Mooroolbark College Newsletter – August 2025

Morrisby Profiling

Recently, our students participated in the Morrisby Profile and follow-up interviews—an important step in exploring their future career and study options. The Morrisby assessment provides students with personalised insights into their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways, helping them make informed decisions about subject choices and post-school planning. The one-on-one interviews that followed allowed students to discuss their results with a qualified careers advisor, ask questions, and begin shaping a clearer picture of their goals. This experience is a valuable part of our commitment to supporting each student’s individual journey beyond school.

“Completing the Morrisby Profile really opened my eyes to career options I hadn’t considered before. It helped me understand my strengths and how they could help me with different pathways. The interview afterwards was especially helpful—it gave me the chance to talk through my results and ask questions about possible subjects and careers. I feel a lot more confident now about choosing my subjects and thinking about what I might want to do after school.”

– Year 9 Student Reflection

Year 9 Pathways Day

Last Thursday our Year 9 students had the privilege of attending Box Hill TAFE Lilydale Lakeside campus for their Year 9 Pathways Day. They had the opportunity to have a tour of the campus, they took part in two chosen workshops in their area of interest (eight choices in total), listened to information about what TAFE’s offer and also listened to a presentation on what Mooroolbark College can offer a student at Year 10. Students had a productive and engaging day and were commended for upholding the College values. 

Year 10 Pathways Day

On Thursday the 5th of June many of our Year 10 students had the privilege of attending Deakin University for their Year 10 Pathways Day. The students engaged in a tour of the campus and were able to pick 2 workshops where they participated in enriching activities. The students that chose Law engaged in a wonderful experience of being in a simulated courtroom where they had to determine if the defendant was guilty or innocent. Our Environmental Science students looked at the impact of negative behaviours on our society and thought about how they could develop campaigns to address those problems. Psychology students completed memory games to assist with recall of information, looked at how easy it is to trick someone by misleading their attention and learned about the places a psychology degree can take you. The Nursing students also learned about valuable pathways and what this course looks like at the university level. Overall, it was a very successful day, and we are extremely grateful to Deakin for having us. Well done to all students for representing us so well!

Work Experience

Recently, our Year 10 students participated in a week of work experience, gaining valuable insights into the world of work and building skills beyond the classroom. From trades and retail to health care and education, students explored a diverse range of industries and had the chance to experience the daily routines, challenges and expectations of working life. One student reflected, “My work experience placement really opened my eyes to how much goes into running a business. I learned so many new skills and it helped me feel more confident about what I want to do in the future.” We are proud of the way our students represented the school and embraced this opportunity with maturity and enthusiasm.

Year 11 Pathways Day

Recently, our Year 11 students took part in a Mini Careers Expo designed to support them as they begin planning for life beyond school. The event featured a panel of former students who generously shared insights into their own pathway journeys, offering advice and encouragement drawn from real-world experience. Students also had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from a range of tertiary institutions to explore the courses and options available after Year 12. In addition, workshops and discussions focused on key employability skills, giving students practical tips on how to prepare for the workforce. The day was an important step in helping students make informed decisions about their futures.

Year 12 VTAC Session Alyce

On Thursday the 24^th of July Year 12 students along with their parents/guardians were invited to come along to the Senior School Study Centre to hear all about the VTAC process. They had the opportunity to hear about applying for courses through VTAC, the ATAR and offers made from tertiary institutions. There were a variety of booklets from different Universities and TAFEs that are still available to all students in the Senior School Study Centre. During the Q&A session Miss Bailey was able to assist with queries and is happy to answer any further questions any student or guardian has regarding VTAC. All Year 12 students will be having a 1:1 session with their Pathways Advisor from their respective house throughout Term 3 to assist them with the VTAC process should they wish to apply. VTAC officially opens on Monday the 4^th of August, with timely applications due by Monday September 29^th. The fee to apply is $80, however after the cut off date of September 29^th the fee increases to $160. Year 12 students who are receiving an ATAR will get this on December 11^th, with the opportunity to then Change Preferences, with the assistance of the Pathways Team here at Mooroolbark College on December 11^th and 12^th. The first round of offers from VTAC will then be made on December 23^rd. Please reach out to your Pathways Advisor if you require any further information.

Upcoming Course Counselling and Subject Selection Sarah

Subject selection for 2026 is fast approaching, and it’s an important time for students and families to start considering future pathways. We strongly encourage all students to carefully read through the relevant handbooks to understand course options, prerequisites, and how their choices may impact future study or career opportunities. It’s also essential that students speak with key staff members, such as subject teachers, careers advisors and coordinators, who can offer valuable guidance tailored to individual strengths and goals.

Students must also ensure they attend their allocated subject selection sessions, as these are vital opportunities to receive support, ask questions, and finalise their choices. Making informed decisions now sets the foundation for success in the years to come.

Year 9 Cairns & Great Barrier Reef Camp – An Unforgettable Adventure!

Our Year 9 students recently returned from an unforgettable week in Far North Queensland, taking part in the Cairns and Great Barrier Reef Camp. Blessed with incredible weather and flawless organisation, the trip was filled with adventure, learning, and plenty of fun!

Day 1 kicked off with an active morning hike through the stunning Cairns Botanical Gardens, where students explored tropical plant life and learned about the local environment. The afternoon was spent cooling off in the popular Cairns Lagoon, followed by a fun-filled evening of beach volleyball, which continued into the late hours.

Days 2 and 3 were action-packed, starting with a visit to Hartley’s Crocodile Farm where students got up close with some of Australia’s most famous wildlife. The breathtaking Skyrail Rainforest Cableway gave everyone a bird’s eye view of the lush rainforest canopy. Students experienced the thrill of river tubing down the Mulgrave River and enjoyed exploring the vibrant Kalinda Markets. A highlight was our trip to the Daintree Rainforest, where students engaged in cultural learning experiences with local Indigenous guides. Each day finished with delicious dinners along the Esplanade and more night-time beach volleyball fun under the stars.

Days 4 and 5 were simply magical, as students ventured out to the Great Barrier Reef. Swimming alongside turtles, clownfish (“Nemo”), colourful coral and a variety of marine life was an awe-inspiring experience for everyone. To wrap up the adventure, students spent the final day at a water park where they enjoyed high-energy knee boarding, wakeboarding, and adrenaline-pumping water slides.

Throughout the week, our students represented Mooroolbark College exceptionally well, receiving positive feedback and compliments from every venue we visited. The trip ran smoothly, the activities were incredible, and the students’ behaviour and engagement made it a truly outstanding experience for everyone involved.

It was a week of memories, friendships, and personal growth that our Year 9 students will remember for years to come!

CENTRAL AUSTRALIA CAMP

During the final week of term 2, our year 10s embarked on a camp that is well known for adventure seekers and resilience builders.

We started in Yulara to see the most iconic Australian Landmark, Uluru and Kata Tjuta, then made our way to Watarrka National Park to explore Kings Canyon. Often the most memorable things are the ones that are least expected, like sleeping under the starts next to an army fleet, enroute to Darwin. This lead to a Mooroolbark College vs Australian Defense Force foot race, naturally our athletic students won!!

It’s hard to summarise what each student felt and experienced during this camp, it’s a mixture of making new memories with friends, learning about Australian history and culture, understanding connection to country, witnessing a variety of challenges and lifestyles in Central Australia. This is a camp where you learn through experience. We have posted videos to summaries our time in the outback on our Mooroolbark College Facebook page. 

City Experience Week, Monday 30th June to Friday 4th July, provided students with the opportunity to develop their independence, confidence, and collaboration skills. Across the heart of Melbourne’s CBD, the program provided the ideal setting for students to engage in real-world learning while building their resilience to challenges as a critical life skill. Students approached the week with a positive attitude and strong curiosity. Eureka Skydeck offered a chance for students to be thrilled by heights and familiarise themselves with the city. The Shrine of Remembrance, State Library and Australian Music Vault sparked a genuine interest in history and culture. Students were able to go behind the scenes on the MCG tour in the locker rooms. Students smashed through the escape rooms and were impressed at O’Brien’s Icehouse. These activities were chosen to strengthen teamwork and resilience.

Despite the logistical challenges of moving large groups through a busy city, students were punctual, respectful, and responsible. In high praise to our student cohort, staff have appreciated the way students took ownership of their schedules, communicated effectively, and supported each other in navigating unfamiliar spaces. Now back at school for Term 3, students will consolidate their learning with a thoughtful completion of workbook tasks, allowing meaningful group discussions and reflection on their time. The week served not only as an engaging educational experience but also as a valuable step in developing skills for life. We hope all Year 9 Students finish the week proud of what they have accomplished and confident in their readiness for future responsibilities.

My City Experience: A Week of Discovery

By Ella McKenzie

City experience was an engaging introduction to the bustling streets of Melbourne with structured days and scheduled activities. It allowed us, year 9 students, to practice time management and safety in groups while still having some supervision by the Mooroolbark College staff. By allowing students with partial independence, they can learn about the world and things they need to be aware of when they exit High School and even in present times. I felt it was an amazing opportunity to connect with people in the year level and learn about the responsibilities of independence.

On the first day, Baan house explored the Australian Music Vault and the State Library, completing booklet activities along the way. We ran around, seeking answers and exploring places some of us had never been to before. On this day we went to Melbourne Central Shopping Centre, going into stores and impulsively trying on formal dresses, creating happy memories in the store “Paper Kites”. We learned how to manage our time and how to adhere to the wants of everyone in the group by spending shared time in different stores. This day went smoothly and was a great way to dip our toes into the city culture.

Day Two, Three and Four were a rush of activity with big, exciting activities and constant travelling. We visited the Shrine of Remembrance for a Presentation and time for Self-Guided Exploration, The MCG for a behind the scenes tour ideal for all footy fans, The Eureka Skydeck the place many of us faced a fear, daring to go outside or even in the glass box, the O’Brien Icehouse for laughs and a good time, the Universal Restaurant for great Italian Cuisine and finally the Adventure Escape Rooms for a test of critical thinking. We learned a lot about teamwork, about lifting up our friends and helping them to succeed and try new things. I found my views on the city changed, I always saw it as a place of Upscale Firms and people I formal attire, but from walking the streets with my friends and being informed on the interesting history I realised its so much more, it’s a place of rich musical culture, unforgettable experience opportunities, a place to make memories and to try new things.

Then to Day Five, the test of independence, teamwork and creativity, the day of the Amazing Race. This was the day I enjoyed the most, it was so freeing and empowering to explore the city alone with a close group of classmates. Me and My group dressed up as full Smurf’s complete with tutu’s, blue outfits and bright blue eyelashes. We got to express our creativity and had many interactions with the public as they wondered what we were doing. It was so funny dressing up and having everyone looking at you, wondering what it was you were dressed up for. Countless times passersby thought we were all Elsa (???), but all asked what we were doing and showered us with praise on the great outfits. Racing around the city was not stressful, it was fun having a competition, the teachers did a great job organising the event and having well-written clues. I would love to thank them for the organisation of such a fun learning experience filled with memories and lessons we will hold on to and remember.

From this experience, new friendships were made, new skills were discovered, and the groups became closer and more connected. Photos were taken and memories were made, it was truly an experience to remember, something that I would suggest everyone in younger year levels attend. Not just one activity was great, all of them were so engaging and so memorable I could not choose just one, so thank you for the fabulous selection the teachers made and the amount of time they spent organising this fabulous event, it was such a fun way to end the term.

STUDENT SUPERVISION AND YARD DUTY – BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL ACCESS

At Mooroolbark College, student safety and wellbeing are paramount. In line with the Department of Education’s Yard Duty and Supervision Policy, we provide structured supervision across the school grounds before school, during breaks, and after school.

🔹 Before School Access

• The College gates open at 8:00am.
• Students should not arrive on-site before this time unless attending a pre-approved and supervised Compass Event.
• Students who arrive before 8:00am must report directly to the Main Administration foyer where supervision is available.

🔹 Yard Duty Times and Supervised Areas

To ensure students are safe, supported and responsible at all times, staff are actively rostered on yard duty across key areas of the school at the following times:

Staff members on yard duty are easily identifiable by their high-visibility vests, ensuring students know who to approach if they require assistance, have concerns, or need support at any time.

🔹 Your Role as Partners in Safety

We ask that families support these expectations by ensuring:

• Students do not arrive earlier than 8:00am unless formally scheduled.
• Students are aware of and follow instructions from supervising staff.
• After school pick-up occurs promptly after the 3:20pm supervision concludes.

These routines are essential to maintaining a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment for all students. We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing these expectations with your child and supporting the College’s commitment to student wellbeing and safety.

The Principal Team

Mooroolbark College