MWSC College News – Issue 15

Welcome Back to Term 4

Welcome back to a new term of learning.  Learning doesn’t just happen by accident it is through careful planning and preparation that teachers provide students with high quality learning experiences.  These experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, are a vital part of the way we educate our students.

This is a busy term with students completing their studies for 2025 whilst starting to think about next year.  As we move through this term students will undertake a range of learning activities and assessments as we finish the school year. The Early Commencement Program will see our students start their 2026 classes on Monday 24 November as they begin their next chapter of learning at the college.

German Study Tour returns

Fourteen students and two teachers spent 27 days in Germany recently on a study tour. The students were fantastic and took everything in their stride. They represented the school with pride and learnt a lot more about German culture, history and language. Thank you to Ms Jo Rogers and Mrs Mary-Jane Boughen who organised the tour and supported the group. I know that our students had an amazing experience.

Central Australia Tour

Forty students attended the Central Australia Tour which ran at the end of last term and into the holidays. They had a wonderful time visiting places such as Uluru, Kings Canyon and Coober Pedy. I heard that the students were wonderful and worked together as a team supporting each other and their teachers. I would like to sincerely thank my wonderful staff Ms Lauren Kelly, Mr Joshua Halliday, Ms Alex Klepner, Ms Jo Lourey, and Mr Aayush Khosla who gave up their holiday time to attend the tour.

Music Gala Concerts

I had the privilege of attending the Music Gala Concerts this week. A lot of work goes into organising a night like this when there are so many students and different ensembles involved.

I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Tijte Keatley our Music Director and our 2 Music Captains, Ananya and Jacqui who helped organise the event. Congratulations to all of our instrumental music students and music staff; Mr Tom Frost, Mr Lee Jones, Mrs Melissa Knowles, , Mr Oscar Jenkins-Wing, Mr Damien Maughan, Mrs Keryn Lientschnig, Mr Tim O Connor, Mr Lewis Pierre-Humbert, Mr Simon Weston and Mr Joseph Yu. The quality of musical performances on the night was outstanding.

Thanks also to all the students and staff who worked tirelessly behind the scenes in support of our exemplary Instrumental Music Program.

Monash WordFest

Congratulations to the following students who achieved awards at the recent Monash WordFest short story writing competition.

Category A: 12 to 14 years

• Dulara J – Second Place
• Quin A – Third Place
• Moukthika B – Highly Commended
• Prathamesh K – Highly Commended

Category B: 15 to 17 years

• Mikayla S – First Place
• Lakshita K – Highly Commended

Best wishes to our Year 12 students

Over the holiday break some Year 12 revision classes ran, and I would like to thank my dedicated Year 12 teachers for providing this opportunity to their students.

Congratulations to all Year 12 students who are now nearing the completion of thirteen years of school.  This is a magnificent achievement.  I would like to thank our Year 12 students for their contribution to our learning community which has allowed Mount Waverley Secondary College to maintain its well-deserved, outstanding reputation.   Special thanks to Jimmy and Nicola for the magnificent job they have done as our College Captains and congratulations to Cate and Anvi for their great contribution as Deputy Captains.

These senior students have been excellent role models, clearly demonstrating great leadership skills whilst maintaining a focus and dedication to study.

I have enjoyed meeting our Year 12 students throughout the year and have been impressed with their dedication to study, support of their peers and positive relationships with their teachers.  Thank you to all of the staff who have supported our Year 12 students throughout their time at our college.  I encourage our Year 12 students to always believe you can achieve your dreams.  Never give up when life throws up a challenge.  That is the key to success.  Keep striving towards your goal and you will reach it. I wish each and every Year 12 student all the best as they enter the next exciting phase of their lives.

2025 Mango Fundraiser Drive

Please support our college fundraiser by ordering a tray of mangoes for $30 per tray (approximately 7kg of fruit, number of mangoes per tray varies with size).

• Orders must be submitted by 3pm on Friday 24 October 2025.
• All orders are via Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DGDKW
• Families will be notified of the time and venue to collect orders. Delivery date will be confirmed in mid November.  

Thunderstorm Asthma – be prepared this pollen season

Grass pollen season, which typically runs from October to December each year in Victoria, brings an increase in asthma and hay fever symptoms. It also increases the risk of thunderstorm asthma. For people with asthma or hay fever, especially those who experience wheezing or coughing with their hay fever, thunderstorm asthma can be sudden, serious and even life threatening.

Mount Waverley Secondary College will implement a range of measures to keep our school community safe as the risk of thunderstorm asthma increases.

Many of our staff are trained in asthma first aid. We will monitor the VicEmergency app to receive thunderstorm warnings and, where appropriate, keep students indoors when weather forecasts identify greater risk.

During the season, there are some things you can do to prepare and protect yourself and your family:

• If your child has ever had asthma, talk to your doctor about what you can do to help protect them from the risk of thunderstorm asthma this pollen season, including updating your asthma action plan. Taking an asthma preventer properly and regularly is key to preventing asthma, including thunderstorm asthma.
• If your child has hay fever, see your pharmacist or doctor for a hay fever treatment plan and check if you should have an asthma reliever puffer. These are available from a pharmacy without a prescription.
• If your child has hay fever and experiences wheezing and coughing, it is important to make sure they don’t also have asthma. Speak to your doctor about an asthma action plan.
• Where possible, avoid being outside during thunderstorms from October to December, especially during the wind gusts that come before the storm. Go inside and close your doors and windows. If you have your air conditioning on, turn it to ‘recirculate’.

Protect yourself this pollen season – managing asthma and allergies matters.

Find out more: for more information, speak to your doctor. You can also refer to the Better Health Channel website.

Professional Practice Day

For 2025, the Department of Education and Training has provided schools with the option to hold each teacher’s allocated professional practice day on the same day for all staff. This is to enable the most effective and efficient use of this day. As a result, we have scheduled our professional practice day for Monday 3 November, the day before the Cup Day public holiday. Students will therefore not be required to attend school on this day.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Welcome back to Term 4!

We hope that everyone in our community had a safe and restful term break over the past two weeks, and that our Year 7 and 8 students have returned ready to finish off the year well. Term 4 is always a big time for Junior Campus students. By the end of term, our Year 8s will have moved on to the Senior Campus to begin our Early Commencement Program, leaving our current Year 7s as the sole year level on the campus (other than one transition day for next year’s students).

Please take note of the upcoming dates that may impact your Year 7 or 8 child:

• 13-15 and 15-17 October: Year 8 Camp
• 28 & 30 October: Year 7 Band Program Concerts
• 31 October: Year 8 Guest Speaker
• 3 November: Professional Practice Day (Student Free Day)
• 5 November: Year 8-9 Parent Information Session at Senior Campus (TBC)
• 11 November: MWSC Art and Design Festival
• 19 November: Sports Awards Evening
• 21 November: Correction Day (Student Free Day)
• 24 November – 9 December: Early Commencement Program
• 10 – 12 December: Year End Program

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

Welcome back

Term 4 is always a busy term, as students complete their studies for the year while beginning to look ahead to what comes next. Over the coming weeks, students will engage in a range of learning activities and assessments as we move toward the final examination period for our Middle School students.

For our Year 10 students, this term also marks an exciting transition as they look ahead to VCE. Subject selections have now been made, and the upcoming exams represent the final chapter of their Middle School journey.

The Early Commencement Program will soon begin, allowing our Year 9 students to step into Year 10 and our Year 10 students to begin their Year 11 studies. This program provides a valuable opportunity for all students to get a head start on their 2025 learning.

I encourage every Middle School student to make the most of the opportunities offered by their teachers and to finish the year with their best effort.

Holiday Works

Our Facilities and ICT Teams have achieved some excellent outcomes over the school holidays. These teams continue to work tirelessly to maintain and improve our college facilities, and the term break once again provided an ideal opportunity to complete a wide range of important projects.

ICT Works

Over the break, the ICT Team completed several key upgrades and maintenance tasks, including:

• Rollout of the new Wi-Fi system
• Server updates and maintenance
• Reimaging of notebook trolleys and lab PCs where required
• Updating assets in the IT asset management system
• Disposal of obsolete IT equipment
• Installation of additional security cameras
• Printer installations across key areas
• Installation of standing desks in the Administration area

Facilities Team

The Facilities Team also worked hard throughout the break, focusing particularly on improvements to the JC Portables and Year 8 Locker Bay, along with other maintenance and upgrades across both campuses. Works included:

• Replacement of decking at entrances to the JC Portables with durable non-timber boards
• Replacement of stairs at the Year 8 Locker Bay entrance with safer, longer-lasting concrete stairs
• Support for landscaping works between A Block and the sails
• Servicing and replacement of air conditioners and evaporative cooling systems as required across both campuses
• Tree maintenance works at the Senior Campus
• Servicing of the Junior oval and Senior Campus futsal court
• Servicing of the vertical garden at the Senior Campus

A big thank you to our ICT and Facilities Teams for their continued dedication and hard work in making our college a better place for everyone.

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

Our Year 12s are in the last formal days of classes for the year. We wish our Year 12s all the best as they near the end of their secondary schooling. All students studying Unit 3/4 subjects will now be focusing on exam preparation prior to classes concluding. Students will then be on study leave prior to exams to allow them to prepare. Year 12 students who wish to come on site to visit teachers during SWOTVAC (Study Without Teaching Vacation) need to arrange a time with their teacher and ensure they come in full school uniform.

Central Australia Trip

At 5:15am on Wednesday morning last term, 40 students and 5 staff set off for our annual Central Australia Trip. Both students and teachers had an absolutely amazing time exploring such a unique part of our country. The highlights of the trip were Kings Canyon, Uluru, Field of Lights and all the fun and laughs shared along the way. Even the long bus rides to get from place to place were enjoyable. A massive thank you to Mr Joshua Halliday, Ms Jo Lourey, Ms Alex Klepner and Mr Aayush Khosla for joining me on this trip, and giving up part of their holidays so that our students can have this wonderful experience.

Red Frogs Presentation

This Monday the Wellbeing Team organised for Red Frogs to speak to our Year 12 students. Red Frogs provide programs to high school students to educate, equip and empower students to confidently make positive life choices and be a voice of change within their culture. We hope this presentation provided our students with an opportunity to reflect on their choices as they enter their end of secondary school celebrations.

Music Gala Concerts

Congratulations to Mrs Tijtje Keatley and the music staff on the two fantastic concerts that run this Thursday. It was great to see the growth the bands have shown since first hearing them earlier this year. It is a massive task organising such a night, particularly with two separate concerts occurring. Well done to all involved.

Year 12 Graduation

To recognise the achievement of completing their secondary schooling students in Year 12 will have an onsite Celebration Day on Tuesday 21 October.  We will also mark this momentous occasion with a Graduation/Valedictory dinner on Wednesday 22 October. Last year was the first time we included this event in our celebration since Covid and it was very special to have it back. We look forward to a lovely evening celebrating the Class of 2025.

VCAA Exams

VCAA exams have begun with many students already completing performance and language oral exams. The written exams will kick off on October 28, with the English and English as an Additional exams first up. Students will be completing exams up until November 20. We wish the students all the best in their exams. The Age have also released their annual VCE Guide that provides information about the VCE, exam tips and on pathways to university. It is free to read but you will need to register.

Home Study

As we move toward exam time, not only for our Year 12s but also our Year 9 to 11 students, home study will be an important part of their preparation. We ask that our parents support the students by providing them a quiet place to study, participating in helping quiz students on exam content, and engaging in discussions about their exam preparations.

A study technique that might be useful to encourage your student to try is the Pomodoro Technique. It is a study technique that involves working in focused 25-minute intervals (called “Pomodoros”) followed by a 5-minute break, with a longer 15-30 minute break after four Pomodoros. It can assist in maintaining focus by breaking tasks into manageable sections, preventing burnout, and reducing procrastination.

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

Welcome to Term 4

We look forward to welcoming students to Term 4. We trust you had a restful and relaxing term break with family fun time and much needed sleep ins.  We hope that this term, with the warmer weather and longer days, is most fruitful for all students. I would like to congratulate the students on a smooth and positive start to this term and would like to draw your attention to a few items.

Uniform

This term we transition into the school summer uniform.  Students have a two week transition period which finishes on Friday 17 October after which we expect all students to wear their full summer uniform to and from school.  Please see our uniform policy located on the MWSC website for further clarification of appropriate uniform clothing items, shoes, jewellery and hair colour.

Mobile Phones

As per the department’s policy, mobile phones should be kept in lockers throughout the duration of the school day.  Students are expected to place their phone on silent and in their school bags upon entering the school gates.  Their bags should be securely locked in the lockers and students can take their phones out once they have exited the school gates.  We expect all our students to follow this expectation.

Lockers

Students should ensure that they lock their bags securely in their lockers for the duration of the day upon their arrival.  If there are any issues with student lockers or if students do not have a locker, they are to inform their sub school so that this can be resolved.

Term 4 Middle School Important Information and Dates

This term will be a short term with respect to 2025 course work due to Semester 2 exams.  We encourage students to ensure they keep up to date with their course work and CAT’s.  We also would like to encourage our students to communicate with their teachers regularly if there are any issues with their academic progress.

• Tuesday 28 October – VCAA Exams Commence
• Thursday 31 October – Year 10 Immunisations
• Monday 3 November – Student Free Day
• Tuesday 4 November – Melbourne Cup Day Holiday
• Monday 10 November – Year 10 Exams Commence
• Wednesday 19 November – Year 9 Exams Commence
• Thursday 20 November – Year 10 and 9 Exams Conclude
• Friday 21 November – Student Free Day
• Monday 24 November – 2026 Early Commencement Program (ECP) Commences
• Tuesday 9 December – 2026 ECP Concludes
• Wednesday 13 December to Friday 12 December – Year 9 Year End Program

Ms Asha Vazirani
Head of Middle School

2025 Financial Contributions

It is not too late to make a payment towards the 2025 Parent Financial Contributions in Compass. Please click on the ‘Payments Centre’ tab, under the heading of 2025 School Contributions.

While the Department of Education provides funding to schools each year on a per student enrolled basis, this funding only covers a portion of the core operating costs of running the school. It covers things like classroom teacher salaries, contract cleaning, gas and electricity, water rates, telephone, some repairs to buildings, some administration, and some curriculum support. The funding does not cover the additional programs run at MWSC that support our student’s wellbeing and growth, or the consumables required in the classrooms for use throughout the 2025 school year.

Our specialist programs rely heavily on parent contributions to ensure we have access to the latest equipment and resources. Additional projects around the school including garden upgrades, repairs to buildings, outdoor furniture and shade sails are all only made possible via fundraising and parent contributions, department funding does not cover these items. We would like to thank families who have already supported the school by making a contribution to their child’s education.

If you have not made a voluntary contribution, and are in a position to, we encourage you to do so.

Ms Kari Simmons
Business Manager

Year 7 Boys Table Tennis

On Friday 12 September, nine Year 7 boys represented the school in the junior boys table tennis round robin. The ‘A’ team drew their first match 3-3 against Highvale Secondary College but went down 9-10 on games. They also drew 3-3 with Vermont Secondary College before winning on games 12-10, then lost 1-5 to Glen Waverley Secondary College.

The ‘B’ team won their first match 5-1 against Highvale SC, drew 3-3 with Glen Waverley SC (losing 12-10 on games) and lost 2-4 to Vermont SC.

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

The teams consisted of: Oliver J, Stefanos S, Livin F, Oscar T, Sammy K, Kyle W, Rafael G, Nikkash N and Kavish P.

~ Mr Campbell

Year 7 – 8 Careers Lunchtime Drop-in Question Time at the Junior Campus

The Careers Lunchtime Drop-in Sessions for Year 7 and 8 students remain a valuable way for students to explore future pathways in a relaxed setting. Join in the fun with interactive games that encourage career exploration.

Venue: Junior School Library

Dates: 21 October, 11 November and 18 November

Year 12 Career Interviews

Are you considering university, TAFE, apprenticeships, gap year, or entering the workforce, we’re here to support you in planning the next steps. Students are encouraged to book a careers appointment.

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

VTAC Applications

Are you considering university, TAFE, apprenticeships, gap year, or entering the workforce, we’re here to support you in planning the next steps. Students are encouraged to book a careers appointment.

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

VTAC applicants are reminded that the deadline for Equity Scheme (SEAS) applications has been extended to 13 October, 5pm.  Course preferences can be changed until 13 December noon.  Please refer to the VTAC website for more information, including all key dates.

Mr Phil Newnham and Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Careers Education

In September, a group of fourteen Year 9, 10 and 11 students excitedly headed to Germany as part of the German Study Tour for the first time since 2019. This month-long trip was filled with unforgettable moments, from visiting historical landmarks and attending school to creating new friendships and immersing ourselves in a different lifestyle. This journey gave everyone a sense of independence and a better understanding of not only the German language but also the culture, food and everyday life. 

After a long day of travel, we landed in Munich and got lunch, giving us the chance to practise German for the first time with locals. From there, we explored the city’s famous sites, such as the Glockenspiel and its re-enactment of Munich’s history, or the English Gardens, where we saw wave surfers. 

Following two exciting days of visiting incredible places like the Marienplatz and Schloss Neuschwanstein, we headed to Darmstadt, where our sister school “Justus-Liebig-Schule” is and where we each stayed with a host family. Arriving at the train station where all the families were waiting for us felt both nerve-racking and thrilling because none of us knew exactly what the next few weeks would bring. Our host families were great; they supported us and helped us improve our German. The day after we arrived in Darmstadt, we had our first of many days at the German School. 

During our stay in Darmstadt, we visited many nearby cities like Heidelberg, Mainz and Rhein as well as going on trips with just our host family. One of our major highlights was our four-day trip to the capital city, Berlin, where we explored the famous landmarks along with doing activities like watching a light show by the river.

Whether it be dancing at night in Berlin or going on the boat tour in Rhein and seeing numerous castles, every moment of this trip became a memory we’ll carry for the rest of our lives. Despite all the challenges we faced, we were able to get through them and continue the journey. This trip was way more than a learning experience; it was an opportunity to grow not only as students but as individuals. 

Ms Mary-Jane Boughen and Ms Jo Rogers

Year 12 Library Leaders

Last Term we celebrated our Year 12 Library Leaders with a special lunch. All of these students have contributed to the smooth running of the Senior Campus Library – many of them since they arrived in Year 9.

We wanted to acknowledge their contribution and send them off in style. We wish them all the best for their exams and beyond.

Mrs Robyn Whitelaw
Resources Centre Manager
Senior Campus

The Central Australia trip (17-25 September) is one of the most iconic parts of Year 11, and we’re so glad we had the chance to go. From the underground bunkers at Umoona Opal mine in Coober Pedy, to pitching our own tents on the red dirt in Uluru, we enjoyed every moment of this experience. We were lucky enough to have an amazing driver and cook, who accompanied us for the whole trip and made the experience the best it could be!

Our favourite parts included the Kata Tjuda hike because it was the most challenging and adrenaline rush evoking. The hike was difficult as it was very rocky and there were segments of the hike where we had to climb on all fours! The Kings Canyon hike was also memorable because of the amazing views from the top of ‘Heart attack hill’ and in ‘the Garden of Eden.’ We also enjoyed our talent show night, where we got to show off our skills and got to bond with a close group of amazing peers and teachers, making memories that will last a lifetime!

In Alice Springs, we visited their famous Desert Park Zoo, and got to watch a bird show full of native Australian birds including the tawny frogmouth and the black-breasted buzzard. We also went to the Royal Flying Doctor’s service and watched an inspiring film about the incredible work that the organisation does!

Overall, the trip was a phenomenal experience, and as we approach the end of high school, we are so glad we got to create so many connections with our peers.

Aisha H (11B) and Hruthi M (11M)

At the Melbourne Museum, the 8L class were given the opportunity to join the Student Climate Commons event. The focus of the event was to offer a fresh perspective on global warming, and rather than just providing solutions, exploring how we felt and expressing our opinions on the issue.

We listened to a speech given by a guest speaker who shared her inspiring journey as a social media influencer, aiming to share her passion for climate activism through sustainable recipes.  The activities were creative and hands-on, encouraging social interaction and collaboration amongst students from different schools. We participated in activities such as origami and a forest walk, and spoke about our thoughts and feelings on global warming in the Climate Cafe.

In the Climate Cafe, we discussed many topics, such as AI’s negative impact on the environment and our perspectives on climate change. It was interesting to hear other viewpoints from other students from different schools. Thank you to Ms Gwynne and Ms Kandy for giving us the chance to take part in this event, and for being with us on the day!

Ruby L (8L)

Network • Share • Stay Connected

Stay connected to Mount Waverley Secondary College Alumni Network.

📸 Celebrate – Like our Alumni Facebook page
🌐 Connect – Join the Alumni LinkedIn group

Register your details to join our alumni community and receive the latest news and events and our newsletter directly in your inbox.
Click the link below to sign up.   To register your details, click here.

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator

Mount Waverley Secondary College is seeking your support for our 2025 MWSC Mango Drive.

If you love mangoes, here is your chance to indulge in fresh juicy Bowen Special Mangoes (formerly known as Kensington Pride Mangoes). These are picked and packed during the premium harvest. Ask your family and friends if they would like to indulge.

You can order a tray of mangoes for $30 per tray (approximately 7kg of fruit, approx. 12-24 mangoes per tray)

• Orders must be submitted by 3pm on Friday, 24 October 2025.
• All orders are via Trybooking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DGDKW  or QR Code on poster attached below.
• Families will be notified of the time and venue to collect orders. Delivery date will be confirmed in mid November.

Thank you for supporting Mount Waverley Secondary College.

2025 MWSC Mango Drive Poster with QR Code