Dear members of the MLMC community,
Welcome to the last weeks of summer as we start to see the heat that we expect of summer eventuate. As I write this morning, I note that the forecast temperature for today is 37 degrees celsius, which I understand is the hottest day we have had for some time. I am thinking of the many activities in the busyness of the College day and also the importance of the community staying hydrated, wearing hats and sunscreen when outside and seeking relief in the shade or under the many shelters constructed of purpose-built materials to lower the temperature. I am also thinking of the Year 7 Swimming Carnival scheduled for this afternoon, whereby adjustments have been made to the program in consideration of the extreme heat.
We are certainly back into the full swing of building the community on ‘the Hill’ and it is so very pleasing that for the first time in three years we have been able to hold full College events the way we would like to celebrate them.
This was highlighted to me in our Opening College Mass and Top Achievers’ Assembly. To have the Doyle Centre filled to the brim to celebrate the Eucharist, which is central to who we are as a community, was delightful, as was the celebration of academic success afterwards. To have members of the graduating class of 2022 acknowledged for their efforts and high achievement in front of the whole College is very important in helping all our students to aspire. The speeches, delivered by College Dux Jack Drummond and Catherine McAuley winner Danielle Gazzola, were both challenging and heart-felt. I congratulate all our graduating Class of 2022.
Another highlight of this week has been the Year 7 camp and Year 7 Stepping Forward program.
This year’s cohort all had the opportunity to attend their camp in Alexandra and in visiting both it was evident that the students were enjoying themselves and making bonds with new friends. A great feature this year was the return of the visit by the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. These leaders travelled by bus, driven by Deputy Principal Mr John Rodgers, to Alexandra two nights of the week to make connections and organise activities with the Year 7 group. Their contribution was obvious and welcomed.
A third highlight of the past fortnight has been the return of Catherine’s Cafe to the streets of Lilydale, staffed by our Year 12 students in the service of those who need support. A new program this year has seen the introduction of Year 11 students travelling to Fitzroy to support the work of the Sisters in providing meals and support to the people who walk those streets at night. It is yet another example of our College commitment to try to help where needed.
As it is the beginning of the year, I thought I would share with you an article I found about 10 years ago in the hope that you enjoy it. I am unable to provide the source at this time, but it is well worth a read (below).
Thousands of students are heading back to school in the coming days, and teachers are preparing to shape a fresh set of young minds. Parents will be interested to know what teachers would like in the upcoming year.
Let your child see you making mistakes
Parents are their child’s first teacher and their lifetime teacher. Part of being a lifetime teacher is teaching your child how to deal with making mistakes. Make mistakes, and let them see that you can deal with it so they will know you can move on easily.
Use email to keep in touch
Email is a great way to reach your child’s teacher without having to play phone tag. Or use the class Facebook page if there is one. Email is great for teachers because they can have a record of a conversation or print things out to put in a student’s file as a reminder. If parents are hearing where their students are struggling, they should feel comfortable talking to the teacher about it. Teachers want to know when students need more help. It’s important that there’s a lot of positive communication going back and forth — from “your child did a great job today” to hear that students are talking at home about what they’ve learned in school.
Don’t tell your child that you weren’t good at Maths
Parents might feel intimidated by the thought of helping children with their Maths homework, especially in the upper grades. Never say, “It’s okay, I’ve always been bad atMaths, too”. You would never say that about reading. Maths is here to serve you, not to trip you up. It’s here to make life easier, and a lot of that can start at home with parents showing that they’re not intimidated by numbers. Try to relate it to daily activities, whether it’s calculating statistics at a sporting event or working out the cost of groceries. Capitalise on those day-to-day things where maths comes up rather than drilling children on maths facts. That way you’re really engaging them and letting them see how what they’re learning matters in life.
Get organised with a colour-coded system
Older students are expected to be more independent and manage their assignments themselves, but as they transition from primary school they can find it hard to keep track of everything. Try using colour-coordinated folders and notebooks to help students keep their material for different subjects organised.
Check their homework, and then ask them to explain it to you
It’s not enough to just get the answers right. To make sure your children aren’t guessing or spitting back memorised information, ask them to explain what they did and why. Even if parents don’t understand quite what the student has done, you know that the child has completed the task. If the child has to actually explain what they’re doing, it lets the parent know their child’s level of understanding and also helps the child learn more deeply.
Don’t compare your child with others
This applies to all children, but is especially important with children who have learning disabilities or other special needs. Don’t put pressure on the child to be just like the child down the street. There’s no such thing as the child that’s like every other child. Every child is different. They all have strengths and weaknesses, they all have talents and challenges.
Help your child make connections to literature
To help your child get the most out of books, focus on problem-solving, social skills and life experience. For instance, take your children to the zoo (life experience). Teach them to ask an adult for help (problem-solving) or to hold the door for others (social skills). With an arsenal of these skills in place, they will be able to relate their own life experiences to those of book characters, improving their comprehension. If they don’t have these life experiences, and we ask them to make deeper connections to literature, it can be hard for them.
Middle school and high school are not the time to take a more hands-off approach
Just because your children are getting older it doesn’t mean it’s time to put them on auto-pilot. This is the point in their lives when they’re trying to sort out who they are. Peer pressure is intense and their connectedness to school can wane. When drugs, bullying, peer pressure and skipping class become more rampant, that’s when your teenagers really need you, your support and wisdom and your rules and values. Remember they are always looking out the corner of their eye to see what you are thinking and how you are reacting. You can show them how an adult deals with life.
Don’t do everything for your child
Sometimes it’s faster to do things yourself than wait for your child to complete a task. But by doing everything for them, you’re not preparing them to take care of themselves. If your child is having trouble with something, such as organising his backpack, stand next to him and have him do it while you talk him through the process. This goes for time management as well. Parents can empower their children to think for themselves and be more responsible for themselves. They need to figure out: how do I juggle all of the activities and classes but not have to rely on mum and dad to step in?
