7 January 2016

Dear MLC School Community

I wish to advise that Mrs Denice Scala has decided to resign from her position as Principal. An Interim Principal has been appointed for 2016 whilst we undertake an international search for a more permanent replacement.

It has always been her mission to educate girls and young women to be fearless thinkers with moral courage and compassion to be agents of change in their own lives and in the lives of others. The foundations that have been built during Mrs Scala’s term as Principal are an investment in the future of MLC School’s students and staff and include:

1. Development of New Horizons, the School’s Strategic Design;

2. Strongly growing enrolments;

3. Architectural redesign of the Senior School campus

4. Introduction of Chinese Mandarin across the School;

5. Appointment of a full-time archivist who is bringing the School’s rich history to life;

6. Enhanced and growing dance programs;

7. Continued enviable academic results;

8. Continuing implementation of the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program;

9. Continuing rollout of Educator Impact;

10. Enhanced pastoral care structures for students with Heads of Year positions for staff looking after girls in Year 7-12;

11. Opening of two STEAM Labs, one in the Junior and one in the Senior School with a myriad of programs for girls; and

12. The global service learning program which has delivered a world of benefit to Year 10 students in Chaing Mai, Thailand.

The social media campaign over the past few months has been particularly hurtful to Mrs Scala and also the staff continuing to serve at MLC School and was based on a considerable amount of misinformation.

Mrs Louise Robert-Smith has been appointed as Interim Principal for 2016. Mrs Robert-Smith has extensive experience in leading school communities, having previously been Principal of North Sydney Girls High School and Ascham School. We are fortunate to have Mrs Robert-Smith's experience at MLC during this period.

Mrs Robert-Smith will commence in the role of Principal on 21 January 2016. Mr Paul Brown, Deputy Principal and Head of Senior School will act as Principal for the period 12 - 20 January 2016.

An international search for a Principal for 2017 and beyond will begin early in the new year, and the Council has confidence that MLC School will attract the highest calibre of applicants from around the globe.

The School Council asks that all members of the School community warmly support Mrs Robert-Smith.

The School Council would like to thank Mrs Scala for her commitment to MLC School over the time she has been with us. Mrs Scala also wanted to convey her gratitude to staff, express how much she values her time spent with students and wish everyone happiness and ongoing success.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Pauline Johnston Chairman