2021 MLC School Annual Report by MLC School

Annual Report 2021 EDUCATION AND FINANCE ANNUAL REPORT

mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

Annual Report 2021 Foreword �� 3 Dr Eve Tsironis, Chair, MLC School Council ��3 Ms Lisa Moloney, Principal, MLC School ��4 Vision ��5 Mission ��5 Values ��5

2021 Educational and Financial Reporting �� 6 Evidence of Compliance �� 7 1. Key School Bodies Reports ��7 MLC School Council ��7 The Parents and Friends (P&F) Committee ��7 Student Representative Council (SRC) ��7 Junior School Student Council (JSSC) ��7 2. Contextual Information About MLC School ��8 3. Student Performance in National and Statewide Tests and Examinations ��9 Summary ��9 NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Higher School Certificate, 2021 ��9 2021 Higher School Certificate – MLC School Results and State Comparison ��10 2021 International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme ��11 NESA Record of School Achievement Results 2021 ��12 NAPLAN Results 2021 ��14 4. Senior Secondary Outcomes ��15 5. Professional Learning and Teaching Standards, Attendance and Non-Attendance ��15 6. Workforce Composition ��16 7. Student Attendance and Retention Rates ��17 8. Post School Destinations Year 12 2021 Cohort ��18 9. Enrolment Profile, Policy and Procedure ��19 Profile ��19 Policy ��19 Procedure ��21 10. School Policies ��22 Student Welfare Policies ��22 MLC School – A Safe and Supportive Environment ��23 11. School Determined Improvement Targets ��24 12. Initiatives Promoting Respect and Responsibility ��26 Junior School ��26 Senior School ��26 13. Year 12 Parent Exit Surveys 2021 ��27

MLC SCHOOL

Foreword Dr Eve Tsironis, Chair, MLC School Council MLC School prevailed despite the challenges it faced throughout 2021, and had yet another year of remarkable accomplishments. During this second challenging school year, the School community came together in an effort to keep supporting, nurturing, and caring for the students. The Executive, teaching, and support staff worked tirelessly to ensure that our girls' education continued almost without a hitch despite the constantly shifting environment. This included formulating an appropriate COVID-19 response and adapting programs from face-to-face learning, to online learning, to blended learning. The students showed grit and resilience by rising to the challenge, adapting to new circumstances, and flourishing as a result. In fact, this showed in the results of both the HSC and the IB, with a median ATAR of 94.30. A remarkable 20% of the IB cohort achieved the maximum score of 45, placing MLC School as the top IB school in Australia for the second year in a row; while 54% of the HSC cohort achieved a Band 6 in at least one subject. Since our Year 12 girls' education was disrupted throughout the course of their final two years, these outcomes are merely one measure of their success. These numbers can never accurately fully portray their tenacity and moral fortitude.

MLC SCHOOL

Just before the COVID-19 restrictions went into effect, MLC School celebrated its very first Giving Day in May, in order to raise money for bursaries and scholarships for Indigenous students. All members of the community were very supportive of our endeavour and demonstrated their love for the School by helping to get the word out. Over $210,000 was raised as a result of the event. The upgrading of the facilities continued throughout 2021, including the complete resurfacing of the sports fields, which will be suitable for a wide variety of sports; and the renovation of several Senior School classrooms. The master plan is making significant headway, too. The Junior School renovations are scheduled to begin in the latter half of 2022, and, a brief will be prepared for the Performing Arts Centre during early 2022 in order to move the project forward.

Dr Eve Tsironis, Chair, MLC School Council

Ms Lisa Moloney, Principal, MLC School 2021 was again a year of changing rules and unsettled routines, caused largely by a lengthy lockdown that lasted all of Term 3. When face-to-face teaching resumed, it was with a staggered return and significant limitations on the mixing of cohorts, and little or no access to the School by parents and visitors. Our Year 12 students' final year was not what they expected or deserved once again. Never before has a group of senior students had their education disrupted for so long. They went through another prolonged lockdown, after navigating the initial wave of COVID-19 restrictions in 2020. Despite everything, these incredible young women once again exceeded our expectations and proved their determination, capability and resilience. The Class of 2021 achieved some of the top results in the School's history throughout the HSC and IB cohorts, and students were nominated for excellence in a range of subjects. Not only do I congratulate and thank the Class of 2021 for their efforts, but also those who taught and cared for them during this challenging year and throughout their entire time at MLC School. Again, the teaching staff went from faceto-face to online delivery in a matter of hours. Teaching online entails much more than simply repeating what you would do in person, and, once again, MLC School did not lose a single teaching day in 2021. All our girls, from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12, responded exactly as they did in 2020, adapting once again to flexible learning, taking on more responsibility for their own learning, and caring for friends even when they could not be together in person.

MLC SCHOOL

I would like to thank each MLC School staff member, teachers, Administration, IT and Facilities, as everyone played multiple roles, and the team's capacity to share tasks ensured that we made it to the end of the year together quite successfully. Parents and carers were called upon more than ever this year to assist their daughters in a variety of ways, often while working from home themselves. We are most grateful for this support and commitment. Our Council Chair, Dr. Eve Tsironis, gave up her weekends to provide onsite vaccination clinics for students and staff. In addition, she continued to lead the Council with strength and vision. In terms of progress with our 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, the School continued to deliver in significant areas, very much focused on sincerely putting ‘the girl at the heart of everything we do’. In the context of the pandemic and lockdown, this is an outstanding achievement. The strength of MLC School shone bright in 2021, parents, staff, Old Girls, Council and the greater School community all worked together for the benefit of our students. I am very proud that we kept all of our girls safe and well during this most challenging of years.

Lisa Moloney, Principal, MLC School

VISION

VALUES

The MLC School girl is at the heart

Courage

Respect

of everything we do.

Compassion

Growth

MISSION MLC School’s mission is to educate and inspire young women to be fearless thinkers with moral courage and compassion, to be agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others.

MLC SCHOOL

The MLC School girl is empowered with skills and capabilities that enable her to be adaptive, compassionate and courageous. She embraces new challenges and opportunities; and strives for excellence. She is cared for and well supported so that she can confidently focus on her own individual, personal and academic growth.

2021 Educational and Financial Reporting Policy

Public Disclosure

MLC School will maintain the relevant data and will comply with reporting requirements of the Department of Education and Communities (DEC) and the Department of Education and Training (DET). This reporting will include public disclosure of the educational and financial performance measures and policies of the School as required from time to time.

MLC School will maintain the relevant data and will comply with reporting requirements of DEC and DET. This report includes public disclosure of the educational and financial performance measures and policies of the School. This report is available to download by members of the MLC School Community via the MLC School website. Notification of its availability after 30 June 2022 will be made via the MLC School Community e-newsletter. It will also be made available in hard copy upon request.

Procedures

Annual Report Procedures for implementing the policy include: Ì

Identification of the staff member responsible for coordinating the final preparation and distribution of the annual report to the Board and other stakeholders as required

For each reporting area, identification of the staff member responsible for the collection, analysis and storage of the relevant data and for providing the relevant information to the coordinator for inclusion in the report

Determination of the specific content to be included in each section of the report and reviewing this each year to ensure ongoing compliance, relevance and usefulness

Preparation of the report in an appropriate form to send to the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) setting the annual schedule for:

Financial Information Summary

The financial position of MLC School continues to remain sound, with all key budget parameters for 2021 achieved.

4% 15%

Income

81%

Î Delivery of information for each reporting area to the coordinator Î Preparation and publication of the report Î Distribution of the report to NESA and other stakeholders

Requests for Additional Data

From time to time the Australian Government, through the Minister for Education, and the NSW Government, through the Minister for Education and Communities, may request additional information. To ensure that any requests are dealt with appropriately, the School will identify the staff member 4% responsible for coordinating the School’s response. This person is % 15collection responsible for the of the relevant data and for ensuring it is provided to the relevant authority in the appropriate form.

Income

81%

DET Annual Financial Return

 Fees and private income  Commonwealth recurrent grants  State recurrent grants

8% 20%

Expenditure

72%

The School will identify the staff member responsible for completing the questionnaire. This person is responsible for the collection of the relevant data and for ensuring it is provided to DET in an appropriate form.  Salaries, allowances, related expenses  Non-salary expenses  Capital expenditure

MLC SCHOOL

Evidence of Compliance 1. Key School Bodies Reports MLC SCHOOL COUNCIL The MLC School Council oversees the governance of MLC School Limited, a company incorporated in mid-2021, and is the guardian of the vision of the School's founders. The Council provides a link to the Uniting Church of Australia. The Council is responsible for determining School policy, monitoring performance and maintaining relationships with external bodies such as government. There are currently 11 members of Council. The Council has several standing committees including Master Planning; Finance, Audit and Risk; and Facilities and Infrastructure. In 2021, MLC School Council met eight times (including the Annual General Meeting), under the Chair, Dr Eve Tsironis.

THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS (P&F) COMMITTEE The P&F is the main parent body at MLC School. Its purpose is to enhance family involvement in the MLC School Community, represent the views of parents, build and strengthen community spirit and support the School in material, practical and financial ways. There was limited ability for parents to come onto the School site for much of the year. This impacted a large number of events and ways in which parents could contribute their time and efforts. Nevertheless, where events or parent forums could be held in a virtual format, the P&F moved quickly to adopt them. The P&F was a major supporter of MLC School's inaugural Giving Day, making it highly successful. Parent ambassadors continued their efforts to keep the community connected as much as was possible.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL (SRC) The SRC is the voice of the student body and is an elected committee with three representatives each from Year 7 through to Year 11. The members are voted by their peers. Year 6 includes a class representative, while Year 12 is represented by all interested students. The SRC provides girls with opportunities to collaborate across Year groups on a variety of events and initiatives, including addressing concerns of the student body, organising feedback from the student body, and planning student events. The SRC was active in 2021 running a number of initiatives designed to support girls to deal with the challenges of the social restrictions they were facing outside the School, whilst ensuring that the student and staff community was connected and having fun at times when it did not seem possible. SRC initiatives included popular events such as Teacher Appreciation Week, World’s Greatest Shave, Teacher Masked Singer and the Christmas Toy Drive.

JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENT COUNCIL (JSSC) The JSSC consists of members from Year 3 to Year 5. There are two members representing each class, and it is their role to bring up any issues that the class may have. From fundraising, to organising community events, the JSSC’s main goal is to bring the MLC School Junior School community together. The JSSC works to display the School values of Courage, Compassion, Respect and Growth. Although COVID-19 brought an end to some plans in 2021, the JSSC still managed to help the community thrive. In 2021, the JSSC met with the Senior School SRC as a way to develop their leadership skills and align events. This included Crazy Hair Day and Teacher Appreciation Week.

MLC SCHOOL

2. Contextual Information About MLC School MLC School is an independent, non-selective girls’ school under the Uniting Church of Australia, educating girls from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12. It is situated 11 kilometres from the CBD in Sydney. Established in 1886, MLC School pioneered young women’s education and was one of the earliest to prepare its students for university. This view that it is encumbent upon the School to break barriers and set new expectations around the education of girls continues today. MLC School offers: Ì

A culturally and ethnically diverse student body

Dedicated staff who create compelling and engaging learning experiences

Fully integrated educational experiences for each of MLC School’s learning environments – the Early, Junior, Middle and Senior Years

A commitment to international standards of excellence providing the pathways for Higher School Certificate (HSC) and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme for tertiary entry

Languages including Japanese, French, Indonesian, Chinese (Mandarin) and Italian

Extensive co-curricular programs that focus on leadership, personal challenge and resilience in multiple domains

Co-curricular activities including a world-renowned Music department

Nationally recognised and award-winning programs for swimming, diving and gymnastics

Dynamic dance and drama productions

Debating and public speaking programs

Extra-curricular partnerships with leading institutions to enhance student learning

Strong spiritual focus for girls to develop a deep understanding of the Christian faith and respect for other faiths

A dedication to global citizenship through programs such as Round Square. Our girls become compassionate agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others

In 2021 MLC School continued its excellent academic results sustained over a wide range of student achievements. Median Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for the HSC cohort was 83.25. Average UAC score (ATAR equivalent) for the IB cohort was 98.55.

MLC SCHOOL

School Facts School sector School type Year range Total enrolments Girls

Non-Government Combined Pre-Kindergarten to Year 12 1283 1283

Boys

Full-time equivalent enrolments Indigenous students Location Student attendance rate Staff headcount Full-time equivalent teaching and non-teaching staff Full-time equivalent teaching Full-time equivalent non-teaching staff

1248* 10 Metropolitan 96% 242 214.7 117.9 96.83

*An additional 35 students attend early childhood programs at MLC School. These students are not included in the census statistics that relate to full-time equivalent enrolments from Kindergarten to Year 12 only.

3. Student Performance in National and Statewide Tests and Examinations MLC School offers two courses to attain a Year 12 school leavers’ qualification, the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) and the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma. Students are guided and counselled in their choice of course.

SUMMARY

Options include:

In 2021 our Year 12 students achieved strong academic results. The Median ATAR for HSC was 83.25 and the median UAC score (ATAR equivalent) was 98.55 for the IB cohort. The median for the combined cohort was 94.30.

19% of students scored 99.00 or above

47% of students scored 95.00 or above

Over 76% of students scored 90.00 or above

Pathways – Each year some MLC School students in Year 11 and Year 12 select the Pathways option of extending their HSC or IB Diploma by up to two years to accommodate their demanding commitments in extra-curricular activities or to provide, in special circumstances, flexible program delivery over a longer period of time.

Acceleration is available for those very capable students who sit an HSC course in conjunction with Preliminary courses in Year 11.

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Endorsed Curriculum Framework courses that gain credit towards the HSC, count towards the ATAR and credit towards national vocational qualifications under the Australian Qualifications Framework.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses that also gain credit towards the HSC but will not count towards the ATAR.

The University Admissions Centre (UAC) awards the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) for HSC students. A University Admission Centre Rank (UAC Rank) is an equivalent award for IB Diploma students. For detailed information please see mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

NSW EDUCATION STANDARDS AUTHORITY (NESA) HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE, 2021 In 2021, there were 127 instances of students being awarded Band 6 or E4 (the highest bands possible) while 57% of the cohort achieved a Band 6 in at least one subject. In 33 HSC subjects of 36 courses offered, MLC School’s average exceeded the state average. In 34 of the 36 courses sat by our students the results in Bands 5 and 6 exceeded the state average. Six students were placed on the HSC All Rounders list, for those who achieve Band 6 in 10 units of studies. One student placed first in course for Ancient History. MLC School students also received 6 state rankings. One student achieved an ATAR of 99.8, the highest ATAR achieved for a student in the HSC cohort. For detailed information please visit mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au

MLC SCHOOL

2021 HIGHER SCHOOL CERTIFICATE – MLC SCHOOL RESULTS AND STATE COMPARISON Subject Bands Ancient History Biology Business Studies Chemistry Chinese Continuers Dance Design and Technology Drama Economics English Advanced English Standard Entertainment Industry Examination French Continuers Geography Human Services Examination Indonesian Continuers Mathematics Advanced Mathematics Standard 2 Modern History Music 2 Personal Development, Health and Physical Education Physics Studies of Religion I Studies of Religion II Textiles and Design Visual Arts

Extension Bands

No. of students

Mean score for MLC School students

% of MLC School students in Bands 5 and 6

% of MLC School students in Bands 3 and 4

% of MLC School students in Bands 1 and 2

6 26 31 3 3 9 9 19 11 64 15 7 7 8 3 1 27 38 28 2

87.8 80.07 80.69 83.33 84.07 88.84 84.96 87.32 76.04 84.7 76.51 87.03 85.91 83.3 74.8 80 81.89 81.95 81.07 97

83 50 58 100 67 89 78 79 36 75 27 86 71 75 33 100 52 63 64 100

17 46 39 0 33 11 22 21 55 25 73 14 29 25 67 0 44 34 36 0

0 4 3 0 0 0 0 0 9 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 3 0 0

82.3

3 6 13 10 17

76.47 40.78 82.92 87.62 89.26

67 67 85 90 100

33 33 15 10 0

0 0 0 0 0

Median score % of MLC School % of MLC School % of MLC School % of MLC School for MLC School students in students in students in students in students Band E4 Band E3 Bands E2 Bands E1

Chinese Extension

45.95

100

English Extension 1

43.15

English Extension 2

44.92

French Extension

38.5

100

History Extension

41.6

Indonesian Extension

46.9

100

Mathematics Extension 1

85.45

Mathematics Extension 2

82.6

100

Music Extension

100

Science Extension

45.4

MLC SCHOOL

2021 INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) DIPLOMA PROGRAMME The 2021 IB results for MLC School were high, with twelve students achieving a perfect score of 45, converting to an ATAR rank of 99.95. Thirty-one students received Distinction certificates having gained a score of 40 or more and 49 students were awarded the International Baccalaureate Diploma.

The median IB Diploma ATAR rank was 98.55. Twenty-six students achieved the maximum three bonus points for their work in the compulsory core areas of Theory of Knowledge and the 4000-word Extended Essay. The highest grade achievable in a course, Grade 7, was attained 154 times (51% of all grades attained). MLC School was named number one IB school in Australia in 2021 and 32nd worldwide.

2021 IB – MLC School Results and World Average Subject

Grade 5–7

Grade 3–4

Grade 1–2

MLC School average grade

World average grade

English A: Literature HL

6.22

5.57

English A: Lit SL

5.67

5.19

Chinese B - Mandarin SL

6.5

6.77

French B HL

5.58

French B SL

6.36

5.67

Indonesian B SL

6.22

Japanese ab initio SL

6.2

5.92

Business Management HL English

6.43

5.31

Business Management SL

6.5

4.83

Economics HL English

6.47

5.97

Economics SL English

5.88

Geography HL English

6.33

5.81

History Europe HL English

6.25

5.38

Psychology HL English

6.37

5.60

Biology HL English

5.67

5.17

Biology SL English

6.11

4.24

Chemistry HL English

6.5

5.91

Chemistry SL English

6.5

4.68

Physics SL English

6.14

4.46

Sports HL English

6.58

6.00

Sports SL English

6.67

4.87

Mathematical AAHL

6.25

5.56

Mathematics AASL

6.81

4.74

Mathematics AISL

6.43

4.28

Dance HL English

6.73

Music HL English

6.67

5.89

Music SL English

5.49

Theatre HL English

5.84

Visual arts HL English

6.40

4.69

G6.40 D

Grade E

Subject

No. of students

Grade A

Grade B

Grade C

Extended Essay

Theory of Knowledge

MLC SCHOOL

NESA RECORD OF SCHOOL ACHIEVEMENT RESULTS 2021 The Record of School Achievement (RoSA) was introduced in 2012.

The table below gives MLC School’s pattern of Grades for all Year 10 courses in 2021 and compares them with the State’s pattern of grade distribution.

Students in Year 10 and Year 11 are awarded grades in each of their subjects.

Subject

School State MLC School Pattern total total % of students in Grade distribution students students A

State Pattern % of students in Grade distribution A

English 200 hours

147

89368

14.97 64.63 20.41

13.32 28.8 35.62 15.64 5.98

0.63

Mathematics 200 hours

147

89574

27.89 30.61 29.25 10.88 1.36

15.34 22.86 32.01 22.68 6.57

0.54

Science 200 hours

147

89344

51.7 29.25 18.37 0.68

13.87 25.17 36.37 17.72 6.22

0.64

19.88 33.27 32.87 10.23

3.5

0.25

25.98 34.48 28.95 8.03

2.46

0.11 0.39

Commerce 100 hours

5650

Commerce 200 hours

20796

Geography Elective 100 hours

773

100

Geography Elective 200 hours

729

33.33 55.56 5.56

5.56

Geography 100 hours

2.72

60 36.11

40 11.11 2.78

32.6 32.21 23.54 9.57

1.68

41.15 38.13 16.19 4.12

0.41

15.9 27.94 34.11 15.25

147

89378

12.24 46.94 38.1

History Elective 100 hours

3325

16.67 83.33

History Elective 200 hours

5410

History 100 hours

147

89382

Chinese 100 hours

222

Chinese 200 hours

995

French 100 hours

505

French 200 hours

2457

Indonesian 100 hours

Indonesian 200 hours

149

4.7

0.67

Design and Technology 100 hours

1947

26.14 30.87 30.77 8.94

2.98

0.31

Design and Technology 200 hours

3580

66.67

8.33

30.98 30.59 25.98 9.41

Food Technology 100 hours

5993

Food Technology 200 hours Information and Software Technology 100 hours Information and Software Technology 200 hours Textiles Technology 100 hours

16482

45.45 45.45 9.09

1995

100

6412

1135

Textiles Technology 200 hours

1856

36.05 48.3 15.65 100 52.94 17.65 29.41 100 50

59.09 22.73 18.18

58.33 8.33

0.49 0.24

33.14 31.05 24.84 7.36

3.35

0.26

15.54 27.95 34.29 15.18 6.52

0.51

47.75 31.53 15.32 4.95

0.45

55.68 24.42 13.77 4.82

1.31

20.99 34.06 32.28 11.49 1.19

37.97 37.97 17.72 6.33 50

6.3

23.61 31.04 31.46 10.71 2.95

37.04 30.16 24.05 7.77

0.94

36.59 29.27 26.83

7.32

46.31 28.86 19.46

8.33

50 13.33 6.67

0.04

2.85

0.2

17.19 27.62 32.55 15.05 7.29

0.3

19.21 29.03 31.24 14.2

5.73

0.59

21.7 30.08 29.32 13.23 5.41

0.25

27.34 30.61 26.56

4.18

0.31

25.02 30.31 29.07 9.25

6.08

0.26

34.43 32.11 23.28 7.17

2.8

0.22

25.76 32.83 23.23 11.62 6.31

0.25

36.73 31.92 21.03 6.78

2.84

0.7

21.32 34.12 30.3

9.81

4.23

0.21

33.59 33.98 22.06 7.68

2.49

0.19

Dance 100 hours

396

Dance 200 hours

1726

Drama 100 hours

1937

100

Drama 200 hours

5662

55.56 41.67 2.78

Music 100 hours

2835

13.3 28.57 33.54 16.05 8.18

0.35

Music 200 hours Photographic and Digital Media 100 hours Photographic and Digital Media 200 hours Visual Arts 100 hours

9931

28.67 30.6 25.13 10.78 4.25

0.56

2690

20.59 30.04 28.92 13.49 6.32

0.63

4963

41.67

23.33 30.85 26.58 12.67 6.02

0.54

3853

66.67 33.33

17.75 30.57 32.88 13.63 4.57

0.6

Visual Arts 200 hours Personal Development, Health and P.E. 100 hours Personal Development, Health and P.E. 200 hours

12333

51.85 33.33 14.81

28.68 32.88 24.74 9.19

4.07

0.44

18669

100

18.52 36.79 31.43 9.65

3.32

0.29

146

68902

14.5 32.03 35.43 13.2

4.28

0.56

MLC SCHOOL

100 52.38 47.62

8.33

30.82 44.52 23.29 1.37

The table below gives MLC School’s pattern of Grades for all Year 11 courses in 2021 and compares them with the State’s pattern for distribution of grades.

Subject

School total students

State total students

MLC School Pattern % of students in Grade distribution A

State Pattern % of students in Grade distribution A

23.94 44.47 26.38 4.22

0.76

0.23

English Advanced 2 unit (11140)

28787

English Extension 1 unit (11150)

5749

16.67 41.67 41.67

40.55 39.69 16.19 2.75

0.59

0.23

Mathematics Advanced 2 unit (11255)

24672

21.43 35.71 39.29 3.57

27.03 29.74 30.27 10.71 2.08

0.18

Mathematics Extension 1 unit (11250)

11675

22.22 33.33 44.44

30.57 32.39 26.76 8.28

1.92

0.08

Mathematics Standard 2 unit (11236)

40589

5.56 16.67 72.22

9.57 23.43 37.07 20.77 8.21

0.94

Biology 2 unit (11030)

25414

53.33 43.33 3.33

15.37 29.59 37.42 13.17 3.76

0.69

Chemistry 2 unit (11050)

14816

14.29 57.14 28.57

18.63 30.73 34.71 12.43 2.92

0.59

Physics 2 unit (11310)

10900

18.05 30.62 35.01 12.77 3.07

0.48

Ancient History 2 unit (11020)

8977

41.67 41.67 16.67

18.42 27.63 31.15 14.9

6.14

1.76

Business Studies 2 unit (11040)

24490

33.33 51.52 15.15

14.97 30.16 35.39 13.96 4.65

0.87

Economics 2 unit (11110)

7573

9.09 54.55 36.36

24.63 35.6 28.52 9.07

0.09

Geography 2 unit (11190)

5540

31.82 59.09 9.09

20.32 31.86 31.59 11.41 4.22

0.6

Modern History 2 unit (11270)

14329

35.14 35.14 29.73

19.32 29.86 32.4

4.78

1.14

Studies of Religion I 1 unit (11350)

10520

16.3 32.43 37.33 12.44 1.48

0.01

Studies of Religion II 2 unit (11360)

7441

38.46 46.15 15.38

19.06 35.92 34.36 8.99

0.08

Chinese Continuers 2 unit (11540)

256

100

54.3 27.73 14.84 3.13

French Continuers 2 unit (11640)

714

33.33 33.33 33.33

44.82 32.63 18.91 3.08

Design and Technology 2 unit (11080)

5299

Food Technology 2 unit (11180)

5236

Industrial Technology 2 unit (11200)

Textiles and Design 2 unit (11370)

1.33

5.56

1.59

0.56 0.62

36.36 36.36 18.18 9.09

17.88 26.26 31.17 15.01 7.33

2.35

9440

66.67 33.33

12.65 25.47 34.7 17.56 8.46

1.15

2097

44.44 22.22 33.33

24.03 30.42 29.33 11.64 4.34

0.24

Dance 2 unit (11070)

1069

41.44 36.95 16.18 3.37

1.68

0.37

Drama 2 unit (11090)

4140

71.43 19.05 9.52

31.93 36.23 21.64 7.51

2.17

0.51

Music 1 2 unit (11280)

5617

33.33 33.33 33.33

22.08 33.84 27.51 11.2

4.45

0.93

Music 2 2 unit (11290)

907

52.7 32.64 11.58 1.87

1.21

Visual Arts 2 unit (11380)

10923

42.86 42.86 14.29

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education 2 unit (11300)

20201

26.67

12.5

2.09

21.97 30.35 29.01 13.13 4.93

MLC SCHOOL

33.33 5.33

24 3.33

34.04 25.86 11.05 4.02

1.03

15.01 29.09 34.92 15.22 4.89

0.88

NAPLAN RESULTS 2021 NAPLAN participation for MLC School is 100%. NAPLAN participation for all Australian students is 95%.

Comparison with students of a similar background Reading

Writing

Spelling

Grammar

Numeracy

Year 3

486

476

482

503

463

Year 5

567

530

538

566

555

Year 7

600

582

599

593

617

Interpreting the tables Selected school’s average when compared students of similar background and all Australian students

Year 9

618

614

638

623

639

 Well above  Above  Close to

Comparison with Australian students

 Below

Reading

Writing

Spelling

Grammar

Numeracy

Year 3

486

476

482

503

463

Year 5

567

530

538

566

555

Year 7

600

582

599

593

617

Year 9

618

614

638

623

639

 Well below  No comparison available

SUMMARY Year 9

MLC School has a higher proportion of students in the top 2 reportable bands (≥ Band 9) compared to the statistically similar school group (SSSG) cohort in the following domain: Ì

Spelling (+9 %)

Year 7

MLC School has a higher proportion of students in the top 2 reportable bands (Bands 8 and 9) compared to the SSSG schools across ALL domains. MLC School has a higher proportion of students in Band 10 (Well above expected level) compared to SSSG schools in the Writing domain (+1 %).

MLC SCHOOL

Year 5

MLC School has a higher proportion of students in the top 2 reportable bands (Bands 7 and 8) compared to the SSSG schools in the following domains. Ì

Numeracy (+11.7 %);

Grammar and Punctuation (+6.2 %);

Reading (+4.8 %);

Year 3

MLC School has a higher proportion of students in the top 2 reportable bands (Bands 5 and 6) compared to the SSSG schools in the following domains. Ì

Grammar and Punctuation (+28.8 %);

Reading (+24.7 %);

Spelling (+14.2 %);

Numeracy (+10.4 %);

4. Senior Secondary Outcomes Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Year 12 Results Senior Secondary Certificate Awarded

125

Completed Year 12

125

Awarded a VET Qualification

5. Professional Learning and Teaching Standards, Attendance and Non-Attendance Professional Learning

MLC School staff undertook professional learning opportunities throughout 2021 which included: Ì

HSC/IB DP marking

Association of Independent Schools NSW (AIS NSW)

Staff development days

NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA)

Mentoring programs

International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO)

School-based workshops

Online training courses

Further professional learning was completed through attendance at non-accredited courses provided by:

External conferences and workshops (many were delivered virtually)

Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia (AHISA)

Independent Primary School Heads of Australia (IPSHA)

Australian Council for Educational Research (ACER)

History Teachers Association (HTA)

Mathematics Association of NSW (MANSW)

English Teachers Association (ETA)

Technology Educators Association (TEA)

Geography Teachers Association of NSW and ACT (GTA NSW)

Modern Language Teachers Association of NSW

Science Teachers Association of NSW Inc (STASW)

Visual Arts and Design Educators Association (VADEA)

The professional learning at MLC School is developed through consultation with relevant stakeholders and is linked to the Strategic Plan, staff professional development plans and departmental operational plans that are informed by data collection and analysis. MLC School expended an annual figure of $114,828 on professional learning for both teaching and support and operational staff in 2021. The School Executive participated in professional learning conducted by an expert leadership coach. In addition to this each member of the Executive undertook external professional learning opportunities as relevant to their role including but not limited to compliance requirements, child protection, workforce management, research into pedagogical practice and wellbeing. All staff participated in professional learning about child protection as part of the whole School professional learning days. Teaching staff participated in professional learning workshops related to student learning dispositions, coaching and mentoring, differentiation, literacy, pedagogical approaches to the use of technology in improving student learning outcomes, cyber safety and working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures throughout 2021.

In addition to the school-based workshops teaching staff also participated in accredited courses provided by the following organisations:

MLC SCHOOL

Teacher Accreditation as 31 December 2021 Level of Accreditation

Number of Teachers

Conditional

Provisional

Proficient Teacher

160

Highly Accomplished Teacher (voluntary accreditation)

Lead Teacher (voluntary accreditation)

TOTAL NUMBER OF TEACHERS

169

Teacher Qualifications* Category

Number of Teachers

Teachers having teacher education qualifications from a higher education institution within Australia or as recognised within the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (AEI-NOOSR) guidelines, or Teachers having a Bachelor degree from a higher education institution within Australia or one recognised within the AEI-NOOSR guidelines but lack formal teacher education qualifications

164

*Note that the number of teachers falling within these two categories may not sum to the total number of teachers as reported in the previous accreditation table as some teachers with Conditional accreditation may not be included.

6. Workforce Composition In 2021 the average daily staff attendance rate for teachers was 81.7%. The proportion of teaching staff retained from 2020 to 2021 was 86.5%. Staff

Teaching

Non-Teaching/Operational

Total

Primary Full-time Equivalent

43.75

24.37

68.12

Secondary Full-time Equivalent

95.15

49.304

144.454

TOTAL FULL-TIME EQUIVALENT

138.9

73.674

212.574

MLC SCHOOL

7. Student Attendance and Retention Rates Students at MLC School have high attendance rates. The School monitors student attendance administratively through both Junior and Senior School processes. Strategies to improve poor or unsatisfactory school or class attendance include following up unexplained absence via phone contact, email, and student/ parent/carer interviews.

Unsatisfactory attendance information is transferred to student files and for students whose attendance pattern is of concern, documentation to substantiate reasons for absence is requested, and follow up with appropriate external agencies is taken. Ninety eight per cent of students attended school on average each school day in 2021. This figure maintains the daily attendance achieved since 2011 when attendance reporting became a requirement.

Total Attendance Year Level

Enrolment Days

Attendance Days

Attendance %

Kindergarten

8,029

7,762

Year 1

6,102

5,895

Year 2

9,311

9,132

Year 3

12,358

12,146

Year 4

9,787

9,619

Year 5

14,701

14,369

Year 6

16,055

15,714

Year 7

22,710

22,161

Year 8

22,009

21,602

Year 9

22,222

21,431

Year 10

25,264

24,647

Year 11

18,680

18,323

Year 12

13,629

13,267

TOTAL

200,857

196,068

As reported to Department of Education and Training (DET). In 2021 the reporting requirements were simplified to the above table.

Student Retention Year 9 Total Enrolment

Year 12 Total Completing High School

Year 9 Total Enrolment who remained to complete High School

Apparent Retention Rate

Actual Retention Rate

2018/2021

124

129

109

100%

87.90%

2017/2020

170

155

139

91.10%

81.70%

2016/2019

125

123

108

98.4%

86.4%

2015/2018

123

115

104

93.5%

84.6%

2014/2017

129

131

108

100%

83.7%

2013/2016

121

139

117

100%

96.7%

2012/2015

141

139

127

100%

91.4%

2011/2014

124

136

110

100%

88.7%

2010/2013

126

145

115

100%

91.3%

Years Compared

MLC SCHOOL

8. Post School Destinations Year 12 2021 Cohort Furthermore around 22 students applied for courses interstate in 2021, from UWA to UTAS and JCU.

The MLC School Careers Department provides multiple opportunities for students to stay informed about new and exciting courses at university. There has also been a trend for students to choose a greater variety of courses as well as combined degrees, which allow more flexibility and a broader skillset. The Destination Survey summarizes the course offerings and the institutions where the students have gone in 2022. However it does not capture the other information which needs to be highlighted. In 2021 one of the big changes was the number of students who received an early offer through one of the many Early Entry Schemes. Several universities have introduced such a scheme and as a result more than 70 students received an offer prior to their HSC or IB exams.

Faculty

There is always a strong interest in students applying to overseas universities and in 2021 we had approximately 8 students who applied to either the UK or the USA predominantly. There were 5 students who were offered and accepted to the following: Ì

Oxford University - Law

Royal School of Music - Music Composition

Parsons School of Design - Product Design

Savannah College of Art and Design - Liberal Arts and Design

Wheaton College - Liberal Arts

No.

Institution

No.

Law Combined

University of Sydney

Arts/Advanced St/Politics/International Studies

University of Technology Sydney

Health Sciences/ Radiography/Paramedicine/Nursing/Dietetics

University of New South Wales

Business/Commerce/Economics/Management

Macquarie University

Science/Forensics/Environmental/Biotechnology

Western Sydney University

Architecture/Construction Management

Whitehouse Institute of Design

Design /Animation/Product/Landscape/Fashion

University of Notre Dame

Clinical/Medical Science

University of Newcastle

Psychology

Australian Catholic University

Engineering /Aerospace/Biomed/Electrical/Computer

Charles Sturt University

Education/Secondary/Primary/Early Childhood

University of Wollongong

Media/Advertising/Communications

University of Canberra

Data Analytics/Info Systems

Torrens University

Fine Arts

National Art School

Pharmacy

Music/Composition/Performance

Australian National University

Vision Science

James Cook University QLD

Medicine

University of Queensland

University of Tasmania

University of Melbourne

Interstate

Overseas

MLC SCHOOL

University of Oxford, UK

Royal College of Music London, UK

Parsons School of Design, New York, USA

Savannah College of Art and Design, USA

Wheaton College, Illinois, USA

9. Enrolment Profile, Policy and Procedure PROFILE

POLICY

The total number of students enrolled at the Commonwealth Census date of 1 August 2021 was 1283 (includes 35 PreKindergarten students). As in previous years, the Inner West and Inner Sydney maintain the highest proportion of students, with the Inner West decreasing slightly by 1.47% and Inner Sydney increasing by 0.25%. The St George and Sutherland Shire are the next most significant drawing areas, increasing by 0.48% on last year’s figures. Canterbury Bankstown, Central Western Sydney and the Eastern Suburbs all showed marginal increases on the previous year.

Although the School has formal entry points, we welcome entry at all year levels. This will be at the discretion of the Principal and only if places are available. Formal or regular points of entry are: Ì

Pre-Kindergarten – Early Years (students must turn 4 years by 31 May in the year of entry). This is either a 3-day or a 5-day program

Kindergarten – Early Years (students must turn 5 years by 31 May in the year of entry)

Year 3 – Junior School

Year 5 – Junior School

Ì % of Student

Year 6 – Transition

Year 7 – Senior School

Blacktown

0.15

Year 9 – Senior School

Canterbury/Bankstown

6.77

Central Northern Sydney

1.92

Central Western Sydney

5.62

Year 10 – in readiness to commence either the Higher School Certificate (HSC) or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme

Eastern Suburbs

0.54

Fairfield/Liverpool

1.85

Inner Sydney

19.78

Inner West

39.95

Lower Northern Sydney

7.08

MLC School students reflect a wide range of family backgrounds. More than 30 nationalities and 35 religions are represented in the MLC School environment.

Residential Distribution Metropolitan Area

Outer South West

Outer West

0.31

St George

10.01

Sutherland Shire

4.54

Secondary

Primary

Year Level

No. of Students

Year Level

No. of Students

Year 12

130

Year 6

Year 11

131

Year 5

Year 10

147

Year 4

Year 9

129

Year 3

Year 8

128

Year 2

Year 7

133

Year 1

Kindergarten

TOTAL

450

TOTAL

798

An additional 35 students (FTE approximately 29.2) attend early childhood programs at MLC School’s Junior School. These students are not included in the census statistics.

MLC SCHOOL

The MLC School enrolment process begins when an application for enrolment form has been completed and sent to the School, together with the application fee. This form must be accompanied by several supporting documents, including the child’s birth certificate. We encourage parents to enrol their daughters as soon as possible. Entry is not academically selective. The School accepts enrolment applications any time after birth. Attending a tour morning is a recommended step in the enrolment process for all families. Once a completed application for enrolment has been received, each applicant is placed on a waiting list. For entry into Year 8 to Year 11, at least two years prior to the nominated year of entry, and prior to being interviewed, the School will invite students to undertake a learner profile assessment to determine their current learning level.

Year Group Distribution at Census 2021

Enrolment Entry Levels

Those students entering the School from outside the New South Wales education system will also be asked to sit for a diagnostic assessment, to determine the most appropriate entry level. An acceptable standard of English is a prerequisite for all students within this entry range. After completion of all the entry requirements, parents and their daughters may be invited to an interview. Families with girls entering the School from Pre-Kindergarten to Year 6 will meet with the Head of Junior School or their delegate for an interview. Appropriate to the year group, families with girls entering the School from Year 7 to Year 11 will meet with the Deputy Principal, Head of Senior School or their delegate for their interview. An invitation to interview is not a guarantee of an offer.

plus an amount to reflect the administrative costs to the School in collecting outstanding fees. The Overdue Charge represents a genuine pre-estimate by the School of the loss that it would suffer if fees were not paid by the due date. We understand that we may obtain the current rate from the Finance Office.

It is the parent/carer's responsibility to advise the School of any changes to contact details once their daughter is enrolled. If the School is unable to contact a parent/carer their daughter’s enrolment application may be forfeited. Changes to entry year should be advised as soon as possible and will be considered but cannot be guaranteed. 5.

If an account for fees is not paid in full by the end of the term in which they were due for payment, the student’s enrolment may be suspended and the School may subsequently without further notice refuse entry to the student or terminate her enrolment.

A full term’s notice in writing must be given to the Principal before any student is withdrawn/removed. The notice must be given no later than one week prior to the end of the preceding term. If this notice is not given, we agree to pay a term’s fees plus GST. This amount is a genuine pre-estimate by the School of the loss that it will suffer if we do not provide the required notice.

We understand that no remission of fees, either in whole or in part, will be made if the student is absent due to illness, leave or suspension.

We authorise the School to incur expenditure on our behalf such as purchases of books, stationery and equipment, and to advance such fares from time to time as the School considers necessary.

We agree to pay all medical and ambulance expenses incurred on behalf of the student.

MLC School Old Girls and Current Families

Preference is given to daughters of MLC School Old Girls and to current MLC School families. It is recommended that application be made by their daughter’s first birthday or at least three years prior to the nominated entry level. Families with preference need to observe the School’s enrolment procedures.

Enrolment Fee

If an offer is made, families are required to pay the nonrefundable Final Enrolment Fee of $A2900 per student and sign an enrolment agreement (Enrolment Contract) with the School. This payment should be received within 10 days of the receipt of the letter to confirm enrolment at MLC School. If the offer is not accepted within the timeframe, it will lapse, and places will be offered to others on the waiting list. NOTE: the Enrolment Fee is separate from the tuition fees. NOTE: the School reserves the right to not offer a place, at any stage of the enrolment process. The School also reserves the right to determine the appropriate entry level for each applicant, based on their age.

Conditions of Enrolment These Conditions are to be agreed to by parents or guardians when they accept an offer of a place for a child at the School.

Interpretation 'Parents' includes guardians or any other person who has applied to have a child entered on the waiting list or enrolled at the School and, where the child has only one parent, means that parent.

Fees 1.

The School Council determines the fees and charges that will be payable from time to time which are set out in a Schedule of Fees. The fees are revised regularly and may be amended each year.

Fees and Charges may also be levied for co-curricular activities, elective subjects and sport.

We agree to pay to the School all fees for tuition, extra subjects, excursions, camps and the supply of goods and services to the student as determined by the School Council and as published in the Scale of Fees from time to time.

All fees are payable in advance and are due within 14 days of the date of the fee statement. If we fail to pay by the due date, we agree to pay an Overdue Charge calculated on the amount outstanding from the due date until the date of payment. The Overdue Charge is a rate percent per annum determined by the School from time to time. It is based on the average rate received by the School on its deposits MLC SCHOOL

Expectations and Behaviour 10. The School may terminate the enrolment of the student without notice if, either before or after the commencement of enrolment, the School finds the relevant particulars of the special needs of the student have not been provided to the School or the particulars provided are materially incorrect or misleading. 11. We understand that our acceptance of the School’s offer of a place for the student implies that she will complete her schooling at the School unless unforeseen circumstances arise. 12. We acknowledge and agree that the student is expected to respect the School values, adhere to all School rules, work diligently at her studies and consistently behave in a manner appropriate for an MLC School student, including in regard to her personal presentation and conduct, and in relation to any digital and social media profile and activity. 13. We acknowledge and agree that students are expected to wear the School uniform as prescribed including when travelling to and from school and follow conventional standards of appearance while at school in accordance with the School’s guidelines and the expectation of the School community. 14. We acknowledge and agree that as parents it is our obligation to support the student to meet the School’s expectations at all times. Should the Principal deem that the student is not meeting these requirements, she may, in her absolute discretion, give one term’s written notice to cancel the student’s enrolment. 15. We acknowledge and agree that we must ensure the student has each item of officially required uniform, clean

and in good repair, and all other requirements such as textbooks and stationery. 16. We have noted the School’s requirements in relation to discipline, home study, uniform code, attendance and leave and agree that the student must abide by them, and we agree to abide by them where they specifically apply to parent responsibility. 17. We acknowledge that the School is a Christian community and that behaviours and attitudes based on Christian values are encouraged. 18. We acknowledge and agree that we should communicate with students, parent/carer(s), visitors and staff members in a courteous manner, and follow the communication guidelines laid down by the School from time-to-time and observe any relevant Code of Conduct. We agree to avoid confrontation and criticism in public and accept that there is no place in the School community for sarcasm, derogatory remarks, inappropriate familiarity or offensive comments. 19. We accept the School’s Discipline Policy and we agree to support the administration of the School’s Discipline Policy. 20. We acknowledge and accept that the Principal may in her absolute discretion, but subject to affording the student procedural fairness, suspend or expel the student for breaches of rules or discipline. Failure on our part to comply with these conditions of enrolment could also lead to suspension or expulsion of the student. 21. We acknowledge and agree that the Principal may, by giving us one term’s written notice, cancel the student’s enrolment if the Principal considers that a mutually beneficial relationship of trust and cooperation between the School and us has broken down to the extent that it adversely impacts on that relationship. 22. We acknowledge that the Principal may cancel the enrolment of the student or ask us to remove the student from the School where the student has, in the Principal’s opinion, failed to meet the requirements of the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) or has otherwise failed to make satisfactory progress in her academic work and/or that the School can no longer meet the student’s needs, by giving not less than one term’s notice. 23. We acknowledge and agree that the Principal may cancel the student’s enrolment on the basis of a pattern of behaviour and/or non co-operation between the student and/or the parent and the School, which the Principal considers is not beneficial to the School. 24. We understand and agree that the student is expected to maintain a consistent level of participation in School activities including the co-curricular program (fees may apply). We understand and agree that as parents it is our obligation to support the student to meet these expectations at all times. 25. We accept that the School will determine which particular programs, courses and activities are offered and/or provided at any time and which of these programs, courses and activities are compulsory. We agree to obtain for the student the textbooks, technology and learning resources recommended by the School for its compulsory programs, courses and activities and to ensure that the student has these available for use at school. 21

MLC SCHOOL

26. We acknowledge and agree that the School has the right to assess the suitability of each student to automatically progress to the next academic year, and determine whether it is in the best interests of the student to do so. 27. We agree and accept that all students must participate in and/or attend any activities deemed compulsory by the Principal, including but not limited to: i.

As a school of the Uniting Church in Australia, their annual Sunday House Chapel Service, end of term Holy Communion Services (partaking of Holy Communion as a sacrament is optional but attendance at the Services is required), and weekly ChapeL

ii.

Co-curricular activities

iii. The School sports program including Junior School and Senior School swimming and athletics carnival iv. Important School events such as Speech Day, Speech Night, whole school music or other whole school events and other events as required by the Principal, from time to time v.

Various school camps, immersive learning experiences and excursions that occur from time to time as an integral part of the school curriculum

28. We understand that the School requires parents to be actively involved in the School through attendance at parent/teacher interviews and parent forums, participation in courses offered by the School relevant to the student’s education and assistance to the School in a voluntary capacity from time to time. 29. Requests for leave from school activities, including academic and co-curricular programs, and for early departure at the end of a day or term and/or late return from breaks will be refused unless in the most exceptional circumstances and must be applied for in writing to the Principal.

PROCEDURE All applications are processed in accordance with the School’s Enrolment Policy. Each applicant’s statement/interview responses regarding her ability and willingness to support the School’s ethos is considered. Each applicant’s educational needs are considered. To do this, the School gathers information and consults with the parents/ family and other relevant persons. Any strategies are identified to accommodate the applicant before a decision regarding the enrolment is made. Subject to availability, offers of a place will be made according to whether there are siblings of the student already at the School, whether they are the child of a former student and in the order of receipt. Continuing enrolment is subject to the student’s adherence to school rules (see Enrolment Contract, Pastoral Care Policies and Behaviour Management Policies) and payment of all school fees. The applicant and her family are then informed of the outcome. MLC School policies can be found on the MLC School website or in print form upon request from the Marketing and Community Relations' office.

10. School Policies STUDENT WELFARE POLICIES The School seeks to provide a safe and supportive environment which: Ì

Minimises risk of harm and ensures students feel secure

Supports the physical, social, academic, spiritual and emotional development of students

Provides student welfare policies and programs that develop a sense of self worth and foster personal development

Anti-Bullying Policy

Bullying and harassment in all forms – physical, verbal, electronic, emotional, psychological, and social, are totally unacceptable and will not be tolerated. The School has a supportive Pastoral Care structure of Heads of Year, Heads of House, Luminaries, Counsellors and other staff, as well as tailored Pastoral Care programs and strategies to support its students. The School employs a variety of approaches to deal with any bullying incident including restorative justice. Bullying issues are dealt with quickly, sensitively and firmly. Dealing with bullying is a priority and will be managed as such. Serious or repeated bullying may result in suspension of the student(s) from the School.

Discipline Policies

At MLC School, students are required to demonstrate courtesy, respect, integrity and co-operation to all members of the School community at all times. Students are required to abide by the MLC School Student Code of Conduct and School Rules and to follow the directions of teachers and other people with authority, as delegated by the School. There is no corporal punishment at MLC School under any circumstances. MLC School follows procedural fairness in all discipline issues, working to ensure that the Student Code of Conduct and School Rules are implemented fairly and consistently. Where disciplinary action is required, the impact of the inappropriate behaviour on others or on the School Community provides the basis for a range of consequences. MLC School strives to maintain a safe and supportive environment. The full text of the School’s Discipline Code and associated procedures is provided to all members of the School Community through:

Parent Information Handbook

Student Diary

The My MLC School Portal

MLC SCHOOL

Policies for Complaints and Grievances Resolution The School’s policy for dealing with complaints and grievances includes processes for raising and responding to matters of concern identified by parents and/or students. These processes incorporate, as appropriate, principles of procedural fairness.

The full text of the School’s policy and processes for employee complaints and grievances is provided on the School’s website. Processes in relation to student and parent complaints are outlined in the Grievances and Complaints Policy for Parents and Students, available on the MLC School website.

MLC SCHOOL – A SAFE AND SUPPORTIVE ENVIRONMENT 10.1 Support

MLC School promotes a learning environment where teachers and pupils are mutually supportive. The School expects teachers and students to respect each other and not engage in conduct that undermines this mutual trust and support, and also to respect the philosophy and ethics of the School. The School encourages consultation between all members of the School community in matters that affect them.

10.5 Complaints and Grievances

The School has in place processes for dealing with complaints and grievances raised by students and/or parents. These processes will incorporate, as appropriate, principles of procedural fairness.

10.6 Pastoral Care a.

Students are aware of, and have access to, appropriate Pastoral Care arrangements and access to, and use of, counselling within the school.

The School takes reasonable measures to identify students with special needs and provide them with an appropriate level of support to assist them with their schooling with minimal disruption, taking into account the resources available.

Students requiring health and/or medical services and support or medication are assisted to access these in an appropriate manner. The School employs a full-time qualified Nurse to provide appropriate care on a daily basis.

10.2 Security

The School will implement measures designed to promote the safety and wellbeing of students, particularly having regard to its professional judgment as to what is required, and will include in its consideration such matters as:

Appropriate levels of supervision

Security of buildings

Procedures in case of fire

Use of grounds and facilities

Travel on school-related activities

Other appropriate matters

The implementation of these requirements and procedures will be monitored for compliance from time to time.

The School provides both formal and informal mechanisms to facilitate communication between those with an interest in a student’s education and wellbeing. This may include communications between some or all of the following: student; parent or guardian or other significant family member of the student; teacher; counsellor; principal; representative of an appropriate government, welfare, health or other authority.

10.3 Supervision

10.8 Welfare

10.4 Conduct

All of the above policies have been implemented in a manner that is appropriate to the School, its students and the School community and with regard to the relevant legislative requirements that apply to the School and the students within its care.

Appropriate measures will be taken by school staff to seek to ensure that all students are adequately cared for and supervised while undertaking both on-site and off-site activities, bearing in mind the type of activities and age of the students involved.

The School has a Code of Conduct for staff and students that may be supplemented from time to time by specific rules and directives. The Code of Conduct includes such matters as: i.

The rights and responsibilities of students and staff within the school community

ii.

Behaviour management

iii. The role of any school leadership system (or equivalent) in the school and the monitoring of that system iv. The management and reporting of serious incidents

10.7 Communication

The School implements appropriate behaviour management practices for students, consistent with the philosophy of the school and with other aspects of this policy.

The School implements a student leadership system.

MLC SCHOOL

Welfare procedures for students undertaking distance education, outside tutoring, courses/subjects with an external provider or students taking up alternative residential/accommodation arrangements for the purposes of their schooling are as per school-based procedures.

11. School Determined Improvement Targets Achievements Against Targets Set for 2021 Focus

Learning and Teaching

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing

Co-Curricular

Spiritual Life

Action Continue development of Learning and Teaching Framework Implement a mentoring program for early career teachers

Ongoing Held over

Appoint an Assistant Head of Senior School (Academic Care and Administration)

Completed

Create an improved structure and process of staff accreditation

Completed

Review the timetable to create flexibility for improved student outcomes in both curricular and co-curricular programs Review of Immersive Learning Programs

New timetable implemented

Further develop data tracking of student progress to enhance student achievement and widen its uptake Continue development of Pastoral Care Framework for MLC School

Ongoing

Appoint an Assistant Head of Senior School (Pastoral Care and Wellbeing)

Completed

Enhance staff capability in Pastoral Care practice through professional learning and appropriate ICT programs Introduce tailored ICT technologies to further monitor and support students with appropriate interventions Enhance parent support and education to further support their daughters

Held over

Review all co-curricular programs and conduct a gap analysis and develop vision and mission for co-curricular programs Finalise review and implement improved selection processes for co-curricular activities and teams

Completed

Enhance participation in IGSSA sport from Year 3 to Year 12

Ongoing

Introduce a specialised Pre-K to Year 2 co-curricular program

Completed

Review exchange program for 2021 pilot scheme with other Round Square Schools

Commenced

Engage with UCA agencies and others to improve the service learning of students and staff

Ongoing

Promote opportunities for staff service participation

Held over

Ensure a spiritual aspect for each student is embedded within the learning and teaching, and pastoral care frameworks Introduce a range of further opportunities for girls to explore faith

Ongoing

Improve customised level of communication to parents and the broader community

Ongoing

Improve online enquiry experience and prospective parent experience, and review and improve Communication orientation programs for new students and parents and Family Further develop protocols for delivery of online events generally Experience Continue to develop support for the bursary and scholarship programs

Our Staff

Partnerships

Governance and Sustainability

ICT

Facilities

MLC SCHOOL

Outcome

Completed

Ongoing

Held over Ongoing

Completed

Commenced Ongoing Ongoing Ongoing

Appoint Audio Visual coordinator

Completed

Further develop employee engagement and staff feedback systems

Completed

Reinvigorate Staff Social Club

Held over

Further develop health and wellbeing programs to support staff wellbeing

Held over

Work with Universities to develop scholarship program for final year teaching students

Commenced

Further enhance Round Square opportunities

Ongoing

Further develop opportunities with boys’ schools for co-curricular and curricular joint ventures

Ongoing

Continue to track and monitor Government funding requirements based on new needs-based model and develop financial planning as necessary Begin to streamline school administration processes for parents

Ongoing

Continue to monitor School bus service offering

Ongoing

Continue to work towards incorporation as a School

Completed

Create a stronger customer focus for the ICT team

Ongoing

Introduce new Student Information System to the School

Completed

Put in place full implementation and training process for new Student Information System

Ongoing

Upgrade hockey fields

Completed

Upgrade Grantham Street classrooms

Ongoing

Upgrade Sutherland Rooms

Completed

Ongoing

Targets for 2022 Focus

Action Pilot Immersive Learning programs for two Senior School cohorts Appoint Director of Indigenous Education Appoint Director of Teacher Accreditation Review Learning and Enrichment program and structure Integrate new and emerging technologies in and beyond the classroom to engage and enhance the learning of our students Learning and Teaching Undertake wide ranging review of School reports Develop feedback calendar and introduce regular feedback surveys for all Senior students Continue rollout of feedback surveys for all parents Review approach to mathematics in Junior School Facilitate greater accessibility and visibilty of Careers team and Senior students Introduce specialised wellbeing hub in Senior School Introduce Junior School Behaviour Guidelines Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Introduce tailored ICT technologies to further monitor and support students with appropriate interventions Enhance staff capability in Pastoral Care practice through professional learning and appropriate ICT programs Introduce the Experiential Pedagogy Framework Appoint Director of Experiential Pedagogy Pilot new Round Square experiences Co-Curricular Introduce outdoor education experiences for specific year groups Introduce a recognition program to encourage involvement across all terms Continue to focus on enhanced participation in IGSSA sport from Year 3 to Year 12 Promote opportunities for staff service participation Spiritual Life Develop plans to build stronger connections between pastoral care program, the teaching of Religion and Christian studies and Chaplaincy Review current bus routes and plan for new routes Communication Introduce parent app and Family Develop position with focus on parent liaison Experience Implement new alumnae and events information management system Expand the AV capacity of the School Plan and implement staff consultation processess and focus groups Develop staff engagement plans Our Staff Reinvigorate Staff Social Club Further develop health and wellbeing programs to support staff wellbeing Review site cleaners Governance Review bus operators and Implement new business management system Sustainability Continue to improve environmental credentials by decreasing consumption of utilities and generated waste. Restructure team and appoint Business Analyst Continue implementation and training process for new Student Information System ICT Implement new complementary systems to enhance effectivements of Student Information System and improve user and customer experience Finalise data warehouse Finalise design brief for performing arts centre Upgrade teaching kitchens Upgrade Junior School ground floor rooms Facilities Complete upgrade of Grantham Street classrooms Commence upgrade of student bathrooms on Senior campus Upgrade Main School Reception area

MLC SCHOOL

12. Initiatives Promoting Respect and Responsibility JUNIOR SCHOOL

SENIOR SCHOOL

MLC School’s four Values – Courage, Compassion, Respect and Growth – form the foundation upon which our initiatives promoting respect and responsibility are developed. Our approach to developing the MLC School girl’s social emotional learning competencies and our approach to behaviour management which promotes a safe and positive environment develop from these four Values.

MLC School rules are based on respect: for others, self and property.

A whole School Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Framework was developed during 2021 in consultation with staff. From this a Junior School termly framework for pastoral care lessons was created to ensure consistency throughout the Junior School. Each term has a focus on one Value, to ensure the girl’s understanding and actions are developed for each one. This work continued during lockdown as well, ensuring the girls’ wellbeing was considered as part of their flexible learning from home. The Junior School also worked on developing a shared understanding of behavioural expectations, using evidence-based management strategies in the learning environment to promote positive behaviour to support student/child learning. Respect and responsibility are an important aspect in this approach. Our multicultural community is valued and respected. Throughout the year we highlight significant faith/cultural celebrations, such as Chinese New Year, Eid and Diwali. Major religions are also studied in religion lessons. Our multicultural diversity is valued and celebrated every day. Co-curricular and leadership programs also promote respect and responsibility by encouraging the girls to be involved in initiatives which look outside themselves. Service learning through House activities enables the community to be aware of others in need. The girl’s voice and leadership in School activities builds a positive School community.

MLC SCHOOL

Senior School students have continued to be engaged in a range of activities to promote respect and responsibility within our community. The 2021 Student Leadership Team, headed up by School Captain Mikaela Nguyen, has been at the forefront. They have worked diligently to engage the School community with a variety of initiatives promoting wellbeing in their peers and organising events where individuals can tell their story. These events have emphasised the overwhelming support and acceptance of service amongst our community. These have allowed others to grow in compassion, strength and understanding. As has been the case for many years now, we supported RUOK Day, an annual event focused on normalising conversations around mental health. The School Captains led the White Ribbon Day Campaign, in conjunction with Newington College, as they stood together in solidarity with women who have suffered domestic abuse. 2021 marked the third straight year of Teacher Appreciation Week, with students sending affirmation messages to individual staff members. Kindness Day was another annual tradition acknowledged by sharing of cooking with all staff and students. Despite the challenges of COVID-19, the School continued to work hard on other initiatives, including International Women’s Day, Save Our Soles Campaign to recycle old sports shoes, and the Christmas Toy Drive. This year marked the School’s involvement in the Future Leaders forum, where students are joining together from other schools to stand up and educate others around the issues associated with consent.

13. Year 12 Parent Exit Surveys 2021 MLC School surveys all Year 12 parents about their experience at the School. The survey is run by an external provider and all responses are deidentified.

Positive Open-Ended Responses Ì

The staff and teachers are truly amazing and the School has provided such a wonderful environment for our daughter to reach her potential, to believe in herself and most importantly she absolutely loved her MLC School experience. We as her parents will always be eternally grateful to MLC School, the teachers but also the leadership and behind the scenes staff that contributed to this. MLC School was very proactive and responsive to any issues affecting our daughter and we applaud you all for that.

I mostly like the balance of people within our School community - from Executive to faculty to coaching staff, from parents to students - everyone is always encouraging and friendly; I like the reliability and stability of MLC School. I had two girls go through MLC School from Kindergarten right through to Year 12 and not once were they unhappy with the environment, that is testament to a well run school which provides a safe and exciting place for each girl to grow; Opportunity exists on many levels for all students at MLC School and the overall outcomes are amazing.

We had involvement for last 17 years; my girls are coming out as astute all rounders; MLC School comes into its own in the later years of schooling; great opportunities have been offered from camps, to overseas trips to music opportunities; definitely worth it for girls who want to make the most of the opportunity.

The girls are nurtured and allowed to grow at their own pace. There are some very strong teachers at MLC School with great academic skills, communication, exchange of best practices with adaptability and a drive for self-improvement.

Great co-curricular team.

In 2021, survey responses were 95 out of a total of 244 eligible respondents. This equates to a response rate of 38.9%. The key areas in which parent feedback was sought include: Ì

Values and Culture

Homework

Leadership and Direction

Reporting

School Communication

Pastoral Care/Wellbeing

Curriculum

Student Transition

Co-curricular

Student Engagement

Learning and Extension

Parent Engagement

Teaching Standards

General

Learning Environment

Overall

Resources and Facilities

MLC School recorded an overall satisfaction score of 80%. Best practice areas include: Ì

Learning Environment

Leadership and Direction

Resources and Facilities

Values and Culture

Co-curriculum

Reporting

Overall

Curriculum

Homework

Fair to good areas (in order of rating) include:

School Communication

Student Transition

General

Parent Engagement

Pastoral Care/Wellbeing

Student Engagement

Teaching Standards

Learning + Extension

MLC SCHOOL

MLC SCHOOL LIMITED A UNITING CHURCH DAY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS, PRE-KINDERGARTEN TO YEAR 12 Rowley Street, Burwood NSW 2134 Australia PO Box 643 Burwood 1805 Ph +61 2 9747 1266 Fax +61 2 9745 3254 ABN 84 645 102 325 CRICOS No. 02328D mlcsyd.nsw.edu.au