Ask about your child’s day
Stay involved in your child’s education. Even small things, like asking children what they did in school, can be the difference between a child who unplugs at the end of the day and one who continues thinking about what was learned. If a student goes home and everyone says one thing they did that day, repeating it to anyone else in the house will help them remember it. If they say, ‘I don’t remember’ or ‘I don’t know,’ ask them something specific: ‘What did you do in Science today?’ — something that will get them talking about what they have learned.
News has reached the College that Maddison O’Connor (Year 10) lost her grandfather in a horrific car accident last weekend. We pray for the repose of Lewis Carnegie’s soul and may he rest in peace. Let us pray that the O’Connor family receive the love and support that they need at this time.
In the Spirit of Catherine,
May God bless each and every one of you.
Stay cool.
Philip A Morison
Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters.
We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly.
We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss.
Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.
We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.
Bless the work of relief agencies and those proving emergency assistance.
May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.
Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities.
Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen
Source: Jesuit Resource - Free Online Resources /
I hope as we enter the fourth week of term, you are well and the routines of school are well and truly back in action. As you know, our school's ‘kiss and drop’ area is an essential part of our daily routine that ensures a smooth and safe drop-off for our students. However, we have noticed that the area has been experiencing some congestion lately, which has resulted in delays and inconvenience for all of us.
We kindly ask that when preparing to drop your child off at the kiss and drop location in the main driveway you move as far forward in the parking area as possible. This will allow more cars to fit in and make the drop-off process quicker and more efficient for everyone. We understand that time is valuable, and we want to ensure that you and your child get to work/class on time without any unnecessary delays. Please do not use this area at drop-off and pick-up times as a place to park.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, and we thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
I would once again like to draw your attention to an ongoing issue at the College regarding the wearing of hats. Despite our repeated reminders, some students are still not bringing their hats to school. As a SunSmart school, we expect students to wear a hat at recess and lunchtime during Terms 1 and 4.
To help alleviate the problem of having to travel to Croydon to purchase a replacement hat, we have organised for some hats to be sold at the College for $11 each. This will allow a student who has lost their hat to easily purchase a new one and avoid being without proper sun protection.
To purchase one, please visit the Finance Office with a credit card or EFT (no cash), or make payment via the MLMC shop. Hats will be available at the Finance Office from Monday 20 February.
We strongly encourage all students to bring their hats to school every day and to wear them while outside. This is an important measure to ensure their safety and wellbeing while on campus. Please remember to put your child’s name on it. All items of uniform that are handed in with a name on them find their owner.
My sincere thanks and appreciation go out to our Year 11 and 12 students for their involvement in serving the community. It is truly heartwarming to see the students devoting their time and energy to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
I am very proud of our Year 11 students who are traveling into the city every Monday night to assist the sisters from the Missionary of Charity in serving those who need a meal. Their selfless and compassionate service is truly admirable. This week, Teresa, Eva and Megan (pictured) helped serve over 60 meals to those in need. Donations of non-perishable foods are always welcomed by the sisters. If you would like to contribute, please drop off goods at Student Reception.
Likewise, our Year 12s are doing an amazing job serving the local community in
Lilydale with the best toasties and hot drinks in the Yarra Valley. Their efforts are bringing joy, comfort and conversation to those in need, and it is wonderful to see them making a real difference in the community.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the students involved, and to you as parents for instilling in your children the value of serving others. Your support and encouragement have undoubtedly played a significant role in their willingness to give back to the community.
Once again, thank you for your continued support and partnership in shaping our students to become responsible and compassionate citizens.
I wanted to take a moment to share with you how wonderful it was to visit both the Year 7 camps this week with the Year 10 Peer Support students. It was truly heartwarming to see our Year 7s having a great time at camp, as they formed new friendships and strengthened their bonds with their homeroom teacher, and also to see how eager the Peer Support team were in working with our newest students.
I also want to express my gratitude to the staff who went above and beyond to ensure that our College remains a positive and supportive environment for our students to learn and grow. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have such a caring and committed team.
I hope your child has returned with great stories of the many wonderful activities on camp.
Applications for Year 7 2025 are now open. Parents/guardians asked to submit an online application via the MLMC website enrolment page no later than Friday 12 May 2023. Applicants will be contacted throughout Term 2 or Term 3 to arrange an application interview. Offers of places will be sent to prospective students on Friday 20 October 2023. Please note that all applicants are encouraged to attend a College Tour with bookings available online.
With Term 1 underway, we are looking for parent volunteers to help our Year 7 students with the Organisational Skills Program.
What is Organisational Skills?
This program is run by volunteer parents. The program helps our young students to develop fundamental skills that they will carry with them throughout their years at high school. These skills include how to keep track of homework and assignments as well as how to keep a tidy locker. Our volunteers visit their assigned homeroom regularly, some visit every fortnight, others monthly (this is flexible and can work around your schedule).
How to sign up?
If you are interested in signing up for this program please call or email me, Sarah Shallcross, at sshallcross@mlmc.vic.edu.au or phone 9739 2220. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks to those who sign up.
I look forward to hearing from you!
When Vivienne Mackenzie, this year’s Performing Arts Prefect, saw last year's 2022 VCAA Season of Excellence Top Acts with her Theatre Studies class, she set the crazy goal to make it into the 2023 showcase of outstanding senior secondary student work from Victorian schools. Through the support and guidance of her talented Theatre Studies classmates, teachers and family, she is extremely excited to achieve this goal.
She will perform a monologue at The Malthouse Theatre from 10.00am on Thursday 16 March.
Her monologue is of pilot 'Beverley' in the musical comedy Come From Away, which was set in the days after the 9/11 attacks. Beverley is reflecting on her incredible life from her childhood dream to become a pioneer in aviation, working her way to the top in a male-dominated industry to become the first female captain in a commercial airline. The performance concludes with Beverley’s palpable grief and feeling of loss provoked by the devastation of 9/11.
She is honoured to have her interpretation, selected by the VCAA, of a moment in history she feels should never be forgotten. An outstanding stage-performer, Vivienne intends to study performing arts and musical theatre at university — forging her own path in the arts for herself, doing what she loves best.
Vivienne performed her monologue at our Night of Excellence event in December (pictured) and it was outstanding.
Top Class Theatre Studies concerts will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March at The Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets are available via the Malthouse Theatre website.
The Season of Excellence presents work created by VCE and VET students in design, technology, research, multimedia and cinematic, visual and performing arts through exhibitions, screenings and performances supported by education talks, forums and panel discussions, catalogues, programs and online material.
You can find out more information about the Season of Excellence by clicking HERE.
Top Class Theatre Studies concerts will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March at The Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne.
Tickets to see Vivienne perform from 10.00am on Thursday 16 March are available via the Malthouse Theatre website.
Click HERE for ticketsThe Top Achievers of the Class of 2022 were recognised at our time-honoured Top Achievers’ Assembly held on Tuesday 7 February. Like those who have gone before them, the top 10 of the Class of 2022 achieved academic excellence by simply ‘doing their best’ and ‘giving their best’.
One of the greatest factors that contributed to their success was having a growth mindset about their challenges, actively working with their peers and teachers to overcome hurdles. They also demonstrated a fixed mindset when it came to study, revision and practice for assessments and exams, homing the feedback to master knowledge and skills.
We congratulate the Top Achievers for 2022:
Alannah Finger with an ATAR of 90.45 has been offered a place at Australian Catholic University studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine
Eloise Graves with an ATAR of 90.95 has been offered a place at Deakin University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Law
Forum Patel with an ATAR of 92 has been offered a place at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Jackson Nunziante with an ATAR of 93.45 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Science
Danielle Gazzola with an ATAR of 93.95 has been offered a place at LaTrobe University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Ellie Inglese with an ATAR of 94 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine
Teagan McConachy with an ATAR of 97.45 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne also studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine
Noah Ruta also with an ATAR of 97.45 has been offered a place at JMC Academy studying Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Sound Production
Baxter Lill with an ATAR of 98.2 has been offered a place at Monash University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Our College Dux, Jack Drummond, achieved an ATAR score of 99.3 putting him in the top 1% of achievers in the state. Jack (pictured above with his parents) has been offered a place at Monash University studying a double degree of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science.
It is worth noting that these Top Achievers are part of a cohort whose pathway aspirations are as follows:
96% of VCE/VET students who applied for a tertiary placement have received a first round offer from university
92% of VCE students received an offer from their top four preferences
22% received an offer for a course through TAFE and independent colleges
99% of VCAL students enrolled in the VCAL Senior Certificate completed their course and will be entering the apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce with a VET qualification.
The VCAL Student of the Year, Bree Taylor, was also recognised with an award at the assembly.
The Top Achievers’ Assembly also featured a speech from the Catherine McAuley Award recipient, Danielle Gazzola and a speech from the Dux, Jack Drummond. Both speeches are included below.
Both spoke of the many ways they were inspired through the Mercy education values and how being involved in the College helped them explore and engage in things that they now have strong passions for, such as community service and music.
As a College, we congratulate these top achievers and are humble in the role we have played in their journey through learning at MLMC.
Principal Mr Philip Morison (centre) with the Class of 2022 Top Achievers and the VCAL Student of the Year.
2022 Catherine McAuley Award recipient Danielle Gazzola with her mum.
Principal Mr Philip Morison with 2022 College Dux Jack Drummond.
2022 VCAL Student of the Year Bree Taylor receives her award from Applied Learning Leader Mrs Kristy Brown.
Top 10 student Eloise Graves.
Top 10 student Ellie Inglese.
Top 10 student Baxter Lill.
Top 10 student Teagan McConachy.
Top 10 student Alannah Finger.
Danielle Gazzola addresses students and staff at the Top Achievers' Assembly.
2022 Dux Jack Drummond receives his award from Principal Mr Philip Morrison.
Deputy Principal — Learning and Teaching Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor at the Top Achievers' Assembly.
2022 Dux Jack Drummond gives his acceptance speech.
Jack Drummond and his family.
VCAL Student of the Year Bree Taylor with her dad.
Eloise Graves and her parents.
Top achiever Eloise Graves and her parents.
Baxter Lill and Jack Drummond.
Science teacher Mrs Jennifer Morison with some of the top achievers.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College is preparing to open its doors to offer families the interactive experience they are seeking in order to ascertain if MLMC is the place for their child to attend secondary school.
Open Day will be held on Monday 27 March from 4.30pm to 7.00pm.
Families are warmly invited to come along to our Open Day to experience a friendly and engaging evening of faculty displays, tours and activities that will allow them to discover all that the College has to offer.
Staff and students will be available to answer any questions from prospective students and families.
To attend this annual event, we ask that you please register your attendance by clicking HERE.
We look forward to welcoming prospective families to the College once again. For further information regarding the College Open Day please contact us at 9735 4022.
One of our Class of 2022 top 10 achievers, Teagan McConachy, is the recipient of the Melbourne Principal’s scholarship through the University of Melbourne. She was nominated for the scholarship by MLMC Principal Mr Philip Morison on behalf of the College.
Teagan said the scholarship, a one-off allowance of $5000, means “a great deal” to her, particularly after she was unsuccessful in receiving the University of Melbourne's Hansen Scholarship having made it to the final round of the application process.
“This scholarship will help lessen the burden of having to pay for university and definitely assist me in paying my school fees. Furthermore, it would allow me to spend less time worrying about how I was going to pay the fees, which would mean that I could take part in other activities including club and societies’ events, work experience, hobbies, etc. It is a fantastic opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for, which should hopefully benefit greatly and assist me to learn and develop as a person.”
Schools were invited to nominate one student who has an excellent academic record and a strong contribution to the school or wider community. As part of the nomination, the College had to provide statements addressing the two areas of achievement while Teagan had to achieve the minimum ATAR for the University of Melbourne course preference and receive an offer and enrol in an undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne.
Teagan attended the College’s Top Achievers’ Assembly last week, having achieved an ATAR of 97.45. This month she and fellow Top Achiever Ellie Inglese will begin studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. “I also plan on working part-time as well as volunteering in different events and helping the wider community,” Teagan said.
She said she plans to continue studying to achieve a Masters degree and possibly a PhD. “I also hope to have a career in some area of medicine whether that is pharmacy or some other area. I also hope to do medical research and help design drugs and vaccines.
“One of my biggest aspirations is to one day be able to do medical work at a rural hospital or medical centre. Furthermore, I aspire to help with the research and development of different drugs and vaccines and to learn as much as possible about the human body including its structure and function and how drugs impact our body and fight infections.”
Volunteering in numerous ways and “help myself develop as a person” are also part of her plan.
She said on receiving her ATAR, the first thing she felt was “pure relief”.
“I was so relieved as soon as I opened my ATAR as I immediately knew that I would be able to study my dream course, which I have been working towards for years, as I had met the ATAR requirement for guaranteed entry due to my SEAS Application and ACCESS Melbourne.
“I also felt excitement, happiness and shock at the fact that I had well exceeded what I believed I would have and had scored so high. I was also very proud of what I had achieved and did very well in all of my subjects, which at times throughout Year 12 I did not believe was possible.
“I am also proud and excited that all of the hard work I put in all year was worth it.”
The College wishes Teagan well on the next phase of her journey.
The celebration of our Opening College Mass on Tuesday 7 February gave us the opportunity to gather together as a community — to pray, to worship and to grow in our faith. Our College Chaplain Father Dean Bradbury gave a meaningful homily that talked about each of us doing our best and being our best. He referred to our Mercy value of Courage and some practical ways in which we can live this.
It was wonderful to see students from all year levels, as well as staff, involved in the various ministries and carrying out these roles with reverence and respect. The College Choir led the music beautifully, adding to a sense of occasion.
For some of our new students it was the first time they have experienced a celebration of the Eucharist and we hope that as they become more familiar with this beautiful ritual they will grow to love it and understand its importance.
The Top Achievers’ Assembly followed the Mass. You can read more about that event HERE.
Members of the MLMC community and businesses in the area are invited to attend the Old Collegians’ Association Business Breakfast to be held at the College on Wednesday 29 March.
It will begin at 7.00am and run until 8.30am with guest speakers Andrea McKellar (Class of 1984) and Dean McKellar, founders of Teacher Presence.
Teacher Presence empowers teachers and families to make a difference in the world by redirecting the money spent on the traditional end of year teacher present for a donation to a charity supported by Teacher Presence, so together we can help people whose voices are struggling to be heard.
Tickets are just $35 each and includes breakfast. To make a booking, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CCGJU
It is a wonderful opportunity to network and enjoy a lovely breakfast at the College.
For any queries regarding this event please email oc@mlmc.vic.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
McAuley Library has been buzzing at lunchtimes with about 60 junior students enjoying the newly-renovated space each day to play chess, create with Lego, catch up on homework, play board games and read. The Reading Room is a silent space during lunch for anyone who needs a break from the busyness.
The giant chess set has become particularly popular, with a booking sheet needed for two sessions each lunch. Uno is the most popular card game and the games cupboard is regularly emptied.
Both libraries are available to students at lunchtimes to provide a space for extended learning and activities.
Football
Congratulations to Jess Vukic (Year 12 Blue) who has been named in the AFLW Academy squad for 2023.
Cricket
Congratulations to Luke Ivanovic (Year 9 Jade) who represented Croydon Cricket Club in the Hatch Shield over the summer holidays.
Congratulations also to Sam Wicks (Year 12 Blue) and Tom Elvin (Year 12 Gold) who represented the Ferntree Gully District Cricket Association in the Under 18 Phil Arnold Shield final over the holidays.
Swimming
Well done to Sienna Santolin (Year 8 Aqua) who has had some excellent results in the pool recently. She competed at the long distance time trials last week and is now ranked sixth in the state in the 800m event and 15th in both the 200m and 400m events. We look forward to hearing about your continued success, Sienna!
If you have any other student achievements, please email them to dwebb@mlmc.vic.edu.au
Swimming training is held on Monday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm) and Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am) at Kilsyth Pool. Sessions are held to help students improve their swimming and fitness levels. All abilities are welcome. Commendations and House points are also up for grabs! It is free for students to take part and they will be bussed from school to the pool on Mondays and back to school from the pool on Wednesdays, with breakfast provided on Wednesdays. Students are asked to see/email Ms Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details.
If there are any Year 10-12 boys who are interested in playing in the Senior boys’ hockey team this season, they are asked to please contact Ms Webb.
With the summer seasons of Year 8, Year 9 and Senior EISM Sport already underway or beginning in the next week or so, students are asked to please remember the following:
Parents and guardians are reminded that there are a few key College sports events being held next month:
This week, the Year 7 students have been earning their first House points at the mini Swimming Carnivals. As part of the Stepping Forward program, students were involved in traditional swimming races, participation relays and cheering for their teammates at Lilydale outdoor pool (pictured). While the two carnivals were held in vastly contrasting weather conditions, the amount of fun had by the students was the same. Well done to everyone who took part!
The MLMC Parents and Friends’ Association is hosting a Father Figures Bowling Night for all MLMC students and the male role models in their lives. This could be a dad, an older brother, an uncle or a friend.
It is a great opportunity to have a relaxed game of tenpin bowling with other families and make new connections or strengthen existing ones.
It will be held on Wednesday 1 March, 6.00pm-7.30pm, at Oz Tenpin in Chirnside Park.
Tickets include one bowling game and party food. Click HERE to purchase tickets, which cost $25 each for a general ticket and tickets for under 16s are just $20 each.
For further information please email me at sshallcross@mlmc.vic.edu.au
We hope to see you there!
Dear members of the MLMC community,
Welcome to the last weeks of summer as we start to see the heat that we expect of summer eventuate. As I write this morning, I note that the forecast temperature for today is 37 degrees celsius, which I understand is the hottest day we have had for some time. I am thinking of the many activities in the busyness of the College day and also the importance of the community staying hydrated, wearing hats and sunscreen when outside and seeking relief in the shade or under the many shelters constructed of purpose-built materials to lower the temperature. I am also thinking of the Year 7 Swimming Carnival scheduled for this afternoon, whereby adjustments have been made to the program in consideration of the extreme heat.
We are certainly back into the full swing of building the community on ‘the Hill’ and it is so very pleasing that for the first time in three years we have been able to hold full College events the way we would like to celebrate them.
