Wyvern Term 2 Week 4, 18 May 2009
K-12
From the Principal
Cause for Celebration!
The College has received notification it successfully obtained $2.5 million in funding through the federal government's building the education revolution program (primary schools for the 21st century element) towards the development of a new Health and Sports Centre at MLC.
The objectives of the Federal program are to provide economic stimulus and build learning environments where children, families and communities can participate in activities that support achievement, develop learning potential and bring communities together. The funding will help meet the needs of 21st century students and teachers by providing new facilities and refurbishments in Australian schools.
MLC has also applied for funding under the National School Pride element of the Building the Education Revolution program to refurbish all junior school toilets. The outcome of this submission will be communicated to staff and the MLC community when it is announced.
We congratulate and thank corporate services director Lorica Storey for her excellent preparation of our application which has resulted in this exciting outcome for MLC, and to all other staff who contributed! The provision of $2.5 million will be a huge boost to the Foundation's ongoing fundraising efforts to progress the campus development plan and helps enable MLC to take the next step towards development of the Health and Sports Centre.
Building of the Health and Sports centre will commence as soon as possible, as required by the Building the Education Revolution program.
Yvonne Palmer, Acting Principal
Music News
Music Theory Classes
Music Theory classes are held every Tuesday afternoon from 3.35- 4.35pm in Bartok, in the Music Department. The classes are taken by Allen Welsh and are open to students in Years 4 to 12. The lessons are free of charge. Please contact Sue May on 9383 022 or by emailing smay@mlc.wa.edu.au if you would like your daughter to enrol in the classes.
Piano Recital
This year the Piano Recital will be held in the Middle School Auditorium on Wednesday 1 July at 7.00pm. Piano students will perform a variety of works in different styles, including classical, jazz and modern. The recital gives students of all ages an opportunity to perform to family and friends in an informal setting. Students who are learning privately and wish to perform in the recital are asked to forward details of their piece to Mrs May by Wednesday 17 June. Admission is free.
Music Examination Results
Congratulations to Katherine Chen (Year 7) for being awarded the Gold Prize in the Passion of Music 2009 International Music Competition organised by the American Association for the Development of Gifted and Talented Inc. Katherine has been invited to perform at Merkin Hall in New York this month.
Congratulations to Stephanie Jones (Year 11) on her selection as a semi finalist in the auditions for the Future Leaders and Melbourne International Jazz Festival national prize for artistic jazz excellence for emerging jazz musicians in Years 10, 11 and 12. The judging was held in Melbourne over the last holidays.
Congratulations to the following students on their excellent results in the Australian Music Examinations Board Examinations:
Brianna Afiat (Year 5), High Distinction, Grade 3 Violin
Madeline Brown (Year 6), Credit, Grade 2 Piano
Darcie Corker (Year 11), Credit, Grade 4 Piano
The following students received an Award for Excellence at the recent AMEB Awards Concert and Presentation Evening for their excellent results in 2008:
Brianna Afiat (Year 5), Grade 3 Violin
Esther Buckeridge (Year 10), Grade 7 & Grade 8, Violin
Stephanie Fletcher (Year 7), Preliminary Grade, Piano for Leisure
Esther Buckeridge (Year 10) was also awarded the Australian Strings Association WA Award for best performance by a 7th/8th Grade Violin candidate in 2008.
The following students received their Associate Diplomas at the Presentation Evening for exams completed in 2008:
Sarah Kwa (Year 12), Violin
Angela Wang (Year 11), Pianoforte
Congratulations to the following students on obtaining outstanding results in the Australian Strings Association (AUSTA) String Festival:
Marlene Crone (Year 12), Outstanding
Sophie Ngo (Year 5), Outstanding
Vivaci String Quartet ((Esther Buckeridge, Marlene Crone, Jessica Kong, Noelle Zhao), Outstanding
Presti String Quartet (Katherine Chen, René Kuan, Rebecca Ngooi, Jessica Young), Outstanding
Congratulations to the following students on their excellent results in the Fremantle Eisteddfod:
Brianna Afiat (Year 5), First Place in the Solo 4th Grade Section (Violin)
Esther Buckeridge (Year 10), First Place in the String Solo Under 15 Section (Violin)
Marlene Crone (Year 12), Second Place in the String Solo Open Section (Violin)
Marlene Crone (Year 12) and Angela Wang (Year 11), First Place in the Piano & String Sonata Open Section (Violin & Piano)
Stephanie Jones (Year 11), First Place in the Chamber Ensemble Open Section (Classical Guitar) with Tobias Grey
Stephanie Jones (Year 11), Credit in the Instrumental Solo Under 18 Section (Saxophone)
Stephanie Jones (Year 11), Second Place in the String Solo Under 18 Section (Classical Guitar)
Stephanie Jones (Year 11), First Place in the String Recitals Under 18 Section (Classical Guitar)
Sophie Ngo (Year 5), String Solo 4th Grade (Violin)
Bobby Gallo, Director of Music
Help build Men of MLC membership
Men of MLC is a newly-established group of enthusiastic and innovative men actively working to provide opportunities for dads and other significant males to become more involved in the lives of their daughters, particularly at MLC, as well as networking opportunities for dads.
