head of Boarding. “There’s cushions, rugs, bean bags; additions that make students feel comfortable, so we have that home-like feel.”

Carolyn credits the latest refurbishment with creating a light and bright atmosphere that students and staff alike love.

“Esther Boles, our Senior Boarding Coordinator, and I have worked in Boarding Houses that were heavy and depressing spaces. I’ve seen firsthand how aesthetics matter, especially in a place where you live and spend a lot of time.”

“I would liken the LT Common Room to a big family kitchen living area, it’s where boarders watch the footy or soccer, do crafts, get help with homework, and chat to friends and Big Sisters – all the comings and goings of life in a big house happen in the LT common room.”

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Esther agrees, “The boarding environment is complimentary to what we do in terms of pastoral care. Our boarders genuinely feel like they’re coming home after their school day ends and on weekends, they have fun activities, and good home-cooked meals, and on Sundays, they get ready for the week ahead.

“The Year Level Supervisors in Tiddeman House play a house mother role and they know everything about the boarders; they know who needs just a quick “hello” and who has more energy to burn.

For Carolyn and Esther, the light, bright communal atmosphere facilitates both solo and group activities, quiet time, and social time, so everyone feels comfortable and at home.

“And just like how many boarders have pets at home who they cuddle and care for, one part of boarding life at MLC is looking after the guinea pigs, who enjoy a constant stream of pats and snacks,” says Esther. “They’re also part of the boarding family.”

Kindle

Creating inclusion Our journey to the 2023 Kindle Art Exhibition Art has the power to transcend boundaries and bring people together toward a common goal. Recently, MLC Kindle children and infants worked collectively to create art pieces for the annual MLC Kindle Art Exhibition, which took place on Saturday, 14 October.

“Collaborative art projects involving young children and infants promote inclusivity and empathy,” says Ashlee Robertson, Team Leader of MLC Kindle’s Sparrows’ Nest class. “As they interact and work together, they learn to appreciate each other’s differences and abilities. This early exposure to diversity nurtures a sense of empathy, which is essential for building a strong feeling of community and belonging.”

The educational project of Reggio Emilia, which Kindle embeds, emphasises play and inquiry as ways in which children learn about the world around them. “It is an inclusive, village-style approach where children, parents, and the whole community are all essential components to the learning process,” says Ashlee.

Collaborative art projects provide an avenue for learning while playing and connecting to the world around them.

“Through the process of creation, children develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, and cognitive abilities. Additionally, they learn to problem-solve and communicate effectively with their peers and educators.” - Ashlee Robertson “The abstract collective piece created by Sparrows’ Nest children, which we have titled ‘Sky’, serves as a powerful symbol of child-led project work, unity, and research inquiry,” says Ashlee. “It not only showcases their creativity but also highlights the value of learning alongside young children and the positive impact that this approach has in the classroom.

The artwork becomes a bridge that connects the younger generation with the wider community, while working closely alongside, trusted educators scaffold learning and support each child’s progress.”

In a testament to the power of art, their bright and imaginative pieces went on to bring the whole Kindle community together to help raise money for a good cause.

“We got to welcome the whole community to the annual MLC Kindle Art Exhibition and auction on Saturday, 14 October, which raised over $10,000 with the proceeds going to Child Wise. The Kindle children were so excited to show their families and friends their work, and in turn, their families and friends were equally excited to see the breadth of their imaginations and their willingness to work together on display.”

Making Kin MLC Kindle takes international stage Over the past three years, MLC Kindle has partnered with Murrundindi, Ngurungaeta of the Wurundjeri people, and Dr Stefania Giamminuti, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at Curtin University to conduct research into how children connect with each other and the natural world (“make kin”). “Today, educators draw educational theories and models from social anthropology, ecology, and environmental humanities; at MLC Kindle, we are also guided and provoked further by our co-researchers,” says Kristen Meyers-Tapim, Director of MLC Kindle. “Originally, we were thinking about the idea of engagement with community, the children, and families, but the MLC Kindle team soon came to recognise ‘more than the human world’ as being an integral element of our community as well. And so, through the research, we tackled concepts, values, and ethical considerations like relationships, reciprocity, care, colonisation, exclusion, and hierarchy.”

In July of this year, the research was shared at the Reggio Emilia Australia Information Exchange 2023 Conference: Landscapes of Curiosity and Creativity. Then, in August, Sally-Anne Polson, Deputy Director of MLC Kindle, joined Dr Giamminuti in Portugal to share MLC Kindle’s research at the European Early Childhood Education Research Association Conference.

Explore the research and presentation posters here:

Through their art projects, MLC Kindle children develop fine motor skills, spatial awareness, cognitive abilities, and compassion.

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Education news

Confidence from community Earlier in 2023, five out of the eight women elected to Australia’s parliamentary crossbench were graduates of all girls’ schools. Clearly, there is something special about an all girls’ environments, since they figure so prominently in the lives of many of Australia’s most driven and accomplished women.

Girls’ schools make up just 2 percent of all schools in Australia, and yet they consistently produce women who excel across a diverse range of careers, including politics, medicine, science, sport, and law. At MLC, we can count as alumnae Lara Giddings (1990), Tasmania’s first female premier, Dr Clare Looker (1998), Victorian Chief Health Officer, and Annabel Sutherland (2019), Australian cricketer, among countless MLC graduates who have made important contributions in their chosen field.

So, what do girls’ schools do differently from co-ed schools that gives young women the tools and motivation they need to succeed, particularly in male-dominated industries?

“To put it simply, in an all girls’ school, 100 percent of student leadership positions go to girls,” says MLC Principal, Julia Shea. “At MLC, because we have such a diversity of student leadership positions on offer as a result of our commitment to breadth of experience in our education, all girls can find an opportunity to hone their strengths.

“But it’s more than just leadership opportunities; girls’ schools are inspiring communities that help girls to develop and maintain confidence and healthy self-belief. The distribution of student leadership roles supports this, but also the plethora of positive female role models that girls’ schools provide, from ‘Big Sisters’ in Year 11 who guide the Year 7s, to our alumnae who provide mentorship to past and present students.

“Marian Wright Edelman, Founder and President of the Children’s Defense Fund who has spent more than 50 years advocating for vulnerable children in America, famously said, “You can’t be what you can’t see.” Girls’ schools address the historical dearth of strong role models for young women by actively raising up students to important leadership positions.”

It’s not surprising then that a study by the University of Queensland1 found that confidence levels for girls in single-sex schools match that of boys, while girls in co-ed

Students like Celeste (Year 7) learn to harness their initiative, confidence and organisational skills in the JSS leadership program.

16 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Jessica (Year 7) and Jessica (Year 11) participate in the Big Sister program, which matches Year 7 students with a Year 11 ‘big sister’.

Year 7 students benefit from life advice and study tips from their ‘big sisters’, while Year 11 students strengthen their leadership skills.

environments consistently demonstrate lower confidence scores. “I would go so far as to say that girls’ schools provide girls with a much-needed head start in a world where gender norms and expectations are still often stacked against them,” says Julia.

“Gender stereotypes, such as girls aren’t good at math or sport, are not prevalent in girls’ schools, so students go out into the world with a more robust sense of capability and potential. That’s why girls’ school graduates go on to do incredible things.”

Across all metrics, girls’ school students display higher levels of confidence, classroom participation, gender-atypical subject selection, and, after graduation, improved health and career outcomes. “We can try to put our finger on what exactly drives girls’ school students to perform better, but I suspect it comes down to community. Girls’ schools like MLC are incredible places for girls and young women; they are supportive, exciting, and provide just the right amount of challenge to expand their horizons. They are places where lifelong friends are found and where passions and interests are nurtured. There’s no one saying girls can’t do something.

There’s nothing holding them back.”

Citations 1F itzsimmons, T.W., Yates, M. S., & Callan, V. (2018). Hands Up for Gender Equality: A Major Study into Confidence and Career Intentions of Adolescent Girls and Boys. Brisbane, Qld: AIBE Centre for Gender Equality in the Workplace – The University of Queensland.

Read More Australian Institute for Business and Economics Centre for Gender Equality in the Workplace Hands up for Gender Equality: A Major Study into Confidence and Career Intentions of Adolescent Girls and Boys

17

Community stories Security team members and friendly faces of MLC, (L-R) Vicki McCredden, Libby Brooks and Jim Matheos.

Looking after our College and community “Along with MLC’s incredible Wellbeing team and teachers, we’re an avenue for support.”

– Jim Matheos

18 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

They’re the recognisable faces of MLC, welcoming the countless families, alumnae, visitors, and staff through our College gates every week: Libby Brooks, our Director of Security, and Jim Matheos and Vicki McCredden, our Security and Community Liaison Team, along with their team of 14 casual and two permanent part-time staff.

“I’m the Junior, I’ve only been here since the beginning of 2006,” says Jim. “I’m part of the support team for the College’s community, whether it’s students, parents, teachers, or the educational support staff.”

“MLC is larger than some country towns,” says Libby, “and there are procedures that have to be followed so we can work and learn harmoniously together, but we try to make the community feel as connected as possible.”

Around the College, you will hear countless stories of how the Security Team brought a smile to someone’s face, from helping a new student find their way, to locating lost belongings, or by simply sharing words of welcome and encouragement.

“Of course, vehicle movement is part of our roles, but first and foremost it’s about duty of care.

Happy stories happen every day, throughout the day,” says Jim.

Vicki agrees: “When I started in 1984, I had come from the country, and MLC was larger than my hometown!”

For Libby, it is about being the kind-hearted eyes and ears of the College. “Our approach is to be on a first-name basis with everyone who comes through our College gates. We believe there’s nothing too small or too big to ask, and parents have peace of mind knowing that anything their children ask us will be handled professionally and with compassion. We can connect students with the support services on offer around the College; we’re not just here to speak but to listen, because those incidental conversations sometimes make a big difference.”

There’s also a real family atmosphere within the Security team itself: “We’ve had team members marry, as well as go on to be lawyers and doctors, police, and teachers within our own communities; there’s a current teacher, Katie McNeill, who was a casual within our team, along with my son-in-law and Jim’s daughters!”

“Smiling and waving and getting to know our community is all part of creating a welcoming atmosphere and we are always willing to help.

We love our job, and we love the people we work with and hopefully, that shows through.”

“It’s a group effort, of which we are very proud,” adds Libby. “We work together with the weekend security team, our permanent part-time members and up to 18 casuals who assist us every morning and afternoon to be the eyes and ears of the College on various duties such as car parks, student supervision, and campus patrol. Our role is to look out for the welfare of everyone in our community.”

“Coming to the end of the year, you’ll see us providing support over the exam periods, corridor supervision, and cloak room services for the Year 11 and 12 exams, and in the new year, we will be there to help welcome new students and families to our College.”

19

Community stories

Alumnae stories

Celebrating the diverse stories and achievements of our vibrant community of Old Collegians.

Katrina Dudley (Willmott 1991) MLC relatives: Sharon Styles (Willmott 1988) & Tanya Hickling (Willmott 1992) I used to live in the music school – I played a lot of instruments – from violin to saxophone to recorder. When I was in the ninth grade, however, I had to make a difficult choice between becoming a musician or going into business. I realised that there were many more ways to be successful in business and choose that path.

After I graduated from high school on the Gold Coast, I attended Bond University and studied Commerce and Law. I graduated and worked in Sydney for a few years before I moved to the United States.

I attended New York University’s Stern School of Business where I got my Master of Business Administration, studying part-time while working full-time.

I joined Franklin Resources, Inc in 2002 after working for the accounting firm Ernst & Young.

I started as an analyst and over my career I have worked my way to my current position as Portfolio Manager and Investment Strategist.

One of my biggest achievements has been publishing my first book – Undiversified: The Big Gender Short in Investment Management about the lack of women in finance. It is such a great industry to work in that it is so disappointing to see so few women amongst the portfolio manager ranks.

I hope that by demystifying the career path and providing stories of other success females in finance, I will be able to convince more young women to choose to enter the field.

Siobhan Turnbull (2013) MLC relatives: Imogen Turnbull (2016) One key memory of my time at MLC was the School of St Jude tour in Tanzania. I can honestly say this school trip changed my life and changed my perspectives on the world.

Gemma Sisia, the founder of the School of St Jude, sat down with us on that trip and told us “Come back to Tanzania as a nurse or a teacher, we need your help”. That conversation alone inspired me to change my career path to one in healthcare.

After graduating from MLC in 2013, I went on to complete a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University. I worked as a Registered Nurse in General Practice for several years before moving into Managing a General Practice clinic during the COVID Pandemic.

20 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

After the pandemic, I felt as though I needed a change and moved away from nursing. I am currently the Practice Manager of Balwyn Sports and Physiotherapy Centre, where I have been able to integrate my love for management, with my passion for sports and helping individuals in the local community achieve their goals.

Throughout my career, I have also maintained an active involvement in the Competitive Gymnastics Program at MLC. I started coaching gymnastics at MLC whilst I was still a student, in Year 9. When I started coaching, I had an introverted and quiet personality, but coaching enabled me to blossom into a more confident individual. It’s incredibly fulfilling to be a positive role model for so many young girls and be able to continue to contribute to the MLC community.

Clare Looker (1998) MLC relatives: Fiona Looker (2001) I was the fortunate recipient of a scholarship and always treasured the opportunities I had attending MLC. The environment and culture at MLC supported students to aspire for excellence. This wasn’t just in the classroom but in community service, music, sports and all activities. My fondest memories are the staff and friendships I made, some sparked on the first day of Year 7, others nurtured at Marshmead, many forged in the VCE years.

After leaving school, I studied medicine.

My university days were intersected with travel, clinical placements in rural Victoria, and a crazy variety of parttime jobs. My closest school friends remained a constant throughout.

Over this time, I developed an increasing interest in the critical role social determinants play in someone’s health outcomes. After completing a part-time Masters of Public Health in Melbourne, I travelled to London to complete a Master of Science (Epidemiology). I remained in the UK for three years working as an

epidemiologist at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. This was an incredibly enriching time. I later returned to Australia and completed my medical specialty training in Public Health Medicine.

In 2016, I joined the Victorian Department of Health. My professional life changed irrevocably in January 2020 with the COVID-19 pandemic. For three years, I worked exclusively on the pandemic, initially as Deputy Public Health Commander and later as Deputy Chief Health Officer. This was an incredibly challenging period professionally and personally. MLC taught me about the importance of thinking broadly and bringing my whole self to everything that I do. This approach was key to both enduring those years and providing effective leadership.

In July 2023, I was appointed Chief Health Officer. It is a role I feel incredibly proud and privileged to step into. I am energised by the opportunities it brings to work with the Victorian community in tackling some of the “wicked” challenges of public health.

Enya Cai (2011) MLC relatives: Megan Zhang (2011) – cousin MLC taught me a strong sense of social justice and equity, a baseline expectation that women are high achievers in every field, and to think critically about the world around me.

I began at MLC in Year 7, and remember it being a huge and exciting opportunity. I was a musical kid – I spent lots of time in the music school, learning piano and saxophone and singing in choirs.

Looking back, I’m really glad I made a conscious decision to go into Year 12 with a mindset to not focus too much on my studies and make the most of what MLC had to offer. It was a huge challenge to juggle my studies alongside my co-curriculars, but I really loved it.

After school, I studied a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Melbourne, and quickly discovered that I still disliked and was not very good at studying.

I was clever in other ways, and landed a graduate job at a global accounting firm, where I worked on government and health clients, and joined the LGBTIQ+ employee network, which then led me to a full-time role in Diversity and Inclusion. I then moved into government policy, before realising that working in advocacy spaces tied to my identity was exhausting and I was very burnt out. I took an 8-month career break and slept, travelled, ate, consumed art, and found joy again. I highly recommend it!

I now work as a freelance Producer and Consultant across the arts and corporate sectors, working on projects that bring me joy. I produce theatre shows, teach singing, project manage for an arts charity, facilitate leadership training, and consult on diversity, equity, and inclusion matters for corporates. It’s a #dreamlife.

21

Community news

OCC update From the OCC President

By Alex Waddell (2010), President, Old Collegians’ Club

Old Collegians often tell me that their time at MLC instilled a commitment to giving back to their communities. As we wind up another successful year, I’d like to acknowledge the selflessness of Old Collegians who give their time and expertise to communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

Eight Old Collegians have been recognised once again in the King’s Birthday Honours List, four alumnae received the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) and four received Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). We were proud to celebrate these incredible achievements at our annual Celebration Event, and thrilled to hear from Jennifer Batrouney AM KC (Romanes 1980) as our special guest speaker.

Each year our Val Kerr Fellowship Grant provides support to alumnae whose not-for-profit ventures aim to empower women. We receive a number of high-quality applications and fantastic initiatives. We are pleased to announce the successful recipient is Kate Gore (1991). The funds will enable Kate to research how to best support autistic working mothers.

Now in its second year, our successful OCC mentoring program has grown to over 28 participants. I look forward to providing an update on the program in the next edition.

We hope this program fosters meaningful connections across year levels and continues to grow in years to come.

During the year, our Old Collegians also joined together at the Chapel Service and Lunch and the annual Golf Day. The warmth and friendship shared at these events, are a reminder of the enduring connections shared among MLC alumnae across all years.

There is great breadth and opportunity for Old Collegians to be involved and stay connected through the OCC. I invite you to engage with us in any way that suits you. We encourage you to attend our in-person events in 2024 and keep up to date with opportunities and news from the OCC via the MLC OCC Instagram, LinkedIn (where you can add MLC as your school), and Facebook. Should you have any questions or would like to reach out to the OCC, please email us at occ@mlc.vic.edu.au.

I wish you a safe and happy holiday season and the very best for 2024.

2024 Dates for your diary International Women’s Day Thursday, 7 March, 6.30pm Annual General Meeting Tuesday, 26 March, 6pm Old friends and new get together to enjoy the annual Golf Day.

Annual Chapel Service and Lunch Saturday, 18 May, 11am OCC Celebration Event Thursday, 12 September, 6.30pm Annual Golf Day and Lunch Monday, 14 October, 8am

Old Collegians maintain an enduring connection to the College at the Chapel Service and Lunch.

22 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Parents’ Association update John Fergusson was appointed as the new president of the MLC Parents’ Association at the beginning of 2023, and he shares his vision for the future.

Current parents can read the latest news or check upcoming PA events by looking at the Connections parents’ newsletter, published fortnightly, or check the Parents’ Association section of the myMLCfamily.net intranet at www.mymlcfamily.net/parents.

What do you love most about being an MLC parent?

I believe in the College and the way it is being run. Our parent body is diverse and down-to-earth, and there is always someone new to meet at the parent events. Two of our three daughters have completed their education at MLC and loved it. It seems the College truly has something for everyone.

What motivated you to get involved in the MLC Parents’ Association?

I came to the PA through my role as the convenor of the Beef and Burgundy events. COVID hit, and we were looking at ways to bring parents together and remain connected, so we organised a series of online events. I joined the PA Executive in 2021, and I like to joke that I was the last one to stand back when they called for nominations for President last year, but really, I saw the opportunity to continue the fantastic work of the PA and build more connections across our diverse parent community.

Parents can volunteer directly with the College or through the MLC Parents’ Association, and on 25th October, the “Principal’s Thank You To Volunteers” celebration was held as a token of our appreciation for their invaluable contributions to our College community.

This event followed the MLC Parents’ Association AGM and served as a perfect occasion to also recognise our volunteers’ commitment to MLC.

What roles does the PA play in fostering a sense of community at MLC? Put simply, we connect parents with each other and with the College.

This happens at class and year levels, through our daughters’ sporting and cultural pursuits and through a range of whole of College events such as the Welcome Garden Party, Spring Ladies Lunch, Lunar New Year, Beef and Burgundy and Women’s Inspired function (to be held in 2024 following COVID hiatus).

Why do you think it’s important for parents to play an active role in their daughter’s education and in the life of MLC? There are many reasons why it is good for parents to play an active role in their daughters’ education. For me, it was about helping out, meeting new people and providing an example to my daughters about the value of volunteering.

What is your vision for your term as PA President?

Firstly, do not stuff it up! Coming out of COVID, our aim for 2023 was to run a full book of events, which I am happy to say we did (115 of them).

Secondly, we have added some specific roles to the PA Executive Committee to serve the parent community better. There are three new portfolio roles. An Executive Member to oversee the tier 1 events (the really large ones), another overseeing the entire PA volunteer group (we have over 120 active volunteer Parents at any one time – but always need more) and to better connect the junior and secondary years parent activities, we have added a Year Level Liaison Junior School to the PA Executive who will work with the Year Level Liaison Secondary years to oversee and support all year-level events across the College.

What does 2024 have in store for the Parents’ Association?

As we look ahead to 2024, we plan to rebalance our event calendar across the school year. We are excited to bring back the Women Inspired function and further promote a ‘whole of College’ approach to parent connection while maintaining strong year-level and special interest group engagement.

Our parent volunteers at the Thank you to Volunteers evening.

23

Foundation

Creating opportunities through philanthropy I have been honoured to be a part of MLC for more than a decade. In that time, I have met many of you: Old Collegians, current parents, past parents, and friends of the College. Your interest in and passion for girls’ education is inspirational.

In this edition of The Star, I am delighted to share with you two stories from members of the MLC community. One recent alumna, Cecily, benefitted from the transformational gift of a scholarship. Please enjoy reading the impact that an MLC education has had on Cecily’s life. The other is Old Collegian, Ella, who shares with us why she wants to give back and enable students like Cecily to have the educational opportunities that she experienced at MLC. If you are inspired by Cecily or Ella’s stories and would like to have a conversation about the future of girls’ education and how your philanthropy can make an impact, please contact me on +61 3 9274 6308 / 0477 340 667 or email: mercurmn@mlc.vic.edu.au.

Maria Mercuri Associate Director, Advancement

Ella Burton-Taylor (2011) In 2004 the Stella Argentea Society (meaning Silver Star) was established to recognise and honour the generosity of those who have chosen to leave a gift to MLC in their Will.

In 2023 Ella Burton-Taylor became its youngest bequestor.

I attended MLC from Year 3 to Year 12, graduated in 2011, and went on to study a Bachelor of Arts and Juris Doctor at the University of Melbourne.

During my undergraduate degree, I studied overseas at Sciences Po in Paris which was a highlight of my tertiary studies.

After working as a lawyer for the Victorian government for a couple of years, I began working as a criminal defence lawyer. I currently work at Victoria Legal Aid where I act on behalf of vulnerable members of our community who are facing criminal charges in the Magistrates’ Court and County Court in Victoria.

Looking back, I absolutely loved my time at MLC and I feel privileged to have been able to attend. I decided to leave MLC a gift in my Will, and become a member of the Stella Argentea Society, because I wanted to give back in a tangible way that would benefit future generations of young women. In my current role at Victoria Legal Aid, I see the direct consequences of a lack of access to education in women’s lives. Being educated is something that can never be taken away from us and it really determines our path in society.

I hope that my bequest will give someone who might not otherwise have had the opportunity to attend MLC the chance to benefit from the opportunities I was afforded.

It is extremely important for girls’ schools to develop a philanthropic culture of giving. Boys’ private schools receive a significantly larger amount of money through bequests and donations from their alumni compared to girls’ private schools. We need to make sure that girls’ schools don’t miss out on donations.

I encourage you to consider leaving a gift in your Will to enrich the lives of current and future students at MLC.

24 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Being at MLC was academically engaging, confidence-boosting, and a wonderful opportunity to grow in a welcoming and supportive environment.

– Cecily Reid (2019)

Scholarship Recipient: Cecily Reid (2019) My name is Cecily Reid, and I am a past MLC All Rounder Boarding scholarship recipient. I graduated in 2019, and I’m currently in my fourth year at ANU, studying Politics, Philosophy and Economics and International Security Studies.