This was highlighted to me in our Opening College Mass and Top Achievers’ Assembly. To have the Doyle Centre filled to the brim to celebrate the Eucharist, which is central to who we are as a community, was delightful, as was the celebration of academic success afterwards. To have members of the graduating class of 2022 acknowledged for their efforts and high achievement in front of the whole College is very important in helping all our students to aspire. The speeches, delivered by College Dux Jack Drummond and Catherine McAuley winner Danielle Gazzola, were both challenging and heart-felt. I congratulate all our graduating Class of 2022.
Another highlight of this week has been the Year 7 camp and Year 7 Stepping Forward program.
This year’s cohort all had the opportunity to attend their camp in Alexandra and in visiting both it was evident that the students were enjoying themselves and making bonds with new friends. A great feature this year was the return of the visit by the Year 10 Peer Support Leaders. These leaders travelled by bus, driven by Deputy Principal Mr John Rodgers, to Alexandra two nights of the week to make connections and organise activities with the Year 7 group. Their contribution was obvious and welcomed.
A third highlight of the past fortnight has been the return of Catherine’s Cafe to the streets of Lilydale, staffed by our Year 12 students in the service of those who need support. A new program this year has seen the introduction of Year 11 students travelling to Fitzroy to support the work of the Sisters in providing meals and support to the people who walk those streets at night. It is yet another example of our College commitment to try to help where needed.
As it is the beginning of the year, I thought I would share with you an article I found about 10 years ago in the hope that you enjoy it. I am unable to provide the source at this time, but it is well worth a read (below).
Thousands of students are heading back to school in the coming days, and teachers are preparing to shape a fresh set of young minds. Parents will be interested to know what teachers would like in the upcoming year.
Let your child see you making mistakes
Parents are their child’s first teacher and their lifetime teacher. Part of being a lifetime teacher is teaching your child how to deal with making mistakes. Make mistakes, and let them see that you can deal with it so they will know you can move on easily.
Use email to keep in touch
Email is a great way to reach your child’s teacher without having to play phone tag. Or use the class Facebook page if there is one. Email is great for teachers because they can have a record of a conversation or print things out to put in a student’s file as a reminder. If parents are hearing where their students are struggling, they should feel comfortable talking to the teacher about it. Teachers want to know when students need more help. It’s important that there’s a lot of positive communication going back and forth — from “your child did a great job today” to hear that students are talking at home about what they’ve learned in school.
Don’t tell your child that you weren’t good at Maths
Parents might feel intimidated by the thought of helping children with their Maths homework, especially in the upper grades. Never say, “It’s okay, I’ve always been bad atMaths, too”. You would never say that about reading. Maths is here to serve you, not to trip you up. It’s here to make life easier, and a lot of that can start at home with parents showing that they’re not intimidated by numbers. Try to relate it to daily activities, whether it’s calculating statistics at a sporting event or working out the cost of groceries. Capitalise on those day-to-day things where maths comes up rather than drilling children on maths facts. That way you’re really engaging them and letting them see how what they’re learning matters in life.
Get organised with a colour-coded system
Older students are expected to be more independent and manage their assignments themselves, but as they transition from primary school they can find it hard to keep track of everything. Try using colour-coordinated folders and notebooks to help students keep their material for different subjects organised.
Check their homework, and then ask them to explain it to you
It’s not enough to just get the answers right. To make sure your children aren’t guessing or spitting back memorised information, ask them to explain what they did and why. Even if parents don’t understand quite what the student has done, you know that the child has completed the task. If the child has to actually explain what they’re doing, it lets the parent know their child’s level of understanding and also helps the child learn more deeply.
Don’t compare your child with others
This applies to all children, but is especially important with children who have learning disabilities or other special needs. Don’t put pressure on the child to be just like the child down the street. There’s no such thing as the child that’s like every other child. Every child is different. They all have strengths and weaknesses, they all have talents and challenges.
Help your child make connections to literature
To help your child get the most out of books, focus on problem-solving, social skills and life experience. For instance, take your children to the zoo (life experience). Teach them to ask an adult for help (problem-solving) or to hold the door for others (social skills). With an arsenal of these skills in place, they will be able to relate their own life experiences to those of book characters, improving their comprehension. If they don’t have these life experiences, and we ask them to make deeper connections to literature, it can be hard for them.
Middle school and high school are not the time to take a more hands-off approach
Just because your children are getting older it doesn’t mean it’s time to put them on auto-pilot. This is the point in their lives when they’re trying to sort out who they are. Peer pressure is intense and their connectedness to school can wane. When drugs, bullying, peer pressure and skipping class become more rampant, that’s when your teenagers really need you, your support and wisdom and your rules and values. Remember they are always looking out the corner of their eye to see what you are thinking and how you are reacting. You can show them how an adult deals with life.
Don’t do everything for your child
Sometimes it’s faster to do things yourself than wait for your child to complete a task. But by doing everything for them, you’re not preparing them to take care of themselves. If your child is having trouble with something, such as organising his backpack, stand next to him and have him do it while you talk him through the process. This goes for time management as well. Parents can empower their children to think for themselves and be more responsible for themselves. They need to figure out: how do I juggle all of the activities and classes but not have to rely on mum and dad to step in?
Ask about your child’s day
Stay involved in your child’s education. Even small things, like asking children what they did in school, can be the difference between a child who unplugs at the end of the day and one who continues thinking about what was learned. If a student goes home and everyone says one thing they did that day, repeating it to anyone else in the house will help them remember it. If they say, ‘I don’t remember’ or ‘I don’t know,’ ask them something specific: ‘What did you do in Science today?’ — something that will get them talking about what they have learned.
News has reached the College that Maddison O’Connor (Year 10) lost her grandfather in a horrific car accident last weekend. We pray for the repose of Lewis Carnegie’s soul and may he rest in peace. Let us pray that the O’Connor family receive the love and support that they need at this time.
In the Spirit of Catherine,
May God bless each and every one of you.
Stay cool.
Philip A Morison
Compassionate Lord, we pray for those who have been devastated by recent natural disasters.
We remember those who have lost their lives so suddenly.
We hold in our hearts the families forever changed by grief and loss.
Bring them consolation and comfort. Surround them with our prayer for strength. Bless those who have survived and heal their memories of trauma and devastation. May they have the courage to face the long road of rebuilding ahead.
We ask your blessing on all those who have lost their homes, their livelihoods, their security and their hope.
Bless the work of relief agencies and those proving emergency assistance.
May their work be guided by the grace and strength that comes from You alone.
Help us to respond with generosity in prayer, in assistance, in aid to the best of our abilities.
Keep our hearts focused on the needs of those affected, even after the crisis is over.
We ask this in Jesus' name.
Amen
Source: Jesuit Resource - Free Online Resources /
I hope as we enter the fourth week of term, you are well and the routines of school are well and truly back in action. As you know, our school's ‘kiss and drop’ area is an essential part of our daily routine that ensures a smooth and safe drop-off for our students. However, we have noticed that the area has been experiencing some congestion lately, which has resulted in delays and inconvenience for all of us.
We kindly ask that when preparing to drop your child off at the kiss and drop location in the main driveway you move as far forward in the parking area as possible. This will allow more cars to fit in and make the drop-off process quicker and more efficient for everyone. We understand that time is valuable, and we want to ensure that you and your child get to work/class on time without any unnecessary delays. Please do not use this area at drop-off and pick-up times as a place to park.
We appreciate your cooperation in this matter, and we thank you for your understanding. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us.
I would once again like to draw your attention to an ongoing issue at the College regarding the wearing of hats. Despite our repeated reminders, some students are still not bringing their hats to school. As a SunSmart school, we expect students to wear a hat at recess and lunchtime during Terms 1 and 4.
To help alleviate the problem of having to travel to Croydon to purchase a replacement hat, we have organised for some hats to be sold at the College for $11 each. This will allow a student who has lost their hat to easily purchase a new one and avoid being without proper sun protection.
To purchase one, please visit the Finance Office with a credit card or EFT (no cash), or make payment via the MLMC shop. Hats will be available at the Finance Office from Monday 20 February.
We strongly encourage all students to bring their hats to school every day and to wear them while outside. This is an important measure to ensure their safety and wellbeing while on campus. Please remember to put your child’s name on it. All items of uniform that are handed in with a name on them find their owner.
My sincere thanks and appreciation go out to our Year 11 and 12 students for their involvement in serving the community. It is truly heartwarming to see the students devoting their time and energy to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
I am very proud of our Year 11 students who are traveling into the city every Monday night to assist the sisters from the Missionary of Charity in serving those who need a meal. Their selfless and compassionate service is truly admirable. This week, Teresa, Eva and Megan (pictured) helped serve over 60 meals to those in need. Donations of non-perishable foods are always welcomed by the sisters. If you would like to contribute, please drop off goods at Student Reception.
Likewise, our Year 12s are doing an amazing job serving the local community in
Lilydale with the best toasties and hot drinks in the Yarra Valley. Their efforts are bringing joy, comfort and conversation to those in need, and it is wonderful to see them making a real difference in the community.
I would like to extend my gratitude to all the students involved, and to you as parents for instilling in your children the value of serving others. Your support and encouragement have undoubtedly played a significant role in their willingness to give back to the community.
Once again, thank you for your continued support and partnership in shaping our students to become responsible and compassionate citizens.
I wanted to take a moment to share with you how wonderful it was to visit both the Year 7 camps this week with the Year 10 Peer Support students. It was truly heartwarming to see our Year 7s having a great time at camp, as they formed new friendships and strengthened their bonds with their homeroom teacher, and also to see how eager the Peer Support team were in working with our newest students.
I also want to express my gratitude to the staff who went above and beyond to ensure that our College remains a positive and supportive environment for our students to learn and grow. Their dedication and hard work do not go unnoticed, and we are truly fortunate to have such a caring and committed team.
I hope your child has returned with great stories of the many wonderful activities on camp.
Applications for Year 7 2025 are now open. Parents/guardians asked to submit an online application via the MLMC website enrolment page no later than Friday 12 May 2023. Applicants will be contacted throughout Term 2 or Term 3 to arrange an application interview. Offers of places will be sent to prospective students on Friday 20 October 2023. Please note that all applicants are encouraged to attend a College Tour with bookings available online.
With Term 1 underway, we are looking for parent volunteers to help our Year 7 students with the Organisational Skills Program.
What is Organisational Skills?
This program is run by volunteer parents. The program helps our young students to develop fundamental skills that they will carry with them throughout their years at high school. These skills include how to keep track of homework and assignments as well as how to keep a tidy locker. Our volunteers visit their assigned homeroom regularly, some visit every fortnight, others monthly (this is flexible and can work around your schedule).
How to sign up?
If you are interested in signing up for this program please call or email me, Sarah Shallcross, at sshallcross@mlmc.vic.edu.au or phone 9739 2220. Further information will be provided in the coming weeks to those who sign up.
I look forward to hearing from you!
When Vivienne Mackenzie, this year’s Performing Arts Prefect, saw last year's 2022 VCAA Season of Excellence Top Acts with her Theatre Studies class, she set the crazy goal to make it into the 2023 showcase of outstanding senior secondary student work from Victorian schools. Through the support and guidance of her talented Theatre Studies classmates, teachers and family, she is extremely excited to achieve this goal.
She will perform a monologue at The Malthouse Theatre from 10.00am on Thursday 16 March.
Her monologue is of pilot 'Beverley' in the musical comedy Come From Away, which was set in the days after the 9/11 attacks. Beverley is reflecting on her incredible life from her childhood dream to become a pioneer in aviation, working her way to the top in a male-dominated industry to become the first female captain in a commercial airline. The performance concludes with Beverley’s palpable grief and feeling of loss provoked by the devastation of 9/11.
She is honoured to have her interpretation, selected by the VCAA, of a moment in history she feels should never be forgotten. An outstanding stage-performer, Vivienne intends to study performing arts and musical theatre at university — forging her own path in the arts for herself, doing what she loves best.
Vivienne performed her monologue at our Night of Excellence event in December (pictured) and it was outstanding.
Top Class Theatre Studies concerts will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March at The Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne. Tickets are available via the Malthouse Theatre website.
The Season of Excellence presents work created by VCE and VET students in design, technology, research, multimedia and cinematic, visual and performing arts through exhibitions, screenings and performances supported by education talks, forums and panel discussions, catalogues, programs and online material.
You can find out more information about the Season of Excellence by clicking HERE.
Top Class Theatre Studies concerts will be taking place on Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 March at The Malthouse Theatre, Melbourne.
Tickets to see Vivienne perform from 10.00am on Thursday 16 March are available via the Malthouse Theatre website.
Click HERE for tickets
The Top Achievers of the Class of 2022 were recognised at our time-honoured Top Achievers’ Assembly held on Tuesday 7 February. Like those who have gone before them, the top 10 of the Class of 2022 achieved academic excellence by simply ‘doing their best’ and ‘giving their best’.
One of the greatest factors that contributed to their success was having a growth mindset about their challenges, actively working with their peers and teachers to overcome hurdles. They also demonstrated a fixed mindset when it came to study, revision and practice for assessments and exams, homing the feedback to master knowledge and skills.
We congratulate the Top Achievers for 2022:
Alannah Finger with an ATAR of 90.45 has been offered a place at Australian Catholic University studying a Bachelor of Paramedicine
Eloise Graves with an ATAR of 90.95 has been offered a place at Deakin University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Law
Forum Patel with an ATAR of 92 has been offered a place at Monash University studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Jackson Nunziante with an ATAR of 93.45 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Science
Danielle Gazzola with an ATAR of 93.95 has been offered a place at LaTrobe University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science
Ellie Inglese with an ATAR of 94 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine
Teagan McConachy with an ATAR of 97.45 has been offered a place at The University of Melbourne also studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine
Noah Ruta also with an ATAR of 97.45 has been offered a place at JMC Academy studying Bachelor of Audio Engineering and Sound Production
Baxter Lill with an ATAR of 98.2 has been offered a place at Monash University studying a double degree, Bachelor of Chemical Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Pharmaceutical Science
Our College Dux, Jack Drummond, achieved an ATAR score of 99.3 putting him in the top 1% of achievers in the state. Jack (pictured above with his parents) has been offered a place at Monash University studying a double degree of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Science.
It is worth noting that these Top Achievers are part of a cohort whose pathway aspirations are as follows:
96% of VCE/VET students who applied for a tertiary placement have received a first round offer from university
92% of VCE students received an offer from their top four preferences
22% received an offer for a course through TAFE and independent colleges
99% of VCAL students enrolled in the VCAL Senior Certificate completed their course and will be entering the apprenticeships, traineeships and the workforce with a VET qualification.
The VCAL Student of the Year, Bree Taylor, was also recognised with an award at the assembly.
The Top Achievers’ Assembly also featured a speech from the Catherine McAuley Award recipient, Danielle Gazzola and a speech from the Dux, Jack Drummond. Both speeches are included below.
Both spoke of the many ways they were inspired through the Mercy education values and how being involved in the College helped them explore and engage in things that they now have strong passions for, such as community service and music.
As a College, we congratulate these top achievers and are humble in the role we have played in their journey through learning at MLMC.
Principal Mr Philip Morison (centre) with the Class of 2022 Top Achievers and the VCAL Student of the Year.
2022 Catherine McAuley Award recipient Danielle Gazzola with her mum.
Principal Mr Philip Morison with 2022 College Dux Jack Drummond.
2022 VCAL Student of the Year Bree Taylor receives her award from Applied Learning Leader Mrs Kristy Brown.
Top 10 student Eloise Graves.
Top 10 student Ellie Inglese.
Top 10 student Baxter Lill.
Top 10 student Teagan McConachy.
Top 10 student Alannah Finger.
Danielle Gazzola addresses students and staff at the Top Achievers' Assembly.
2022 Dux Jack Drummond receives his award from Principal Mr Philip Morrison.
Deputy Principal — Learning and Teaching Mrs Anita Kay-Taylor at the Top Achievers' Assembly.
2022 Dux Jack Drummond gives his acceptance speech.
Jack Drummond and his family.
VCAL Student of the Year Bree Taylor with her dad.
Eloise Graves and her parents.
Top achiever Eloise Graves and her parents.
Baxter Lill and Jack Drummond.
Science teacher Mrs Jennifer Morison with some of the top achievers.
Mount Lilydale Mercy College is preparing to open its doors to offer families the interactive experience they are seeking in order to ascertain if MLMC is the place for their child to attend secondary school.
Open Day will be held on Monday 27 March from 4.30pm to 7.00pm.
Families are warmly invited to come along to our Open Day to experience a friendly and engaging evening of faculty displays, tours and activities that will allow them to discover all that the College has to offer.
Staff and students will be available to answer any questions from prospective students and families.
To attend this annual event, we ask that you please register your attendance by clicking HERE.
We look forward to welcoming prospective families to the College once again. For further information regarding the College Open Day please contact us at 9735 4022.
One of our Class of 2022 top 10 achievers, Teagan McConachy, is the recipient of the Melbourne Principal’s scholarship through the University of Melbourne. She was nominated for the scholarship by MLMC Principal Mr Philip Morison on behalf of the College.
Teagan said the scholarship, a one-off allowance of $5000, means “a great deal” to her, particularly after she was unsuccessful in receiving the University of Melbourne's Hansen Scholarship having made it to the final round of the application process.
“This scholarship will help lessen the burden of having to pay for university and definitely assist me in paying my school fees. Furthermore, it would allow me to spend less time worrying about how I was going to pay the fees, which would mean that I could take part in other activities including club and societies’ events, work experience, hobbies, etc. It is a fantastic opportunity that I am incredibly grateful for, which should hopefully benefit greatly and assist me to learn and develop as a person.”
Schools were invited to nominate one student who has an excellent academic record and a strong contribution to the school or wider community. As part of the nomination, the College had to provide statements addressing the two areas of achievement while Teagan had to achieve the minimum ATAR for the University of Melbourne course preference and receive an offer and enrol in an undergraduate course at the University of Melbourne.
Teagan attended the College’s Top Achievers’ Assembly last week, having achieved an ATAR of 97.45. This month she and fellow Top Achiever Ellie Inglese will begin studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine at the University of Melbourne. “I also plan on working part-time as well as volunteering in different events and helping the wider community,” Teagan said.
She said she plans to continue studying to achieve a Masters degree and possibly a PhD. “I also hope to have a career in some area of medicine whether that is pharmacy or some other area. I also hope to do medical research and help design drugs and vaccines.
“One of my biggest aspirations is to one day be able to do medical work at a rural hospital or medical centre. Furthermore, I aspire to help with the research and development of different drugs and vaccines and to learn as much as possible about the human body including its structure and function and how drugs impact our body and fight infections.”
Volunteering in numerous ways and “help myself develop as a person” are also part of her plan.
She said on receiving her ATAR, the first thing she felt was “pure relief”.
“I was so relieved as soon as I opened my ATAR as I immediately knew that I would be able to study my dream course, which I have been working towards for years, as I had met the ATAR requirement for guaranteed entry due to my SEAS Application and ACCESS Melbourne.
“I also felt excitement, happiness and shock at the fact that I had well exceeded what I believed I would have and had scored so high. I was also very proud of what I had achieved and did very well in all of my subjects, which at times throughout Year 12 I did not believe was possible.
“I am also proud and excited that all of the hard work I put in all year was worth it.”
The College wishes Teagan well on the next phase of her journey.
The celebration of our Opening College Mass on Tuesday 7 February gave us the opportunity to gather together as a community — to pray, to worship and to grow in our faith. Our College Chaplain Father Dean Bradbury gave a meaningful homily that talked about each of us doing our best and being our best. He referred to our Mercy value of Courage and some practical ways in which we can live this.
It was wonderful to see students from all year levels, as well as staff, involved in the various ministries and carrying out these roles with reverence and respect. The College Choir led the music beautifully, adding to a sense of occasion.
For some of our new students it was the first time they have experienced a celebration of the Eucharist and we hope that as they become more familiar with this beautiful ritual they will grow to love it and understand its importance.
The Top Achievers’ Assembly followed the Mass. You can read more about that event HERE.
Members of the MLMC community and businesses in the area are invited to attend the Old Collegians’ Association Business Breakfast to be held at the College on Wednesday 29 March.
It will begin at 7.00am and run until 8.30am with guest speakers Andrea McKellar (Class of 1984) and Dean McKellar, founders of Teacher Presence.
Teacher Presence empowers teachers and families to make a difference in the world by redirecting the money spent on the traditional end of year teacher present for a donation to a charity supported by Teacher Presence, so together we can help people whose voices are struggling to be heard.
Tickets are just $35 each and includes breakfast. To make a booking, please visit: https://www.trybooking.com/CCGJU
It is a wonderful opportunity to network and enjoy a lovely breakfast at the College.
For any queries regarding this event please email oc@mlmc.vic.edu.au
We look forward to seeing you there!
McAuley Library has been buzzing at lunchtimes with about 60 junior students enjoying the newly-renovated space each day to play chess, create with Lego, catch up on homework, play board games and read. The Reading Room is a silent space during lunch for anyone who needs a break from the busyness.
The giant chess set has become particularly popular, with a booking sheet needed for two sessions each lunch. Uno is the most popular card game and the games cupboard is regularly emptied.
Both libraries are available to students at lunchtimes to provide a space for extended learning and activities.
Football
Congratulations to Jess Vukic (Year 12 Blue) who has been named in the AFLW Academy squad for 2023.
Cricket
Congratulations to Luke Ivanovic (Year 9 Jade) who represented Croydon Cricket Club in the Hatch Shield over the summer holidays.
Congratulations also to Sam Wicks (Year 12 Blue) and Tom Elvin (Year 12 Gold) who represented the Ferntree Gully District Cricket Association in the Under 18 Phil Arnold Shield final over the holidays.
Swimming
Well done to Sienna Santolin (Year 8 Aqua) who has had some excellent results in the pool recently. She competed at the long distance time trials last week and is now ranked sixth in the state in the 800m event and 15th in both the 200m and 400m events. We look forward to hearing about your continued success, Sienna!
If you have any other student achievements, please email them to dwebb@mlmc.vic.edu.au
Swimming training is held on Monday afternoons (3.30-4.30pm) and Wednesday mornings (7.00-8.00am) at Kilsyth Pool. Sessions are held to help students improve their swimming and fitness levels. All abilities are welcome. Commendations and House points are also up for grabs! It is free for students to take part and they will be bussed from school to the pool on Mondays and back to school from the pool on Wednesdays, with breakfast provided on Wednesdays. Students are asked to see/email Ms Webb in the Doyle Centre for more details.
If there are any Year 10-12 boys who are interested in playing in the Senior boys’ hockey team this season, they are asked to please contact Ms Webb.
With the summer seasons of Year 8, Year 9 and Senior EISM Sport already underway or beginning in the next week or so, students are asked to please remember the following:
Parents and guardians are reminded that there are a few key College sports events being held next month:
This week, the Year 7 students have been earning their first House points at the mini Swimming Carnivals. As part of the Stepping Forward program, students were involved in traditional swimming races, participation relays and cheering for their teammates at Lilydale outdoor pool (pictured). While the two carnivals were held in vastly contrasting weather conditions, the amount of fun had by the students was the same. Well done to everyone who took part!
The MLMC Parents and Friends’ Association is hosting a Father Figures Bowling Night for all MLMC students and the male role models in their lives. This could be a dad, an older brother, an uncle or a friend.
It is a great opportunity to have a relaxed game of tenpin bowling with other families and make new connections or strengthen existing ones.
It will be held on Wednesday 1 March, 6.00pm-7.30pm, at Oz Tenpin in Chirnside Park.
Tickets include one bowling game and party food. Click HERE to purchase tickets, which cost $25 each for a general ticket and tickets for under 16s are just $20 each.
For further information please email me at sshallcross@mlmc.vic.edu.au
We hope to see you there!