MCSS Newsletter Dec 2015 - Melba Copland Secondary School

High School Campus Enquiries: Conley Drive,
Melba ACT 2615,
Ph: +61 2 6142 0333
Fax: +61 2 6142 0343
Email: melbacss@mcss.act.edu.au
College Campus Enquiries: Copland Drive,
Melba ACT 2615,
Ph: +61 2 6142 0300
Fax: +61 2 6142 0315
NEWSLETTER
IN THIS ISSUE
 From the Principal
 MCSS Staff Recognition
 Chief Minister’s Reading
Challenge 2015
 School Uniform Policy
 Secondary Bursary Scheme
 Student Injury Insurance and
Ambulance Transport
 Safe Schools Coalition
 MYP Personal Project 2015-16
 Uniform and Dress Code
 Appsence
 Second Hand Uniforms
ISSUE 8 DECEMBER
They are:
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
2015 Congratulations Message
 Sarah Buchhorn, Academic Dux
 Tenisha Reed, ATSI Student Award
 John Mayer - Community Services
Award
 Samantha McKie – Vocational
Education Award
 Roxanne Miller – Performing Arts
Award
We wish everyone in the MCSS
community a restful and enjoyable
school summer break. As a school
community we will have time in the next
few weeks to rest and reflect on an
active and outstanding year for the Celebrating milestones of secondary
school.
education the end of year formalities
Indicative of what is possible for a began with the Year 10 Formal on 1
student at MCSS we wish to congratulate December, followed by the Year 10
exceptional achievement of all students, Graduation celebrated at the High
gym
on
3
December.
and
highlight
the
four
students School
acknowledged at the Board of Senior
Secondary Studies Year 12 Excellence The Year 12 Formal on 2 December
Awards on Tuesday 15 December at the was another highlight in this festival of
celebrations where the picture below at
Canberra Theatre.
the historic Hyatt Hotel reflects another
milestone for Year 12 graduates.
IMPORTANT DATES
Principal
Michael Battenally
Deputy Principals
Mary Arnold - High School
Gary Lawson- College
Jesse Sidhu - High School
Business Manager
Leon Sanft - MCSS
Careers Newsletter
found on the Front Page of our
Web
http://www.mcss.act.edu.au/home
(At the BSSS Excellence Awards – Mr Battenally, Sam Mckie, Tenisha Reed,
Roxanne Miller, John Mayer (Absent - Sarah Buchhorn))
Our Mission
“That all young people at MCSS learn, thrive and are equipped with the skills to lead fulfilling,
productive and responsible lives”
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 1
The Year 7-12 Presentation and Year 12 Graduation
was held on Tuesday 15 December at the University of
Canberra acknowledging the best performers across
all years. Colonel Susan Coyle of the Australian
Army Forces was the dynamic guest speaker.
Colonel Coyle recently returned from 12 months
deployment in the Middle East and shared her career
journey following graduating from Oxley College in
Tamworth, NSW. Her moving oration acknowledged
the talents and achievements of year 7-12 students and
challenged the year 12 graduands to ‘pay it forward’ in
life. She asked all students to consider how they might
one day be remembered, and what contribution they
can potentially make to their world and community. In
addition, many prominent local politicians and
community representatives attended and participated in
the awards, featuring the retiring MLA Mary Porter and
Senator Zed Seselja. (The Year 7-12 Presentation
and Year 12 Graduation Program listing all award
recipients is available from the school website)
Pictured – Mr Battenally, Senator Zed Seselja, Colonel
Susan Coyle)
For year 12 students celebrating the end of school days
it is an exciting achievement that opens up many
learning and work opportunities. If you are positive and
open in your approach to all the situations that life
presents, you will most certainly share in its successes.
I encourage all to consider the advice of this quote.
The MCSS Yearbook Team has excelled again this
year and this edition will be special for all students and
staff as a publication packed with pride, caring,
happiness, celebration and memorable moments in
another successful year for MCSS.
Some of the recent successes and celebrations
featured within include:
 MCSS Minister’s Reading Challenge – a record 32
achievers
 ANU Extension Program Graduates – Meg HaradaCarty, Jason Wu, Sarah Buchhorn
 ACT 400m athletics Champion - Matt Walters
 Australian U19 Schoolgirls Football Team
representative – Jess Giovinazzo
 ACT Colleges Bowling Champion – Zoe Trungove
(MCSS team in 2nd place)
 NSW Cup Girls Volleyball Silver Medallists – MCSS
College team (Pictured)
(Retiring MLA Mary Porter)
OfficeMAX Book Pack Orders – Apology
OfficeMAX wishes to apologise for the late distribution of book pack order information this term and for the
formatting oversights included in the original forms. Subsequently, FREE DELIVERY for all MCSS orders is now
available through the online ordering.
MCSS order code is 17IF8F – online orders at https://www.officemaxschools.com.au/
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 2
Thank you to all families for their support and
involvement with the success of students this year. In
particular our graduating year 10 and year 12 students
will now be taking the next major step on their journey,
building on the benefits of their MCSS experience. For
our continuing students, 2016 will offer new
endeavours enabling all students to succeed.
Looking forward to 2016, MCSS will continue to host a
significant number of international students, mostly
from cities across China. As an IB World School, the
involvement of international students is a feature of our
school as we all increase our roles as global citizens.
The connection of the school to the community is
valued and very important and thanks to each campus
SRC for their commitment and leadership, and the
Board and P&C for their ongoing involvement.
Congratulations to all on a rewarding year.
Seasons’ Greetings!
2015 MCSS Presentation and Graduation
Program
online at http://www.mcss.act.edu.au/our_school/newsletters
Michael Battenally
Mary Arnold
Gary Lawson
Graeme Cook
Jesse Sidhu
Principal
Deputy Principal
Deputy Principal
Acting Deputy
Deputy Principal
Principal
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 3
2015 MCSS Year Book
Available online after the 21st December 2015 at http://www.mcss.act.edu.au/our_school/newsletters
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 4
MCSS Staff Recognition
We take this opportunity to thank all the staff behind the success of this year.
The administration staff, classroom teachers, executive staff and Deputy Principals, Mary
Arnold, Jesse Sidhu on the High School Campus and Gary Lawson and Graeme Cook in the
acting role on the College Campus for the outstanding contributions they have made throughout
the year. Leading the education and administration support team, Leon Sanft, with Tracy White
and Barbara Malone are also to be acknowledged for their tireless commitment to MCSS.
This year we farewell a number of respected educators at MCSS, Zoe Johnson, Trevor Horrell
Mardi Roberts-Bolton, who move to other local schools. Robert Eddy retires after many fabulous
years at MCSS and our school system. We wish him safe travels with his future plans. Thank
you Rob.
They are dedicated educators who know how to get the best efforts out of the students they
teach and work with, and we wish them well with their future endeavours in other ACT public
schools.
Thank you, Michael Battenally, Principal
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 5
Chief Minister’s Reading Challenge 2015!
A big congratulations to our avid readers of year 7 and 8! This
year was our most successful Reading Challenge yet – we had 32
students complete the Challenge, logging books read between
April and September. This represents a triple increase on MCSS
participation from last year! Well done students!
A huge thank you to our super efficient Ms Easterby for
organising this for our learning community. We appreciate the time
she has given to raising the profile of reading for students in our
school. Both Ms Easterby and Ms Harriden have led a
commitment to reading, which we know from research will lead to
an improvement in the literacy skills of our students and help foster
a life-long love of reading for them. This vital role of getting
students engaged in the Challenge, or hooked on reading, is a big
investment in our students’ futures. Thank you!
MCSS Reading Challenge Honour Roll 2015
Year 7
Vanessa Jurd
Sophie Durrell
Lara Troy-O-Leary
Eden Thomas
Carsten Reiter
Samantha McCreedy
Amanda Wesley-Smith
Sahalie Wardrop
Sophia Simili
Caitlin Reeves
Mackenzie Mangan
Grace Davey
Peter Hazelwood
Daniel Ruuskanen
Audrey Helliwell
Jack Ebsworth
Madeleine Trainer
Lily Tuxford
Tyson Argus
Jeremy Heinrich
Braiden Wilson
Ashlee Malam
Mufidah Ihsan
Phoebe Irons
Gavin Richards
Natasha Suffolk
Azaria Esayas
Tamsyn Noonan
Jessica Wind
Chloe Karhu
Jemima Phillips
Alex Stewart
Casey Buurveld
Year 8
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 6
Student Injury
Insurance and
Ambulance
Transport
The Education and Training Directorate does not provide
any insurance cover for injury, disease or illness to
students resulting from school activities or schoolorganised excursions. Claims for compensation are met
where there is a legal liability to do so. Liability is not
automatic and depends on the circumstances in which
any injury, disease or illness was sustained.
As there is no automatic insurance cover for personal
injury if your child is injured at school or during a school
organised activity/excursion you should therefore
consider whether taking out personal insurance cover for
your child is warranted.
This insurance might cover contingencies including
medical/hospital expenses, ambulance transport outside
the ACT, and cancellation of transport/accommodation or
loss of/damage to luggage.
The ACT Ambulance Service provides free ambulance
transport for students who are injured or suddenly
become ill at school or during an approved school
organised activity within the ACT.
____________________
Progressing
Parental
Engagement in the
ACT Parent Forum
2016 ACT
Secondary Bursary
Scheme
The ACT Government’s Secondary Bursary Scheme
provides financial assistance to low-income families with
student(s) in years 7 to 10 attending an ACT public,
Independent or Catholic systemic school or are home
schooled. To be eligible, applicants must have a current
Centrelink card or Healthcare card with means tested
payment codes (for more details please pick up a form
from school).
The ACT Secondary Bursary Scheme is annual payment
of $750 per applicant. To ensure eligible applicants
receive payment for the start of the 2016 school year
applications must be lodged with the ACT Education
and Training Directorate by the 30th November 2015.
Applications received after this date will be paid as soon
as possible but payment may not be made until after
school has commenced in 2016.
Applications received before the 1st July 2016 (end of
term 2) will be eligible for a full year’s payment.
Applications received after the 1st July 2016 and before
28th October 2016 will be eligible for a half yearly
payment of $375.
The ACT Education and Training Directorate will send
out application forms to all current recipients and
additional copies can be found on the Directorate
website at
http://www.det.act.gov.au/school_education/starting_sch
ool/financial_assistance_for_families
Leanne Wright, Director, Learning and Teaching
26 November 2015
School Boards, P&Cs, parents and carers are invited to
attend a Progressing Parental Engagement in the ACT
Parent Forum, at which the Australian Research Alliance
for Children and Youth (ARACY) will highlight the
evidence-based research about the positive effects of
parental engagement on student wellbeing and learning
outcomes. The forum will be held at the Hedley Beared
Centre for Teaching and Learning on 26 November 2015
from 4.00pm-5.00pm.
Contact: Michele Foley Ph: 620 59296
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 7
School Uniform
Policy
High School
Science
MCSS with the support of the school
board
The construction of the new Horticulture area is moving
along very nicely. Students in year 10 2016 will have the
opportunity to gain a Certificate 1 in Horticulture (yearlong subject). This will take place of their normal science
curriculum subject. If your child wishes to find out more
about this opportunity, please speak to Mrs. Collins or
Mr. Pietrukowski.
 The current year 9 / 10 uniform consists of: navy
MCSS polo, navy MCSS hoodie, navy or black bottoms,
mid-thigh minimum length. All students except current
9s and 10s are required to wear the new uniform,
including new enrolments.
 Year 7 and 8 uniform consists of: White MCSS
shirt or blouse, navy bottoms (pants, shorts– no denim,
mid-thigh minimum length), Melba tartan skirt or dress,
PE navy and white MCSS polo, teal MCSS jumper, navy
MCSS jacket, MCSS cap. Not all items are required;
there is a variety of choice so that students may choose
which is more comfortable for them. Navy tights may be
worn under skirt and dress in winter and white or navy
undershirts may be used under uniform to layer for
warmth in winter.
 Please note that slides, thongs and canvas shoes
are NOT suitable forms of footwear. This is a
Workplace Health and Safety issue.
Starting week 2, term 4, students who are not in uniform
will be placed on a detention (to stay in the PE theory
room at lunch time). Parents will be notified after a
student gets three ticks against his/her name.
Zoe Johnson is leaving MCSS at the end of this year as
she has won a transfer to Alfred Deakin High School.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Zoe for
her high level of expertise and enthusiasm that she
brought to the Science faculty. She developed a great
rapport with her students, of which many have
benefitted from her inspirational teaching. We wish Zoe
all the best for the next stage in her career.
All teachers will be recording students who are not in
uniform in their classes via the school marking system
Appsence and notify SLC.
Pictured below our School Uniform.
We would also like to take this opportunity to wish all
students and their families / carers a safe and relaxing
holiday and are thoroughly looking forward to inspiring
students in the world of science in 2016.
The Science Faculty
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 8
ANU Extension
Graduation
Three MCSS students successfully completed the ANU
Extension Program and received early offers of entry to
each faculty at ANU. There was a graduation ceremony
held at the Manning Clark Centre ANU on 12th
November. Congratulations!
Japanese: Meg Harada Carty, Jason Wu
Indonesian courses. Biology and Japanese courses
produced the first graduate this year. They are two year
courses offering students opportunities to study the
subjects as major subjects at their home colleges and as
minor subjects at ANU after passing selection tests in
March. All the classes are held between 4.30 and 7.00
on Wednesday or Thursday. It is free for government
school students.
—————————————
Senior Leadership
News
The Senior Leadership Group wrapped up its activities
for the year with a Halloween fundraiser and fancy dress
day in week 13 and a cake stall in week 16. Throughout
the year the leadership team has raised more than $800
to support the following local, national and international
charities, as chosen by the students of the leadership
group:
Term 1: Cerebral Palsy Alliance
Maths: Sarah Bachhorn
Term 2: First Point ACT
Term 3: SIDS and Kids
Term 4: Sunrise Children’s Orphanage, Cambodia.
—————————————
Here is Jason’s experience.
During the two-year ANU extension Japanese course,
not only have I improved my Japanese abilities, but also
have learnt a lot about Japanese culture. Also, I have
met many friends who have the same interests in
Japanese language and culture, as well as in Japanese
popular culture, such as anime, and Japanese movies.
There were approximately 20 students in my class and
there was a lot of team work in class. We had a
Japanese teacher Ms Imaki and one/two assistant
teachers who were 4th-year undergraduate students in
ANU. Each term we had a special lecture and a lesson
for cultural activities.
In the two years we experienced Karate, Japanese
cuisine, calligraphy, Kabuki. In addition, we had lectures
from ANU professors and teachers on Japanese
dialects, J-pop, Japanese traditional music. Furthermore,
we got to listen to students, teachers and employees
talking about work opportunities related to Japan. There
were also Japanese students visiting our class at times.
Overall, the two-year study was enjoyable.
ANU Extension is offering Maths, Physics, Chemistry,
Biology, Engineering, Music, Chinese, Japanese, and
Moneysmart
Program
In 2015 MCSS has become a MoneySmart school. This
means that students are now being explicitly taught
financial and consumer literacy skills. Teachers have
taken professional development and now utilise the
many educational resources found on the MoneySmart
website in their lessons. In Humanities, Mathematics and
LSC classes’ students have been exploring topics such
as budgeting, tax, super, scams, renting, borrowing,
investing, income, owning a car and many other topics.
Students have thoroughly enjoyed the real life aspects of
the topics. The MoneySmart program is an Australia
wide initiative set up by ASIC. It aims to provide helpful
and unbiased financial advice for people of all ages. The
website contains useful apps, videos and calculators that
many teachers and parents are now using to help them
make good financial decisions.
(Kyle Mitchell, MoneySmart and Numeracy Project
Officer)
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 9
ScienceTechnology Engineering
Mathematics
Careers in Engineering
On Tuesday 17 November interested students in years 9
& 10 listened to a presentation provided by guest
speaker Paul Barker. As a professional engineer, Mr
Barker outlined his journey towards becoming an
engineer and how these transferable skills led him to a
career that enabled him to travel around the world.
International
Baccalaureate News
At the High School Campus, unit planning across all
faculties and introduction of new assessment
approaches by our teachers have paid off and helped us
progress to the next stage of our authorisation journey
as an Middle Years Programme school. This
international accreditation recognises schools with
cohesive planning processes, and engaging pedagogy.
We join schools with a philosophy emphasising holistic
learning,
intercultural
awareness
and
building
communication skills across all learning areas. The
inquiry learning processes place emphasis on
understanding concepts in the real world, mastering
fundamental skills and developing attitudes which lead to
considered and appropriate action by the school
community. These core ideas are encapsulated in the IB
Learner Profile and give life to our school mission.
The presentation highlighted the importance of studying
science, technology and maths as these subjects
broaden the roles of an engineer. With the focus on the
light rail project in the ACT, students discovered the
many engineering disciplines involved. This included
civil, mechanical, electrical, structural, instrumentation,
ICT, planning, design, cost, contracts, environmental,
sustainability, construction, corrosion, WH&S welding,
fabrication just to name a few.
The importance of analysing, problem solving, working
together as a team and being innovative was
emphasized. ‘Every engineer's day will consist of a
different mix of these functions, depending on their
role, level, industry, and interest’.
Mr Barker noted that the pathway towards becoming an
engineer can start now. The many benefits of living in
the ACT is that students can achieve an engineering
career by going through CIT, UC, ANU and the UNSW.
In year 12, Elijah Kaisuva and Jeremy Kendall have just
completed requirements for IB certificates at Diploma
level in Music and Chemistry respectively. We
congratulate them for undertaking additional academic
challenge.
We look forward to working with all our IB Diploma
candidates next year. If you are interested in your year
11 student undertaking an IB certificate then please
contact coordinator, Gai Britt on the College Campusphone 614 20300. The IB Diploma programme is greatly
valued by Australian universities. ANU offers Diploma
students early offers based on the proven preparedness
of IB students to succeed in challenging university
courses.
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 10
2015 Awards of
Chinese Class
Two students have received awards in 2015 from the
ACT Australia and China Friendship Society.
The best Chinese language student: Bonnie LI;
The most improved Chinese language student: Meg
Harada Carty
Kids Assist
Program with Year
10 2015
The MBA Group Training (Master Builders Association)
devised the Kids Assist Program to introduce year 10
students to the discipline of the work environment and to
consider careers in building and construction. Affiliated
with MBA is PBS building and many sub-contractors who
give their time to host students in the building work
place. The program emphasises team work, cooperation
and extending oneself to give a little extra to the job.
Students explored careers in the construction industry
and completed competencies that has given them a
head start in a trade.
The graduates who graduated from the Grapes program
are Lachlan Keogh, Joshua Jones and Thomas Galway.
Congratulations to these worthy year 10 graduates, they
have shown their resilience and capability in completing
Certificate II in Construction.
Three students have received awards from Taipei
Economic and Cultural Office in Australia on 5th
November 2015:
First place: Peter Wang
Second place: Harley
Third place: Elijah Kaisuva
Five year 12 international students went to the farewell
dinner with Graeme Cook and Shaohua Que on 11th
November 2015.
From Left to right: Graeme Cook, Jason Wu, Julia Zhu,
Meg Harada Carty, Harley To, Peter Wu, Shaohua Que
and Bonnie Li.
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 11
MYP Personal Project
2015-16
As part of MCSS becoming an accredited Middle Years Program (MYP)
school, students in year 9 are participating in a ‘Personal Project’. The Personal Project is the cornerstone of the
MYP. It provides a comprehensive learning opportunity to year 9 students as they can select a topic which interests
them and engages them in their own learning. It is very important that students select their own topic, as they will
explore, discover and share their learning with their peers, teachers and the wider community in a showcase event
early next year.
We have been working with six distinct stages to the project; The Preparation Phase; The Introduction Phase
(beginning the project); The Investigative Phase; The Planning Phase; Taking Action and the final Reflective
Stage. At each stage, students and staff will receive tuition and guidance through a variety of learning contexts to
help them understand the project.
The project is being delivered through the PC program each week. Students have been allocated a teacher
supervisor who can assist them at every stage of the project. Students are also strongly encouraged to use other
experienced people from the community or their family as mentors when investigating their projects so they feel
surrounded by support.
Many year 9 students are beginning to map out their personal projects during PC sessions and in their own time. All
documents are added into the student’s individual portfolio.
Students are recording the development of their ideas and thoughts through a ‘Process Journal’. This can be a
simple exercise book or art book or a fancier diary or even a scrap book. What is most important is that students are
showing that they are thinking about ideas and allowing their ideas to evolve as time passes. There is no right or
wrong! And even in ‘failure’ we often learn the most. Reflection on their learning and actions is essential to this
project.
Some of the topics currently being researched and developed by the students include cook books, football training
programs for younger or less experienced students, aged-care programs, clothing designs and some mechanical
and horticultural projects.
By the end of 2015, students would have finalised their ideas into an achievable and manageable project. It is also
hoped that the year 9 will have their projects well underway and have begun to implement them.
During term 1, 2016, they will finish up their projects and tell us how it all went - whether it worked or not; what they
would do in future projects to improve results; what they learned more about during their journey as well as present
their actual project to a caring and supportive audience. There will be an opportunity for students to showcase their
projects in a community forum, sharing their learning and reflections on their learning to younger students, teachers,
and members from the community.
From the MYP Personal Projects Team
Mardi Roberts-Bolton (MYP Personal Project Coordinator), Jesse Sidhu, Adriano Di Crescenzo, Drew Southwell,
and Alana McGee
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 12
IPS and EALD
Excursion to the
Zoo and Arboretum
On the 30th of November a group of International
students (IPS) and English as an Additional Language or
Dialect (EALD) students went to the Zoo, Aquarium and
Arboretum in Canberra. They enjoyed a day out learning
about some animals and plants from Australia and
overseas. In the zoo, they saw some Australian animals
such as koalas, wallabies, emus and wombats as well as
other animals from overseas such as lions, giraffes,
leopards and different types of monkeys.
MSCC Band
The band has all but finished for the year. We had our
final performance, “Bandstrav”, at Llewellyn Hall in
November, and once again enjoyed the opportunity to
share our music in such an amazing venue. The band
has come a long way this year and we are looking
forward to bigger and brighter events next year. I would
encourage all band students (past and present) to
consider being part of the band program in 2016 which
will move to a year 7-12 band…the more the merrier!
It has been a wonderful year, with a delightful and
talented group of students and parents! Enjoy the festive
season, and we’ll see you next year! The concert band
will commence the second week back in 2016.
Ms Brereton
In the Arboretum they learnt about some species of
plants from Australia, China, Canada, Africa and Europe
among the 44.000 trees planted in the area. They also
visited the Bonsai exhibition and they were surprised
when they found some bonsais older than their
grandparents! This was a nice rewarding excursion
especially for those year 10s students who are just about
——————————-
MCSS
2016 Regional Arts
Program
2016 is looking set to be an exciting year for the Arts
within the Belconnen School’s Network. Next year will
see the launch of the Melba Copland Secondary School
Regional Arts Performance Program ‘The Rap Program’.
The RAP Program will offer a variety of opportunities to
our feeder primary schools and greater community within
the performing arts and in 2016 will offer the following:

MCSS Band Program 2016
The MCSS Band program will launch in 2016 and will
run to support the existing band programs currently
offered in primary schools by providing instrument
support/tuition on a weekly basis (either during normal
rehearsal time or at an alternative time). Part of the
program would include a ½ day workshop each term with
the MCSS band followed by a performance at either
school assembly. In term 4, students involved will
perform in our MCSS Music Showcase a feature of the
MCSS Arts Extravaganza, presenting combined bands
and music items for all schools involved.
to finish High School.
Ms Gimeno IPS & EALD Coordinator -HS
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 13

MCSS Dance Program 2016
The MCSS Dance Program will continue into its 5th year
and offers primary school students the opportunity to
participate in weekly dance workshops that cumulate in a
performance in the MCSS Dance Showcase in November
which runs as a part of the MCSS Arts Extravaganza
across November. These workshops will be led by MCSS
staff and students.
Thank you from Melba Copland Secondary
School
It was great to have our feeder Primary Schools perform in
the MCSS Dance Showcase recently. A big well done to the
students for putting on such a fantastic performance! Thank
you to parents and carers for continuing to support the Arts
programs at MCSS.

MCSS Community Musical 2016
Each year MCSS produces a school production. In recent
years this has included Seussical the Musical, The Curse
of the Mummy, Alison and Fairytales. Beginning in 2016
we would like to expand our Musical to offer this as a
performance and learning opportunity for budding actors,
actresses, singers, musicians and dancers!! We will be
holding auditions in February for any student in year 4-6
who is keen and enthusiastic about the Performing Arts!
More information will be provided at the beginning of term
1, however students will need to commit to one weekly
rehearsal at MCSS across semester 1 with the
occasional weekend rehearsal in term 2. Students who
are selected to perform in the MCSS Community Musical
will then perform in the musical in week 10, term 2. All
students who are selected to participate will be
supervised and looked after by MCSS Performing Arts
staff. More information will follow in your first newsletter
of next year!
Ms Wood
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 14
High School Wellbeing
Year 7
The students have been busy finalising their assessment
for the end of the semester. It is pleasing to see students
putting in their best efforts to demonstrate their progress
and achievement across the subjects. This is an exciting
time as the group approach the end of their first year at
high school.
A number of awards were presented at a recent school
assembly. Congratulations to Lily Thoroughgood and
Yullara Reed for receiving the Student Aspirations Mura
Awards for their dedication to studies this year.
The Year 7 and 8 Rewards excursion to Jamberoo on
Friday, week 9 was filled and final details about the day
will be sent home to those students attending. Alternate
class activities are planned for those students who are
not attending the excursion.
We wish the students and their families a safe and
happy holiday, and look forward to seeing the students
return for year 8 in 2016.
Ms Harriden and Mr Pietrukowski
Year 8
Farewell
As this is the final newsletter for the year I will take the
opportunity to say farewell. It has been a pleasure
working with the year 8s for the last two and a half
years. I have seen them develop from Primary students
to nervous new high schoolers in year 7. I have seen
them rise to the challenges of high school, and establish
themselves in this new community. They are now well
and truly into their high school career, and have
established strong friendship groups. I am proud to say
that as a whole they are demonstrating a strong sense
of community, and contribute regularly to the wellbeing
and successes of our school as a whole. Thank you for
allowing me the opportunity to work with your children in
this capacity, and I wish them well in their future studies
and opportunities that life will bring.
Be kind, courageous and honest in all that you do,
Miss Johnson
Hello everyone!
It’s with great pleasure that I am able to pick up the year
8 coordinator baton from Miss Johnson who has worked
energetically to provide a safe and welcoming
environment and advocate for all of our year 8 students.
The opportunity to work with this year group is one I’m
looking forward to after teaching them English and SoSE
for the past two years. I’ve had a range of teaching
experiences in Canberra’s north and think that years 9
and 10 are the most exciting years of high school. It will
be an exciting time for me as well; I’m looking forward to
getting to know everyone in the group much better over
the next two years.
Please don’t hesitate to make contact if there is anything
I can do to advocate for your child.
Cheers,
Ms Robey
And Ms McGee will be year 9 Executive
Year 9
With term 4 nearly finished year 9 students are close to
completing their first year of the Year 10 Certificate. A
reminder for future reference the Year 10 Certificate is
based on 3 criteria; academic performance, attendance
and conduct.
In week 7 the 2016 School Captain candidates spoke to
staff and students about why they wanted to be school
captain and what they could offer the school. All staff
commented on the quality of the presentations and have
great faith in the selected students. In what turned out
to be a very close vote it gives me pleasure to announce
Baily Biden and Shanmalee Teys as school captains
with Bryce Hughes and Shannia Afele the Vice
Captains. I look forward to working with these 4 worthy
students and thank all who participated in the election
process.
To all year 9 students, parents and guardians thank you
for your support over the year, have a safe and restful
break and I look forward to working with you next year.
Mr Dunn and Mr Di Crescenzo
Year 10
At the time of writing, year 10 have finished their high
school career at MCSS. With the ACT Excellence
Awards, Year 10 Formal, Year 10 Graduation, Farewell
Assembly and Big Splash, it was a very busy last week!
EDUCATION AND TRAINING 2015 YEAR 10
EXCELLENCE AWARDS
On Monday 30th November at a special awards
ceremony at the Canberra Theatre, the Minister for
Education and Training Joy Burch recognised 70 year
10 students from Canberra public high schools for their
excellence in education.
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 15
Congratulations to Rebecca Kladnig, Anthony Siharath
and Victoria Nguyen who received Year 10 Excellence
Awards.
 P&C Awards: Christy Lionis and Shayan Syed
 Ginninderra Rotary
Fangaihuiha-Jones.
Citizenship
Award:
Salome
 Special Achievement Award: Tom Conway
 MURA award: Brolin Boyd
 Australian Defence Force Long Tan Award: Connor
Richards
 Senator Zed Seselja Youth Advisory Council Awards:
Stevie Perrin and Connor Richards
 Australian Catholic University Year 10 All Rounder
Award: Jacob Blacklock
The recipients of these awards showed the depth of
talent in our school in areas such as academic
excellence, perseverance, community citizenship,
integrity and leadership. It was a proud moment for all
three students, and a well deserved acknowledgment of
their hard work this year. Congratulations!
Year 10 Formal
 MCSS Students of Distinction: Anthony Siharath and
Victoria Nguyen
 University of Sydney Year 10 Dux for 2015: Victoria
Nguyen
Year 10 Breakfast, Farewell Assembly and Big
Splash
On Friday 4th December, year 10 students celebrated
with these three events. It was a great way to end the
week and gave students a chance to farewell year 10 as
they leave MCSS.
82 students and 18 staff members attended the Year 10
Formal at The Abbey on Tuesday 1st December. The
night was filled with laughter, great food, and amazing
dancing - creating lasting memories. Students also had
the opportunity to pose for humorous photos in the photo
booth. It was a fantastic event and I was so proud of you
all!
Year 10 Graduation Ceremony
On Thursday 3rd December, the Year 10 Graduation
was held in the Gym. This event was the culmination of
four years of study at MCSS and was well attended.
Congratulations to the major award winners from the
ceremony.
The following awards will also be presented at the
MCSS Year 7-12 Presentation Night at the University of
Canberra on the 15th of December at 7pm:
Year 10, I know that you will all succeed in your own
special ways and I want you to always remember that all
opportunities in life will be what you make them. Try your
best and you shall be rewarded. It has truly been a
pleasure to work with, and get to know each and every
one of you. Congratulations, I wish you all the best of
luck!
Cheers
Mr Horrell and Ms Sage
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 16
Year 11
Congratulations year 11 on surviving your first year of
college. Hopefully you feel like you have done your best
and can relax and enjoy the summer break. We now
have new College Captains. Congratulations Josh
Guest and Bethany Hughes with Vice Captains Daniel
Heinrich and Mahima Mahesh Gadiyar. The stressful
last two weeks of assessment is over. Just a few
notable dates:
The dance, “Sweet Dreams”, by the year 12 girls was
appreciated by the audience in awed silence.
Year 7-12 Presentation evening at the University of
Canberra on 15 December, and return to school for
year 12’s is Tuesday 2nd February 2016.
Thankyou to all of you who have contributed to a
smooth and happy school year. Stay safe.
Mr Appel
Year 12 Farewell
Assembly
The year12 Farewell assembly at the Copland Theatre
on 18 Nov 2015 was a fitting way for the Principal to
wish the students well for the end of year activities. For
this special occasion, our talented teachers led by Alice
Wann put on the Wiggles Show for the surprised
students!
Next was the Wiggles show.
And finally we had Elijah Kaisuva year12 singing the
meaningful song “Conqueror.”
Our year 11 and year 12 students can put on a good
show too. Kate Johnston & Catherine Blacklock, year
12 (on the piano) belted out the song, “All Of Me”.
-This was followed by a piano recital, “Silver Clouds
Chasing The Moon”, a well- known Chinese piece, by
Beatrice Zhao year 11.
The year 12 captains passed the key to the school to
the 2016 Captains, Josh Guest and Bethany Hughes,
and the Vice Captains, Mahima Mahesh Gadiyar and
Daniel Heinrich. They have big shoes to fill, and they
started right away, taking over the emceeing of the
assembly.
This year’s college captains were William McIntyre and
Meg Harada-Carty. The Vice Captains are Jason Wu
and Hanna Siiteri. A big thank you to the year 12
captains for the wonderful school leadership they have
provided all this year.
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 17
MCSS Sport
Boys Table Tennis Competition
Girls MVP = Zoe Trungove
The College Table Tennis competition was held in week
2 of term 4, with MCSS entering six college participants
for the one day tournament. The boys involved played in
both the singles and doubles divisions, getting plenty of
matches and competing well against players from
various colleges. Year 11 student Lee Li was the standout performer in the boys singles division, making it all
the way through to the semi-final. Lee unfortunately went
down to the eventual champion of the singles division in
a tight match. It was a fantastic effort by all the boys that
competed on the day, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the
day.
Mixed Touch Football Competition
Boys Team: Forrest Zhou, Kerwin Liu, Lee Li, Jack Gao,
Jay Shang, Jaxon Biden
The College Mixed Touch Football competition was the
sole intercollege event in term 4, with matches being
played on Thursday afternoons. The MCSS team played
3 pool matches against, Lake Ginninderra, Gungahlin &
Hawker Colleges. The team went down in all of their
matches but can be very proud of the excellent team
spirit and willingness to compete that was shown during
each match. MCSS was very unlucky to go down in the
final group match against Hawker College, losing by only
1 try on a very warm afternoon. All students involved
showed fantastic commitment to playing and despite the
results, everyone enjoyed participating.
TEAM: Greg Jackson, Chris Middlemis, Will McIntyre,
Tim McNamara, Jessica Giovinazzo, Jessika Lomas,
Taylor Holgate, Daniel Heinrich, Tenisha Reed (absent),
Tyron Costigan (absent), Teneal Di Stefano (absent)
Boys MVP = Lee Li
Ten Pin Bowling Competition
The College Ten Pin Bowling competition was held in
week 5 of term 4. In what is traditionally a very light
hearted competition. This year MCSS entered 3 teams,
all of which bowled extremely well and posted some
impressive scores. Whilst it was a team event, the best 4
individual scores within each team were recorded. Zoe
Trungove, an ACT representative for Ten Pin, was the
stand out performer on the day, posting the highest
individual scores in both of her games by some distance.
Unfortunately, this was not enough to push her team to
the top of the standings, as MCSS finished in 2nd place
overall. Well done to all the students that participated.
MVP = Jessika Lomas
TAP Sports Forum
As part of the MCSS Talented Athlete Program (TAP),
the Physical Education faculty aims to provide young
athletes with exposure to a variety of experiences to
support their development. In week 10 of term 3, MCSS
hosted its inaugural Sports Forum for our young athletes
and their parents.
TEN PIN SQUAD: Josh Guest, Lucas Noonan, Greg
Jackson, Ethan Marchisi, Adam Forward, Jessica
Giovinazzo, Matt Walters, Daniel Heinrich, Taylor
Holgate, Zoe Trungove, Jessika Lomas, Alex Mangan,
Chris Middlemis.
Through the PE staff’s sporting contacts, we were able to
acquire two local elite athletes, Lauren Wells (nee
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 18
Boden) and Heath Wells and a professional coach, Craig
Robberds, as presenters for the evening. The idea
behind the Sports Forum was to bring together a number
of professionals within the sporting industry to give short
presentations on areas that affect young athletes.
Presentations included Strength and Conditioning, Injury
Prevention and Rehab and personal athlete journeys
from Lauren and Heath Wells.
Two of the special guest speakers on the night pictured.
Craig Robberds, former Strength & Conditioning coach
to Israel Folau & Jesse Mogg.
TAP Excursion – Basketball
In term four, the MCSS TAP students were lucky enough
to attend a Canberra Capitals Basketball training session
and were given a fantastic insight into how an elite team
prepares for competitive matches. All the students that
were present gained valuable experience from the
session and also had the chance to meet some of the
players, including Lauren Jackson.
Lauren Wells, current Australian Olympian and winner of
8 national 400m titles. Health Wells, Australian Softball
representative also spoke at the forum.
MCSS Health EXPO 2015
The feedback received from the evening was
overwhelmingly positive, both from a parent and student
perspective. We hope to continue providing similar
opportunities for our TAP students in 2016.
TAP Excursion– Socceroos Match
One of the major MCSS Talented Athlete Program (TAP)
excursions of the year was held in week 5 of term 4, with
several students attending the Socceroos World Cup
Qualifying match against Kyrgyzstan at GIO Stadium. It
is always great to see International Football matches
being played in Canberra, particularly when the
Socceroos are involved, so this was a fantastic
opportunity for students to see world class athletes
competing in front of an impressive crowd of just under
20,000 people. The rain stayed away, the Socceroos
were convincing winners and all students that attended
had a fantastic time. A trifecta of positives during a
special experience for all involved.
On Wednesday 14th October (week 11, term 4) MCSS
held the 2015 Health Expo for students in years 9-12.
There were several health and wellbeing based
organisations that attended the Expo and provided
important information and engaging activities to
students. Bosom Buddies, the Cancer Council, Nutrition
Australia, Red Cross, Cervical Screening ACT and
SNAP Fitness were just a few of the many providers that
attended the Health Expo. There was also a special, and
thoroughly engaging, presentation delivered by an AFP
officer on the topic of Drugs & Alcohol. The BBQ lunch
and sporting activities were a great way to round up an
enjoyable afternoon for all staff and students. A special
mention must go to the Year 11/12 Sport, Fitness &
Administration class, who were responsible for
organising the whole event as part of their studies in the
course. Everyone did a fantastic job in completing their
respective tasks before, during and after the event in
order for it to run as smoothly as it did. Well done team!
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 19
ACT Athletics 400m Champion - Matthew
Walters
A very big congratulations to year 11 student Matt
Walters, who achieved a 1st place finish in the 400m
event at the ACT Athletics Championships held at the
AIS on Tuesday 10th November. He also competed in
the 200m event and finished in 2nd place. Matt's
impressive results have earned him a place in the ACT
team that traveled to the All Schools Championships in
Melbourne on the 4th December. Well done Matt, a
couple of very impressive results. We look forward to
hearing you do just as well, if not better, in Melbourne.
Sport, Fitness & Administration Class –
Jaxon Biden, Rebecca Brown, Jessica Giovinazzo,
Blake Giucci, Arabella Hamilton, Taylor Holgate, Mitch
House, Natasha Irvine, Roxanne Miller, Kailin Odlum,
Megan Peters, Tenisha Reed, Claire Rummery, Sarah
Seckold-McIntyre
Australian U19’s Football Representative –
Jessica Giovinazzo
In what is an amazing achievement by one of our very
own, year 12 student Jessica Giovinazzo will soon be an
Australian representative. A highly skilled goalkeeper
with plenty of potential, Jess was selected in the Under
19’s Australian Schoolgirls team based on her
performances at the recently held Pacific School Games
in Adelaide. In what was a competitive field of players to
choose from, Jess will head-off with the squad on a tour
of Japan in January to compete against both national
and local teams. Well done, Jess, MCSS congratulates
on your major sporting achievement and we look forward
to hearing about your trip when you come back and visit.
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 20
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 21
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 22
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 23
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 24
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 25
The Melba Copland P&C is seeking
donations of second hand uniforms.
Has your child out grown their uniform or perhaps they are moving on to College?
Why not donate the items you no longer need to the P&C?
Please drop off your (clean) items to the Front Office (High School Campus)
The P&C will sort the clothes and prepare them for sale at discounted rates at the
beginning of term 1 in 2016.
All proceeds will go to support our students!
For further information (or to help with sorting) please contact:
Karen Silsby
ksilsby@optusnet.com.au (President) or
Debra Burnett
debraherdit@grapevine.net.au (Secretary)
Melba Copland Secondary School
Print post approved
PP 226480/00026
POSTAGE PAID
AUSTRALIA
If undelivered return to:
MCSS
15 Conley Drive
Melba ACT 2615
MCSS NEWSLETTER - DECEMBER 26