MWSC College News – Issue 8

Reconciliation Week

Mount Waverley Secondary College celebrated Reconciliation Week over the past week. The theme this year was ‘All In’. This theme holds a lot of significance in how we as a nation should move forward in supporting First Nations People. A very important day occurred on Tuesday 26 May which was National Sorry Day, and students were informed about the important significance of this day. This day is the anniversary of the National Apology to the Stolen Generations, and we all need to understand its importance in Australia’s wider reconciliation journey.

MISEP STEM Workshops: Caring for Country

Last week, the MISEP (Monash Indigenous Studies Engagement Program) team ran two workshops that bridged ancient First Nations knowledge and modern STEM.

On Wednesday, Senior Campus students explored the science of fire, learning how Indigenous cultural burning practices prevent environmental catastrophes.

On Friday, Junior Campus students learned to “read” Country, discovering how traditional sustainable practices can solve today’s environmental challenges.

Both sessions were to inspire our students to bring Indigenous innovations into their science learning and to leave them with a deeper sense of responsibility for caring for our land. Thank you to Mr Ian Shaw for overseeing the organisation of these events.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

On Friday 22 May the staff were invited to attend special morning teas on both campuses to raise money for the Cancer Council. We raised over $3000 which will go towards research to support those impacted by cancer. Thank you to Mrs Maria Calafiore for organising this special event.

End of Unit Celebration

The Executive Team and other invited guests had the pleasure of attending a special event this afternoon to celebrate the end of the Year 11 Vocational Major (VM) students, Hands on Cooking Class.

They served canapes and soft drinks and displayed very professional hospitality skills. Thank you to Mrs Sally Robotham for overseeing this learning experience for our Year 11 VM class. It was a lovely way to celebrate our students’ achievements at the end of this semester.

Protecting against mosquito-borne diseases

Some areas in regional northern Victoria are experiencing a longer mosquito season this year due to recent flooding. While the overall risk is currently low, some mosquitoes may be carrying diseases that make people sick.

The best protection against mosquito-borne illness is to avoid mosquito bites. The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is also available for more Victorians.

Free Japanese encephalitis vaccines:

Japanese encephalitis virus is spread to humans through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can cause a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain.

The free Japanese encephalitis vaccine is available for: 

• people aged 2 months or older who live or work in eligible high-risk local government areas in Victoria
• until Friday 31 July 2026, people who plan to visit high-risk areas in Victoria or interstate for outdoor recreation such as hiking, camping, caravaning or boating.

For more information:

• refer to the Department of Health’s Japanese encephalitis webpage for a list of high-risk areas
• speak to your GP or immunisation provider to check if your family is eligible for a free vaccine ahead of any planned travel during the coming months.

How to help prevent mosquito bites:

To help protect against mosquito bites, families can:

• cover up as much as possible with long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing
• apply insect repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on exposed skin when outdoors
• limit outdoor activity if lots of mosquitoes are active
• clean up and remove containers and items around the home that may hold water where mosquitoes may breed.

Families with any health concerns should see their doctor or phone Nurse-on-Call: 1300 606 024 (available 24 hours).

Find out more:

For more information on protecting against mosquito-borne diseases, families can refer to the following Better Health Channel pages:

• Mosquitoes can carry diseases
• Protect yourself from mosquito-borne disease, including a handy checklist to help reduce mosquito breeding sites at home and resources translated into other languages
• Japanese encephalitis.

Correction Day/Semester 2 starts

Please note that Correction Day will take place on Friday 12 June, and this is a student free day. This day will enable teachers to finalise their Semester 1 assessments.

Our Semester 2 classes will begin on Monday 15 June for all year levels which is the second last week of term.  The VCAA GAT exam will be held on Tuesday 16 June and no Year 11 or 12 classes will be held on this day.

Mrs Karen Wade
College Principal 

We have been so fortunate over the past few weeks on the Junior Campus. Our staff are constantly on the lookout for different ways to enhance the school experience of our young people.

• Monash Tech School – Year 7 home groups go on a two-day excursion where they get access to a range of modern learning tools
• Casual Clothes Day – Students dressed up to raise money for the college production: High School Musical
• Melbourne Indigenous STEM Education Program – Year 7s learned about First Nations’ perspectives and relation
• Lili Wilkinson author visit – Year 8s got to hear about Lilli’s processes and writing
• Sport – Girls football and boys netball teams competed last week
• Year 7 immunisations – Not quite as exciting, but important in helping our students live happy and healthy lives

Telstra Works around the Senior Campus

Telstra contractors will be undertaking works on neighbouring streets and roads around the Senior Campus throughout the coming month. As a result, there may be temporary restrictions on the use of footpaths and roads in the surrounding area, with pedestrian and traffic management measures put in place as required.  We ask that all students and families remain mindful of any signage and follow the directions of those managing the works to ensure everyone’s safety.

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

Mr Matt Sheehan
Campus Principal – Junior School

As we move through Term 2, students in Years 9 and 10 have been busy in the classroom with a wide range of learning activities. This last week has seen students preparing for their Semester 1 exams, which begin next week for both year levels.

Year 10

Our Year 10 students are completing their coursework in readiness for their Semester 1 exams, which start on Monday 1 June and run through until Thursday 11 June. This will be followed by Correction Day – Friday 12 June, a student-free day, before students begin their Semester 2 subjects on Monday 15 June. The following week will see Year 10 students heading out on work experience, where they will gain valuable insights into the world of work through hands-on, real-life experience.

Year 9

Our Year 9 students will undertake their mid-year exams next week, providing them with a valuable opportunity to experience what exams look and feel like. The Year 9 Explore Program then kicks off on Tuesday 9 June for three days, with students heading into the city for a range of exciting activities, including visits to the Old Melbourne Gaol, the Sports Museum at the MCG and ArtVo at Docklands. This will also be followed by Correction Day, a student-free day – Friday 12 June, before students begin their Semester 2 subjects on Monday 15 June.

Telstra Works around the Senior Campus

Telstra contractors will be undertaking works on neighbouring streets and roads around the Senior Campus throughout the coming month. As a result, there may be temporary restrictions on the use of footpaths and roads in the surrounding area, with pedestrian and traffic management measures put in place as required.  We ask that all students and families remain mindful of any signage and follow the directions of those managing the works to ensure everyone’s safety.

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

College Projects Update

• Planned Maintenance Program

The college has received funding to undertake planned maintenance works across both sites. Much of this work will focus on roof repairs, ranging from replacing roof sheeting to refixing and resealing. These works will commence in the coming weeks and continue throughout the remainder of the year.

• COLA

The design work for the COLAs to be built on both sites has now been completed with input and suggestions from the school – both students and staff, enhancing the overall design. The next phase will involve the design being reviewed and approved by the Victorian Schools Building Authority, following which tenders will be called for construction to commence.

• Senior Campus Bike Shed

Work will commence early next week on the new Senior Campus Bike Shed that will be accessed from Gordon Road.  This bike shed is being built because of the increase in students riding to school – which is pleasing to see.  Works will continue across the coming weeks and into the holiday period.

Mr Ian MacLeod
Campus Principal – Middle School 

We are nearing the end of Semester One, with Semester Two classes beginning on June 15. Congratulations to those students who have made it through their first semester of VCE studies. We are very proud of the way you have approached your studies, been meeting with teachers for help and asking for support when needed.

Year 11s, we hope the exam period will provide you with the opportunity to reflect on what you did well this semester, and identify areas where you could improve.

Year 12s, you now have approximately 150 days until the English exam. As we approach the start of your last semester of secondary school please reflect on how far you have come, celebrate memories, and ensure you make the most of these final days. Remember that you have a whole team behind you cheering you on as you approach the finish line.

Well done to all our Senior Students on your work this semester.

Professional Learning Week

Last week our staff had the opportunity to attend professional learning sessions inspired by professional reading our Learning Specialists had undertaken. The sessions provided our staff with the opportunity to focus on an area of practice they wanted to explore further through reading, discussion and reflection. It was fantastic to see our Learning Specialists and Head of Pedagogy in their element sharing their expertise with our staff.

Subject Changes for Year 11 Students

Year 11 students have the opportunity to submit a subject change form. Subject change requests must be completed on the hard copy form available at the Senior School. Subject change requests will open on Friday May 29 and close on Friday June 5. Our Head of Senior School, Ms Sarah Chase will work through the requests and communicate with students as to the outcome. Any student considering a subject  is encouraged to talk to a teacher of that subject, or meet with one of our Careers Practitioners to assist with their decision making.

The General Achievement Test (GAT)

The GAT is a test sat by all students studying a Unit 3 and 4 subject and will take place on June 16. The GAT is structured into two sections, with a range of question difficulties. Section A is a literacy and numeracy assessment consisting of multiple choice questions relating to reading and numeracy, and a writing task. Section B assesses general knowledge and skills and consists of multiple choice questions relating to maths, science, technology, arts and humanities and an extended writing task. The GAT plays a role in the quality assurance of all VCE assessments and it is important that all students try their absolute best on this assessment. Students will be receiving information relating to the GAT in their mentoring classes and year level assemblies.

Telstra Works around the Senior Campus

Telstra contractors will be undertaking works on neighbouring streets and roads around the Senior Campus throughout the coming month. As a result, there may be temporary restrictions on the use of footpaths and roads in the surrounding area, with pedestrian and traffic management measures put in place as required.  We ask that all students and families remain mindful of any signage and follow the directions of those managing the works to ensure everyone’s safety.

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

Ms Lauren Kelly
Campus Principal – Senior School

NEVR Youth Concert

Wednesday 13 May marked the return of the biennial NEVR Youth Concert at Hamer Hall. This prestigious showcase brings together the finest primary and secondary talent from government schools all over North-East Victoria.

Our Mount Waverley Secondary College students featured prominently across multiple combined ensembles. Beyond the excitement of performing on a world-class stage, this event gave our musicians a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate with like-minded students who share their passion for music.

A massive congratulations to our performing students: Chyenn Qyi C, Paul C, Livin F, Eddie G, Pragya P, Johan Q, Charlotte T, Tyler Z, Sam F, Krish A, Ekagra D, Ethan D, Seneli T, May T, Jayden Y, Clarissa A, Rongze J, and Navindu R.

GIJ Superband Inductees

We are incredibly proud to announce that Kiki P, Julian D, and Xavier L were all selected for the Division Superband following their performances at the Generations in Jazz Festival in May.

To put this into perspective, these three talented students were singled out from hundreds of competitors to secure a spot in an exclusive, 20-piece ensemble of the festival’s finest performers. It was a proud moment this week as they officially received their certificates and iconic Superband hats. Congratulations, Kiki, Julian, and Xavier.

VCE Music Recital

Last Thursday, we held our annual VCE Recital, showcasing 10 Year 11 and 12 students currently studying VCE Music. This year’s cohort boasts a wide variety of instruments and repertoire, making for a fantastic, well-prepared program presented with great poise.

Recitals like this are an essential preparation tool for our VCE Music students. They offer valuable, authentic performance experience while providing students with extensive feedback from a panel of expert assessors. A huge thank you to all of our performers, assessors, and the appreciative audience members who came along to support our musicians.

Vietnam Information Evening

Last night, we were thrilled to host an information session for our proposed 2027 Music Tour to Vietnam. Families had the opportunity to hear from myself (Tijtje Keatley) regarding past tours and the incredible musical opportunities ahead. We were also joined by Global Learning Expeditions, the organisers running the Sound Bloom Festival, which we are proposing to attend in June/July next year.

In an exciting milestone, the Music Faculty is planning to form our first-ever full Symphony Orchestra as the touring ensemble for this trip, extending this wonderful international opportunity to our string students.

Thank you so much to all the families who attended. We look forward to receiving auditions and forming this amazing group as we prepare for this unforgettable journey.

Mrs Tijtje Keatley
Music Director

Author Visit: Lili Wilkinson Inspires Year 8 Students

On Friday 22 May, Australian author Lili Wilkinson visited the Junior Campus Library to speak with Year 8 students about her writing process, creative inspiration and books.

Lili has written more than 20 books for young adults. Her novel A Hunger of Thorns won the Premier’s Literary Award, and her latest novel, Unhallowed Halls, has been shortlisted for the Children’s Book Council of Australia Older Readers Book of the Year. The winners will be announced during Book Week, 22–28 August.

Students enjoyed hearing about Lili’s journey as an author and learning how ideas can be developed into engaging stories. The session also supported their creative writing skills for English.

“When Lili Wilkinson visited our school, I felt so excited and inspired because she was such an amazing speaker and explained everything so clearly and passionately. She talked about how she became an author, where she gets her ideas from, and the hard work that goes into writing books, which made me appreciate authors even more. I really enjoyed listening to her because she made the session fun, interesting, and easy to understand. My favourite part was hearing about the books she has written and discussing the stories we enjoyed reading, especially how the characters and plots connected to real-life emotions and experiences. Her visit made me feel more interested in reading and writing, and it was an unforgettable experience for our whole school.”  ~ Sara S

“We had a marvelous time listening Australian Author Lili Wilkinson as she talked to us about her life as an author, how she became one, and where the inspirations for her amazing books lie. Not only did her presentation inspire us to write, but it also assisted us with our English. She taught us how to build ideas and thoughts, and how to end a book without leaving the audience feeling disappointed or underwhelmed.  We improved our skills for our creative writing CATs while also getting a preview of her work on children’s and teen books. A highlight of our incursion was being able to solve many questions that challenged our thinking. We also had time for questions, since this can be an effective way to learn. We really appreciated Lili coming to our school, and felt glad to host her in our learning space.” ~ Anahita A

“The visit of highly renowned author, Lili Wilkinson was a time of inspiration and learning for all Year 8s. Many were excited to and were awestruck by her speech. She watered our knowledge of story writing and helped grow the plants of our understanding of what made a good story and how we could fertilize these plants to bring upon results that would engross the reader deeply to the worlds we fabricate when we write narratives. The questioning session provided us with an opportunity to clarify our queries that had risen whilst listening. This was essential and incredibly useful for us as the current common assessment task requires to create narratives. She also discussed what she would use as inspiration for writing stories. This incursion was extremely helpful and we are very thankful to the school for organising this useful event which we got so much out of.” ~ Mason B

Lili Wilkinson’s visit was an inspiring opportunity for students to see how reading, writing, curiosity and persistence come together in the work of a professional author.

Mrs Robyn Whitelaw
Resource Centre Manager, Junior Campus

At the Year 12 Geography excursion to Pentridge Prison, we observed the human and natural characteristics of the region, including Merri Creek and the Pentridge community garden. Following the community garden, we got to see the old structures of the Prison and take part in a traffic survey to help us understand the impacts of the land use change.

We had an opportunity to survey locals about their experience with the redevelopment of Pentridge and collect data for our fieldwork report including a field sketch. We had lunch at the restaurants that have been part of the new development of Pentridge, and then had a prison tour with Damien from National Trust. Damien took us around the main prison and outside the precinct into the apartment complexes. Damien showed us the old buildings still left, where some bodies were buried, and gave us the history of each building and the prison overall. After Damien finished the tour, we visited H division and had a Q & A with Chris, a spokesperson for the Shayher Group, the property developers behind Pentridge’s revival.

Overall, the day was an enjoyable experience and very interesting to learn about what Pentridge was and what it is planning to become.

By Aditi S  (12H)

National Careers Week (11-15 May)

During week 4 we celebrated National Careers Week, which was a great opportunity to explore different pathways and opportunities our students have access to. Students on Junior Campus and Senior Campus participated in a variety of lunch time activities including vision board making, girls in STEM workshop and hamper making; to expand on career knowledge and encourage conversations around career education.

As a part of Careers Week, the students put together 30 toiletry hamper packs to donate to Ready Set; an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides support to disadvantaged individuals seeking employment. Ready Set provides support through offering coaching and clothing programs to assist job seekers to feel and look confident when seeking employment. We had over 30 Year 9-12 students spend their lunch time participating in this workshop, where they learnt about Ready set and the importance of the work they do in supporting disadvantaged individuals.

For many Victorians, finding work is a challenge due to personal circumstances. Finding a job that is suitable, writing a CV, and turning up to the interview appropriately prepared and dressed can present significant barriers for some. The students put together the toiletry packs and wrote personalised notes for the individuals receiving them.

“Organising these toiletry hampers was a truly selfless and impactful move that MWSC volunteers (students and staff) did, and definitely made me feel lighter, knowing I’m helping someone out. By stepping up to provide essentials like soap, deodorant, and menstrual products, I know we’ve done more than just hand out supplies, instead we have provided a sense of dignity and relief to people facing their hardest moments in life. It’s a powerful example of how one person’s initiative can turn a school into a genuine safety net, ensuring that no-one has to choose between their hygiene and staying ‘afloat’. Our hard work has made a real, tangible difference in the lives of the people in direct need“. 

Olyvia F (10E)

Year 12 Careers Interviews

Year 12 students have been emailed a link to make their Careers appointment. They are encouraged to choose a convenient time to make their 30 minute meeting.  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, Ms Victoria Tortopidis, Ms Charli Bartlett
Careers Education

Launching Our New Mentoring Program

Alumni, Careers and Wellbeing teams hosted an Orientation Session this week to launch our new Alumni Mentoring Program.

The program aims to connect recent graduates with current students through meaningful mentoring relationships. By sharing their experiences and insights, alumni mentors can provide encouragement, guidance, and a trusted support person for students as they explore their future pathways.

As the program begins, the Alumni, Careers and Wellbeing teams will work closely with the subschools and staff to identify students who may particularly benefit from the opportunity.

A special thank you to the alumni from the Classes of 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 who participated in today’s session. Our alumni are currently studying across a range of fields including Education, Law, Computer Science and Psychology, and are all at different stages of their university journeys. Their willingness to share their experiences and support current students is greatly appreciated.

More about their stories and pathways will be featured in the upcoming Alumni Newsletter later this term.

We are excited to see the positive impact this program will have on both our students and alumni community.

Register

Stay connected! 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 to sign up. Register

The Alumni Facebook page is another online platform I encourage you to ‘like’ as it highlights achievements by our past students.  https://www.facebook.com/MountWaverleySecondaryCollegeAlumni/

Mount Waverley Secondary College LinkedIn Group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/6699153/

Next Alumni School Tour Reunion in June! 

Don’t miss out. Come and see how things have changed since you were last at school.  Meet up with old school friends and teachers.

Bookings essential and close next week.

Class of 1996, 2006 Reunion
Thursday, 11 June 2026

We are also happy to include students from previous classes

Click here to book your ticket.

Ms Victoria Tortopidis
Alumni Coordinator