The circumstances that led to my applying for an MLC scholarship were somewhat unusual. My dad is a geologist, and my family lived in Ghana, West Africa, from when I was 10 to 14 years old. When I was 14, my family began planning to move to Ballarat in regional Victoria. It was a little unclear what my family’s plans would be for the next few years after that, and I wanted some stability to finish high school. I had also spent the last two years at an International Baccalaureate school and found that I loved the diversity that the program offered.

I was quite a driven teenager and discussed applying to boarding schools in Melbourne with my parents. Out of the schools I looked at, MLC was the most appealing: the boarding house looked friendly, it offered the IB program and it was clear that there were many extra-curricular and volunteering opportunities to try. Boarding at MLC would provide both stability and the opportunity to have the fantastic education that I wanted.

I quite vividly remember my interview for the scholarship.

I had to wake up at 5am to overcome the time difference. I remember feeling quite petrified, but also very excited. I was over the moon when the scholarship was offered to me.

MLC provided me with an enormous number of opportunities.

Looking back, one of the clear highlights was how welcoming people were. Despite only beginning at MLC in Year 10, it was easy to integrate. The other girls were friendly, and I made close friends quickly. I was able to start volunteering at the school almost immediately and went on to hold a variety of leadership positions.

When I applied for the scholarship, I presumed I would study science at university but MLC gave me the confidence to pursue the social sciences instead. I never felt as though I was being pushed towards a certain direction – instead, it always felt as though all students were encouraged to do whatever they wished. I had some excellent teachers while at the school, and they always made a lot of time for me.

I like to think that the broadness of an MLC education has helped to shape my current research interests. Next year, I’m planning to complete an honours project on the protection of internally displaced persons, and hope to complete a PhD in demography in a few years’ time.

To this day, I’m very happy that 14-year-old me decided to apply for a scholarship. Being at MLC was academically engaging, confidence-boosting, and a wonderful opportunity to grow in a welcoming and supportive environment.

I can’t thank everyone who makes MLC scholarships possible enough.

I would like to say an enormous thank you to all donors and benefactors to the school. Having the opportunity to get a fantastic MLC education significantly shaped who I am as a person and how I seek to interact with the world. Being a scholarship recipient has encouraged me to have a very community-minded outlook in life.

25

Community news

Reunions Regardless of how many years have passed, graduates of MLC share a deep connection that does not fade with time. Each reunion is a joyful occasion, where old friends reminisce and share news of life since leaving the Krome gates. Some attend every reunion, held every five years after graduation, while others return to MLC after many years, curious to reconnect and see the College again. One thing that never changes is the delight gained from sharing memories of their days at MLC.

Class of 1963 (60 Year)

Class of 1968 (55 Year)

26 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Class of 1973 (50 Year)

Class of 1978 (45 Year)

Class of 1983 (40 Year)

Class of 1988 (35 Year)

27

Community news Class of 1993 (30 Year)

Class of 1998 (25 Year)

Class of 2003 (20 Year)

Class of 2018 (5 Year)

2024 Reunion dates Saturday, 2 March Class of 1969 (55-year reunion)

Saturday, 25 May Class of 2004 (20-year reunion)

Saturday, 24 August Class of 1984 (40-year reunion)

Saturday, 16 March Class of 1974 (50-year reunion)

Thursday, 20 June Class of 1999 (25-year reunion)

Wednesday, 2 October Class of 2023 (1-year reunion)

Thursday, 11 April Class of 2019 (5-year reunion)

Friday, 28 June Class of 2009 (15-year reunion)

Saturday, 12 October Classes of 1920 - 1963 (Silver Circle)

Saturday, 20 April Class of 1964 (60-year reunion)

Friday, 19 July Class of 1989 (35-year reunion)

Thursday, 17 October Class of 1994 (30-year reunion)

Friday, 3 May Class of 2014 (10-year reunion)

Saturday, 10 August Class of 1979 (45-year reunion)

28 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Community Notices Orders of Australia Congratulations.

We celebrate the Old Collegians and members of the MLC Community who were recognised in the 2023 King’s Birthday Honours.

Member of the Order of Australia (AM)

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)

Barbara Champion (Homes 1965) for significant service to children through play advocacy, to local government, and to education.

Miriam Bass (1972) for service to the Jewish community.

Beth Graham (1952) for significant service to the bilingual education of Indigenous language speaking students.

Clinical Associate Professor Magdalena Simonis (past parent) for significant service to medicine through a range of roles, and to women’s health.

The Right Reverend Alison Taylor (1970) for significant service to the Anglican Church, and to conservation.

Dr Meredith Freeman (Hunkin 1961) for service to conservation and the environment.

Christine Howard-Bobenko (Howard 1969) for service to the performing arts through dance.

Anthony William Peake (past parent) for service to the community through a range of organisations.

Gayle Porter (Bradey 1977) for service to community health as a speech pathologist.

Marriages Laura Birley (1996) married Rune Rasmussen on 18 August 2023. MLC guests included Marianne Birley (staff 1992 - 2012) and her sister Fiona Waters (Birley 1999) who was Matron of Honour.

April Buggy (2012) married Cody Passier on 20 February 2020 in Perth.

Amy Sutton (2004) married Yousaf Khan on 12 January 2023 in London.

Madeline Pell (2009) married Matthew Partos on 22 April 2023. Maid of Honour at the wedding was Kate Lawlor (Green 2009).

Tessa Squirrell (2005) married Florian Valette on 18 March 2023. Guests at the wedding included mother of the bride Chris Sampson (1968), Amanda Sampson (1971) and Holly Squirrell (2009).

29

Community news

Births To Amy Benbow (2013) and Tim Drewitz, a daughter, Elle Benbow Drewitz, born 30 August 2023. A niece for Jessica Benbow (2012).

To Timothy and Anna Blamey (Chlebnikowski 2000), a daughter, Bronte Grace, born 12 January 2023. A sister for Logan, a granddaughter for Claire Chlebnikowski (McIlroy 1966, deceased) and cousin for Natasha and Kate Lancefield (current students).

To Courtney Rogers (2012) and Samuel Jaffrey, a daughter Daisy Ivy Jaffrey, born 16 February 2023.

To Florian and Tessa Valette (Squirrell 2005), a son, Thibault Lucas Valette, born 5 December 2022. A grandson to Chris Sampson (1968), nephew for Amanda Sampson (1971) and Holly Squirrell (2009).

To Stephanie Waters (1999) and Mauricio Urrutia, a son, Angus John Urrutia, born 7 March 2023.

To Miranda Bliss (1999), a son, Joshua Wolfe, born 10 May 2023.

In Memory

To April Buggy (2012) and Cody Passier, a son, Archibald Passier, born 17 March 2022. A brother for Elijah Buggy and Arcadia Passier.

Constance (Con) Barber (Williams 1948) died on 9 June 2023. Niece of Mary Brisbane (1927, deceased). Sister of Rosalind Wright (Williams 1951) and Ruth Payne (Williams 1955). Sisterin-law of Ruth Raggatt (Barber 1948, deceased). Aunt of JulieAnne Eley (Raggatt 1974), Jillian Yates (Payne 1981) and Kathy Payne (1988). Cousin of Margaret Brown (Brisbane 1951), Rosemary Patterson (Brisbane 1954), Elaine Bromley (Brisbane 1957), Gail Johns (Williams 1961) and Dianne Williams (1972, deceased).

To Emily Collins (2006) and Sam Morris, a son, Monty Morris, born 6 December 2021. A nephew for Jessica Collins (2009).

To Bradley and Sarah Dunn (Travis 2013), a daughter, Olivia Rose, born on 10 February 2023. Granddaughter to Helen Vokach-Brodsky (1973), greatgranddaughter of Helen (Peg) Travis (Shaw 1942, deceased) and niece to Laura Travis (2013), Susan Travis (2011) and Clare Travis (2014).

To Georgia Hexter (2012) and Oliver Heywood a daughter, Milla Jane HexterHeywood, born 19 September 2023. A niece to Claire (2008), granddaughter to Virginia Harman (1980) and great niece to Bronwyn Bailey (Harman 1966), Pauline Foley (Harman 1970), Carolyn Lutjens (Harman 1975), Lisa Ward (Griffin 1985), and cousin once removed to Phillipa Settle (2009).

To Rune and Laura Rasmussen (Birley 1996), a daughter, Sophie Marianne, born 19 December 2022.

Granddaughter to Marianne Birley (staff 1992 - 2012) and niece to Fiona Waters (Birley, 1999).

30 The Star Winter/Spring 2023

Beverley Bull (1948) passed away on 12 January 2023. MLC staff member 1949-1950. Sister of Marie Touzeau (Bull 1946, deceased) and Gretta Bull (1954).

Denise Christie (McNeilage 1953 MLC Elsternwick) died on 20 August 2023.

Dorothy (Joan) Conway (Brien 1948) died on 26 July 2023.

Greta Davis (Stroud 1950) died on 5 September 2023. Mother of Carolyn Davis (1976), Wendy Davis (1982) and Christine Collins (Davis 1984).

Florence (Merle) Dawson (George 1945) died on 19 April 2023. Daughter of Eva George (Trembath 1910). Mother of Pamela Dawson-Smith (Dawson 1976) and Judith Howison (Dawson 1964).

Grandmother of Chloe Dawson (2010).

Shirley Douglas (Robinson 1945) died 2 June 2023. Daughter of Lorna Robinson (Taylor 1912, deceased).

Mother of Susan Douglas (1974), Julia Ekkel (Douglas 1978) and Margaret Douglas 1980. Sister of Marjorie McNeil (Robinson 1946, deceased).

Judith Frankish (McDonald 1961) died on 17 September 2023. Mother of Nerida Crake (1990).

Valerie Galagher (Dixon 1942) died on 14 July 2023. Grandmother of Samantha Galagher (2014).

Janet Gellie (Huntington 1952) died on 2 September 2023. Sister of Merran Smith (Huntington 1958). Sister-inlaw of Alysa Dickinson (Gellie 1945, deceased). Mother of Fiona Van Munnen (Gellie 1977), Catriona Gellie (1980) and Kirsten Gellie (1983).

Deidre Greig (Fuller 1950 MLC Elsternwick, 1952 MLC Kew) passed away on 2 July 2023. Mother of Kendra Greig (1974) and Raya Greig (1974).

Judith Griffin (Lewis 1958) died on 4 September 2022.

Judy Henshaw (Krieger 1954) died 20 July 2023. Sister of Pat Baudinette (Krieger 1947).

Elizabeth Mealor Higham (Cook 1937) died on 1 September 2023 - aged 103.

Mealor was a proud member from the Class of 1937 and MLC’s sixth oldest Old Collegian.

Ailsa Johnson (McRae 1952) died on 18 August 2023.

Amanda Levy (1997) died on 7 January 2023.

Edith Lyall (Wentworth 1945) died on 13 June 2023. Edith was a Prefect 1945, OCC Council Member 1946-1948, and Junior School Teacher 1949-1953.

Mother of Judith Backholer (Lyall 1973), Heather Fronsko (Lyall 1975), and Alison Lyall (1980).

Dorothea Madders (Steward 1939) passed away on 8 April 2023. Mother of Jennie Madders and grandmother of Harriet Bawden (2008) and Emma Bawden (2011).

Marilan McGahy (Roper 1964) died on 28 May 2023.

Elizabeth Anne McQuire (Callaghan 1947, MLC Elsternwick) died on 7 August 2023.

Lois Elizabeth (Beth) Mylius (Judkins 1948) died 30 June 2022. Sister of Noelle Hamley (Judkins 1951). Aunt of Susan Mylius (Hamley 1975), Andrea McCredden (Hamley 1975) and Robyn Fairclough (Hamley 1978).

Judith Nathanielsz (Ray 1954) died on 13 June 2023. Mother of Jacqueline Nathanielsz (1990). Daughter of Jessie Ray (Wheeler 1924, deceased) and sister of Pauline Middleton (Ray 1961).

Elizabeth O’Shannessy (Wagner 1981) died on 27 March 2022.

Elizabeth Randall (formerly Foster) (Fullwood 1951) died on 15 May 2023.

Kate (Kaye) Robinson (Griffiths 1958) died on 5 October 2022.

Kaye Rowe (McFerran 1963) died on 18 October 2022. Daughter of Helen (Peggy) McFerran (Coughlan 1934, deceased).

Maree Schweitzer (Ould 1961) passed away on 4 March 2023. Mother of Lucy Katz (Schweitzer 1992) and Octavia Mansfield (Schweitzer 1994).

Barbara Scott (Cooke 1948) died on 16 January 2023.

Shirley Scott (Munro 1944) died on 3 July 2023. Mother of Lyn Scott (1972), Jan Scott (1974), Karen Bradley (Scott 1976) and Debbie Cleary (Scott 1979).

Grandmother of Cate Taylor (Bradley 2006). Sister of Betty Welsford (Munro 1947). Sister in Law of Alison Scott (1952). Aunt of Cathie Cohn (Welsford 1973), Margie Welsford (1977) and Jennie Moffitt (Welsford 1979).

Lynne Stevens-Chappel (Stevens 1968) died on 7 February 2021.

Joyce Taylor (Gill 1946) died 15 May 2023.

Janice Voller (Baker 1958) died on 1 March 2023. Cousin of Heather Matyear (Gray 1956).

Isla Walsh (Hawkins 1950) died on 9 April 2023. Sister of Rae McIntosh (Hawkins 1952, deceased).

Pamela Wastell (Hendy 1949) died on 30 August 2022. Mother of Jo Danielsen (Wastell 1991) and sister of Joan Williams (Hendy 1939, deceased).

Aunt of Robyn Williams (1965) and Jenny Williams (1967).

Betty Welsford (Munro 1947) died on 2 May 2023. Mother of Cathie Cohn (Welsford 1973), Margie Welsford (1977) and Jennie Moffitt (Welsford 1979).

Sister of Shirley Scott (Munro 1944).

Aunt of Lyn Scott (1972), Jan Scott (1974), Karen Bradley (Scott 1976) and Debbie Cleary (Scott 1979). Great Aunt of Cate Taylor (Bradley 2006).

Vivian Westaway (Knight 1952) died on 28 August 2020.

Sandra Wyatt (August 1965) died on 7 May 2023

We welcome the submission of community notices from all MLC alumnae. To learn more about the notices that we can accept or to submit a notice, please visit mlc. vic.edu.au/communitynotices or scan the QR code.

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