MWSC College News – Issue 9

Year 9 Explore Program

Our Year 9 students thoroughly enjoyed the Explore Program based in the city last week. Many of our students have not had the opportunity to explore the CBD before and so this was a great learning experience. I would like to thank Ms Jo Rogers Middle School Leader and her team for organising this event and all the teachers who volunteered to take part in this program.

Year 12 Formal

Congratulations to all the Year 12 students who attended the formal at Leonda on the Yarra last week. The venue and security staff were extremely impressed with our students’ behaviour. Thank you to the Senior School team for all of their work behind the scenes and a very big thank you to my staff who volunteered their time to help with supervision on the night. I know the students had a great time!

Regional Cross Country

Well done to all our students who competed at the Regional Cross Country last Thursday 12 June. Twelve students have now qualified for the State competition which is a great achievement.

Congratulations to the following students who will compete at the State finals in July:

• Daisy W – 14 girls
• Seth J- 14 boys
• Nathan A, Kavin P, Zach C, Steven G – 15 boys
• Hannah R – 16 girls
• Julian D – 16 boys
• Camryn R, Aisha H, Frances S – 17/20 girls
• Hayden V – 17/20 boys

Special thanks to Mr Danny Gwynne and Mr Jay Newport our Sports Leaders and Mr Mitchell Waterman for accompanying our students on the day.

GAT Exam

Over 460 students undertook the two-part General Achievement Test last Tuesday 17 June. This is a huge logistical task, and I would like to thank Mr James Johnston Senior School Leader for overseeing this event.

Special thanks to our Chief Supervisor Mrs Trish Reid and her team of supervisors for their efforts. Our examiners again commented on the excellent behaviour of our students and the way they conducted themselves.

End of Semester 1

It has been a busy time with a lot to get through.  I would like to thank all the teachers for the great work achieved last semester.  Special thanks to the teachers who prepared their students for mid-year examinations.  Many extra classes were held (some out of hours) and this demonstrates the dedication of the staff at this school.  Semester 2 classes began last Monday 16 June.

Semester 1 Reports

Semester 1 reports will be available via Compass shortly.  Please make the time to discuss your student’s progress with them, both areas of strength and areas for improvement.  Congratulations to those students who achieved excellent results this semester.

Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0

This year Mathematics teachers at Mount Waverley Secondary College will report on the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0 for the first time. Previously teachers would have provided feedback on your student’s achievement standards for the three strands of Mathematics; Number and Algebra, Measurement and Geometry and Statistics and Probability. Under the Mathematics Victorian Curriculum 2.0, your student’s teacher will report against the achievement standard as a whole, providing a single, aggregated score.

As the achievement standards reported on have changed, only an achievement standard for Mathematics will show, not progress. All reports after this one, will show progress against the single achievement standard. The Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) made these changes to help teachers plan their teaching and learning programs in Mathematics, giving them more flexibility to support students to link ideas within Mathematics and with other curriculum areas.

Update on Suspension and Expulsion Powers

Our school is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and staff. You may be aware of recent changes announced to suspension and expulsion powers that will be available to Victorian principals from day one of Term 3, (Monday 21 July 2025).

We know that students’ behaviour outside of school, particularly online, can sometimes impact the safety of students and staff at school.

In exceptional circumstances, principals of Victorian government schools will be able suspend or expel students for behaviour that occurs outside of school grounds and/or hours including online, if it poses a significant danger to the safety and wellbeing of students or staff.

These powers apply only to serious incidents where there is a clear and close connection to the school and the behaviour of a student outside of school unreasonably impacts the safety and wellbeing of students or staff at school, and their ability to learn or work.

Please note:

• They do not apply to behaviours unrelated to the school or school community.
• They only apply to behaviour which occurs from Monday 21 July 2025 onwards.

Suspension and expulsion will remain measures of last resort – our primary approach continues to focus on proactive and positive behaviour support, including working with you to teach students the behaviours we expect of them, in school and in life.

Thank you for your continued support as we work in partnership to educate and support our young people.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Students in the Middle School have started Semester 2 including moving into new subjects this week.  Well done to our middle school students for completing their exams across these last few weeks.  As we move towards the term break it is worth reflecting on the first half of the year which has included learning across the eight learning areas as well as sport, excursions and competitions.

