Class of 2020 Highlights by MLC School

CLASS OF

20 20

HIGHLIGHTS

2 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

From the Principal It is said that one only sees the true character of an individual, or strength of a team, when they are challenged or faced with adversity. Despite a period of online learning, changes to assessment formats, the cancellation of a wide range of traditional celebrations and a year in which nothing was certain, the Class of 2020 demonstrated to us all just what it is to ‘Dare to be More’.

I would like to acknowledge the support and care shown by the:

In every way possible, this exceptional group of young women adapted to the challenges with great creativity as they navigated the year. They became experts at online meetings, debates and discussions. Although many interhouse and interschool sporting competitions were cancelled, they came up with alternatives, competed when they could and buoyed the School community with their positive approach. Then, when we really thought they couldn’t possibly do any more, their performance in the HSC and IB was exceptional. It is not only the final mark to which I refer. When we look at the growth in learning that each girl achieved, despite the challenges mentioned, their results are nothing short of astonishing.

• Head of Senior School, Neil Scotney

My congratulations and thanks go not only to the Class of 2020 but to those who taught and cared for them throughout the year, and those who worked with the girls throughout their time at MLC School.

• Head of Year 12, Angela Renwick • Director of Curriculum (Year 11 and Year 12), Anne Layman • Head of Careers and Academic Advising, Loretta Toole • Deputy Principal, Frances Booth • Head of Learning and Teaching, Linda Emms • Heads of Department • All Year 12 subject teachers and Luminaries • Every parent and carer It is with great pride that I share with you highlights from the Class of 2020. I am sure that you will join with me in congratulating them on their achievements. I very much look forward to hearing about their lives beyond school as they join the thousands of Old Girls of MLC School who are making their mark on the world as agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others. Congratulations, Class of 2020. LISA MOLONEY PRINCIPAL

MLC SCHOOL | 3

Overall Results EIGHT

girls with ATAR 99.95

Ga Man (Karen) Chung

Eliza Crossley

Annie Gu

Ariana Haghighi

Alexia Lorenzato

Ruiming (Rainy) Yang

Daisy Zheng

FIVE

HSC State Rankings

Charlie Kairaitis 4th in NSW for Ancient History 13th in NSW for Modern History

Olivia Papasavvas 10th in NSW for Food Technology

4 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Veronica Abal 5th in NSW for Science Extension

Ella Woolbank 11th in NSW for Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Charlie Kairaitis

lia

A u str a in

50 global I

chool BS

Top IB School

ranking equal 32nd

93.15 Median ATAR

41 Girls who achieved ATAR 98 and over*

2 OnSTAGE selections Grace John Set Design – The Visit Philippa Machin Promotion and Publicity – Antigone

20 nominations for HSC Exhibitions

MLC School is reliant on the Year 12 2020 cohort to provide their ATAR result or other information. Not all ATARS were available at time of publishing

Top

VET Entertainment ‘MLC School had more band 6s than any other school in the Vocational Education and Training (VET) subject entertainment.’ – Sydney Morning Herald

MLC SCHOOL | 5

Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank* Girls who achieved an Australian Tertiary Admissions Ranking of 98 or more in the Higher School Certificate or International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Chloe Azzam

Vivian Law

Uma Barrett

Isabel Leung

Gabrielle Cadena

Alexia Lorenzato

Annie Chen

Holly Miller

Eden Cheng

Paris Mitropoulos

Ga Man (Karen) Chung

Chiara Moore

Tiarna Cominos

Emma Oxley

Eliza Crossley

Olivia Papasavvas

Noelle Davis

Cherie Pepperell

Katherine Du

Amelie Roediger

Emily Eker

Jasmin Selim

Maya Felice

Anica Shen

Maddison Fisher

Isabelle Tang

Anastasia Giannakakos

Anabelle Truong

Annie Gu

Samara Tucker

Ruby Guminski

Natalie Wong

Ariana Haghighi

Ruiming (Rainy) Yang

Zoe Hannam

Halle Yang

Mahum Jahan

Daisy Zheng

Charlie Kairaitis

Alyssar Zogheib

Nicole Kubica *The above list may not be a full representation of these achievements. MLC School is reliant on the Year 12 2020 cohort to provide their ATAR result or other information. Details are not made public or provided to the School. In some instances, the UniScore has been used as the ATAR was not available.

