NEWSLETTER EDITION 3
16 MARCH 2017
http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/newsletters
Dear Parents/Guardians,
The Senior Girls’ Leadership Team and our Director of
Student Leadership, Tiffany Peach, joined me at Queens
Hall in Parliament House to celebrate International
Women’s Day on Monday 6th March. Schools within the
Alliance of Girls’ School network are invited each year to
a breakfast where we listen to inspiring female speakers.
This year the speaker was Maya Narayan who has
recently been appointed to the position of Associate in the Federal Court of Australia.
Back at MGSC we had a jam-packed IWD assembly. Student leaders from all year levels
received badges, certificates and acknowledgement for taking up positions of responsibility.
Ms Domenica Poci-Kocsis represented Senator Mark Dreyfuss and presented certificates
of recognition to our College Leaders: Rachel Butler, Tara Graves, Sally Walker and Taylor
Dawson. We were also delighted to have an alumnus, Elizabeth Abegg, a successful
business woman who heads up the Australian fashion label Spell & The Gypsy Collective
with her sister Isabella Pennefather. There was also an introduction to the Hasse Space
School program which is offered through the Alliance of Girls’ School. The Alliance has
partnered with iVicon, the exclusive Australasian partner for HASSE Space School, to offer
Alliance members a fantastic opportunity to visit NASA and explore the world of STEM
This life-changing experience is available to girls attending Alliance schools. As part of our
partnership, the Alliance has organised a combined-schools expedition in 2017 for member
schools in NSW, ACT, Victoria, Queensland and WA. Monika Lowe, our STEAM leader, is
the contact person at MGSC for students should they be interested. Further details can be
found at https://www.agsa.org.au/event/hasse-international-study-program-nasa/
Painting of the Performing Arts building has commenced and further works are planned
following the completion of this building. You will also notice that we are undertaking
a significant amount of pruning and planting at the moment.
We have recently appointed a new canteen operator, Bocca. Bocca has an excellent
reputation in the canteen industry and will take over the management of the canteen
from the beginning of Term 2. The menu selection is appetising and we look forward
to them joining our school community. Bocca are currently hiring staff to work in the
canteen and invite parents or other interested parties to make contact with them.
Please see the advertisement in this newsletter for contact details.
In This
Edition...
College
Matters
ISP & ELC
eLearning
PFA
Senior School
Middle School
Junior School
Swimming
House Music
Conductor’s
Workshop
Media
English
Maths
Digital
Programming
& Design
Parenting
Ideas
Linda Brown
Principal
Key Dates
Cnr Balcombe & Charman Roads (PO Box 52), Mentone VIC 3194 | (03) 9581 5200
[email protected] | http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/
College Matters
School Photos
Monday 20th March is school photo day. Order envelopes have been distributed to students and an email sent to parents/
guardians with the ordering instructions. Any student who has not received or has misplaced their order envelope
should go to the office to collect one. Families who would like the photographers to take a family photo should send
one of the siblings to the office to collect a family sibling photograph order form. Any queries regarding the ordering
and payment process should be directed to Aussie School Photos at [email protected] or 9707 6655.
All students are required to be in full summer uniform for their photos, including the school blazer. Students in Year 7
and 8 who would normally come to school in PE uniform on this day MUST wear their summer uniform to school and
change into PE uniform for the appropriate class.
Interim Reports and Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
The Parent Portal will be opened for parents to access Interim Reports on Thursday 16th March at 3.30pm. Parents with
daughters studying a Unit 3/4 subject will be able to book P/T/S Interviews from this time. Interviews with teachers
for all other students will be able to be booked from Friday 17th March at 3.30pm. P/T/S Interviews will be held on
Thursday 23rd March from 1.30pm to 5pm and 6pm to 8pm. There are NO formal classes on this day as students are
expected to attend the interviews with their parent/guardian. The interim reports will only be available for parents by
accessing the Parent Portal. Hard copies are no longer provided. Parents are encouraged to save reports electronically
on personal IT devices. Parents who have difficulty accessing the Parent Portal (eg. forgotten password) should contact
the IT Helpdesk via [email protected]
David Russell
Assistant Principal
International Student Program & ELC News
On Wednesday, Rita Ye was part of the International Student welcome event held at Government House in Melbourne.
There was a morning tea and the opportunity to meet students and staff from other schools, and to thank the Governor
of Victoria for welcoming us.
We would like to remind any students who are international and travelling overseas during the April holidays to ensure
they have returned their Travel Plan paperwork.
Thank you to all who participated and supported the filming of the video of the International Student Program and our
College. There are still some overdue permission forms to be returned to me.
Ekaterina Xanthopoulos
ISP/ELC Manager
Homestay Hosts Needed
Our International Student Program is looking for families in Mentone, Beaumaris, Parkdale and Cheltenham to host
International Students. The students are from China, female and between 14 and 17 years of age. The students’ family
pays a weekly fee to host families to cover costs. If you and your family are interested in learning about another
culture and enjoy sharing our Australian way of life with others, please contact Doanvy Roberts, International Student
Coordinator on 0419 334 305 or email [email protected]
Doanvy Roberts
International Student Coordinator
eLearning & ICT
Students use a wide range of online resources in their studies, including those that were listed in the booklist at each
year level. As these resources form a key part of the curriculum, it is essential that students are able to easily access
them. A small number of students are yet to purchase the subscriptions for JacPlus LearnOn, which is used for core
texts across the curriculum, and Education Perfect, which is used for skill development in Science and Languages.
Students who do not have these resources are missing out on significant aspects of their course work. Details of the
subscriptions are in the booklist and also on the College website at http://mgsc.vic.edu.au/curriculum/booklists/ If you
are experiencing difficulties purchasing these resources, please contact the College.
Jonathan Hall
Director of eLearning
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
PFA (Parents and Friends Association)
It was great to see so many new faces at the first PFA meeting on Tuesday 7th March. We discussed a number of new
initiatives for 2017; stay tuned to the newsletter and Compass for further details. We thanked the outgoing President,
Marina Lehmstedt, and outgoing Treasurer, Leigh Gower, for their hard work and dedicated commitment to the PFA
over many years and welcomed new members who stepped up to these roles. The committee for 2017 comprises:
• President: Jo Baxas
• Vice President: Emma Walker
• Secretary: Linda McIntyre
• Treasurer: Dee Fraser-Finnegan
Meeting dates are as follows:
• Tuesday 18th April
• Tuesday 27th June
• Tuesday 12th September
• Tuesday 5th December (PFA end of year dinner)
Meetings start at 7.30pm and are held in the staffroom (near the General Office). All parents are welcome to attend.
The Second-hand Uniform Shop remains a high priority for the PFA. It is open 2.45-3.45 on Tuesdays and 8.15-9.15 on
Wednesdays. If you are able to assist, please phone Donna on 0421 782 123.
Bronwyn Moline
Assistant Principal
Senior School News
There are just over two weeks left of Term 1. We are aware of the pressures of upcoming SACs on students. It is important
they take good care of themselves. Students should ensure they have a balance of social and work commitments, and
include exercise and fresh air in their daily plans. Some students have opted to come to school for a yoga class every
Thursday before school. Continuing this activity next term will depend on student participation. Ms Holman and Ms
Chris have offered to run a walking group on Wednesday mornings and we hope students will take advantage of this.
The Year 12 hoodie design has been chosen and payments are being finalised. We would like to receive these as early
as possible as hoodies cannot be manufactured until all orders are finalised. We would like to remind Year 12 students
that until the day they are allowed to wear the hoodie they must wear the uniform well. This includes carrying a school
bag. Handbags are not acceptable and the continual use of these will jeopardise the early distribution of the hoodie.
Fun and games are on the agenda. The Year 7 and 12 Fancy Dress rehearsals are in full swing. Choreography and
coaching has begun. The Athletics Carnival is the last time the students can come to school in their house colours and
fabulous costumes. We are hoping for 100% attendance!
Senior School Team
Middle School News
We were excited to welcome the new students to the Middle School with a
lunch last week. The Middle School leaders also joined in the fun to welcome
these students to our school.
Year 10 Work Experience is just around the corner and we hope the girls are
organised with their placement. This includes working out their travel route
and schedule for their time at their work placement. All students should have
completed two workplace modules electronically at school or home by now.
Year 9 and 10 students participated in a session on social media and
cyberbullying delivered by Victoria Police. The focus on the session was
about using technology safely and respectfully. We always encourage our students to think
before they post and consider their digital footprint.
To celebrate their first term in Middle School we are holding a BBQ lunch for all Year 9 students
on Monday 27th March. It’s been a great start to the year and we would like to congratulate
the Year 9s on their hard work. The BBQ is also an opportunity to socialise with the Year 9
teachers and student leaders.
Middle School Team
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
Junior School News
Year 7 Camp
Congratulations to all Year 7 girls for their exemplary behaviour and positive attitude on camp two weeks ago. They
joined in all of the activities with great enthusiasm and were happy to do their share of the jobs. A huge thank you to
Mrs Petra Witt and Ms Cat Jones for their organisation of the camp. A huge thank you is also extended to all of the staff
who attended. It is a big sacrifice for staff to attend, as they leave their families, prepare classes which will be missed
and then are on duty caring for your daughters. Thank you to the families who took the time to thank our staff.
Year 8 Camp
Year 8 girls are going to The Summit Camp in Trafalgar East in May. 8ABCD are going from Monday 8th to Wednesday
10th May and 8EFGH are going from Wednesday 10th to Friday 12th May. All of the girls have watched a video about
the camp and its exciting activities and have been given information to take home. The medical forms needed to be
submitted as soon as possible so if you haven’t done so, please give them to your daughter to hand in. If you would like
to watch the video please go to www.thesummit.net.au
Year 8 Study Skills Seminar
Year 8 girls recently attended a session run by Elevate Education on how to study effectively. These skills will stand
them in good stead for their high school career and we encourage the girls to practise them so that they become more
effective learners. Ask your daughter what she learned and how she is using those skills. We will be running an evening
session for Year 8 parents on Study Skills early in Term 2 so that you are able to help your daughter and encourage her
to use those skills.
Year 7 & 8 Interschool Sport
Both year levels are busy at the moment trying out for the interschool sporting teams of Volleyball, Tennis, Cricket
and Softball. It is great to see so many girls have a go at these sports. Year 8 teams will be playing on Wednesday 15th
March and Year 7 teams will be playing on Tuesday 21st March.
Year 7 & 12 Fancy Dress
Year 7s are also busy working with the Year 12s on their dance routine which will be presented to the Year 7 & 12 cohort
on Friday 24th March at the Year 7 & 12 Fancy Dress. The theme is ‘Dance through the Decades’ and House points will
be awarded to the winning team.
Peer Support
Year 7 girls are meeting in small groups once a week for half a period with some Year 10 girls who have been trained as
Peer Support Leaders. The aim is for the Year 7s to meet girls from other Year 7 classes and also to get to know some
older girls who could provide support and friendship if necessary. The groups play different games and have discussions
about different topics relevant to Year 7 girls.
Junior School Team
Swimming Carnival
On Wednesday 7th March the Mentone Girls’ SC swim team competed at the
Beachside districts Swimming Carnival in Oakleigh. The Beachside districts
comprise of MGSC, Cheltenham SC, Mac.Robertson Girls’, Elwood College, Glen
Eira College and Albert Park College.
MGSC had 20 students compete in the carnival with 21 first place finishes, 19
second place finishes and 3 third places out of a total of 44 events. An incredible
performance by our swimmers to be so consistent across multiple events on a
very warm day. An incredible performance on the day was Year 9 student Cara
Jenkins who competed in 5 individual events, won all 5 and set 5 Beachside records. Cara won the Under 15 age group
champion, as did Year 8 student Megan Kain who won the Under 14 age group champion – well done Cara and Megan.
We also had Year 12 student, Bella Hall, compete in her last Swimming Carnival – congratulations to Bella on all the
carnivals she has represented MGSC at.
MGSC won the Juniors Girls, Intermediate Girls, Senior Girls and Overall Girls aggregates. We will have 17 students
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
representing the Beachside district at the Southern Metro Regional carnival on
Visit www.
Wednesday 29th March. Congratulations to all the swimmers on the day and good
mgscsports.weebly.com for
luck at Regional. Go Mentone!
more sport news!
Anthony Bruhn
Carnivals Coordinator
House Music Conductors’ Workshop
We were very lucky to have Tim Smith, our House Music adjudicator, come to
our school to deliver a two hour conducting workshop to our choral conductors,
House Captains, House Music Captains and other interested students. Tim, who
himself grew up in Mentone, is one of the big names in professional musical
theatre circles. Amongst many other things, he was the musical director of the
Australian tour of Mamma Mia, assistant musical director for Billy Elliot and the
vocal coach for the Australia and China tour of The Lion King. Tim worked with
the students on musical direction, giving them advice to get the best out of their
musical ensembles, conducting technique and rehearsal techniques. The students will find this knowledge invaluable
as they are going to be conducting groups of up to 300 students for House Music. The House Music Competition is
taking place on Thursday 25th May, featuring the whole school singing the set song, House chant and sections of their
House’s own choice songs, whilst each House also presents a feature choir, an instrumental ensemble and a soloist.
Tim Veevers
Director of Performing Arts
Media
A very excited and proud Media teacher indeed with two Year 12 Media students, Neha Shenvi
and Shanon McKenzie chosen out of 306 film entries to be two of the 14 films screened this
year at the Season of Excellence, showcasing the best of VCE Media work across Victoria.
At the opening night, Neha spoke at the filmmakers forum where she and three others recalled
the filmmaking process. On the 29th March Shanon will be speaking at the filmmakers ‘How
did they do it?’ forum after the film screening where the MGSC VCE Media classes will be in
attendance.
This week will mark the opening night of Top Designs at the Melbourne Museum which
showcases Media work from films and photography to print and convergent work. It is free
and runs through to April at the Melbourne Museum.
Lisa Blumenstein
VCE/ Middle School Media Teacher
English
The English Domain leaders for 2017 are Alexandra Webb and Christina Copeland who are both in Year 10. Christina
was also a leader in 2016. Both girls will be working with the English Domain to assist with events and activities. This
year we honour Jane Austen as 2017 is the two hundred year anniversary of her death. Christina and Alex will help
celebrate this at Open Night. A competition will be conducted in conjunction with this. They will also manage the
English noticeboard and Christina has talked about plans to revamp this.
Anne Gamble
English Domain Leader
Maths @ MGSC
Online Testing
It is extremely important that we have a comprehensive program to assess our students for their learning. As part of
this program, MGSC Maths students are currently undertaking a range of adaptive testing using the OnDemand online
package. Students are also using this as an opportunity to refine their testing techniques, while teachers interpret
the results and adjust their teaching plans to account for individual student needs. This leads to improved learning
outcomes for students, backed up by quantitative data and trend analysis.
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
Celebrating Pi
Our Maths Student Domain Leaders prepared an
action packed program to celebrate International
Pi Day on Tuesday 14th March. 3.14159265... is a
significant number and the events emphasised its
importance in a fun and interesting way.
And remember... “Maths makes a real difference.”
Maths Curriculum Area Team
Digital Programming & Design
Robots‽
On
Monday
6th
March,
Sam Kingsley
from Brainary
visited the first
Year 10 Digital
Programming
and
Design
class of Mentone Girls’ Secondary College to show
us the future of technology with robots.
Mr Kingsley bought along a NAO robot to show
us, which is coincidentally called Nao (pronounced
‘now’). We spent an hour watching, laughing in awe
and learning. Mr Kingsley showed us how to code
the robot to do a simple action or have a simple
conversation.
Brainary is a company that sells products like NAO,
which is a humanoid robot for education, healthcare
and research. These cost about $13,000 each, but are
widely equipped to perform many different actions,
like dancing, picking itself up if it falls, talking or
having a conversation, and face recognition if coded
correctly.
Unfortunately these NAO robots are only available
for educational services, and not for the public to
buy at the moment. But this technology is continually
improving and will one day be available to do day to
day activities.
Overall, it was a great experience to see and interact
with such complex and amazing technology. Maybe
one day, MGSC could buy a NAO robot and we could
learn about this technology in more detail.
Sarah Besley 10C
ADVERTISEMENT
Canteen Operator – Bocca Foods
Hiring: canteen staff
Location: Mentone Girls’ Secondary College
Hours: school hours/not during holidays
Contact Michael on: 0422 621 899
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What rules should you have around digital devices?
By Michael Grose
Young people’s digital technology needs to be managed
and monitored by parents. That means we need to have
some rules and guidelines in place.
Young people’s digital technology use needs to be
managed and monitored by parents. That means having
some rules and guidelines in place. Every family makes up
their own rules to suit their circumstances but here are
some suggestions that will help you put some order into
the digital devices that come into your home.
1. Know what the rules and expectations are at school
This a great starting point for families. Every school is
different – some allow mobile phones to be kept in student
lockers or backpacks, while others allow limited mobile
phone usage in-between classes or even during class
time to aid with assignments. Make sure that you and
your child know what the rules are at school. Importantly,
support the school and align your expectations with those
of the school.
2. Specify hours for digital use
Determine the time your young person can start using
tablets and mobile phones and when they need to be shut
down at night. It’s smart management for the whole family
to work within those guidelines so it becomes the way
you do things in your family. This age group is incredibly
susceptible to being pressured by peers to be online
24/7 that I suspect there’ll be some young people who
appreciate an acceptable out from their digital device.
3. Consider a digital device contract
Mobile phone “contracts” were popular with parents a
few years back and I still think they are a smart way to
go. Set out your tablet and digital phone usage guidelines,
and print them an agreement that you and your young
person can both sign. If there are any disputes, then you
both have the expectations in writing. This notion maybe
a little formal for many people’s tastes but it removes the
grey areas around expectations that many young people
are likely to exploit.
4. Lay out consequences from the start
Put known consequences in place if these usage rules are
broken such as removal of the tablet or phone for a short
time. These should be reasonable rather than excessive
and include some input from your young person, which
should make it more likely to cop should they need to be
implemented.
5. Talk about respectful relationships, safety and
pornography
You can’t let your young person loose on digital technology
without having multiple conversations about keeping safe,
respectful behaviour and pornography. Each of these
topics is a separate issue on its own but each is impacted
by the virtual, boundary-free nature of digital technology
with massive ramifications for the quality young people’s
relationships and well-being.
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS
For sale through Mentone Girls’ Secondary
College. $70 each.
Purchase is done online, link below –the book
will then be sent to me at the school.
I will call once delivery has been made.
https://www.entertainmentbook.com.au/
orderbooks/183p759
Last year 72 girls from eight schools across Victoria
participated in a combined all girls expedition to
NASA in the USA. I am pleased to announce that
Mentone Girls’ SC will this year be participating in
this expedition to attend the HASSE International
Study Program. Specially tailored to develop
leaders of the next generation, the program is an
immersive experience that empowers students to
set goals, and to follow their dreams by applying
what they learnt throughout their life.
The aim is to send groups of both Junior and
Senior students:
The HASSE Junior space school program: Astronaut
Training is for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 and is
scheduled for December 2017.
The HASSE Senior space school program: MBA for
Youth is for students who will be in Years 10, 11
and 12 and will depart in December 2017.
I firmly believe the program aids in the development
and success of our girls in terms of career prospects
and the ability to deal with real-life situations. One
of the real benefits and added advantages of an
Alliance expedition is the opportunity for girls to
build friendships and connections with like-minded
girls from a variety of different schools.
An information night will be held on Wednesday
22nd March at Prudence Lewty Hall, Mentone
Girls Grammar, Mentone. Simply click on
this link and register your attendance at
http://www.ivicon.com.au/vic-alliance-eventslisting. RSVP is essential as we will be providing all
attendees with an information pack on the program.
The Alliance of Girls’ Schools Australasia has
generously made available one fully funded
scholarship place in both the junior and senior
programs, for families who may otherwise
be unable to afford the program cost. Please
visit
https://www.agsa.org.au/event/hasseinternational-study-program-nasa/ to read the full
eligibility criteria and download the scholarship
application form.
7
Volunteer Host Families Needed!
Invite a world of wonder into your home Share your lifestyle Make
lifelong connections Enrich your family Rediscover your backyard
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose my student?
YES! WEP’s wonderful host families are all volunteers so, of course, you
get to select the student that you think will Þt in best with your family.
Ines 18 Belgium
Hi from Belgium! I’m the
youngest of four and I’m
easygoing and optimistic. I
am also active and enjoy
swimming and running. My
experience as a scout leader
have made me adaptable. I’m
looking forward to making
memories with my host family.
More proÞles on the WEP website
Where does the student attend school?
You tell us which school would suit your family best and we work with that
school to arrange enrolment. Students will attend school full-time.
What do I need to provide?
First and foremost a welcoming environment, meals and a room (shared
or otherwise). Students have their own spending money and insurance. In
return, your family will make friendships and memories for life.
What are the hosting periods?
You can choose between July 2017 - December 2017 or July 2017-June
2018.
“It has been such a rewarding opportunity that allowed us to experience an
entirely different culture, and explore the wonderful diversity that the world
holds. We have created an incredible bond and cultivated an unforgettable
friendship.” Bardwell Family.
Find out more now - request a free info pack at
1300 884 733
wep.org.au
[email protected]
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
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MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
KEY DATES | MARCH 2017
TUESDAY
Gold Week
MONDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
3
SATURDAY SUNDAY
4
5
10
11
12
17
18
19
Athletics Carnival; Dolamore
Oval
3.30pm P/T/S interview
booking open for Unit 3
students
3.30pm P/T/S interview
booking open for all
students
Yr 7 Immunisations
2017 Student Leaders
Afternoon tea (P4)
23
24
25
26
1
2
7
8
9
13
14
15
16
Gold Week
Blue Week
6
NEWSLETTER #2
FRIDAY
Labour Day Public Holiday
Blue Week
20
Yr 8-12 Student Photo Day
Gold Week
27
9
Cultural Diversity Day
21
22
Unit 3 Bus Man excursion (P1
& 2); Yakult
Yr 7 Summer Round Robin
7.30pm College Council
Athletics Carnival back-up day
Yr 11 & 12 Vis Com excursion;
Melbourne Museum
28
29
9OE Stand up Paddle (lunch & Yr 11 & 12 Music Performance
excursion
P4); Sandringham
11.45am - 3.15pm 9OE
Kayaking; Sandringham
NEWSLETTER #3
1.30-8pm P/T/S Interviews
Yr 12 Textiles Top Designs
Yr 11 Environmental
Science; Werribee Sewerage
Plant
Yr 7 & 12 Fancy Dress
Competition (P4)
Unit 3 Outdoor Education Camp
30
NEWSLETTER #4
9am College Tour
6pm Yr 9 My Migrant Expo
SMR Swimming and Diving
Yr 11 & 12 Media Excursion; Melb
Museum & ACMI
French Study Tour
French Study Tour
31
Yr 11 & 12 Art excursion;
NGV
Last day of Term 1
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017
KEY DATES | APRIL 2017
Gold Week
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
1
Remember:
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS
SUNDAY
2
French Study Tour
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
4
5
Blue Week
3
6
7
8
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
28
29
30
French Study Tour
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
11
12
13
Gold Week
10
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
17
18
19
20
25
26
27
Blue Week
First day of Term 2
8.30am - 3.15pm 9OE Mountain
bike riding; Lysterfield Park
Yr 11 Incursion P4
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Gold Week
24
10 College assembly - ANZAC
ANZAC Day Holiday (pupil
free)
NEWSLETTER #5
STAFF PD DAY (Pupil free)
VCE Ball; Brighton
International
MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTER
Edition 3 | 16 March 2017