Year 9 Explore

The Year 9 Explore Program was a tremendous success, providing students with three action-packed days of memorable city experiences. Highlights included visits to ArtVo, the MCG, and the Old Melbourne Gaol, offering students engaging and enriching opportunities beyond the classroom.

A big thank you to the Middle School Team for their exceptional organisation and seamless delivery of this outstanding program.

Year 10 Work Experience

Our Year 10 students will step into the world of work when they begin their Work Experience on Monday 30 June. This valuable opportunity allows them to gain real-world insight into various industries, explore potential career pathways, and develop a deeper understanding of how businesses and organisations operate.  Work Experience is a significant step in helping students connect their learning to future aspirations and build essential workplace skills.

Semester Reports and Student Reflection

Semester reports will be available online in the coming weeks, offering valuable insights and feedback for both students and parents. Congratulations to all students who have engaged positively in their learning throughout the semester — particularly those who have reflected on their assessments, taken on feedback and applied strategies to improve.

Semester Reports provide a meaningful opportunity for reflection — a chance to acknowledge what has gone well, recognise areas of progress and celebrate where effort has led to success. These achievements should be acknowledged and built upon as students move into semester two. At the same time, it’s important to thoughtfully consider areas for further growth and how different approaches might lead to improved outcomes.

A holistic view of student development is essential — one that values not only academic performance but also behaviour, effort, collaboration, creativity, and resilience. The goal is for every student to strive for their personal best across all aspects of school life.

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

Well done to our senior students. Term 2 has been a busy one both in and out of the classroom. Students have been participating in subject field trips and excursions, sport round robin days, music and drama performances to name a few. The opportunities our students get in and outside of the classroom is truly amazing and can only happen thanks to the support of our amazing staff.

Congratulations to our Year 12s who have reached the halfway mark for the year. We continue to be proud of the hard work and perseverance you are demonstrating this year. As Semester Two begins we would like to encourage all of our senior students to see Semester Two as an opportunity to reset, refocus and renew.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

On Tuesday 17 June over 450 students completed the GAT. This is an important assessment undertaken by all VCE students. The test is used to assess literacy, numeracy and writing competency, and is also part of the statistical moderation process for VCE study scores. The exam supervisors commended our students on their excellent behaviour which is always rewarding to hear. I would especially like to acknowledge Mr James Johnston for all his hard work behind the scenes preparing for the day, as well as all members of the Senior School.

VCE Parent/Student/Teacher Interviews

Interviews will occur on Thursday 24 July in the first week back next term between 4pm and 7pm. These interviews provide an opportunity for VCE teachers, parents and students to meet early in the semester to discuss how students are progressing and areas for improvement for Semester Two. Information regarding booking will be shared via Compass so please keep an eye out.

Year 12 Wellbeing Day

On Thursday 12 June, Year 12 students participated in a Wellbeing Day. Guest speaker Mr Declan Fay shared his stories of resilience and leading a creative life. Students then opted to participate in a range of activities including, a wildlife incursion, pot painting, sports, board games or a movie.  At lunch students were treated to a sausage sizzle and cookies. Thanks must go to the Wellbeing team for organising the day for our students, the teachers and the subschool team for their support on the day.

Year 12 Formal

After months of planning outfits and grand arrivals, 270 students traded their school uniforms for their finest dresses and suits, making a dazzling entrance at Leonda on the Yarra. They danced the night away and not only impressed us, but the venue and security with their amazing behaviour. A fantastic night was had by all and it marks another milestone for our 2025 Year 12s. Thanks to Mr Rob Cetincic, Ms Lauren Lockhart, Mr Adam Wheeler, Mr Jackson Waters, Mr Anthony Borya, Mr Hans Wang and our nurse Ms Kate Sander for volunteering their time to supervise on the night. Thanks also to the subschool team for the work behind the scenes, Mr James Johnston, Ms Sarah Chase, Mr Tristan Dunkley, Ms Sunita Sewani, Mr Chris Bamford and Ms Juliz Mathew.

Semester Reports

Next week Semester One reports will be released. Whilst teachers provide feedback on CATs and SACs via continuous reporting throughout the semester parents/carers and students will gain an overview of student learning progress via the semester reports. The reports will provide feedback on Approaches to Learning, performance against the Victorian Curriculum for 7-10, Victorian Curriculum 2.0 for Mathematics and English, results for each Outcome for VCE, and an overall result for each subject.

I would like to encourage both students and parents/carers to use this as an opportunity to reflect on Semester One and consider areas of success and opportunities for improvement that could be a focus for Semester Two.

Thank you to all our teachers for their work over the last couple of weeks in completing these reports, finalising CAT/SAC results and comments, and marking exams.

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

On Thursday 19 June, Aisha H was awarded the $1500 Community Bank Pinewood Scholarship for her commitment to study and community leadership. There were lots of great applicants that met the criteria, including those who also received a ‘highly commended’ cash prize, Manali D, Nicholas L and Jasmine J.

This is a great illustration of our highly motivated, community-oriented and deserving cohort here at Mount Waverley Secondary College. We wish both of these students all the best for their studies and look forward to seeing their future achievements.

Mr Tom Grant
Head of Student Voice

School Student Broadband Initative

The School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI), which offers eligible families with school-aged students free NBN broadband internet at home, has reached its target. This means the initiative is no longer accepting new applications.

Families or carers with unused vouchers to take part in the initiative need to activate them as soon as possible. Please note:

• families and carers have until 11:59 pm on Monday 30 June 2025 to redeem their voucher with their chosen participating internet provider
• from Tuesday 1 July 2025, all unredeemed vouchers will become invalid.

For those who have an existing SSBI connection or will secure one by redeeming their voucher before the end date, the program will continue until 30 June 2028.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Submissions of CSEF applications close at the end of this term.  If you are eligible, please ensure your application is received by the college before Friday 27 June 2025.  Late applications will not be processed after the closing date.  If you required an application form, please refer to the office or visit https://www.vic.gov.au/camps-sports-and-excursions-fund

School Saving Bonus (SSB) 

Families can continue to use SSB funds until Monday 30 June 2025 to buy textbooks or uniforms, or to allocate funds to school activities using the parent/carer online system.

The parent/carer online system will close at 11:59 pm on 30 June 2025. Any unused online supplier vouchers will expire, and all unspent SSB funds will revert to a school activities credit held against the family account for each student. These balances are expected at the school in early August 2025.

When electing to use your School Saving Bonus for school activities, our finance team will first check to see if there is any remaining School Saving Bonus funds for the nominated student. If there is no balance remaining for the nominated student, the college will allocate any available credit or SSB attached to the family account i.e. a siblings School Saver Bonus.

For any queries in relation to the School Saving Bonus, please contact the finance team on finance@mwsc.vic.edu.au.

Ms Kari Simmons
Business Manager

July School Holiday Events

Discover upcoming events at universities over the school holidays. Register early. See attached flyer for details.

Year 10 and 11

The Careers Team has been actively engaged with some of our Year 10 and Year 11 students over the past few weeks, supporting them through important conversations about Semester 2 subject selection and prerequisites for their future tertiary pathways.

Understanding prerequisites is essential, as they determine a student’s eligibility for specific tertiary courses and can significantly influence future study and career opportunities.

Year 12 Career Interviews

We encourage students if they haven’t already to book their careers appointment to discuss their post-school plans. Whether they are looking into university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or employment, we are here to support their next steps.

As always, the Careers Team is here to help, reach out if you have questions or need guidance.

Mr Phil Newnham and Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Careers Education

Class Reunion – Alumni School Tour

Yesterday, we welcomed back 10 past students from the Class of 1994, 1995, 2003 and 2005 for a School Tour Reunion and morning tea.

The event was filled with warm smiles, laughter, and fond memories as our alumni revisited familiar corridors, classrooms, and shared stories of their time at the school. Many were amazed at the changes and upgrades since their school days.

Following the tour, everyone gathered for morning tea where conversations flowed easily, and connections were rekindled and the chance to meet up with past teachers. It was great to hear about the journeys our alumni have taken since graduating.

It was a heartwarming morning reminded us of the connection our alumni have with the school. We thank our Alumni for returning and look forward to welcoming many more past students in the future.

Stay tuned for more of their stories in our Term 3 newsletter!

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator