1990 Silver and Green

SILVER s GREEN 1990 edition

Make a Stand Express Yourself STRESS OUT! Are you under too much stress?

Election 1990 How it affected you

Excuses, Excuses Make them work for you

We plastered you with posters.

We pursued you at Assembly.

And now we're throwing the book at you.

W e tried to adopt a different approach towards Silver and Green this year. Firstly, we wanted more overall student input.

Join the team - Silver and Green.

W e wanted it to be more accessible to all year levels - we wanted girls to be able to submit articles and photos and quotes wherever and whenever.

Be heard and seen in Silver and Green.

W e wanted students to feel the magazine was working for them and that they played the major part in putting it together.

Silver and Green is your magazine.

W e wanted Silver and Green to be used as a forum for student opinion.

Express Yourself!

There can be no doubt that Silver & Green has enjoyed its highest profile ever this year and deservedly so.

The creativity and endless enthusiasm of the editors, Melinda Rochford and Samantha Feldman, has encouraged those who would not normally contribute to put pen to paper and endless numbers of students to express themselves in poetry and prose.

There are many articles in this year's magazine which could be termed controversial. They have been used because they reflect the independence, confidence of expression and freedom of thought which M L C as a school encourages, but it should be

Sli WW £ stressed that they are not intended to be and are in no way the official view of the school, or the editors.

W h e n deciding on content, a similar criteria to that of the metropolitan dailies has been used. Is the article relevant? Does it cast an interesting light upon the subject and cause people to think? These have been the aims rather than decisions based on personal preferences.

Finally, 1 would like to sincerely thank Julian Burden, whose work and patience cannot be underestimated.

Kylie Davis Advising Journalist.

Finally, w e wanted to bombard you with corny catch-phrases so your schooldays were haunted with echoes of ...

BeheardandseeninSilverandGreenit'syour magazinecomejointheteamtheplacetobeseen ...Argh!!

Well, that's what we wanted. Even now w e ' r e not entirely sure that's what we got although it w a s n ' t through a lack of trying.

Our publicity campaign was huge and Michael J a c k s o n ' s "facelift" still graces the tuckshop queue. (We knew w e ' d suceeded to an extent when our Mile Davies poster was spotted in a Year 10 locker amongst the River Phoenixs and Johnny Depps.)

W e initiated a Literary Competition, an Investigative Journalism Award and invited students to contribute their impressions, opinions and interpretations of life at M L C .

At times the response was disappointing (very), but w e do feel that Silver and Green 1990 has more than lived up to our aims and expectations, even if we did have to haggle, bribe, beat, abuse, threaten and beg a little (Ha! A lot!) on the way...

Thanks to everyone w h o contributed.

Kylie - our intrepid Journalist.

Julian - our layout saviour (computer whizkid) Mr. Chris Notsis Katrina Lawrence, Laura Cowling Jo Halls, Melinda Nikolich Kellie Watt, Amelianne Truscott Carolyn Gawthorn, Fiona Taylor Annelie Mitchell, M e g a n Warrell Student photographers All volunteer typists Administration - for assistance and support The T h y m e T e a m - for the inspiration Andrew - for the Jaffles Cover Design: Melinda Rochford Amelianne Truscott MELINDA ROCHFORD

SAMANTHA FELDMAN

GRUBS & GIRLS LOADER REVEALS ALL! TOMORROW On a leafy branch of a tall gum tree in the inner courtyard of the College sat two large yellow and green caterpillars. As they chatted to each other, the caterpillars were distracted by the movements of an exquisite butterfly as it flitted freely from flower to flower. One caterpillar remarked to her friend, "You will never catch me in one of those".

When they first arrive at M L C , many Year 7 students probably feel as apprehensive as the caterpillar. The College is so large and the Year 12 girls seem so big, so mature and so far away. Similarly, the young musician or gymnast may look at other girls playing so confidently in the orchestra or performing magnificent feats on the beam and feel that she could never achieve such a level of confidence.

As individuals we have a unique opportunity to shape our lives and determine our own future. M L C is a school where all students are encouraged to develop their own talents and to view their lives as adults with confidence and optimism.

The success of innovations like the Sunrise School, laptop computers and the Advanced Skills Teacher Program show that when people are strongly committed to a new project, their own hard work and enthusiasm can make their dream a reality.

Already Sunrise thinking is rising up to Senior School and d o w n into the Junior School - as well as influencing the content of the curriculum and the ways in which students and teachers interact in the classroom.

The development of M L C s residential campus at Mallacoota is another aspect of the school's commitment to its students and to a vision of girls' education. In the bushland setting. Year 9 students will spend one term participating in an exciting new learning experience. At Mallacoota, a specially designed Year 9 curriculum will be integrated into an understanding and appreciation of the local environment and the outdoor education program.

Recent events in eastern Europe show that the world is changing dramatically. Schools cannot isolate themselves f r o m these changes - especially since they have an important role in preparing their students to deal with change.

Many of the nation's leaders have said that Australia's future is closely linked with what is happening in education.

Increasingly, the learning process is a continuing part of people's lives - not simply something that ends at V C E or on graduation from a tertiary institution.

Laptop computers, the Sunrise School and the Mallacoota campus are all part of M L C s commitment to equipping its students for the future. For, as Lyndon Johnson said on becoming President, "Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose".

Mr Loader Principal, M L C

READ THIS Eunice's life depends on it.

Your two favorite editors were sitting in their office when the first bell sounded. He sounded angry and your two editors were still sitting in their office. The bell struck again but this time they were ready and hit back. The bell cried aloud and left.

Your two heroes were still sitting in their office which wasn't really an office at all. It was a room in Senior Centre without a door and without a chair but with a red curtain and a red telephone. The phone, like everything else in Senior Centre, didn't work.

Meanwhile your aforementioned heroes were squeezed in their microscopic, regularly mistaken by the cleaners for a broom closet, cubicle when the aforementioned Telecom appliance began to ring.

"School is always surprising me," commented Mel. "I'll get it," remarked Sam. She got it and put it in her schoolbag. The phone was still ringing.

Melinda took it from the bag, cut the line, listened for a dialtone, inserted thirty sense, called for the operator, dialled 000, panted

heavily to an unlisted number, gestured obscenely, and threw it through the window.

"That got it," re-remarked Mel. A second passed and nothing happened.

A second second passed and they invited him in. He pushed past the brooms and entered, making a sweeping entrance with a broom in both hands. T h e second lapsed into a minute, the minute lapsed into silence and the phone had stopped ringing. " W h a t ' s going on?" queried Sam in puzzlement.

"Not the coffee machine. I'll boil some water," stated Mel. On that note the minute ended. Sam read the note and threw it to Mel. She caught it, dribbled to the door, slam-dunked and scored ten bonus points to win the game.

Mel read the note and collapsed in horror.

It was cold and slimy so she climbed out.

They stuck the note to the pinboard, where it was bound and gagged and couldn't move. The message was simple but so was the plot.

Eunice Finter had been kidnapped!!!

STRESSED OUT! IS STRESS BAD? " I ' m so stressed out...I've got too much work...Sleep. W h a t ' s sleep?...I just don't seem to have the time to get everything done..."

What is stress? H o w bad is it and how do we know if w e ' r e over stressed? Are teachers and students at M L C placed under too much stress? These are just a few questions that nobody ever asks... but are good to study so as to fill up a few lines in this wonderful magazine Stress has become one of the biggest health problems in the Western world today. Over 50 per cent of Australians suffer from stress or stress-related problems in a significant way during their lifetime.

Thirst and hunger are f o r m s of stress which if not responded to, would result in death!

Australians spend millions of dollars every year on therapy, counselling, medication, (from Panadols for headaches to Valium and sleeping pills for insomnia - and ropes and guns and other Cluedo accessories in the severe cases on lay-out day - ed.).

Physical symptoms of stress include muscle tension which causes pain, rapid heart palpitations, lack of appetite or overeating, insomnia, asthma, blackouts, hypertension, tiredness resulting in oversleeping and stomach, liver and kidney problems.

Psychological symptoms can include a loss of confidence, anxiety, inability to concentrate (ie - W h e n that maths problem goes in one ear and out the other....or your teacher has to explain instructions at least three times over), irritability, (ie - When you have an insatiable desire to strangle your best friend for no particular reason).

But just because you have one or more of these symptoms does not mean y o u ' r e going to die or anything... well not immediately.

and it often makes many of us work and study harder.

It is when we are faced with too much stress and pressure that problems begin to occur. Depression is one serious sign of stress or tension. A survey in November 1989 found that 98 per cent of Victorian students felt depressed sometimes, while 20 per cent of girls and 15 per cent of boys felt "low", (in mind not body) all the time, (so y o u ' r e not alone).

It results in a lack of interest in activities that were once enjoyed, (ed. Like full House Assembly in the middle of March when it's 30 degrees celsius), as well as a withdrawal from friends and family.

exercise is a good idea as it gives your

Not all stress however, is bad for us. Thirst and hunger are f o r m s of stress which if not responded to, would result in death! (So the next time you buy a hot-dog or Mars Bar at the Tuckshop, you may justify it as a solution to stress).

A little pressure or tension stops our lives from becoming tedious and unstimulating, (such as roll call on a Monday morning)

A good diet can also help fight stress, so at the tuckshop, buy a salad roll and an apple rather than the hot dog or Mars Bar.

Coffee and Coke induce—rapid mood changes and a loss of s l e e p -

Junk foods increase pressure and add to a stress build up. Coffee and Coke, (staple diet for Senior students), also induce the results of stress because of the caffeine content which increases the heart rate and also results in rapid mood changes and loss of sleep.

Although stress and tension make us feel weary and restless, exercise is often a good solution. Keeping fit loosens the body and relaxes the mind. It also helps to get rid of anger and built up tension and nervousness.

Next time you can feel yourself almost ready to break down, explode or spontaneously combust, j o g d o w n to an aerobics session or do a few laps of the pool.

The B group vitamins help relaxation and are found in such foods as yoghurt, wholemeal bread and cereal, brown rice and mushrooms. Foods containing Vitamin C such as capsicums, parsley and oranges also fight stress and tension resulting in a healthier and more relaxed lifestyle.

But back to the question; Are people at M L C placed under too much stress? Of course they are - but probably no more or less than anyone else... (ed - I can't write any more, I ' m too stressed out.)

As boredom is a form of stress, (apart from wagging Chapel), exercise is a good idea as

Melinda Rochford, Year 12.

body something to do

A little pressure or tension stops our lives from becoming tedious and unstimulating

it gives your body something to do and helps fight stress before it becomes a bigger problem.

EXCUSES EXCUSES 3) D R E S S Sometimes we all dress inappropriately for a particular occasion. So, rather than looking stupid and out of place, try a few witty excuses to make everyone else feel uncomfortable. * Be insistent: "But I ' m sure that the invitation strictly stated "fancy dress." * Try self mockery: "The only clean thing left in my wardrobe was this purple velour flared jumpsuit." * Lie: "I was robbed and all they left was my ripped jeans and flannelette shirt." * Lie again: "I know it was formal dress, but I gave away my formal clothes to St. Vincent De Paul, because I believe clothes are really pretentious." * Get desperate: "This hairstyle is making a come back."

These excuses will work if used correctly, but to avoid embarrassment, please try to be careful.

H O W TO M A K E T H E M W O R K "Sorry I ' m late." "Sorry I forgot...." "Sorry, sorry, sorry..."

Do these words plague you every time you are late for something, forget an important date, or are just embarrassed about something you or your family has done ?

Of course they do - you are only human so read on for some vital tips to get you out of any sort of predicament.

1) L A T E N E S S Lateness is a c o m m o n problem and most employers/schools/dates understand that occasional lateness sometimes cannot be avoided. However, for those of you who are unfailingly late and are getting into trouble for it, try these excuses. * Smile sweetly and hope for the best: "Am I late ? I wonder if someone has tampered with my watch ?" * Walk in yawning with hair unbrushed: "Sorry I ' m late - it was my m o t h e r ' s fault.

She forgot to wake me up." * "Excuse me for being late, but I had to clean up after my dog because she killed my neighbour's cat because it chased my brother's bird who was eating the prize cumquats off my m o t h e r ' s tree.... (with luck, the person will get confused and tell you not to worry about it.)

The key to good excuses for being late is to try to m a k e the other person believe that your being late was beyond your control, thus making him/her feel guilty for chastising you for arriving late. It ALWAYS WORKS 2) F O R G E T T I N G Forgetting something very important is a terrible sin and sometimes it is hard to be forgiven, so if you tend to be forgetful I'd recommend memorising these handy excuses: * Birthdays: Blame the system: "Your card must be stuck in the mail.

Blame that person: "Why didn't you remind me?"

Get desperate: "I don't believe in birthdays.

I think you are only as old as you feel." * Anniversaries: Blame yourself and sound sincere) "I'm so stupid, I lost my diary."

Use reverse psychology: "I remembered - I just wanted to see if you did."

Get desperate again "Anniversaries are so insignificant. I think of you as much as I do any other day of the year." * Appointments: Be vague: "Oh, I thought it was next Friday."

4) B E H A V I O U R / M A N N E R S Excuses for these are many and one must be careful that the right excuse is used for the right faux pas. If the excuse is explaining your behaviour, self pity is the way to go. * "Excuse me for being rude to your daughter, but she looks like the girl that stole my kitten when I was young. " * Beyond your control: " I ' m really tired/drunk, I don't know what I ' m doing/saying." * Smart: "In some countries this is considered polite."

If the excuse is explaining to someone for behaviour of children you are responsible for, then the excuses can be more fun. * Shift the blame: "It's his m o t h e r ' s fault." * Think quickly: "Spitting is part of his religion." * Medical problems are useful: "It runs in the family - it's genetic." * Peer pressure: " He has been hanging around with the wrong crowd lately."

With proper use, these excuses will work if they d o n ' t , at least you w o n ' t look stupid - which is the aim of all good excuses.

Please, use these excuses wisely and remember : " T H E R E ' S A G O O D E X C U S E FOR EVERYTHING."

Lie: "There has been a death in the family."

R e m e m b e r , forgetting is a serious problem, so get your excuses straight - go to any extreme to be forgiven.

Melinda Nikolich, Year 12

STAR BRIGADE PREFECT REPORT 1990 - The start of a new decade.a new era,a new image for M L C and a whole new outlook. This year our themes were communication, school spirit, equal opportunities within the school and a more environmentally aware community.

Once we covered official duties such as helping the new and overseas students, orientation days, the church service and gala concert (which we thoroughly enjoyed), school spirit was very much on the agenda. W e encouraged girls to support M L C at the Head of the School Girls Rowing and the All School Swimming Sports to cheer our prime competitors on.

T o keep the tradition going we held a very

feminine match against the gentlemanly Scotch College Prefects. However to eradicate any form of eliteness, we held a raucous Year 12 match against a school w e ' v e being eyeing off for a while.

T o improve communication between the different sectors of the school, not only did we hold a Teddy Bears Picnic with the grown-up Grade 5s (most were more mature than the prefects), but the prefects attended various committees within the school.

In serving MLC, not only did the we mature and improve our organisational and public speaking skills, but it gave us a valuable lesson on how to cope with authority - as well as coping with the rejection of authority.

previously new to us while at the same time learning how to relate to adults better.

Naturally being a prefect has been difficult at times, but the rewarding experience greatly outweighs that.

Finally w e ' d like to thank all of the Year 12s for their support and Mrs McKenzie for her continual guidance and pearls of wisdom. W e heartily hope that the girls following will enjoy Year 12 as much as we have. W e also would like to wish all the 1990 Year 12 girls the best of luck in their lives after MLC.

As mediators between the staff and students we have met many students who were

Senior Prefects.

Goodbye, Good luck, Goodbye, Good luck, G o o d b y e , Good luck to you!

A m a n d a Drury, Louise Finlay, Libby Svars,

SAUSAGES TO SEQUINS What better day for a Year 12 Barbeque than the day before the Year 12 dance?

For some time the prefects had been thinking of ways to bring the Year 12s together and a barbeque and casual clothes day seemed the ideal answer.

So, at Friday lunchtime. May 25, as the Year 12s queued for their sausages, we prefects slaved over a greasy barbeque.

Beautifully manicured hands clutched slices of bread, while dresses, partners and plans were discussed.

It was great to see everyone talking amongst themselves and an excited atmosphere swept over senior centre. W e can only hope that everyone enjoyed the dance as much as they enjoyed our sausage sizzle.

Anna Cafasso & Georgie Coward

T R A M DUTY Have you ever wondered what it is like to try to hold back hundreds of girls who are all in a desperate hurry to leave their favourite school?

The prefects endure their jostling, highspirited, eager colleagues each afternoon while trying to secure their footholds on Glenferrie Road.

The white coat brigade have little time to notice the boys as they prod the girls forward in the already crowded trams.

Prefects are always grateful for the help of cooperative girls, but often we can be heard screaming as we manipulate the girls so we can get home early also.

TEDDY BEARS PICNIC The day of the Teddy Bears' Picnic arrived.

The Prefects divided into two groups those organising the food and those collecting the Grade 5s from Junior School.

Apprehensively, the food was laid out and the lollies were hidden around the fountain area. The excited Grade 5s arrived with teddies under arms and games such as Fruit Salad and Scarecrow Tiggy were played.

Then the food was handed around with the Tiny Teddies and Cheezels disappearing as quickly as the infamous Mars Bar slice.

The next quarter of an hour was spent in discussion as we ate. Conversation topics included laptop computers (used in all Grade 5 classes) and the extent of House Spirit in the "big school".

The bell rang and the prefects packed up, relieved that the day had been uneventful in the way of accidents. It was a thoroughly enjoyable time for all.

PREFECTS DEFECTS Louise Bales - Next Picasso Tess Barling - James G a l w a y ' s wife Kate Boycott - Married in Scotch Chapel or Scotch Chapel Caretaker Anna Cafasso - M o v e over Nadia Comeneci Georgi Coward - Playboy centrefold Mandy Drury - E.Bs assassinator Fiona Filshie - B o n o ' s harmonica Louise Finlay - The Lady of the Lake Tania Glogoski - Sheep Shearer Sharna Guest - World C u p Titration Champion Sarah Hoe - 3 in 1 ?

Selina Jackson - Business W o m a n of the Year Claire Leach - Tinkerbell Claire Leech - Next Gabriel Gate Michelle Mansas - A Harlem Globe Trotter Peta Meideke - Mrs Schultz Elise Reid - Leader of the Red Army Marjoree Sehu - E.Bs Successor Anna Stewert - "The Vilest of all Viles" Libby Svars- Australia's answer to Billy Connolly" Chris Tan - Stefan E d b e r g ' s ball girl Barb Thorne - A can-can girl Alex Verrier - A stand up comic

S M O K E BUSTERS At 7:45am. in the early morning mist, we take up our pre-planned positions: two girls on each school gate, a few patrolling between the school and Glenferrie Station and another large party (safety in numbers is a prerequisite on this kind of mission!) roaming between the school and the "top".

Aware of the prefect's intentions, girls with no blazers or stars dive into bushes in a last minute attempt to avoid the gold-stars (and subsequent reprimands) coming their way.

Those with half a dozen or more earrings scratch their ears guiltily to hide the

Eunice

• Part 2

A huge crowd was gathering outside Pink Palace. What they were gathering is still not known.

Sam and Mel tiptoed past quietly. They hid behind dark glasses. They hid behind the pot plant. They hid behind the V T A C course description stand for Year 12 students anxious to make a start in life, multiply their choices, lower interest rates, repay the national debt, and relieve poverty in third world countries.

Mel screamed in excitement. Sam screamed

evidence that hangs glittering in the sunlight. But alas! It's been tried before and a prefect takes the blushing girls name.

By 8:10am, the girls on gate duty have two pages of names each, an empty bottle of nail polish remover, lipstick stained tissues and several envelopes of confiscated jewellery.

in surprise. They both screamed for icecream.

"There is a course in Horse M a n a g e m e n t at Gippsland Institute!"

Mel offered Sam a relieved smile. Sam thanked her for it and put it in her schoolbag.

While Mel examined her future, Sam examined the Palace. It was pink, which w a s n ' t surprising.

"It's lucky they painted it after the name," commented Sam. Mel gave her a confused look, but S a m ' s bag was already full...

to face, smoke from a chimney pouring out between them, filling the morning air. Not even one cigarette stub is visible!

"Let's try Kew Gardens," is the suggestion which breaks the embarrassing silence of the failed plan.

"There are always smokers there!"

The infamous M L C prefect blitzes always take the unsuspecting by surprise and for a few days afterwards at least, there is a marked improvement in most students' appearances.

Meanwhile their fellow crime busting buddies are planning a m a j o r smoke bust in one of the many "hidden" lanes at the "top".

The group splits up and go to opposite ends of the lane, frequented by smokers. The signal is given and each prefect creeps stealthily down the narrow lane. The smell of smoke strengthens and in the distance the

It's a filthy j o b and one liable to result in a severe reduction in the number of friends one has, but is also one that is much a part of M L C as the prefects themselves.

blur of green uniforms is visible As the figures in the distance become clearer, four prefects are left standing face

Alex Verrier & Sarah Hoe

JUNIOR SCHOOL SMOCKS & LAPTOPS MRS D E T T M A N , HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL Gone are the days of stereotyped young girls. From a distance Junior School girls may seem to do no m o r e than play in their smocks all day, but d o n ' t be misled! These are the future w o m e n of our workforce and it is these years which shape their attitudes to life.

Mrs Pam Dettman has been in the position of Head of Junior School for 20 months.

Before coming to M L C , she was the director of a French Program at an interstate independent boys school. With plenty of teaching experience behind her, Mrs Dettman stresses that the work undertaken by the girls is very relevant to today's academic programs.

Science and maths are just two of the many programs which are encouraged and taught to the students. Trips by teachers (Mrs Rawlings and Mr Edgoose) to classes have ensured substantial understanding of basic scientific concepts and structures. The success rate in this years "Tournament of the Minds" was just another example of the

girls' abilities to individually present creative thinking in their answers.

Upon visiting Junior School, it is obvious the girls are happy in their environment and visitors have often commented on the "energy" the girls show. The girls not only benefit from M L C s high academic standard, but also from the pastoral care. This is the key to Junior S c h o o l ' s success - through the open and honest environment the girls develop trust in others and themselves.

Mrs Dettman brings a personal touch to her j o b as Head of Junior School by teaching half of the students G e r m a n each day. She also conducts assemblies three times a week, sometimes co-leading with one of the Chaplains.

There have been some m a j o r changes since Mrs Dettman took the reins. The introduction of laptop computers to Grade 5 involved much staff input to ensure it worked at full capacity. Another major change was the decision to renovate the lower part of the school to accommodate

Year 6 classes. Girls will now complete their final primary years here before entering Junior Secondary School.

The role of music plays an important part of m a n y of the students' lives through the Special Choir, Year 5 Choir and the General Choir. Junior School has not only involved itself in the singing at Upper School Assemblies, but also joined with the Senior Choir at the Gala Concert.

T h e involvement of Junior School is also expanding through many activities, such as the g y m production "Barnum". N o longer can Junior School girls be moulded into the young ones of the school for w h o m "life is easy". The programs, subjects and extracurricula activities are not only shaping the girls' intellects, but also teaching them valuable communication skills. A healthy balance has been achieved where there is room for work A N D play.

Laura Ruth Cowling, Year 12.

RABBITS Rabbits are cute, Rabbits are nice.

Rabbits are soft, Rabbits are cheerful.

Rabbits you can hold.

Kristen Green & Carolyn Beilby, Grade 2.

MY DOG M y dog is very good to me.

He takes m e out for walks.

H e puts his paw upon my knee, And very nearly talks.

Jacquline Cade, Grade 2.

ANTARCTICA I love Antarctica, A land of ice and snow, Of polar bears and penguins, With icebergs high and low.

Explorers looking all around.

For icicles and ancient bones.

Ships running all aground So very far from their homes.

A n n e Dawson, Grade 5.

80

i

FRIENDS A friend is a kind person who likes to share her things and thoughts with you. If you hurt yourself she is always there for you. If you have nobody to play with, she will play with you. If your friend is a good friend she will show consideration for you. If you are a good friend to somebody, then it usually means you will show these things too.

Zoe Singleton, Grade 4.

THE ENVIRONMENT N o w you shouldn't pollute and you shouldn't waste.

Help Victorians clean up the place.

Recycle your cans and don't throw them away.

And remember to do the right thing every day!

Jenica Lee, Grade 4.

WORLD ENVIRONMENT Re-cycle cans, glass and paper.

Re-think about the ozone layer.

Re-use all the good things around.

Re-duce smoking as much as you can.

Build a new world of fresh air again.

D O N ' T POLLUTE Judy Chang, Grade 4.

DREAM MOUNTAIN Have you ever dreamt of being an explorer?

Climbing a mountain, each one looming up taller?

I see dark shadows thrown all around.

I take a deep breath, there is not a sound.

The moon is a cold, clear white.

I am the only living creature around in sight.

What else will I find? W h o , what or where?

U p in the mountain air, way up there.

Claire Finklestein, Grade 5

TRAM MEMORIES I am sitting in a tram. It h a s n ' t budged in years. It rests on concrete blocks, poles support it on one side.

I swing my legs up onto the seat and lean my back against the wall that may once have separated the driver from a noisy, laughing group of M L C girls in the 1950s and 60s, or maybe even earlier, on their way down Glenferrie Road.

The tram rests in M L C Junior School. I glance up and down my surroundings.

In the middle the seats face each other, the other end is identical to where I sit and the very far end is where the driver would sit.

The steering wheel has chipped red paint on it. One side of the tram has no windows it's funny but I never noticed that before years ago when I used to play games in here.

In a building not far away I can hear the sounds of young voices singing, but that's the only noise. All the other girls are inside learning how to read and write.

But in my mind I can hear other sounds.

Sounds of young girls playing games and running through the tram. Memories of me playing with my friends in the tram, not having to worry about the assignment due next week, or the test next period. All we wanted to do was have fun and we did.

My thoughts are interrupted by footsteps. A small girl of no more than five or six enters through the tram. She hesitates when she sees me but I offer her a friendly smile. She decides I must be all right and continues about the serious business of driving the tram.

Her friend arrives shortly after and is more reluctant to accept the fact of a stranger in the tram. She keeps throwing her friend

questioning glances about me. Finally she gives up trying to save her friend from the perilous danger of that big girl scribbling in her folder and leaves.

The girl w h o is left shyly offers to show me how to drive the tram and leads me to the front. She explains the mechanics of the tram - where the bell is and how to work the steering wheel - and freely offers information about herself. She is five years old, in prep, had an icypole at recess (which according to the size she indicates with her hands was about 50 cm by 50 cm) and named all the colours that a five year old with about two weeks of schooling under her belt is capable of naming.

In the middle of her account of a recent trip to the park, I hear a bell ringing in the distance and know I have to get back. As I head off, I turn and take a last look at the tram and a phrase comes into my mind that my grandmother often uses : "Those were the good old days".

And they were.

Leanne Hogben, Year 10.

SOUL & SPIRIT REUNION In March, Senior School Students were told that a gospel group would be singing in assembly.

I ' m sure that many of us thought that it would be boring but to our surprise they performed a range of catchy, upbeat songs.

Everyone enjoyed the music and responded by clapping and dancing. The Assembly Hall was transformed into the scene of a concert!

Reunion, as the group was called, are from the United States and are based in California. They tour the world sharing the gospel in the form of music to places and venues such as World Expo '88, Singapore, New Zealand, Hawaii, Chicago, New York and the Philippines.

After their performance at MLC, Reunion performed at Monash University where a few M L C girls attended. Many M L C girls were impressed by them and enjoyed hearing some good music.

Jenny Wong, Year 11

JOSEPH - T H E MINI-SERIES Joseph was born to Rachael, the favourite Of J a c o b ' s two lovely wives.

His brothers, born to Leah, Had hated him all their lives.

His father made him a rainbow coat, And his brothers hated him more.

But when he started having dreams, That was the very last straw.

In Joseph's dreams, he dreamt That he was the Lord of all And his family bowed d o w n to him.

While he stood straight and tall.

To the captain of palace guard.

His name was Potiphar, His wife was evil, her heart was hard.

She said that Joseph did things Which he would never do.

And he was sent to prison, Where he spent in years, two.

During those two years, T w o men asked him what he knew, For they had each a strange dream And knew not what to do.

Joseph found the meaning It turned out as he said After three days one man was alive And the other, poor bloke, was dead.

One day he went to Shechem, Where his brothers looked after the flock And when they saw him coming.

T o kill, they made a plot.

But Reuben said "Let's not kill him" "Just throw him into a well," He hoped to rescue him afterwards, but in the end Joseph they did sell. for twenty pieces of silver

After some time the Pharoah had A strange, unexplainable dream.

He dreamt he saw a fat cow, A-grazing at the stream.

After a while a skinny cow c a m e And ate up the very fat cow It looked none the fatter after that, Isn't that a strange dream, now?

T o a group of Ishmaelites, W h o took poor Joseph to Egypt While his brothers smiled in delight.

But Reuben was not glad, but upset.

For he knew his poor father'd be sad.

They dipped J o s e p h ' s coat in some blood And brought it home to their Dad. Jacob mourned so long for his loss.

Dead, his favourite son.

The brothers hung their heads in shame They realised what they'd done.

Back in Egypt he was sold

Joseph said; "Your dream means this - now listen and listen well you'll have a time when f o o d ' s all around and You should appoint a very wise man.

W h o knows just what to do, Let him store the wheat and food T o make your dream come true."

Then Pharaoh said; "I think that you are the man for the job.

You will serve m e very well

with help from your great God." And so it was that Joseph became The newest governor.

During seven years of plenty, Joseph collected wheat.

And put it in the store houses So people could come and eat.

Then came seven years of famine, W h e n people had nothing to eat.

Joseph opened the houses And gave the people wheat.

Foreigners came from Canaan, And other places as well C a m e all the way to Egypt, T o buy what Joseph had to sell.

J o s e p h ' s brothers also C a m e to buy food.

He pretended to think them spies.

Towards them he was crude.

In the end he told them He was their long lost brother.

O v e r c o m e with joy, They went to tell their father.

Of course the family moved to Egypt They were well looked after there, living a life of pleasure With richness that was rare.

A family reunited.

With lots of fun and laughter, Fathers, sons and brothers, They lived happily ever after.

Alex Merory, Year 7.

GET INVOLVED COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT In the past year, M L C has continued to provide students with a chance to learn and become involved in their community. The Community Involvement Program, (coordinated by Miss Heffernan), has expanded this year with over 250 students becoming active in up to 80 community based organisations.

At M L C , our tradition of fund raising for charitable organisations has continued. Last year, Social Services collected $36,603 from activities which will be distributed amongst 32 organisations including World Vision, Community Aid Abroad, Chiang M a o Leprosy Mission, McFarlane Brunett Centre for A I D S research. Amnesty International and the Salvation Army.

On National Red Nose Day in 1989, students raised $2400 for the Sudden Infant Death Research Foundation (S.I.D.S). Girls in all year levels responded enthusiastically towards noses and buttons, but were reminded that their reasons for involvement were born out of the tragedy of other people.

Response this year to the World Vision 40 Hour Famine was yet again extremely positive. Students raised $4909 for the starving in Third World countries in 1989.

The annual visits by the Mobile Blood Bank to M L C were also a great success.

In August 1989, up to 200 people donated blood in the Assembly Hall, including 180 students from Middle and Senior school. In 1990, 168 donated blood and 84 of those were new donors.

Other fund raising activities included the Salvation Army Fun Run in 1989 which raised $3,660 for Cross Roads, the Christmas Bowl Appeal, raising $369 and the Red Cross door knock which raised $234.

Awareness of social justice, human rights and environmental causes have resulted in students joining groups to conserving our planet such as Greenpeace and Amnesty International.

FIGHT FOR H U M A N RIGHTS Amnesty International was formed in 1961, seeking to obtain the release of prisoners of conscience (ie. those w h o have not used or advocated violence), who were detained for their political beliefs, sex, colour, origin, language or religion. It asks for fair and prompt trials for all political prisoners and speaks out on behalf of those imprisoned without charge or trial. It opposes the death penalty, torture and any other punishment which is

degrading to prisoners.

The organisation, based in London, researches and collects names of men and w o m e n who are considered 'prisoners of conscience'. Names and information are distributed worldwide to Amnesty groups who, through letters and telegrams to officials and leaders of countries concerned, lobby for the release of their 'adopted' prisoners.

In May 1990, M L C became one of over 170 local groups in Australia and nearly 3,500 Amnesty groups throughout the world. Nearly 100 students and ten teachers are now part of more than half a million people in over 150 countries who campaign each month for the rights of unjustly imprisoned people.

Students ranging from Year 7 to Year 12 and a number of teachers gather at lunchtime once a month. After reading about a chosen "prisoner of the month", they write courteous appeals to government officials for more humane conditions and/or the release or retrial of prisoners.

From September 3-7, students became involved in an Amnesty Letterthon Week, whereby they were sponsored for the n u m b e r of letters written on behalf of Amnesty International. In October members brought A m n e s t y ' s plight to the awareness of the school community through a very successful badge selling campaign. All money raised from both activities went to Amnesty funds.

The Amnesty International group is one of many activities integrated into the C o m m u n i t y Involvement Program which encourages students to become aware and involved in world affairs.

M.Y.L.E - Multicultural Youth Learning Program.

M Y L E is a joint program between M L C and the Hawthorn Community Education Centre, which aims at assisting children who face difficulties at school due to

differences in their language and cultural background.

It provides assistance for primary school children who find it hard to obtain help from their parents with homework or school related activities due to a lack of facility in the English language and may not otherwise be able to obtain private tutoring.

After parents contact M L C and the Hawthorn Community Education Centre through their local primary school, h o m e visits are made and each child is matched with a volunteer M L C student. Tutoring sessions take place at the home of the child and M L C students are expected to make a commitment to work for at least one hour per week during the school year.

On-going supervision and support is maintained throughout the program for both students and families, with the program being subject to continuous evaluation by participants.

Children receiving the M Y L E program obtain personal help with their homework and social adjustment, developing their selfconfidence. They obtain a better understanding of Australian culture within the f r a m e w o r k of a new friendship and receive practical assistance in the use of public libraries and other community resources.

For twelve Senior School students, M Y L E has been an opportunity for them to increase their social knowledge and community involvement. They have made new friendships with younger children with backgrounds from countries such as Vietnam, Korea, Czechoslovakia and Yugoslavia.

As well as obtaining Certificates documenting their involvement, M L C students receive the satisfaction of being able to encourage the growth and selfconfidence of their "pupils" and obtain a wider knowledge of the many nationalities that m a k e up our multicultural society.

Melinda Rochford, Year 12.

JUNIOR SECONDARY A H E A D OF T H E TIMES MRS BAKER, H E A D OF JUNIOR SECONDARY S C H O O L Variety, challenges, independence and enthusiasm - if that's what y o u ' r e looking for, the Cato building is where you'll find it.

Junior Secondary students, as described by the new head of school, Mrs Baker, are "a terrific bunch of girls...an extraordinarily happy and really calm lot." (ed.- It makes you wonder whether they may be putting something in the drinking water.)

As of 1991, Grade 6 will become part of Junior School, (made possible by extensions of the Junior School buildings). Mrs Baker sees this as a positive step for students and curriculum in both schools.

"It means students w o n ' t miss out on the leadership skills obtained in a primary school situation...skills that are maybe not developed fully in Grade 5 because they are that bit younger."

The loss of Grade 6 in Junior Secondary School has also opened the way for an increase in Year 7 numbers through the availability of more classroom space.

Thirty more girls will be added to Year 7 classes, mainly because of a demand form students wanting to c o m e to M L C .

The year 1989-90 has been the first full year of the "Sunrise Program" in Year 7.

Described as T H E event in Junior Secondary School and, "Somewhat like the new V C E is for Senior school and Mallacoota is for Middle school," Mrs Baker said.

The Sunrise Program is all about independence in learning and the development of computer studies.

Computer skills are integrated into subjects such as English, History, Geography,

Biblical studies and Maths.

"Girls are taught to investigate and research on their own and work at their own pace," which increases individuality and independence, Mrs Baker said..

Students are taught computer programming rather than simply playing games and word processing.

"It's good to get them comfortable with computers...they play an essential part in the future of education," she said.

Through the Sunrise Program, eight students from Junior Secondary school attended the World Conference for Computer Education during the Easter holidays. There they b e c a m e involved in Robotics displays and workshops, working with some of the top researchers in the world. They were c o m m e n d e d on their presentation, which involved talking and explaining what they were doing clearly while relating well with adults.

Although the Sunrise Program does not run through all Year 7 classes, the overwhelmingly positive response received from students, teachers and parents alike means it will be gradually integrated into the whole Year 7 program.

Asked whether this has caused any problems among students, Mrs Baker said; "At the moment it's not a case of the have and have not's. They are (computers), only a tool when all is said and done."

Mrs Baker speaks enthusiastically about the general attitude of students in Junior Secondary.

"There is a big difference between Year 7s and Year 8s. A vast majority [two-thirds] of

Year 7 students are new to M L C ; they are very curious and enthusiastic, wanting very much to please. In Year 8 friendships become very important. They want to be more independent...and begin to test the 'boundaries' as it were," she said.

"I see less disenchantment a m o n g students (in Year 8) in relation to school and their school work than ever before."

This may be due to the change in the Year 8 program to provide variety and challenge so that students are not as bored as they may have been in the past.

The Year 8 program is also very much geared towards independence and class participation. Students are encouraged to ask questions and challenge ideas. Their program is somewhat flexible and has more variety through a series of elective choices m a d e by students.

Mrs Baker advocates keeping up a human contact with students. Although she is in charge of the overall discipline of Junior Secondary school, she tries not to make her position with students only one of an authoritarian. She is able to relate to students in a relaxed atmosphere through involvement in the Sunrise Program and teaching in the English in Practice elective with Year 8.

"Teaching English in Practice has enabled me to teach half of Year 8s, giving m e more casual contact with girls so I don't feel so remote...and that's important," Mrs Baker said.

Melinda Rochford, Year 12.

GRADE 6 CAMP Our camp was ace 6Cs, 6Bs and 6As Tuesday to Friday w e were away N o w listen to what I say...

Tuesday - we settled in that night Wednesday - we all got a fright Activities were so m u c h f u n First thing I had to do was run That was sport and a Nature Walk next Then everyone had a rest After that, cooking...yum

Damper, choc-banana all filled my turn Then brush art and swimming of course And when it was over I was filled with remorse.

Thursday - I went to Mt Buller by bus That didn't cause too much fuss It was f u n even if I say so N o w you all know W h y I think our camp was ace 6Cs, 6Bs and 6As. Gian Sampson-Wild, Year 6.

YEAR 8 C A M P 1990 As the clock struck 6:03am, every single girl in Years 8A and 8B awoke to the sound of their ringing alarm clock (well, we did at least).

W e had precisely 42 minutes to arrive at the Chapel car park for the ... annual da na na nah, Y E A R 8 C A M P ! Yippee. Woopee, whoa, yeeha !

Before we knew it, 7:30am was upon us in no time and the buses were full of 100 per cent hyped up Year 8 girls set to roll - all except one student.

At last she arrived and a cheer broke out.

As soon as she was seated the doors slowly shut and the wheels started turning. Look out Valley Homestead, here we come!

After several desperate toilet stops, we crunched up the Valley Homestead driveway. More cheering, clapping, shouting, etc. started, until we were ordered out of the bus to eat our squished lunches on the lawn.

Soon the excitement of discovering our rooms hit, but to no avail; they were locked. After introductions to Valley Homestead's owners, the doors were unlocked and pandemonium broke out!

"Which room am I in?"

"No, that's M Y pillow!"

"Our bunk beds squeek.."

These messes were sorted out quickly by the teachers and we were marched uphill to an exhausting afternoon at the Bush Activity Centre.

W h e n we returned, 8A packed and returned uphill for their campout, while 8B climbed into their bathers and were packed off to the swimming hole across the road.

Soon the coldness wore off and we were splashing around and swinging on the Tarzan rope.

Eventually we were dragged back to the homestead for a y u m m y dinner, then we hurried off to bed.

At 10:00pm the lights were supposed to go out but at 11:30pm, to Mrs W e b e r ' s horror, we were still going stong. Finally we drifted off into the land of nod.

Next morning we were woken for breakfast very, very early. W e staggered out towards what we hoped was the dining room. The activities on the agenda today were a billyboiling camp, damper making, a stretcher race and the worst... an afternoon in the bush in which we had to make our own meal.

That night it was campout time for 8B. For dinner we were expected to make a meal with only one potato, one onion, one tomato, two rissoles and some dehydrated peas or corn. Ugh! After dinner we went on what was supposed to be a leisurely stroll through the bush. It turned out to be a wild rampage, in which we had to struggle for our lives.

W h e n we finally returned, we tumbled sleepily into our tents.

Our third day consisted of bush fitness courses, the aerial obstacle course and the

art activities. That night we provided the entertainment in groups by giving a small performance.

The B 5 2 ' s gave a guest performance.

Snappy T o m pancakes were also on the menu and coffee at the teachers' morning break.

Supper was served after the concert, then both forms fell into bed for their last night at Valley Homestead.

The bus pulled in next morning and it was tears, not cheers, coming f r o m everyone.

W e climbed into the bus unenthusiastically and drove back to M L C .

Sarah Davey & Kathryn Margetts, Year 8.

THE HOLE Containing rather smelly muck at the bottom of the campsite.

Is a very dark black hole, lit up by a tilly light.

The middle of the night is when everbody goes, Be careful when you enter it. Look out!

Hold your nose.

Tumbling down the rocky hill, you wonder what you'll find, Beware of the toilet seat, freezing your behind.

W h a t a huge embarassment, if anybody saw, Try to not expose yourself, because...there is no door.

At last your trip to the hole is over and you think...

"It could be worse. W e could be here for two nights!"

My goodness! What a curse.

So Year 7 we warn you, when you attempt to reach this goal, Be wary of the stinking, freezing, doorless, slimy, dirty, filthy H O L E !

Danielle Wyatt, Kate Silberscher & Michelle Campbell, Year 8.

G R A V E Y A R D AT MIDNIGHT She crept into the graveyard, just as the clock struck midnight. She was suddenly surrounded by eerie noises and felt as if she was being watched.

Just as the twelfth stroke was ringing, she thought she saw some vague, misty shadows arise from the graves in the distance. Then, to her amazement, a huge ugly creature j u m p e d out f r o m behind the bushes beside her. She fainted and fell into the arms of the most dangerous creature in the world, the Ailed.

The Ailed ran towards the misty creatures and said to them as they gathered closely around: "Look what I have found, my pets. A human!! If this happens again, we are doomed! If you wish to live, you must never let this happen again."

H e left the girl to the hands of the misty

creatures, who gathered around in a circle.

Before they did anything else, they laid a spell on the little girl, that would last until the next day.

Then the leader spoke: "We must do as the Ailed says, for if we don't, our race will be gone forever."

And with that, they faded away into the darkness.

Soon the young girl regained consciousness and looked around her. Within a f e w moments, she remembered where she was and what happened to her a few hours ago.

She had been unconscious for nearly six hours.

She got up and tried to run away but found that her legs were really stiff because of the way that she had been lying down. She managed to walk to the gate of the cemetery and tried to get out but the misty creatures had laid an invisible barrier around the cemetery, making it impossible for her to leave.

She tried in vain to break the barrier but was too weak as yet. A s she turned around, she thought that she saw something in the corner of her eye. She looked closer and saw that the strange creatures that she had seen earlier were back and they were approaching her quickly.

They formed a circle around her and started muttering some weird words They moved in closer and closer and then so close that she was unable to breathe and, slowly but surely, she suffocated.

The misty creatures let g o and left her lying dead on the gravel. Then silently, they faded away into their awaiting graves.

Belinda Grass & Eva Aschman, Year 6.

ROW HEAVE HO KINGS CUP

SCHOOL ROWING Rowing. What is it that you immediately think of when you hear that word relating to MLC? Is it big, broad-shouldered, muscle-bound, "butch" girls busting their guts out while being yelled at by a coxswain in an effort to cross the finish-line first?

One could be forgiven for thinking this, as it is a popular, though misconceived belief.

This rowing is of an Olympic or International standard. This is m a d e up of people learning at the Australian Institute of Sport or some such place. It is most likely the heavy-weight rowers that you see are large, but there are also light weight rowers of 59 kg and under.

Schoolgirls rowing does not make girls big, broad-shouldered, muscle-bound or butch.

On the contrary, the exercise thins girls off.

The fitness and stamina of a rower is better than the average M L C girl who exercises only when absolutely necessary. A rower is more determined to succeed in doing what she wants because of her experience racing and wanting to win. She is also cooperative and tolerant because she learns these qualities with her coach and crew during a hard workout on a 4 0 degree day.

The rowers have a healthy body and thus a healthy mind which all adds up to a brilliant team of crews.

M L C s relatively short history in rowing has produced an outstanding success record both in schoolgirls and beyond. A number of e x - M L C girls have m a d e it into Victorian and even Australian crews.

With this behind it, the Silver Star Rowing Club is shining and more success will undoubtedly come.

HEAD OF S C H O O L REGATTA March 18, 1990 was a thrilling day for all M L C rowers. It was the day of the Head of River for School Girls at the Barwon River in Geelong.

M L C entered seven crews in the regatta.

These crews trained solidly four days a week for six weeks leading up to the regatta and also entered weekend regattas. For the first time, the First and Second crews combined to make up an eight.

On March 17, all 35 rowers and their coaches loaded onto a bus and were taken to Geelong where they stayed the night prior to the regatta.

At the motel each crew were allocated a room (which included a fridge, television, etc.) and spent the rest of the day training.

The crews rigged up their boats (under the watchful eye of Geelong Grammar) and went

for a row. It was probably the worst training row of the year. T h e Firsts fell in while trying to change oars in the middle of the river and the water was so choppy coxswains found it impossible to steer.

That night after scoffing down bowls of protein-building pasta everyone was hyperactive and the feeling around the top floor of the motel was electric. Everyone was praying for good weather and a successful race.

Next morning at 5:00am all rowers were dressed and ready for action. After a light breakfast everyone walked down to the river to help set up the stalls as this year M L C was hosting the regatta. Parents and friends of the rowers were there to give their utmost support to the M L C crews.

The first race was the eight and they won their heat - a good start to the day. The next race was the Year 9s and due to the scratching of another crew, they lost their heat as they were pitted against the crew who would eventually win. (Three boats in a heat, four in a semifinal and five in a final). The Firsts, Thirds and Fourths were eliminated in their heats. The first Year 10s narrowly missed out on the semifinal due to them catching one of the biggest crabs of the year.

The second Year 10s surprised everyone, including their coach, by coming forth in their final. The Seconds experienced a rewarding day coming a close second place in their final.

But one of the most exciting races of the day was the final of the eight with Wesley just pipping M L C at the post. M r Loader was seen at the finishing line, camera round neck, snapping the crews as they came in.

On the day, $8000 was raised f r o m the stalls and this is being put towards a new boat.

Many thanks must go to the committee of the Silver Star Rowing Club for organising a perfect day.

That night at Studley Park Receptions, the annual M L C rowing dinner was held finishing with humorous speeches from each crew on the season's rowing experiences. For the first time all rowers and coxswains were presented with medals for participating in the regatta. A special thank you to Larrisa Smith, the captain, David and Susie Palfreyman, Tootsie and all our coaches.

T h e r e ' s a buzz in the air and spirits are high.

Competitors are hyped as the races draw nigh.

It's not even race day and I ' m beginning to squirm, But my mind is all settled and my muscles are firm.

The following day we pile in the bus, Just the coach, her son and the ten of us.

W e drive for an hour to arrive at the lake, Thinking of the day that is hardly awake.

The races have started, but only the heats, Ours is at nine o'clock - I hope no one cheats.

The tension builds higher as the races are won N e w records are broken. This is so m u c h fun.

W e row to the start with our stickers and shades, "Look at the crew guys, we might have it made" T w o thousand metres is the length of the race, A s w e come around the course full pace.

Over the finish line we come in three.

W e now go to the semis where third is what we see.

The next is the finals against five top crews, Like St. Caths and Geelong G r a m m a r , we're not going to lose!

The very next day, the sky looks ace, The crew is hyped up, w e ' r e ready to race.

W e arrive at the course as the wind screams around.

Races are postponed while we just lie on the ground.

T h e y ' r e running our race, w e have just heard.

Quick! U p to the line, this time w e ' r e not coming third!

The weather's impossible, getting into the blocks, W e try and straighten up, but the boat rocks.

"Are you ready R O W ! " , the starter doesn't wait, W e try to head d o w n the course, but we aren't even straight!

But the crews row the same; all wobbling to the line, With the waves overflowing as the wind yells

Melissa Lawton, Year 10.

with the whine.

Despite the head wind, we row a good race, Crossing the line fifth, with water pelting our face.

W e all feel excited, even though we didn't win.

T h e Nationals are over now, but we'll be in them again!

SPRINTING TO SURVIVE RUNNING A 400 METRE RACE AND SURVIVING A sense of numbness and nausea suddenly swept over me as the realisation of the arrival of the event struck me.

Standing behind my block, nervously pacing and unable to stand still, I await the starter's commands. No matter how many races I run, or the level of competition present, I am unable to avoid or control the sickly feeling and anguish I experience prior to a race.

"Three metres behind your blocks," says a forceful and aggressive male voice from the starter's box. All the competitions obediently obey his command and I try in vain to stand still as my stomach continuously chums. The shouting and laughter of the crowd is absorbed as a temporary lull passes over the stadium.

"Take your marks." A last minute jump and a quick stretch is my final chance to wake my body and secure it in the necessary 400 metre mode that the race requires. There is no point in me running the race without the total attention of my mind, as I must realise my body's ability and its vulnerable stages.

I pace forward to the starters blocks, spontaneously drop to the ground and crouch on all fours. I take a quick but deep gasp of air and try to settle my upset nerves. With the majority of my body weight resting on my hands, I plant my left foot forcefully into the blocks, the right following in a natural and routine movement. Staring along my lane, I am totally oblivious to the outside world, living for only one thing - my race and victory. ' "Get set." We rise in our blocks at the command of the starter and my heart stops while he holds us for what seems to be eternity.

I try to anticipate the movement of his finger on the trigger, but like a bud that bursts in the coming Spring, I explode from the blocks before my signal. My heart pounds and I am breathless as we are brought back behind our blocks to repeat the entire procedure.

I feel more at ease now, knowing I can move from the blocks at the starters command. Poised like a lion, I stare at the track directly in front of me and am disturbed by a small leaf at my finger tips.

My mind requires total order and even

small things must be wiped out of my mind to enable full concentration of the race.

"Go." Racing. A surge of blood and a gasp of oxygen tells my body I am racing. My mind is strong and my body must obey the commands it receives to keep going no matter how great the pain. I must run my own race and ignore the opposition for the first 200 metres. Striding out, I take deep breaths. I mustn't falter. I tell myself to pump my arms and relax my shoulders, knowing that my feet must follow in a similar motion.

I enter the home straight and turn on all reserves to carry me through this gruelling period. My mouth is dry. Swallowing is like drinking splinters of glass, but my mind is strong. Stride by stride, I see the line advancing and realise my goal is within reach.

A lunge at the line - it is over. The race is mine and victory is sweet. The crowd acknowledge my win with chanting and cheering and I savour the moment. My muscles contract and the pain is immense.

But I have won.

Sarah Whitchurch, Year 12.

CROSS-COUNTRY The MLC Athletics Squad enjoyed a successful cross-country season. Competing in inter-school and state competitions, the team always managed excellent placings.

Starting the season with the four kilometre schools cross-country relay at Brinbank Park in Keilor, the team, which consisted of Alex Verrier, Tina Johnson, Anna Shelly and Rachael Gibney, missed first place by only two seconds.

Lured by a $600 prize in the Olympic Day

run, Alex, Anna Batray, Rachael and Claire won the five kilometre relay - only to discover that the money was to be donated to the school!

After performing well in the Shell State Cross-country Championships, (seventh place), Anna Batray was chosen to represent Victoria in the National Schools Cross-country Championship. Lauren Shelly also ran seventh in her age group in the State Cross Country and Rachael Gibney

came fifth in the under 19s.

Competing in the Collingwood and Hawthorn five kilometre Championships, all MLC girls managed to finish in the top ten placings.

MLC came second in the ESA Countrycountry with excellent performances by Lauren Shelly (JSS) and Lisa Thurling (MS) who both won their races.

Alex Verrier and Rachael Gibney.

MIDDLE SCHOOL LEAVING THE DOOR OPEN MRS JEAN PREST, HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL After almost a decade at MLC, Mrs Jean Prest is not enjoying this year and admits she is not looking forward to the end of second semester. Even as she praises the staff and students of MLC, the enthusiasm in her voice for the initiatives and development of Middle School is touched by regret. The year 1990 marks her last full year at the school as her retirement is scheduled for the middle of next year.

Her commitment to her students, her respect for their teachers is evident and every reference to their work is injected with the adjective "marvellous".

She recognises a lot of unhappiness in Middle School - girls who are sad or feeling lost - but sees also maturity and determination in their thinking and their ambitions. Many more girls are clear about what they want to get out of life and she is glad females are no longer manipulated into stereotype jobs. The importance placed on friendships is also apparent in Years 9 and 10 and Mrs Prest agrees that most girls don't realise that by Year 12 the girls they aren't friends with now could be their best friends..."but you can't tell them that."

The smooth transition from Year 8 to Year 9 is disrupted slightly by the absence of a regular form room and Mrs Prest understands that girls may miss the "sort of nurturing" they get in Junior Secondary School.

At the same time she sees a maturing process as the girls pass through Middle School, particularly in their compromising attitudes to teachers with whom they clash in personality.

Planning for the Mallacoota program so that it will be ready to start in 1991, has been the major thrust of this year and taken up most of the time of Middle School staff.

Mrs Prest is excited about the opportunity Year 9 students will have to live on the campus for a term in a self-sufficient, low energy lifestyle. Mallacoota will replace Outward Bound in the Year 9 syllabus and the shorter camp will be offered in Year 10 along with the work experience program.

Mrs Prest boasts of the outstanding musical talent displayed in Middle School and the terrific sportswomen who pass through every year. She credits the new Chaplain for the great Chapel Services and improved attendances and feels that the

increased number of staff with young children or babies of their own is "great" for bringing more understanding and tolerance to teacher-student relationships.

Computers are employed in most subjects and any new girls to Middle School are expected to do a computer course if they lack these skills. A two period elective program is also a successful addition to the curriculum and the varied interests this year have allowed most options to run. House drama is scheduled for later than normal in the year and an extra drama - Dinkum Assorted - was "a lot of fun".

Mrs Prest teachers History at a Year 9 level and one elective, usually debating. This allows her to know more girls personally, and she enjoys the informal contact away from her administrative and disciplinary role as Head of Middle School. Perhaps most telling of her success is her approach to their relationship.

"I just have the door open and let them wander in whenever they want."

was rigged. Sparks flew as students (particularly candidates) debated whether it was true that Mrs Prest keeps a close guard on who gets into the SRC. However enough of that (that comment might just have cost me a place!). The members of the Middle School SRC this year faced some tough competition and a barrel of laughs along the way.

glamourous Tempest Drizzle (Vickie Milne) and extremely handsome Brian Storm (Melissa Perks).

Death in the Limelight followed the filming of a dramatic day on the set, beginning with the murder of a maintenence worker.

The plot thickens as a make-up girl (Sarah Riley) reports the events through her "Bramike" to a police Chief and the manager of the show (Lenore Ellett) becomes extremely nervous. His petite and meticulous secretary (Jenny Boyd) also becomes disturbed by the suspicious phone calls he is receiving.

Meanwhile, Penny, the extremely down-toearth director of the show is obviously flustered by these disturbances and the model hostess of the show Danielle (Elissa Humphries) becomes near suicidal as she tries to settle down the studio audience between the murders.

Finally arriving on the set is a friend of Tempest, Detective Inspector Stihl Blade (Melinda Schambre).

Overall, the night was a huge success.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Samantha Feldman, Year 12.

SRC ELECTION Hot off the SRC election trail.

The campaign this year has been a hard and tough one with 58 candidates for only 20 places.

Ideas for campaigning have been original to say the least. With entertaining speeches involving puppets, The Pope, army drills, Adolf Hitler, witches, space suits, rappers, hippies, singers, dancers and a take off of the Levis advertisement, Middle School assemblies have certainly brightened up.

It didn't take long for the election to become more of a contest for who could (and was prepared to) make the biggest fools of themselves. Let it be said that many candidates deserved flying colours for their efforts.

Sticking to the best traditions of political elections there has been much baby kissing, or in this case 58 sweetly smiling candidates walking round each day longing to be rude and nasty, but suppressing the urges.

Possibly the biggest scandal of the election was the rumour that the whole election

Fiona Taylor, Year 10

YEAR 10 CABARET - "DEATH IN THE LIME-LIGHT" It is difficult to describe the Year 10 Cabaret this year, but it was a wonderfully flamboyant melodrama with stars, glamour and mass murder.

Performed and produced by the two Year 10 Theatre Arts classes and their teachers Miss Francis and Mrs Jackson, Death in the Limelight was glitzy and very entertaining.

Set on the scene of a popular talent-search TV show similar to New Faces, "In the Limelight" was hosted by the very

Fiona Taylor Year 10

ROUGHIN' IT MALLACOOTA AN OVERVIEW "Oh, it's the most marvellous program. It really is exciting."

Mrs Jean Prest Head of Middle School In 1991, students entering Year 9 will enter a new era of activity, adventure and independence.

Gone will be the crowded public transport rides to and from school, the tedious queues at the tuckshop and the boredom of one indoor lesson after another. Instead, one quarter of the year level will have to opportunity to spend an ENTIRE TERM at the new Mallacoota campus.

There they will live in low energy housing in groups of eight, cooking and budgeting for themselves with Mallacoota spending money. Using solar energy water power and wind power, the girls will have to be able to measure and monitor their low energy lifestyle. Resident staff will maintain the academic requirements with an emphasis on outdoor education and a heavy load of environmental studies.

At the same time the school is reluctant to lose existing camp "Outward Bound", which will now be offered a year later at the end of Year 10. Obviously after a term at Mallacoota, girls will be ready for a more advanced camp and plans are being worked out so girls can develop the skills learnt there.

While meetings are being held and preparations made with the parents and girls of Year 9 in 1991, current Middle School girls are understandably regretful that they won't be a part of it.

The participating students should gain enormously through the added independence and responsibility of living and learning in an away-from-home environment. And at fourteen or fifteen years of age, the girls can enjoy what the program has to offer before they become too committed to schoolwork, too involved in extra curricula activities, or too attached to the metropolitan social life.

Samantha Feldman, Year 12.

J H M M H j H

OUTWARD BOUND

MALLACOOTA

Outward Bound was the highlight of Year 9 for me. Though it was tough and I yearned for the comforts of home (television, lights, fridge, etc.), I was very glad I went.

Shelter was a bivvy. A bivvy is a rectangular sheet of plastic that is tied between trees to form a roof of some form.

The food was very good for a survival camp- we had things like hamburgers, spaghetti and some excellent desserts.

My favorite day was the abseiling/ rock climbing day. I had done neither before and was a little unsure whether to do them or not. But the people from Outward Bound were really helpful and soon I was abseiling and climbing with confidence.

The worst part was the walking we had to do. All in all we walked about 34 km and rafted 10 km. Trying to walk up mountains and hills makes your legs very sore and on one mountain we stopped every ten minutes to rest.

We went to Mallacoota on Thursday May 3. We were on the bus for ten hours and arrived at about 5:00pm.

Staying on a farm we saw lots of cows, dogs, sheep and a horse. We pitched our tents. On camp we went for walks in the bush - I saw a purple wildflower which looked very special, lots of bush and big trees.

However I am really glad I went and when I came back home I wished it had gone for longer.

Emily Hudson, Year 9

The teacher and I saw a wombats hole. On camp I cooked cheese on toast on the fire and the other girls played games.

On Monday morning we went to the Timber Mills. The man who took us to look around told us about woodchips and the machine which takes the bark off the trunk. Then we watched a video about timber in Australia.

In the afternoon the other girls went canoeing, but I stayed on the bank and read a book. I learned about the weather. I looked at the thermometer to see the temperature and my friend looked at the direction of the wind.

We left camp at 10:00am and arrived home at 6:00pm. I enjoyed my stay at Mallacoota.

1 liked being with the other girls and I learned a lot.

Hayley Thompson, Year 9

MALLACOOTA v OUTWARD BOUND One of the major changes to the Year 9 curriculum next year will be the absence of Outward Bound.

Instead, Year 9 students will be taken to Mallacoota, where MLC has bought a farm.

Is this a good or bad idea? There are some strong points in favour of Outward Bound.

Outward Bound is a camp. There is no school work and you don't have to write an essay about it when you come back.

You are out in the Grampians with twenty

other people and your main aim is to survive.

Will Mallacoota be like this? Will there still be that survival element that makes Outward Bound so much fun? Will there be school work, and if so what would it be about?

At this point in time (June) the talk has been to take students for one term. Girls doing subjects like gymnastics and ballet would not be able to go for such a length of time and still do the subject that year.

There are still questions to be answered about Mallacoota - one of the biggest is will it be better than Outward Bound?

Emily Hudson, Year 9

EXPRESSIONS

THE COURTYARD

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To many, the courtyard between the Nevile and Nicholas buildings means nothing.

Compared to the world and its problems the courtyard is insignificant.

But to me the courtyard means everything.

Even though I don't go there any more, it has a lot of memories - some painful and some full of joy.

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There is one particular rock I sat on one day, crying because my best friend and I had an awful fight. Even though the rock was inanimate, it could understand what I was going through, supporting my shaking body as I wept.

Every time I look at the rock I think of my old best friend, and all the good times we had together, even though we never talk now.

In the corner of the courtyard, a tall gum tree reminds me of happy times, where I met the gang that I hang around with now.

I was under the tree one day reading when a girl came over to me and asked me what was wrong. I told her all about the fight with my friend. That night she rang me and I knew I had found a lifetime friend.

The next day I was sitting under our tree when she and her friends came over to talk to me. Now I have a group of the greatest friends in the world.

Every lunch-time we would meet at this tree. We lay under it during the hot humid summer, its foliage protecting us from the scorching heat. The only time we ever left its trunk was in the winter when we sat inside. But I often thought about the tree fighting against wind and rain, its branches reaching out for help and its leaves rustling like a voice calling me to save it.

As the year passed, we stopped sitting under the tree and began sitting somewhere else.

Another part of the courtyard is the long and winding road that leads to our classroom. It crosses between Nevile and Nicholas like the yellow brick road leading from Munchkin land to Emerald City.

AMY CLOUGH, Year 10

THE GARDEN Green. This is the first thing that hits me as I sit down. Green. Everything is green. The grass, miles of it, stretching out before me; the ferns on my left, reaching up to the sunshine, then drooping over with the strain. And there are leaves. Leaves on the bushes, leaves on the trees, leaves on the ground, leaves everywhere.

Maybe these things are not unusual, but the colour of the garden surprised me, though not unpleasantly and I settled back and tried to absorb the beauty.

The peacefulness was another surprise.

During recess and lunchtime the gardens are hectic, filled with talk, laughter and movement. But now it is quiet and relaxing - a place in which you could rest for hours.

The soft breeze plays with my hair making it tickle my neck and face. Butterflies flutter past, enjoying the gentle time before the crowds arrive. And people DO flock here. I think this is because the gardens seem so far away from the harsh reality of school and work.

When you enter this place it is like stepping into another world - a world of

beauty and carefree hours of laziness. The seats placed randomly around give the area a friendly and welcoming feeling. The birds also welcome visitors by chirping their greetings.

The gentle murmur of distant classrooms makes me glad that I am in this beautiful world instead of the dark, gloomy "other" world.

I remember two years ago, during 'Son et Lumiere', when I performed in this area.

Then it was dark, pitch black and small lights illuminated the actresses.

At that time the gardens were full of excitement and noise, and also a little nervousness which not everyone admitted to. Nobody really noticed the beauty of the garden. They were too engrossed in the excitement of the moment. But now it is peaceful. Relaxing, gentle and peaceful.

Then, all of a sudden, the bell rings, shattering the magical moment. I am forced to stand and return to the "other" boring world.

At the edge of the gardens, I turn and take one last look at the greenness. Oh well, I can always come back at lunchtime. . .

Danielle D, Year 10.

THE GATES OF A NEW SCHOOL Without even thinking about it I sit myself at the base of a large maple tree. Cool shadiness surrounds me but bits of sunlight sneak through; a delicious patch of sun falls across my neck and shoulders. The roots somehow manage to fit me comfortably in their intricate network and the grass beneath me is soft. As I gaze at what surrounds me, the trees bark grows warm against my back.

In front of me the school gates stand. Their rough cast iron is twisted into a delicate star. I remember those gates, the very first time I saw them. Behind them was a large school I knew little about, but it didn't matter - 1 would never go there. Like many other schools, I knew the name, the uniform and maybe one or two of the girls but it meant nothing to me. Now, some years later, I am on the other side of the gates.

How different it is to be looking out from the inside. The gates are certainly a division of two worlds. Inside, peace and serenity reign. The day is quiet, perfect, nature is showing off her infinite beauty. It seems as

if this is all too close to the roar of a passing tram and the incessant drill of a jackhammer.

Outside, there is the constant, almost soothing sound of car types rippling across the tram track, the purr of engines as they wait at the lights and the sudden takeoff as they speed away. I know that later these sounds and the peculiar smells that accompany them will be hard to remember.

It's a little like my life right now. The impersonal air the traffic has about it, busy, rushed - and then, on the other side, the quiet contentment of the fountain and gardens. It makes me examine my feelings; fear and apprehension of this huge, new school and the sense of familiarity I already experience. Even if I leave next week, this is a part of my life now.

The sun is warm as I pick the grass off my socks. Someone calls my name and it is time to go back to class.

I will be here next week and the week after that. I will be here for the rest of my school years and I am glad.

Claire Smith, Year 10.

WATCHING OUTSIDE All is still. I am quietly sitting under the tall gum leaves which tower above me, watching and admiring their grandeur.

With the slightest breeze their long shiny leaves shimmer in the sunlight. I wonder how many leaves are on that tree? Each leaf seems to have a life of it's own.

One leaf is half eaten by a green juicy grub.

Another is scarred where "foreign" creatures have built themselves a home. A leaf lower down is decorated with butterfly eggs dotted in regimented lines as if awaiting nature's command to hatch. Most leaves are untouched by other creatures of the natural world.

Through the heavy clumps of gumleaves at the top of these grand trees I can see a clear blue sky. White fluffy clouds seem to be hanging in the atmosphere almost waiting for something to happen.

A big grey storm cloud approaches. As the cloud passes over the sun a huge shadow has suddenly darkened the earth.

Tiny ants scamper over the soil unaware of the sun or shadow. These small black creatures hurrying along on their six little legs to achieve their mission. Some carry food to the nest while others seem to wander aimlessly.

One large water spot spits onto the dry dusty soil. Some ants scamper around it.

Others stop to investigate. The water spot is followed by another and another until the area is wet and muddy. As the rain drops fall they make tiny river-ways.

Ants now scurry to their nest. Once into their hole through a dark tunnel and down into the dry chambers of the ants nest they are safe.

The rain continues.

Now the bright blue sky is a dull even grey.

The gum leaves still shine but from a different cause. These tall native trees of Australia droop only slightly with the weight of water on their leaves.

Other creatures accustomed to water, emerge. Frogs jump from puddle to puddle croaking songs of glee. Snails and slugs search for food. This once tranquil almost silent spot takes on a magic of movement and noise.

Sandra Bauer, Year 11.

h

SENIOR SCHOOL BUSY, BUSY, BUSY MRS JUDY MCKENZIE, HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL & VICE PRINCIPAL Mrs Judy McKenzie has occupied the "enjoyable" positions of Head of Senior School and Vice Principal for seven years and emphasises the differences between the two jobs.

The former, she said, involves more responsibility for the management of the Senior School and Senior School program on a day to day basis. The latter involves being deputy to Mr Loader; it gives an overview of the whole college and involves contact with the wider school community School Council, Parents Association, Old Collegians, local and educational communities.

Mrs McKenzie meets personally with groups of students on a regular basis - the Prefects and with other groups on a more irregular basis - the Valedictory Luncheon Committee, the Dance Committee, the directors of the School Play, the chairpersons of various committees, the

SENIOR SPEECH NIGHT 1989 "This is the time to remember, 'Cause it will not last forever These are the days to hold on to, 'Cause we won't although they want to."

The highlights of Speech Night 89 was undoubtedly the Year 12 song, a moving adaption of " This is the time " (Billy Joel)

by Jane Wiggill.

The President of the College Council, Mrs Margaret Williams, welcomed everyone, then the evening took off with a march by Tchiakovsky, followed by a Beatles medley by the Concert Orchestra. The Music School provided a humourous note (without Mrs Elton-Brown being on stage), the Senior Madrigals performed "Cats" and the Concert Choir sang three numbers, bringing the house down with a spirited rendition of "Dry Bones" The Senior Prefects gave us an amusing account of life at the top and then a long line of girls received well deserved awards.

The evening closed with three traditional anthems - The School Anthem, the Leaving Song and finally the Dismissal Hymn.

Jo Halls, Year 12

editors of the School Magazine.

She also comes to know girls indirectly.

Students who wish to discontinue a subject must meet with her to discuss their future as part of the process; girls (or their family members) with health or emotional problems often contact her; "winners" will be presented to her for congratulations; worried parents may ring to discuss their daughter's progress; staff may call attention to students; girls with "great" ideas on ways to improve Senior School will approach her such as the two Year 11 girls who are all fired up to form an environment group!

Mrs McKenzie said the main concern which predominated this year was for the future the economic climate and Middle East situation has created this concern. As for the rest of 1990, Mrs McKenzie anticipates she will be "Busy, busy, busy," as the time up to speech night and the VCE exams "gallops".

In Mrs McKenzie's eyes. Senior School girls are straight forward, independent and energetic.

"They seem confident and lively - very ready to get on with their lives in an enthusiastic way," she said.

She notices a strong bonding within friendship groups and is pleased with the way the girls support each other through the pressures of Year 12. She is also pleased they are able to cope so well with the academic demands and maintain a balance between their school and social lives.

The privileges of their final year include the Year 12 Jumper, Year 12 star, permission to leave the school during lunch and early departure from school if spares (!!) are in period 6 or 7. Closer relationships are often formed with staff and Mrs McKenzie boasts that, "staff treat girls as equals in Year 12".

Samantha Feldman, Year 12.

YEAR 11 COMMON ROOM It is big, blue and extremely noisy. What is it you ask ? - A Blue Heaven Slurpee? A psycho Cookie Monster??

No! It is (ahh) the Year 1 1 Common Room — a menacing sight and terrifying thought to many teachers, yet a happy haven for more than two hundred Year 11 girls.

Located on the third floor of Centenary, miles away from the lockers and tuckshop. the Common Room is a place where Year 11 's can come to eat and gossip with their buddies.

At lunchtime, recess and spare periods you can hike up to the third floor and be confronted by literally hundreds of girls — chatting about boyfriends, nightclubs, unfinished homework and the hottest

topic - the up and coming formal.

In the Year 11 Common Room you constantly hear phrases such as "Who's selling Toblerone?", "Which one of you idiots used all the milk ?" and "Who stole my mug ?". And then there are questions such as "Who's got the answers to last nights Maths home work? "."Who understands Chemistry?" and "Is there somebody, anybody who's already done the Eco Test?".

From the kitchen wafts the delicious smell of toasted cheese sandwiches, two-minute noodles and tea and coffee supplied by the school (presumedly to keep us awake during class). Benches are provided for homework (?) but if the smell of food does not manage to distract you, the constant

screaming and blaring of music will. But the Common Room is not only a privilege but a responsibility -- not always taken seriously judging by the amount of litter that decorates the room and kitchen.

At times teachers are forced to use tactics such as blocking supplies of coffee and tea or proclaiming the Common Room out of bounds.

However we Year l l ' s really love our Common Room and realise that cleaning it is a small price to pay for a place to hang out, talk, eat and make the rest of the school really jealous when we strut around with our mugs of soup. Now that we have our groovy Common Room, God knows what we'd do without it.

A TRIBUTE TO SENIOR CENTRE When we were in Year 11, 1989 and first stepped into the Common Room, we all exclaimed to each other in unison; "Wow. look how lucky we are! We've got a Coke machine, a fridge, a sink and a hot water urn to make coffee, tea and noodles."

We were awed by the blue room and thought the Common Room was the "best".

Unlike the 1990s Year l i s , we used to look after it really well - or so we thought.

Everyone got on so well and it was such a fun place to "study". By the end of 1989, I'm sure that all were sad to see the end of our faithful habitat.

1990 crept upon us faster than anyone could have imagined possible. The first day of school, February 7 1990, was a confused mess.

Disillusioned "new" Year 12s started to make their way to the "faithful" Common Room, only to be thrust out by the "old" Year 10s.

What was going on? A new evolution dawned, but took a while for most to realise. However, when they did, a hurricane of newly baptised Year 12s burst through the doors of Senior Centre, all eagerly inspecting each room - desperately attempting to find the "right" one.

The downstairs section of Senior Centre ended being an interesting concoction. One room consisted of glittering gold star encrusted blazers, another room was "well groomed and coiffured" - all seeming to be waiting for their "Ken" - and sometimes he even managed to secretly surface.

Another room was decorated with nightclub passes, photos and the beat of their hip-hop could be heard from outside. The room adjoining invited all to the "orgy that starts in 69 minutes" and people were warned or tempted.

The tiny red room (Jane Eyre??) near the kitchen could be quoted in the Senior

Centre book of Records as the room most capable of squeezing in the most people.

Upon approaching the red room, one might be mistaken for believing there was a man in there, but in fact, it is only the bellowing crass sounds of Eddie Murphy.

The room on the landing with the makeshift door that was creatively made out of a curtain is one which many don't dare to step inside. The waft of burnt processed cheese tickled one's nose with a pungent aroma. This room, with the ominous kaleidoscope window, the dead monkey hanging from the rafters and a pair of disused skis scattered on the floor may not be a welcoming sight to many. The lights are off and the fan is always on, whether they need it or not. The walls are always covered with photos and posters of heroes of 1983 and the floor is renowned by teachers for being the dirtiest in Senior Centre every day - without fail.

Mysterious goings on have been known to have occurred in this room, with and without it's occupants, which probably explains the many and varied rumours that have been spread.

Up the stairs, we have the rooms that are usually empty or very quiet. Nobody knows who goes up there, or if anyone has ever returned once venturing up those stairs.

Although each room has its own unique character, there are two rooms in Senior Centre that we all share - the outside toilet and the kitchen.

The modern outside latrine is a special facility that Senior Centre is lucky to have especially since the demise and closure of the upstairs bathroom. But, it has been known to often lack the essentials, i.e toilet paper and a lock on the door.

The kitchen is a horrifying place to enter for one normally accustomed to civilisation.

The Coke machine is dented from the many

frustrated feet that have kicked it, the stove has been stained from many unknown substance, the griller is splattered from the remains of many melted cheese sandwiches and the old urn is renowned for churning out cold water.

It goes without saying that the sink and the floor is always delicately sprayed with spoonfuls of sugar, coffee and milk, making the kitchen easy pray for infestations of ants and possibly plagues of rats - nothing is beyond the kitchen of Senior Centre.

Even the communal cupboard looks promising with the half-empty jar of breakfast marmalade that seems to have been there forever. Who owns it ?

But, the thing that makes Senior Centre so special is, without a doubt, the vending machine. This has become a life-saving device to many students suffering from chocolate withdrawals and a desire to fulfil.

The day M & M's with peanuts came in nearly caused an environmental disaster as thousands of feet came thumping from all areas of Senior Centre at once.

Every day, when the vending-machine man comes in, girls seem to hear him clatter the coins and instantaneously flock in to watch him fill the machine up. He does this magically almost, bursting out of his hiphugging jeans. It's a daily thrill that means disappointment if missed.

Yes, Senior Centre means something different to everyone and whether you've been put on cleaning duty and are faced with vacuuming up the bean bag balls that are always rolling down the stairs, or you've merely retreated there for a break it's a great place to be and will certainly be missed by every white-jumpered girl who resided there in 1990.

It seems it's an end of another era.

Melinda Nikolich. Year 12.

AWKWARD ENGLISH TOPIC: Does Frank succeed in changing Rita?

Well, in Educating Rita she does change. In the film she starts off with blond hair and ends up with brown hair. Also she wears jeans at the end. In the play she was much prettier and kept changing her hairstyle, but Barry Crocker only kept putting his coat on and taking it off.

It would have been better to get a different person because Barry Crocker is a wimp!!!

But the main thing is that she changes her name from Rita to Susan. Rita is a better name really because Susan is such a common name and you don't find so many Rita's nowadays. I think Rita suits her better anyway because she looks more like a Rita.

In the end she goes to Australia with Tiger and has a baby and this is a real change because in the start she didn't even know Tiger. Going to Australia is a change because the weather in Australia is much different to the weather in England and she would have had to buy all new clothes.

But she doesn't change as much as Allie Fox does. He takes his whole family to live in the jungle and they have to take everything with them. This meant they had to grow all their own food and this was a change because in America they could have bought it at the supermarket.

Sheila Cassidy changes from a quiet person

who doesn't know anything to a criminal who has been in jail. But she can't change in jail because there is no freedom and too many guards so when she comes out she writes a book and this is a change for her because she is a doctor.

Looking at the people in South America in "Mosquito Coast" and "Audacity to Believe" would make you think carefully about immigration because you wouldn't want to live there. They can't speak English and you wouldn't be able to understand it anyway. Another thing is we don't really want all people from overseas coming to Australia because there isn't any room.

There is too many of them already anyway and they're taking all the jobs from real Australians who need the job more because we were here first.

But a counter argument would be that they can live in the desert because there aren't too many people living there except the Aborigines and it would be quite good for them because it would give them something to do and they wouldn't get drunk all the time and have deaths in custody and want land rights.

However, some people may argue that what is needed is more real men and Frank certainly isn't one because he writes poems and can't get Rita into bed.

If Frank was a real man he would tell Rita in depth how he feels and would let her know he likes her body. He would buy her presents and take her out to night clubs, not just sitting around talking about books and literature. Also he would have played sport and driven a Porsche or something like that.

He would be rich and kind, sexy, understanding, like Phil Collins music and play tennis.

Galileo is a real wimp too because a real man wouldn't have decanted. Real men are strong and tough but romantic too underneath and don't go around decanting.

They don't even drink wine!!! They drink beer and not lite-ale either.

So therefore it is obvious that Frank is not a real man and he couldn't have changed Rita because he can't change himself into a real man. So Rita makes the right choice in choosing Tiger and will have commitment in Australia with him. This is okay because at least they can speak English and they're probably going to end up being English teachers and who would want to be one anyway.

If you are still there you may recognise the incisive analytical brilliance of one of your colleagues confined to exam supervision.

Ms Sherman.

Describe a perfect man.

It was a dark and stormy night. No, that was an understatement. It was a grim, brooding, heat-oppressed evening, with the furtive, long shadows of day's enemy, the steely night, creeping over the hills and dales, forcing the sun's rays to sink, protesting, beneath the cruel rim of the world.

It could not be said that all was right in God's heaven - for Karinda, trapped within the sweaty, somnolent confines of one of VicRail's finest train carriages, nothing was right any more. Dirk had abandoned her, having tasted the exquisite beauty of her chaste youth and found it somewhat cloying.

Karinda's full lips, perfectly formed and rosy-hued in her anguish, trembled becomingly as her small but pouting breasts heaved within the caressing restraints of her latest "Witchery" angora pullover.

She had to bite on her lower lip with tiny, evenly matched teeth, and wipe quickly at an errant tear that had fallen from the depths of her agonised, tawny-gold eyes, before her sorrow got the better of her.

The pulsating, rhythmic movement of the train lulled Karinda into a trance, as her

feverish emotions took possession and forced her to relive, in exquisite detail, every blissful - yet scorchingly heartrending - second of her nine-and-a-half day interlude of pleasure with Dirk, the manager of the MEGATHROB video shop.

From the moment Karinda had entered the store, she had sensed the presence she'd not felt since the first watching Star Wars at the old Richmond Valhalla cinema, before it had burnt down.

Perhaps it was the soundtrack blaring from the two metre high speakers, or the alluring mobiles gyrating in the breeze as they announced the arrival of yet another Rocky movie on video. Karinda was sure of only one thing - the dynamic, abrupt appearance of the Adonis-like figure behind the counter, wearing a phosphorescent glowing orange bow-tie and one of those quaint baseball hats with an axe thrust convincingly through the crown. They were all he wore.

Had her heart loved before? Had she ever gazed on true beauty until that moment?

She didn't think so. Here, in flesh incarnate, was her ideal, perfect man. He was like a snowy white nappy hung on a line with

dirty overalls; like a jewel-encrusted sleeper-earring pierced through the nostril of a Guns'n'Roses guitarist; like a ripe red boil on a sickly-white neck, and the bold, sensuous look in his penetrating, steel-grey eyes told her he was ready to burst.

Their love had progressed rapidly. That first time Karinda hired Mary Poppins; two days later she was on to The Naked Gun and She's Out of Control; and then, without blinking so much as an eyelid, she took Say Anything and Parenthood.

She and Dirk soared to the heights of passion, exploring each other in heady ecstasy, hugging the comers, laying low, pushing it to the limit, breaking free, sampling hidden delights, and putting it all on credit.

Karinda wasn't sure, exactly, what it was about him that has so captured - nay. enslaved her youthful heart. He was a tall man, with his flat-topped head and a barrel chest firm enough to chop onion on. His hair was thick, springy, raven-black in the moonlight, yet wheat-gold in the sunlight.

His handsome face was sculpted, chiselled like granite yet with a pliant quality like moist clay. The suddenly peeping dimple,

QUOTE ME MR BELL: "We hate you Katrina. We'll have a special stoning lesson next week. I'll sell rocks at the door."

the rugged cleft chin, the lantern jaw, the sensual yet greedy lips, the cruel, high cheekbones all combined to endow him with the kind of face you'd only normally see on packets of Nutri-Grain.

Yet it wasn't merely his looks that entranced her. In all fairness, Karinda knew that she could never give her heart so quickly and unquestioningly without feeling a bond of the soul, and Dirk had plenty of that. She had seen him in all kinds of situations in those nine and a half days times that had tried and tested many a stronger personality.

MISS MITCHELL: "Dealing with a discontinuous function is like toddler training - you just can't make it behave."

MR BELL: "Don't tell me anything. I'm king of the faux pas."

MRS ELTON BROWN: "It's no use being normal."

MR BUCKINGHAM: "I know you're young and it's nice to be naive."

MRS SMITH: "Vacuum hoses, hair-dryer hoses..."

STUDENT: "What the hell are hair-dryer hoses??"

MRS SMITH: "Sometimes I get things right."

MR PRYKE: "It wasn't me. It was already broken."

DR CASTLES-: "That one mark could be the difference between Medicine at Monash and street sweeping in Bendigo."

DR OTZEN: "I like nibbling on ears."

DR OTZEN: "Fictionalise!"

She rejoiced in his sensitive, poetic nature, and thrilled when he sang arias from the great romantic operas and Elvis ballads. He had written several plays and had had a volume of poems, entitled "I Mash You", published to warm critical response.

He was a natural and gifted athlete and had once run a trout farm in Oklahoma, NSW. He had seen "The Sound of Music" ninetythree times, yet still cried when Julie Andrews ran away from Captain Von Trapp.

MR BELL: "Having a Republican Governor-General is like having an Atheist Pope."

MR BUCKINGHAM: "Economics, Accounting, Scones l...or whatever they call it these days. Girls please don't tell Miss Cotes I said that."

MRS MASON: "What happens when two people sleep in the same bed together...besides that!"

MRS ELTON BROWN: "If you write things on your choir music you must be extremely careful not to lose it."

MISS PHILLIPS: "I'm into gutters and manure strips in Kew. Don't quote me on that

He had even cleaned out kennels for the RSPCA "for the hell of it" and one of his closest friends was a tram conductor. He always opened doors for Karinda when they went to restaurants (well, he had done so on the one occasion they dined at Pizza Hut), and never argued when she insisted on paying for a taxi, or a meal, or video hire.

He was a perfect gentleman, a perfect man...

MRS STERNER: "Back in the States they used to call me Alana the banana."

FRAU TARREN: "Yes.I had a fantastic holiday!"

STUDENT: "Did you meet a new man?"

FRAU TARREN: "No." STUDENT: "What! Is he an OLD man?"

Wrenching her tortured thoughts back to the peaceful rocking of the train carriage, Karinda raged inwardly. What had gone wrong? What did Dirk mean by "cloying"?

She had believed she had made him want her more, even when she'd most satisfied him. In her youthful inexperience, how was she to know that constant passion, ready surrender, endless love and tender togetherness would so soon sate his appetite?

To be so cruelly cast off, like a Beta video cassette, was a wound from which she felt she'd never heal.

The train drew slowly into the station and the world seemed hushed, swathed in masses of black cotton wool, all wispy and muted, like her pained breathing.

She did the only thing she could do at such a time - she pulled savagely on the door handle and stepped resolutely onto the slick, grey platform, her weekly travelcard clutched tightly in her trembling hand and walked off into the murky hell of another night of repeat viewing on TV...

MR HAINES(searching in his pockets): "I know they're down here somewhere."

MR COMEFORD: "The thing that sets you apart is...your eyes."

DR CASTLES: "The last time I danced there was an earthquake."

MRS COLLINGS: "Girls you are, in fact, donkey brains."

TOP 7 CHANGES TO MLC: 1) New motto - "For God and for Home?". Uh, was that a sexual revolution that just passed me by?

2) Privatise the tuckshop. After all, it's happened to the bookroom, then the library, PEC, the Music School...

We could have freelance teachers...

3) Change the Pink Palace to the Silver and Green Palace 4) Convert the Business School into a harem to make a little pocket money on the side.

5) Have Advanced Skills Students - no more unpaid labour!

6) Move to Maralinga - a bit of fresh air and exercise never did anyone any harm.. (Eds - and perhaps everyone would be able to spell it) 7) Computerise - or did I miss something? and of course...

7.5) GO CO-ED. Do we want guys or turtles?

Miss MacNally Jo Halls, Year 12.

HANKY PANKY YEAR 12 DANCE So the big day arrived and boy did it arrive....

By 1 1 : 0 0 am the majority of Year 12 MLC girls were in hairdressers scattered all over Melbourne. By 1:30 pm they had arrived to get their nails done and as 4:00 pm rolled around they were all dressing for the BIG night.

By 7:00 pm, the group of 700 MLC girls and their partners had arrived at the Southern Cross. For 15 minutes everyone stood around admiring everyones dresses (whether they liked them or not) as well as admiring their partners.

The dinner was tasty and the flashes on cameras ran wild. Then it was time to dance.

Everyone got up and bopped around, bumping into each other, stepping on feet and generally working up a sweat.

The witching hour, 12:00 am, came too quickly for some and not quick enough for others. The majority of Year 12 then headed for the boatsheds, many wandered around the city, while others headed towards various other after-parties as the remainder made a bee-line for home to their nice warm beds.

Everybody tells their own stories after this point and believe me there are some interesting ones going around.

Congratulation to all Year 12s for a great dance and some very good looking partners.

Rebecca Walker, Year 12.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER: Twilight was softening to a dark hue and the stars were splashed across the May sky. The date was the 26th and the night had a mystical aura. No doubt this mood penetrated from the Melbourne Southern Cross Hotel as it filled with over four hundred MLC girls and partners, scrubbed, preened and beautified for the notorious Year 12 Formal.

Hair piled high or sweeping in cascades, dresses short and sassy or classically flowing, we entered the foyer, partners at heel and stars in our eyes. Pouting red lips and long black lashes lit up under the bombardment of camera flashes.

Spirits were high as a wave of exhilaration swept over the colourful masses of chiffon, sequins, velvet, taffeta and tuxedos. Like pilgrims, we began the procession to the awe-inspiring ball-room - the venue in which delights were promised to unfold. Decorations glistened and as the disc-jockey's

lights throbbed, we realised that the night which had so anticipated, was finally here.

For us girls, to be part of this glitterati event alone made painful preparation worthwhile. We had meticulously counted the kilojoules and walked past the vending machine without stopping, paced to and fro in front of the telephone before ringing HIM, and been the exhausted puppets to Ms Medhurst each lunchtime.

The night was a whirlwind of exuberance and fun. Although the Southern Cross began to calm down close to midnight, there was no rush to go home. Indeed, Cinderella has been given 'carte-blanche' this time, so the joy was completely unlimited and unleashed and we could keep our slippers. Prince Charmings and taxis.

Shadow-eyed and feeling rather hollow, we struggled to school on Monday. We dreaded the routine of classes and the prospect of looming exams, but the vending machine did look quite enticing...

Katrina Lawrence, Year 12.

HOW TO CHOOSE A FORMAL PARTNER They would ask me who I was taking the formal this year and they'd crack a joke about how I was dumped by my partner at the dance last year and I'd pull a face as if to say "C'est la vie!" and tell them about how I'd come to choose my intellectual, emotional, personable, anatomically perfect escort for this year.

It's a simple process really, just like buying fruit and vegies for a salad. Each piece must be selected carefully as any one piece could be off and ruin the overall taste - everything has to be fresh.

Then they'd look at me as if to say, "What on earth is she on about?" So I'd continue.

Imagine you were making up a salad.

Firstly you use lettuce, right? Well the lettuce is the base of the salad, or in most cases holds everything else in, this is like the outside of your formal partner.

The lettuce, like the formal partner MUST BE CLEAN. Mothers hate dirty lettuce, as the dirt grinds their dentures Mothers also hate dirty formal partners it makes them want to grind their dentures. The lettuce must also be clean cut and have a crispness and freshness about it.

But. as with the formal partner, a good clean outside doesn't make the salad complete. It's now that a decision should be made on what kind of salad you want.

If you're still hung up on what sort of formal partner your mother would approve of, it's best to go for the boring old plain salad, add some carrot and cheese and there you have it, someone who plays computer chess, parts his hair in the middle and shines his shoes until he can reflect his freshly squeezed zitty face in them. Of course the plain salad formal partner is a hit with the parents, but as a source of conversation - boring!

Add some more ingredients, pray a bit and hopefully you'll end up with something a bit more interesting. This method is pretty much trial and error, but I always say, variety is the spice of life and it's amazing how a strictly mushroom salad girl can get along with cheese, gherkin and grape salad guy!

(For those of you who would like a translation: A cheese, gherkin and grape guy has shiny shoes, a warped sense of humour and is a hopeless romantic).

As most of us spend an arm and a leg....and feet and hands...on our dresses, tickets, limos etc, why not go all out on the formal partner?

I'll enjoy chicken pate, avocado and caviar salad till the cows come home.

But make sure it's the top quality produce, none of this try hard stuff. If his parents don't own at least one

expensive car - he's out like mouldy crumpets. Some of the foreign salads look pretty darn tasty too! What about that Swiss cheese? I'll tell you now it makes the Australian tasty look a bit blue-veined! The problem with foreign salads is that you don't always know what you're in for (how about Kuso salad? Good luck if you speak Japanese!)

A handy tip in this case is to pronounce it properly before considering it or the

results can be a nasty tummy wog!

By this time they are all looking at me with new found respect, and wondering how someone so confusing could be so brilliant. One bright spark would then ask me what sort of salad I was having for the formal this year?

I'd smile sweetly and in a matter of fact voice say,"A lettuce, cheese, tomato, sultana, noodle, rice, potato, egg, apple, banana, pineapple, dried apricot, guava.

tuna, chicken, mushroom, alfalfa sprout, almond, cashew, avocado salad with a touch of thousand island dressing and a sprig of parsley."

The translation: A guy that you'll never find again in your life so put him in a box, stick holes in the top and feed him any of the above qualities until you can marry him!

Amelianne Truscott, Year 12.

WORKING 9 TO 5 Business School The Business School is made up of 42 students who have come from mainstream MLC and other schools to form a community of happy-go-lucky girls.

The course provides an alternative to the general course for students who have made a definite decision to go into the business world. The course is challenging because we are obtaining skills that are highly sought-after in the work-force.

The subjects offered are all beneficial for the "real world". They include; Business

Administration, Business Law, Economics, Business Accounting, Audio Communications and English. They are all enjoyable and each teacher encourages us to use computers as much as possible.

As part of the course, we are required to complete 2 weeks of work experience. In the past, students have achieved positive and successful results with some being lucky enough to have been offered jobs.

Field trips to organisations are always popular, because not only do we get an insight into what's involved in different professions, but we always manage to bring

home souvenirs - such as free cans of soft drink!

The course is also designed to go on to further study if you wish (although not all institutions accept the course). Many students have gone on to RMIT, Chisholm, William Angliss and Footscray Institute and all are proving to be very successful in the business world.

Employer feedback confirms that the course prepares students to an exceptionally high standard for the changing workplace.

SELINA JACKSON

WOK'S COOK'N? The Advanced Certificate of Hospitality Studies The Catering Course is a two year course, the first year may be completed at M.L.C. and the second and third years at either Box Hill College of T.A.F.E. or William Angliss College.

The Catering Course is full of hard work, late nights and weight problems! The catering students are quite noticeable throughout the Home Ec. department wearing their stunning flared check pants with their platform clogs and their very trendy double-breasted jackets, neckties and white starched hats.

Yet despite what most people assume, the Catering Course - now known as the Advanced Certificate of Hospitality Studies - demands a dedicated and hardworking cooperative team to make the course as successful as it is.

During the year, the students study the following subjects: food science (a combination of biology and basic food chemistry), Japanese (Nihongo ga dekimasu-ka), two different maths, hygeine and storage, economics 1A, principles of cookery (entailing cooking once or twice a cycle for an entire day, plus researching the recipes they are going to prepare and cook), commodities and storage, hospitality statistics, nutrition, kitchen operations and quantity food production.

Since the course has no formal exams, the assessment is cumulative. In some subjects there are tests set every week and continuous assignments throughout the year.

Also, some weeks, the students have up to three functions per week (either luncheons

or dinners) causing them to be at school often until lam at night.

This year, for the first time, students also received a T12 V.C.E., which means students may now apply to Universities - a special thanks to Miss Cotes for achieving this.

Students this year were also lucky to have Mrs Fraser, who has vast experience in this field, as their catering teacher - thus making the course very enjoyable and rewarding.

Claire Leech Catering Prefect

STIR CRAZY The Boarding House was made up of 127 wild and wonderful Boarders this year, ranging from Years 7 to 12.

There were only four Year 7 students (thank goodness), but the numbers in each level increase as you go up. In Year 12, for instance, there are 30 of us. (ACE!) This year, the life of the Boarders was full of constant activity, which began with a full house excursion to Emerald Lake.

Next came the school athletics day, when the Boarders' house, TIDDEMAN, featured in the annual march and the staff

versus "daywog" versus boarder relay.

Tiddeman won (prior to disqualification).

Boarders' Birthday Night was on June 1.

This is the day all the boarders celebrate their birthday together. We even received presents from the daygirls!

The festivities began with a special meal and we were waited on by the mistresses.

This year, they dressed in the theme of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

Following this, there was the Boarders' Concert, which went off well.

By the end of the year, we expect to have

had several Boarders' Socials - which is one of the reasons there have been so many sausage sizzles.

We will also have had an early Christmas dinner in October (a big event in the Boarding House year) A N D we compile our own magazine. So lookout Silver and Green!

Louise Todd, Catherine Fawns & Hayley Smithers.

BUT SERIOUSLY THE RELEVANCE OF THE 1990 ELECTION TO MLC for every one woman in Federal Parliament, a statistic that has not changed as a result of the election. Clearly there is a lack of female representation at a federal level. But this lack of representation does not exist in all political organisations and the evidence points towards women being able to involve themselves in trade unions, pressure groups and small political parties, but finding penetration of the larger more established mainstream parties that dominate parliament more difficult.

To some the M L C students, the 1990 Federal election was an exciting event, keenly followed and the source of many ernest debates. To others, it had the appeal of a smelly P.E top at the bottom of your locker at the end of term.

But whatever the view, its relevance to the average MLC student was unquestionable.

As students, women and future electors, the 1990 Federal Election raised important questions with regard to educational prospects at M L C and tertiary institutions, the degree to which politics is open to women and the electoral power of a single vote.

Perhaps the most direct effect of the ALPs victory was the continuation of the education reforms by the Education Minister, Mr Dawkins, intended to provide "equality and access", compared with the shadow minister, Mr Reith's intended "choice" campaign. The A L P policy of maintaining "in real terms it's general recurrent grants to all non-government schools". While there will be increased funding to poorer non-government schools and the Liberal Party's proposed increases in funding to all non-government schools will not occur, it could be argued that this does not present a loss in government funding to MLC, rather a lack of gain.

The standard of facilities and education provided by MLC is unlikely to change, evident in the introduction of an advanced skills program for teachers.

Non-government schools such as MLC, will still have to provide information to the Federal Government concerning where and how government money is spent, consequently retaining the accountability the Liberal Party did not believe to be necessary. Each year the top five hundred Year 12 students will receive two thousand dollars, due to the establishment of the Australian Students Prize and the Hawke Government's policy of restricting the establishment of new private schools is likely to continue, as opposed to the

Liberal Party. This could have the effect of circumventing competition with MLC for enrolements in the future.

During the election, neither the Liberal party nor the ALP education policies included free tertiary education.

The ALP eight seat majority ensures the continuation of the tertiary or "graduate" tax of $1800 (indexed) payable after the student has completed their course and is earning in exess of $22,000 per year. If desired, the tax can be paid up-front at a reduced cost of $1530.

The Liberal Party planned to abolish the graduate tax and impose an annual charge of $1200 up-front, asking students without the money to take out commercial loans. To offset this "fees-loans" policy, twenty-five per cent of all students would receive a free tertiary education due to the establishment of scholarships. However, this policy of student loans is currently in use in the USA and has discouraged students from lower socio-economic groups from entering the college system, their numbers falling from 10.7 % of all students in 1977 to 8.2% in 1987. This policy combined with scholarships that have not been designated as awards for academic prowess or assistance to the economically needy hold the potential to further restrict tertiary education to the higher socio-economic groups.

The ALPs graduate tax however, enables the tertiary student to be relatively free of financial obligations during their course, thereby providing equal tertiary educational opportunities to all socio-economic groups.

This will in turn produce a higher quality of graduates being selected from a wider pool of talent.

During the latter part of this century, women have made great sociological gains in that they have been able to step out of the traditional role of childraiser and homemaker. Increased numbers of women are entering the workforce and politics.

Prior to the election there were eight men

According to the Electoral Office, 31 per cent of the Australian Democrats' candidates for the 1990 Federal Election were women, as were 26 per cent of the independent candidates.

In comparison, the proportion of female candidates in the National Party is as low as 13 per cent, while in the ALP and Liberal Party only 15 per cent of candidates are female.- nearly half the inderpendant figure.

Mr Lindsay Tanner ... recommended that at least 50 per cent of nominees for preselection be women

Consequently, this ratio has ensured that for a considerable period of time there have been more women in the Senate (17 out of 26 Senators prior to the election) than in the House of Representatives which forms government (nine out of 148 members prior to the election). This is largely because of the proportional representation voting system used in the Senate, which requires a quota of votes rather than an absolute majority to win a seat. It is therefore relatively easy for small parties and independents to gain representation.

One glance at the government and opposition front benches indicates that women are lacking representation at the top decision-making levels.

Prime Minister Hawke has nominated Ros Kelly as a member of the inner ministry as Minister for the Arts, Sports, the Environment, Tourism and the Territories; and Wendy Fatin a member of his outer ministry. Opposition leader Dr Hewson has nominated only Jocelyn Newman as a member of his shadow outer ministry; and both Fatin and Newman are the ministers assisting their respective leaders on the status of women.

During a recent visit to MLC, Senator Gareth Evans the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, commented that he did not believe that potential Cabinet Ministers were considered because they were female

or male, rather on the grounds of their abilities and talents. This is most likely the case but it would seem that the major hurdle to women becoming a greater force in the mainstream parties lies at the level of candidate preselection.

This view was addressed by Mr Lindsay Tanner, a senior member of the Victorian Socialist Left faction of the ALP in the weeks after the election. In his paper "Democratising the Labor Party" he recommended that at least 50 per cent of nominees for preselection be women. If implemented, such a measure would provide women with an equal opportunity to display their talents without limiting that of males, as candidature would not be guaranteed. In effect this would utilise a wider pool of ability which could only be of benefit to the electorate.

The vote and political freedom of expression is something that has been fought for in bloody wars by generations of Australians. The 1990 Federal Election proved how important each individual vote can be; in the latter stages of the campaign the ALP mounted an appeal for second preferences (largely from candidates with environmental policies) that returned them

EDUCATION Tradition. Discipline. Excellence. Honour.

These are all fine qualities in theory, yet as the film "Dead Poets Society" clearly demonstrates, they can result in quite the opposite in practice, especially when applied to education.

But as recent trends tend to convey, today's society seems more interested in education for financial benefits, rather than to expand one's mind and beliefs.

Practically, it is important to gain an education in order to apply for a job and gain financial security.

Yet at the same time, society has forgotten the real meaning of acquiring knowledge.

Today a degree in Arts or Literature is perceived as being inferior to a degree in Economics or Sciences.

Cynics argue it is those with Economics degrees who will contribute better to Australia's economy and future.

While this is a valid point, we must ask ourselves whether education should be viewed solely as part of the gruelling path to corporate success.

Indeed, is it not possible to view school as part of learning about different cultures, artists or philosophers? It is the thinkers of the world who help us form ideals and question society.

For instance, it was not necessary for Karl Marx to have an economics degree in order to provoke a political revolution.

Similarly, people such as Bob Geldof and

to office. Opinion polls have shown the youth vote to be the group from which the Australian Democrats and environmental candidates derive their greatest electoral support.

But the larger, more established political parties recognise the value of the youth vote and the need to recoup their lost support.

political freedom of expression is something that has been fought for in bloody wars by generations of Australians

One large factor in the Liberal and Labor Parties' loss of support is their ideological closeness, as indicated by their campaign promises in 1990. In many policy areas such as road funding and social security, the parties tried to outdo each other in what was dubbed political "me-tooism".

Consequently it has become more difficult for the young voter to ascertain the benefits of Liberal and A L P policies to the country and individual.

This decision is often confused by their

Martin Luther King were able to make significant and beneficial contributions to society and the world, regardless of academic degrees.

I personally do not feel students should be seen as mechanical objects churned out like factory workers in order to contribute their lives, solely because of the belief that

respective hidden agendas and one which can ultimately decide the government; whether the decision be made at first, second or third preference on the House of Representatives ballot paper.

If Australian representative democracy is to function effectively it must be a two way street, the responsibility not only lying with Parliamentary leaders to listen, but with the voter to make herself heard.

Only through a carefully considered vote can voters claim to do this accurately, stemming from not necessarily an interest, but an awareness of the political climate at the time; lending truth to the phrase "knowledge itself is power."

The 1990 Federal Election has held particular relevance for M L C students in the areas of educational prospects, the role of women in both society and politics, and the value of the democratic vote.

Future elections will produce different consequences and raise different questions to those of 1990, as we will have been changed by issues and circumstances. But then again, perhaps we will have changed them.

Kellie Watt, Year 12

happiness comes through money and a good job.

While these factors are indeed vital, we should also be educated in areas of life and literature. This way school can be enjoyed, rather than tolerated.

Miranda Adofaci. Year 12.

MELODY LINES GALA CONCERT The traffic on Friday night going into Melbourne was a real drag. Slowly, we made our way to the concert hall and eventually found a car park - and made the big mistake of walking into State Theatre.

All the people in the foyer of the theatre were wearing fur coats and diamonds. I walked through them with my short white skirt and black t-shirt. 1 also had glitter around my socks. I must have looked like a real dag.

After saying goodbye to the family, I finally made my way to my seat on the balcony.

The Concert Hall is designed to make the sound bounce off the walls, but it looks fantastic. The seats are very steep and it looks as though you could fall out if you sat on the front row of the balcony.

When the Year 6 girls came on, their colours dazzled the stage. The dancers whizzed stage in time to the singing. The songs by the Year 6 and 7 girls were very pretty and a good combination.

Then it was time for the Year 8 item. We were very nervous and excited.

The long line of first sopranos made our way through the rabbit warren of rooms and corridors and finally to the stage door. As I walked on the stage it felt as if every eye was on me. When the singing started, the girl next to me started laughing but I tried hard to ignore her and just kept singing.

After I relaxed, I scanned the crowd to spot my family but couldn't find anyone I knew.

I thought our singing would never end - the songs seemed longer than they had in practice. Afterwards, I was extremely glad to get off stage, as I was very tense from singing.

I thought the Year 9 madrigals were excellent. It must be very hard to sing without any accompaniment and the long green skirts and white blouses were very impressive.

The Senior Madrigal group was good and they had strong voices which carried out all over the hall. They were a big group and made a lot of noise.

Then it was interval. This was the time when all the people who were asleep could wake up and splash cold water on themselves. Later, the two orchestras came over loud and clear and when the Concert Choir turned on their torches, it made a wonderful effect.

The Junior School choir wore red dresses with white collars and as they went down the stairs it gave the effect of being outside under the stars. The Junior School

sang in Latin and the combination of older and younger voices was nice. I think all the music teachers put in a lot of effort and it really showed in the final product.

After the last item a roar went up from the crowd and it was all over. The clapping woke up the four people behind me that were asleep.

That night I think anyone who had anything to do with the Gala Concert would have been very happy to go to bed; I know I was.

Catrina Hunter, Year 8

LIFE AS A SENIOR MADRIGAL MEMBER Membership of the Senior Madrigals is definitely an interesting experience.

Auditioning would have to be one of the hardest things about it. At the beginning of the year, you sign your name in a time slot and turn up at the appropriate time.

Usually a couple of "old" members will hang around, trying to scare you (and usually succeeding!) with stories of what you have to do for the legendary "dragon", Mrs Elton Brown (E.B.).

But in reality, it's only a five minute

audition where you sing and attempt to sightread. Then the really nerve racking part comes, waiting for the list of new members to go up.

If accepted as a madrigal, nothing ever seems quite so bad as that audition with the possible exception of singing duets, trios or quartets (depending on the number of parts in the particular song).

That is when you get up and sing with only one person on each part in front of the rest of the group. People encountering this torture for the first time have some amazing reactions, but they eventually get used to it, especially if they're in Year 12 as E.B. tends to persecute Year 12s.

Being a madrigal member involves a lot of work. In addition to attending every choir rehearsal, madrigals rehearse during lunch time twice a week and have morning rehearsals before school in the weeks leading up to a major performance such as the Gala Concert.

However some pay offs do exist. You get an excuse for being late to first and sixth periods due to a permanent malfunction of E.B.s watch and her selective hearing which can detect the slightest miscarriage in pitch but is incapable of hearing the concert A of the school bell.

We also get out of choir rehearsals occasionally (as a trade off for extra madrigal rehearsals) but madrigals find it much harder to wag choir as E.B. notices if you are away.

But madrigals teaches you two things.

First, you learn breath control (ie; how to go blue in the face), as any incorrect breathing brings pots of boiling oil upon your head. Secondly, you discover a type of throat lozenge called Fisherman's Friend which comes in four flavours, all of which taste absolutely awful. Unfortunately, Fisherman's Friends work and E.B. swears by them. Of course, you would expect each madrigal to have a love of singing and a good voice. But if you ever find an MLC madrigal group that consists predominantly of such people, the end of the world is approaching swiftly!

Amazingly, we usually end up sounding all right (at least that's what people tell us).

This is entirely due to the amount of work E.B. puts into making sure that it will sound okay and believe me, that's no small effort.

The final comment about madrigals lies in the music we sing. Almost everyone who was present at the 1988 Gala Concert will remember the wonderful George Dreyfus suite "Lifestyle", which included such wonders as "Chocolate" and "Telephone".

This year our old friend Mr Dreyfus, wrote us another suite called "Auscapes". At the time of writing, we were trying to perfect Auscapes for the Gala Concert. Just as challenging as Lifestyle, but a lot less fun to learn.

So next time you hear the Senior Madrigal group sing, remember, it's not all fun and games, but it's not all hard slogging either!

Melanie Jacobs.

IVORY DANCER Spending choir rehearsals sitting miles away from your friends (my days of gossiping through choir are over!), being exposed to the scrutiny of approximately 200 curious choristers and trying in vain to find your place as She-out-the-front leaps madly through the score in some unfathomable order, may seem to many to be (at the very least) a little unnerving - and it is.

But really there is more to the position of School Pianist than this (slightly exaggerated) description suggests.

The work I have done so far as pianist has been quite enjoyable (dare I say fun?) and also rewarding. As things start to come together there is a real sense of achievement, but as I said, it involves quite a bit of hard work and a good deal of help from Mr Brown. I must say how much I appreciate his help and support: he makes a pretty daunting task an awful lot

However, before I carry on too much about

what an enjoyable experience the whole thing is, perhaps I should wait until after the Gala Concert because I may change my mind! But like to offer a little advice to the aspiring School Pianists amongst you: 1. Don't be upset if you feel you won't be able to cope with the stress of performances because you suffer severe stagefright during rehearsals. Fortunately the "rehearsal trembling" phase doesn't last long.

2. Don't worry when Mrs Elton Brown decides to speed up and slow down all over the place in order to "trick" the choir into watching her, but manages to trick you instead. These things happen!

3. Always concentrate - particularly when being the page turner for Mr Brown.

4. Above all, ensure you have a degree in Tape Recorder Operation because these machines tend to dislike choir practices more than choir girls do.

Alex Kent, School Pianist.

TREMBLE CLEF 1990 SENIOR INTER-HOUSE MUSIC CONTEST The date was set; Friday 10th August, 1990.

The very thought of it brought beads of sweat to the brows of leaders and smiles to the faces of those who thought of it as a well deserved holiday. What could it be?

None other than the Senior Inter-house Music Contest 1990 - the extravaganza to beat all!

Preparations before the event were well thought out and minutely detailed. House rehearsals of massed singing were always enthusiastic and each member did her best to make sure that her House looked and sounded highly impressive. The ominous dark presence of Mrs E.B. was prominent at many rehearsals as her bellowing voice managed to crush many a girl's hopes and aspirations of becoming the next Dame Nellie Melba!

Before anyone realised, the 10th of August had peeped through the doors of the Assembly Hall. House leaders and conductors walked around with their eyes glazed and sweat soaked palms - it was really an exciting but nerve racking experience for these girls.

The contest was to begin at 11:20am, but before it could commence, the usual regularities had to be dealt with.

Mrs Reid's eardrum took two days to get over the ear-piercing ring of consistent telephone calls that she was busy answering in the morning of girls who were sick and Mrs Pizza ran out of paper when doing the rounds of the absent lists in the morning. It must have been the bad weather.

Little could have prepared anyone for what was to come. Who would have guessed that the normal crass yelling and primitive guffawing of the Year 1 Is and 12s could be transformed into serene sounds of birds singing sweetly on an Autumn afternoon ?

Despite the lack of numbers, the day was still a great success. House leaders of Krome, Karyn Grenfell and Kathy Pegler produced an excellent production, including the "Gavotte in F and the Minuet" for the instrumental ensemble, featuring Rosemary Chang on bassoon; "Where I want to be" for the choral ensemble; "Woman" conducted by Josie Skewes for their presentation in massed singing; and the entertaining "At the End of the Day" for their variety item, which earned them equal first place.

House leaders for Cato also came up with the goods on the day, despite the odds.

Captain, Catherine Fisher and vice-captain Trephina Galloway, produced an aweinspiring instrumental ensemble of "Concerto No. 5" which earned them equal first place; "All Creatures now are Merry Minded", for their choral ensemble; "She's Always a Woman" conducted by Catherine Fisher for massed singing; and astounded the audience with their rendition of "The Boys" from Big River, which was only produced two days before the performance.

Well done!!

Nevile - the house that seemed to do no wrong this year, produced an act that was hard to beat. It was clearly evident that joint Music Captains, Sam Robinson and Jacki Dillon put many hours of precious Year 12 time and effort into Nevile's overall performance. Their instrumental ensemble, "Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy" was entertaining and left the audience tapping their feet and humming the tune for hours.

"Puff, The Magic Dragon" was magical enough to earn them first place in the choral ensemble and "Bright Eyes" conducted by Sam Robinson for massed singing was so professionally and enthusiastically performed that it also earned them first place.

Nevile's variety item, "Oom-pah-pah" from Oliver was realistic enough to believe these girls were poor down-and-out orphans.

Congratulations Nevile!

The captains of Fitchett, Elise Bolza and Sarah Whitchurch, should be pleased with Fitchett's performance. Their instrumental ensemble, "Fledermaus Waltzes" led by Sarah on the flute earned them equal first place; their choral ensemble, "Stand by me" was strong and their massed singing choice of "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" conducted by Sarah suited the capabilities of their girls without question.

Fitchett's variety item, "Master of the

House" will not be forgotten, as the portrayal by Elise Bolza of the "Master" and the other performer's roles hit each other off to reach side-splitting perfection, for which they were awarded equal first place. Well worth the hard work, girls!!

Last, but certainly not least, the performance of Berry cannot be overlooked.

Berry has been known in the past for having bountiful reserves of musical talent and this was showed in the music contest.

Captain Sue-Anne Williams and vicecaptain Kate Bergen's hard work in pulling Berry together showed in the pleasing results. Their instrumental ensemble, "Divertimento II for two Clarinets and Bassoon in B major" displayed the hidden talents of Berry Their presentation of "Old Mother Hubbard" in the choral ensemble left the audience with a smile on their faces as they listened to a version they had never heard before and Berry's massed singing item,"The Sounds of Silence" conducted by Kirsty Badcock, filled the Assembly Hall with emotion.

Berry's variety item, "Gee, Officer Krupke" lived up to high expectations. It also seemed as if they were enjoying themselves! A very professional performance and Berry - you should be proud!

The proficiency award was shared by Berry and Nevile and the overall aggregate was awarded to deserving Nevile.

The adjudicator, Mr Kevin Casey, with a list of qualifications as long as the absent list, was understandably overwhelmed and physically awed by the amount of talent and House unity he had seen that day.

Congratulations to all who were involved in making the Senior inter-house music contest, 1990, a great success.

Melinda Nikolich, Year 12.

"In Art, the best is good enough," GOETHE Studying Art at MLC in the 1990s means... commitment.

Gone are the days when one definition of art was a slack class. Art involves a number of set contracts to be undertaken and many hours to be filled.

Students who are serious about art can usually be found at the top level of Centenary building during lunchtimes, spare periods and after school.

Whether it be graphics or ceramics, photography or woodwork, the common ground between students is their dedication and willingness to complete their contracts to their full potential.

So if you're looking for a fifth of sixth subject to undertake in your course which doesn't take up too much concentration, you should be heading east to the other side of the school.

Creative Art Not having done art since Year 10, I was fairly cautious at picking it up in my final year. At the beginning 1 compared my work with other students. That was mistake number one.

Creative Art is not a subject where students work can be compared, but rather where each students work is assessed from day one to the end of the year. This is an individual and satisfying assessment for the student.

Not only have I gained skills involving Art 2D within this subject, but I have obtained communication skills through the semester and confidence in devising my own contracts. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending this subject and hope that new students undertaking art gain as much satisfaction as I have.

Laura Ruth Cowling, Year 12.

The Art of Teaching For those of you who don't often visit the art department, Graham McKenzie is a very talented artist and teacher at MLC. He has been teaching here for twelve months and paints part time at home.

At a tender young age, Mr McKenzie decided that art was his game. After devoting all his time and effort into art, he now has 28 years of teaching experience under his belt. He began teaching for financial reasons and obtained a student cadetship after three years of college.

In the name of art Mr McKenzie has crossed many horizons, travelling from the Australian outback, to Canada and the United States and to London and Europe.

He says that when travelling for painting

he prefers to live in the country for a few months to study his intended projects, and to get the particular atmosphere.

Before MLC, Mr McKenzie taught at Donald High School, Kew High School and at Wesley College. He has also had eight years experience teaching at the National Gallery.

Although married with four children, (just for the record 18, 16, 6 and 3 years of age) Mr McKenzie said that his commitment to his art did not interfere with his husband/father role because art had always been part of his life.

One major artist which has influenced Mr McKenzie works is Fred Williams. Roberts and McCubbin also affected Mr McKenzie's philosophies and techniques to art.

Mr McKenzie admires figurative and Aboriginal art, which brings us to his latest exhibition called "An Outback Diary".

His main inspiration came from an organised trip with the ABC when he travelled to small towns and Aboriginal communities. From there he sketched his ideas about man relating to nature. He then translated these ideas to canvas and successfully painted them.

So if there are any budding art students in need of inspiration just pop into the art departments reading room and browse through his books and tools or chat the this successful artist himself.

Lauren Ruth Cowling

Canberra Art Excursion Two days of culture were what we were in for.

Mr McKenzie, Mr Pryke and Mrs Hall, along with approximately fifteen other students didn't quite know what to expect.

We set off at 7:00am on May 4 - bundled into the bus, sleep walking and half dead and by 9:15am we were on the plane.

The first stop was the National Gallery for a three hour guided tour.

We saw Manets, Monets, Seurat, Pollock, Cezanne and other artists' works. Fantastic!

Lunch was at the High Courts and then a quick look around.

We were then transported to Parliament House, which is such a huge building, it was quite amazing. It was time for another guided tour. The cameras were running hot.

Our next stop was our sleeping quarters, then dinner and a movie — Pretty Woman.

We wandered around the main mall, almost dead, and then back to the huts for some fun and little sleep.

The next morning it was off to the Gallery again and a cut lunch on the lawns of the Court, where we all slept.

We then visited the War Memorial and the Telecom Tower to top off a great day.

We arrived at the airport early (what's new?) and were all home by 7:00pm.

Rebecca Walker.

PRIZE PROSE The following articles are the winning entries of the creative essay competition held for girls in all year levels and judged by journalists.

Close Encounters "What's a nice girl like you doing here?"

He looked at me with an expression of a dog Who's just relieved itself at the nearest tree.

"If you were my gal, I'd take you to...

BUUUURP To a fancier joint."

The same smirky grin on his sweaty face.

His nostrils flared out into something that Resembled the black hole in the galaxy...

The hole in our ozone layer...

The hole in his head.

"But then again, I'd rather take you back, Back to my place. Hee hee hee."

The burst zit on the side of his greasy Cheek was too much for a being to bear.

The sleazy grin that spread itself across his Vile head forced more pus oozing out in a Lazy, repulsive motion forming something that Resembled the Blob in a horror movie...

The blob of ice-cream melting...

The blob on his nose.

"So whad'ya say? My place or yours?"

His beady brown eyes lit up in a Perverse way as his laughter echoed in my ear.

His garlic and hot pepper breath Knocked me into a state of nauseating pain And his blubbering chin diminished all visible Sight of his gross neck, almost something that Resembled fog hovering over a city...

The fog on a shower screen...

The fog in his brain.

"Damn it! Me girlfriend's here.

Guess we've gotta make it next time sweetie" There is a God up there.

He lifted his heavy, chunky body of fat And sprayed his drooling mouth with a Freshener and brushed off the Peanut shells on his jumper.

I watched him slowly trudge along Towards the other side of the crowded room.

Thank God he was gone.

Then another dreaded voice boomed into my ear.

"What's a nice girl like you doing here?"

Phuong Quach, Year 11.

"In war there is no second prize," O.N. Bradley With a sudden leap, he was free. The gangplank shuddered as he boarded the ship, keen to commence his six shilling tour. He didn't look back to the wharf; to the people singing and cheering, waving and grasping.

"Oh we don't want to lose you, but we think you should go."

His father sang drunkenly with the other old men who held romantic ideas of the glory of war.

His mother was forced to surrender her youngest son, unable to distinguish him from the crowd. Her tears made her join in the singing, but his sister looked away, powerless against the surges of frustration within her.

Water rippled under the boards.

The roast was on the table and the knives were set. She turned to her father.

"He won't come back".

She told him she could not imagine the feelings of pain nor the unearthly screams of a dying man, if he made a sound at all.

He told her that men had different feelings to women; that was the way it was. Fleshy crescents scarred his sister's palms.

Weeks on the ocean and the water looked the same to him. The same ripples rolled forward aimlessly, always overcome by the blundering bow that sucked them under.

The malevolent sea spray made his eyes

water and his skin tighten as he strained to see the horizon.

A shaft of sunlight penetrated the bowels of the innocent blue ocean. He stood transfixed, unable to breathe. The panic in his eyes betrayed his calm countenance, but was seen by no one as the kaleidoscope of his yearnings drowned. Men milled about on deck, occasionally laughing and shouting. He couldn't hear the joke, but he laughed and walked over to his mates.

The sacks lay cast off on the safe wooden chair. His mother's eyes were as dry as the starched collar she soberly buttoned at the nape of her neck. She gathered the peaked cap and red cape she had laid out so carefully the night before as if this action was governing some other. A photo of her son lay on the shelf, dustless. As his father slept, his whip and medal, immaculate in their cabinet, lay in the dark, accusing. The click of the door went unnoticed.

On the morning of the landing the sky was black and low. The boats were too deep for the beach which was too far from the cliffs.

He did not dwell on it and thought of his family, united and safe. The order was given and he gouged his way up the beach with gritted teeth, running so fast he got nowhere.

The heat jolted into him like a lightning bolt, his spine cracking like a whip as his head crashed to the ground. His teeth, blood, the sand and his tears ran together.

Kellie Watt, Year 12.

The following stories were highly commended in the literary competition. The judges also singled out The House on Hoppers Crossing, by Andrea Downing, Year 11, which was unfortunately too long to print here.

A girl cannot be too careful about her choice of enemies.

She's the enemy you'll have when you don't want an enemy. Someone to be relied upon to make life a sheer hell at the worst possible moment. A figure who lurks in the shadows of your every move, controlling you like a puppet with a single word.

She's as cruel as an Egyptian leader, whipping the Israelite slaves like a dogs who have just made a sloppy mistake on the living room carpet. All of this and she disguises herself as a loving, caring person.

Mum. How I'll never forget the time at Christmas, when she told all twenty-three of my cousins, fourteen aunts and uncles, not forgetting Nan and Pop (although they're as deaf as they come, they can lip-read better than the Pope can be a Catholic), how I stuffed my tiny bra with my brother's footy socks.

That would have been bad enough! But she then made me stand up and show everyone where three teeth had been knocked out when the flimsy elastic of my bra violently snapped. This sudden ricocheting of straps and socks caused the cat - with which I was pretending was the boy next door whom I had a stupendous crush on - to jump out of our romantic embrace and send me flying backwards into the wardrobe door!

The fact that she had made me do that as well - meant WAR! I was the underdog in the battle from the word go. I had no chance against her underhand methods and there she was always smiling. Smiling as she made me fold up my father's grotty underpants.

Smiling as she read out my pathetic report over the phone to Caroline's mother, who then proceeded to tell my mother how fantastic Caroline's report was. Smiling more than the Cheshire cat when she told my friends that I couldn't go to the movies unless it was rated PG. "It's for your own good!" she'd smile. The cow! How did I manage to cop a mother like her? What did I do?

It was the time for serious action. I would commit every mother's nightmare. No more would I be the angelic child protege that I was. It was time for a change of image.

Three weeks worth of hard earned, underpants folding money and a hard deal from my brother's best mate, scored me a pair of fishnet stockings, a new haircut and a stand-in boyfriend with a safety pin through his nose. Now I could make an entrance!

Her face went slowly white. The peas she had been shelling fell to the carpet where

the dog immediately began to gulp them up.

I had her now! Smiling sweetly at her, I introduced Slash.

But a girl cannot be too careful about her choice of enemies and in true mother style, I was dragged by the ear to the bathroom, stripped to the bare necessities, scrubbed from head to toe with boiling water, dressed in homemade T-shirt and flares - and grounded for life.

knew she wanted her family to come to the door. She didn't want to run away, but it was too late now.

"And anyway," she thought, "They probably want me to go, or maybe they think I don't have the guts."

Well, she'd show them. Defiantly, she carried her suitcases out and slammed the door behind her. By the time she got to the bus station it was crowded and people milled around her.

Amelianne Truscott, Year 12.

She went to the booth to ask for a ticket to Sydney. Suzanne gave her bags to the man loading the bus then took a seat right down the far end. As she looked out the window a fat man seated himself squashing up next to her.

"What's a nice girl like you doing by your lonely self." he sneered.

Suzanne turned her attention back to the window. She had never felt so abandoned and so alone....

What's a nice girl like you...

"Well, this is it," Suzanne thought as she sadly looked around the room. She was suddenly flooded with memories.

"If only there was some other way," a tiny voice inside her said. But no. if she wanted to have a happy life then it meant she had to leave.

Suzanne picked up her two suitcases and carried them to the door. Deep down she

Becky Jupp, Junior Secondary School.

Heights have never bothered me in the past. But...

Derek and Joe had been learning how to hang-glide for weeks. They both never realised how hard it would be to learn and the exams that they had to sit were difficult.

One day while they were finishing up their lesson and undoing the glider and packing it away, Derek overheard the two instructors talking about going to Mt Buffalo for the weekend to have a few jumps.

"We should really take up a few students this time. Remember last time we took some up and they thought it was fantastic and we went again the next weekend. We could hire a bus up to the mountain," said Allan, the fifty year old hang-gliding instructor.

"Yes," agreed the other instructor. "It was very successful and last time the students didn't damage the equipment either."

The conversation then changed to the equipment. As Derek and Joe joined the instructors Derek asked about Mt Buffalo.

"How high would it be?" he questioned.

"Um about 3000 metres I think. Why, you're not thinking of going up are you?"

Allan said.

"I heard you talking about taking up students and I would love to come," Derek said.

Later, Joe couldn't believe that Derek had the guts to hang-glide off Mt Buffalo.

"I can't understand you. I thought you threw up the first time you glided?" Jo asked.

"Yes I did. But I'm over that. I have this feeling that I want to do it to show myself I can hang-glide," Derek answered.

"I don't believe you will do it. No. You won't do it, no way. I bet you don't." He laughed.

"Okay, it's a bet. Allan has arranged it all and just now decided to go to Buffalo," Derek said proudly.

Eunice.

What have I done, he thought, now I will have to do it. to prove to Joe that I'm not a chicken.

The drive to Buffalo was a big one. The bus was full of students wanting to hangglide off the edge and down into a huge hole. They arrived at 7:00pm and had dinner. Then their instructor advised them to get to bed early as tomorrow was going to either be exciting or disappointing.

Derek was up at 8:00am the next morning, wolfing down a huge breakfast - he always ate when he was nervous. By the time everyone had set up the glider gear it was around 10:00am.

"So you're really going to do it, are you?"

Joe looked worried.

"Yeah, I'll be fine. Just be hanging ten, catching the thermals." Derek ignored the breakfast that was churning around in his stomach.

Derek had been checking the glider for twenty minutes, making sure everything was attached and it was all okay. He watched a few people drive off the edge and finally turn into tiny dots of colour.

"You're positive you won't back out? Joe questioned.

"No..look..I want to do it." he lied nearly turning green.

More than ten minutes passed and still Derek stood strapped into the harness and trembling.

"Come on Derek, it's been long enough either you go or you..." Joe stopped as he watched Derek take a running jump and fly off the cliff face.

Derek managed to control the glider and keep his breakfast down at the same time.

He caught the thermals and whizzed around. Finally after getting rid of the sickening feeling he became rather scared as he realised where he was and how high up he was with no ground to hold him.

Straightening his arms, his body then became loose and he thought he was going

to drop out of the sky. A wave of nausea passed over him. He thought he was going to pass out. Derek then saw his parents and all of a sudden he was a little boy again.

He saw his life passing before him as clearly as if it was on a TV screen. He saw his boss and his girlfriend standing smiling at him. Then they were gone.

He realised where he was and tried to remember what Allan had told him follow the thermals, keep with them and enjoy the scenery. Scenery! Everything was so beautiful even though the day was overcast and the sky was grey. Derek turned and twisted around in the bay. He tried to see everything around him.

He noticed things he never had before about the outdoors, He never knew it was so enjoyable. As he soared passed the birds and the trees he realised how close to the ground he was.

Now I must to find that clearing with the red flag, he thought to himself.

Clearing trees by inches he knew he had to get up higher or else he would land in a tree. The clearing was now coming close to him and he could see a few people getting out of their gliders.

The ground seemed to be coming very close and very fast and the clearing was not all that big. He manoeuvred the glider to go around in circles until the ground just slid underneath his feet and he landed perfectly.

Joe and the other instructor came over and helped him out of his straps. Derek was in shock. Up there he felt he was flying and that the sensation would last forever but now he was back on earth.

"Come on, tell us how it went?" Joe asked excitedly.

"I think I'll do it again!" Derek said in a daze.

Catrina Hunter. Year 8.

Chapter 3.679

Together they examined the Silver and Green Box. It was empty, except for the orange peel, the daily bulletin, the sport sock, the free ticket to Les Miserables, entry forms for the "Be a Star on Neighbours" competition, a retired mathematics teacher, his wife, 2.5 kids and a dog, an unsolved simultaneous equation, a second hand Mazda RX7, a Boeing 347, the supplementary number 27,... and a piece of Bazooka chewing-gum.

"A piece of Bazooka chewing-gum?!?" gasped Sam. "School is always surprising me," commented Mel. Sam put the gum in her mouth. It tasted nice. She blew a bubble. It popped. There was a cartoon on the wrapper, called "Eunice's kidnapping".

"What a coincidinky," said Sam between bubbles.

"This is no coincidinky," said Mel, shaking her head pensively with the utmost seriousness. There was a drumroll. Mel paused for dramatic effect. "It's a clue!"

They read on...

Eunice.

More sequels than Rocky.

The tuckshop line was long. It wound all the way past the bookroom, out the door, up the stairs, through the gate, and down

Glenferrie Rd. Luckily prefects were on tram duty.

"Am I hungry!" said Sam. "How would I know?" said Mel. "Ummm," they said together, while contemplating on how the plot should progress. They know knew that Eunice was in the school grounds...

Meanwhile the line was shrinking and they were being served.

"We need a snack with flavour," they whined.

Two cheese and salad rolls were thrown on their trays.

"Excuse me," they complained. "Before when we said cheese, we meant Kraft Cheddar."

Two solid punches were thrown at their faces. They caught them and put them in Sam's new schoolbag.

NUDES, NAMES & GREENS MLC EXHIBITIONISTS - the student body uncovered It's not unusual nor unexpected to see a girl in uniform when touring the MLC school grounds. It is unusual to see a girl out of uniform, or more specifically, partly out of one uniform but not fully into another. Yet this sight is becoming increasingly common as inhibitions are abandoned and conservatism is cast aside.

Walk down any corridor, pass any locker, peer into any classroom, and you'll encounter girls who seem oblivious to the cold, to the male staff and to curious eyes.

Even as the PE Complex recovers from the "hype" of Opening Day 1988, a new attitude is rising from the depths of sportsbags and lockers. Students are braver, bolder and confident. Gone are the Supermen who change costumes in the privacy of telephone booths - a new breed of heroine has emerged who is not afraid to remove her tights in public.

There is no uniform policy regarding changing procedures printed in the school diary. Doubtless one exists, yet it seems many girls are either unaware of the fact or have chosen to ignore it. A description of the correct Summer and Winter attire is provided, the months in which it may be worn and the standards for personal appearance.

"Girls must wear the official MLC uniform and be neat and well groomed..."

Yet nowhere is any mention made as to the correct procedure that should be followed in changing uniforms; the what, where, whens and hows.

A number of suitable changing facilities are provided in the school grounds. There are two large changerooms at PEC considering that this is where most sport would be played, it seems logical that most changing would be done here. The toilets on ground floor of Centenary Building can be used by Catering students and PE participants alike and toilet blocks are located throughout the school.

But even so, MLC girls are openly rejecting these designated areas in favour of corridors, classrooms, locker rooms, common rooms and Senior Centre.

Certainly the absence of male students has allowed for this behaviour, but what of the male employees? Can this behaviour be explained by the inconvenience of locating a changeroom or the seclusion of alternative areas, or is it simply the result of effective time management by students in swapping uniforms between classes?

Teaching staff express a general expectation that girls will exercise discretion and sensibility when changing at school and personal warnings or reprimands attempt to discourage any

offensive behaviour.

But at present, no disciplinary action is taken against students caught "out of uniform" and the wisdom or effectiveness of this leniency is hard to judge.

Roaming the corridors at the end of period five, one can expect to see flashes of lingerie at locker doors. Student and staff acceptance has helped in livening the performance and girls are now comfortable to converse in their brassieres before pulling on a dress or buttoning a shirt. Others have mastered the art of changing into one uniform without removing the other and then skilfully withdrawing the "under" shirt out through the sleeves of the "over" shirt or dress - a degree of difficulty of 9.73.

Admittedly, society itself has shed many of its old inhibitions and the days of high necked shirts and full skirts have happily disappeared.

In their place is an acceptance of change, of progress and of development. The neck-toknee bathing suit has shrunk into a bikini.

Nudity is prominent in film and television and sexuality is a topic for class discussion. Women have come to understand and appreciate their bodies; there is no embarrassment to be found in a flash of thigh or a glimpse of stomach.

What needs to be asked then is whether

WHAT'S IN A NAME? The official naming of the bookroom and tennis court during the past year has caused much consternation among students as to the origin of the chosen names.

The MLC and Bruce Turner Bookroom was officially named on the fourteenth of March 1990, and the Phillip Le Couteur Tennis Court on the eleventh of November 1989.

Both Bruce Turner and Phillip Le Couteur worked at MLC for substantial periods of time, but in different positions.

Mr Turner was a Bursar of MLC from 1964 to 1974 while the late Mr Le Couteur was the principal of the school from 1918 1928. Mr Le Couteur was a Rhodes Scholar and a triple Oxford "Blue" and his achievements at MLC include raising teaching standards and student retention rates.

Obviously history has a lot to do with official names at MLC, and who knows, in the future we may see the David Loader Biology Labs or Football Field.

Kellie Watt. Year 12.

this behaviour is a problem at all?

Obviously a blatant display of nudity would be unacceptable, but should the school be flexible enough to tolerate girls changing in public view? MLC is predominantly a female populated area and yet as a school it remains open to inspection and criticism.

It is clearly irresponsible to escort guests through the grounds when they may discover semi-naked girls gossiping amicably outside classrooms, but is it more naive to expect students to spend extra time and effort in using designated changerooms when they can quickly and easily change elsewhere?

And if there is a need for disciplinary action, then just what will be effective?

Staff patrols? Assembly lectures? Order marks? Increased employment of male staff? If the MLC "Wonder Woman" is to be convinced her bloomers look better on her hips rather than at her feet, then the school needs to do more than simply shade its eyes and wave its finger.

While the female body may be a source of pride to some and a source of pleasure to others, MLC is not an invisible jet. Deo Domuique. For my God and my Home...not for my public changeroom.

Samantha Feldman, Year 12.

SHADES OF GREEN A group of MLC girls sit in a classroom.

Their uniforms are green and so are they.

Each proudly displays her non-aerosol deodorant, her solar powered calculator, her recycled paper.

They call for unbleached toilet paper. One girl recalls that this is hard and scratchy but she is angrily shouted down.

The discussion continues, yet falters as girls lose interest. A couple compare the cars their Dad's will buy them when they turn eighteen.

A bell rings. They leave, handing in an essay as they go.

The essays are printed on one side of the paper only, for neatness. Some girls head for the toilet, to smoke.

The room is empty and no one thought to turn off the lights.

Paper, plastic and food scraps litter the floor.

Think about it.

Jo Halls. Year 12.

CHECKS & CASES DEBATING - The Arguments

YEAR 12 DEBATING

Have you ever heard the question, "Where do you use essay skills outside the classroom?"?

I can give you an answer - in debating.

Debating is the challenge of fitting words to your ideas in front of an audience and to convince them that YOU are right.

Debating against other schools can be fun.

It's rewarding to write a debate with friends and then debate and beat a team of arrogant guys!

Question: What is debating?

Answer: At best, standing up in front of an adjudicator, another team and a few empty chairs. At worst a crowded assembly hall, to make up on the spot, a load of pretentious, hypothetical rubbish.

Question: Who does it?

Answer: A bunch of occasionally pretentious humanities students who love listening to themselves talk. But anyone CAN do it.

For some reason debating is unpopular at MLC. But at schools like Camberwell Boys Grammar, it is difficult to join the school team, and it is considered an honour to debate.

So let me reassure you that debating is not boring, difficult or time consuming. You can learn the few rules quickly. With about five debates a year and no regular meetings, it does not take up a lot of time - and it's easy to pick up.

Why not consider making up a team with a few school friends? The teachers to hassle are Mrs Ally and Ms Phillips in Middle School and Mr Bell in Senior School.

Question: Why do it?

Answer: Well, it couldn't be that we actually enjoy the sensation of sweaty palms, churning stomach and a desperate need to rush to the nearest toilet, could it?

Nor could it be the dry mouth and shaky legs which strike as one stands to speak.

And it certainly couldn't be to check out the talent of the opposing teams (if male) mostly pimply-faced nerds from Xavier, Trinity, or worse, Marcellin.

Perhaps we enjoy waiting with racing heart and bated breath as the adjudicators struggle

MR BELL: "I presume, Elenor, that this "RET" next to your name means returned, not retarded."

MRS ELTON BROWN: "Be courageous.

Come in!"

MR BELL: "Do it to me Hildy" MRS COLLINS: "How could you complain about my writing?"

STUDENT: "I'm not complaining. I just can't read it."

MRS ELTON BROWN: "You haven't got the concentration span of a cow."

MR BELL: "Don't worry Jo, everyone blinks. If we didn't our eyes couldn't breathe."

MRS RAWLINGS: "Sorry girls, we won't be talking about lesbians or genetic freaks this lesson."

STUDENT: "I am a Mutant recessive Ninja Turtle."

Look out for ex-MLC debaters at their last resting place, Melbourne Uni Law School, and, of course, Jimmy Watsons!

Jo Halls. Year 12.

PRINT THAT & I'LL SUE MRS ELTON BROWN: "You don't pay any attention to me, I'm like a piece of wallpaper!"

with basic arithmetic to fill out the score sheet?

No, we certainly do not. If you ask most Year 12 debaters, they will tell you that they only debate to get their school colours.

Mercenary though this is, it is not the whole truth. The real reason is, quite simply, that it gives us an ego trip!

Do we really care if our team loses, so long as we are named best speaker?

Then there are the perks of office - Toto's pizza, endless cups of coffee, and a night without homework! And much fun can be derived from covering your palm cards with derogatory descriptions of your opponents.

Special thanks for the success of this years'debating, should be extended to Mr Bell (who has provided invaluable assistance to Year 12 debaters out of the kindness of his heart) and to Penny MacKay, our coach.

SCHOOL CHESS MRS ARMSTRONG: "You girls on the outside will have to walk faster if you want to keep abreast."

STUDENT: "Mrs Miller, one of your students is being strangled by a Year 12."

MRS MILLER: "Be quiet. I'm trying to do a sum."

MR BELL: "Dib, dib, dib...dob, dob, dob.

You go through a lot of weird rituals in cubs."

DR CASTLES: "I wish life was a continuous long division."

MRS WOOD: "The development of the tiny little orgasm...Now there's a slip of the tongue."

MR BELL: "I mean that in a very caring way."

MR EDGOOSE: "Are any of you on the Silver and Green committee? Good, then I can say what I like!" (Maybe not! ed) MRS ELTON BROWN: "You're supposed to laugh at my jokes."

MLC from the middle of last year to now, still sustains its high standard in chess playing.

This was shown in the tournament against McRobertsons Girls' High, where the score was four-one in favour of MLC. Three MLC players were also selected to play for Victoria in the Women's Victoria versus South Ausralia match. The three players were Joanne Stewart, Syn-Ti Ng and Clare Bowern. Joanna Masel was also selected to play in the Interstate Open Telechess on the girls' board. In the Junior Championship Amaruka Hazari won the Under 14 girls.

MLC holds the Club Championship annually. Last year the winner was decided in a play-off match between Joanna Masel and Alison Barton. The outright winner was Joanna. At present the School's top players, Joanna, Alison, Amaruka, Amelia Chung, Joanne Stewart and Syn-Ti Ng are competing for the Club Championship.

MLCs future events include participating in the Interschool and hosting the Victorian Women's Championship.

Amelia Chung. School Chess Captain

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CROSS CULTURE THE WINDOW Exchange in Germany It is not very often in life that one gets the chance to throw everything away. Friends, family and school are not articles that one can simply throw out the window and expect to carry on the living without.

However, when one has the chance to go on an exchange one does exactly that, sometimes even leaving the mother language sitting on the front step of that suburban Melbourne residence.

When I left it was with a suitcase, a blurred knowledge of four years MLC German and only a smile to help me when I got lost.

From the 16-year-old girl who left Melbourne Airport, I became suddenly a child of Frankfurt.

I couldn't read books or signs and could understand a little. Without anyone, it was important for me to make my first friend

so I did myself. After one has found oneself everything is possible.

I grew to love the four new faces which waited to meet me at the airport. The classroom which flooded in an unfamiliar blur in the beginning became full of friends as time passed, conversations flowed, and feelings arose.

With each smile Stuttgart became more of a home to me. I sat in a classroom where students are allowed to chew gum, where every student drew on the desks, cheating was perfectly acceptable in tests (among students) and it was a bit of a shock to me after my MLC days.

Now there was a certain ease. Everything was normal. Different to MLC/Melbourne/Australia, but just the same, even normal. There were many differences; the sense of humour, the lack of space, the fine differences in personalities, but we were all "earthlings"

and the fact that I managed to settle into such a society proves it.

Even my mind has become Germanised. I dream in German, think in German and I have dreamt that I couldn't speak to my parents because they no longer spoke English. Sometimes when I wrote in German I would forget the English words and as I write this article I have tried to write the German word a number of times because it describes the situation better.

After checking myself, I find a convenient English word.

So in throwing my friends and family out the window I invited a new family and more friends in through the door. In arriving in Frankfurt as a child I have experienced two childhoods. Giving up everything ensures one always gains more...

Kathya Martyres.

FRENCH Dites "non" aux Drogues J'ai connu un jeune homme, Pierre, Qui a fume une sorte de lierre.

Les effets magiques De la plante tres toxique Font finir sa longue carriere.

Carolyn Gawthorn, Year 12.

II y a un homme qui s'appelle Barry, Qui habite au milieu de Paris.

II est professeur Que nous en avons peur, Mais je voudrais qu'il soit mon mari.

Katrina Lawrence & Hildy Pick, Year 12.

APPLAUSE SCHOOL PLAY 1990 It was late November and the signs were posted up all over the school - auditions for the 1990 School Play were about to begin.

After weeks of sorting through piles and piles of plays Tess, Jackie and I had almost given up hope. Would we ever find a play that we all could agree on?

Finally we did and the choice was "A View From The Bridge" by Arthur Miller. It was a play set in Brooklyn in the 1950s, centred around the lives of an Italian family torn apart by the arrival of two distant relatives.

It was just what we had been looking for and we immediately launched into auditions.

The response was incredible! Over three exhausting days we auditioned about 100 girls, ranging from Grade 6 through to Year 12. The hard part was actually choosing the cast, but once this ordeal was over, it was time to relax and enjoy the summer holidays.

Once back at school, the hard work began and we had six weeks in which to perfect our play. Every morning, lunchtime, after school and weekends were spent within the confines of Betty Jackson Hall. Mixed in with a lot of hard work were hours of fun, tension and frustration.

The night we had been working towards eventually arrived; March 15. For three consecutive nights the cast and crew played to large and responsive audiences. All our hard work had been worth it !

Thank you to everyone involved - you were all unreal!

Stoat, Preying Mantis and Sloth.

Anna Stewart, Year 12.

LOCOMOTION 1989 There was a hush through the audience as the lights dimmed to complete darkness. All of a sudden lights flashed on as the dominating music began. All attention was focused on the 1989 Gymnastics Display team who were presenting "Locomotion".

The music came from the well known musical "Starlight Express".

Yet this was not your every day gymnastics display, as not only were tumblers and dancers involved, but also roller skaters.

The skaters were coached by Mr Martin Hass (1985 World Roller Skating Champion and Australian Representative in 1989 World Skating Titles).

Although the production was not to take place until September, training began in

early March. Sixty-five girls participated in the display and circuit patterns and training was mastered to a tee.

However, not only was training in progress, but also set design and construction. This required a lot of time and effort, which was carried out by students, teachers and employers within the school community.

The glittering facade and performance of the girls was fantastic and proved that once again Cathy Oswald, Head of Gym Club, could produce an attractive, high standard creation, for one and all to see.

All involved should be congratulated on their time, effort and amazing skill involved, for it was an exciting production and a night to remember.

MISS GARLICK: "Don't stay in any city that does not have a Hilton."

MRS JONES: "Do you all understand? Half you girls seem to be off in Nobby this afternoon."

MRS ELTON BROWN: "Goodness you are obtuse. You only laugh when I muck up."

MRS COLLINGS: "Pearls of wisdom drop from my mouth every day."

DR CASTLES: "It is blithering waffle, so we won't worry about that."

MRS ELTON BROWN: "Most people are glad I only have one head."

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SWIM, SWEAT & TEARS INTERSCHOOL SWIMMING This year MLC swam extremely well in all events, showing their strength in this sport.

Melbourne Girls Grammar School (MGGS) was out for a fight if they were going to keep their reign over the other schools and hold first position.

MLC swam in many events at the Bendigo All Schools, with most swimmers collecting medals, but we were finally defeated in the relay events by the team from Ivanhoe Grammar School.

All swimmers competed well in the last two carnivals, obtaining a second at the E.S.A, the final scores being 612 to MLC and 662 to MGGS. but the best was yet to come, when MLC

swam at the All Schools, getting into eleven out of eleven finals.

We then achieved ten medal places in total and a. fourth in the other. MLCs colours were flying and everyone's hopes were high - the Prefects were there egging us on.

Unfortunately we were beaten again by MGGS, although the winning margin was a mere six points.

Special thanks are due to Mrs Armstrong, Mr Haines, Mrs McClavity, Mrs Dahl and of course the Prefects.

A huge thank you must also go to all our terrific swimmers for trying their best.

Jackie Nathanielsz, School Swimming Captain

SENIOR SCHOOL TENNIS "We're the team that's supreme, We're the colours white and green..."

The famous words of one of MLCs trademark war cries sum up the Senior School tennis team of 1990.

A huge turn up early in the term left coach Miss Osborne-Smith with the cut throat job of choosing a squad of 14 pairs (maximum) from an endless list of talent.

The selected squad was an incredibly strong one and the next problem was ranking the pair numbers.

Julie Mellors (Year 12) and Mandy Smith (Year 12) took the honour of pair one,

closely contended by Melissa Williams (Year 12) and Caroline Gay (Year 12).

Unfortunately most matches only required eight pairs of girls to play, except for PLC who fielded 14 pairs. This meant only one match for some girls, but they put in a fine effort for their debut appearance to defeat PLC, 103-70 games in total.

Needless to say, the team remained undefeated throughout the season with the closest match being against MCEGGS, but a convincing win of 24-17 resulted.

A challenge was accepted by Camberwell Boys Grammar School tennis team to gain some "varied match practise skills" with some powerful mixed doubles resulting and

some determined MLC versus Camberwell matches, the results of which are still disputed (both teams claim victory).

The season was capped off by a break up dinner at the traditional "Toto's" in Glenferrie Road. Hearty appetites and an enjoyable night signified the success of the 1990 season.

Thanks must go to Miss Osborne-Smith, both for her time and difficult decision making and all girls who contributed their talent and school spirit to the team.

Good luck to the 1991 Senior School tennis team.

Alex Verrier, Senior Tennis Captain.

AEROBICS, MLC STYLE It was just another ordinary lunchtime...or was it? No - something seemed to intrude upon the usual soundwaves of MLC. It was a faint "thump, thump, thump," and then a louder, "THUMP, THUMP, THUMP." What could it be, we wondered? Those of us who dared venture into the source - the gymnasium - were drawn into the aerobics craze and contorted, tortured and churned out in a revamped body.

It seems the aerobics fad of the 1980s has well and truly hit MLC. There are those who scorn and try to pretend they are not feeling guilty as they are enticed into the tuckshop by the aroma of peanut butter rolls and chocolate doughnuts. But at least once, even they must be affected by the sight of ever-faithful attendants running for a front row position in the gym.

Admittedly, the new double chocolate chip cookies temp one away from exertion. But for the strong-willed, even the news of the

white Aero bars at the front of the vending machine are not able to alter their fitness routine.

Ms Medhurst, Miss Osbourne-Smith, Miss Ewing and, yes, Mr Shipp have become the gurus of the body-conscious regulars, curious visitors and those guilt-ridden by over-indulgences.

As the music pumps, hands clap, legs kick, stomachs contract and faces cringe in pain.

Suckers for punishment? Definitely!

Nevertheless, the crowd continues to increase, especially around formal time.

Is this craze the result of the "healthy body, healthy mind" theory or is it just a product of a stereo-typed society? For whichever reason, increasing numbers are induced to a daily routine of "blood, sweat and tears."

It's a tough game, aerobics - no pain, no gain. Sore muscles and satisfaction or guilt and chocolate - it's your choice, MLC! Katrina Lawrence, Year 12.

BERRY DUDES SENIOR SCHOOL Howdy Dudes (Berryites!)

Well it's back to work at the Bertie Beetle factory after a long overdue holiday in Hawaii (it was hot!). 1 was overjoyed to receive news of the outstanding achievements of the number one house, BERRY, of course!!!

My busy year has meant I am looking a bit ragged in my old age so I've put my name down for a facelift. Next year may see a whole new rejuvenated me!

After a close encounter of the State Swimming Pool kind and an unfortunate incident with Mrs Chamberlain's very white shirt (sorry!) I was pleased to be present when we swam our way to a creditable fourth place. Thanks to Jaquie and Tanya for their unending support.

The barbeque before the athletics produced some very unique "food" proving we are all purple Myrtle supporters through and through! This house spirit continued at Olympic Park where we cheered, competed and performed amazing feats. Rachel and Melinda's dedication paid off with a triumphant third place. Thanks gals!

Purple power ruled in the Cross Country as Berry blitzed the field. Six of the first ten places went to Berryites with outstanding performances by Rachel, Adele and Tina. It was a winning day for Berry!

Led by Tess and Barbara, the Senior School Drama was an entertaining and memorial event - and we came third.

Senior School Music practices are well underway, under the talented and committed leadership of captains Sue-

Anne and Kate. We look forward to a successful and enjoyable competition.

Special thanks must go to Middle School, Junior Secondary School and Junior School House Captains for looking after my babes, Burtle, Skyrtle and Hurtle while I've been working at the Bertie Beetle factory. I know they will carry the torch for Berry in years to come.

Thank you also to Marjorie, Senior School Recorder, whose organisation and initiative were invaluable. Many thanks for the neverending encouragement and involvement of the House Mistresses, Mrs Leigh Jones, Miss Talbot and especially Mrs Chamberlain for her guidance and "never say die" spirit.

And while I'm dishing out the thanks, I'd like to send the biggest and more sincere thank you to every Berryite who has contributed to Berry's success in any way (phew!).

Next year, as I said, you may see a different, new and improved face of Myrtle but I will never change in spirit and my loyalty and enthusiasm will always be with you my friends.

Good luck for 1991 and may the dream of the Purple Turtle never die!

Love to you all, Myrtle XXX P.S. BERRY'S HOT TO GO H-O-T-T-O-G-O !!!

Sent care of Adele Mcintosh, Senior House Captain.

Monica Fairley, Vice House Captain.

MIDDLE SCHOOL Semester Two 1989 was terrific for Berry.

The highlight was our success in the Middle School House Music Festival. We won convincingly and had heaps of fun doing it.

Berry was not quite as successful in the Drama but a lot of work was put into producing "The Other Side of the Wall."

This year we did really well in the House Oratory, with Melissa Perks doing an excellent job in winning the trophy.

We also blitzed the Cross Country when Anne Rattray came first in Middle School.

Thanks to those who participated.

In the Athletics and Swimming, we worked hard, but... hopefully we will get a better score on the board next year.

Mrs Leigh-Jones has been a great help to all captains with her patient support. As for the future, we have some pretty hot singers and should be hard to beat in the Music and Drama competitions.

Keep up the House spirit!

Georgie Costello & Melissa Perks, Middle School House Captains

CATO RAP! SENIOR SCHOOL

MIDDLE SCHOOL

It was the year 1990 and a house overlooked by many began it's climb to the top.

With the start of a new decade came the emergence of a new Cato as a strong and powerful force. This was a group of true blue Catoites not discouraged when finishing a little further back in the field in the Swimming and Athletics.

Revitalised, in second term we made our way from obscurity to credibility in the Drama with a fine performance of "The Importance of Being Earnest?" The cast and all the behind-the-scenes did a brilliant job and Cato strutted the stage in a performance that knocked many socks off!

Following this startling victory, Cato continued its turn-around, rising like a big blue balloon to an outright victory in the Water Polo.

Middle School Cato, so far this year, has had its ups and downs. Nearly half a year has already gone by and Cato has shown its best side in some house sports such as tennis - where we were unbeatable - and swimming which placed Middle School Cato third.

The year, however, was not nearly over yet and we look forward to entertaining and waving to the crowd at the Chorals.

Thanks (and a big bear hug) must go to the JSS captains and Mrs James (our club leaders) and to the MS captains and Mrs Anderson, who have all done fantastic jobs.

To Mr Notsis - our beautifully biased photographer and enthusiatic Catoite THANK YOU !

It is of course, impossible to thank every single legendary rapper but a special mention must go to Mel for keeping those colours and redates flowing and to the ultra-enthusiastic vice captain, Elise (Reidy) for her never ending support.

But it is important that Cato's success during 1990 is not necessarily measured by results, but rather the performance of all Catoites involved in the House. Each rapper gave of herself to the best of her ability and everyone involved with the inter-inter-house competition can look back on the year with a great deal of satisfaction.

So to all future Cato rappers, keep the tradition going and the spirit alive until the day you can arise to the age of TRUE BLUE dominance. For although we might not take the trophy this year, it is merely being kept warm till the day everyone will say: NNNNNO C_ _ P FOR RAP! Louise Findlay, Senior School Captain.

On Athletics Day, there were lots of enthusiastic Catoites cheering and running for Pooh Bear. Unfortunately, our efforts were only enough for Middle School Cato to finish fifth.

In Cross-Country, the couple of kilometres run did not prove to be much trouble for a few Cato girls who successfully placed themselves in the "top ten" out of twenty finalists.

But this year is far from over and we still have many sports and major events, such as Drama and Music, for Cato to show everyone our stage, singing and dancing skills. Plans are already underway and it looks promising.

A special mention to our House Mistress, Mrs Anderson, who has been supportive of Middle School Cato and Shelley Benson, our hardworking House Recorder, who has kept up well with the Cato records.

Thanks to all those enthusiastic Catoites out there who have supported Cato throughout the year!

Pooh Bear loves you!

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Being a house captain is a great honour and achievement. We were both very proud. Cato is a great house with excellent house spirit and everyone in Cato tries their hardest to support the house and have a great time.

The JSS Cato diving team came first in their competition. Our divers were Kelly Draffin, Celeste Marsh and Amelia Linker.

These girls are a great honour to the Cato house. Congratulations girls!

JSS Softball also came first, winning all matches with skill and determination under the captaincy of Rebecca.

"The softball girls worked very well together and showed great enthusiasm.

They were an excellent team that were successful in all their matches. Being Softball captain was a great honour and I was very proud to be the captain of such a supportive, cooperative and winning team," she said.

On Athletics and Swimming day, everyone was very cooperative. The house spirit on these days was very encouraging. Even though we did not win these events, everyone enjoyed themselves and tried their hardest.

Cato has been a great house!

Joy & Suzie, Junior Secondary School Captains.

Kerry Liu & Linda Mellors, Middle School Captains.

FITCHETT GOLD SENIOR SCHOOL "The King Proudly Roars" The year began successfully with one huge and almighty roar, With a team like ours and its skill we were destined to score.

Swimming started with a splash and Fitchett jumped the gun, And with not the slightest hint of doubt we soon had it won.

The cheering and the war cries could not have been louder And captains and crew alike could not have been prouder.

those who were partaking.

In cross-country, girls were serious or just skipping class.

The performance of the Fitchett team was certainly hard to pass.

The yellow and the gold combined and continued to fly high As Fitchett grasped the winning attitude of "do or die".

Our athletes started training and their bods were looking lean, When the gun eventually fired we proved to be supreme.

We crossed the line first and we did it in gracious style.

At the end of the day without a doubt, it was Fitchett by a mile.

With the year only half over and more talent to be displayed, Fitchett looks forward to more records being made.

Tough-Stuff will be standing by and always lead the way.

The yellow banner flying high until the final day.

So good luck Fitchett for 1991, the legendary House will reign.

We've got the pep, steam, coach, team and FITCHETT IS THE NAME.

With victory in our stride on Aths day, we all remember That famous hundred metres of material held by every member.

We marched with pride, heads held high and never missed a beat.

It was Fitchett's day, Fitchett's year and time for mass defeat.

(Our victories cost us though - financially we were in debt.

But we organised a brilliant stall and the problem was soon met.)

There have been several outstanding performances within Fitchett this year which have not gone unnoticed, both on an individual and combined House basis.

The smooth running of the combined events (Swimming and Athletics) must be greatly attributed to the Middle School captains, Sylvea Corrie and Jenny Martin and the Junior Secondary captains, Louisa Oppenheim and Stephanie Germantis. All captains have worked efficiently and prove promising prospects for Fitchett's future.

Many thanks to Mrs Rawlings, Senior House mistress for her continual support and enthusiasm. Her infamous and "coincidental" yellow clothing worn during House assemblies and other events were most appreciated. Thanks also to Miss Nath and Mrs Kristy, the Middle School and Junior School House mistresses.

The hard work and dedication of Sarah Hoe and Chris Tan, captains of Senior School House Athletics, were invaluable towards Fitchett's success as were the efforts of Michelle Mansas and Fleur Terry, the Senior School Swimming Captains. Thank you also to the Middle and Junior Secondary captains of these sports. Claire Leach and Peter Meideke must also be congratulated on the time and effort put into the difficult task of directing the House play and our Senior School

On a high and encouraged by spirit, we liked the idea of winning.

It is rare for a House in one year to claim the Aths and the Swimming.

With this in mind, the Drama began and actresses took the stage.

The enthusiasm is best described as ToughStuff leaving his cage.

"Lovely, Romantic South Korea" was the play we had in mind, Which was acted so superbly, suitable words we cannot find.

Many aces in tennis and home runs bashed in cricket and softball Meant that Fitchett roared ahead and remained standing tall.

Potential talent in all sports and a mighty good try in debating Led to House respect from the others of

House recorder, Claire Leech (a different Claire!) has done a fabulous job so far under very trying circumstances.

With high expectations for the latter half of the 1990, Fitchett promises to be a successful House in teamwork, leadership and spirit.

Captaincy this year has been an honour and we hope all House members have had a good year.

Thanks Fitchett, good luck Fitchett and good bye Fitchett!

Alex Verrier & Georgi Coward, Fitchett House Captains.

P.S. Take care of Tough-Stuff!

MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School Fitchett said good-bye to the decade with a ROAR which has continued into to the 1990s. And what a sweet roar it was when Andy and Nicola led us to second place with "Bright Society" in the drama.

Umbrellas went into the paws of our cubs to make us become king of the jungle yet again - even in the rain, but not without the help and dedication of our music captains Jerry and Sylvie S. Great thanks to the 1989 leaders of the pack - Josie and Susanne and to everyone else who made it a year of successes.

Once again the gold came home when the heroic lionesses - Rosie, Tracy and Mia along with Cath, Ingria and Emily stalked out our prey (we said we'd get you turtles) and claimed victory with the most enthusiastic swimming and athletics Middle School has ever seen .

Our triumph in debating and oratory continued this year with the great roar by Louise and Bronwyn. And last but not least a lion size hug to Stacey, our recorder, Mrs Myers and our latest little cubette - Lauren Kate !

Sylvea Corrie & Jenny Martin, Fitchett Middle School Captains

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Junior Secondary School Fitchett has had a TREMENDOUS year.

In term one we succeeded in winning the "DOUBLE", starting with a SPLASH... at the Swimming Sports and completing it with a win at the Athletics.

Thanks to all the captains throughout the year for their hard and dedicated work.

Thanks also to all the fabulous Fitchett members who enthusiastically tried so hard for Fitchett, often with great results.

Sara and Mrs Christie did a fantastic job in keeping Fitchett running smoothly.

Keep up the good work next year. Keep roaring.

Louisa & Stephanie.

Fitchett Junior Secondary School Captains.

Swimming, Three cheers Fitchett for winning the Junior, Inter-house relay and Overall cups and for Neville and their win Senior cup.

Berry the Middle cup and Krome the Proficiency cup.

All the staff, officials and cheer squads did a fantastic job. The screams, chants and burst of bright colours made the day unforgettable.

Special thanks also go to the Middle and Junior captains and Mrs Christy for helping put together the lists when we had a major crisis!!

Michelle Mansas, Senior Swimming Captain

Athletics The early morning ball games practices, the recess and the lunchtime try outs, the support, the screaming, the cheering, the comradeship and the enthusiasm, all finally brought the fruits of our labour to the fore: VICTORY and GLORY. With a lot of pep, steam, a dedicated coach(!!) and fantastic team, Fitchett romped home to come FIRST OVERALL by the end of sports day - first in JSS and second in proficiency - a huge effort and one of which every Fitchite should be proud to have been a part.

The cooperation, Fitchett spirit, pride, determination, efficiency, attitude and atmosphere was f-f-fantastic and even Tuff Stuff, the house mascot, could not wipe the grin off his proud face.

The marching was spectacular with the introduction of metres of yellow to be wound round the Olympic Park Track completing a fantastic days events.

Unfortunately, the microphone was not working when it was time for our victory speech so, belatedly, I would like to thank

Chris Tan, my ever loyal Senior School Vice Captain, my Middle School captains, Tracy, Rosie and Mia and my Junior Secondary captains Christine and Claire.

For without their help, Fitchett may not have claimed the trophy.

Thank you to every Fitchett participant and supporter.

WE ARE FITCHETT COULDN'T BE PROUDER IF YOU CANNOT HEAR US WE WILL SHOUT IT LOUDER!!

Fitchett "Raining" Victors Middle School Variety 1989. Clad in garbage bags with bright yellow rain drops, black gum - socks, pig tailed hair and cheery umbrellas and accompanied by a chorus surrounding the stage, the Middle School girls sang and danced their way to victory with "Singing in the Rain".

Led by Jenny Martin and Sylvie Sliskovic and choreographed by Lauren Konik and Sylvea Corrie with help from the whole group, the number stormed in to win.

Sarah Hoe, Athletics Captain Ingrid Hopper.

Drama Tennis Fitchett presented "Lovely, Romantic South Korea", alias M.A.S.H. It certainly was drama, right from the start. The cast was HOT! -thanks guys - and it sure was a fun filled, frolicking, barrel of laughs, hot to trot, energised performance on May 18.

Unfortunately, in our opinion, "Clive" didn't know a good show when he saw one - but we'll let that pass! See you on BROADWAY! Claire & Peta, Drama Captains

Cross-Country.

Overall, Fitchett came fourth. At first glance, this may seem a little disappointing, but in enthusiasm, participation and house spirit I believe Fitchett streaked ahead.

The good feeling of winning the House Sports had not dissipated and the attitude of the Fitchett Cross-country squad reflected this.

Thank you to all your time and effort. It was much appreciated.

Sarah Hoe, Cross Country Captain.

Badminton Before I mention that we came last overall, I'd like to say that the competition was tough and Fitchett fought through thick and thin. It was a great effort. Well done.

Amelia Chung, Badminton Captain

Two victories, one loss and one draw was a reasonably good result for the Fitchett Tennis Team. Thankyou to everyone who came to all the practices and participated fully.

Kate McKenzie, Tennis Captain

Music For some, the term II holidays were a relaxing and well earned rest after a gruelling terms work. But for others - the House Music captains - it was a time to learn piano accompaniments, instrumental items, choral ensembles and how to conduct.

The return to school after these "holidays" realised the daunting prospect of three arduous weeks of practise, practise and practise. Weekends didn't pass without the sounds of "Master of the House" from "Les Miserables" echoing from the Assembly Hall under the guidance of an enthusiastic, loud and determined Elise Bolza with myself at the piano.

August 10, arrived and Fitchett was a ray of gold with wattle issuing from pockets. The House rose to the occasion and we claimed victory in the instrumental item and variety.

Special thanks need to go all the Fitchettites who supported Elise and I, our house captain Alex Verrier and our ever enthusiastic and musical senior mistress, Mrs Rawlings.

Sarah Whitchurch, Senior Music Captain.

KROME CROAK MIDDLE SCHOOL After a total revamp of the Middle School Krome image this year, we have come up with a "sleek, sophisticated, winning" team.

Who says that Krome does not have House Spirit? The mighty green team is now the UNDISPUTED (well, just about!) leader in the big world of Middle School.

Boy, oh boy! Gee, it's tough winning all the time, but we manage! After spectacularly leaping into first place for Middle School at the Swimming Sports, we hopped easily into first for the tennis and badminton, topping it off with seconds in Athletics and Softball.

Thanks heaps to all the captains and to every single little Middle School Kromite who has worked so hard supporting Krome.

The mighty Green Middle School Frog rules!! Ribbet, ribbet!

In the name of Krome, the frogs and all the tadpoles, Melinda Tam & Fiona Taylor.

Middle School Captains.

GREEN-EYED VIEW OF THE SWIMMING SPORTS. As the sound from the starter's gun split the silence in the State Swimming Centre, a huge cheer rose from the five houses,and determined swimmers began stroking eagerly for the finish. Despite the almost stifling humidity, most of the spectators remained enthusiastic throughout the day, particularly the Year Twelves, who regarded their final House Swimming day with nostalgia tinged with both gladness and regret.

The atmosphere was effervescent and the speading stands exploded with the colors that clothed the ever-supportive viewers.

From my official's perch high above the row of girls, I had a superb view of all that occured. I marvelled as the talented divers sliced the surface of the deep pool, and gazed admiringly at the many competitors who swam. Some performed excellently for their house,some not as well, but all shared a similar desire to contribue to the activities of their houses.

The day wore on and the points mounted up gradually, earned by the breast-strokers who bobbed,the butter-flyers who writhed and the free-stylers and back-strokers who surged towards the other end of the pool.

Eventually .following the hilarious staff-vsstudents relay, the RESULTS were announced.

Following the presentation of the Profiency trophy to Krome (yeah!), the JSS points cup was awarded to Fitchett, the Middle School to Krome and the Senior School trophy went to Nevile. The spectators and competitors alike perched on the edge of their seats as the overall winner was announced; a well-deserving Fitchett.

Carolyn Gawthorn, Year 12.

NEVILE PROWLS SENIOR SCHOOL Already the superior streak of the Pink Panther has prowled through the Nevilite veins to result in fantastic and rewarding performances.

The House spirit this year has been outstanding with one of the best attendance results ever at the Swimming Sports. Thanks to Jane Williamson and Suzie Gowan who led our house in the fierce competition.

The follow up with our second place victory at the athletics by the senior AND junior Nevile girls made the other houses shake in their T-shirts.

Thank you to all the girls who have helped Nevile do so well this year, especially to all the captains - Fiona Jenkins, captain of Junior School, Karen McKecknie and Sarah Kelly the captains of Junior Secondary School and Megan Tocknell and Susan Mizrahi the captains of Middle B ionic hearing School.

DO-IT-YOURSELF PANTHER PAPER DOLL

Libby Svars & Anna Cafasso, Senior House Captains.

Drama For the first time, I was able to appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into the Drama Festival. It is a challenge for all, frustration and satisfaction!

The night of our performance was nerve racking. There was a bubbling excitement between the actors on stage and finally there was an understanding of the play. It came together and touched members of the audience. Then a blanket of calm and a sense of success took over - we had done our best and the hard work was worth it.

Mouth for cheering and singing

Tail used to wave in cheering

Handsome character face for drama

Hand made for raquets and bats

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Samantha Robinson, Drama Captain.

6

Debating

Pot-belly for filling with pink food

This year the Nevile debating team died, unfortunately yet heroically in the first debate - "That Heroism is Dead" - against Krome. But we thoroughly enjoyed the Strong legs for experience.

I wish to thank both Katrina Lawrence and athletics and gymnastics Deborah Newman for their help and say how sorry I was that the vice-captain, Paula Walsh, was ill and unable to participate.

Special speedy feet Amanda Drury, Debating Captain.

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APATHETIC ATHLETIC? AN ATHS PROBLEM Imagine this. You're on the final lap of the 800 metre race and are trailing miserably behind your more physically-apt competitors.

It's exhausting and what you really need is a boost of confidence, something to get you to the end of the race - a cheer from your House would be fantastic. But where are the spectators?

Each year more and more girls are opting to stay away from House events - which are actually compulsory - to the extent that the situation described may one day be a reality.

Athletics could become an activity for competitors only. This year's Sports Day had an appalling non-attendance, which is no more fair to participants as not having

SHOULD SPORTS DAY BE COMPULSORY? Within the MLC community there is a debate about whether Sports Day should be compulsory. As it stands. Sports Day is compulsory and the regulations for attendance are becoming stricter. While some people agree with this situation, many students believe they should have an option and I feel that the rules regarding this need to be reviewed.

Sports Day provides an opportunity for students to take a break from the grind of school and enjoy a day of fun and physical activities. Students are able to pit their strength and skill against one another, while providing entertainment for the many spectators.

However there are many students who do not find Sports Day as a source of fun and entertainment, but rather of boredom.

Students who are not athletically inclined may be discouraged and intimidated, thus making their day unenjoyable. It seems that many people would prefer to be doing homework and indeed we find quite a few students with their books in the stand.

Those who don't like sport often consider the whole day to be a let-down or waste of time, so it would appear to be more sensible to give these people the option of not going.

any spectators at all. So what exactly is it that caused almost a third of Senior students, not to mention nearly all the Middle School girls, to stay away from this annual event?

No-one can be sure. Perhaps those not interested in sport decide not to attend, preferring instead to be involved in Music or Drama.

But this seems rather self-centred. A play requires an audience, otherwise, why perform? Similarly with athletics and swimming, competitors often need more than determination to win - spectator enthusiasm and support can do wonders.

There must be some ways in which the quality of the Sports and other House events can be improved. How can we entice apathetic students to attend?

Maybe fund-raising ventures for social

service could be included, such as drink stalls and sausage sizzles. Admit it - the prices of food at Olympic Park are exorbitant!

Spectator involvement, apart from chanting and cheering, could also be provided to make the day more enjoyable. But house captains work very hard to ensure that all members have the chance to participate and the choice is up to each individual.

Obviously the problem of non-attendance needs some serious attention from both staff and students, otherwise some House events may become exclusively available to participants in the future.

What can we do to revive House spirit, or did it ever really exist?

By taking a whole day off school for Sports Day, students miss a day of school-work, resulting in classes having less time in which to cover the syllabus. It seems that the day would be better spent at school learning, or at least doing homework, rather than watching people run up and down a track field.

Therefore while Sports Day may enhance feelings of unity and house spirit for some, it will not necessarily do so for everyone and because the sports are compulsory and attendance is carefully monitored, it can make some people feel hemmed in and resentful of the system. This dampens the atmosphere even more and I feel a better result would be achieved by encouraging people to go rather than forcing them. If there were a publicity campaign like there is for Silver and Green, then a more enthusiastic atmosphere would likely be created.

For senior students especially, it would be a golden opportunity to be able to use this day as a study day.

But if going to the sports was optional, it is possible that overall attendance would be low. Therefore a reasonable compromise may be to make the day compulsory for younger students, but optional in senior years when the workload is heavier.

We may say that Sports Day is a unique opportunity for the school community to unite and for the cultivation of house spirit: opportunities which we don't get every day.

Yet interaction between the different school levels can be accomplished by involvement in various other activities and school groups. Also, Sports Day alone does not create house spirit, as the spirit must be present first and it can then be enhanced by the sports. People who don't possess this spirit and are genuinely not interested may just tarnish the day and possibly affect the enthusiasm of others - for you cannot force someone to have a particular feeling.

Carolyn Gawthorn

Sports Day is certainly an exciting day and many people enjoy it. However, there are always going to be some people for whom Sports Day is not enjoyable at all and it does not seem fair to force these people to attend.

People not attending the sports would not miss out on sports altogether, as there is such a wide range of sports, competitive or otherwise offered at school. By allowing senior students the option of coming to school for a study day or attending the sports it would enable students not interested to use the time constructively and let those who are keen for sport to fully enjoy their sports day.

Alison Barton, Year 12.

House That!

POETIC LICENCE THE SILENT CRY I may be only a part of your life but you are all that is mine; Why won't you give me but one chance just this once, this time.

I have brown eyes, just like yours I like flowers too; Can't you love me just for me and not for what I can do.

Do 1 not live up to your standard That is, the measure of the world?

Do I have to be so perfect Can't I just be your little girl?

Mine is a world of darkness I'll need to hold your hand; But we can still sing and dance and play and build castles in the sand.

I believe in destiny in being what we're meant to be; I may never watch a rainbow but through you Mamma, I'll see.

I may not be so very convenient They say I'll never, "fit in"; Will I "fit" better, cold and forgotten alone, in some garbage bin?

I'm willing to learn and discover.

You don't ever want to try!

Don't you think I have feelings too Mamma! Blind eyes still cry.

It's my world, Mamma, my world not just yours to give; to have and to hold its mine to laugh, to love and to live.

Claudine J.W Wang, Year 12.

THE HAUNTED HOUSE Whenever I enter the haunted house I hear the squeak of a little mouse.

As I tiptoe down the hall I see a ghost upon the wall.

It sends a shiver up my spine I begin to wonder what else is in line.

As I run up the huge tall stairs In front of me a,werewolf lairs!

I go down the stairs three at a time When I get there some werewolves dine!!!

I run outside the big brass door Thank goodness I am not in there any more.

Catherine Turner, Year 6 & Vanessa Wiltshire, Year 7.

SAY IT WITH A SMILE

BRUMBIES

There's a gift that you can always give, as often as you choose; It's a gift that will never run out.

And it's something you can't lose.

Swift and fleet like the wind.

That no one dare try to hide Bay, brown, buckskin and white, Brumbies fleeing through the night!

It can brighten up a dreary day, for a friend in need; You can give it to a stranger and be your one good deed.

Manes, tails streaming.

Chests heaving, Hooves thundering through the night.

You may give it when you're happy, without really knowing It makes you feel good inside And lights your face with glowing.

Born wild and free, No one will capture he, the stallion fleeing through the night.

It doesn't cost in money And its memory lasts a while If you ask me what it is I'll tell you; It's a smile.

Many have tried Many have failed to capture him and his mares thundering through the night.

Amber Jordan, Year 7.

NIGGER! The crescent moon, high amidst shadows I stood, silent, alone In the distance - a lonely call The sound of a she-wolf moan In my heart I felt the hurt The hurt that had yet to die In my eyes the sting of tears I thought I had once cried dry The regret of a whole lifetime The murder of a thousand dreams What they so cruelly cost us Just for their blindness and whims 'Twas our fate to be born a certain colour To them it was the wrong one On the night they came they expected your pleas, but you offered none

YEAR 12 LIFE

SOLDIERS

Excited seniors gossip, planning next weekend homework forgotten.

For our fellow students in China who stood up for a cause and lost their lives in violence, in the name of freedom.

For one last time you kissed me In your eyes the farewell unsaid As they dragged you away, your calm face Was the only vision in my head.

Claudine J.W. Wang, Year 12.

We called it the "Gate of Heavenly Peace", That is, until they came; With they wretched guns and steely hearts, our spirits they sought to tame.

YOU I know you now I know how you tick You are the devil of the night You pull on my strings so tight

THE WAVE Under the cover of darkness In the scarlet glow of flames; Falling in a hail of bullets People without names.

You keep on strangling me I can not breathe In the middle of the night You torment and scare me.

They traced and sprayed the ancient square With the ink of innocent blood; Sometimes the screams and thundering blasts seemed all we ever heard.

I have scars from you You tore me in two The jagged stump that you left Reminded me of you

How many lives will it take before they finally see that they may hold the people but not the dream to be.

You look like Mein Kamph You terrify me I hate you Despise, contempt, outrage

We are Chinese, all Chinese!

How can they kill their own sons?

Yet succeeding in this barbarism how much have they truly won?

Your voice echoes Your strength eats at me Arranging and rearranging In this struggle to be free

They call you wrecking rebels They slandered you with names; Amidst the turmoil of chaos silhouetted against the flames.

The people that I knew Hated you too You bastard too You

Yet maybe we do not die in vain for our spirits live on to fight; We are being swept by the Winds of Change clipped-winged birds....poised for flight.

Like a letter that's never read, The film that no one sees The tame bird sits and sings Yet still waves are broken And flowers bloom into Spring As time ticks away We sit and watch As we wander through our lives And generations pass Yet do they understand The films seen The letters read The wild bird that flies away...

Ilona Misa, Year 12.

MAKE BELEVE The World of Make-Believe to me Is something no one else can see.

Whirling mists and darkened halls Coloured hoops and bouncy balls.

Unicorns, dragons, seamonsters and kings Horses and hunting and many other things.

The World of Make-Believe to me Is something no one else can see.

Sandra Bauer, Year 11.

Claudine J.W Wang & Lim Siew Ching, Year 12.

Amber Jordan, Year 7.

WAVE FORMATION A brief bayside breeze, Frilling foam on swelling sea White-capped waters curl.

Carolyn Gawthorn, Year 12.

CALIFORNIAN CONDOR I look out over the plain.

I am far from home.

Soaring, swooping, gliding, I am a Californian condor.

Searching for food.

Looking, spotting, diving.

I feed on dead animals killed by man.

Shot, poisoned, dying.

Some still have lead.

To kill us, their enemies Searching, finding, eating, Or else we are shot As we fly.

Soaring, crying, falling.

Some just lose their homes.

They find their nest gone, Returning, worrying, despairing.

In November '89, There were thirty-one others Breathing, living, dying.

We have a right to live!

We should not die out.

Few, very few, none.

It would disrupt the food chain, interrupt the pattern.

Confusion, bewilderment - death?

We rid the world of rotting meat Just by eating.

Eating, sickening, dying.

EXTINCTION IS FOREVER! I think of this as I fly back to my nest.

Where my young ones wait.

Crying, hungry, welcoming.

I find a dead eagle.

Shot through the heart.

Hovering, pain, death.

The hunters don't care.

To him it is just ready, aim, fire!

I eat some meat but leave some for others.

As well as what I take home. Home Friendly, caring, safe.

Kerry Greenhill, Year 7.

SENIOR CENTRE Green-garbed girls giggle, Slumped and sprawled on sofas in lazy lunchtime.

Caroline Gawthorne, Year 12.

Eunice.

Eunice.

The saga continues.

The third Testament.

During the consumption of her nourishing vegetarian appetiser, Melinda commenced to cough vociferously. Samantha was prompt in offering her assistance - a quick upper left to the lower back. Melinda retched violently, her body convulsing uncontrollably in agonising spasms.

Samantha pummeled her with her fists, her knuckles digging into the tender flesh of stomach and chest. Bones splintered.

Muscles snapped. Eyeballs burst. Finally, when the battered and beaten body clung to her last breath of life, a piece of recycled paper dislodged from Melinda's throat.

"At least we're environmentally conscious", Samantha observed.

The corridor stretched on forever. Then it did two push-ups, a backward roll and seventeen star-jumps to complete its aerobic routine. It was just as well Sam and Mel were nowhere near the corridor. Neither could do push-ups.

Your two very unfit editors panted and puffed as they climbed the steps of Centenary. They reached the summit, planted the Australian flag and Mel posed for photos while Sam arranged the press interview.

"At least I'm still semi-conscious." Melinda moaned.

Your two heroes perused the paper. It contained a message. The message contained a demand.

"If you want to see Eunice Finter again, you must give over one hundred notes of..."

The rest of the demand may have been in Melinda's stomach. Or it may have been in the eecchy mess on the floor. Neither of your two favorite editors wanted to look...

"Next time we take the elevator", Sam gasped.

"Won't we get in trouble?" Mel questioned.

"Not if we put it back," Sam stated confidently.

There was a silence. This was broken by a scream. Mel scooped to pick up the shattered pieces and Sam helped tape them together. The scream had come from the toilets. They decided to investigate. What they found in there was disgusting, perverted and sick! It also had nothing to do with the case so they moved far away from the toilet bowl. Far far away...

DOLLAR A DOZEN I thought I saw happiness The other day All wrapped up and wound With pretty bows.

But as I bought it With my soul and purse, I heard the hollow dream, (The empty dream) - echoed It had all looked.

So lovely upon the shelf.

Yet when I purchased it I sold myself.

So, here I am

naked as a baby now.

A classy woman Wearing cheap perfume.

Happiness is only a day away So it read on the box Yesterday is only memories And tomorrow never comes.

There were no guarantees And a sign of "NO REFUND".

I really thought I saw it.

I really thought I held it My happiness, in a box...

Eliza Allan, Year 12.

Eunice.

Will it never end?

Your two favorite editors were sitting at their computers in Centenary 1.6 doing what editors do. They were eating jaffles and making a mess on the floor.

Meanwhile, the deadline was drawing near and Eunice was still missing. They called up the computer menu and ordered two hot chocolates and a coffee scroll. A new file appeared on the screen. The headline read "Meet me at the top gates at 3:35pm and bring the ransom. Do not speak to any Trinity or Xavier students on the way.

Remove your nail polish and take off your

rings. Write all your homework in the school diary without defacing the cover... If you want to see Eunice Finter alive again."

(Editors' Note- This is a very long headline and could in fact be defined as an article.)

Meanwhile, the deadline was sketching close and Mel and Sam were checking their watches. The checks clashed with their striped shirts so they took them away. It was 3:30pm.

"I guess there's only one thing to be done, then," stated Sam. They ordered another coffee scroll.

MINDS EYE THE PAST I HAD LOST The warm wrinkled hands of an old lady and the faint smell of soft perfume is in the air - I am thinking of my Grandma.

It is something I have learned over the years - just how much my grandparents meant to me. I believe a lot of people my age don't realise. We forget when we reach our "teen years" how grandparents can inspire us and give us a special and bonding relationship we greatly need.

My grandmother was small and plumpish.

In fact, she looked like a "Cabbage Patch Doll" which later became one of her familiar nicknames. Her eyes were large greeny blue, something I always envied when I was young.

Grandma's life was exciting. She was attractive and always ready to have a good time. I think now, looking back on my experiences, that I could so easily relate to her because of her ability to "just be a kid."

She was so much like me and deep down, never wanted to see herself as "old".

Forever smiling, Grandma would play a few

A VISION OF PARADISE This afternoon, as I sat in the front gardens of MLC, I observed what seemed like paradise. The branches of the towering trees merged together above us to give us shade, while rays of sunlight shone through the gaps and glistened on the water of the fountain. The large fountain we sat around was not spraying water today. It remained motionless with lilies floating on the surface and sunlight dancing on the murky water.

The gloomy, grey boarding house, which had occupied the same location for over one hundred years, looked cheerful today. It must have been the sunlight shining through the stained glass windows. Beautiful colours shone through the window displaying rays of gold, green, red, blue and purple.

Behind the boarding house was a lovely blue sky. Not a single, fluffy white cloud was in sight. As I observed the school from a seat next to the fountain, I could hear the birds chirping in the distance and the cars roaring past the school.

Two worlds divided by a grey wall. On the outside is a world where everything is in a hurry, on the inside is our world - a world where we are taking our time. The grey wall is the division between the beautiful garden of MLC and the busy roads of the outside world.

Jenny Gee Wah, Year 10.

hands of cards, go for a walk or she would show me hoe to cook without getting angry when I'd eat the uncooked cake-mix.

Our conversations were always bubbly and full of stories of her life.

Jack was my grandmother's brother but they were never close. Since my Grandma left home when she was about 22 years old, they had hardly spoken to each other, which I believe made my Grandma bitter whenever the topic was brought up.

Her first real romance lasted and became marriage. Their relationship grew and became stronger.

During tough times, my Grandma and grandpa ploughed on successfully running a jewellery business that had been passed on through the family.

The birth of my mother, an only child, brought changes. It created a bond between my grandmother and mother throughout her childhood which is so evident within the unseperable laughter and happiness when in the company of each other.

My Grandma adored me just as much when I was born and she relived the memories of my mother as a small child through me.

Even though I was not a daughter, I was to be her only grandchild; one she gave everything to, shared everything with and was always there for me.

As I grew older, we grew apart. I had no more time for Grandma. After her death, I realised my heart ached for another night of cold lemonade in front of the television, watching her dearly loved sport, football.

Or for her to hold my hand again. Her warm wrinkled hands, her echoing chatter through the telephone.

Grandparents are special: they hold the key to your past. She too had secrets to share, stories to tell. She was old and did find the activities we take for granted, tedious to do, but Grandma was a part of my life and like a flame she could not bum forever.

Shelly Benson, Year 10.

An extract from THE DIARY OF TEENY DALE Dear Diary, ...Life's so boring and dull. It's just my luck to be a numbat. I couldn't have been a kangaroo and go wherever I want. No, I had to be a numbat. I've got to be so careful about traps and I've also got to look out for carpet snakes, goannas, foxes, cats and dogs. It's hard to play like all the other animals because my species, the numbat, is endangered. That means that there aren't too many of us left. ...Dad said we might be moving logs Mum's always complaining about how small our log is. He told us there is a lovely log not too far away. It is a safer neighbourhood, and there is a lot of food in the area. Food, by the way, is termites.

They are sooo delicious. ...I find writing in this diary quite boring so I think I'll stop. It's been nice knowing you, Diary, and please, if anyone ever reads this - don't ever harm any animals.

Especially Numbats.

Love Forever, Teeny Dale.

Claire Hayward, Year 7.

ROOM I sit in the corner of a huge room. The walls, floor and ceiling are totally covered in a browny coloured carpet and there is no furniture at all, totally naked.

I have no recognition of the time and year.

My room is a huge world and no one has ever entered it but me. I know nothing of other beings and I feel no great emotions, jealousy, guilt.

I live totally on freedom and yet I am totally imprisoned, both physically and emotionally. I have no feeling of hunger, thirst or tiredness. I have no work, no responsibilities or deadlines.

My mind is blank but I am full of thought.

The only communication I have is that with myself, the inner network. How do I break down these walls of emotional fear? I am fighting a great, bloody war and yet my life is quite harmonious and peaceful. I know nothing of television, radio, telephones, microwaves, computers and nothing of the competitive, commercial clap-trap.

My first recognition of other life was very small but significant enough. It was two small, black creatures. They appeared in a

corner of my brown, carpeted room and caused great astonishment. I found myself feeling my first emotion. I knew nothing of what they were. Was I like that once? Will they go away or are they to stay? Where did they come from?

I found myself asking questions, but I had no answers and no one could give me any.

I could feel them watching me, staring right through me.I tried to forget them and closed my eyes, but I still felt them staring at me.

I closed my eyes tighter and pressed my hands against my wrinkled face.

I gritted my teeth and put my face in my upturned feet like a tiny depressed monkey or ape. I opened my eyes again and they were gone. They were actually gone.

But where had they gone? I scrambled to the wall and frantically scratched at the corners. Nothing happened. I closed my eyes again and wished they would come back, but when I opened them they still hadn't returned.

I wept for so long after that, the tears just flowed and I fell asleep through sheer exhaustion. I awoke feeling, well... weird, all this black creature business seemed like An illusion, a vision.

Yes, a dream. But when I looked up, I saw them sitting in the same spot, those two black creatures.

I felt... queer? Clutching my face I felt cold, cold like the corners of my room.

They seemed like superior beings. Did they know more than me?

I kept a close eye on them, watching nearly every movement they made. Was I know the superior one? Do I now have just as much power as they do?

During this experience, I have grown to feel many strange things, I have even felt tiredness.

Was I going to die? I looked up to where the black creatures were and was amazed.

There was a hole in my room, a bright glow shining through. I felt warmth on my face and took a deep breath and felt a well being overcome me.

I was alive.

I let out a great wail, not unlike that of a newborn child. My life was not ending, but just beginning.

Deanne Ashton-Smith, Year 11

ADAM, THE ELDER Adam is the older twin. We were born exactly ten minutes apart. He was first. I was last. Ten minutes is a long time. Adam likes to remind that I will always be younger - as if I could forget. He says he is like Adam, the first man on earth. He says that if I was a girl, my name would be Eve. She also came second. But I am called Zachary. "Z" - the last letter in the alphabet.

"A" - the first.

Adam says my name tells people what I am. No one would ever call the first-born Zachary. It would be wrong. I am the younger twin. He says that if people ever confuse our names, I must refuse to answer.

I have no right to pretend I came first.

We look identical, Adam and I. From a distance you cannot see that he is older. I like that. Adam doesn't. He has a bright red baseball cap. He never takes it off.

Everyone knows the cap belongs to Adam the elder twin. I am not allowed to wear a cap. Adam shares, but not with me. He has his own room. I cannot enter. All his clothes are labelled with the number "one".

On our bithday, he demands his own presents. If people give us both the same, he breaks mine. Adam makes sure we have separate cakes and that we sing 'Happy Birthday' for him first. Then we wait for ten minutes. Until it is my turn.

I give him a present every year because Adam says I must. Adam has only given me one present - a stopwatch. He says I can use it to count the minutes. That I can use it to try and catch up.

I know he is lying. I tried it once. I set my clock at zero and his at ten and then I waited. I waited for ten minutes and then eleven and then twelve... and when they were over I thought I was finally older than him.

He watched me as I checked his time. It was still ten minutes ahead. I heard him laugh. Those ten minutes could just as well be ten seconds, or ten years. It wouldn't matter. Adam knows that.

When no one is looking, he hurts me. He likes to see me cry like a baby. I have bruises on my arms and my legs. Adam says I shouldn't be so clumsy and I don't argue. Adam is always right.

I never smile. Adam says there is no reason for me to be happy. I am the loser. He won by ten minutes.

Adam has two smiles. A broad, toothy smile for everyone and a cruel smile for me - a smile for when we are alone, together.

I follow Adam, everywhere. He does everything first. I copy him ten minutes later. I try so hard to keep up with him, but he is fast and clever because he is older.

Everyone loves Adam. I hate him.

Adam is with me now. He is lying at my feet as I count. The stopwatch ticks silently.

Now he is only seven minutes ahead. Soon it will be six, then five...The red cap feels strange on my head, but is a perfect fit. The corpse is naked. I have borrowed the clothes.

I smile - a thin, crooked smile. His smile.

Ten minutes is a long time. I can wait.

Samantha Feldman, Year 12.

REMEMBERING THE PAST

CANDID LOOK INTO YEAR 12

The bell rang for the first period. You could hear the sound of girls running in the corridor. They were late for their next class.

Then gradually the sound softened, it was silent once again. I walked into my maths lesson.

Dreams of power, a driver's licence and a life of partying was what I, as a fourth grader, eagerly Awaited. I longed to reach that magnificent spot - Year 12.

No more being too short and too young to see a a M-rated movie. No more depending on my parents to drive me places. Nope, once I was a Year 12, the world would be my oyster, I thought. Then, as a naive child in primary school, I felt life was tough. I thought I had serious problems - problems that couldn't be solved by an innocent mind like mine. My best friend and I weren't buddies anymore, my cat hadn't been home for two days and my favourite teacher hated me. Yes, those were mind-wrenching problems back then.

Maths was my most dreaded subject. I could hear the teacher's heavy shoes going thump, thump on the corridor floor.

"Now girls, you all have work to go on with," Miss Smith said in her soft, soothing voice.

Girls chattered and giggled in the background.

"Now girls, I want total silence!" the teacher snapped.

I got my work done quickly and I decided to go for a walk in the front gardens. Miss Smith was pleased with my work so she let me go.

I walked quietly and peacefully through the beautiful garden. I could hear the birds sing in the trees. There was a cool wind and the sun was bright and warm. The sky was a light blue, and there was not a cloud in sight. There were sounds of horses trotting back and forth and I sat under a shady tree and closed my eyes. I just sat there listening to the sounds I could hear around me. It was so lovely and peaceful in the gardens but my thoughts were interrupted by the bell.

Nancy Nour, Year 7.

But those problems seem petty and trivial to the ones I have now. How is it that my childhood dreams of glory and respect are crushed as I'm nearing that superior level of Year 12? Doesn't it mean power, a driver's licence and a life of party?

Power? If you are a prefect - yes. If you are in an assembly hall full of Year 7s - maybe.

But to a Year 11, all it means is "Put on your blazer. Take off your jumper".

A drivers licence? If you turn 18 - sure. If you pass the test - why not? If you have a car - great! And if you don't answer yes to any of those then suffer like the rest of us and take the Met. A life of partying? If you see a Year 12 with dark circles under their eyes, it usually means they've been studying all night rather

than partying. listening to the constant whining from the Year 12 students at the bus stop about their workload has painted a gloomy picture for me.

I no longer impatiently look forward to my final year of school. Already, Year 11 has been a continuous cycle of assignments, maths homework, tests, maths homework, exams and maths homework again.

All I see ahead of me is the same cycle except (as I have been informed by some Year 12 girls) the workload is even more agonizing and unbearable.

"Great," I mumble to myself gloomily.

"But there has to be more to Year 12 than school?" I plead hoping for a more optimistic reply.

"Ummm...yes there is."

"What? What? " I beg, "What?"

"It's the final year of attending an all-girls' school, of wearing a compulsory uniform and the final year of being a school kid."

Hmmmm....I guess that is one way of looking positively at Year 12.

But it's also the final year you spend with everyone.

Is that so bad though? All these years being put down by my so-called friends, all these years with them telling me I have no future in a singing career. Is it such a horrible thought that I might never see them again?

Sadly enough, yes. God, how utterly stale life will be. I'd rather be the innocent Grade 4 aspiring to be a Year 12 girl than now, soon to become one.

Phuong Quach, Year 11

A FAREWELL TO GLASSES It didn't really seem like such a big deal. I mean, contact lenses just meant...no glasses, right?

As it turned out, getting lenses became one of the momentous events of my life, right up there with my first day of school, removing my braces and my first date.

I can still vividly recall the time I shoved this hard, alien THING into my sensitive, eyes. A cluster of tissue lay within safe reach - in anticipation of the tears. My hand trembled as I swallowed hard, steeling my nerves, which were threatening to desert me and suddenly, it was all over.

I blinked and looked into the mirror. The world seemed to stand still in silence. It was a moment to savour, a moment to remember. Then it hit me - the realisation of how I looked, how I REALLY looked. I felt let down somehow. Weren't contacts supposed transform you into a lovely young lady? All I saw were crossed eyes and a bewildered expression.

But there was more to all of this than just the physical adjustment. Parting with my glasses was an emotional challenge.

Without them, I felt as if a protective shield had been ripped away. Such exposure...such

nakedness! I began agonising over how minuscule my eyes were, how flat my nose and how to conceal the red dents caused by long years of wearing glasses. I felt uncomfortable looking people in the eye because it was as though the "windows of my soul" had been thrown wide open for all to see.

Ever since I was 8-years-old, my glasses had been my security blanket. Without them, I could not see my food. I could not cross the road without being flattened by a truck. I could not walk properly without groping about queerly.

I also learned at an early age the benefits of being a bespectacled kid. It provided a mask to daydream behind. Whenever I sensed that I was going to be called upon in class, I would nonchalantly take off my glasses and proceed to wipe or fiddle with them. It never failed.

And somehow glasses lent an air of maturity - an illusion of seriousness, studiousness and sensibility.

It has been two years now since I succumbed to vanity and joined the ranks of the Frameless. Now, it is hard to imagine life without my precious lenses. Looking back, I have come to realise that there are many things my frameless peers take for granted, such as not having your

glasses fog up while eating steaming foods, doing aerobics without having to constantly push up your frames, not to mention waking up to sharp vision and wearing sunglasses!

But this Contact Era has had its trials and moments of frustration (such as watching a lens sucked down the sink), pain (an eyelash in a lensed eye is an ultimate pain threshold test), desperation (groping about the tennis court, forlornly hoping to retrieve what has been stepped on and smashed to a hundred pieces) and the moments of embarrassment. There are two of these which stand out starkly in my mind. The first is the time a tiny speck of dust entered my eye and everyone stared, wondering why on earth this poor girl was sobbing in the middle of the street. The second mortifying incident occurred in a department store when, while closing one eye to test if the other lens had fallen out, a strange man thought I was winking at him.

But through these trials and tribulations, over the last two years my contact lenses have become part of me although there are times when I feel the need to slip on my glasses again. It is like a reunion with an old friend.

Claudine J.W. Wang, Year 12.

PAROLE 1990 Re-entry conversation: Moi: Wow, that guy is so cool.

Bindi: Cool; a coldish sensation felt when subjected to low temperatures.

this is the joy of VCE. Our minds overrun with useless information to be used in a world of unforseen traps.

Bindi: Moi, there's James Moi: Who? Did he do VCE last year? I wonder what subjects. Were his summaries as good as mine? Did he think German expression was relevant?

No time for a haircut

Michael spies Bindi across the dance floor.

He casually flings his jacket over his right shoulder and takes a few slow strides in her direction. He places his left elbow on the bar and with his mouth to her ear he whispers "What's your name?"

Bindi: Candidate number 736401229.

Steps taken in social rehabilitation programme; 1. Visit grandmother.

2. Ring up "dial-a-hit" to practice on the phone.

3. Get dressed up to go to the milkbar and newsagent.

4. Talk to brother and father to improve male relations.

5. Find out what year it is and who's the prime minister.

N.B: purchase dark glasses so as you don't get blinded by natural sunlight. Disco lights may result in epilepsy if introduced too early in the program. * When given a free pass to the Metro, Bindi whips out her highlighter and highlights the key points. * When filling in name, age, sex and address for a job application, Moi looks to circle the incorrect answer and searches for a suggested time limit on the front page. (see "photo" taken after final exam) Bindi Vibert, Moira Rogers, Kirsty Balmer

YEAR 12 An Ode by Linda Mandy, Year 12 In accordance with the rules, laid down by superiors, stars and blazers, gold pockets and white jumpers are symbolic of our authority, Example setters for young girls.

Junior girls take little notice of our warnings, too intent on remaining cool, meeting boys with slicked back hair and little intellect.

For these are the joys of being young.

Subjected to hour upon hour of homework

But now we only dream of exams that await us and hope and pray that we will pass.

worry/stress pimples neck placed in permanent studying sleeping position curved spine from heavy bag RSI ridden hands from overwork

latest fashion from 2 years ago (haven't socialised for a year) obesity due to lack of exercise flat feet from T-bars

Dormant fake ID

THE CLASS OF 1990 We awoke that fateful morning, the dawning of a new era.

Exuberance and confidence led us to the mirror.

Aghast we cried "Behold, what vision greeteth me?!

What happened to the big Year 12 I dreamt myself to be?"

For sure, the recognition that we'd hit the final year Overcame us fully and we shivered now with fear.

We'd made our resolutions - to be studious and homebound.

Now the confrontation; were they useless or sound?

"We're not adults yet" we stated, "We're only in Year 12!"

So somewhere en route to school, New Year's promises were shelved.

With great unease, we tip-toed our way into our new, white home And thus laid the icing on the cake of the unknown.

With decorating soon begun, nothing went amiss.

Our posters of George Michael really were quite bliss.

The vending machine prospered due to our great greed; "We're growing girls" we said, "And our brains need a feed."

In years to come we will look back and think of glorious years spent at MLC.

We submitted to a fantasy of chocolate and chips, Hiding the results under white jumpers size 26!

We were weighed down twofold, with confectionary and work.

Option upon option made us near berserk!

We strove to be organised and worked around the clock, Forgetting poor Gran's birthday and that combination lock!

So sincere and deep was our commitment to our books We soared as high as Galileo, Sheila and Allie Fox. The stage was set, the curtains drawn, we were actors in a play.

Mid-years over, Act 2 began and thus our Judgement Day. In term four we found ourselves running the "cramming" race: "Who is Educating Rita and what is the Backward Place?"

Heads held high, we soldiered on and, yes, we made it through.

Protected by our study, we fought exams well and true.

And so, the Class of '90 became a proud sorority And summer and December swept us to liberty.

Katrina Lawrence, Year 12

DUE FOR RELEASE PRISON TERM: 13 Years PAROLE DATE: November, 1990

A D A M S , BECKY

ALLEN. ELIZA

A N T H O N Y , HOPE

ARCHMAN, JANINE

ARGENTINO,

ATHANASSIOUS,

1. T h a t ' s disgusting

Five foot of sheer

I ' m older than you.

I got in!?!

JESSICA

CHRISTINE

3. Hi m u m !

pleasure.

BARKER, LUCINDA

BACON, MELINDA

B A D C O C K , KIRSTY

BAKER, HELEN

BAKER, DONNA

B A K E R , LISA

BALES, LOUISE

B A L M E R , KIRSTEN

I think that V.W.

It's a bit of a worry.

Y o u ' r e cute, but

Libby, I ' m not a bank.

That wasn't M E

Y o u ' v e got to laugh

I've got a really good

I was the first to

laughing in assembly.

about it.

joke, right...

experience the plastic.

y o u ' r e mean.

would look great in my driveway.

BARLING, TESS

BARTON, ALISON

BELL, SARAH

BENNET,

BEYNON, MEL

BILLING, B E L I N D A

I ' m actually really

I O N L Y have 2 spares

Sex, kisses and

CAROLINE

The undercover cops

I can't remember.

very shy.

today.

soapies.

I'll decide tomorrow -

wanted me outside.

BEGELHOLE, KATE

maybe.

BILLS, DOLER

BILSTON,

BISHOP, K R I S T Y

BLUNDEL,

BOLZA, ELISE

BOSSENCE, KATE

BOYKETT, KATE

BRADY, REBECCA

It doesn't make cents.

VANESSA

H o w ' s your Mary-

KATRINA

Gaan Kak In Die

NEIIIIGH!

One BIG Mac please.

Oh Bull!

Did you hear about..

Allen??

CARRIER. SUSIE

When in doubt, go fiat

Meilies! (A South

out.

African colloquialism)

CAFASSO, ANNA

CALLY, ANDREA

CALODOUCAS,

CAMERON, DEBBIE

CAMPBELL,

CARAS, EVIE

CARR. REBECCA

I don't have the time!

David Bowie is God.

FIONA

I ' m getting a Combie

REBECCA

Year 12 is such a

Chow down wide

Hi, Stuart? Guido?

Whose turn is it this

with flowers on it.

T i m ' s mum got me in

pain! I haven't been

load.

Darren? David? Oh. hi

time to eat a soggy

out since yesterday,

biscuit.

and I can only go overseas three times a

dad!

CHENG, KONG

CHIENG, PHOEBE

CHAN, CAROL

CHANG,CAROL

CHANG,

CHAPMAN,

CHAPMAN,

Do you want a life?

D o you have any eye-

ROSEMARY

KIRSTEN

BROOKE

Your hair looks like a

remover?

Me? A grandma?

It's only the cheap

Hey man, are my feet

Mediterranean forest.

stuff that does it.

on the ground?

CHIU, S Y L V I A

CHONG, CINDY

CHUNG, AMELIA

CLINCH,

COULTHARD,

COURSE, GILLIAN

COWAN, WENDY

COWARD,

Alles Gut? Ja?

Devoid of tact,

Has Paul written to

ALEXANDRA

LOUISE

I only fiddle with m y

W h o gives a

GEORGIE

lacking in maturity,

you yet?

I live for the moment.

studs.

flying...circus.

T h a t ' s not a hair on

addicted to living, and

my blazer - it's m y

proudly Michael

pony tail.

Chang.

COWLING,

COX, MICHELLE

CRAKE, NERIDA

CUNNINGHAM,

DANIEL,

DAVIES, K A R E N

LAURA RUTH

Okay, I'll just have a

Cheers Big Ears.

NICOLE

ELIZABETH

I am N O T going out

Live fast, die young

couple of drags.

I'll hand it in

They said I'd never

with Paul!

tomorrow...maybe...

make it!

(hee, hee, hee).

DEMANGOS, TINA

DENDLE, CLAIRE

DICKINSON,

DICKSON,

DILLON, J A C K I E

DIXON, GEORGIE

CAROLINE

I c a n ' t do this! I'm

I'm going to call my

NAOMI

REBECCA

The Stoat never says

I ' m hungry.

I ' m N O T going to

gonna fail!

kid Bono.

I feel like I ' m an

Guess who I saw

no to food.

expectant father.

today?

DE HARCOURT,

DE, G I S E L L E

drink!

EAGLE, ELIZABETH

DJURKOVIC,

DOUGALL, JEANIE

DOWER, SARSHA

D R A K E , LIZA

DRURY, MANDY

DUNCAN,TANYA

D U N C A N , T A N Y A J.

MONIKA

S o m e b o d y say

I want a real man

Me, sarcastic?..Never!

I ' m not as thick as I

A.

Not another damn "J".

One thing I get

chocolate?

NOW!

look...I'm thicker.

Well, I thought it w a s

reflect my sex life nor

funny.

do they ever infringe

without a lot of

My subjects in no way

upon it.

trouble.

d

\ ;1 FAIRLEY, MONICA

FAIRTHORN,

FARINACCI, IRENE

I hate my hair!

EMMA

Has anyone got

diet; Burger Rings for

N o thanks, I'm a

change for $2.

brekky, and M + M ' s

vegetarian.

EAMES, JODY

EGAN, CARLENE

ELLIS, D E B B I E

If men were to speak

I believe in a balanced

T h a t ' s a bit sexual!

their minds...They'd be speechless.

for lunch.

ENO, R A C H E L

FASHAM, MELANIE

FAWNS, CATH

FELDMAN,

FIDDIAN, K I R S T Y

FIELD, JULIA

FINDLAY, LOUISE

FLOCAS,

Puppy Crush! (puppy

SAMANTHA

I ' m working tonight.

Senior School - the

T h a t ' s wicked, mate.

ANASTASIA

love)

T h e diabetic A1I-

best 3 years of my

W a k e me at the end

American,

life.

of class, guys!

materialistic, overtired, toasted tomato bagel eater.

FOX, JENNIFER

FRASER, KELLY

GABRIAL, VOULA

GALLOWAY,

GAMBELL, PETA

Check out that guy!

D o you think so?

TREPHINA

They call m e FLEXI!

GARD, DANIELLE

G A R N E R , LISA

GAWTHRON, CAROLYN Never say never again.

Funky Cold Trephina.

GAY, CAROLINE

GELLERT,

GEORGIOU, MARIA

GIBBS, A L I S O N

GIBNEY, RACHEL

GIBSON, KATE

GIDDINGS, LARA

GLOGOSKI, TANIA

T o p gate, don't be

JOSEPHINE

My baby.

I need a caffeine fix.

It's an improvement.

Back from a year in

Tassie's not as cold as

U m , I put a dent in

late.

I'll recycle anything

N o one has asked me

the sin-hole and I ' m

you think.

but Anthony!

what grade I ' m in.

still clueless.

the car worth $2,500, but basically I ' m a good driver.

GOLDSMITH,

GOODWIN, MEGAN

GORMAN, ANA

GORMAN,

GRASSO, JANINE

GREENOUGH,

GREGOV, JUSTINE

TAMSIN

Yep, go for ya life!

I ' m not good at

BRIGETTE

Remember my name.

FIONA

I ' m actually quite

I ' v e been to m y

anything...but I might

God - I ' m only

What are you doing?

sporty, you know.

swallowing therapist.

be good in bed.

joking.

HARVEY,

What!

GRENFELL, KARYN

Imagine.

GRIER, KATE

GRIVAS, TINA

GUEST, SHARNA

HALLS, JO

HARRINGTON,

HARTNELL,

Well, I should go

Because of m y

Yeah, right, yeah,

I am not a

LYNDAL

DEANNE

because it's my last

increased spare load,

sure, O K , yeah...what?

fascist...twink.

year and everything,

it is only possible to

but if it gets too much

go out four times a

for me I'll just write

week! Especially

myself a note.

Fridays!

HAUG, SALLY

H A Y W A R D , JODI

BARBARA Just use them and abuse them.

H E W I T T , KATRIN

HII, SU WEI

HOCKING, KYLIE

HOE, SARAH

HOFFMAN,

More than meets the

HEW, J A C L Y N

You can't be a tea-pot

Trust you to d o that,

The " S H O C K A "

Just walk in with me.

NARELLE

eye.

with your jacket on

Phoebe!

(Imelda Marcos II)

Hey Honey, how

backwards.

about a trip to Melbourne!

H O O , MIN-CHUIN

HOUSTON, KATE

HOWIE, KATIE

HUDSON, SARAH

HUGHS, EMMA

HUITT, N I C O L E

HUNTER, CLAIRE

But the guys don't do

I ' m N O T in a bad

It would have been

A n y o n e got a knife on

C a n ' t wait to go to

L e t ' s go down to the

it like that America!

mood.

funnier if I could

them?

Melbourne!

H U A N G , JY-JIUN

pub and have a few beers.

remember the punchline.

HURLSTON, SUSAN

J A C K S O N , SELINA

JACOBS, MELANIE

L e t ' s play!

JONES, C A R O L Y N

JONES, SUZANNE

JONES, MARDELLA

KAUR,

W h e r e ' s Paul when I

Another great mind

I bought another

SUKHVINDER

need him?

ruined by todays

Marilyn Monroe

Excuse me, but I'm a

education.

poster last night.

bit crazy today.

KENNEDY,

KENT, ALEX

KISVARDA,

KLOOT, KATIE

KONSTAS, VOULA

LACEY, DIANA

MELINDA

Stupid W o m a n !

CHARLOTTE

I think somebody

...but my dad w o n ' t

I'm perfectly well

Ah yes, but I've got a

I derive my education

spiked my coke again.

let me.

thank you.

world champion.

from the uneducated.

LEE, G E O K - P E N G

LEECH, CLAIRE

LAU, M A R I A N

LAU,LORATTA

LAWRENCE,

LEACH, CLAIRE

Is there a short-cut

Where is my Mickey?

KATRINA

W h a t ' s cool and fast?

Sandman mate,

from South Physics to

But I haven't got

Feece in a Ferarri!

w h e r e ' s the baby oil?

Language Centre?

anything to wear...

LIM, H W A N - S A N

LIM, Y E A N - L I M

LEVIN, J A N E

LEWIS, PENNY

LAIRD, S U S A N N A H

New Kids on the

I am G O D with a

T h a t ' s the last magic

I like Mickey Mouse

Block are really

hangover.

m u s h r o o m I touch.

because h e ' s sexless.

LIM, SU-LI

LAU,HELENA

LEUNG, CHERYL

LEUNG, ALMA

LIM, PEI LIN

LIM, EELING

H o w ' s life!

What goes up must c o m e down! T h a t ' s what I discovered

misunderstood.

anyway.

LIM, YEAN-LING

LIU, J E N N Y

CHRISTINE

No, my fingernails

Oh, h e ' s really

D o n ' t worry - It'll be

aren't false!

cute..Urn, what does

fun!

LO, M A R I A N N E

LO, H E L I N A

LOVE, M A R I A N N E

LINDGREN,

he look like again?

ff

M A H , MEI-HUI

MAH, SHER PHERN

MANDER, SARAH

When I ' m good I'm

M A N D Y , LINDA

M A R S H A L L , JULIE

Free for all.

Peter...Peter Who?

MARTIN, ZOE

very good, but when I ' m bad I ' m even better.

M A S O N , LISA

MASON, ROS

McALPIN, J O

M c G A I N , KYLIE

McGARRY,

McGLADE,

McINTOSH, ADELE

McINTYRE,

I refuse to wear those

I know y o u ' r e looking

I ' m in love and this

O k e e Dokee, what's

WEATHER

GABRIELLE

D o I look alright?

BRENNA

clogs.

at my pimple.

time it's for real.

next?

I'm not really quiet. I

I think we should...

Anything a b o v e 50 per cent destroys your

just d o n ' t talk much.

personality.

M c L A R E N , LOUISE

MEIKLEJOHN,

MELLORS, JULIE

MIEDECKE, PETA

MILBURN, NICOLE

MILLIKAN,

MISA, ALONA

W h a t ' s cool and fast?

FIONA

No, I'm not a boarder.

Peta the guru says:

I like work. It

REBECCA

T h e more you wish.

Ponch in a Porsche.

Stuff it, I'll d o it

"Did you k n o w the

fascinates me. I can

Guess what...I'm

T h e more you seek.

tomorrow.

sun only comes up

sit and look at it for

going home, I've got

T h e more dreams are

during the day?"

hours.

triple spare.

crushed.

NAKHLA,

M O O D Y , NICKI

MOORE, ANNE

MORITZ, SONJA

MORPHETT,

MORRIS, ANNA

MORTON, SARAH

MURLEY,

In English, we feel

I ' m sick and tired of

Today d o e s n ' t feel

KERRIE

Yeah, like us!

Titrating my way to

MICHELLE

MARY-ANNE

each other's lumps.

hearing about your

like Friday because

N o thanks, I'm on a

the top.

I think I'll go up to

I'll meet you at the

men Heidi, I need one

Wednesday felt like

diet again!

Art now.

gate, alright?

of my own.

Sunday, so today feels

N1KOLICH,

like Tuesday.

* NATHANIELSZ,

NEWMAN,

NG. LI T E N G

N I C H O L L S , HELEN

JACKIE

CATHERINE

So. What!

Wake me up when the

MELINDA

I'd rather be

I can't decide...

bell goes.

It's not the height, it's

NEOH, HONG-NEE

swimming.

NINE, K A Y Bitch of the year award.

NOTT, AMANDA

what you do with it.

OBERIN, LEANNE

ODELL, ZOE

D o n ' t hassle me!

A m I smudged.

O N G , LI-LIAN

ONG, NATALIE Yes. darling.

O X L E Y , Elizabeth

PACE, JANE

PANTAZI, ANGIE

PAPACOSTAS,

PARAMANATHAN,

PATON, TANIA

I do staples by hand.

My elephant jokes are

PETULA

PRIYA

Alright, I admit I'm a

funny - even if I'm

You just wouldn't

W h e r e ' s de boos?

kluzt.

the only one w h o

understand.

P A Y N E , ELISE

PEGLER, KATHY Hey Trigger, lets mosey on down to the cactus patch.

laughs at them!

PERRY,

P E T E R S , LUISA

CATHERINE

Jacque,Jacque,

We did win the grand

Jacque.

final...but

PHANG, SHARON

PHILLIPS, N A O M I

PICK, HILDY

P I L B E A M , LISA

POKEPMAN,

POON, JANE

When the c a t ' s away...

I would eat All-Bran

I got my Ps!

BROOKE

S h e ' s going to peenalize me!

for breakfast but they don't sell it in the

it was only

vending machine.

D-grade.

P O R T E R , LIBBY

POSSETI, A L I C I A

POWELL,

P O W E R , KRISTY

P O Y S E R , VICTORIA

PROCTER, LUCY

R A L T O N , SIMON

Well, I'm off like a

I washed and brushed

MICHELLE

I ' m going to Mulucka!

So who cares what

I'm N O T panicking,

Alll Rite Tonite!!

fish milkshake!

m y hair for the first

C.O.D. means

just slightly worried.

time in months.

anyway?

R A Y , JULIA

REDSHAW, ANNA

RENWICK, SUSAN

RIDD, REBECCA

ROBERTS,

ROBINSON,

ROCHFORD,

I don't get it.

I can't handle this!!!

Hee, hee, ha, hee,

SAMANTHA

SAMANTHA

MELINDA

giggle - my laugh's

Keep smiling...it

Hi, I'm the Big Red

Hit m e again...Please...

not funny!

makes people wonder

Keg!

what y o u ' v e been up to.

ROGERS, MOIRA

ROTHNIE,

R U S S E L , KRIS

RYALL,

SCHURMANN,

SCOTT, ADELAIDE

SEALEY,

SEHU, MARJOREE

The B U R G S .

IMOGENE

Any man w h o knows

ANNE-MAREE

CATHERINE

W h o am I going to

BRONWYN

Guess what happened

I will never

all the answers has

I couldn't stop

Well, that's life...

lust after n o w ?

One day we're going

to me today!

compromise my faith

most likely

laughing...it was so

to look back on all of

misunderstood the

funny!

this and laugh!

in Neil

Diamond.

question.

SHEW, KATHY

S I M K I S S , LIZ

ELIZABETH

D o n ' t call me

Maths? Oh well,

Parents are like

I'm not really yelling,

Muttley.

spare.

mushrooms...

I'm just talking loudly.

SIN, S H O O K - W A I

SKEWES, JOSIE

SEWELL,

SMITH, DIONNE

S M I T H , LARISSA

SMITH, LYNDAL

Excuse me, but...

SMITHERS,

S O O N . HOOI-HOOI

STANLEY,

STEVENS, MARNIE

STEWART,

STEWART, KATE

HAYLEY

JACQUELINE

Penny, Melinda, isn't

STEPHANIE

Superb!

G ' d a y ! Oh no, not

If you don't like the

it about time we had a

I've lost my..!

H o m e Eco.

way I drive you can

flexi-spare!?

get out right here and start walking!

S T E W A R T . ANNA

STUBBS, MELISSA

STURTON-GILL,

SUSS. D E B B I E

S V A R S . LIBBY

TABE, JACQUIE

I hereby declare the

T h a t ' s just typical of

KATE

Guess w h o I saw last

You didn't tell me

Can you have smell

Tok H? The Claytons

international year of

men!

Phil rang, it w a s the

night?

that!

energy.

the Sloth.

TAN, MADELINE

TAN, CHRIS

I'm only liddle.

D o n ' t vex m e . Barb...

SUTTON, JANELLE

Club - The club you

best phone call...I hate

g o to when you can't

him.

get into a real club!

TAN. KAR-MIAU

TANN, JANET

TAPP, M A N D Y

Ugh derr!

I'm a sadist...I suck it.

but do you still

(Fisherman's Friends,

respect m e ?

of course!)

TATE, A M A N D A

TEO, CAROL

TERRY.FLEUR

THORNE,

THORPE, BROOKE

TODD, LOUISE

TODERO,

TREWARNE,

T o beer or not to beer

BARBARA

It takes all types of

I'll go captain for

SAMANTHA

JOANNE

- there is no question.

Babs, the Dibb Dibb

people to m a k e up this

that...softball, cricket,

I'm not drinking

Dobber of the year.

happy world and what

aths, netball or w a s it

tonight, I've got

totally pissed when

not.

soccer?

hockey in the

they named m e , or

morning.

playing a really sick

TRUSCOTT, AMELIANNE They were either

joke.

,k

ft

TSE, PIK-KING

TURNER, REBECCA

TYMMS, BELINDA

TYRALL. REBECCA

UREN,SALLY

VERRIER, ALEX

VIBERT, BINDY

WALKER,

If it feels good, do it.

I ' m so tired.

You know, the thingy!

I could sell a used car

T h a t ' s with a "B" not

REBECCA

to anyone.

an "M".

If it feels great, do it again!

WALL, FIONA

WALTERS, PENNY

WARD. AMANDA

WARDEN, HELEN

W A R N E R , SAM

W A T T , KELLIE

I hate him..I love

Guess what? I ' m

I need to go to the

Have fun and keep

Coffee makes me

One unit of power.

him..I love him..I hate

m o v i n g again.

toilet.

smiling.

forget the night

him..

Yukkie doodle mickies.

before.

WATT, STEPHANIE

W E B E R , KIRRILY

WEST, ANGIE

WHITCHURCH.

WHITEHEAD.

WHITEHEAD, JANE

WHITING. TANIA

Sorry I ' m late, I was

Play now, work later.

SARAH

CHRISTINE

I've got yellow fat.

Am 1 an atheist? I

at B a m u m /

How can I be "muso"

Variety/Gym/ Arl...

and an athlete.

swear to God I am!

WILLIAMS,

WILLIAMSON.

WILSON.

MELISSA

JANE

CATHERINE

I ' m just catching up

I can't help it. my feet

Ciao Bella.

But what am I going

with Y E S T E R D A Y .

just get in the way

to do when 1 grow

By T O M O R R O W . I

when I walk.

up'.'

WILLIAMS,

W I L L I A M S . SOPHIE

SUE-ANNE

should be ready for TODAY.

WITTICK, MELISSA

YEONG, FATAMA

WONG, WENDY

WONG. SHAREEN

WONG, TIFFANY

I d o n ' t get it! I'm a

It's more blissful to

bit vague.

give than to receive.

Y O N G , PIAU-RAN

YUSOF, ROHANA

POKE, M I C H E L L E

WOODWARD.

YAN, J O S I E

ANNABEL

Compulsive dreamer.

TAY, JENNIFER

WEBER. ANKE (Exchange Student)

Eunice.

The final chapter.

Sam and Mel arrived late. A worried look passed between them but both of their bags were full so it moved on. Mel's bag was full with 100 bank notes, 100 music notes and 100 class notes. Sam's bag was full with cheezels and a toasted tomato bagel.

Mel was angry that her own personality traits couldn't be highlighted by the contents of her bag so Sam let her put in a mug of coffee.

(Editors' note- This saga has taken up half the 1990 magazine so there had better be a $%# A &*!! ending or readers will want their money back.)

(Authors' reply - Ooops. Sorry!)

After waiting for ages, Mel and Sam finally admitted that he wasn't going to show up and agreed never to make a date with him again. Tram 69 suddenly passed

by. The conductor waved at them from the carriage. [For maximum sound effect, tap hands on desk top to stimulate a drumroll] The conductor was Eunice Finter!!!!

Sam's jaw dropped to the ground in surprise. She picked it up.

Mel's hair stood on end in shock. She brushed it down.

"What the [CENSORED]!" they said together."There was no kidnapping after all."

"Eunice has graduated from MLC to MET," Mel remarked.

"And she didn't even need to change uniform," Sam stated.

"School is always surprising me," Mel said.

"School is always surprising me," Sam echoed.

BOOM BOOM!

AUTOGRAPHS

11

1 won't believe it until I read it."

Martial 103 A.D.

Copyright © 1990 M&M.

9

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