6 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

From the Deputy Principal Unprecedented, unparalleled, once in a lifetime, and myriad other words and phrases have been used to describe 2020: a year that has been like no other in recent memory. As we look back on the Class of 2020 and celebrate their many achievements we should, I believe, use these same words to portray just what this group of young women has accomplished. They not only survived but thrived during a year in which their school closed for weeks; a year in which they mastered online learning and video conferencing overnight; a year in which examinations were cast into doubt or cancelled; a year in which their usual routines, events and milestones ceased to exist; a year in which they learnt to deal with uncertainty and change every day. To describe their approach to 2020 as unparalleled is an understatement. They rose to every challenge with maturity and aplomb. Through it all this cohort of fine young women chose to meet every challenge with courage, resilience and good humour. The final year of school is a testing time for all Year 12 students with its content to learn, skills to master, and the idea of an unknown future to consider. To manage this while dealing with the issues that faced the world at large is a testament to their focus and dedication. At MLC School, we pride ourselves on creating young women who dare to be more, who will be agents of change in their

own lives and who are fearless thinkers. The Class of 2020 proved themselves to be MLC School girls through and through. They supported not only each other but the School at large, they were creative and imaginative in how they surmounted problems, they accepted change in their own lives and moved fearlessly on. And all the time, they continued to study, to focus on the future, to work hard and aim to achieve their personal best. They understood that the strong foundations provided over their years at school would continue to stand them in good stead. They continued to seek feedback, talk to their teachers, practise their skills, write essays and persistently find ways to grow and improve. The leadership demonstrated by each and every girl in the year made a real difference in our School community. In every field they showed their mettle: School Leadership, House Leadership, Creative Arts, Dance, Duke of Edinburgh Award, Round Square, Debating, Drama, Music, and all areas of co-curricular. Their compassion and kindness were equally outstanding. They demonstrated true connection to each other and to the student body, showing by their actions that they cared and that every member of the community mattered. We are extremely proud of the Class of 2020 and all they have achieved. I know the future is in safe hands. FRANCES BOOTH DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

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From the Head of Senior School It is with immense pride that we share and celebrate the success of the girls who graduate from MLC School as the Class of 2020. I commend all graduates on their results and the grit that many of them drew upon to make significant and impressive progress throughout the Senior Years. It has been remarkable to watch their journey as they have grown from young adolescents into the young women who recently departed the School. Each one of our HSC and IB Diploma candidates were busy, not only with their academic work but with countless activities beyond the classroom. Despite the limitations and restrictions of Covid-19, they were Prefects, immersed in House activities, Sport, Music, Drama, Debating, Public Speaking, Leadership and numerous out-of-school commitments. Many of these placed an extra level of responsibility and planning as the normal expectations were thrown into chaos as activities went ahead in a virtual capacity. It’s clear that many girls made sacrifices throughout the year in order to concentrate on their studies, but not to the detriment of their involvement in the broader School life, a wonderful quality of an MLC School girl. It’s a great reminder that academic success is not compromised by a continued involvement in the rich co-curricular life of MLC School. As we reflect on a year gone by, it’s clear that these graduates navigated unprecedented times. Not only did they not succumb to the restrictions and changes, as a cohort, they demonstrated a rare ability to thrive. The resilience and determination shown by our girls has been exceptional. Those outside the school system often look at the numbers and grades in order to assess the performance of a school. From a Pastoral perspective, it’s great to look at the effort and progress of students. In line with

8 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

our mission, the School looks to develop young women who are equipped to meet the challenges of an uncertain, fast-paced and rapidly changing world. I have every faith in the ability of the Class of 2020 to be agents of change in their own lives and the lives of others. I have no doubt that the futures of our girls are grounded in their experiences, not just in a statistic. The graduating class responded positively to the Mentor Program, initiated to further support each and every girl as they navigated the complexities of a flexible learning program, combining face-to-face and online learning. It was crucial that we remained connected with each girl throughout a challenging year. At the end of their school careers it is fair to say that none of the girls’ successes would have been possible without the support of all the people around them – the love, care and patience from their families and friends. A special level of gratitude must go to the Year 12 teachers, Mentors and Luminaries who supported the girls. There are countless hours spent by staff, especially the Head of Year Angela Renwick, assisting and nurturing students outside of class time. Very few students can thrive without the wise advice and collaborative support from home and school. In a year dominated by excuses, changes and challenges, I’m incredibly proud to say that the Class of 2020 did everything in their power to find solutions and be a true inspiration to others. The end result is truly inspiring as we acknowledge the collective efforts of an amazing cohort of young women. It has been an honour working with the girls and a privilege to witness their success. NEIL SCOTNEY HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL

From the Head of Learning and Teaching 2020 was a year like no other and the resilience demonstrated by the Year 12 2020 cohort was nothing short of extraordinary. They dug deep through the challenges of online learning to stay motivated, supporting each other and continuing to lead the broader student community. The results they have achieved are outstanding given the ever-changing context in which they were working. The hard work demonstrated by this cohort and ability to adapt to new modes of learning are something of which they can be justifiably proud. The pursuit of personal excellence and demonstrated growth in learning are evident in these results with multiple students achieving the highest possible ATAR in both the HSC and IB Diploma programs. Across both programs of study, we have seen growth in the median ATARs achieved, an indicator of the overall depth of the results. The 2020 cohort worked to their strengths academically as well as continuing to contribute to the School through their leadership of the student body. There is no doubt that they leave well equipped with the necessary skills and tenacity to make their mark in whatever fields they choose to pursue beyond MLC School. The breadth of the academic program offered at MLC School reflects the diverse nature of our School community. MLC School offers multiple pathways for students to achieve their goals as well as providing guidance and support to each student throughout their secondary school journey. With the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme and the Higher School Certificate (HSC) pathways available, each student is able to find the courses and program best suited to them. They are able to explore areas of passion and develop deep understanding of associated disciplines. Approximately 40 percent of the cohort chose to pursue the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. As well as

completing the academically rigorous pattern of study that is encompassed by the Diploma Programme, students developed their areas of personal interest through the completion of the additional components including the Extended Essay, Theory of Knowledge and Creativity, Activity and Service (CAS). There is no doubt about the diligence and hard work required to successfully complete each of these components. The other 60 percent of the 2020 cohort chose to follow the HSC pathway enabling them to focus on the disciplines best suited to their passions and future studies. The HSC gives students the opportunity to select a pattern of study that specialises in specific disciplines and develop deep conceptual knowledge of these. The academic rigour is no less in the many creative and performing arts opportunities provided in the HSC program with students developing their practice in preparation for tertiary study and performance. The number of nominations for external showcases and performances including Encore, OnStage, Shape, Callback and Texstyle are testament to the professionalism of the students in the work they presented and speaks to the overall quality of their learning experience. No matter what their final result, they should be proud of their achievements. In the year of a pandemic, lockdown, and community upheaval they have completed their final examinations and graduated. They have remained positive despite the changes to so many of the end of school rituals they looked forward to and shown great compassion to care for others when they needed some additional support. Now it is time for them to celebrate and contemplate what comes next in their journey. LINDA EMMS HEAD OF LEARNING AND TEACHING

MLC SCHOOL | 9

Assembly for Academic Achievement Members of the Class of 2020 were invited back to school on Wednesday 10 February 2021 for a special assembly recognising their academic achievements. With staff and the current Year 12 cohort in attendance, the assembly was streamed live to parents and the wider school community. Girls accepted their Excellence in Academic Achievement Award for Subject, for Nominations and Selections for HSC Showcases, and for achieving an ATAR of 98 or above. We also formally acknowledged the eight girls who were awarded the Reverend Dr Charles J. Prescott Medal for their ATAR of 99.95.

10 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

MLC School captains and Principal Lisa Moloney and Neil Scotney

Learning Pathways The Higher School Certificate (HSC) MLC School offers a wide range of HSC subjects to suit students and their interests. To be eligible for the HSC, girls must: • Study at least 12 units in Year 11 • Six units must be NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) developed courses • Two units must be NESA developed English courses • Study at least four subjects NESA developed courses are the bulk of the courses developed for the HSC. They contribute to the ATAR and have an examination. Each year some MLC School students in Year 11 and Year 12 select the Pathways option of extending their HSC by more than 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.

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme The IB Diploma Programme is a comprehensive, two-year course of study chosen by a range of students as an alternative to studying the NSW HSC.

and a sixth may be an Arts discipline or another subject from Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies or Sciences. This ensures a breadth of experience in Languages, Humanities, Experimental Sciences and Mathematics, a key feature of the Diploma that makes it different from the HSC. Three of the six subjects are studied at Higher Level (HL) each representing 240 teaching hours over two years. The remaining three subjects are studied at Standard Level (SL) each representing 150 teaching hours over two years.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) VET enables students to acquire workplace skills through nationally recognised training described within an industrydeveloped training package or an accredited course. MLC School offers VET Entertainment, which is studied at school plus other VET subjects studied through TAFE NSW. Some VET courses are NESA developed courses and have an optional HSC examination. If girls choose to sit for the examination, the course counts towards their ATAR. If girls do more than one NESA developed VET course, only one will count towards their ATAR.

Worldwide, the IB Diploma Programme is recognised for providing the academic challenge required for future university success. Students select one subject from each of five different discipline areas (Studies in Language and Literature, Language Acquisition, Individuals and Societies, Sciences, Mathematics)

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Higher School Certificate (HSC) Highlights Congratulations to the entire cohort! Below we highlight some of the outstanding achievements.

Well done Charlie! Charlie Kairaitis achieved an ATAR of 99.95, 1 of only 15 girls in NSW, and 48 students overall, to achieve the highest rank possible in the HSC.

Outstanding ATARs ATARs

Samara Tucker – ATAR 98.7 Ella Woolbank – ATAR 97.7 Anika Lammers – ATAR 97.15

* Not all ATARs were available at time of publishing.

State Rankings MLC School girls achieved 5 State rankings: 4th in Ancient History and 13th in Modern History – Charlie Kairaitis

NSW

5th in Science Extension – Veronica Abal 10th in Food Technology – Olivia Papasavvas 11th in Personal Development, Health and Physical Education – Ella Woolbank

HSC All-Rounders

HSC

14 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Four students were placed on the HSC All-Rounders list for those who achieve Band 6 in 10 units of studies. Congratulations to: Charlie Kairaitis

Samara Tucker

Jessica MacMaster

Ella Woolbank

Charlie Kairaitis receiving the The George Lane Prize for Dux of MLC School HSC Candidature.

MLC School 2020 Captains addressing the School community for the final time.

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Higher School Certificate

(HSC) Highlights Distinguished Achievers Congratulations to all the girls who were placed on the HSC Distinguished Achievers list for those who achieved a result in the highest possible Band for one or more courses.

Highest possible band

Veronica Abal

Jessica MacMaster

Zoe Berg

Chloe Mavris

Chanel Boudib

Veronikah McClelland

Mia Burjan

Sarah Moller

Kate Cartwright

Samantha Naayen

Sein Choi

Mia Novati

Laura Cincotta

Olivia Papasavvas

Amelie Coman

Hannah Ross

Sofia Costa

Emily Ryner

Airlie Cullen

Jessica Song

Sarah Dejanovic

Alexandra Stackpool

Daphne Doumanis

Hazel Sung

Beatrice Drake

Emma Suster

Lillian Dummett

Samar Taleb

Sienna Fresta

Eugenie Tan

Meghana Gopalan

Ella Tomkins

Ellena Hartzenberg

Elsa Tonkinwise

Sarah Healey

Samara Tucker

Emily Hunt

Audrey Williams

Ruby Ince

Ella Woolbank

Grace John

Eva Wright

Charlie Kairaitis

Joy Xu

Sara Kie

Xu (Marie) Yan

Annaliese Konidaris

Amy Yarrow

Imogen Kuah

Joy Zhang

Anika Lammers

Sherry Zhao

Philippa Machin

16 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

BA IEVED ND 6 I H N AC

E SU N O

BJECT

66%

126

Band 6 or E4

66% of the cohort achieved a Band 6 in at least one subject.

There were 126 instances of students awarded a Band 6 or E4

Subject Results Below are percentages of students who achieved a Band 5 or Band 6 in particular subjects:

Subject

Band 5/6 Achieved

Below are the percentages of students who achieved E3 or E4 equivalent:

Subject

E3 or E4 Achieved

Ancient History

100%

Chinese Extension

100%

Chinese Continuers

100%

English Extension 1

100%

Drama

100%

English Extension 2

100%

Indonesian Continuers

100%

History Extension

100%

Textiles and Design

100%

Music Extension

100%

Visual Arts

100%

Science Extension

100%

Music 2

92%

Mathematics Extension 1

73%

Design and Technology

88%

Music 1

88%

VET Entertainment

88%

Dance

86%

Food Technology

86%

Physics

80%

English Advanced

76%

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE)

76%

French Continuers

75%

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International Baccalaureate (IB) Highlights Perfect Score

7 students (10%) received a perfect score of 45 (99.95 ATAR). Congratulations to: - Ga Man (Karen) Chung - Eliza Crossley - Annie Gu - Ariana Haghighi - Alexia Lorenzato - Ruiming (Rainy) Yang - Daisy Zheng

99.75

2 students received a score of 44 (99.75 ATAR). Congratulations to:

26 students (38%) of our IB candidates achieved an ATAR equivalent of 99 and over.

Score

99 or over

- Maddison Fisher - Anica Shen

Vivian Law

Natalie Wong

Eden Cheng

Maddison Fisher

Alexia Lorenzato

Halle Yang

Ga Man (Karen) Chung

Annie Gu

Cherie Pepperell

Ruiming (Rainy) Yang

Tiarna Cominos

Ruby Guminski

Jasmin Selim

Daisy Zheng

Eliza Crossley

Ariana Haghighi

Anica Shen

Alyssar Zogheib

Noelle Davis

Zoe Hannam

Isabelle Tang

Emily Eker

Mahum Jahan

Anabelle Truong

18 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

ND CA B I

AN D C IB

STUDENT

MEDI A

94%

= ATAR

98.05

S NT DE

OVER

ON E AM G IB ST R U CO SC H O C L O TM

78%

ATAR 90 OR OV D E VE

ATAR 95 OR OV D E VE

Maya Felice

IDATES A CH IE

Annie Chen

IDATES A CH IE

26 students achieved an ATAR of 99 and over:

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International Baccalaureate

(IB) Highlights pass rate

68 students

sat the IB Diploma Snapshot of 2020 MLC School International Baccalaureate (IB) results compared with Australasia and the world Worldwide Australasia MLC School 19,716

3,280

68*

Grade average

29.8

34.2

39.4

Pass rate

77%

93%

100%

ATAR equivalent of 98.05 or higher (IB Diploma of 40 or more)

8.7%

18.5%

54.4%

Total number of students sitting the 2020 IB Diploma

* An additional four students will complete the Diploma in 2021.

Extended Essays The Extended Essay is an independent, self-directed piece of original research, resulting in 4000-word academic thesis. The Extended Essay and Theory of Knowledge awarded grades combine to gain a possible three bonus points. If a student gains a Grade A for both or a Grade A and Grade B combination they will receive the three bonus points. 50% of MLC School candidates received three bonus points in November 2020 compared to the world percentage of 9.47%. EE Subject

% scored A

% scored B

% scored A and B

English A Literature

Chinese B

100

–

100

Business management

100

Geography

–

History

100

33.3

66.6

SEHS

100

Dance

100

–

100

Music

100

Theatre

66.6

33.3

100

Visual Arts

100

–

100

Psychology

20 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

100%

IB Subject Results 2020 Subject

No. Students

% Grade 7

% Grade 6

% Grade 6 and 7

English A Literature HL

Chinese B HL

100

–

100

Chinese B SL

33.3

44.4

77.7

French B HL

100

–

100

French B SL

55.5

27.7

83.3

Indonesian B SL

100

–

100

Japanese ab SL

100

–

100

Italian ab SL

–

Business management HL

100

Economics HL

42.8

85.6

Economics SL

–

Geography HL

37.5

87.5

Geography SL

100

History HL

33.3

66.6

History SL

100

Psychology HL

Psychology SL

Biology HL

12.5

37.5

Biology SL

44.4

70.4

Chemistry HL

Chemistry SL

37.5

31.25

68.75

Physics SL

33.3

22.2

55.5

SEHS HL

100

SEHS SL

61.5

38.5

100

Mathematical Studies SL

31.3

81.3

Mathematics HL

100

–

100

Mathematics SL

44.4

69.4

Dance HL

100

Music HL

66.6

33.3

100

Music SL

100

–

100

Theatre HL

100

Visual Arts HL

100

Theory of Knowledge – 75% scored a Grade A or B

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Valedictory Day for the Class of 2020.

