NEWSLETTER EDITION 3

Cnr Balcombe & Charman Roads (PO Box 52), Mentone VIC 3194 | (03) 9581 5200 mentone.girls.sc@edumail.vic.gov.au | http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/

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.

Linda BrownPrincipal

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

Key Dates

NEWSLETTER 16 MARCH 2017

http://www.mgsc.vic.edu.au/newsletters

2 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

College MattersSchool PhotosMonday 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 enquiries@aussieschoolphoto.com 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 InterviewsThe 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 portal@mgsc.vic.edu.au

David RussellAssistant Principal

International Student Program & ELC NewsOn 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 NeededOur 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 roberts.doanvy.n@edumail.vic.gov.au

Doanvy RobertsInternational Student Coordinator

eLearning & ICTStudents 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 HallDirector of eLearning

3 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 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-FinneganMeeting 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 MolineAssistant Principal

Senior School NewsThere 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 NewsWe 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

4 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

Junior School NewsYear 7 CampCongratulations 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 CampYear 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 SeminarYear 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 SportBoth 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 DressYear 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 SupportYear 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 CarnivalOn 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

5 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

representing the Beachside district at the Southern Metro Regional carnival on Wednesday 29th March. Congratulations to all the swimmers on the day and good luck at Regional. Go Mentone!

Anthony BruhnCarnivals Coordinator

House Music Conductors’ WorkshopWe 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 VeeversDirector of Performing Arts

MediaA 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 BlumensteinVCE/ Middle School Media Teacher

EnglishThe 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 GambleEnglish Domain Leader

Maths @ MGSCOnline TestingIt 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.

Visit www.mgscsports.weebly.com for

more sport news!

6 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 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

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 useDetermine 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 contractMobile 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 startPut 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 pornographyYou 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.

ADVERTISEMENTCanteen Operator – Bocca Foods

Hiring: canteen staffLocation: Mentone Girls’ Secondary College

Hours: school hours/not during holidaysContact Michael on: 0422 621 899

7 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

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.

Invite a world of wonder into your home Share your lifestyle Make lifelong connections Enrich your family Rediscover your backyard

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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

“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

More proÞles on the WEP website

Volunteer Host Families Needed!

1300 884 733 wep.org.au info@wep.org.au

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-events-listing. 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/hasse-international-study-program-nasa/ to read the full eligibility criteria and download the scholarship application form.

8 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

KEY DATES | MARCH 2017 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Gold

Wee

k 1 2 NEWSLETTER #2 3 4 5

Blue

Wee

k

6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Gold

Wee

k

13 Labour Day Public Holiday

14 15 16 NEWSLETTER #3Athletics Carnival; Dolamore Oval3.30pm P/T/S interview booking open for Unit 3 students

173.30pm P/T/S interview booking open for all studentsYr 7 Immunisations2017 Student Leaders Afternoon tea (P4)

18 19

Blue

Wee

k

20Yr 8-12 Student Photo Day

21 9OE Stand up Paddle (lunch & P4); SandringhamUnit 3 Bus Man excursion (P1 & 2); YakultYr 7 Summer Round Robin7.30pm College Council

22Yr 11 & 12 Music Performance excursionAthletics Carnival back-up dayYr 11 & 12 Vis Com excursion; Melbourne Museum

231.30-8pm P/T/S InterviewsYr 12 Textiles Top Designs

24Yr 11 Environmental Science; Werribee Sewerage PlantYr 7 & 12 Fancy Dress Competition (P4)

25 26

Gold

Wee

k

27Cultural Diversity Day

28 11.45am - 3.15pm 9OE Kayaking; Sandringham

299am College TourSMR Swimming and DivingYr 11 & 12 Media Excursion; Melb Museum & ACMI

30 NEWSLETTER #46pm Yr 9 My Migrant Expo

31Yr 11 & 12 Art excursion; NGVLast day of Term 1

9 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

French Study Tour

Unit 3 Outdoor Education Camp French Study Tour

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

KEY DATES | APRIL 2017 MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

Gold

Wee

k 1 2

Blue

Wee

k

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Gold

Wee

k

10 11 12 13 14 15 16

Blue

Wee

k

17 18 First day of Term 2

198.30am - 3.15pm 9OE Mountain bike riding; Lysterfield Park

20 21Yr 11 Incursion P4

22 23

Gold

Wee

k

24College assembly - ANZAC

25 ANZAC Day Holiday (pupil free)

26 27 NEWSLETTER #5 28STAFF PD DAY (Pupil free)VCE Ball; Brighton International

29 30

10 MENTONE GIRLS’ SC NEWSLETTEREdition 3 | 16 March 2017

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

French Study Tour

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

French Study Tour

Remember: SCHOOL ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS