MWSC College News – Issue 16

Melbourne Diwali Festival

Congratulations to Mr Aayush Khosla and Mrs Asha Vazirani and all of the students who performed in the Interschool Bollywood Dance Competition at the Melbourne Diwali Festival on Saturday 11^th October. They are pictured with Mr Brad Battin MP who happens to be married to a Mount Waverley Secondary College alumni. Our dance troupe performed extremely well, and I am so proud of their efforts!

 

State Athletics

On Monday the 20^th October, Mount Waverley Secondary College sent 7 students to the Victorian State Athletics Championships. All students were excellent representatives of the college, and we won 5 medals on the day.

Congratulations to:

Aisha H – 6th 17 girls 1500m
Jaiden L – 4th 18-20 boys triple jump
Tyrone I – 3rd 18-20 boys 400m
Zac A, Austin H, Rihan R and Aidan T made up the MWSC 17 boys 4x100m relay who finished 1st

Special thanks to our Sports Leader Mr Jay Newport for attending on the day and supporting our students.

 

Year 12 Celebration Day

The Year 12 students celebrated their final school day on Tuesday 21^st October. The students arrived in fancy dress and enjoyed their last day together. A rehearsal for their Graduation Evening was held, and students then received their celebration packs which included their Year12 Yearbook, a MWSC Coffee Keep Cup and a group photo before partaking in a pizza lunch to finish off their celebrations.

Thank you to the Senior School team for overseeing this event and thank you to all the teachers who came to support our Year 12s on their final day of school.

 

Graduation Evening: Farewelling our Year 12 Class of 2025

Our Year 12 Graduation Dinner was held on Wednesday 22^nd October. The celebration dinner was held at the Caulfield racecourse, and it was a great success. The evening was full of nostalgia as we celebrated the achievements of each of our Year 12 students from the Class of 2025.

The evening provided an opportunity to acknowledge the great contribution of all the past teachers from Prep to Year 12 who have significantly influenced our students’ development into fine young men and women – not to mention the invaluable guidance and support provided by parents and carers.

On the night we announced our 2025 Valedictorian. Congratulations to Kavil S who gave the Valedictorian speech which was well received. The Year 12 students were also presented with their Year 12 Certificate on this night.

I am so proud of our Year 12 students whose behaviour has been exemplary as they completed their final lessons and celebrated their final days of secondary school.  The Class of 2025 will commence their exams next Tuesday and our best wishes are with them as they do their complete their final assessments over the coming weeks.

Congratulations to Ms Sarah Chase – Head of Senior School, Mr James Johnston – Senior School Leader and their team and Mrs Narda McLennan for the countless hours that went into organising this ceremony.

 

Professional Practice Day

Just a reminder that Monday 3^rd November is a student free day as all teachers will be involved in Professional Practice meetings during this time.

 

Mango Drive

Thank you to all the families who ordered a tray of mangoes in this year’s Mango Drive.  We are expecting the mangoes to be delivered towards the end of  November. Families will be notified when they arrive and where to collect your order.

 

Scholarships to support students

Scholarships are available for students who complete Grade 4 to Year 11 in 2025, and for students enrolled in Year 12 in 2025 who plan to do tertiary studies in 2026.

Applicants for these scholarships will be evaluated on their:

• participation in school activities
• community involvement
• academic achievement.

Scholarships are either one-off payments or cover the duration of the student’s course or annual study.

Many of these scholarships have specific eligibility criteria, so please refer to individual applications for more information. Applications are now open, and close on Saturday 1 February 2026. For information on how to apply, refer to Student scholarships.

 

2025 Examination Dates

The exam dates are as follows:

• Year 10 and 11 exams start Monday 10th November and finish Thursday 20^th November.
• Year 9 exams start Monday 17^th November and finish Thursday 20^th November.
• Correction Day / Student Free Day will be held on Friday 21^st November.
• The Early Commencement Program (ECP) for 2026 Years 11 and 12 will run for two weeks and will be held from Monday 24^th November until Friday 5^th December.
• The Early Commencement Program (ECP) for 2026 Years 8,9 and 10 will run for two and a half weeks and will be held from Monday 24^th November until Tuesday 9^th December.

 

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.

 

 

 

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal

Year 8 Events and Activities

The last few weeks have been very busy on the Junior Campus. Our Year 8 students were involved in two significant programs: the Kinglake Adventure Camp and the School-Based Program, which included the Personal Portfolio.

The camp was a great opportunity for students to test their physical and mental limits, getting outside their comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Students were able to spend some time with friends new and old, and explore the beautiful landscape of Kinglake.

 

Back at school, students were engaged in a program designed to help them better understand themselves and their passions. This program is deliberately timed to support their transition to the Senior Campus in Year 9. Students completed a session conducted by our Careers team, designed to help them understand their own motivations and future pathways. The focal point of this program, however, was the chance for students to develop their Personal Portfolio; an opportunity to reflect and consider themselves as a young person and learner. It was wonderful to see students sharing new skills with their peers, and in some cases getting others involved.

 

Coming Events

We are looking forward to hosting two of our favourite annual events in the coming weeks.

• On Tuesday 28 October and Thursday 30 October we will host our Year 7 Band program concerts. These are a great way to celebrate the achievements of our students through their classroom music program during 2025.
• On Wednesday 5 November we will be running a session for all Year 8 parents at the Senior Campus, to try and support your transition in 2026.
• Thursday 13 November is our annual Night at the Museum, where we invite our college community to see a display of learning from our Year 7 Humanities classes.

Please mark all of these dates in your calendar and look out for more details coming soon.

 

 

 

 

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

Welcome back to a new term of learning

Students have settled back into the rhythm of learning as we progress through Term 4.  Classrooms are once again bustling with activity, as teachers deliver a wide range of engaging and meaningful learning experiences. From hands-on projects to collaborative group work and individual inquiry, there is a vibrant energy across the college.

Students are encouraged to actively participate in all aspects of their learning—both inside and outside the classroom. By embracing the full range of opportunities provided by their teachers and the college community, students can deepen their understanding, build valuable skills and make the most of their educational journey.

 

Facilities Update

Covered Outdoor Learning Areas

The college is pleased to announce that we have received approval to construct two new covered outdoor learning areas—one at the Junior Campus and one at the Senior Campus.
This is an exciting development that will significantly enhance our learning environments by providing versatile outdoor spaces that can be used in all weather conditions. These new facilities will support a range of learning activities, including Physical Education, as well as other curriculum areas across both campuses. We look forward to working in close collaboration with the Victorian School Building Authority to deliver this important project for our college community.

This an example of a Cover Outdoor Learning Area – our two structures will be similar in design to this example.

 

Fire Services Upgrade – Senior Campus

Work has commenced on the Fire Services Upgrade at the Senior Campus. This essential project is being delivered by Kennedy’s, with a dedicated site and storage area now established in the Lechte Road car park.

Preliminary works are already well underway, while detailed design work continues in the background. We will provide further updates as the project progresses.

 

 

 

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School

It has been a busy couple of weeks as our Year 12s completed their last formal school days at Mount Waverley Secondary College. Many students have since returned to meet teachers for help in the lead up to their exams, which has been fantastic to see. We are so proud of the perseverance and hard work they have shown this year and wish them all the best for their exams.

Thank you to all the teachers and education support staff who have worked with these students both this year, and during their time at the college. A special thank you to the Senior Subschool Team of Ms Sarah Chase, Mr James Johnston, Ms Juliz Mathew, Mr Chris Bamford, Mr Tristan Dunkley, Ms Sunita Sewani and Ms Juliana Sung for all the support and care of the students this year, and their work in planning and running events and exams.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Year 12 Graduation Dinner

On Wednesday 22 October, 812 students, parents, and teachers convened at Caulfield Racecourse to honor the graduating class of 2025. It was a lovely way to acknowledge and celebrate this momentous occasion. Congratulations to our Valedictorian, Kavil S, whose dedication to both academic and extracurricular activities truly exemplifies our school’s values. We commend all students for their hard work and achievements, and look forward to hearing about their future endeavours.

 

VCAA Exams

The first VCAA exams have begun for those students required to complete either performance or language oral exams. For a majority of Year 12s the English exam on October 28 will be their first VCAA written exam. VCAA exams will continue through to November 19. Thanks to Mr James Johnston, Ms Sarah Chase, Chief Examiner Ms Trish Reid and all the exam supervisors for all their hard work in supporting our students.

 

2026 College Captains

Over the past week or so Year 11 students have been involved in the selection process to be considered for leadership positions in 2026. This has involved written applications and interviews. On Monday 20 October our current Year 11 students gathered in the hall to hear from our perspective College Captains for 2026. All candidates should be very proud of how they spoke. Thank you to Mr Thomas Grant, Head of Student Voice, for overseeing the process, and to all staff who were on panels.

 

Year 11

There are only a couple of weeks of classes left for Year 11 students. Exams for Year 11s will begin on November 10. It is important that students continue to ensure they are up to date with all required coursework, attend all classes and complete all assessment tasks in order to successfully complete their Unit 2 studies. This can at times become a stressful part of the semester for students and we encourage them to speak to someone from the subschool or wellbeing if they are struggling and require support.

 

VCE VM in the News

You may have caught a glimpse of some of our students and staff in the news this week. Over the last year or so Mr Wayne Griffin has been working on developing a relationship with AVEO Fountain Court to support the delivery of our VCE VM program. This relationship was showcased in a segment that was shown on Monday during the afternoon and evening news on Channel 9, with a live segment on the Today Show the following morning. Both the AVEO residents and our students spoke beautifully about what this program has meant to them and we look forward to continuing this relationship.

 

 

 

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

As Year 12 students approach their exams, it’s natural for the atmosphere at home to feel a little more tense than usual. The pressure to perform, uncertainty about the future, and the sheer workload of revision can take a toll on even the most organised and motivated young person. Parents and carers play a vital role during this time—not by taking over, but by providing the calm, steady support that helps students manage stress and stay focused.

Here are some handy tips to consider when getting through the next few weeks:

Keep routines as stable as possible. Consistency will help reduce stress and it is important in most teenagers’ lives. Try not to add anything different into their routine or provide them with extra responsibilities during this time.

Encourage regular sleep!! We know that brain function and memory deteriorate when we have not had enough sleep, so discourage cramming the night before and focus on students getting regular sleep.

I cannot mention sleep without mentioning a balanced diet and regular exercise. As these are the keys to supporting overall wellbeing and enabling your body to manage stress and anxiety. Make sure your child is maintaining  a well balanced diet that doesn’t involve lots of sugar. Taking a break from studying and including some light exercise each day will also be important.. even if it’s just walking the dog.

Provide a supportive study environment for them at home. Now that they will be spending a lot more time at home and preparing for their exams, it is really important they have a positive environment to work in. A space that is quiet, light and has minimal interruptions is ideal.

Praise effort and process – rather than focusing on results and outcomes. It is natural for our students to be focused on the end result (especially as it’s so close) but it’s important that they continue to focus on the process, such as good study habits, practice exams etc.

Encourage breaks and balance. This goes with the focus on consistency as well. It is important that they don’t study all day and that they continue doing the things they enjoy, such as sport or hobbies. Obviously during this time -their priorities will focus on exam preparation but it doesn’t mean that they let go of everything else.

And finally.. ensure you have good self care! It is a stressful time for parents and carers too, so please look after yourself.

If students require any wellbeing support during their exam period please get in contact.

 

 

 

Mr Paul Graham
Student Support and Resources Manager

Gala Concert

Our annual Mount Waverley Secondary College Music Gala Concert was held on Thursday 9 October, and proved to be a fantastic display of musical talent and dedication.

This year’s event featured the participation of over 360 students who performed for an audience of 400 audience members, across two concerts held consecutively in one evening.

The standard of all performances was exceptionally high. Attendees enjoyed a diverse repertoire, with ensembles ranging from beginner to advanced levels and instrumentation spanning from strings to jazz. Every item reflected the significant effort invested during weekly rehearsals, the students’ commitment to achieving musical excellence, and their development as a collaborative team member.

Performance opportunities such as the Gala Concert are important in providing our students with a platform to present their hard work and share their love of music with the wider college community.

As Music Director, observing the students’ visible joy in learning and performing a musical instrument for the college community is a highlight of each year.

Thanks to the dedicated Music Faculty at MWSC for their integral role in the event’s coordination and their direction of the various performance items. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the 2025 Student Music Leaders, whose efforts behind the scenes ensured the smooth operations of the evening.

Finally, thanks to all students, staff, and families whose support and attendance made this event a truly memorable celebration of our music program.

 

VCE Recital

Last Thursday 16 October, the music department hosted the Unit 2 Recital, an important performance opportunity for our senior music students.

This concert served a dual purpose: it provided our Unit 2 students with the chance to perform their set pieces, and it also featured several Year 12 students who used the evening to gain valuable extra practice for their upcoming final solo performance exam.

Recitals of this nature are so important for the students’ development as musicians. Students gain vital performance practice in a formal setting, which is essential for building confidence and managing exam pressure. They also receive direct, constructive feedback from a panel of experienced music teachers, allowing them to reflect and prepare for future performances and exams.

Congratulations to all the talented students who performed at this recital and thanks to the audience who came along to support them.

 

Lunchtime Concert

This week began with a delightful Lunchtime Concert held on Monday, featuring our Chamber Strings ensemble.

The group performed a diverse, four-song set to an appreciative audience, showcasing their hard work and talent.

This performance was particularly lovely, as it gave us a chance to acknowledge the Year 12 students in the ensemble. It was a chance to celebrate their hard work, talent, and years of dedicated contribution to the MWSC Music Department.

 

Jazz Night – Save the Date

 

 

 

 

Mrs Tijtje Keatley
Music Director

The Year 11 VM students have been visiting AVEO Fountain Court throughout term 3 as part of their community cohesion and engagement units of work in Personal Development Skills (PDS), participating in a knitting program, along with garden maintenance and general office support work.

On October 20th and 21st, Ben G, Lucas B, Michael L and Eli K volunteered to go on TV for the Channel Nine afternoon news, evening news and a live appearance on the Today Show. The boys showed off their knitting skills, as well as explaining how they love to chat with the residents, sharing stories of their lives and ambitions. The residents of AVEO Fountain Court love the visits and the interest shown by the whole 11 VM class.

It was great fun watching the boys be TV stars for a few days! They were fantastic, and they can be very proud of their efforts in representing the school to the rest of the country. Congratulations also to Mr Sheehan for liaising with Channel Nine and doing the camera pieces, and Ms Robotham for organising and transporting the cast.

We will continue our visits to AVEO in 2026 as part of the VM PDS program, and we thank the residents and administration for being one of our valued community partners.

 

Mr Wayne Griffin
Head of Senior Pathways

 

Year 7 – 8 Careers Lunchtime Drop-In Question Time, 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: 11 November, 18 November

 

Year 12 VTAC Change of Preference, 11-13 December

ATARs are release on 11 December from 7am. The VTAC Change of Preference period is your opportunity to review, adjust, or reorder your course preferences before offers are released. Whether you are reconsidering your pathway, have discovered new options, or just want to double check your preference list the Careers Team is available to support you during this process. Students are encouraged to book an appointment on 11 and 12 December.

 

 

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

 

Welcome to the Alumni Community

As our Year 12 students prepare to complete their final chapter at the College, we are proud to welcome them into our ever-growing Alumni community. Becoming part of the Alumni network is a wonderful way to stay connected with the College, classmates, and staff, and to continue sharing in the achievements and milestones of our community. Alumni are invited to take part in future reunions, mentoring opportunities, and College events. We look forward to celebrating the Class of 2025 and seeing the incredible pathways they will pursue beyond graduation.

Students from the Class of 2025 only register your details here and receive the Alumni Newsletter direct to your inbox. December’s edition will celebrate the Class of 2025!

Celebrate – Like our Alumni Facebook page.

Connect – Join our Alumni LinkedIn Group.

Best of luck for your final exams! We can’t wait to welcome you into the Alumni community and stay connected as you begin the next chapter of your journey.

Network • Share • Stay Connected

To all past students we invite you to register here your details with our Alumni community to stay connected and receive updates on upcoming events and reunions.

 

 

 

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator