MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE
NEWSLETTEr
Available online at http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
Principal’s Report
IN THIS EDITION
At long last we have moved into the newly renovated Middle School wing.
College Matters
Students and teachers enjoy their classes in the new rooms, and as more furniture
is purchased we will begin to make full use of it. Many thanks to Ms Bronwyn
Senior School News
Moline, who managed the upgrade and worked hard to make it a flexible, useful
space.
Middle School News
Ms Moline is on leave for the rest of Term 4, and we welcome Mrs Gayle
Steinfort as Acting Assistant Principal in her place.
Junior School News
On Thursday 18th September, Regional Director John Allman visited the
school. I pointed out to him that the Middle School corridor upgrade was fully
Sport
funded by School Council, at a cost of $700,000. Over the last 15 years the College
Council has contributed more than 3 million dollars to help renovate and build
Science
suitable facilities for our students. While the government gave us some funds,
most of what has been done recently was from Council resources. Unlike many
Food Technology
neighbouring state schools, we are extremely unlikely to attract any funding for
facilities as our school is not in poor condition. This is despite the urgent need
Maths
to replace our roof and many of the windows and frames in the higher walls. It
seems very unjust that because we look after our school we are denied funds for
English
such basic requirements.
While John had many complimentary things to say about our school, he could
Key Dates
not promise any additional funding as it has all been earmarked for schools that
are in a worse condition.
As Year 12 students approach the final weeks of their secondary education
it is pleasing to see so many girls staying to study after school and arranging
additional work with their teachers. John Allman was impressed at their commitment when he toured the school and
saw how many girls were working both with teachers assistance and independently long after the school day had
finished.
DATES
for your DIARY!
Oct 21 – Valedictory Dinner
Oct 21 – Year 12 Celebration Assembly
Oct 28 – College Council
Nov 3 – Report Writing Day (pupil free)
Nov 25 – Presentation Evening
Check the Key Dates for more
important dates!
MENTONE GIRLS’ SECONDARY COLLEGE
Cnr Balcombe & Charman Roads (PO Box 52), Mentone VIC 3194
tel: (03) 9581 5200 | fax: (03) 9585 1012
mentone.girls.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au | http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/
Ms Deborah M. Lehner
Principal
College Matters
Welcome back everyone! I hope everyone had a relaxing break. This term will be a busy one. Please note the
following key dates:
Week
1
2
3
3
Date
Thu 9th Oct
Thu 16th Oct
Mon 20th Oct
Tue 21st Oct
Event
Selected Year 7 students at the Grade 6 Music information evening
Selected Year 7 students at the Grade 6 Music information evening
College assembly
Celebration assembly (period 1)
Year 12 Valedictory dinner
3
Thu 23rd Oct
Year 6 Transition and Information evening
4
Wed 29th Oct
Year 12 exams commence (good luck girls!)
5
Mon 3rd Nov
Report Writing day (pupil free)
5
Tue 4th Nov
Melbourne Cup day (pupil free)
5
Fri 7th Nov
College assembly
6
Mon 10th – Fri 14th Nov
Year 11 exams (good luck girls!)
6
Wed 12th – Fri 14th Nov
Year 10 exams (good luck girls!)
6
Thu 13th – Fri 14th Nov
Year 9 exams (good luck girls!)
7
Mon 17th Nov
2015 Year 11 Orientation Day
7
Tue 18th Nov
2015 Year 12 Orientation Day
7
Wed 19th Nov
2015 Year 10 Orientation Day
7
Thu 20th & Fri 21st Nov
Examination feedback lessons
7
Thu 20th Nov
Lunchtime – Presentation evening rehearsal in the lecture theatre
7
Fri 21st Nov
2015 Year 9 Orientation day
8
Mon 24th – Fri 28th Nov
HEADSTART WEEK 1
8
Tue 25th Nov
Presentation evening – Robert Blackwood Hall (performers rehearsal day)
8
Wed 26th Nov
Late start – period 1 commences at 9.30am, followed by recess then House
assemblies
9
Mon 1st – Fri 5th Dec
HEADSTART WEEK 2
9
Fri 5th Dec
2015 Years 11 and 12 last day
9
Wed 3rd Dec
Report verification # 1– early finish (2.30pm)
9
Thu 4th Dec
Report verification # 2 – early finish (2.30pm)
10
Mon 8th – Fri 12th Dec
HEADSTART WEEK 3
10
Tue 9th Dec
2015 Year 7 Orientation day
10
Fri 12th Dec
Last day 2015 Years 8,9,10
10
Fri 12th Dec
2014 reports available online (4.30pm)
11
Mon 15th Dec
Environment week – day 1 (special program – 3pm dismissal)
11
Tue 16th Dec
Staff PD day (pupil free)
11
Wed 17th Dec
Environment week – day 1 (special program – 3pm dismissal)
11
Thu 18th Dec
Environment week – day 3 (special program – 3pm dismissal)
11
Fri 19th Dec
Staff Planning Day (pupil free)
Also, all students should be wearing full summer uniform from November 1st.
VCE Jumpers
It is now time for current Year 10 girls to place their orders for the maroon VCE jumper. Jumpers are available from
Costume World, Shop 5/1291 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham. Phone 95847006. There are some jumpers already in
stock that you are able to purchase or layby. Please note that as these jumpers are knitted to order, it is important to
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
either purchase or layby your jumper by the end of November to ensure availability for the start of the 2015 school
year. Although we do carry extra stock, any jumpers ordered after this date may not be available immediately as the
production time at the wool mill is quite lengthy. It is important for girls to try on jumpers in store for the correct sizing.
Jumpers are $88 and include the school logo embroided on the front. Minimum deposit for layby is $20.00
Costume World will be open on Sundays from 11am to 2pm for the next few weeks (and maybe permanently after
a trial period).
Mrs Carol Duggan
Assistant Principal
Senior School News
Last Days for Year 12
Next week we celebrate the final day of school at Mentone Girls’ Secondary College for the class of 2014. Tuesday
21st October will be an exciting but nostalgic day. After the last day celebrations we will all meet with parents and
teachers for the Valedictory dinner at the ‘The Bayview Eden Melbourne’, 6 Queens Rd, Melbourne.
Staff and parents can get together one last time to reminisce about the journey travelled over the last six years.
Sincere thanks to Sue Cook and Clare Selir for the organisation of these events and for the support, guidance and
encouragement they have given the Year 12s throughout the year. Thank you too to the wonderful teaching staff who
have prepared the girls so well for their final exams. Teachers will be available to support the girls right up to the time
the exam is held and we expect students will continue to seek advice as they refine and consolidate their knowledge
and understanding during their studies.
Exams
Last Monday and Tuesday, Unit 4 classes were suspended to allow Year 12 October tests to be completed. We
expect all girls will learn a lot to help them with final preparation from this experience. It has been important too to
practise timing and other aspects of exam technique.
Whilst there have already been several VCAA exams i.e. oral and performance exams, the bulk of exams will start
on Wednesday 29th October, when most students will sit the English exam. We wish our wonderful Year 12s all the best
in their exams and for the future beyond.
Many Year 11s are also completing a 3-4 exam in the coming weeks and we wish them well for this and of course,
their Unit 2 exams which begin on Monday 10th November.
Illness or extreme circumstances during exams
It is important students make every effort to attend their exams as there is no opportunity to reschedule even
through illness. For VCAA exams a Derived Exam Score can be applied for by the school, as long as there is evidence of
illness or other extreme circumstance such as a death in the family. If approved, the DES is calculated and the student is
granted whichever score is higher: her exam score or the DES. Information on DES is in your daughter’s Exam Navigator
brochure. Please ring the Senior Office 9581 5231 if you are concerned about your daughter’s health in the exam period.
Presentation Night
Many of our Year 12 parents will be planning to attend on November 25th to witness their daughter’s graduation.
Please book early online to be sure of seats to the Presentation Evening.
Senior School Team
Middle School News
At the beginning of term the Middle School team moved back its office because the new corridor for this subschool has been renovated. This should ensure that it is much easier for all of the students to feel part of a team as
our office and the rooms for many of the girls’ classes are now in close proximity to one another. It should also greatly
relieve the corridor congestion we experienced while the building works were under way. We are lucky to have this
brand new facility, which includes theatrette and some provision for open space learning.
Last Friday was the special morning tea for the quite achievers which the girls enjoyed. This is special recognition
for those students who apply themselves diligently and complete meritorious work without necessarily receiving
public accolades.
Middle School Team
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
Junior School News
Welcome back
We hope you all had a wonderful, relaxing holiday and that you are ready to tackle your last term in Year 7 with
enthusiasm and perseverance.
Mentone’s Got Talent
Year 7 form captains organised and ran the very impressive Year 7 Mentone’s Got Talent show in the last week of
Term 3. Year 7 girls and staff were treated to an amazing array of acts ranging from singers, to dancers to the whole of 7H
performing a routine in costume. The panel of judges had a difficult job making a decision, but gave the following awards:
Group performance: 7H, with runner up Molly Haringsma & Charlie Kambouris. Third place goes to Ainslee
Humphrey & Taylah Tysoe
Individual performance: Meg Walker 7F who gave a wonderful rendition of ‘Please Don’t Say you Love me’ by
Gabrielle Aplin, with runner up Vanisre Rajasegran. Third place awarded to both Inika Byford & Larissa Warren.
Year 7 Community Garden
The Year 7 Community Garden is looking fantastic. Seedlings have really grown over the holidays and we are all
looking forward to bountiful crops of vegetables.
Junior School Team
Sport
Cheerleading Success
On Sunday 21st September, the MGSC Panthers Cheerleading
team competed at the AASCF Victorian State Championships at
MSAC in Albert Park. The girls competed against 11 other Victorian
secondary school teams. Congratulations to the 18 girls who
placed 1st in their section, and also took out the Grand Champion
banner once again as the highest scoring scholastic team. The
girls performed a near flawless routine. We are looking forward to
heading to National Championships in Sydney in three weeks time.
Miss Courtney Anderson
Southern Metro Region Athletics Carnival
On Thursday 9th October we had 36 students compete in
the Southern Metro Region Athletics Carnival at Casey Fields.
Mentone Girls’ SC had five students come first in their events
as well as first place in the Under 14 Girls 4x100m relay race.
Eight students will be competing at the upcoming State
Athletics Carnival on Friday 17th October. Congratulations to all
competitors yesterday for the achievements representing the
school and themselves.
Mr Anthony Bruhn
Interschool Sport Coordinator
Science
Year 9 and 10 Physics Career Day
Learn more about where Physics can take you!
The University of Melbourne is teaming up with Scienceworks to offer a special package designed to suit Year 9
and 10 students. If you are in Year 9 and are not sure what Physics is about or in Year 10, have chosen Physics to study
next year and want a head start, this program is for you. See http://museumvictoria.com.au/scienceworks/education/
education-programs/year-9-and-10-physics-career-day/
Ms Louise Rieniets
Science Domain Leader
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
Victorian Space Science Education Centre’s Program
From the 22nd to 26th September we attended the Victorian Space Science
Education Centre’s program where we were able to gain a better understanding of
modern science concepts and discoveries. We took part in many experiments both at
VSSEC and at Melbourne’s leading universities, experiments included making ferrofluid
and carrying out recombinant DNA experiments with E coli. We were also able to handle
extremely rare meteorites, experience the amazing Monash 3D visualisation room and
complete mission to mars along with many other things. Overall, the program was a great
experience and we enjoyed it.
Evie Tripp & Ella Hardam-Hill, Year 10
Food Technology
On Wednesday 17th September, the Year 11 Food Technology
class went on an excursion to General Mills. General Mills is a
company that produces Latina Fresh, Yoplait, Betty Crocker etc. In
particular this excursion involved us visiting the Latina Fresh factory.
We were able to view the production line and steps involved in the
making of the Latina Fresh products (pasta, sauce and ready meals)
from start to finish, involving the design process of all products. This
excursion enlightened our knowledge on the process of designing
products and the production line, enabling us to see the information
we have learnt in class on a commercial scale. This was a great
experience and no one in the class had ever experienced the making
of such a well-known brand on such a large scale. We would like to
thank all of people involved for making the experience possible.
Ms Lizzy Ingold
Food Technology Teacher
Maths @ MGSC
ICAS Maths Competition
Earlier this year we had 367 students sit the ICAS Maths Competition from our Year 7-10 classes. Our students
performed impressively with three High Distinctions, 14 Distinctions, 62 Credits and 39 Merits being awarded. Detailed
student reports are currently being distributed to every participating student, along with related certificates.
The following students who obtained High Distinctions and Distinctions will receive their certificates during our
College Assembly on Friday 7th November:
High Distinctions
Distinctions
Year 7
Harhini Sundaram
Year 8
Sheena Hodgens
Year 9
Lucia Pugh
Kisarna Berntsen
Gabriella Hall
Zoe Day
Natalie Hooper
Zoe Cunningham
Mariam Succar
Khushi Patil
Kristine Sohn
Kimiko Rathbone
Hanna Kostenetsky
Sheerin Mattoo
Jasmin Huntington
Ramya Tata
Charlotte Hockey
We congratulate the students who were involved in this important activity which is a great way to challenge
themselves and practise exam style test conditions.
Only One Term to Go
Our Year 12 Maths students are within two weeks of their first exams. We wish them all the best and encourage
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
them to spend the remaining few days on constructive revision with a clear focus on completing practise exams. Other
students from Years 9-11 will have their own exams. Similarly, they need to be well progressed in their revision and
related preparations.
Less than 45 school days until the end of the year, so do your best and remember... “Maths makes a real difference.”
Maths Domain Team
English
Second Hand Book Sale
The English Domain raised $200 from our second hand book sale during Literacy Week last term. The money was
donated to the Aboriginal Literacy Foundation. Thank you to Nola Rees and all the staff who donated or bought books,
including Ms Carol Duggan, Ms Shelly Hatch, Ms Bronwyn Moline and Ms Anne Gamble.
Mr Amedeo Astorino
Year 9 Student Manager
‘ROUND THE BAY IN A DAY’
FREE STUDENT EXCHANGE
FUNDRAISING RIDE FOR DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN
INFORMATION EVENING
This Sunday 19th October, whilst you are hopefully enjoying a restful
spring morning, I will be participating in the 2014 Bupa ‘Around The
Bay’ bike ride – a 250km circuit of Port Phillip Bay, starting at 5.30am!
IN MELBOURNE
All sponsorship funds raised from the ride will help The Smith Family
to continue their work supporting the education of disadvantaged
Australian children.
If you would like to support this fundraiser, simply click on the link
below to view my fundraising page and make a donation:
6
Hear from returned students,
find out more about
discounts and scholarships
available and ask questions.
Thursday, 23rd October - 7.30pm
Radisson on Flagstaff Gardens
http://aroundthebayfundraising.com.au/?JonathanHall
380 William Street
It will only take a few minutes and a tax deductible receipt will be
emailed to you immediately!
Visit www.studentexchange.org.
au
Thanks for your support.
Mr Jonathan Hall, Director of eLearning
or call 1300 135 331 for more
information
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
Mentone Girls’
Secondary College
Wednesday 15 October
7.00pm – 9.00pm
VCE Centre
Enter from Charman Road
Finger food and beverages $10.00 per person at the door
All profits are used to assist disadvantaged students
Catch up with others from your year (1999)
Mentone Girls’
Secondary College
Wednesday 15 October
7.00pm – 9.00pm
VCE Centre
Enter from Charman Road
Finger food and beverages $10.00 per person at the door
All profits are used to assist disadvantaged students
Catch up with others from your year (1994)
Put the date in your diary now and join in!
Put the date in your diary now and join in!
*If you are not coming please keep in touch by looking up our website /FB page
via MGSC website -Past Students Association.
And please pass this invitation on to others as our 1999 data base
addresses may not be current for others in your year
*If you are not coming please keep in touch by looking up our website /FB page
via MGSC website -Past Students Association.
And please pass this invitation on to others as our 1999 data base
addresses may not be current for others in your year
RSVP: ( for catering )
By Email - Maureen: moznmanny@optusnet.com
or Ring/SMS - Maureen 0403 17 4976
All future info on Past Students Association will be on school website/PSA Facebook page
RSVP: ( for catering )
By Email - Maureen: moznmanny@optusnet.com
or Ring/SMS - Maureen 0403 17 4976
All future info on Past Students Association will be on school website/PSA Facebook page
Black Rock Primary
School Fête
Sat 25th Oct – 10am to 4pm
Via Cheltenham Rd, Black Rock
www.blackrockps.vic.edu.au
Help us create a
New World Record
on behalf of
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
KEY DATES | OCTOBER 2014
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
1
2
3
SATURDAY SUNDAY
4
5
Gold Week
MONDAY
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16 NEWSLETTER #16 17
18
19
25
26
Gold Week
Blue Week
6
Blue Week
20
College Assembly
21
Yr 12 Celebration Assembly
(P1)
22
Annual Finance Budget
meeting
Grade 6 Music Information
Evening # 2
Yr 8 incursion
23
24
Yr 6 Transition and
Information evening
Yr 9 Incursion (period 1)
Valedictory Dinner
Cheerleading
Competitions;
Sydney
Gold Week
Year 11 Theatre Studies Performances
8
27
28
9OED Kayaking Excursion
(P3&4)
29
30 NEWSLETTER #17 31
COLLEGE COUNCIL
Yr 12 Exams
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014
KEY DATES | NOVEMBER 2014
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
Blue Week
Gold Week
MONDAY
SATURDAY SUNDAY
1
2
Cheerleading competition;
Wantirna
3
REPORT WRITING DAY
(pupil free)
4
MELBOURNE CUP DAY
(public holiday)
5
6
7
8
9
15
16
21
22
23
27 NEWSLETTER #19 28
29
30
College Assembly
Yr 12 Exams
Gold Week
10
11
12
7.30pm Jazz Band Dizzy’s
Jazz club performance
Presentation evening
AWARDEES rehearsal
(lunchtime); Lecture Theatre
13 NEWSLETTER #18 14
Year 9 Exams
Year 10 Exams
Year 11 Exams
Yr 12 Exams
Blue Week
17
18
19
9OED Surfing excursion;
2015 Year 10 Orientation day 2015 Yr 11 Orientation day
Smiths Beach, Phillip Island
Middle School Planning day
Senior School Planning day
Yr 7 & 8 Band Evening
Year 9 Exams
Year 10 Exams
20
2015 Year 12 Orientation day 2015 Year 9 Orientation/
Medieval day
Peer Support Training Day
Exam feedback lessons
Year 11 Exams
Yr 12 Exams
Gold Week
24
25
Presentation evening
performers rehearsal day
8pm Presentation Evening;
Robert Blackwood Hall
26
LATE START 9.30am period 1
followed by House meetings
HEADSTART WEEK 1
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 16 | 16 October 2014