MWSC College News – Issue 14

Vice-Chancellors Dinner

On Thursday 31^st August I had the privilege of being invited to a Principals’ Dinner hosted by the Vice Chancellor of the University of Melbourne, Professor Duncan Maskell. There were many senior academics there as well as principals from the state, catholic and private sectors.

Prior to joining the University of Melbourne in 2018, Professor Maskell was Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of Cambridge, responsible for overall planning and resources for the globally recognised institution. A Cambridge graduate and research specialist in infectious diseases, Professor Maskell’s career also includes the University of Oxford, Imperial College London, and Wellcome Biotech.

Professor Maskell gave a wonderful speech on the night, and we also heard from two second year students who spoke about their experiences as students and opportunities on offer at the University of Melbourne. I thoroughly enjoyed this networking opportunity and thank the University of Melbourne for this great initiative.

Premier’s Visit

On Wednesday 6 September we had a surprise visit from Premier Daniel Andrews and our local MP for Ashwood Matt Fregon. The College Captains, Campus Principal Mr Ian MacLeod and I enjoyed taking our guests on a tour of our new STEAM Centre. We are looking forward to opening our new $8 million STEAM Centre in Term 4.

VCAA VCE Leadership Award

The 2023 VCE Leadership Awards are coordinated by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to recognise VCE students for their leadership, initiative, and involvement in extra-curricular and community activities.

The 2023 VCE Leadership Award Ceremony was held on Friday 8 September and Jocelyn S of Year 12 (one of our College Captains) represented our college with pride. Jocelyn was one of eight students across the State who won a VCE Leadership Award and were in the running to be the VCE Leader of the Year. Although Jocelyn didn’t win the overall award, we are so proud of her achievements. Thank you to Mr Jacob Myers- Head of Student Voice, who attended the ceremony with me on the day.

Star Performers

Victorian State Schools Spectacular

The college would like to congratulate Ananya H, from Year 10, who participated as one of the Principal Vocalists in the 2023 Victorian State Schools Spectacular, held last Saturday at John Cain Arena. She sang some great songs and did an amazing job representing our school and was part of a wonderful show. Well done, Ananya!

Ananya is pictured below with some of her fellow Principal Vocalists during the opening of Act 2 when they performed ‘Firework’.

Run for Rossy

Congratulations to Mr Danny Gwynne, Sports Leader who organised our inaugural MND fundraiser fun run. Over 150 students signed up to run around the Junior Campus oval and we raised over $5000 in memory of one of our alumni Chris Ross, Class of 2007 who was diagnosed with MND in April 2021 and tragically passed away last month. Some of our ‘brave’ teaching staff also volunteered to be dunked in ice on the day to raise money. Thank you to all the students, families and staff who supported this important cause.

Community Showcase 

Special thanks to Mr Matt Sheehan, Campus Principal-Junior School and Mr Paul Graham, Student Support and Resources Manager and their teams for putting on a Community Showcase on the Junior Campus last Wednesday. Many displays and activities were on offer, and it was great to see so many students, parents and staff attend this inaugural event. Our college motto is ‘Community, Choice and Engagement’ and this was clearly on display during the afternoon.

R U OK Day

On Thursday 14 September we recognised R U OK Day on both campuses. R U OK day is a key awareness day to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be stressed with life. “A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE.” Thank you to all the students and staff who were involved in activities on the day.

Selective Entry High Schools

Congratulations to Matthew Z, Geonui K, Ethan C, Saachi A, Sherry Z, Nicole C, Swasti V, Seunggwon H, Lipika M, Anita G, Jagan V, Malhar V, Eesha K, Thomas L and Eugene S who have accepted a placement in a Selective Entry High School for Year 9 in 2024. We are very proud of your achievements and wish you all the best in your new schools.

2024 Scholarships

Scholarships are available for Year 4-11 students, Year 12 students planning to undertake tertiary studies in 2022, and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students planning on completing Years 11 and 12.

Year 4-12 student scholarships

The Department of Education and Training manages a number of scholarships which are available to students who are currently enrolled in Years 4-12.

Scholarships are available for students:

• studying in Victoria and who are citizens or permanent residents of Australia
• enrolled in Years 4 to 11
• enrolled in Year 12 who plan on undertaking tertiary studies.

Scholarships are awarded to students who can demonstrate:

• excellent academic achievement
• participation in school and local community activities
• financial need as determined by the parent or carer receiving a Centrelink income support payment, or the student themselves receiving the Youth Allowance.

Scholarships are either one-off payments or for the duration of the student’s course/study annually.

Applications for these scholarships, number of which have specific eligibility criteria, will open on 1 October 2023 and close on 1 February 2024.

For more information and a list of available scholarships visit the 2024 Student Scholarships for Years 4-12 Factsheet. https://www.vic.gov.au/student-scholarships#how-to-apply

2024 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship for 2023 Year 12 Students

 The 2024 C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships open on Monday 4^th December and close on Friday 5^th January 2024. C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships are one of the most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate students in Australia. Each residential scholarship is valued at up to $60,000 over three years. The scholarships are available to all Australian students. The majority have been awarded to students entering their first year of university studies.

Selection is largely based on personal qualities and demonstrated leadership as well as academic ability. Undergraduate Hawker Scholars are able to attend a range of Australian educational institutions. Four scholarships were awarded this year.

The Charles Hawker Scholarship perpetuates the memory of scholar, soldier and pastoralist Charles Allan Seymour Hawker and commemorates the achievements of one of Australia’s most respected statesmen.

If you are a current student in Year 12 and are interested in this potential life changing opportunity of being awarded a C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship, please visit the website www.hawkerscholarship.org for further information.

Mango Fundraiser

At the start of next term information will be sent out on Compass regarding our mango fundraiser. Trays of mangoes will be able to be purchased for $26 each and money raised will go towards student lead projects.   Please purchase a tray in support of our college.

Term Vacation

I wish all students and their families a safe and restful holiday. Year 12 students will be attending revision over the holidays and need to ensure that they are consistently revising their coursework. In addition, students should be practising past exam papers under timed conditions. Examination papers can be viewed on the VCAA website: www.VCAA.vic.edu.au. Students should access and read the assessment reports for each study on this website. These are written by the examiners and highlight common strengths and weaknesses in student answers. I cannot stress enough the importance of using these holidays for revision and study purposes.

I would like to thank all students, teachers, and support staff for their hard work during the term and wish them a safe and happy holiday. I will be on long service leave for six weeks at the start of next term and am heading to Europe for a holiday with my husband. Mr Ian MacLeod will be Acting College Principal during this time with Mrs Asha Vazirani stepping up as Acting Campus Principal-Middle school for six weeks.

Just a reminder that Term 4 begins on Monday 2^nd October and students should wear their summer uniform.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Year 12 Formal – September 6

Last Wednesday 250 Year 12 students celebrated their formal at Leonda in Hawthorn with 20 staff members. It was a chance for the students to spend time together before the end of term three and the start of a busy and important term four. Everyone enjoyed themselves and there was positive feedback from the venue about their behaviour. It was a great way to finish the term.

Units 3 & 4 School Assessed Coursework (SACs)

It has been a busy few weeks as teachers finish Unit Four and students complete their final assessment tasks. Thanks to the teachers involved and to the students who have been able to manage their workload, revision and study.

Year 11 Central Australia Trip

On Wednesday morning (5 am departure) 42 students and 6 staff members (Mr Jacob Myers, Mr Jay Newport, Ms Lauren Lockhart, Ms Jess Panther, Mr Liam wall and Mr Adam Laan) headed off for a nine-day trip to Central Australia. I know that the students (and the teachers) are excited about the trip and will have a great time. Thanks to the staff who have given up some of their term break.

Units 3 & 4 Revision Program

All students completing a Units 3 & 4 subject have been given information about the revision program in the second week of the term break. Students are strongly encouraged to attend. Many teachers are providing practice exams, extra support and revision lectures. Thanks in advance to all the teachers involved in the program and to Mr James Johnston (Acting Senior Subschool Leader) for his co-ordination and organisation of the program.

Term Four – Year 12

Year 12 students are back for just over two weeks next term and information has been sent to families about the events and arrangements such as their Celebration Day and the Year 12 Graduation. Please contact the Senior Subschool if there are any questions.

Best wishes for a relaxing and safe break.

Mrs Julie Cain
Campus Principal – Senior School

Middle School Moments

Congratulations on completing another wonderful term, and what a term it has been!

We have experienced so much together – information evenings, tertiary days, Year 10 Wellbeing day, Year 10 Gala, the Year 9 Wellbeing day, Chicago the Musical, scholarship evenings and so much more.

The Middle School Team would like to say how proud we are of our students as they have developed in maturity and responsibility throughout this term.   Many students have developed their social and emotional skills through the experiences they have had and all of our students have started to make decisions about their future pathways.  I would like to particularly thank my team for their tireless effort in ensuring our students have every opportunity for success and development in all areas.

As we head into warmer weather, I would like to take this opportunity to remind families that Term 4 sees the return of our summer uniform.  There will be a two week cross over period and then we expect all students to be in full summer uniform from week 3 onwards.

We would like to wish our students, families and staff a very well deserved break, we hope you rest, relax and recharge for an eventful and rather fast paced term 4!

Ms Asha Vazirani
Head of Middle School 

2023 VCE Leadership Awards

On Friday 8 September,  Mrs Karen Wade – College Principal and myself had the pleasure of attending the 2023 VCE leadership awards. College Captain Jocelyn S, was one of eight finalists selected from all schools across Victoria.

The VCE Leadership Awards recognise VCE and VCE Vocational Major students’ important and innovative community work, and highlight examples of exemplary leadership. Nominees participate in activities associated with the arts, sport, debating and public speaking.

Jocelyn was nominated for her work around ‘Mount Matters’ sessions to develop student voice and school improvement. She has presented on the program at a conference for the Victorian Commercial Teachers Association focusing on democracy in schools. In 2023, Jocelyn was one of only 28 students selected for the National Schools Constitutional Convention in Canberra, making a submission to Parliament about the Indigenous Voice Referendum.

Jocelyn is a St John ambulance service volunteer, a Girl Guide Patrol leader, and a member of the Ashwood Advisory Committee. Through her solution-focused leadership, Jocelyn has coordinated fundraising efforts for recent bushfires and floods and advocated for youth health and harm reduction.

Jocelyn was not awarded as the overall winner on the day, but a huge congratulations must go to Jocelyn for all her hard work over the past few years. To be a finalist in this award is a huge honour and one that we as a school are all incredibly proud of.

Mr Jacob Myers
Head of Student Voice

MWSC International Affairs Club – Model UN Evatt Competition

Throughout the month of August students from the MWSC International Affairs Club (IAC) on the Senior Campus competed in The Evatt Competition, a Model UN competition facilitated by UN Youth Australia where teams of two students represent a member state within the United Nations Security Council, and debate resolutions with the aims of reflecting and achieving their country’s foreign policy interests.

Preliminary rounds saw students competing at Melbourne Law School and Suzanne Cory, debating issues such as climate change, social media censorship and illegal fishing. These debates enabled students to develop valuable diplomacy, teamwork, public speaking and critical thinking skills – as well as gaining a wider political worldview by being directly challenged with representing perspectives different from Australia’s own policies and concerns. It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded students from other schools, with breaks enabling delegates to mingle.

IAC members should be immensely proud of themselves for the preparation they put in and dedication in attending weekly meetings. For many members, it was their first Model UN debate – often a confronting experience, yet some teams proceeded to or were waitlisted for the semi finals. With leaders such as these, the world will certainly be in good hands for the generations to come.

By Georgia K (Year 11)

The busy term has continued with two ensembles traveling to the South Street Eisteddfod in Ballarat last week. This is a prestigious event that is over 150 years old and it is the first time it has run since 2019.

The Stage Band, directed by myself and accompanied by Lewis Pierre-Humbert, competed on Thursday 7th October against seven ensembles from all over the state. Despite some very tired Year 12’s who celebrated their formal the evening before, the band performed magnificently and was awarded 1st place.

The Chamber Strings, directed by Mr Timothy O’Connor and accompanied by Damien Maughan, attended the day after. The group performed a polished program and was awarded 2nd place. Events such as this require a great deal of preparation from directors and students. I would like to congratulate both ensembles for the hard work and dedication.

I had the pleasure of attending the Victorian School State Spectacular on Saturday 9th October witnessing a grand spectacle of thousands of state school students from across the state performing. Ananaya H of MWSC Year 10 was a principal vocalist and gave an outstanding performance to a large arena audience. Congratulations Ananya!

The musical performances continued this week with ensemble performances at the Junior Campus Expo with Stage Band and a Year 7 ensemble performing. It was a great opportunity for the community to hear these groups perform and great exposure for the music department at MWSC to showcase their talents.

The week finished with the Year 12 Solo Performance Recital on Thursday evening. This is the last recital for this class and their performance exams are held throughout October. Congratulations to the class and good luck with your solo performance exam next term.

Mrs Tijtje Keatley
Music Director

Year 7 Boys Table Tennis

The “B” team won all 3 of their matches against Highvale SC, Glen Waverley SC and Vermont  SC finishing on top of their pool.

The “A” team won their first 2 matches against Highvale SC and Glen Waverley SC before playing Vermont SC in the final round to see who would head to the zone stage. In what turned out to be a thrilling finish, our boys tied the rubbers 3-3, tied the sets 9-9 but unfortunately lost by just 11 points.

Congratulations to Julian, Long, Divit, Junyan, Bradley, Raj, Chace, Vardaan, Carlos & Luke. Each of you represented the school with distinction. Well done!    ~  Mr Campbell

 

Welcome to September’s issue of Mount Waverley Secondary College Alumni Newsletter.

In this issue view photos from the Class of 2013 School Tour Reunion and read about the next Reunions, “save the date” and take a trip down memory lane with school photos from the past.

Having this monthly Alumni Newsletter, we can share these achievements and memories.

To view September’s newsletter, click here.

To register your details, click here.

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator