MWSC College News – Issue 10

College Wins Top Honours

I had the privilege of attending the Premier’s VCE Awards with Ms Lynette Spiller Visual Arts teacher and Ms Lauren Kelly Senior Campus Principal on Wednesday 2nd July which was held at the Melbourne Convention Centre. Congratulations to Maya C and Petra H (Year 11) and Neyssa S who have been recognised with a Premier’s VCE Award for their outstanding academic results in 2024.

Neyssa scored a perfect study score of 50 in Health and Human Development. She is now studying a double degree Bachelor of Laws (Honours)/Commerce at Monash University. Maya scored a perfect score of 50 in Art Making and Exhibiting and she is studying for a Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Melbourne.

Petra who is currently in Year 12 was recognised with a Study Award for Hungarian which she studied at the Victorian School of Languages.

The annual Premier’s VCE Awards recognise the top-performing students in the state. This year, 305 students across 90 subjects were recognised with awards for their outstanding results. Seven  students were also presented with an Outstanding VCE Vocational Major Student Award which recognises students who demonstrate excellence, employability skills growth and community impact.

The entire Mount Waverley Secondary College learning community is proud of our students and would like to congratulate them on being the recipients of such a prestigious award.

We wish them every success in the future.

To view the full Honour Roll and to read more about the Premier’s VCE Awards, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-vce-awards

Goodbye NZ Concert

I had the pleasure of attending the Goodbye NZ Concert on Thursday 26 June. This concert was a rehearsal for the New Zealand Music tour which departs on the school holidays. Thank you to Mrs Tijtje Keatley our Director of Music and all of the staff who support our fantastic Instrumental Music program. Well done to our two Music Captains Ananya and Jacqui who hosted the night and all the students who performed.

Borneo Expedition

Our Borneo expedition left on Saturday 28 June and will be returning on Saturday 12 July during the school holidays. Special thanks to Mr Adam Laan and Ms Sarah Smith who are accompanying our students. I look forward to hearing about their adventures when they return to school.

Year 10 Work Experience

It was wonderful to see our Year 10 students completing work experience this week.

Can I sincerely thank Mrs Victoria Tortopidis, Careers Education and Alumni Coordinator for overseeing this program and organising all the documentation required to send our students into the workplace and Mr Phil Newnham our Careers Education Manager for his support. Special thanks to all the staff who called or visited our students whilst on their placements.

Student/Parent/Teacher Conferences

Student/Parent//Teacher conferences are being held remotely for VCE students on Thursday 24 July (Week 1 – Term 3). These interviews will be conducted via Webex Meetings, and it is critical that your VCE student is in attendance.

Please note these interviews relate to Semester 1 subjects only. As there are only 30 spaces for each teacher, if you can’t make an appointment, please don’t hesitate to contact teachers via email if you would like further feedback. On Thursday 11 September we will be holding a whole day of interviews for Year 7-12 students.

Stay Well this Winter

This winter season, more people are getting and being hospitalised with influenza (flu), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself and others – it is never too late to vaccinate.

Keeping our school community well

We encourage parents, carers and students to:

• wash or sanitise your hands thoroughly and regularly, particularly before and after touching your face
• cough or sneeze into your elbow
• stay home if unwell and consult your GP or Nurse-on-Call as needed
• stay up to date with your flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Flu vaccinations

Flu vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

Some people are more at risk of severe illness from flu and are eligible for free vaccination as part of the National Immunisation Program.

Flu vaccinations can be booked through GPs and pharmacies. Many can give a COVID-19 booster at the same time.

COVID-19 booster

The COVID-19 booster dose is available for everyone aged 18 and over.  Regular COVID-19 vaccinations are the best way to prevent severe illness or hospitalisation, especially in people aged over 65 and those at higher risk of severe illness.

Children aged between 5 and 17 years who are at risk of severe illness can also receive a booster dose.

You can get your booster at your local pharmacy or GP. The COVID-19 vaccine clinic finder can tell you if you need a booster, and where to get one.

RSV Vaccinations for Mothers and Babies

RSV is a common virus that causes colds and ear infections. In babies, it can cause severe illnesses like bronchiolitis.

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women as part of the National Immunisation Program. In Victoria, eligible babies can also get the RSV vaccine until Tuesday 30 September 2025. For more information, refer to Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) immunisation.

You can speak with your GP or midwife about the vaccine.

Find out more

For more information about staying well this winter, refer to:

• your GP or pharmacist
• Better Health Channel – Don’t Risk the Flucampaign with translated resources, influenza and other vaccine information.
• Better Health Channel – RSV vaccine for mothers and infants
• Raising Children Network – influenza, COVID-19, bronchiolitisand helping your child prepare for vaccination.

Happy Holidays

Have a well-deserved break everyone and enjoy time with your family and friends. Term 3 begins on Monday 21 July.  Stay well, take care and I will see you next term.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Well done to all staff and students at the Junior Campus for a wonderful semester of teaching, learning, and extra-curricular activities.

We have again thrived in and out of the classroom, with our students not only demonstrating their application to their learning, but also embodying the college values in all of their interactions.

Integrity

The Junior Sub School team should be commended for the ‘Upstander’ culture they have developed with students at the Junior Campus. Regular assemblies have had a focus on being an upstander, as opposed to a bystander, and we frequently have students coming forward to speak up about issues that may concern them or their peers. We value our safe and supportive learning environment, and it is wonderful that this is being driven by our students.

Learning

Semester reports will be available in the coming weeks, and it is a wonderful time to celebrate the excellent academic achievements of our students. We are very privileged to have a school in which learning is greatly valued.

Excellence

Even more important than the high level academic results, is the efforts of our students in self-improvement. This is seen in the classroom and beyond, with students applying themselves to all of their endeavours.

Accountability

A normal part of secondary schooling is students testing boundaries and learning about decision-making. Every day is a new start for our students, and we pride ourselves on the ways in which students are supported to take accountability for their conduct, and seek to improve. The manner in which our students engage in meaningful, reflective conversations (even when things might have gone awry) is truly impressive.

Respect

One of the great assets of our school is the diversity we have on display. As the college vision statement says, ‘Mount Waverley Secondary College is a proudly diverse learning environment where everyone is empowered to strive for growth and excellence.’ We regularly celebrate a range of events that highlight our diversity. We are immensely proud of the respectful ways in which our students recognise and celebrate diversity.

Nuturing

Whether in the classroom, in the yard, on the sporting field, on the bus, or in any other forum, I am constantly reminded of the capacity of our students to show care, compassion, and empathy to each other.

We wish all students a restful holiday break, and hope that they come back recharged and ready for Term 3.

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

Semester 2 Starts Well

Students in the Middle School have started Semester II well including starting new units of work, beginning new subjects as well as receiving feedback on exams and assessment tasks.

Year 10 Work Experience

It’s been wonderful to hear such positive feedback from staff who have visited students in their workplaces, highlighting how well they’ve represented themselves and the school. This experience plays a key role in helping students explore future career pathways and consider their post-school options.  A tremendous amount of work goes into preparing and supporting all our Year 10 students for their work experience placements. Sincere thanks to Mr Phil Newnham and Ms Victoria Tortopidis for their efforts in making this valuable program possible.

E-Scooter Safety – What Students and Parents Need to Know

E-scooters are becoming an increasingly popular mode of transport for students and community members alike. With their growing use, it’s important that both parents and students understand the safety requirements and legal responsibilities that come with riding an e-scooter in Victoria.

Below is a summary of the key rules, as outlined by Transport Victoria:

What You Must Do When Riding an E-Scooter

E-scooter riders are required to:

•  Be 16 years of age or older
•  Wear a helmet at all times
•  Ride at a maximum speed of 20 km/h
• Ride single file – not in tandem or side by side
•  Ride only on:
  • Shared-use paths (not footpaths)
  • Bicycle paths
  • Roads with a speed limit of 60 km/h or less
• Not carry any passengers
• Use front and rear lights (steady or flashing) when riding at night or in low-light conditions
•  Park responsibly, ensuring the scooter does not block pedestrian paths or create safety hazards

Why It Matters

These rules are in place to help keep riders and others safe. Failure to follow them can result in fines and puts both the rider and others at risk. As e-scooter use grows, it’s essential we all do our part to promote safe and respectful riding in our community.

For more information and updates, please visit: 🔗 Transport Victoria – E-Scooter Road Rules

Semester Reports and Student Reflection

Semester reports are available online, 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.

Can I wish all families a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming students back to the college on Monday 21^st July to commence Term 3.

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

Well done to our Senior Students for all their hard work this term. 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 now surpassed the halfway mark for the year. We continue to be proud of the hard work and perseverance you are demonstrating this year and encourage you to use the break to recharge, reset and prepare yourself for term 3. Remember to make these last days count.

General Achievement Test (GAT)

On Tuesday 17 June over 450 students completed the GAT. This is an important assessment undertaken by all students completing at least one Unit 3/4 subject. 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 Student / Parent / 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. Bookings will open Thursday 3 July, and close Monday 21 July.

Semester Reports

Semester One reports were released last week. 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, 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.

Premier’s VCE Awards

On Wednesday afternoon myself, Karen Wade-College Principal and Lynette Spiller-Visual Arts teacher had the pleasure of attending a ceremony for the Premier’s VCE Awards. The awards recognise top performing students for their academic achievements for their VCE or individual VCE subjects in 2024. For the first time top performing students in the VCE Vocational Major were also recognised.

We had 3 students receive awards for their academic performance in a VCE Study. VCAA uses Individual Graded Assessment scores to determine the order of merit and identify the best students, students must also receive a study score of 46 or above. Neyssa S was awarded a Premier’s Award for Health and Human Development, whilst Maya C was awarded a Premier’s Award for Art Making and Exhibiting, both receiving a Study Score of 50. This is an amazing achievement as the number of award recipients are also determined by the size of the subject.

We would like to recognise Ms Cara Hill and Ms Lynette Spiller for all her work in supporting Neyssa and Maya. Petra H, a current Year 12 student also received a Premier award for her achievements in Hungarian, a language that they study externally, so we also had the pleasure of congratulating Petra on her fantastic achievement.

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

Semester 1 Exams

As Term 2 comes to a close, we would like to congratulate our Year 9 and 10 students for their hard work and persistence through their exams.  Students have demonstrated all the ILEARN school values as they have been dedicated, organized and focused on their goals. Experiencing exams is a vital component of VCE preparation.   Students develop study skills, revision skills and experience the normal reaction of stress and anxiety when they feel nervous.  These are life skills that help our students become resilient young adults.  We wish our students all the very best with their reports and remind them to use this as a learning opportunity to better develop their skills.

Uniform

School uniform assists our students to develop a sense of school pride, dress smartly, become confident and help them to realize that they are all equal in our educational organization.  It also assists our student’s in establishing unity within diversity, students begin to apply their focus on their education as they do not get distracted, and they develop skills in working collaboratively as they develop a sense of belonging to the school community.

If a student is not wearing the correct full school uniform, they are expected to bring a note from home and get a uniform pass from their sub-school when they arrive.  If a student does not have a note from home, they are still expected to get a uniform pass from their sub school when they arrive.

We expect all our students to be in full winter school uniform on the first day of Term 3.

Attendance

The Department of Education (DE) requires that children of school age (six to seventeen years) are in full-time attendance at a government or registered non-government school unless formally exempt.

Daily school attendance is important for all children and young people to succeed in education and to ensure they don’t fall behind both socially and developmentally. Children and young people who regularly attend school and complete Year 12 or an equivalent qualification have better health outcomes, better employment outcomes, and higher incomes across their lives. It is important that children develop habits of regular attendance at an early age.

School participation is important as it maximizes life opportunities for children and young people by providing them with education and support networks. School also helps people to develop important skills, knowledge and values which set them up for further learning and participation in their community.

The college has a required attendance rate. All students in Years 7 to 12 are required to have an attendance rate of at least 90%. Mount Waverley Secondary College will keep a record of the reason given for each absence.  If a student is arriving late to school or leaving early from school, they are to report to their relevant sub-school to sign in or sign out.

Year 9 School for Student Leadership Camp

Mount Waverley Secondary College is very excited to welcome back our select Year 9 students who spent term 2 this year at the School for Student Leadership Camp. School for Student Leadership is a Victorian Department of Education (DE) initiative offering a unique residential education experience for year nine students. The curriculum focuses on personal development and team learning projects sourced from students’ home regions. Their mission is to provide an immersive State-wide residential program for Year 9 Government school students which enables them to grow into better citizens and leaders through increased self-awareness, social engagement, community connection and environmental stewardship. We look forward to hearing about all the amazing experiences the students had over this term.

We would like to thank Mr Tom Grant for his organization of this experience and ensuring that our students have access to this wonderful opportunity and thank you to the Year 9 Coordinators, Mr Wheeler and Mr Kent for their support.

Semester One …Done!

Congratulations to all our students for completing Semester 1, we know there were many challenges and a lot of learning, however, our students have done us proud and demonstrated the values of resilience and persistence throughout this Semester, so bring on Semester Two!

The Middle School wishes all our families a safe and restful break.

Ms Asha Vazirani
Head of Middle School

What a Term!

Breakfast Clubs, The Push-Up Challenge & Toolbox Sessions – A lot has been happening on the Junior Campus this term!  Our Year 7 & Year 8 students are truly in the swing of things with their schooling here at MWSC.

As we reach the half-way point of the school year, it is important to reflect and acknowldge the challenges that Term 2 can bring as well. During this term many of the JC Students undertake a variety of CATs relative to their individual classroom subjects. These CATs can lead to many student becoming overwhelmed and anxious due to not only the preparation for these tasks but the results they can bring as well.

In recognising this signifcant part of Term 2, I would like to acknowledge all our students across Year 7 & Year 8 (especially our Year 7s) for the perseverance you have shown in getting through your CATs over the last few weeks. I trust you have felt not only a sense of relief but a sense of pride that you managed to navigate the demands of these tasks to the best of your ability; The road may be bumpy, but we can find a way around.

With this in mind, as we approach the end of Term 2 and head into the school holidays, looking after outselves and being mindful of  Self-Care is hugely important. The demands of Term 2 can take a toll on both our physical and mental health and it is important that we recognise this – Changes in our mood, changes in our motivation levels, feeling tired and being less social can all be small indicators that we may be out of balance and need a reset.

Our self-awareness in noticing these indicators is perhaps our greatest ally in doing what we need to regain our balance.  Although it may be complicated to know what we can do, I assure it is not.

As a start, being able to recognise what you enjoy doing is a great start in re-finding your balance: Whether it be reading, playing sport, spending time with loved ones, going for a walk, playing games or focussing on your daily habits such as sleeping well and eating wholesome foods– these are all things we can engage in to give ourselves that refresh.

Most importantly – Everyone is individual and every person has their own activites/hobbies/outlets that they enjoy so whatever works for you is a great start!

If you are needing some more guidance around the aspect of Self-Care please see the information below which outlines more tips & strategies for Self Care.

As always, the Wellbeing Team on the Junior Campus is here to meet with Students who are wanting to further debrief around any matters that are presenting as a challenge.  Located in LA61, the Wellbeing Team also offers a space for students to regulate from the demands of the school day should these become to much – We all need a break at times!

As the Mental Health Practioner for the Junior Campus I am more than happy to meet with students for appointments to discuss their matters further in a confidential space. Students can easily arrange a time to meet with myself by either speaking to their Coordinators, drop by the Space in LA61 or reach out to myself directly at bmi@mwsc.vic.edu.au. Parents are also able to reach out to the Wellbeing Team by contacting the school directly.

With respect to this, I also recognise that accessing support at school may be a bit daunting and may not be suited to everyone. As such, please see the helpful contact numbers below of agencies you can reach out to for support:

• Headspace: www.headspace.org.au – Online and telephone mental health support (aged 12-25)
• Kids Help Line: 1800 55 1800 – Online and telephone support for young people (aged 0-24)
• Life Line: 13 11 14 – Telephone support for people of all ages
• Monash Youth Services:  https://www.monashyouthorg.au/Home offering case management support to students who reside or study in the City of Monash.
• Child and Youth Mental Health Service: 1300 721 927 – Support for young people experiencing distress or severe emotional disturbance.
• Parent Line: 13 22 89 – Support for parents of young people (aged 0-18)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636  www.beyondblue.org.au – Supporting everyone to achieve their best possible mental health

Trust everyone will have a restful school holidays and I look forward to supporting all stduents in Term  3!

As a last reminder: Breakfast Club will continue in Semester 2 on a Monday & Wednesday Mornings from 8:15am in LA37.  Year 7 Social Club will continue on a Monday & Wednesday recess and lunch in LA61 and Year 8 Social Club will continue on a Thursday & Friday recess and lunch in LA61.  Hope to see you there!!

Self Care for Students

EAT We all need to refuel. But sometimes when we’re stressed, our habits can change – maybe we eat junk food, or don’t feel like eating at all. It is important to focus on eating foods that will provide you with the nutrients you need.

HYDRATE Try to increase your water intake and decrease your caffeine intake. Caffeine has been shown to create a stress reaction in your body and might cause you to feel nervous, irritable or restless.

SLEEP Getting a healthy number of hours each night helps you to better deal with the stresses of everyday life.

MOVE Being physically active has many positive effects on your health. It increases your energy, enhances your immune system, reduces insomnia, stimulates brain growth and has been shown to decrease feelings of sadness.

ENJOY Take time to discover things you enjoy. Do things that make you feel good as often as you can. It may not be what others find fun, and that’s okay! We’re all different. Maybe there’s a book you want to read, a show or movie you’ve been meaning to watch, a skill you’ve been interested in, or something new!

CONNECT Strong social connections are one of the most powerful influences on our mood and mental health. Spending time with friends and family help to increase your levels of happiness. Getting involved in something bigger than yourself or doing nice things for others can give you a mental health boost. If you can’t see the people you care about every day, send them a text or make a phone call; it will make their day and yours!

PAUSE Make sure to take time for yourself during the day, to listen to music, take a few deep breaths, meditate, write in a gratitude journal.

RECOGNIZE Be mindful of your thoughts and feelings, both positive and negative, as part of your self-care. Finding a healthy outlet to process your emotions and positive self-talk, although always important, is super important during stressful times. When thinking, ask yourself? Is this helpful/true? If not, challenge yourself to find a positive/true alternative. Remember to speak kindly to yourself, everyone has good and bad days. Don’t be too hard on yourself!

REFLECT Take time to think about what’s important to you. It can be easy to get caught up in the negative messages, instead look for kindness and positivity. This can come in different forms like people doing good things for others or positive posts on social media.

REPEAT Did you know that trying a new skill, habit, or routine for 21 days in a row will increase the likelihood of maintaining this new practice?

Mr Michael Barbas
Mental Health Practitioner – Junior Campus

School Saver Bonus (SSB) Update

July School Holiday Events

Discover upcoming events at universities over the school holidays. Register early.  Click here for details.

Year 10 Work Experience

This week, over 230 enthusiastic Year 10 students took a bold step into the workforce as they participated in the Work Experience program this week.

Student’s placements were spread out across a wide variety of industries, exploring careers in Retail, Primary Schools, Libraries, Real Estate, Veterinary Clinics, Law, Engineering firms, Printing businesses, CSIRO, Leica Biosystems, and many more.

Students had the chance to test drive possible career paths and gain firsthand experience in professional environments.

“I was nervous at first,” one student shared, “but by the end of the week, I felt so much more confident talking to adults and working in a team.”

Employers and supervisors have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback, commending our students for their enthusiasm, willingness to learn, and the respectful way they represented themselves and the College.

Work Experience remains an invaluable part of the Year 10 journey, allowing students to build skills, explore interests, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Well done to all our students for embracing this opportunity!

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

The Vocational Major (VM) students have been learning about the necessary skills needed for success in the workplace. In the classroom, students have been looking at their resumes, completing digital and written portfolios, learning how to communicate effectively in written and verbal forms and looking at the language of applied learning.

In our community engagement program for Personal Development Skills (PDS), we continued with our assistance of the Foundation students at Mount Waverley North Primary School (MWNPS). Our students completed reading, numeracy and PE tasks. It was exciting to see our students interact with care and confidence with the MWNPS students. Feedback from the students and staff at both schools has been excellent, and we will continue to be a presence in the MWNPS program for Term 3.

The Year 11 students have been busy in Hands-On Learning with Mr Shaw. The students delivered some coffee tables to the Senior School Resource Centre and are now making planter stands for the Junior School. We will also continue to work with the Junior School on developing a kitchen garden. It was pleasing to see most students gain a Work Experience placement recently and gain some valuable knowledge and contacts.

The Year 12 students have been out and about with the completion of assessment work, around visits to Mount Waverley Village and Burwood Brickworks. In Numeracy, the students made Bath Bombs as part of Health Numeracy. The bath bombs all worked well, but the students decided as a business, it was not for them. The Structured Workplace Learning program on Fridays is going well, and many thanks to Mr Newnham for his assistance.

In Term 3, we will start our visits to AVEO Fountain Court, alternating with MWNPS. We want our students to practice speaking with people they do not know in a safe setting, participate with local communities, and learn about the Aged Care sector, as it is becoming one of the largest employers in the country. As part of Literacy, both Year levels will be involved in a special project where they will practice their interview skills by interviewing staff about their MWSC journeys. These interviews fit into all our subjects and will provide for assessments to be completed.

Many thanks to the VCE VM staff for their care and support of the VM program. Their dedication to making our curriculum relevant to the working environment is inspiring.

Mr Wayne Griffin
Head of Senior Pathways

Year 8 Boys Badminton

On Friday 20 June, nine Year 8 boys represented the school in the Junior Boys Badminton Round Robin.
The “A” team won their first match 5-1 against Vermont Secondary College then drew 3-3 on games with Highvale Secondary before losing 1-5 to Glen Waverley Secondary College.

The “B” team won their first match 6-0 against Vermont Secondary College, and drew 3-3 on games with both Highvale Secondary College and Glen Waverley Secondary College.

Well done to all the boys for their exemplary behaviour and fine sportsmanship shown.

The teams were:
Jessie Liu, Prakrit Agarwal, Avaneesh Gupta, Henil Shah, Garv Sapra, Aryan Shetty, Khoi Dang, Jayden Ooi, Aarav Jain.   ~ Mr Campbell

‘Split Earth’ is a brand new, Sci-Fi rock musical, with an original book, music and lyrics by Australian Drama teachers, Ms Madeleine Kerr and Mr Matthew Weekes.

The story is set in a future where the Earth has been split into two separate half planets: Solara, a utopia of light and abundance for humanity, and Atra, a shadow planet mined by AI. Hailed as an environmental triumph, the split was led by tech company CEO Adair Wright, who lost his wife and daughter in the process.

Ten years later, Adair’s surviving daughter Aurora begins to question everything as mysterious earthquakes rock Solara. As she uncovers long-buried truths about her family and the split, she must choose between comfort and revolution.

A story of power, betrayal, and the fight for a better world.

Performances will be held in the MWSC Unicorn Theatre on the following dates and times:

• Wednesday 13 August at 7pm
• Thursday 14 August at 7pm
• Friday 15 August at 7pm
• Saturday 16 August at 1.30pm (Matinee)
• Saturday 16 August at 7pm

Tickets are on sale now via Trybooking : Click here

We look forward to seeing you there!

Following our first exam experience at MWSC, Year 9 students had the chance to attend the Explore program. This three-day event allowed students to explore the city while proving their ability to navigate transportation and directions, along with plenty of opportunities to shop and eat. Students could choose between the MCG tour and ArtVo as their preferred extra activity. Additionally, we visited the Old Melbourne Gaol, went on the Watch House tour, explored ACMI, participated in the Big Issue Workshop, and enjoyed an organised scavenger hunt around the city.

My three favourite activities were the MCG tour, the Big Issue Workshop, and the scavenger hunt.

The most meaningful experience was the Big Issue Workshop. My friends and I loved how they organised their workshops. For one activity, we were divided into different teams and given a puzzle to complete as quickly as possible. We had no idea that each group had different guidelines. My team received a standard task to complete without limitations. We were puzzled (haha) when we finished well ahead of everyone else. Once we all regrouped, we realised that other groups had different puzzles and instructions. One team had only one person who could complete the task, while their teammates had to distract them to prevent them from finishing it. Each group had different guidelines, representing how each person grows up in a unique home environment. It was well presented and informative, and I kept noticing the Big Issue magazine sellers around the city afterwards.

The MCG tour is a classic Melbourne attraction, and we also visited the Australian Sports Museum. It was inspiring to see all the Australian athletes, Olympians, AFL players, and cricketers. We toured the changing room, the hallway where the winning team chants their song, and the reporters’ room on the top floors of the MCG. The Australian Sports Museum was engaging and informative, with all the interactive games and activities enjoyed by everyone.

The scavenger hunt was a fun way for students to explore the city and spark some friendly competition! We got to visit attractions that we rarely see, like Parliament House, Polly Woodside, and Hadestown. It was a great way to step out of our comfort zone with public transport outside of the Federation Square area and learn where the Free Tram Zone ends.

Overall, everyone loved the Explore Program, as it was a fantastic way to learn about the city, Melbourne’s history, and sporting icons.

By Leila P and Shannon L

On Friday 9th May, the Year 12 Geography students went on an excursion to the Pentridge Precinct, previously Her Majesty Prison Pentridge, a high security prison operating until 1997, now a mixed used precinct including residential towers, heritage buildings and retail district. On the excursion we got to visit the surrounding area, conduct traffic counts on Sydney Road and get a tour from Nation Trust representative of B Division including old cells, exercise yards and hear true, cunning, prisoner escape stories. 

We used the data collected from the excursion to complete our fieldwork report, analysing the impacts of the redevelopment of the site on locals, the environment and other Melbournians. 

We all enjoyed our trip to Pentridge, with fieldwork sketches being a crowd favourite.

By Sophie E & Thomas F

Stay Connected! Our Alumni are an important part of our school community, and we would love to stay in touch. By registering your details, you’ll be the first to hear about alumni events, inspiring updates from past students, and receive our exclusive newsletter straight to your inbox each Term.

Click here to join our Alumni Network and be part of the story.

Class of 2015 Reunion – Thursday 14 August 2025

It’s time to relive the memories! Join us back on campus, catch up with former classmates, say hello to your favourite teachers, and see how the school has changed since your final year.

Bonus invite! We’re also welcoming Alumni from the Classes of 2010 to 2014 – we would love to see you too.

Bookings are essential – secure your spot today!    Click here to book your ticket.

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator

She was passionate about student led groups and provided many opportunities for student voice and agency. She mentored Year 10 students to provide wellbeing sessions to Mount Waverley North Primary school grade 5 and 6 students and helped them create a transition session which they delivered to our own Year 8 students- focusing on preparing for the move to the Senior Campus. She also led student focus groups – providing students with the chance to present to staff on key challenges.

Last year she started the ‘Diversity and Harmony Group’ and provided leadership and space for students from Year 7 to 12 to come together regularly and lead their own group on celebrating culture.

She led highly successful Wellbeing Days for Year 9, 10 and 12 students.

She recently finished the development of a reengagement program that will help those students who need some extra support and prevent them from developing ‘school can’t’ behaviors. This program took over 8 months to develop and will be ready to implement in Term 3.

She led our student projects group – providing advice and guidance to our placement students and Wellbeing Captains to ensure we celebrated key awareness days.

Although her main role was in programs, she also provided 1 v 1 support to students in the Junior Campus Wellbeing Zone.