We're looking for new recruits to take Men of MLC membership to 300, so if you’re interested in joining or would like more information, contact paulkingsley@bigpond.com
Paul Kingsley, Men of MLC
Help influence your daughter’s future. Or your own.
Parents, students and friends are reminded to book tickets for the Women Who Lead event next Wednesday 20 May, ‘Walk in My Shoes’.
The up close and personal evening with renowned female leaders is a must for all students contemplating their futures and for women who want to make a positive difference in our community – it is never too late. Bring your mother, your daughter and your friends.
The speakers at ‘Walk in My Shoes’ include award-winning author, poet and performer, Lou Kelman, MLC Collegian, engineer and CEO of the Water Corporation, Sue Murphy and internationally respected oil and gas geologist and Executive Vice President of the North West Shelf for Woodside, Eve Howell.
Other speakers include young lawyer (Articles) and Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations (2008), Elizabeth Shaw and forensic pathologist for PathWest, Dr Karin Margolius, whose work involves the investigation of death on behalf of the Coroner. Dr Margolius is an award-winning teacher at UWA and holds Medicine and Law degrees.
This event is a great opportunity for a night out with your daughters and is sure to initiate interesting and thought-provoking discussions about their potential plans for the future.
Please see the attached poster for more information and booking details.
To book your tickets to this inspiring event in Hadley Hall on Wednesday 20 May, go to www.trybooking.com/wn The event has been advertised to the wider community, so book now! Alternatively, you can pay cash at the door.
Note: In line with the theme, 'Walk in My Shoes', please consider donating a pair of work shoes of any kind (work boots, court shoes, covered shoes) for Ready to Work, an organisation which provides work attire and advice for disadvantaged women preparing for job interviews, to improve their employment prospects. Ready to Work volunteers will be on-hand at the event to collect shoe donations.
Women Who Lead is an initiative of the MLC Foundation.
Dionne Tindale, Public Relations and Media Officer
Weekend Netball Club News
The 2009 winter weekend netball season commenced on 2 May and the first day was a big one – MLC’s first game commenced at 8.15am and our final games started at 4pm. The day was the culmination of weeks of work completed by a variety of people involved with the weekend club, particularly Gayle Watson-Galbraith, Tibbie Galbraith, sub coordinator for Years 7/8, and Brittany Whitehead, sub coordinator for Junior School teams. Gayle has been instrumental in writing our coaching and umpiring handbook and most of our club policies, which will soon be available at the MLC website. This has taken hours of work to complete and I wish to thank Gayle for all her efforts.
This year, we have continued to provide our coaches with opportunities to attend informative courses. I congratulate those who attended, as we have noticed them performing some very creative training sessions for the girls and showing great leadership for their teams on the weekends. In line with this type of development, 10 of our umpires attended the Level 1 accredited umpiring course held at MLC recently I would like to congratulate the umpires on their professional approach, which was noted by the course presenter, Maxine Leeds.
We have now completed two playing weeks at Matthews Netball Centre and the behaviour of the MLC girls has been exemplary. From playing to coaching and umpiring, the diligence our girls show never ceases to amaze me.
Grading will be completed this weekend (16 May) and then our teams will be moved according to the results from the first three weeks. Hopefully this will cause a minimum of disruption, but please note that we have no influence over which grades our teams will be placed in.
Congratulations to our players, Sally Thomson (Year 9) and Annabelle Gurney (Year 9), who have been selected for Member Association teams that will compete on the long weekend. We extend our best wishes to both the girls.
A final reminder to ensure all relevant fees are been paid so we can continue to run our club efficiently and effectively.
Kate Gairns, Coordinator MLC Weekend Netball Club.
Invitation to attend Partnering for their Future campaign Community Reception
MLC families are invited to the College to hear an overview of the Campus Development Plan which extends to 2016, with particular focus on Stage 2 of the Plan and the next major development at the College, the Health and Sports Centre. The event will be held at the College on Wednesday 27 May.
Chair of MLC Council, Emeritus Professor Lesley Parker, and Chair of MLC Foundation, John Goodlad, will provide an overview of the role of the Foundation in providing the necessary financial support for the College via the Partnering for Their Future campaign to realise completion of MLC's progressive Campus Development Plan. T&Z Architects James Turnbull and Peter Leighton will be on hand to provide design and planning insight into the Health and Sports Centre.
The evening will conclude with a tour of the most recent accomplishment of the Campus Development Plan, the Middle School building, followed by light refreshments in the Art exhibition area on the top floor of the building.
Date: Wednesday 27 May
Time: 6.00 to 7.30pm
Venue: Middle School Auditorium (basement level), Methodist Ladies' College
RSVP: Partnering for their Future campaign Community Reception
Completion of recent campus developments have resulted in part from the generous and ongoing support of donors to the Foundations' Partnering for Their Future campaign, which has enabled MLC to affirm its commitment to build the best school for girls with new and improved facilities. The College looks forward to the continued and generous support of families to realise timely progress on the Campus Development Plan to ensure maximum benefits for students now, and into the future.
Please consider making a financial gift to Partnering for their Future fundraising campaign by referring to the Bequest and Gift Guide recently distributed to our community, or by calling Fundraising Coordinator Suzanne Fisher at the College on 9383 0281.
I look forward to meeting you on Wednesday 27 May at the Partnering for their Future campaign Community Reception.
John Goodlad, Chair of MLC Foundation
foundation@mlc.wa.edu.au
Masquerade Ball
MLC parents will soon be invited to attend an exciting masquerade ball scheduled for Saturday 1 August at the University Club of UWA. Keep this day free.
Sponsored by the Parents’ Association, proceeds from this fund raising ball will assist the MLC Foundation to progress the College Campus Development Plan, which entails the provision of new and improved campus facilities for our girls.
Get your friends together to make up a table. Bookings will be available soon.
Start planning your masks or purchase one at a Parents’ Association auction before the ball.
Helen Dalgleish, President Parents’ Association (Formerly P&F)
Recycle your electronic equipment
Families are invited to recycle electronic equipment they longer need, in an environmentally responsible manner which enables a significant amount of materials to be reclaimed.
Equipment can be dropped off to the Western Metropolitan Regional Council depot on Saturday 6 to Sunday 7 June, from 9am to 4pm at the Napier Street car park in Cottesloe (corner of Napier St and Marine Parade).
Items which can be recycled include dvd players, ipods, computers, computer screens, keyboards, video players, mobile phones, and faxes, among others. There is no cost involved.
For further information contact Earthcare officer Carolyn Ryder on 9285 5025
David Watson, Student Service Coordinator
2009/2010 Entertainment Book available
The Rowing Support Group is once again offering the College community the opportunity to purchase the popular Entertainment Books, which offer more than $10,000 of valuable offers, at a cost of $65 each.
The Entertainment Book provides 25 to 50 per cent off the price, or two-for-one offers, for a range of restaurants, hotel accommodation, and sports and leisure activities.
Please get behind this opportunity to help raise money for the Rowing Support Group. Entertainment Book forms can be downloaded and returned with payment to the Community Relations Office.
Alan Stevenson, President Rowing Support Group
Rowing Support Group fundraising manure drive
Wonderful weed-free sheep manure/mulch is available for sale and will be delivered to your home.
The 70 litre bags cost $9 each and we be delivered free of charge to addresses within an 8 kilometre radius from MLC (for a minimum of five bags).
To order your manure, fill out the form and return to the Rowing Support Group (care of Community Relations Office) by Friday 10 July. Order early to avoid disappointment.
The delivery date is Saturday 25 July.
Alan Stevenson, President Rowing Support Group
Congratulations
Stephanie Jones (Year 11) has been offered first alto position in the WAYJO Swing Band. She was a semi finalist in the Future Leaders Jazz Awards judged in Melbourne recently and will play her audition pieces in the Bayswater Community Concert in June.
Katherine Chen (Year 7) was awarded the Gold Prize in the Passion of Music 2009 International Music Competition. Katherine has been invited to perform at Merkin Hall in New York this month.
Stephanie Jones (Year 11) was selected as a semi finalist in the auditions for the Future Leaders and Melbourne International Jazz Festival national prize for artistic jazz excellence for emerging jazz musicians.
Music teacher Pamela Grubb and her Barbershop quartet placed fourth in the National Championships held recently in Hobart.
Principal’s Assistant Carly Innes completed a half marathon in Busselton on Saturday 2 May in under six hours.
Coordinator of Sport Sally Newmarch was recently engaged to Rowing head coach John Callie.
Gabbi Muir (Communications and Publications Coordinator on Maternity Leave) gave birth to a baby boy, Ali Lucas Muir, on Saturday 2 May.
Communications and Publications Coordinator Greg Schicker celebrated his engagement on Saturday 2 May.
Over the April holidays, Barclay teacher Andrea Calcott married and is now known as Andrea Cook. The ceremony was attended by several Year 5 students who presented an MLC bride bear, made by one of the mums.
English teachers Dr Angela Keam and Rochelle Crowhurst also married recently. Both teachers have opted to retain their names and their titles or ‘Ms’.
What’s On K-12
Collegians’ Association meeting (7pm, Meeting Room)
Monday 18 May 2009
Rowing Support Group Meeting (7pm, Meeting Room)
Tuesday 19 May
Women Who Lead – Walk in My Shoes seminar
Wednesday 20 May (6.30pm, Hadley Hall)
Per Ardua Association meeting (10am, Meeting Room)
Thursday 21 May
Rowing Support Group 25 Year celebration
Bindaring Clothing Sale for Australian Red Cross
Doors Open: Jumble 9am, Boutique 10am and Auction 11am
Free parking and entry
Proceeds to ‘Save-A-Mate’ drug and alcohol harm minimisation program for young people
Saturday 23 May (Claremont Showgrounds, Gate 1)
Music Support Group coffee morning (8.45am)
Wednesday 27 May
Community Support Association Meeting (8.45am, Meeting Room)
Thursday 28 May
Pupil free day
Friday 29 May
Mid-Term break
Monday 1 June
Junior School
What’s On Junior School
Kindergarten Incursion
Pre Primary Excursion to Scitech
Junior School Quality Learning Time
Monday 18 May
Year 4 Ecumenical Service (St Stephen’s)
IPSHA Girls’ Sports Meeting
Year 5 excursion to Art Gallery
Tuesday 19 May
World of Maths Road Show, Pre Primary to Year 6
KeyFast Training
Thursday 21 May
World of Maths Road Show, Pre Primary to Year 6
KeyFast Training
Assembly
Junior School Disco
Friday 22 May
KeyFast Training
Wednesday 27 May
KeyFast Training
Thursday 28 May
Chapel
Friday 29 May
Middle School
The Great Knit invites volunteers
Following the success of the Great Knit last year, the initiative has been launched at MLC again in Middle School and volunteers from the College community are sought to help the Middle School girls knit and enjoy the inclusive community spirit at MLC.
The Great Knit is a joint initiative between the Creative Arts and Home Economics departments at the College. This fundraising event will give Middle School students the opportunity to learn a new skill, enjoy socialising with friends and most importantly, provide knitted blankets to those who are in need. During the event, students, parents , staff and Collegians are invited to create knitted squares which will then be donated to Anglicare.
The response from students has been outstanding! Last year, the girls
knitted more than 600 squares for Anglicare and this year we are aiming to complete 800 squares.
Parents, grandparents and guardians among the MLC community are invited to participate by working within small groups to teach students how to knit or resolve problems such as dropped stiches. Volunteers are sought for lunchtimes (12.30-1.15pm) on the following days:
Week 4 - Monday 18 May and Thursday 21 May
Week 5 - Monday 25 May and Wednesday 27 May
Week 6 - Tuesday 2 June and Thursday 4 June
Volunteers are also invited to attend a weekend knitting workshop on Sunday 24 May from 2 to 4pm.
The College warmly welcomes any donations of 8ply wool of any colour, or 4mm needles. All donations can be dropped off at Junior, Middle or Senior School receptions or at the Home Economics office.
If you would like to be a knitting expert volunteer, please email Rachel Zimmerman at rzimmerman@mlc.wa.edu.au stating the day(s) you can attend.
Rachel Zimmerman, Art teacher
Year 9 Camp Information
Please note the correct departure and return dates and times below for the Year 9 Camp program running during Week 7 and 8 of this term. Students for Programs one and two should be at the lower oval by 11.15am on Sunday for 11.30am departure.
Program One
Departure Sunday 7 June at 11.30 am - Leaving from the MLC Lower Oval
Return Friday 12 June - Arrive back at MLC lower oval at 5.00 pm
Program Two
Departure Sunday 14 May at 11.30 am - Leaving from the MLC Lower Oval
Return Friday 19 June - Arrive back at MLC Lower Oval at 5.00 pm
Gary Howlett, Outdoor Education Coordinator
Middle School What’s On
Year 9 parents’ coffee morning (after drop-off, Coffee Club Claremont Quarter)
3 June
Year 9 Dim Sum lunch (12 noon, Dragon Palace,Northbridge)
(RSVP to class coordinators by Wednesday 24 June)
Sunday 30 June
Year 9 parent cocktail evening
Saturday 22 August
details to follow.
7-12
Clean sweep for MLC at Debating competition
Round 2 of the interschool debating league competition went well for MLC, with all teams winning their debates!
Congratulation to all the debaters, including the Year 8 team (Gracelina Kruzie, Charlotte Pyle and Jia Yn Kho), and Year 9 teams MLC 1 (Rebecca Didcoe, Kathleen Elliot and Kathryn Morrison) and MLC 2 (Ashleigh Kotula, Michelle Tien and Meng Huang).
Year 10 teams also achieved success with the contribution of MLC 3 (Amy Ward, Nina Throsby and Emily Wang) and MLC 4 (Ann Babu, Sarah Latham and Liesl Heeks).
Kaitlyn Richards (Year 12) is congratulated and thanked for her diligent preparation work with the Year 8 team. Her experience and expertise were richly rewarded with the win.
Rochelle Crowhurst, English teacher
Interhouse Athletics Carnival
Term 3, Week 1
Please note the annual Interhouse Athletics Carnival will take place on Friday 24 July, which Week 1 of Term 3.
Mandy Combes, Head of Physical and Health Education
Jazz in the Park
For the last few years, the MLC Barbershop has been invited to perform at the annual Jazz in the Park festival in Claremont, held this year on Sunday 10 May.
The Barbershop girls were delighted to be involved once again this year as it gave them an opportunity to run through the majority of their repertoire before Cabaret Night. With old favourites such as 'Ain't Misbehavin' and 'Sh-Boom' as well as some newer repertoire, the girls were a big hit with the audience, many of whom came up to them afterwards to congratulate them.
Jazz in the Park was also the inaugural performance of Petit Fours Quartet, a newly-formed barbershop quartet made up of four Year 11 and 12 girls who are aiming to compete at the 2010 National Barbershop Championships held in Perth.
With an energetic performance of 'Babyface', it was an auspicious beginning for the quartet, which is looking forward to performing at Cabaret Night.
Pamela Grubb, Barbershop Director
Youth Encouragement Grants available to students
MLC students who live in the Town of Mosman Park are invited to apply for one of four Youth Encouragement Grants to assist youth to reach their personal best in the following categories:
• Community Service
• Academic Study
• Sport and Recreation
• Arts and Culture
Applications are open to young people between the ages of 13 to 18 inclusive who reside in the Town of Mosman Park.
Applications close Friday 31 July 2009.
For more information and an application form, call Senior Community Development Officer on 9384 1633 or go to www.mosmanpark.wa.gov.au
Science in the Cinema
Scitech, 1 June, 4.30pm
To coincide with Medical Research Week, the WA Committee of the Australian Society for Medical Research in conjunction with Scitech is holding a Science in the Cinema event.
Science in the Cinema was successfully run in WA last year. The evening involves a movie containing medical and scientific themes, followed by a panel discussion/question and answer session on themes raised in the film.
The movie this year will be Inner Space (PG) which has the themes of human anatomy, immunology and nanotechnology. The panellists include burns specialist Dr Fiona Wood, immunologist Dr Delia Nelson, molecular biologist Dr Mark Watson and Professor David Sampson.
The event is suitable for Middle and Senior School girls and entry is free however, places are limited so RSVP by email as soon as possible to scottfis@cyllene.uwa.edu.au or call 9346 7275.
Kate Padman, Head of Science
Senior School Awards
From the Head of Senior School
As we are a uniformed school it is important that teachers, tutors and parents work together in supporting the uniform policy to ensure all girls are correctly attired and well-groomed.
Collectively, we play a role in ensuring shoes are polished and the uniform is well laundered. The various uniform items should be co-ordinated, with the correct items teamed together. The blazer is the outer garment for the girls to wear when off site.
This week, tutors will be focusing on the state of the girls’ uniforms, ensuring the skirt is an appropriate length, no hems are down, the blazer and jumper are in good order and pressed, and the shoes are polished.
Jewellery is not to be worn, with the exception of a wrist watch, one pair of plain ‘sleeper’ or round earrings, and a Medic Alert bracelet. Coloured nail varnish is prohibited. Hair must be tidy.
To be effective, we need to work as a team and support each other to ensure MLC has the best possible dress standard. As always, your support in this is greatly appreciated.
Leisa Maslin, Acting Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School
Senior School exams
The Senior School exam period has arrived. Year 12 students have received their examination schedules and exam conditions, and are not required to attend classes between Monday 18 May and Thursday 28 May.
The Year 11 examination period extends from Tuesday 2 June to Friday 12 June. The examinations are all held on Level 4 of Sumner House except for Music, Oral language exams, Drama and Physics practicals. Students with time between exams or remaining at school to study are reminded to sign in at the Walter Shepherd Resource Centre which is open Monday to Thursday 8am to 6pm and Friday 8am to 4pm.
Examination time can be extremely stressful and tips for avoiding stress include trying to keep daily routines as close to normal as possible. On exam days, allow extra travel time to arrive at the exam venue in a calm state, drink water throughout the day, eat healthily and continue to exercise. Ensure normal rest periods and sleep patterns to give your body a chance to recover between exams.
After an exam, avoid gathering with friends to dissect your exam performance as this can increase levels of anxiety. It is better to ‘switch off/move on’, as down-time and preparation for the next exam is more important.
If there is a crisis or any issues during the exam period, please contact the College Counsellors on 9383 0266.
Finally, good luck in the exams.
David Watson, Student Services Coordinator
Volunteers needed
Mosman Park Rotary is seeking volunteers to help our for two hours with the annual Red Shield Doorknock Appeal.
If you are interested, just turn up at Camelot, Lochee St, Mosman Park between 9.30 and 10.30am on Sunday 24 May.
Students may count these hours towards their Community Service requirement for graduation.
Tanya Shadbolt, Head of Year 10
Senior School Have Sum Fun
Each year the Mathematics Association of Western Australia organises a very popular mathematics quiz night for senior students at venues within the metropolitan area and in the country.
Late in March, 10 students from Years 11 and 12 formed two teams representing MLC. Together with a further 30 school teams, they spent their Friday evening deliberating over 32 mathematical problems. At each table, students sought solutions to the problems through sharing their collective knowledge. At the end of each of the four rounds, the answers were read out and students could share their joy from their successes and laugh and learn from their mistakes.
The Year 11 representatives from MLC were Emily Aitken, Jacinta Kotula, Myoorra Ratnasingham and Isabelle See, with Year 12 students Jessica Kong, Yvonne Loh, Amali Samarasinghe, Stephanie Sim, Joanna Wong and Sophie Yin.
Dr Dennis Ireland, Head of Mathematics
Year 10 Father Daughter Breakfast
Volunteers are sought to help set up for the Year 10 Father Daughter Breakfast the night before the event, and to clean up following breakfast.
Set up will commence on 19 May at 7pm in the College Dining Room while the clean-up will start at 8.20am on Wednesday 20 May.
Volunteers are asked to confirm their involvement with Robynne Richards on 0427127481 or by email at prhkt@westnet.com.au
Robynne Richards, CSA Year 10 Coordinator
Boarders Parent Teacher Interviews
Year 10 Boarders’ Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Thursday 28 May from 1.30 – 3.30pm in the Meeting Room. If you would like to request an interview with your daughter’s teachers, please email jrichardson@mlc.wa.edu.au
Tanya Shadbolt, Head of Year 10
National Youth Science Forum
Current Year 11 girls interested in a career in science have until Friday 29 May to apply to participate in a 12-day National Youth Science Forum held at the University of Western Australia in January 2010.
Through participation in this forum, students have the opportunity to live on campus with 150 other like-minded students from around Australia and overseas and help them decide on a career on in science and engineering.
The program includes to top research and industrial facilities, university and industry expos, personal development workshops, debate (in the formal setting of Parliament House) and presentations by a diverse range of speakers, from the Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Penny Sackett, to Professor Tim Flannery and ARC federation fellow Professor Tanya Monro. The subjects covered also range widely from climate change to nanotechnology.
For more information, girls are encouraged to speak to their Science teachers or go to www.nysf.edu.au where the application form can also be found. Rotary Clubs are involved in the support and selection of candidates.
The National Youth Science Forum also encompasses a support network which may be useful over the coming years.
Ros Silberstein, Science teacher
Whats On Senior School
Year 12 Exams Commence
National Career Development Week
Monday18 May
Year 10 Career Development Day
Rowing Support Group Meeting, (Meeting Room, 7pm)
Tuesday 19 May
Year 10 Father Daughter Breakfast, (Dining room, 6.45am)
Community Senior Netball and Hockey (Round 3)
Wednesday 20 May
Year 9/10 Hockey and Netball (Round 3)
Thursday 21 May
Year 12 LOTE Semester 1 Oral Exams
Rowing Support Group 25 Year Celebration
Saturday 23 May
Year 12 Netball and Hockey (Round 4)
Tuesday 26 May
Music Support Group Morning Coffee Meeting (8.45am)
Year 9/10 Netball and Hockey (Round 4)
Wednesday 27 May
Year 12 Exams Conclude
Thursday 28 May
Pupil Free Day
Friday 29 May
Year 10 Boarders’ Parent Teacher Interviews (Meeting Room, 1.30-3.30pm)
Thursday 28 May
To request an interview with your daughter’s teachers, email jrichardson@mlc.wa.edu.au
From the Head of Junior School
NAPLAN Testing
You always know when NAPLAN testing is imminent because numerous articles appear in newspapers about the testing. I am in favour of the testing as it gives the school a snapshot of how each individual girl is performing, and the effectiveness of our school’s programs. However, I worry when too much emphasis is placed on the results.
Recently, I received an email from a reputable publishing company encouraging me to purchase practise tests to improve our NAPLAN results. This is the danger with NAPLAN testing; that organisations and parents place too much importance on the tests and schools are forced into teaching to the tests. This leads to short-term results becoming more important than long-term goals and development.
At MLC, we encourage all children to participate in the tests. If your daughter is not a proficient mathematician, we will not be encouraging you to keep her at home, as is suggested happens at some schools. We are a non-selective school and we value each individual child.
MLC does not teach to the test. We are aware of the requirements and recommendations for the testing, but our educational programs need to have integrity. Testing should not determine what is taught. Prior to the tests, our Year 3 and 5 girls have been completing practice tests to familiarise them with the tests themselves, and try and reduce their anxiety, rather than drilling them about things they need to remember.
Prior to 2009, students did not have to write to the writing stimulus. Some schools cottoned on to this and were having their children prepare short stories in advance that had nothing to do with the stimulus. Thankfully, they have changed this regulation and all children have been encouraged to use the writing stimulus in their stories.
As with all data, the results should be carefully analysed and handled. Simple, straight-forward league tables are not helpful; they don’t tell the story of each child or school.
I think the most useful way to use NAPLAN scores is to look at the growth of individual children. Don’t focus just on this year’s results, but look back at what happened in Year 3 (if you have a daughter is now in Year 5). If you are a Year 3 parent, then look at the results based against your report card and information received from your class teacher.
Michael Brown, Acting Head of Junior School
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