MLC Strategic Plan 2025-2027

Connected, Growing, and Evolving for Her Future

MLC Strategic Plan 2025–2027

Introduction Contents Introduction

3

The MLC guiding statements

4

A proud history of excellence

6

2025-2027 Strategic summary

9

Strategic themes

13

Connecting our College

14

Fostering Growth

16

Championing Women and Inclusion

18

Actively Evolving

20

Our goals

23

Embracing and shaping the future

26

“Overall, I think MLC is an amazing school that allows young women like me to explore passions in any field, broaden horizons and learn to be yourself.”

— Audrey, Year 11 Student

As we embark on our next strategic phase, we proudly reaffirm our commitment to empowering girls and young women to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

At MLC, we believe education goes beyond academic success; it nurtures independent, resilient, and ambitious learners who are prepared to embrace the challenges and opportunities both at school and beyond. This preparation ensures that our students develop the skills, values, and confidence needed to become the citizens the world needs, contributing meaningfully to society with a clear sense of purpose.

the role of AI in education, the impact of varied parenting approaches, workforce dynamics, and the increasing mental health concerns affecting both young people and adults. We also examined the effects of classroom environments on learning, the integration of immersive technologies, and the evolving landscape of student needs, particularly regarding mental health and academic support.

they are more engaged, motivated, and likely to perform better academically. By fostering an inclusive and supportive community, we empower our young women to discover their unique voices and talents, enabling them to achieve their best and contribute confidently to society. This is how we help our students embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead, developing the qualities needed to become the global citizens the world needs.

We remain dedicated to shaping an educational environment where our students are empowered to become exemplary global citizens equipped with the knowledge and character to engage positively with the world.

In response to the evolving educational landscape, technological advancements, and societal shifts, our strategic plan will introduce new initiatives and enhance existing programs, enabling us to navigate uncertainties and embrace new possibilities. These efforts will ensure we continue fostering innovation, critical thinking, and adaptability, all essential skills for success in an interconnected global society.

We are committed to continuing to shape a future where every student at MLC feels valued, inspired, and ready to lead. Through these themes, we will promote academic excellence while cultivating a culture where our students feel empowered to break barriers and champion the causes that matter to them.

Central to this commitment is our strategic planning—a dynamic process that serves as our guiding compass, steering us toward the future we envision for our students and the MLC community. The development of this strategic plan has been a collaborative effort grounded in thorough analysis and community input. It incorporates insights from staff, Board members, alumnae, students, and parents, ensuring that all voices within the MLC community are heard and valued.

Our comprehensive analysis also integrates global megatrends, as highlighted in the Sitra Studies: Mega Trends 2023, along with a review of education-specific research.

This analysis highlighted key challenges for our students, staff, and community, including 2

Our strategic themes—Connecting Our College, Fostering Growth, Championing Women and Inclusion, and Actively Evolving— will guide our initiatives and decision-making.

As a leading girls’ school, we emphasise the importance of connectedness—building strong relationships among our students, staff, parents, alumnae, and partners. Research consistently shows that a strong connection to school is one of the most significant predictors of academic success. Studies indicate that when students feel a sense of belonging,

As we implement this strategic plan, we invite all members of the MLC community to join us in this vital endeavour. Together, we will shape a future where our young women not only excel in their educational pursuits but also emerge confident in their abilities to make a meaningful impact on the world.

Julia Shea Principal

Lucia Cade Board Chair 3

The MLC guiding statements

Our Vision

An MLC education inspires our students to be the citizens the world needs.

Our Mission

MLC as a leading girls’ school, develops and nurtures a community of independent, resilient, ambitious learners, by providing an unmatched breadth of integrated learning and wellbeing experiences and environments.

Our guiding statements are enduring and serve as our true north, providing consistent clarity and direction for MLC across generations.

These statements reflect our long-term aspirations and core values, which remain constant as we evolve and adapt to changing times. They shape our culture, inform our decisions, and guide our strategic efforts—not just in the current period, but as a foundational framework that will continue to steer us toward our future.

Our Values

Our Commitment to Diversity, Empowerment and Inclusion

4

Engage with Respect.

Aspire with Responsibility.

Act with Compassion.

Explore with Courage.

At MLC, we value the diversity of knowledge, thought, and experience.

We believe a welcoming and inclusive culture is important for learning and teaching and facilitates a positive staff, student, and alumnae experience.

As an education institution proud to be a ‘girls’ school’, MLC places great importance on fostering a

MLC students develop the skills, values and confidence to embrace the challenges and opportunities at school and beyond, and to contribute meaningfully to society.

MLC’s unmatched breadth of integrated learning and wellbeing experiences and environments aim to inspire students to find and nurture their individual interests and talents, forge their paths, and realise their full potential.

Our commitment to providing excellence and innovation in education, combined

Our values articulate what we stand for and aspire to, guiding the culture we foster and the behaviours we expect of everyone within our community.

with our scale, diversity and resources, offers enriched learning opportunities.

This supports students in becoming independent, resilient, and ambitious learners through the opportunity to explore everything that interests, challenges, and motivates them.

responsibility, compassion and courage are important to us. We demonstrate our commitment to them through all of our interactions and communications.

Each value is an action-oriented statement.

It is not enough to say that respect,

sense of pride and confidence in female identity. We cultivate an environment where girls and young women are encouraged to uplift one another, build self-belief, and advocate for their rights.

In our commitment to inclusivity, we cultivate a safe community that celebrates diversity, uniqueness, and respect for the differences

of people of every faith, ethnicity, age, ability, neurodiversity, culture, language, gender identity, sex, and sexual orientation.

We learn and work in solidarity with and from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as Australia’s First Peoples and as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the land, sky and water.

MLC is dedicated to creating a welcoming, inclusive community where everyone can thrive. We believe that each member of our community plays a crucial role in fostering this environment, and we encourage everyone to contribute to this shared goal.

5

A proud history of excellence Founded in 1882, MLC is one of Melbourne’s oldest and largest all-girls’ schools, created to offer girls the same educational opportunities previously reserved for boys.

Our motto, Deo Domuique—meaning “For God and For Home”—has guided us for over 140 years. While its interpretation has evolved, today, it stands for being true to one’s principles and beliefs, and the importance of service to others, inspiring students to act with character, integrity purpose and contribute meaningfully to society.

In 1933, House Groups provided students from different year levels an opportunity for friendship and competition. Philanthropic support from figures like the Nicholas brothers and Frederick Cato expanded the College’s campus in the 1940s-1960s. The Student Representative Council, formed in 1969, gave students a voice in governance.

Our Christian heritage has shaped the foundation of MLC, and we celebrate the rich diversity of religious and cultural backgrounds within our community. This inclusive approach informs our values and commitment to empowering young women to excel.

Educational Innovation

Early Foundations MLC’s innovation began early with the establishment of the Baths Building in 1890, one of Australia’s first swimming pools in any girls’ school. The Prefect system formalised student leadership in 1906, and post-World War One, the MLC Business School was founded to equip women with business skills and help them enter the workforce.

6

The 1980s marked a significant shift with the establishment of a four-school structure (Junior, Junior Secondary, Middle, and Senior), which remains today. During this time, MLC also demonstrated its commitment to learning diversity by founding the Deaf Integration Unit (now the Deaf Education Program) in 1986.

In 1991, the Marshmead remote campus was established, followed by Banksia in 2001, providing unique outdoor education and environmental learning opportunities.

MLC also built the Music School in 1995, offering state-of-the-art facilities to support our strong music education programs. MLC became the first girls’ school in the world to provide laptops to students in Years 5-12, a pioneering move in educational technology.

The turn of the century also saw the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Diploma (1999) and the launch of MLC Kindle (2000), both expanding student learning opportunities. In 2014, MLC became the second school globally to achieve Council of International Schools certification.

Contemporary Excellence Our commitment to learning environments that promote excellence endures through ongoing developments such as the Nicholas Learning Centre, the revitalised Dr Wood Learning Centre and Nevile Wing.

In 2024, MLC’s Curriculum for Learning and Wellbeing for Years 7-12 integrated learning and wellbeing with a greater breadth and balance of subject choice across a broader range of disciplines, clear pathways, strengthened relationships with teachers, and personalised wellbeing such as the one-on-one mentor system, a distinctive feature designed to guide each student in her educational journey.

7

2025–2027 Strategic summary At the core of this strategic plan is the recognition that educating girls is not just about providing access to knowledge but about empowering future leaders. Girls’ education is a catalyst for societal transformation, breaking barriers and fostering inclusivity, diversity, and equality.

MLC’s strategic plan prioritises the advancement of girls’ education, acknowledging its pivotal role in shaping a brighter, more equitable future.

8

9

Our goals Strengthen connections and enable lifelong learning across the College community​

Championing Women and Inclusion​

Connecting ​ our College​

Theme 2

Forge innovative partnerships that enhance opportunities both within the College and in the broader community

Develop an expanded view of what success can look like for students and staff​ Strengthen our environment where students and staff expect to be challenged beyond their comfort zone​ Continue to provide the conditions for all to grow, thrive and achieve their best

Build student confidence and resilience so they dare to change the world they enter ​ Advocate for gender equality and the advancement of women within the College and in the broader community​ Create a supportive space for dialogue about gender, identity and inclusion

We inspire a mindset where growth is highly valued; we celebrate progress, resilience, and the journey towards personal excellence ​ Our goals

Our goals

Theme 3

We promote the empowerment and success of women and foster a diverse and inclusive environment​ ​

Fostering ​ Growth

An MLC education inspires students to be the citizens the world needs.

We build dynamic learning and wellbeing environments; we empower students and staff to adapt and excel in a changing world​ Our goals

Actively ​ Evolving ​

Theme 4

Theme 1

We foster a united community of students, staff, parents, alumnae, and tertiary, community and industry partners to empower our students’ growth and success

Enhance excellence and innovation in teaching, learning and wellbeing​ Embrace opportunities for AI to improve learning and productivity​ Utilise advanced analytics to identify opportunities and inform decision-making​ Enhance and expand sustainable practices, empowering students and staff to lead environmental and social initiatives.​

10

11

Strategic themes The MLC Strategic Plan 2025-2027 is centred around four strategic themes, each supporting our commitment to fostering an inclusive, empowering, and innovative educational environment for our students.

Connecting our College

“I think that MLC really caters for a large range of interests and has taught me to celebrate all our differences because at the end of the day that is what makes the world a more interesting and exciting place.”

Fostering Growth

Each theme addresses key but interlinked aspects of the student experience, enhancing personal growth, wellbeing and academic achievement. By focusing on building strong connections within our community, nurturing a growth mindset, championing the empowerment of women, and adapting to the evolving educational landscape, we are dedicated to shaping the future of MLC.

Championing Women and Inclusion

Actively Evolving

These themes will guide our initiatives and decision-making, ensuring that all members of the MLC community—students, staff, parents, and alumnae—are engaged in a collective effort to support our students’ journeys.

The following pages outline the intent behind the theme and some examples of priority actions associated with each theme, illustrating our path forward together.

— Lucy, Year 11 Student 12

13

Theme 1

Connecting our College

Priority actions areas 1.1 Enhance community engagement We will establish initiatives to strengthen connections between students, staff, parents, and community partners, encouraging collaborative events and shared experiences that enrich our college culture.

1.2 Inclusive celebrations

Building strong relationships empowers our students’ growth and success.

In our commitment to fostering a united community, the Connecting Our College theme focuses on strengthening relationships and enabling lifelong learning throughout the MLC community.

We aim to increase meaningful connections among students, staff, parents, and alumnae, creating an environment that supports collaboration and engagement. Additionally, we will forge innovative partnerships that enhance opportunities not only within the College but also in the broader community, enriching the experiences available to our students and promoting their growth and success.

We will design inclusive celebrations across all year levels to foster community, inspire younger students through role models, and build confidence. These gatherings will strengthen connections, mentorship, and school pride, empowering students with valuable social and leadership skills.

1.3 Support multilingual engagement We will implement a variety of initiatives to ensure that all community members feel welcomed and connected, focusing on those whose first language is not English – strengthening our diverse and inclusive community.

1.4 Creating a culture of collective impact We will continue to strengthen our culture of giving and community involvement, inviting all members of the MLC community to engage in initiatives that support and transform our students’ experiences

1.5 Strengthen alumnae connections We will continue to actively engage our strong alumnae network, creating opportunities that connect current students with the experiences and insights of those who have walked their path before them while further enhancing connections among alumnae to build an even more supportive, lasting community.

14

15

Theme 2

Fostering Growth

Priority actions areas 2.1 Celebrate achievements We will continuously refine how we celebrate student and staff achievements, creating recognition opportunities that reflect our community’s diverse talents and accomplishments.

2.2 Innovation in education We will foster innovation in educational practices, structures, and systems that encourage creative thinking and engagement, ensuring our educational practices remain relevant and inspiring.

Celebrating progress and resilience cultivates a culture of excellence.

16

At MLC, we are dedicated to nurturing a culture that celebrates progress and resilience in our community.

The Fostering Growth theme focuses on redefining success to encompass a broader understanding of diverse achievements and personal development. We aim to create an empowering and inclusive environment where everyone is encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, viewing challenges as opportunities for growth. By providing the necessary support and resources, we foster a sense of belonging and motivation that inspires our diverse community to pursue their personal best.

2.3 Develop a culture of growth We will implement a new comprehensive People Strategy designed to foster a growth mindset and environment that continues to attract, develop, and retain staff who are equipped to guide students in navigating the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing world

2.4 Increased growth-oriented activities We will evelop programs that promote critical thinking and realworld problem-solving, emphasising the learning process over only outcomes.

17

Theme 3

Championing Women and Inclusion

Priority actions areas 3.1 Empower female advancement Strengthen and expand MLC’s initiatives to empower students and staff, promoting gender equity and addressing the challenges faced by girls and women.

3.2 Enhance student leadership Review the Student Leadership Framework to ensure it empowers students by providing structured opportunities for leadership development and fostering skills that promote confidence, collaboration, and community engagement.

Empowering women and fostering inclusivity prepare our students for impactful leadership.

18

This theme underscores MLC’s commitment to promoting the empowerment and success of women while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

We believe that by championing gender equality and diversity, we can prepare our students to make a positive impact in society. Despite significant progress, gender equity remains an issue in Australia and globally. For example, only 9% of CEOs in the ASX200 are women; in OECD countries, women still earn, on average, 12% less than their male counterparts and hold only 26.5% of parliamentary seats worldwide as of 2023. This theme emphasises the importance of building student confidence and resilience, empowering them to embrace leadership roles and advocate for themselves and others. By creating supportive spaces for open dialogue, we are laying the foundation for a culture of respect and understanding that prepares our students to become impactful leaders in an increasingly complex society.

3.3 Increase student empowerment We will implement a range of new initiatives designed to empower our students for life after school, such as enhancing practical skill development and our careers programs, providing opportunities for real-world experiences, increasing mentoring, and building financial literacy

19

Theme 4

Actively Evolving

Priority actions areas 4.1 Digital and infrastructure enhancements We will strengthen our digital technology and enterprise architecture to support effective learning, productivity, and accessibility to student reports/progress.

4.2 Complete the Physical Education and Sport Precinct development

Adapting to change ensures our students thrive in a dynamic world.

In a constantly changing world, this theme focuses on building dynamic learning and wellbeing environments that empower students and staff to adapt and excel in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.

We are committed to fostering a culture of excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and wellbeing that benefits both our students and the wider school community. Our Actively Evolving theme focuses on enhancing educational practices and embracing technology to improve decisionmaking, learning outcomes and productivity for all. Additionally, we prioritise sustainability, empowering both students and staff to lead environmental and social initiatives. Through these collaborative efforts, we prepare our students to navigate the future confidently and purposefully, creating a supportive environment for everyone involved.

We will maintain momentum on the Physical Education and Sport Precinct project to provide our students with enhanced facilities that promote physical activity, wellbeing, and student engagement.

4.3 AI and learning opportunities We will explore the integration of artificial intelligence to improve and personalise learning experiences and operational efficiency across the college.

4.4 Curriculum and wellbeing improvement We will continue to review and enhance the curriculum and wellbeing frameworks to ensure they remain relevant and engaging, supporting both academic excellence and personal wellbeing across all year levels. This ongoing enhancement will reinforce a seamless learning experience from Prep to Year 12 while advancing educational practices and approaches to learning diversity.

4.5 Sustainability contributions We will ensure MLC contributes to a sustainable global society through robust governance and educational programs that promote environmental responsibility

4.6 Develop a new Master Plan We will design and build intentional spaces into a new Master Plan that enhances our educational environment

20

21

Our goals Setting specific goals helps us clarify the outcomes we aspire to achieve through our four strategic themes: Connecting our College, Fostering Growth, Championing Women and Inclusion, and Actively Evolving.

These goals act as a roadmap for our initiatives, guiding us in creating a vibrant educational environment.

“MLC has taught me so much about myself, life skills, and it is setting me up for success.” — Clementine, Year 10 Student 22

23

Our goals

For each goal, we have identified indicators of success that highlight our journey ahead and signal our progress through the Strategic Plan. By sharing these indicators with the MLC community, we encourage transparency and engagement, inviting everyone to be informed and involved in our shared commitment to making our future a reality.

Connecting our College

Fostering Growth

Championing Women and Inclusion

Actively Evolving

We foster a united community of students, staff, parents, alumnae, and community partners to empower our students’ growth and success.

We inspire a mindset where growth is highly valued; we celebrate progress, resilience, and the journey toward personal excellence.

We promote the empowerment and success of women while fostering a diverse and inclusive environment.

We build dynamic learning and wellbeing environments, empowering students and staff to adapt and excel in a changing world.

Goal 1

Goal 1

Goal 1

Goal 1

Strengthen connections and enable lifelong learning across the College community.

Develop an expanded view of what success can look like for students and staff.

Build student confidence and resilience so they dare to change the world they enter.

Enhance excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and wellbeing.

Goal 2

Goal 2

Goal 2

Goal 2

Forge innovative partnerships that enhance opportunities both within the College and in the broader community.

Strengthen our environment where students and staff expect to be challenged beyond their comfort zone.

Advocate for gender equality and the advancement of women within the College and in the broader community.

Embrace the opportunities of AI to improve learning and productivity.

Goal 3

Goal 3

Goal 3

Continue providing conditions for all to grow, thrive, and achieve their best.

Create a supportive space for dialogue about gender, identity, and inclusion.

Utilise advanced analytics to identify opportunities and inform decision-making.

What will success look like?

What will success look like?

– Enhanced communication platforms: Development and use of advanced communication platforms, such as an improved college app or an online portal, that allow seamless interaction across the college community and higher engagement

– New student and staff recognition programs: The introduction of programs that celebrate progress, diversity of achievement and excellence, such as awards for personal growth, achievement ceremonies, and public recognition of staff and student development.

– Gender equity focus: Visible initiatives and events promoting gender equity, alongside active participation in advocacy and research to enhance gender equity efforts.

– Expanded network of partnerships: Growth in partnerships with community groups, tertiary institutions and industry, leading to more opportunities, guest lectures, and collaborative projects for students and lifelong learning opportunities

– Enhanced professional development: Introduction of new forms of professional development to build the necessary organisational capabilities, aligning with our strategic goals and supporting personal and professional growth

What will success look like?

– Increased collaboration events: More events and participation showcasing collaboration among students across all year levels, as well as active participation from parents, staff, alumnae, and industry partners.

– Increase in growth-oriented activities: Enhancement of activities that encourage personal excellence, with a focus on critical thinking, real-world problem-solving and a greater emphasis on the journey rather than the destination

24

– Diverse leadership representation: Increased visibility of women and cultural diversity in leadership within the College Community, serving as role models and mentors for students.

– Strengthened supportive dialogue platforms: Increase in open dialogue about gender identity and cultural inclusion and cohesion through mechanisms such as support groups, discussion panels, etc.

Goal 4 Enhance and expand sustainable practices, empowering students and staff to lead environmental and social initiatives.

What will success look like?

– Innovative learning practices and spaces: Continue to develop innovative learning practices and spaces with the utilisation of modern, flexible learning environments equipped with the latest technology to enhance learning outcomes in both the physical and digital environments – Integration of AI and analytics: Effective implementation of AI tools and advanced analytics in everyday learning and administration to personalise learning experiences and improve educational and data-driven decision-making.

– Enhanced and expanded sustainable practices: A robust culture of environmental and social responsibility woven into everyday life, empowering students and staff to lead impactful initiatives.

25

Embracing and shaping the future We are navigating an era filled with both exciting possibilities and significant challenges, and it is important to reflect on the profound journey that lies ahead for our students, staff, and the entire MLC community.

The themes, goals, and initiatives outlined in this plan are not just objectives to achieve; they represent our collective vision and unwavering commitment to nurturing an environment where everyone can flourish.

As we embark on the journey of our Strategic Plan 2025-2027, ‘Connected, Growing, and Evolving for Her Future,’ we are excited about the possibilities for our students, staff, and the entire MLC community.

This plan serves as a roadmap for our initiatives and a commitment to continuing to foster an environment where every student can discover and nurture their individual interests and talents, achieve their best, and truly become a citizen the world needs.

We recognise that the successful implementation of this plan relies on the collective effort of our entire community—students, parents, staff, and alumnae. Together, we will engage in meaningful dialogue, support one another in our pursuits, and celebrate the achievements that arise from our shared commitment to excellence.

As we move forward, let us remain united in our vision and driven by our values, ensuring that every member of the MLC community is equipped to contribute positively to society and empowered to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Our strategic themes—Connecting Our College, Fostering Growth, Championing Women and Inclusion, and Actively Evolving—reflect our dedication to empowering students to navigate an ever-changing world. By enhancing collaboration, promoting resilience, advocating for equity, and embracing innovation, we are laying the foundation for a vibrant educational experience that celebrates diversity and nurtures potential.

“MLC has brought me out of my shell, as it showed me that I was surrounded by passionate and likeminded people who supported and pushed each other to be better every day” — Ivy, Year 10 Student

26

27

“I’ve discovered that MLC is not just a school; it’s a platform for growth, a canvas for dreams, and a community that believes in the potential of its students.”

— Bianca, MLC Alumna (2024)

Methodist Ladies’ College Limited ABN 55 006 036 979 CRICOS 00325A