Dates
- 13-21 September — Tasmania Tour
- 14-24 September — Central Australia Tour
- 15 September-2 October — Japan Study Tour
- Friday 15 September — Term 3 ends (2.30pm finish)
- Friday 22 September — College Office closes at 4.00pm for the school holidays
- Monday 2 October — Term 4 commences (College Office opens at 8.00am)
- Monday 2 October — VCE performance and oral exams commence
- Saturday 7 October — MLMC Old Collegians' Awards Gala Dinner
- 9-13 October — Visual Arts, Technology and Design Exhibition (parent viewing night will be Thursday 12 October).
A SunSmart College
As mentioned in the last newsletter, MLMC is a SunSmart College, and as such, we require all students to wear a hat when out in the sun at recess and lunchtime in Terms 1 and 4. This is important for protecting students from the harmful effects of the sun's rays.
With it being months since students were expected to wear a hat, your child’s hat may be lost. Please help us by ensuring your child has a hat ready for the start of Term 4 (on Monday 2 October) and that they know the importance of wearing it.
Summer uniform
As is normal practice, the College will be transitioning into full summer uniform by the Melbourne Cup long weekend. Full winter or full summer uniform can be worn (not a mixture of the two) from the start of Term 4 until the Melbourne Cup long weekend (Friday 3 November). Hats, however, are compulsory from the start of Term 4.
Summer dresses
Please take some time now to ensure that summer dresses fit properly, particularly the length. Uniform requirements are that the dress reaches the knee. Having to deal with uniform matters can be totally prevented with your cooperation. Please ensure your child’s uniform is as it should be before they return in Term 4.
We appreciate your cooperation in helping us to ensure that all students are dressed appropriately for the weather and for sun safety.
Second hand uniform pop-up shop
The College will be holding a second hand uniform pop-up shop in the school holidays to clear the items that have been donated in previous years.
Dates: Wednesday 20 September and Friday 22 September
Time: 11.00am to 3.00pm
Location: McAuley Hall
Cost: Gold coin per item (all money raised will be donated to Mercy Works).
The following items will be available; winter skirts, pants, shorts, summer dresses, sports polos and spray jackets. There will be various sizes on a first come-first served basis. Changerooms will not be available.
Please note we will not be taking any further uniform donations. Thank you for your generosity.
For parents who are looking to sell second hand uniforms, please head to The Sustainable School Shop (https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/) as some of our parent community have been using this platform.
Central Australia, Tasmania and Japan tours
This week, students from Years 10 and 11 have taken off to different ends of Australia and also internationally, with some heading to Japan. Although Central Australia and Tasmania have been back as an extra camp at Year 10 since 2022, our international study tours have been waiting a little longer. Fourteen students will be making a return visit to our sister school, Horyuji High School, for the first time since 2019. Our Japanese friends visited us earlier this year and are now opening their homes to host our students. Following a nine-day home stay, our students will visit Hiroshima and then Tokyo, before finishing the trip with a visit to Disneyland. Keep an eye out for some great pictures.
Captain and Prefect positions
Letters will soon be sent informing students who applied for Captain and Prefect positions for 2024 the outcome of their applications. This year saw a very talented group of students apply, making the selection of the Student Leadership team a very difficult task. May I take this opportunity to thank those who did apply and encourage all students, whether they receive a position or not, to live by the words in their application and be leaders in 2024.
Naked lunches
In keeping with our commitment to reduce waste and promote sustainability, we would like to bring your attention to a small yet impactful change we can make together: rethinking how we package our children's lunches.
As many of you may recall, when your child was at primary school, it was common practice to send them to school with 'naked' lunches, where their meals were not wrapped in plastic or disposable packaging. This practice not only reduced waste but also encouraged a sense of environmental responsibility in our children.
Now, as our students progress into higher year levels we kindly request that we revisit this eco-conscious approach to lunch packaging. By doing so, we can support our College's ongoing efforts to minimise waste and promote sustainability.
Here are a few reasons why we believe this change is important:
- environmental impact: the excessive use of plastic wrap, disposable containers, and single-use bags contributes to the growing problem of plastic pollution. By choosing to pack 'naked' lunches, we can significantly reduce our ecological footprint and help protect our planet for future generations
- educational value: encouraging our children to use reusable lunch containers fosters a sense of responsibility and environmental awareness. It provides an excellent opportunity for parents and teachers to engage in discussions about sustainability and conservation
- cost savings: over time, investing in reusable lunch containers can save money compared to constantly purchasing disposable alternatives. It's a cost-effective choice that benefits both our wallets and the environment.
To assist you in this transition, here are a few simple tips for packaging 'naked' lunches:
- use reusable containers: invest in durable lunch boxes, thermoses, and containers that can be used repeatedly
- cloth napkins and utensils: encourage the use of reusable napkins and utensils rather than disposable options
- be mindful of food choices: choose fresh and whole foods that require minimal packaging, such as fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches.
We understand that change can be challenging, but we believe that together, as a supportive community, we can make a significant difference. Let's set an example for our children by showing them the importance of caring for our planet and making eco-friendly choices.
Have a great break
Although the school holidays are here and I wish you all a relaxing change of pace for the next two weeks, I would like to remind our Year 12 students of a few things. With the finish line not far away, be sure to replenish your energy levels, but remain focused and disciplined in your study and revision. Use this time to prepare for the last sprint.