Zoe Berg

Eliza Crossley

Lilly Dummett

Higher School Certificate 96.85 ATAR

IB Diploma 99.75 ATAR

Higher School Certificate 92.35 ATAR

OnSTAGE Nomination

Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme Gold Award MLC School Netball Captain

MLC School Vice-Captain (Year 10 to Year 12) MLC School Football Captain MLC School Softball Captain

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Find your place that you work well in and the people you work well with (e.g. you like to study in the school or local library with no friends/one particular friend/ anybody).

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Lean on your friends, study together, teach each other, learn from each other, do past papers together, motivate each other, and just work together. Your final year is so much easier when you work together.

What has been the highlight of your time at MLC School? Becoming friends with my teachers and growing as a Year group.

Reflect 24 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

Anastasia Giannakakos IB Diploma 98.05 ATAR What advice would you give to younger students and/or their families, about to start their final year? Just be organised, learn to study and get a good study rhythm going. Also, mental health is hugely important and should come first. Everything else will follow.

Ruby Guminski IB Diploma 99.55 ATAR Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme Gold Award If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Get involved in co-curricular activities at school and make connections with girls in younger years.

tions

Ariana Haghighi IB Diploma 99.95 ATAR MLC School Vice-Captain (Year 6 to Year 9) If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Find your own unique study methods and do not be concerned if it does not match those of your friends.

from the class of

2020 MLC SCHOOL | 25

Zoe Hannam

Charlie Kairaitis

Anika Lammers

IB Diploma 99.55 ATAR

Higher School Certificate 99.95 ATAR Chancellor’s Scholarship at University of Sydney

Higher School Certificate 97.15 ATAR

MLC School Music Captain If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Be confident in your weaknesses and have the courage to ask questions that may seem to have obvious answers. Once you have humbled yourself with the blind spots in your knowledge, you most definitely will grow and flourish as a learner.

26 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

MLC School SRC Captain What advice would you give to younger students and/or their families, about to start their final year? The most useful piece of advice that I ever received is ‘make what is valuable important’. Year 12 is an overwhelming year for many reasons, but most of all it can be a very busy year. It is important to prioritise – not just in terms of your work, but also to factor in time for friends, family, and yourself, time for your co-curricular activities and hobbies, etc. If it’s valuable, make sure to make it important!

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Make sure you stay on top of everything but give yourself a break when needed. Keeping up your motivation for the final parts of the year will be difficult so make sure you recharge.

Alexia Lorenzato IB Diploma 99.95 ATAR If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? Ensure that you have a healthy work-life balance. Maintaining your hobbies and friendships is key to your emotional wellbeing and helps manage the stress of Year 12.

Cherie Pepperell

Amelie Roediger

IB Diploma 99.55 ATAR

IB Diploma 98.05 ATAR

Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme Gold Award MLC School Debating and Public Speaking Captain

Duke of Edinburgh’s Scheme Gold Award MLC School Captain

What advice would you give to younger students and/or their families, about to start their final year? Be confident in the foundation that MLC School has given you to succeed and know that you will do your best in your final year of exams.

What has been the highlight of your time at MLC School? My highlight from my time at MLC School is not a singular event but meeting the brilliant minds and exuberant personalities of my friends, peers and mentors who have enriched the multitude of spectacular experiences I’ve been a part of across the years. It is these people who brought about a highlight in every day, or in the very least, made me smile.

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Samara Tucker

Ella Woolbank

Higher School Certificate 98.7 ATAR

Higher School Certificate 97.7 ATAR

MLC School Leawarra House Vice-Captain

MLC School Rowing Captain

What has been the highlight of your time at MLC School? MLC School offers amazing immersion programs which have been the highlight of my schooling experience. Chiang Mai and Broken Hill strengthened my relationships with not only my peers, but teachers too, and I felt I developed as a global citizen.

28 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

How important was it for you to balance your academic focus with co-curricular activities? This was extremely important to me. My strong participation in sport throughout Year 12 definitely helped balance study with other things. Both the physical and social aspect of sport was really important in helping me manage Year 12 and gave me a break from studying.

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Works nominated for Showcase A number of performances and major works from MLC School girls were nominated for recognition as part of the HSC showcase events. To be nominated for any of these showcases is a significant achievement as it acknowledges these projects as best in the State. To be selected into a Showcase event is an outstanding recognition.

30 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

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Callback Callback is the showcase of exemplary performances and compositions by HSC students of Dance. To be nominated students must receive full marks for their practical components. The following girls were nominated: • Sofia Costa received three nominations – Dance Core Performance, Dance Core Composition and Major Study Performance • Annaliese Konidaris received two nominations – Dance Core Performance, Major Study Performance

SHAPE The SHAPE exhibition features a selection of exemplary Major Projects from HSC Design and Technology, Industrial Technology and Textiles and Design students. The following students were nominated for their Design and Technology Major Projects: • Beatrice Drake • Samantha Naayen • Eva Telemachou The following students were nominated for their Textiles and Design Major Projects:

Year 12 HSC Dance students.

• Amelie Coman • Eva Wright

Texstyle Texstyle is an exhibition of HSC Textiles and Design Major Projects. The following students were nominated for their Major Projects: • Amelie Coman • Eva Wright

ENCORE ENCORE is a program of outstanding performances and compositions by students from the HSC Music examinations. The following girls were nominated for their HSC Performances: • Joy Xu • Xu (Marie) Yan Eva Telemachou's Major Project for Design and Technology.

32 | CLASS OF 2020 HIGHLIGHTS

OnSTAGE OnSTAGE is a presentation and exhibition of group and individual performances and projects by HSC Drama students who have been selected for their exemplary work. Selected for their Individual Projects – Grace John for Set Design – The Visit – Philippa Machin for Promotion and Publicity – Antigone Nominated for Individual Performance – Zoe Berg – Lady Kate Percy ; Henry IV – Mia Burjan – A Ukranian Cat – Ellena Hartzenberg – Jane Eyre – Annaliese Konidaris – Fall and Recover

Amelie Coman's Major Project for Textiles and Design.

Joy Xu was nominated for her Music Major Performance.

Eva Wright's Textiles and Design Major Project.

Ellena Hartzenberg (pictured in the 2019 production of Ruby Moon) was nominated for her Individual Performance, Jane Eyre.

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Duke of Edinburgh’s

Scheme Gold Award The Gold Award is the most demanding of all levels of the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and is made up of five components: Service, Physical, Skill, Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. Through the Service aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh Gold program, each MLC School girl challenged themselves over 12 months to be responsible and caring. It allowed them to see the impact that one individual can have on the wider community and those less advantaged. The girls engaged in service projects such as Round Square, bush care and student tutoring. While it is easy for girls to get caught up in the rigours of study preparing for their final years of school, the Physical section challenges them to improve their health, fitness and performance, whatever their starting point. The Physical section builds valuable team skills, increases self-esteem and confidence. MLC School students chose to engage in a range of activities, from running and yoga to archery. The Skill section challenged the girls to improve their skills and widen their interests in an area of their choice, and in a number of cases outside of the normal school curriculum requirements. Skills such as playing the piano or trying something new like sign language gave them a sense of achievement and wellbeing. The final, and sometimes most challenging, aspect of the Duke of Edinburgh award is the Adventurous Journey and Residential Project. The projects challenge the girls to learn more about the wider environment, as well as develop self-confidence, teamwork and health. While 2020 presented a number of challenges to the girls finalising their Duke of Edinburgh Award, every girl took it in

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their stride to make sure they could complete every section of the award. The Duke of Edinburgh Award had taught the girls how to be flexible and problem solve as they ensured they could comply with Covid-19 regulations and meet the compliance needs of Duke of Edinburgh. MLC School offered two separate Adventurous Journey trips in 2019 for the Class of 2020. In Fiji, students stayed in a rural village for a week and ventured every morning into the mountains to the local school and assisted with physical labour. The lack of air-conditioning, electricity and phone coverage was quickly forgotten as they started to appreciate and enjoy the simplicity of Fijian village life. The second group travelled to Peru, where they took on working at altitude, certainly making things a lot tougher. While living in the remote villages, walking the Inca Trail and visiting Machu Picchu, the students also tried the local delicacies of Alpaca and Guinea Pig. It is a mark of great dedication to balance Year 12 studies with the requirements of Gold Duke of Edinburgh, in 2020, 13 Year 12 girls achieved the Gold Award. • Amelie Coman

• Emma Oxley

• Tiarna Cominos

• Madeleine Oxley

• Eliza Crossley

• Cherie Pepperell

• Ruby Guminski

• Amelie Roediger

• Morgan Kelaher

• Anica Shen

• Holly Miller

• Eva Telemachou

• Rahni Ong

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From the Class of 2020 What advice would you give to younger students and/or their families, about to start their final years?

‘Don’t forget to take breaks! Year 12 comes hand-in-hand with extra pressure to do well, and you’ll feel like everyone is studying 100x harder than you, but you need to have faith in yourself–you got this!’ – Chanel Boudib ‘You want to make sure that you are trying your best in all of your school work, striving for constant improvement and being ambitious with your goals rather than just settling for less because you doubt yourself.’ – Noelle Davis ‘You don’t have to get the best mark, you just have to keep improving and be proud of your progress.’ – Ellena Hartzenberg

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‘Results are not everything. Please focus more on what you’re actually learning about the world and how your character is developing, not how well you did on your last Maths test!’ – Imogen Kuah ‘There are plenty of pathways and different opportunities that can suit everyone. It is not necessary to be the best academically, everyone’s goals are different so their goals are different.’ – Aisling McCreery ‘Be brave. It’s not as scary as it seems. The School has set you up tremendously well to be prepared for your final year.’ – Liv Sodbinov ‘Try your hardest, don’t be too hard on yourself and enjoy every moment.’ – Eva Telemachou ‘Stay positive always. Sometimes the unexpected happens and you have to be prepared to work around it and find the motivation even when it’s really tough. But it’s all worth it in the end.’ – Audrey Williams

If you could offer a tip to someone about to do their final year, what would it be? ‘Always have a positive outlook on every single thing that comes your way, attitude is altitude, and the way you perceive a situation will determine how it affects you.’ – Laura Cincotta ‘Don’t be afraid to fail. Because in the beginning you most likely will. The IB course is hard, but you’ll learn your way around it and start to achieve academically later on. So, let failure shape you and motivate you, rather than let it dishearten you.’ – Jivi Govender ‘Make sure you have time to do the things you love and hang out with friends to help you through Year 12. It’s important to balance academics with leisure.’ – Lauren Huynh ‘ Try your best but remember your worth is not defined by your results. Be proud of your progress, you’ve got this!’ – Vivian Law ‘Don’t be so harsh on yourself. It takes time to improve in your various subject areas.’ – Alyssar Zogheib ‘Stay optimistic, keep your head up and back yourself because, throughout your final year, looking ahead to what you want to achieve will motivate you far more than dwelling on moments of defeat. At the same time, look to your peers and mentors if you need assistance; asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness.’ – Amelie Roediger

What has been the highlight of your time at MLC School?

‘The people and the experiences.’ – Zoe Berg ‘ Engaging in assignments or tasks that I could wholly personalise and make my own. I really enjoyed this.’ – Anastasia Giannakakos ‘The 2018 History Tour was a huge highlight of my time at MLC School! As a lover of history, this was a fantastic opportunity to fully experience and behold some ‘must-see’ sites of the ancient and modern world. I came out of the tour with new friends, new knowledge and new memories!’ – Charlie Kairaitis ‘Over the years developing different friendships and getting to experience rare opportunities like tour, Chiang Mai, City Experience and Broken Hill.’ – Jessica Karabesinis ‘Being part of the 2020 leadership team and enjoying the camaraderie of peers. In addition, the support of the teachers has been extremely important in managing and coping with the challenges of Year 12 preparation and COVID-19.’ – Cherie Pepperell

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