1999 Silver and Green

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MLC SILVER & GREEN 1999

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METHODIST LADIES' COLLEGE

SILVER & GREEN 1999

As we'come to the last Silver and Green for this millennium, the Editorial Team thought it would be appropriate to look back over the past 78 years of our glorious magazine, which first appeared as Silver and Green in 1921. (It was previously called the Bluebell). We are proud to be a part of this history; to be yet another team in a long line of editors who have worked to create a magazine that remains the same in essentials as it has been since 1882: a reflection of a year in the life of Methodist Ladies' College.

As you flip through our magazine, think about the year past and our theme of Horizons. We chose the theme as a reference to what we are all thinking about as 1999 draws to a close: where our lives will lead us in the year to come. To those continuing their MLC adventure next year, look at this magazine and see all the enticing opportunities you will be presented with. To those leaving, keep this magazine as a memento of all you experienced at MLC. Working on Silver and Green has definitely proved a learning experience for all involved, and the Editorial Team is very grateful for the opportunity: through representing others' achievements and activities, we have become even further involved in the life of the College.

We'd like to leave you with a passage from the very first Silver and Green, published in December 1921: At last we have our new magazine, and the 'Bluebell' (horribly Early Victorian name!) which has become rather faded, is forever put aside. But it must be remembered that it is the material, not the cover, that makes a magazine, though a pleasing appearance, as always, is a tremendous asset.

Next year you must improve on this issue of 'Silver and Green' and so on until our magazine is a fitting reproduction of a School of great traditions.

We regret that we could not find room for all contributions, but those whose work has not been published must not be discouraged, but spurred on to further attempts.

Don't 'skip' the parts that look boring, but find whatever sense you can in every article, and absorb or reject it as your mind dictates. But read it all, my Dear Individual: it is written for everyone!

Sam Ng 12Q Kathryn Grigg 12J Edwina Jarman 12C Courtney O'Meara 12H 1999 Editors of Silver and Green

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CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

4

Whole College Section

5

Principal's Report

6

Junior School Section

28

Head of Junior School Report

29

Junior Secondary School Section

50

Head of Junior Secondary Report

51

Middle School Section

60

Head of Middle School Report

61

Senior School Section

71

Head of Senior School Report

72

Autographs

87

Quotes

88

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PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Silver and Green Editorial team for 1999 would like to express our sincere thanks to the many people who have put so much effort into making this a really excellent magazine. In particular, we would like to thank our Staff Text Editor, Mrs Fiona McLean, and our Staff Graphics Editor, Ms Tara Walsh. They have been a constant source of help and have always been there when we needed them, not only encouraging us, but also keeping our toes to the line for assignments and deadlines.

We would also like to thank the Graphics Team, headed by Courtney O'Meara, who gave up the first week of their holidays to come and put this magazine together. In particular, we would like to thank Julia Glass, Rebecca Bartlett, Rowena Henry and Kristy Allan. We appreciated their commitment to and patience with us when we weren't quite ready!

We would also like to express our appreciation to Liv Goodall and Felicity Jones, who have done the photography, and Helen O'Connor, who has produced the magnificent front cover for this magazine.

Graphics Editor: Senior Text Editor: Text Editors:

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Courtney O'Meara 12H Sam Ng 12Q Kathryn Grigg 12J Edwina Jarman 12C

| SILVER & GREEN 1999

Special thanks should also go to our year level representatives, Niva Malka 8C, Julie Dai 9N, and Layla Wang 10B, who have assisted in putting together the Middle School and Junior Secondary School sections of the magazine, and to Ms Simone Schilte, who was a great help in collecting submissions from Junior School.

Thanks also to the Print Room and to Andrew Hoddinott from Printgraphics for helping us create the best magazine we could within our budget and answering all our questions about printing in general.

And last but not least, many thanks to all those who contributed to the magazine, especially all those who entered our writing competition. We all hope you enjoy this year's edition of Silver and Green.

Sam Ng Kathryn Grigg Edwina Jarman

Graphics Team: Nicole Gross, Rowena Henry, Natalia Ehrlich, Nicole Vas, Julia Glass, Kristy Allan, Bridget Basham, Claire Tonge, Courtney O'Meara, Emma Holmes-Smith, Fanny Susantio, Rebecca Bartlett, Davina Cassino and Bee Boehm.

METHODIST LADIES' COLL

MLC is a school which offers opportunities and encouragement. We are constantly shown that we can do anything; we need only to explore our personal horizons, and the world is ours. Enclosed within this section is a small sample of the depth of talent that can be found among the students of MLC.

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PRINCIPAL'S REPORT MS ROSA STORELLI "The role of the Principal," says Ms Storelli, beaming down at us, "is very similar to the Chief Executive Officer of a large business. Education is a business, but one without a tangible product. You people are the product."

However, she hastens to add that she does not see education purely in business terms: "There are other things I need to think about, such as where the college is going to be in ten years' time. I need to put in place the environment, the physical structures...and have the right people in the right job."

Compared to her previous position as Head of Middle School, Ms Storelli finds herself much more isolated from the daily life of the College in her role as Principal, something that she misses: "I just love chatting to the girls!" She continues, "because you miss [that day-to-day contact], you have to work hard to have other opportunities. ... I get lots of email from students. I walk around, I go out [onto Principal's Terrace] for a chat. I would always hope that my students know that they could come here at any time. And I think they do."

Looking to the future, Ms Storelli is keen to develop an even more diverse MLC community - and she does not see diversity just in multicultural terms. Ms Storelli emphasises the need to develop a community at MLC that supports students in issues such as the empowerment of young people, finding their voices and expressing their views.

She also stresses the significance of an MLC community that gives young people the confidence to explore their sexuality, an issue that many have been reluctant to broach in the past.

'Hitting the Glass Ceiling1 seems to be a popular catch phrase this year. It might be a little thing, but, as Ms Storelli is keen to point out, any kind of leadership role will help students to develop the skills to challenge other people and to create a world for themselves. Cultivating in students the confidence and the self-esteem to pursue their goals to the end out there in the world is what MLC is all about. Ms Storelli emphasises that it doesn't matter what field your goals may be in: "Our differences are our strengths. It doesn't really matter what you're interested in, we can do it here."

Sam Ng 12Q

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HOUSE REPORTS KROME JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL As I looked up at the Krome House assembly area, all I could see was a sea of green. All members of Krome had totally entered into the spirit of the occasion by representing our house colour in all forms. There is nothing like this dramatic show of support and encouragement to bring out a student's personal best.

In February, the Albert Park Swimming Complex echoed with the screams of Krome, celebrating their victory at the Inter-House Swimming Carnival. Two months later the same screams of youthful enthusiastic voices could be heard as Ms Storelli announced that Krome had won the Athletics Competition for '99. Krome's flag waved madly with pride in the breeze and green streamers were shaken with excitement.

Krome strove for glory at all times, no matter what the context. We succeeded in Tennis, Squash, Debating, Swimming and Athletics: a wonderful achievement! These Krome victories however, could not have been reached without the tireless efforts of our House Teacher Miss Carroll, our House Recorder Julia Kilpatrick, and all members of Krome House who avidly supported their team throughout '99.

Kimberley Norton-Old Kate Cummins 8A

SENIOR SCHOOL We've eaten plenty of jelly frogs, had lots of fun, and sung Alligators, Crocodiles...' more times than we can remember. Being in Krome is not just about winning, it's about wearing fluoro green and lovin' it.

This year has seen fantastic performances in House Drama and Music.

Especially memorable was the Variety performance of the dancing girls and Kate Rosengren's surprise performance in the drama festival as a happy little Vegemite.

Thank you to all the Year 12s for their participation over the years. We hope you will all leave with fond fluoro green memories. To the rest of Krome, may the next years bring just as much frivolous fun. There are some very enthusiastic and talented young frogs currently moving up the ranks towards Senior School and we hope that you make the most of being in the best house! Lastly, to Mrs Condos, we thank you for your support and help. Thank you, Krome. Roll on, Freddo!

Sarah Dalley 120 Felicity Robb 12H Suzanna Fisher 12U

8G

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HOUSE REPORTS BERRY JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL In 1999, Berry girls have shown unreal house spirit, willing to compete in anything and everything! If you asked someone to shout the war cry by themselves, there's not much hope of anything coming out of their mouths. But when you get a whole gang of Berry girls together, the enthusiasm is amazing!

Thanks to our house recorder, Shanelle Hartley, Mrs Tinsley (who is unbelievably encouraging and organised) and to all you legendary Berry supporters! Good luck for all the years to come!!

A big Berry thank you to the fantastic Ms Fewster for being an unreal house teacher!

Finally, a huge thank you to all you funky Berryite chicks. Thanks so much! Let's rock on, and continue being the best house!

Rachael Grenfell 10A SENIOR SCHOOL Berry house spirit involves getting dressed up in purple clothing (usually fairly unflattering), acting like an absolute maniac, and pushing everyone else into the pool (not that we would ever do that)!

Caroline Kronborg 8J MIDDLE SCHOOL When it comes to Berry, we would do anything to make it a better, enjoyable, exciting and fun house. To say our house spirit is huge is an understatement!

Throughout the year, Berry has achieved excellence in many areas. Berry obtained victory in House Swimming and Year 10 Oratory.

We also came second in Year 9 Oratory by only two points! On stage, Berry performed extracts from West Side Story led by Sandra Hartley and Steph Chong, whose combined efforts took Berry to a fantastic second victory.

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This year Berry won the House Swimming carnival. In House Music we won the spot item and came equal first in chorals. Overall, we came second in Music and Drama.

We'd like to say a huge thanks to Ms Walsh, the PE staff, the Drama staff, Mrs Elton Brown, Richard and all Berry members. We'd also like to apologise to the turtle for using you as a shield and weapon at the Aths!

Rowena Macpherson Louise Colban 12D

12X

HOUSE REPORTS NEVILE SENIOR SCHOOL On House Music Day this year, Nevile's enthusiasm was almost surreal. The fact that we had won Massed Singing after filing on stage in muddled height and part order was a complete shock! It was amazing to see how the House Music Carnival provoked such an empathic response from stressed senior students in the midst of CATs! Nevile house spirit is all about spreading psychedelic pink fur and feathers throughout the Assembly Hall at House Music and Drama Festivals! It also involves wearing grotesquely mismatched pink costumes (i.e. belly-dancer outfits or Nevile cupped bras) to sports carnivals, and then proudly wearing them home on public transport, shamelessly chanting war cries!

As well as winning House Music this year, we also won the mighty House Drama Festival.

This was undoubtedly due to the collaborative and enthusiastic efforts made by all Nevilarians, along with the extravagantly loud make-up worn on both occasions!

While all Nevilites should be thanked and congratulated for their efforts, particularly all team captains, special thanks must be extended to the Swimming Captains Tanya, Laura and Amanda; the Athletics Captains, Holly, Jacqui and Alice; the Drama Captains, Julia and Claire; and the Music Captains, Emily and Sophie. Above all, we give a huge thank you to our house teacher, Mrs DawbornGundlach (Dazza) and our House Recorder Liz Wood for keeping the house efficient! Rock on, Nevile!

Anna Smith 12M Sarah Braby 12D

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HOUSE REPORTS CATO JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Cato is a loud, fun and exciting house. At the swimming sports we won Proficiency, which shows we always have a good show in the house activities, never failing to keep up the Cato spirit.

Our willingness and devotion to our house has been shown at the House Music Festival, in which we won the Aggregate Trophy, Massed Singing and Variety. Thanks to our Music Captains Georgie Harbeck and Elli Kashima, whose organisation and commitment to Cato made House Music an enjoyable experience for all. See you next year!

Ginny Atkins 8G and Lauren Wheatley 8C MIDDLE SCHOOL Every time you see a group of Cato girls out there, doing what they do for their house, it's ace. They all have heaps of house spirit, which means giving their all for Cato. It also means dressing up stupidly for Aths and Swimming, and singing their lungs out!

There have been small victories throughout the year, but the best thing was winning House Music! Dressing up as a lion was also memorable: I can't say we do that every day!

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Thanks to every Cato chicklette and, of course, Ms Horsley, our House Teacher.

Kit Wilson 10D SENIOR SCHOOL 1999, Pooh Bear's final year of the millennium, has proved to be not only a fun but a successful final year.

The Aths revealed Cato's real forte. Cato's success in both Aths and Swimming couldn't have happened without our fantastic Swimming and Aths captains .

Second semester was Pooh's chance to follow in the footsteps of Oscar Nominee Cate Blanchett (former Cato Drama Captain). The harmonic tones of Cato also rang out at the Music Festival, followed by Cato's overall victory in Inter-House Gymnastics.

A big thank you to to our recorder Claire Burns who kept our House firmly organised. Finally, who could forget our fabulous House Teacher, Mrs Brenda Morane, who has encouraged us all the way, making Pooh Bear stand tall in 1999.

Rhiannan Ingram 12H

HOUSE REPORTS FITCH ETT JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL Throughout 1999, Fitchett has shown a huge amount of team spirit and sportsmanship. We have had both successes and defeats but have kept the team spirit alive throughout.

We'd like to thank all the students and participated in house activities, especially Ms Eileen Mackenzie and Mr Michael Nelson. GO FITCHETT! Thanks for being such a fun house.

Jess Taylor 10M

Our most memorable moments this year were at the Athletics and Swimming Carnivals, where we did very well. Our house spirit lived on as we we brilliantly performed O Happy Day as well as Build Me up, Buttercup and It's only a Paper Moon for House Music. Our house meetings were both fun and enjoyable, and our house recorder Tanya Hendy did a fantastic job receiving and distributing many house colours and redate forms.

We would like to thank our house teacher, Miss McKimmie, all Fitchett captains for encouraging Fitchett to perform its best and all Fitchettites for their participation and great house spirit.

Rebecca Yong 8J and Steph Dempsey 8C MIDDLE SCHOOL Fitchett triumphed this year, coming first in the Badminton, Waterpolo and Netball competitions, second in the Rowing, Volleyball and Table Tennis competitions, as well as equal third in the Tennis. Well done, guys!

SENIOR SCHOOL Fitchett has had a very successful year in all aspects of Senior School. Fitchett won places in both Swimming and Athletics, thanks to the fantastic organisation of the Swimming and Athletics Captains. All our leaders have put in a huge effort, resulting in excellent performances.

The main joke at House Assembly is the roll.

With House Captains yelling over everybody else, it is difficult to hear whether people are present. After saying names multiple times, they are often referred to as Bueller. 'Bueller?

Bueller? Bueller? Has anyone seen Bueller?1 Fitchett would like to thank Mrs Rawlings for being a fantastic house teacher. She is always the one getting us organised and helping us to do our best. Keep up the fantastic Fitchett traditions when we have left. Just remember: 'Let's go, Fitchett, let's go!'

Kelly Bosman 12Q and Kate Perlstein 12X

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CONCERT ORCHESTRA Under the baton of Mr Michael Loughlin, 1999 proved an exciting and successful year for the Concert Orchestra.

Strutting their stuff, the senior musos opened the year with the Concerto Concert.

An impressive night's program included some of the musical masterpieces by Paganini, Mozart, Bloch and Beethoven. The orchestra's own "007 Themes James Bond" added an unforgettable finale to the night.

Friday afternoon orchestra rehearsals for The Music Event were again filled with Chupa-Chup bearing musicians (some tradition, hey!). The big night at the Melbourne Concert Hall proved, once again, to be truly memorable. A capacity audience enthusiastically supported our performances - something we all appreciate in recognition of our dedication to music.

Concert Orchestra's last performance at Speech Night is fast approaching - an exciting but sad

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night for we Year 12s, who will finally have to say goodbye.

The end of the millennium will transform us into Old Collegians.

To Mr Loughlin: many, many thanks for your expertise, patience, support and humour during all those rehearsals and performances.

A special thank you to the tutors, who have worked with patience and skill during the year.

Finally, and most importantly, thank you to all the girls in the Orchestra for the team effort. Your co-operation made leadership a breeze.

Next year in 2000, our traditions pass to those continuing and the Class of '99 will sing the words of our school song: "Goodbye, Good Luck to you..." Have a good one!

Laura Downie 12U Joint Leader of Concert Orchestra 1999

SOUNDS OF MLC CONCERT CHOIR SURVIVAL TACTICS Singing in a choir can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

However, schoolwork often leads to increased stress and a reduced amount of free time. You may find that you need to take more time off choir rehearsals as work mounts up, but if the conductor knows your name, your previous back-up plan of getting a friend to mark your name on the roll no longer works! This often means that you need to attend all of the rehearsals, which can become very difficult during assignment time when you need mental relaxation, time to chat with your friends and, of course, time to work. You will need ways to cope with all those rehearsals ...

The first thing you need to do is to learn to judge the mood of the conductor by the clothes that she is wearing. Whether or not it is intended, the clothes of the conductor often reflect her mood and you need to act in accordance with the outfit. For example, if the conductor is wearing all black, it is a warning sign that the rehearsal will be long and she will be in a bad mood, so be very careful.

For stressed-out people, it is possible to learn the skill of balancing music in one hand while fitting a textbook and folder on your knees.

However, you need to be super co-ordinated to mouth the words of a song while writing a CAT!

You definitely need to bring a pencil to all rehearsals. Not only will it satisfy the conductor, but it can also be used for other purposes.

Writing notes to one another is an acceptable form of communication - that is, it isn't easily spotted by the conductor. However, you must be careful when writing notes on your score, as the conductor has been known to ask to see a person's score during a rehearsal. A sharp pencil can also be used to poke the annoying girl sitting in front of you who says, "Shhh!" all the time.

Learn some new games. 'Wheel of Hangman' is a popular one for those five hour rehearsals that you must endure on the occasional weekend. It uses the principles of 'Hangman' and 'Wheel of Fortune' - players take it in turn to guess letters of a phrase, quote, or name of a person.

It is a game of skill and courage because you have to say 'Ding!' really loudly when you correctly guess a letter, and this is very risky. If you are spotted playing, you have to write 'bankrupt' on your music to warn the other players that you have been caught and are out of the game.

Certain activities in choir can earn you points with the conductor. The more points you earn the fewer times you will be yelled at. One way of gaining points is to laugh at all of the conductor's jokes, however weird they may be.

My last word of warning is that you must learn to recognise an incoming explosion of anger from the conductor. In this situation, look innocent and sing loudly - with luck the storm will pass.

As you can see, singing in a choir in Year 12 is a very difficult business. However, if you take into account all the suggestions made here, you should find that it is a very rewarding experience. You will also learn some valuable skills in many areas that you will be able to take away with you for future experiences. Happy singing!

Klytie Healy 12A

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SOUNDS OF MLC BANDS SHOW BAND 1999 has been another busy and successful year for our Symphonic Band. Term 1 and most of Term 2 were spent excitedly preparing for the newly renamed Gala Concert, The Music Event, on the 22nd of June. The combined Symphonic and Concert Bands (called the Wind Sinfonia) formed the largest band MLC has ever had.

Consisting of over 100 players from Years 7 to 12, the sound in the Melbourne Concert Hall was incredible. This year we tried something a little different - dancers, and our very own Riverdance as we played Lord of the Dance.

The rest of Term 2 and 3 were spent preparing for the State Band Championships in Box Hill Town Hall. Competing in A division, we got our first ever placing, gaining 3rd place. Although we were thoroughly sick at the thought of Lord of the Dance and Overture Espanol by this stage, it was well worth the effort just to get a trophy.

We ended the year at the Springtime Music Showcase, playing something completely different - A Mozart Celebration. A big thanks to our dedicated conductor, Mr Rob Burns, all the hard working tutors, and last but not least, the band! Good luck for next year.

Leah Jilovsky 12B

The Show Band took off this year, becoming one of the most sought-after performing groups at MLC. We started the year by performing at a James Morrison concert, and then moved on to Open Day, the MLC-Scotch concert, a performance with the Boroondara Concert Band, The Music Event, the Jean Chambers Oration, Victorian Bands League Competition and finished off with MS & SS Assemblies.

Led by conductor Mr Shade and with the help of our trumpeter/trombonist/transposer/arranger/ sound technician and handy man, Mr Chandler, we were set to take over the Music School.

Our newly found fame, however, did come at a cost: 7:30 am rehearsals, not just once a week, but three times a week, as well as Monday lunchtimes and weekends in the lead up to major performances.

With the new found brilliance of our trumpet section, and the vocal talents of Sophie Thomas, we finished the year on a high note, closing the Springtime Music Showcase before bidding a fond farewell at our end of year BBQ. We wish the best to all continuing members of the band, and may you truly rule the Music School in the coming years.

Clare Kinnear 12P

,

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AT HOME AT BOARDERS' REPORT A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A BOARDER The first sound a boarder hears - let's call her Boarder X - is the ring of the first period bell.

Now you know why we're so punctual! After a combination of 'Just Right', 'Special K' and 'Rice Bubbles' (all in one bowl), Boarder X heads off to English.

Lunchtime presents a combination of food, so Boarder X deals with it the same way she does breakfast - eat it all and then head upstairs to the Common Room. Let me describe Boarder X's Common Room: three couches, a BIG TV, fridge, toaster and an...ironing board! Boarder X throws herself onto her favorite couch and tunes into another episode of Judge Joe Brown (similar to the 6pm time slot of Judge Judy), or a video (if somebody's forgotten to return the weekend collection). Period 4 comes and once again Boarder X is late! "How?" you ask. Well, Ricki starts at two!

It's after school and Boarder X is hungry. So she scoffs down some cake, meets up with Boarder Y and heads down Glenferrie Rd. There are a few little rules Boarder X must abide by: be back in the Boarding House by 4:45. Oh well, there goes Boarder X's social life.

Boarder X then connects up to ICQ and 6hats to fellow, ahem, boarders. Nevertheless, Boarder X somehow manages to get her work done.

After a very productive Prep session, Boarder X has a variety of options: (1) TV (for a change); (2) telephone, (3) ICQ, (4) play pool or (5) join the nail-painting, hallway-gathering social group.

As Boarder X is in Year 12, she has the privilege of staying up 'til whatever time she likes - but don't get hungry, as the kitchen closes at 9pm.

As Boarder X searches for some clean clothes after her communal shower, she hears the PA announce her name: a phone call! Contact with the outside world! Boarder X tells her mum to confirm her weekend plans, which include going to the movies three times...After she hangs up she realises she forgot to ask for money!

Boarder X is feeling tired...It's 4 am...Letterman is on TV! Boarder X falls asleep on the couch and wakes up to the usual 8:25am bell.

Kelly Shaw 12T

Five o'clock is Prep Time. So Boarder X sits in her room doing everything BUT homework sleep is a good option. Dinner is at 6pm, unfortunately for our Drazic fans. Dinner is very formal - trackies, spilt drinks and looong queues.

After dinner Boarder X joins the rest of the boarders to indulge in the daily ritual of Neighbours, after which comes the silent, sacrosanct Prep.

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1 MLC PERSONALITIES ODE TO RICHARD Richard - He's so lovely No job too big, No job too small: Our Richard, he can do it all.

From driving trucks, to opening doors He even marks the theatre floors.

Oh, Richard, he's so lovely.

His personality is so bubbly.

Richard, I think he's just great: He really should be head of state.

Without him life would be a disaster, But of maintenance he is the master.

So thank you, Richard, from everyone.

You truly are our number one!

Kathryn Grigg 12J

All of us here at Silver and Green would like to thank Richard McGibbon, all the maintenance team, and the wonderful gardeners, who always put so much work into making MLC the fabulous place it is!

MLC PERSONALITIES THE VERY BEST OF MRS JANE ELTON BROWN I remember the first time I met Mrs Elton Brown. I was in Year 7, and a member of the JSS Choir. We had been invited, as very special guests, to sing with the Big Choir for the Gala Concert. I must have done something right because she pointed directly at me and demanded to know when I was going to be a member of her choir. I was dumbstruck, of course, but I remember asking myself how I could ever sing well enough to join her choir.

Then came Full House. I can remember rehearsing in the PEC - the entire school was in there that day, and she commanded the attention of every person in the room as though she conducted thousands of people at once like that on a regular basis.

Most of my memories of Mrs Elton Brown, however, are set in the Music School as it is today, and has been throughout my career in the Concert Choir and the Senior Madrigals. Polished wood, blue felt seats, high, white ceilings and sound-proof doors; and her office, with a little bench outside where you sit and stew before being called in.

A friend of mine recalls Mrs Elton Brown's annual presentations to each year level to advertise the learning of a musical instrument. "We used to sit there shaking because....she was so amazing." That, it seems, is only one part of the mass of commitments and responsibilities that Mrs Elton Brown manages. She is on the Board of the Faculty of Music at the University of Melbourne as well as that of Monash University. She is a Director in Council of the Australian Music Examinations Board, a committee member of the Melbourne University Committee of Convocation and has been President of the Association of Directors of Music in Independent Schools.

Her retirement this year brings to a close a teaching career that began at MLC in 1960, when, as Miss Elton, she was appointed to the College as Senior Singing Mistress. (Her name can also be found on numerous musical honour boards from her time as a student here.) She was appointed Director of Music in 1971.

After a marvellous forty years, Mrs Elton Brown and her Gala Concerts (now renamed The Music Event), Springtime Music Showcases, Senior Madrigal groups, music recitals, Chamber Music Concerts, Male Voice Choir, and so very much more, will forever be a part of MLC. As one student put it, "She is music at MLC, really." How can we capture in words the dedication and excellence in all things that she, through her model, has inspired in us? How can we say thank you?

All we can say, Mrs EB, is that you will be sorely missed. You have shared with every member of our MLC community your enthusiasm for music and that will never be forgotten. Goodbye and good luck to you!

Sam Ng 12Q

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PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

MLC WRITES PERFECT PREFECTS

THE DAY AFTER THE REVOLUTION

They patrol the school.

Crisp, white and green uniforms; Jumpers, perfectly folded at the bottom, In a smooth roll.

Blazers with countless badges Marching down the lapels: Music award, Drama award, Academic award, Best Girl in the School with Neatest Uniform and Toothpaste Smile and Most Awards in the School Including This One Award.

Order mark book Ready at hand.

Ivory socks, Folded at the knee They don't need garters to hold them up.

Her hem is touching the top of the socks, So no leg is showing.

Shoes with all their eyelets, Laces with perfect bows, Tumbling over the smooth blackness.

Carefully set hair No need of hairspray Or gel Or fudge Or wax Or any other goo to keep it back.

Perfect.

Prefect.

Perfect prefect.

If you swap the 'r' and 'e' around you get the same word.

Funny that

The air breathes decadence and debauchery.

Hostility inevitably replaces confusion.

Oh, screaming voices, cease your torment!

The malignant air is pierced by a lit cigarette.

Identity remains unknown.

A false sense of security entices apathy.

Self-defence dominates.

Rainforests are blackened by self-consumption.

Sunlight is dampened by acid rain.

Ignorant excesses a twist of malicious abuse.

Contented alienation.

Elizabeth James 10P

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Anna Smith 12M

ODE TO MY FAMILY Natter, natter, chatter, chatter, Tinkle, crash, clatter, clatter: TV blaring, tempers flaring.

Yadda, yadda - no-one caring That my Lit CAT'S due tomorrow, And six pracs, with more to follow: Tests, exams, investigation, And I've lost my concentration.

Have they no consideration?

I can't think - extreme frustration!

Deb Watson 12P

MLC WRITES METALLIC LUST

TOWARDS THE HORIZON

The hood was down, Leaving bare the Brown leather seating.

The engine roared, Loud and daring.

The driver sat, Wearing his carefully picked Hat That told the others that He Was driving an MG. He did not care about The obvious storm That was brewing behind the exhaust pipe.

No bags were allowed.

No dogs, Or animals of any kind.

No scratches could be made Nor could anyone else drive.

His love for the land yacht Was more than adoration.

No one saw my shadow Slinking out of the house, In the stillness of dawn, As silent as a mouse.

I wandered along, floating on air, Without a worry or care.

I glided through the countryside, At a steady pace, My eyes open wide, Snowflakes on my face.

I walked towards the horizon, Which was now yellow, pink and red.

I cleared my mind and soul, Without once thinking of bed.

I was aware of everything I love, I was aware of all I hate.

I felt like a beautiful dove, Trapped behind a gate.

I had to reach the horizon, I had to set myself free; I knew not where I was going But I knew I would find me.

I reached out towards the horizon From the top of my hill.

I knew that no one was watching And the wind and sun stood still.

I gently closed my eyes And disappeared from sight.

I softly said my goodbyes At the end of the long cold night.

The first thing in the morning No one saw me leaving.

Whilst everyone was yawning My heart was delicately weaving...

The driver cruised And confidently wove In and out On the freeway.

The perfect car, The perfect day: All the parts oiled.

Suddenly, the car stopped And the driver silently swore.

He got out and checked His car.

First tyre, Second tyre, Third, and then, The fourth The last tyre had blown out: The obsession was deflated.

Chevonne Becker 7G

Naomi Guss 12G

SILVER & GREEN

1999 |

PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

MLC WRITES MAISON CHARVIN

MY TIME AT MLC

Surrounded by towering crags, a medieval illusion appears etched against the sky. Houses cascade down a near vertical hillside, and at the peak, a citadel stands. A moat separates the town from the barren landscape, surrounding it, preserving its primitive form of raw untouched beauty. Collecting our baggage, we step onto the drawbridge and enter the timeless village of Entrevaux.

The first day of Year 7 has stuck in my mind and will probably never leave. I remember every detail, from shivering in my new starched summer dress as I stepped through the wrought iron gates, to the buzz of excitement in the air. I remember facing the school where I would spend the next six years of my life. Who knew what the next six years would bring? So much fun, laughter, tears and learning. Friends made and friends lost. The Year 12s looked so old; I never thought I would one day be one of them.

We stumble down uneven, rambling paths, squeezing between houses, along narrow streets no wider than two metres, searching for Rue de I'Horloge. Dead ends abound for travellers navigating the intricate web of lanes.

Eventually we find our house. At five storeys high and three metres wide, the uniqueness of Maison Charvin is striking. Once inside, the rooms exude a simple charm. A terracotta roof covers the fifth floor galetas reached by a climb up forty-nine uneven, red tiled steps. It overlooks the Var river and the mass of tan and grey houses piled chaotically one on top of the other.

At night, the illuminated Citadel glows, a beacon on the hill, a reminder of the security it offered in medieval times. One day we travel the steep journey up to it. The precipitous edges of the uneven path are enclosed by a wall, which is lined with arrow slits. The barren hillsides frame the view, and looking down on the Var, we glimpse a team of white water rafters launching their craft. We reach the thirteenth-century stronghold. Shadows of skeletal trees flit across the stone entrance. Hidden beneath its fortresslike walls are cramped, dark prison cells, and secret underground tunnels.

Year 8 was fun - we were the older girls then, aloofly peering down at the Year 7s. Camp at Valley Homestead provided many girls with their first experience of camping out and trying to cook over a campfire where potatoes rolled down hills and sausages dropped off twig-like prongs into hungry fires.

Marshmead was the most incredible term of schooling. It was fabulous living without parents and the teachers were all so nice. Expeditions were the best: wind whistling through our hair, sun on our shoulders, smiles on our faces: we were in paradise, not a worry in the world...

Year 10 was the last year before VCE and I made the most of it by doing the least amount of work possible.

VCE has gone so quickly. As I sit here in the Common Room deciding what I want to do with the rest of my life, I hear someone cry, 'Can't wait to get out!' I can agree, but I will miss the feeling of unity and security of my friends and MLC.

Entrevaux is caught in the timelessness of pure beauty and mystery. Geographically and socially isolated, the modern world has not yet succeeded in penetrating the fortress of old.

In 40 years, when our tired eyes and wrinkled faces look back upon this ageing edition of Silver and Green, we will remember the fun we had at school, when our youth was going to last forever and the world was ours for the taking.

Julia Madden 12R

Jessica Dootjes 12E

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MLC SPEAKS

•

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HBtniS

DEBATING SENIOR SCHOOL DEBATING

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL DEBATING

Let me tell you an MLC secret: all debaters (especially Senior School debaters) are crazy.

Why, amid all the Work Requirements and CATs, do we choose to undergo monthly sessions which can only be described as part humiliation and part sheer terror (when you are halfway through a point and realise you have forgotten the point of the point)?

Inter-house debating for students in Years 7 and 8 ran for the second time this year. Auditions were held in Term 1 and the competition was well under way by the end of that term, with teams debating a range of topics, from humorous to serious to metaphorical!

Thirty-four students participated in two or more debates, with every House (except Fitchett) fielding both an A Grade and a B Grade team. It was exciting to see students grow in confidence in public speaking and become accustomed to the rules of formal debating.

We do it for the rush, that incredible feeling when you get up and, one by one, smash every single point the opposition has made. (This is most satisfying when debating against Scotch!)

However, much to my chagrin, this experience is not a daily occurrence.

This year our SS Debating teams have once again thumped the opposition most thoroughly.

In A Grade, MLC 2, 3 and 1 finished 3rd, 4th and 10th on the regional ladder. We also saw some of our finest debaters winning Best Speaker once, twice and even three times. In B Grade, MLC 3 finished on the top of their regional ladder and made it all the way to the Octo Finals, while MLC 2 and 1 finished 4th and 5th on their regional ladder. The grandmamas of the Debating Team (A graders) are quite excited about our school's chances next year as there are some excellent debaters coming through the ranks from B Grade.

On behalf of SS Debating, I would like to thank Katherine Brain for all her coaching tips and also Mr Brian Merlo for his support and encouragement.

Shen Narayanasamy

The A Grade Grand Final was held during JSS Assembly on Monday, 21st June. The Grand Finalists were Krome, represented by Laura Borelli 8G, Kimberley Norton-Old 8G and Jazmin Eckhaus 8K, and Fitchett, represented by Renee Schulberg 7J, Liliana Braumberger 8K and Katherine Lingard 7K. The challenging topic was "That technology has made our lives easier". It was an excellent debate, with clear evidence of thoughtful research by both teams and confident public speaking. The debate was narrowly won by Krome, with Laura and Kimberley being awarded joint Best Speaker.

Special mention must also be made of Jennifer Phan 8B, Christina Drossos 8C and Katie Minogue 8C, who participated in an Inter-School Debating Competition on the 28th April. They were eliminated in the first round when they lost by only one point to Trinity, but Katie must be congratulated on being awarded Best Speaker for the debate!

12Q Well done to all the JSS Debaters this year!

I hope you will continue to develop your debating skills next year.

Mrs Fiona McLean

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PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM EARTHWATCH EARTHWATCH: MOUNTAIN LIONS When I was four years old, I lacked many of the social skills needed to gain an acceptable position on the social ladder at kindergarten. I knew nothing of Sesame Street, could not recite the theme song for Playschool, and met questions of 'Did you watch Mr Squiggle last night?' with a vacant stare.

I could, however, give an outline of the mating patterns of the South American rhea, and the voice of Sir David Attenborough was as familiar to me as that of my sisters. I was obsessed with nature videos and would sit, glued to the television, transfixed by images of weather-beaten biologists fighting a heroic battle against the forces of civilisation to save some species from certain extinction.

As I grew older, my interest in the natural environment did not abate, but I did not expect to have the opportunity to study the natural environment for a long while. However, when I was in Year 11, the opportunity arose to apply for the MLC Earthwatch Scholarship. The lucky students would participate on a two-week scientific expedition with the Earthwatch Institute, which has been set up to build links between the general community and scientists, while providing a structure for sustainable conservation of our natural world. In practice, what this means is that the general public pay to participate in expeditions across the world. In turn, the revenue generated by our participation funds the research of the scientists with whom we work.

I was lucky enough to be offered the scholarship and I chose to travel to Southern Idaho, USA, where I participated in the Mountain Lion Expedition.

The scientific purpose of the expedition was to obtain samples from the mountain lions and the surrounding environment in order to write a proposal to combat the effects of human encroachment upon the habitat of the mountain lions.

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We (four American volunteers, three hounds, two genuine cowboys, one weather-beaten biologist and I) thus shouldered tranquilliser guns and other equipment and trekked across the Sawtooth Mountains in search of mountain lions. It was an amazing experience. I felt like I was inside the nature programs of my childhood, tramping through knee-high snow for hours, straining to hear the distant barks of the hounds pursuing the lion tracks. My first sight of a lion awed me to silence. It was a magnificent male which had taken refuge from the dogs high up in the branches of a pine tree. When we gently laid him, unconscious, on our coats, I felt a strange sadness that in order to save him we had to trespass upon his environment.

I learnt many things on this expedition. I learnt from experience that under no circumstance should you ever try running from a lion which is charging you. I listened to the other volunteers and scientists discussing practical ways of implementing conservation practices I had only read about.

I observed the paradox of conservation in practice when Ken (the hunter) helped John (the conservation biologist) to conserve the lion population on weekends, while guiding lion-hunting groups on weekdays.

Most importantly, however, I was able to put a little bit back into our natural environment by participating in the expedition. This experience has been the most exciting and memorable event of my life. I was given the opportunity to fulfil one of my childhood dreams and I sincerely thank MLC for providing me with the means and support to go.

Few schools willingly send their girls lion-tracking!

Shen Narayanasamy

12Q

BP*

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM EARTHWATCH & OVERSEAS EXCHANGE EARTHWATCH: DOLPHINS

FRENCH EXCHANGE

I was thrilled to receive the Earthwatch Scholarship last year. I've long been fascinated by dolphins' majestic grace and remarkable intelligence, so I couldn't wait to take part in a project called Exploring Dolphin Intelligence, at the renowned Kewalo Basin Marine Mammal Lab in Hawaii. I spent a week with a team of experts, observing, conducting research, training, and recording data.

Bonjour tout le monde! I have just returned from a six-month exchange in Laval, the Western region of France. I would have been in Year 12 now, but because of the exchange I am a Year 11 student.

We were greeted by the lab's friendly pack of four bottlenose dolphins.

Gazing into their curious black eyes for the first time, you wonder, "Who's more excited to study whom?" These dolphins have learnt a sort of sign language, and can understand thousands of short phrases. Researchers found that by looking at an underwater video, a dolphin can understand and carry out their trainers' commands, even when they can see only the trainers' hands.

Their ability to repeat a behaviour on command shows that they understand the abstract concept of repetition.

By far my favourite part of the day was one-onone interaction with a dolphin. Beforehand, we were taught important training techniques. For instance, dolphins learn by positive reinforcement: they are given a reward (such as a reinforcing whistle, an excited "Good job!", a petting or fish) that increases the probability of a certain behaviour recurring. It's amazing how much they can do, from underwater somersaults to blowing bubble rings. Sometimes they'll even invite you to rub part of their bodies. And as long as they've still got a bit of energy, they'll be happy to perform a jump.

They just love attention.

This experience will remain embedded in my memory forever. I learnt so much about these special creatures, and am grateful to MLC for enabling me to take part in Earthwatch.

An exchange is not just fun and educational: it's the experience of a lifetime.

If you are considering an exchange, the first thing I would say is be prepared for a change. There are so many things to learn from spending a long time away from your everyday life. Living with a completely different family shocked me at first, and was probably my biggest experience. But, experiencing the lifestyle of a different family really made me appreciate all that I had back home.

You also have to be aware of the negative sides of going on exchange. Maybe the apparent negatives are stopping you from going: boyfriend, friends, school and, of course, your family. However, although leaving all that may seem unthinkable now, it is a small price to pay for what you gain.

You not only gain independence and responsibility for yourself; you gain a view of the real world.

Going on exchange secures so much within you, and it is not just the great times which do this, but the hard times as well.

The whole experience teaches you to deal with many situations. Although at times the experience of being on exchange really challenged me, it was easily one of the best things that I have ever done. I consider my exchange as just a taste of the world: it has inspired me to plan my next trip to Europe. I will definitely be returning.

If you are considering an exchange, I would definitely recommend it. It will be even better than you could ever imagine. Bonne chance!

Lauren McGilp 11G

Camelia Holder 12L SILVER & GREEN

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PAGE TWENTY-THREE

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM MLC ADVOCATES HUMAN RIGHTS UNITED NATIONS YOUTH ASSOCIATION OF AUSTRALIA The United Nations Youth Association of Australia (fondly referred to as UNYA) is a non-profit organisation which aims to increase interest in and understanding of the United Nations by the youth of Australia. All members of UNYA are aged between 14-25, with the oldest member currently being 24, and our current Victorian President being only nineteen!

The main milestones of every UNYA year are the national and state conferences.

State conferences run individually in each state: in Victoria, 500 students from across the state congregate at the South Melbourne Town Hall to listen to keynote speakers and to participate in mock General Assemblies. This year, MLC sent a delegation of over twenty students - one of the largest delegations - to the Victorian State Conference.

The participants found the experience inspirational.

As education is the primary aim of UNYA, numerous visits are made to schools throughout the year to educate students about the workings of our world's largest peace-keeping organisation. Earlier this year, fifteen enthusiastic students flocked to the MLC Junior School to conduct a full-day workshop for our Year 5 and 6 students to teach them about the rules and procedure of the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the history of the United Nations.

Business aside, UNYA also provides a vast number of social events for its members, such as Speakers' Nights, trivia nights and the annual Christmas dinner, which is the highlight of every year!

Involvement in UNYA is a useful tool for those students interested in politics or international law, because of its affiliation with many departments and organisations, both government and non-government.

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If you are interested in learning more about UNYA, or want to become involved, don't hesitate to call the UNYA office.

Steph Chan 11S CHILD SOLDIERS 300,000 children aged less than 15 are fighting in more than 36 armed conflicts across the globe. These boys and girls have, more often than not, been abducted from their families and subjected to gross violations of human rights, such as rape, torture, and deprivation of sufficient food and water.

With improvements in technology, handguns, such as the AK47, are now small enough to be handled by a child of eight.

It seems abhorrent to us, but in countries like Uganda and Sudan, the Lord's Resistance Army hands guns to these children and forces them to the frontline to fight in internal conflicts.

Armies reason that children are easier to train, easier to manipulate, and more expendable. Often, if a child is scared, he or she will be drugged with amphetamines in milk, and then sent to fight.

Girl children are sold as concubines to highly ranked officers, and can fall pregnant and still be sent to fight, some with their babies strapped to their backs.

In a conference held in September this year, addressed by human rights activist Jose Ramos Horta, a group of students and organisations known as the Coalition Against the Use of Child Soldiers signed a protocol which will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in January next year. The protocol adds to the Convention on the Rights of the Child, that states that no child below the age of 18 shall be allowed to participate in armed conflict. Until this takes effect, however, children will continue to be abducted and to die in armed conflict.

Steph Chan 11S

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM ECOCARE With the dawning of the new millennium the health of our world is becoming more of a focus.

Ecocare is MLC's environmental group, which works to promote environmental awareness within the MLC community as well as implementing environmental programs.

Ecocare, which has been running for just over three years now, has had a gradual increase in membership each year. The group is led by representatives from each year level who form the Ecocare Executive.

Along with our monthly newsletter, Ecocare has once again sponsored a hairy-nosed wombat at Healesville Sanctuary. Another annual activity is the trip to Point Nepean. There, we show our green determination, helping to eradicate Polygala, a noxious weed which has taken over many parts of the Point Nepean National Park and the surrounding area.

A major project for Ecocare this year has been the production of an educational video on littering and the effects that rubbish can have on the environment.

By combining information about the effects of littering with snippets from live interviews with MLC students and members of the public, we have tried to produce an informative as well as a motivational tool.

Other organised activities this year have included: tree planting with Xavier, participation in 'Clean Up Australia Day', the manufacture and sale of Christmas cards, and a snorkelling trip.

Members of Ecocare have also represented the school at environmental conferences hosted by other schools and organisations.

As a group of passionate environmentalists, we continually strive to make MLC as ecologically sound as possible, promoting awareness with provoking presentations at assemblies. Our aim is to continually extend the awareness of our community, giving our environment the attention it needs and deserves. With support and continued work, we hope to make a difference to our environment so that we may start the twenty-first century in the green!

Megan Byrne 12J Vice President

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PAGE TWENTY-FIVE

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM MULTICULTURAL YOUTH LEARNING EXCHANGE PROGRAM "Quang, don't tell him!" Preventing Quang, the resident maths whiz, from whispering the answer to his mate's times-tables in Vietnamese is exasperating. Getting him to read above a whisper is harder. Quang has been reading Danny's Eggs for eight weeks. Just as well, because I get caught out when I attempt to keep up with his Year Five fraction sheets. Apart from telling me I am a 'dumb-head' when I get an answer wrong, he never speaks a word of English.

Two years ago, he wouldn't even call me that, even though I was subjecting the poor kid to my mediocre acting talent, attempting to mime ten spelling words every week. While I entertained the group with my Marcel Marceau impersonations for an hour, Quang would sit staring, hiding giggles behind his hands. I felt we were going nowhere, but he must have felt sorry for me and we were soon friends. Since then, I have seen Quang's confidence grow, and although he still reads in a cautious whisper, we have come so far.

Every week, MLC volunteers from Years 11 and 12 run homework help sessions in the community hall underneath the housing commission flats in Elizabeth Street, Richmond.

The program aims to help primary school students whose language difficulties at home prevent them from getting the same help with their homework that most of us are used to.

Anna is in Year Five and one of the sweetest little girls I know. Every time she greets me, I can see in her eyes a look of admiration and excitement to see the five of us. She reads to me with confidence, asking about the pronunciation of a word here and there but never before first having a go at it herself.

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Robert, Anna's younger brother, is in Prep. He is a cute little kid who tries very hard. Every week he comes along with his list of ten spelling words, pencil and scrap paper. We go over the same spelling words every week, but, no matter what, he seems to forget them each time. So each week he repeats the words in his small voice after me. When it is his turn to recite the words by himself, he looks up to me for reassurance after every word. I nod and offer him words of encouragement. Slowly Robert is starting to recognise that an s and an h together make the sound sh, and the difference between the words in and is.

Anna and Robert's mum watch over her two children as they learn. Whether it is to make sure that Anna and Robert are taking full advantage of the extra help, or to improve her own language skills, I am not sure. Whatever it is, all parents are welcome. The way that they thank us at the end of each session reminds me every week how my small contribution to the community can mean so much to others in need.

We hope that in the future there will be eager students willing to give up a small amount of time each week to continue the partnership. The friendships and the satisfaction of seeing the kids grow more mature and more confident well outweighs the small sacrifice.

Annie Turner 12T Rebecca Hyman 120

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM

9HBPI

EAST TIMOR A thin, sobbing child holding a statue of the Virgin Mary. A terrified woman, flinging herself at the barbed wire fence surrounding the UN compound, in a vain effort to escape the bullets flying through the streets. Black smoke swirling through the gutted shells of what was once a bustling town.

Since the results of the East Timorese referendum were released, these images have been a constant presence on our television screens and on the front pages of our newspapers.

This year, we have already, unfortunately, seen images similar to these in Kosovo. But East Timor seemed much closer to home and the plight of the East Timorese struck a deep chord with many students at MLC. Petitions circulated around the school, calling for UN peacekeepers to stop the violence in East Timor and expressing our support for the East Timorese people. Many students approached those handing out petitions to ask if they could lend a hand. Teachers allowed us to interrupt their classes to ask students to sign petitions.

When we asked for donations, students and teachers alike emptied out their wallets into the

collection box and hunted for loose coins in the corners of their bags. From Year 7 to Year 12, girls donated all their pocket money, saying things like, "This is more important than going to the Melbourne Show this year." Our teachers gave us the contact numbers for the United Nations and the Australian and Indonesian Governments so we could express our opinions about the situation directly to them. Anna Ryan hastily re-organised the Karaoke Competition to become a fundraising event for the East Timorese. Girls raided their kitchens and went to the supermarkets for cans of food to send with Ms Fraser to Darwin.

On the last day of Term 3, as some Year 12s sat in the Common Room counting the money and signatures, we all agreed that, despite the crisis in East Timor, these days had been happy ones.

The countless instances of generosity and genuine concern for the suffering of our fellow human beings which we had witnessed had reaffirmed our faith in humankind. If we can continue nurturing these qualities in this school and throughout the wider community, perhaps in our future there will be no more Kosovos or East Timors.

Shen Narayanasamy

SILVER & GREEN

1999 |

12Q

PAGE TWENTY-SEVEN

JUNIOR SCHOOL LOOKING TO THE HORIZON

Junior School is a place of laughter, fun and profound learning. From studying 'mini-beasts' to listening to visitors from the CSIRO, learning occurs all the time in the most interesting contexts. Junior School students are constantly looking to new horizons and new possibilities. Within this section we have selected some pieces which detail life as a Junior School student.

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I

HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL MRS HEATHER LITTLEJOHN Mrs Littlejohn joined MLC as the new head of Junior School in the second week of Term 2. From her first day, she has found MLC Junior School challenging, motivating and very enjoyable. She found an all-girl environment very different at first, but soon settled in.

Mrs Littlejohn battles to think of a low aspect of her first year as head of Junior School. "There are only highs!" she says decisively. Since arriving at MLC, she has found Junior School a friendly and exciting place to be a part of.

"There is a certain buzz about the place," she says.

"Everyone is just so friendly and approachable."

Mrs Littlejohn plays an important role in the running and development of Junior School. She strives to empower both students and staff and allow them to be the best that they can be. "It's important for the school curriculum to be innovative, without losing sight of solid learning values," she affirms. Individuality is encouraged through the many programs and opportunities available to students, in the "warm, personable environment" of Junior School.

When asked about her favourite aspect of MLC, she laughs and declares that she loves it all. "Junior School is inspirational. Even though MLC is a large school, the community feels very close-knit." Mrs Littlejohn is working closely with the Junior Secondary School teachers to ensure that the Year 6 girls make a smooth transition into the next stage of their schooling. "It is not always easy to move into Junior Secondary school, but it can be." Year 6 girls spend one semester of the year in the Nicholas building, located in the senior section of the school. This is an exciting experience for them as it allows them to be a part of the larger, busier section of the school.

Mrs Littlejohn believes that Looking to horizons' is a very relevant theme in relation to Junior School.

"Girls in each year are looking forward to being in the next year." She stresses that students are learning new skills all the time and are constantly looking for their next horizon: "They are learning how to co-operate and build new friendships." Each year, the girls are moving on to something bigger and better. "Seeing the girls grow makes every day a special one."

At the moment, Mrs Littlejohn is focussing on an international curriculum, and working on the new MLC Kindle which is to open in January 2000. We welcome her to the MLC community and hope that her time here is as exciting and challenging as Junior School is for her students.

Edwina Jarman 12C Kathryn Grigg 12J

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PAGE S I X T Y - S E V E N

SPORT IN JUNIOR SCHOOL TEAM SPORTS YEAR 5 NETBALL

YEAR 5 TEE BALL

Two Year 5 teams eagerly participated in the GSSA Competition in Term 2. Netball was a new sport for many of the girls and a large number of our questions were answered in the first few weeks. It was a great learning experience for all of us. Both teams had very successful seasons, winning all of their games. Everyone improved dramatically, learning how to play the different positions, how to play in a team, and how to have fun with our netball. A number of the girls finished off the season by competing in the Year 5 Victorian Schoolgirls' Championships. Thank you to Miss McNamara and Mrs Davies for all their help.

First term saw the Year 5 Tee Ball team take on a number of other schools.

MLC were extremely well represented and all team members tried their hardest to record a number of wins throughout the season. Well done to the team that included: Jane Cheatley, Veronica De Poi, Kaitlyn McCrone, Mandy Byrne, Jen Bailey, Camilla Koren, Alex Reid, Meredith Purvis, Victoria Kilpatrick, Imogen Thomas, Amy Davies, Gillian Phillips, Emmie Kinsman, Becky Weir, Lauren Donazzan, Stefanie Enconniere, Claire Laidlaw, Natasha Mian, Cassie Morris and Claire Henly (Year 4).

Ms Kelly McGee

Claire Laidlaw 5M Zoe Smail 5L YEAR 5 & 6 BASKETBALL YEAR 5 HOCKEY During Term 3 we participated in Year 5 interschool hockey. We trained on Mondays after school for an hour with two senior MLC hockey players, Anna and Jess, who are part of the team going to England to play hockey against English schools.

We had fifteen people on our team. It was great because we got to play in lots of different positions and learn more about the game. Our goalies say that when you are in all the 'goalie gear' you look like a duck! We played four games, and although we lost some, we all had fun. We truly enjoyed it and recommend it to next year's Year 5.

Lauren Donazzan 5L Jane Cheat ley 5M Emmie Kinsman 5R

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On Friday August 6th, three MLC teams participated in the Hooptime Basketball tournament.

The teams played games throughout the day with the finals being held in the afternoon. The MLC 2 and 3 teams finished second in their pool and MLC 1 finished first in their pool and then went on to win the finals series. As Hooptime champions, the team now moves on to the State Hooptime finals to be held in October. Congratulations to all involved!

Ms Kelly McGee

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JUNIOR SCHOOL PREP FRIENDSHIPS We like playing together and we use each other's pencils in Indonesian. Virginia We like smelling daffodils together. Victoria Kathryn and I are kind to each other.

Miranda L.M I like playing with Miranda because she likes me.

Kathryn

Stephanie is fun to play with. Jordan Jordan and I like reading books together.

Stephanie Alexandra is kind to me. Julia Julia is a nice girl. Alexandra Miranda is kind. Natalie I think Natalie has nice hair. Miranda R.

C fv

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SIXTY-SEVEN

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 1

Spiders, spiders, they have eight legs.

Spiders, spiders, lay a lot of eggs.

Spiders, spiders, have a lot of eyes.

Spiders, spiders, gobble up flies.

In Term Three we went to the Royal Botanical Gardens. We made a lavender sack and it was fun. We looked for mini beasts and that was fun too. We had lots of fun. We got to see the little insects in a fig. They were wasps.

Isabella Pierri, Bronwyn Ng, Sirani McNeill, Catherine Wong, Shaharin Sarwar (all in 1V)

Alexandra Klages 1G When we went to Grandparents' Day we danced and sang songs. The acrobats danced with sticks and ribbons. The tigers chased the monkeys away. The clowns were very funny. We made masks for the preps. The preps sang a song about elephants. We enjoyed the circus very much.

Anna Gerraty, Priyanka Goradia, Julia Chong, Shikin Lockman (all in 1V)

MINI BEASTS Mini beasts, mini beasts, I like mini beasts.

Mini beasts, mini beasts, live outside.

Mini beasts, where are the mini beasts?

Hey, Mini beasts, I'm over here!

Amy Zapantis 1G

[fUCn

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JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 2 Our 1880s Day

Dad

One Friday, 2S and 2W acted out the first day of MLC in 1882. Ms Schilte changed the room and covered up all of the electrical things. We all dressed up as 1880s girls. The room looked so different.

In the morning we did some needlework and we did some slate writing as well. We were not allowed to talk unless we were spoken to and every time an adult entered the room, we had to stand and face the front of the room. Laura had to wear the dunce cap because she wrote with her left hand. In those days, ladies were only allowed to write with their right hand. It was a wonderful day: We didn't want it to end.

My daddy Simon Reads to me Very very easily.

My daddy Simon Reads to me in bed.

My daddy Simon.

Kathryn Andrews 2W

Cecily Tiernan 2S A Cloud My Mum I lay on the grass And looked up to the sky.

A white fluffy cloud Was passing me by.

My mum Carries me And she said, You are liked.

Kate McKendrick 2W Sophie Pan 2W

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JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 3 NOW I AM EIGHT

NOW I AM EIGHT

When I turned eight I felt so great.

A little girl grown up so fast Who doesn't like being last.

There's something new to do every day: I can run around or sit and play.

"Good morning" to Ms Chrimes I say each day, Looking forward to her class each and every day.

Always being eight is just so fine, Except I can't wait to be nine.

I'm eight.

I think about working hard and achieving.

My goal is to play the violin and piano.

I have brownish black hair, Dark brown eyes and red lips.

I think that talking to my family is important.

When I was younger I was very naughty, Now I try to be good.

Nathalie Goh-Livorness

NOW I AM EIGHT

3C

NOW I AM EIGHT, NOW I AM NINE Playing on the tram, Watching TV, Clothes and make-up: These are all me.

Getting home from school, Playing with friends.

Molly plays too, Till the very end.

Nicola Quah 3D

Now I am eight, it feels really great.

I'm not too tall and I'm not too small.

Every year I can reach things that I couldn't before.

I play every day and jump all around Until I get tired and fall to the ground.

My eight years are over; I'm nearly nine.

Soon I'll be having a more fabulous time.

Anna Pitliangas 3D

NOW I AM EIGHT These are important: Family, friends and pets.

Ms Dennis is My best teacher yet!

I have blue eyes, And light brown hair, Grown past my shoulders, Way down there!

Eight is great!

Eight is fun!

Lots of friends, And lots to be done!

Fiona Morrison 3D

When I was young, I loved pink clothes.

Now I like black, Instead of those.

Sarah Daws 3D

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PAGE SIXTY-SEVEN

Elena Tanudjaja, Year 9

Rebecca Bartlett, Year 12

Laura Healy

Jaclyn Lee, Year 12

Caroline Turner, Year 7

Dee Deveson, Year 12 Genevieve Fry, Year 10

Beth Pawlik, Year 12

Courtney O'Meara, Year 12

Susie Good, Year 9

Clare Hocking, Year 9

Nadine Toussaint, Year 7

Wendy Softer, Year 12

Sophie Hopkins, Year 12

Eleanor Davey, Year 11

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 3 FABULOUS, FUNNY, FANTASTIC FRANCES

NOW I AM EIGHT

Fabulous, Funny, Fantastic Frances: Eyes of dark chocolate, Hair of spun treacle.

Now I am fun.

Now I am great.

Now I am wonderful.

Now I am eight.

Fabulous, Funny, Fantastic Frances Is eight years old, Her life just begun.

Fabulous, Funny, Fantastic Frances Dreams of palominos, chestnuts and dapple greys, To be tied to the Christmas tree one fine day Fabulous, Funny, Fantastic Frances Runs like the wind; Sifts through the sands of Apollo Bay, Hoping for another fine sunny day.

Fabulous, Funny, Fantastic Frances!

Anonymous

NOW I AM EIGHT Now I am eight, For nine I can't wait.

I'll go to camp, Away from my parents - oh!

How will I cope?

Be brave, I hope.

Surf on a wave, Climb in a cave.

Now I am eight, For nine I can't wait.

I'll be cool And I'll swim in a big pool!

Now I am eight, For nine I can't wait.

Han a Mian 3D

PAGE S E V E N T Y - E I G H T | SILVER & GREEN 1999

When I was much younger, I couldn't stand up.

But now my best friend Has a cute little pup.

Oh, all right, I guess: I am not short, but tall.

Anyone would say that, Yes, anyone at all.

Can you guess what I look like?

I have blonde hair: that's a clue.

But you're good at guessing.

Yes, I mean you.

I want you to try To guess how I look, Without even looking In my photo book.

Caitlin Parkinson 3D

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 4 DREAMING

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Dreaming was a special time For our Aboriginal brothers.

Land was formed by their spirit ancestors: Birds, forests, rocks, animals.

A rug of land appeared Surrounded by water For all the living to share.

Mountains reached high in the sky, Forming a lounge-room of chairs.

Aborigines have their own legends Of how this wonderful land was created, But they aren't written down: They're passed on through word of mouth To us.

Rebecca Brody 4F

S«HoOL

Scientists from the CSIRO came to visit Year 4.

We did lots of different experiments. I experimented with the force and movement of the silver balls.

Helen 4S

The CSIRO came to our class to teach us about force and movement. I experimented with three different types of wheels. Some were square, triangular and circular. The circular wheels worked best because they didn't need as much force to move them.

Vanessa 4S

I moulded plasticine into a boat and made it float on the water. If the plasticine boat has a flat bottom it will float better in the water. This is called water displacement.

Olivia 4S

Year 4 students have recently enjoyed the opportunity to 'interview' famous personalities such as Marilyn Monroe, Henry VIII and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer (as shown in the photo on the left)

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SIXTY-SEVEN

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 5 CLOUDS THROUGH THE WIND When I look at the sky, I feel the wind zooming through my hair. I hear the clouds singing sweetly in my ears and feel that I am lying in the clouds, floating in the wind.

Sometimes I even see my name Jenny in the sky. In my dreams, I feel the clouds, they feel so warm and soft. Sometimes I see my grandma lying in the clouds with me, but she can't see me.

So Grandma and I float through the wind, lying on the clouds.

I wish that this could be true.

Jenny Duong 5M

THE CAT, THE BAT AND THE RAT There once was a cat and a bat and a rat, Who lived in the dirty old sewer Until they met an old mooer!

The eccentric old cow Made the cat go, 'Wow!!!'

'What a feast!' the cat said, when coming out of his bed.

'All for my tea!

'The milk, the beef, from this beautiful beast, 'And all of it for the wondrous me!!'

Then the rat came along, And threw an old thong, At the selfish old cat.

And then the cow sat with the rat And yelled at the bat, 'Hey, come to the mat!' and they ate the big COW, and the cat groaned, 'Meow!'

And that was the end of the silly old cow.

Jessie Richardson 5M

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JUNIOR YEAR 6 GOING INTO YEAR 7 Going into Year 7 We all can't wait!

Meeting all the new girls, Getting new friends, Meeting new teachers and people.

Moving into Wood building, with lots of room.

We're closest to the tuck-shop, So we get first in line.

With Mrs Reddan as our principal, nothing will be dull.

She'll show us around, So we'll all feel at home.

We get to choose our own language.

There are so many, I don't know which to pick.

Going into Year 7 We all can't wait!

Katherine Rao 6C X

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1999 |

PAGE

FORTY-THREE

Lisa Kirwan, Year 11

Ceci Dowling, Year 12

Polly Dedman, Year 12

Georgia Watson, Year 12 Jaclyn Lee, Year 12

Rebecca Bartlett, Year 12

Jane Hayes, Year 12

Rebecca Bartlett, Year 12

Liz Reed, Year 10

Nicole Chalamchatvichan, Year 12 Jordan Barling, Year 12

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Bridget Basham, Year 11

JUNIOR SCHOOL YEAR 6 LAST GOODBYE "Nearly finished that story, Jesse?"

Hi, I'm Jesse Oliver Daniels. I'm nine and a half.

So is my best friend, Anna Werne. She and her boyfriend are driving to Brisbane today.

"Nearly," I called from upstairs. "I've just got to finish this line and I'm done."

I stopped for a minute when the phone rang. I heard Dad go outside.

He did that when Grandma died. The only thing that could mean was bad news. I froze at the thought of it.

"Jesse," I heard Dad call from downstairs. I sat up straight and pretended to be typing. "Jesse, something's happened. You know Anna..."

"Yeah."

"Well she and her boyfriend have been in a car accident."

"No, no," I said under my breath, "no."

That night I was told about what had happened.

I automatically turned every detail into a picture in my head.

I saw the car Anna and her boyfriend were in, and they were turning at the intersection and then a speeding truck went through a red light. It hit Anna's car. I waited until I could see her... Her face was all bloody like in a murder movie. He looked awful too. I looked at his face. He was out of the car and looking at his girlfriend dying. Suddenly a car came round the corner fast and Aaron lunged to shield his friend. The car hit Aaron. Minutes later an ambulance came and took them both away.

A day after that I found out that both Anna and Aaron were dead. I felt like the world had just come to an end. I felt an ice-cold tear stream down my boiling face.

At the funeral I looked at the white, withered body of my best friend. My brain couldn't resist thinking of ways I could have stopped it from happening:

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(1) I could have asked her to come over to my house.

(2) I could have phoned her just before she left.

And so the list goes on. I'm sure that everyone has a long list of "if onlys", especially his mum, a tall middle-aged woman who has a kid that will stay in Brisbane forever.

I am so sad. I know it sounds silly but I just want you to know, up in heaven, that I'll always love you, Anna.

[This story is dedicated to Anna Werne who was killed in a car accident in 1997.]

Jessie French 6C

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CREATIVE WRITING JUNIOR SCHOOL WINNER

The Horizon is tricking you!

The wind is blowing, Day is going, Drifting across the sea.

And then the night flies Through my kite, flying above me.

I look across the sea And the city looks at me.

When look, it looks so small But how could that be if it has 100 malls?

The horizon is tricking you.

This is true, for I am the horizon, which always tricks you.

Victoria KiI pat rick 5L

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JUNIOR SCHOOL

JUNIOR SECONDARY FORMING HORIZONS

Junior Secondary School is a time when students are developing their skills and minds, and undertaking new ventures while forming new horizons in every aspect of their lives. In this section, you will sample some of the exciting, vibrant energy of Years 7 and 8.

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HEAD OF JUNIOR SECONDARY MRS FRANCOISE REDDAN Edwina and I hoped to conduct a relaxed interview with Mrs Reddan about her vision for Junior Secondary School. However, we found that she was just about to leave for New Caledonia on a school trip with a group of Year 8 French Immersion Students - just one of the many opportunities available to JSS students! Thankfully, Mrs Reddan offered to answer our questions whilst on the plane and fax them back to us.

This year's Silver and Green theme for Junior Secondary School is 'Forming New Horizons'.

As Mrs Reddan comments, "JSS is the ideal time for students to be forming many new horizons. Students are going through so many significant changes themselves, physically, emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually, that 'new horizons' are always in sight."

Mrs Reddan's favourite aspect of JSS is the students. She especially delights in the great variety of activities undertaken by the diverse range of students.

Most particularly this year she enjoyed the large scale event of the House Music Festival, where she was thrilled to see all the JSS students participating with "energy, skill and enjoyment." Another highlight of her position is seeing students learn in "so many ways" through the different activities that they are involved in.

She sees her role as "harnessing great human energy and potential through working with a team of dedicated staff towards a vision of the best Junior Secondary School by world standards". She hopes to build a school in which "e-learning" prevails: that is, learning which is "Exciting, Effective, Efficient, Expansive, Exacting, Enjoyable and Enduring," resulting in students in JSS becoming people "who will make a positive contribution locally and globally."

Mrs Reddan believes that every student can experience success, emphasising that success can be defined in many ways. She tries to instil this message in students. She hopes that JSS will be perceived by students as a safe environment where they can develop the courage to "venture into the unknown" through the vast number of opportunities that Year 7 and Year 8 students have to explore with the support of their teachers. By forming new horizons, she hopes that students will learn to value a variety of talents and special qualities in both themselves and others.

Mrs Reddan is also enthusiastic about the joys of working with committed and skilled staff who have "a passion for working with students in JSS." She is committed to working in partnership with her staff to achieve her vision for Junior Secondary School.

Kathryn Grigg 12J

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JUNIOR SECONDARY SPORT

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TEAM REPORTS JSS BADMINTON

JSS HOCKEY

The JSS Badminton team has had a lot of success and support this year. The response since the first practice has been fantastic.

Students from Years 7 and 8 have become part of an enthusiastic group. There was a strong feeling of team spirit and support during each game. We had a successful season, winning a number of matches against some strong opposition. We had very good players and hopefully this success will be carried on next year.

The MLC JSS Hockey team was very successful this year. Not only did the A team win all games except one, the B team, who had never played hockey before, had a go and started to shoot goals.

Tejinder Mettho 8J

The games were mostly played on the new MLC synthetic ground, but a couple of matches were played on grass, making it really difficult for us to hit long or hard shots. We trained every Friday night and played on Mondays. Thank you to our coach Miss Birrell. Overall we had loads of fun and are looking forward to beating other schools next yearf Pippa Oostergetel 8F Katrina Blaubaum 8E Team members Caroline Arden Brianna Basham Katrina Blaubaum Kate Brown Anna Buchanan Renee Clark Lauren Cockerell Ella Crotty Alison Crowe Helen Feddersen Rebecca Fernandez Gabie Gory Sarah Gundlach Martine Holberton Jennifer Huang Caroline Kronborg Kate Lawther

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Maggie Marsh Kate Melville Lauren Middleton Natalie Morris Isabelle Murphy Lizzie O'Halloran Pippa Oostergetel Sally Rozen Renee Schulberg Sarah Stawell Ingrid Stead Jessica Stewart Emma Symington Kara Wheatley Annabel White Louisa Whitehead Daisy Wong

JUNIOR SECONDARY SPORT TEAM REPORTS JSS SOFTBALL

JSS VOLLEYBALL

Even though we didn't have a very successful season, everyone enjoyed themselves. We tried the skills of pitching, fielding and batting. During the season we all learnt a lot about the game of softball and improved with each game. The B team did very well in their first two matches but were then defeated by Melbourne Girls' Grammar School. The A team played a very exciting match against Melbourne Girls' Grammar School and ended up losing by only one run, which was their closest match.

Overall, everyone tried their hardest and had a lot of fun. It was a great season.

This year's JSS Volleyball team has had a great season with the A team remaining undefeated and the B Team losing only two matches. At the start of the season our digs and sets were a little rusty, but by the end we had them all perfected. Both teams learnt different strategies such as the dig, set and spike, and some members of the A team learnt overhead serves.

The highlight of the season would have to be the last game against Genazzano. We had a terrific season. Congratulations to all team members who trained hard and played very well throughout the season.

Ella Kinnear 8G

Lizzy Oppy 8J Lilian Dikmans 8G

Team A Julia Kilpatrick Geraldine Ng Megan Ang Kate Milner Ella Kinnear Kimberley Norton-Old Sarah Stawell Tory Kinross Laura Trengrove Julia Corstorphin Kobi Tollitt Stephanie Chan Rachel French Stephanie Hills Team B Carman Chan Kate Bailey Georgina Langmead Genevieve White Angelique Athanasion Natasha Krietals Jane Barnett Clare Shepherd Alison Crowe Katherine Kavadis Miranda Martin Emma Cathels

Team A Thao Tran Daisy Wong Renee Clark Lizzie Oppy Ginny Atkins Lilian Dikmans Anh Phan Ella Kinnear Rochelle Manoharan Teams B&C Kathy Russell Louisa Whitehead Jessica Stewart Katrina Hodgson Niki Walters Isabelle Murphy Ella Crotty Louisa Harris-Baxter Anna-Sophia Lazarou Marie Hopkins Rebecca Zimet Renee Canzoneri

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Rowing Volleyball Hockey Softball

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Badminton

Equestrian

Gymnastics

Tennis

Aerobics

Waterpolo

Netball

SOUNDS OF JSS CHOIR & ORCHESTRA Term 2 saw the Year 8 choir girls enthusiastically rehearsing for their item at this year's Music Event in the Melbourne Concert Hall. Miss Deppeler chose a selection of songs from My Fair Lady and, after the combined first song "On the Street", with the Year 7 Choir, the Year 8s moved forward to centre stage. With the sopranos dressed as Eliza, and the altos as Cockneys, the girls entertained us with a theatrical song and dance presentation of Wouldn't it be loverly and I'm getting married in the morning. Professor Higgins voiced his frustration whilst the Year 8s moved back to the choir rostrum to perform the grand finale of / could have danced all night with the Year 7s. It was fun and exciting to have the opportunity to dance on the stage at the Concert Hall.

Miss Kareene

At The Music Event, the JSS Orchestra played Hymn to Joy by Beethoven and Hungarian Dance No 6 by Brahms. We really enjoyed playing in the beautiful Concert Hall to such a large audience. It was a great experience.

Jane Patterson 8G and Ellen Ross 8F Joint Leaders of JSS Orchestra

Deppeler

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ENSEMBLES IN ACTION

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL FANFARE

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL ORCHESTRA

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CREATIVE WRITING JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL WINNER HORIZONS As I sit here in my house, I can see no horizon, No long vast span, No multicoloured place from which the sun comes.

And as I sit here, I wonder why I can see no horizon.

It's because there are objects blocking the way: Houses, Cars, Bikes, People, Buildings, Factories.

That's why I can't see the horizon.

But If I was out in the country, Early on a cold morning, I could see the horizon, Feel the warmth of the sun.

You see, The horizon is not just a place where the sun comes from; Not just a place which seems to end the sea: It's also a place where people can aim.

A horizon. A goal.

Far, far away, yet so close; Much clearer away from the clutter of life: Houses, Cars, Bikes, People, Buildings, Factories.

So next time you see a horizon, Treasure it.

You can aim for that place: "I want to be a pilot."

Then aim for the space above the horizon: Dream for it Fly far above and remember the horizon is never ending.

Nicole Gale 8D

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JUNIOR SECONDARY YEAR 8 CAMP this year was, as usual, at Ovens Valley Homestead in March, and it was lots of fun. We did heaps of activities including a lateral thinking course, bush survival, swimming, abseiling and rock climbing. We also did an aerial obstacle course, camp plays, and listened to an Aboriginal speaker who told us about the culture of his people.

The activity we enjoyed the most was rafting on Lake Buffalo. We built our own rafts and then raced them.

Only a few people fell in the water, which didn't matter anyway because in the end we all jumped in the lake for a swim!

The camp's owner and director, Ian, showed us many things about lighting camp fires and first aid in the bush. We all made bush stretchers using sticks, leaves, string and anything else we could find. After we had constructed our stretcher, a reluctant group member climbed on to it and was carried around a course by the rest of her team.

Year 8 Camp was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended and we are sure the Year 8 girls at MLC in future years will enjoy the opportunity to visit this camp.

Sally Rozen 8C Helen Feddersen

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JUNIOR SECONDARY CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COUNCIL REPORT This year has been a very eventful one for the SRC. We have had two casual clothes days, in which we raised about $815 in total.

Organisations we have supported are the Make a Wish Foundation and World Vision. We also participated in the very successful Jeans for Genes day, for which we raised $525.

In our numerous meetings we have come up with many suggestions, some of which we followed up. For example, we were lucky enough to trial new tables and chairs for JSS. (We will hopefully get new tables and chairs next year.)

I have enjoyed SRC meetings this year and hope that these meetings will continue next year too.

Megan Ang 8C JSS SRC Secretary

JSS INTER-HOUSE MUSIC FESTIVAL The 1999 JSS Inter-House Music Festival was held on Friday 3rd September in the Assembly Hall. It was a thrilling and interesting occasion.

It was fabulous to see JSS students organise the event - conducting, singing, playing instruments, dancing and maintaining crowd control! Cato, who were the overall winners of the event, won the Song section of Massed Singing with a lively and fluent performance of "Hail Holy Queen" (from Sister Act), conducted by Niva Malka. They also won the Variety item with an entertaining and energetic rendition of "Oh! Mickey" choreographed by Amy Pitchford, Steph Drucker and Elisa Konstantindis.

Special mention must go to Fitchett for their lively and captivating performance of "It's Only a Paper Moon", complete with instrumental ensemble, singers and movement! Congratulations to Cato House Music Captains Georgie Harbeck and Elli Kashima (and to House Teacher Ms Jen Clarke) and also to all involved in the Festival!

Mrs Fiona McLean

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MIDDLE SCHOOL EXPLORING HORIZONS

Middle School is a time of exploration and adventure, when students begin to make decisions for themselves, testing the waters for the Senior years to come. Students are presented with a variety of learning experiences, from the pastures of Marshmead to the first taste of professional life with Work Experience week in Year 10. In this section you will catch a glimpse of the essence of MLC Middle School

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F

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HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MRS DEBBIE DUNWOODY

When we asked Mrs Dunwoody what she thought of Middle School students, she eagerly answered that we were energetic, enthusiastic, really keen to understand the world and respectful of the community as well as (last but not least) the school. Not surprisingly, the amount of rubbish in Nevile is what she does not like about Middle School students! Mrs Dunwoody, who is passionate about helping young people, can be described like the Middle School students - minus, of course, the rubbish part. Layla and I found her claim to love working with MS students to be true as we sat and questioned her.

As most people would know, Mrs Dunwoody will soon be having her second child. (She already has a two and a half-year-old daughter). However, there is also a side to her that may not be known to many people.

Mrs Dunwoody admits to sometimes leaving the dishes unwashed because she doesn't like doing them. She confesses to being a bit messy and saying 'Urn' a lot.

However, Mrs Dunwoody was not a badly behaved student when she was at MacRobertson Girls' School.

She says she always did the right thing - although sometimes (cough, cough) she handed work in late. As a student, Mrs Dunwoody enjoyed Science and Art, but (wait for it....) hated French.

Ever since she was a student, Mrs Dunwoody has been busy with extra-curricular activities. She played interschool matches and came third in javelin. As President of her school's SRC, she made a speech at one of her speech nights. Nowadays she still bush walks and takes camping and hiking trips. During one camping trip she was caught in a middle of a bushfire. In general, although she is not quite a daredevil, Mrs Dunwoody does take calculated risks.

To our surprise, Mrs Dunwoody likes to listen to modern music (we thought she would be a fan of classical music or the like). Her all-time favourite bands are Midnight Oil, Enya and Crowded House. She is an Essendon supporter and affirms that she has barracked for the Bombers since she was very young - NOT just because they are presently on top of the ladder.

The Middle School theme for this year's Silver and Green is 'Exploring Horizons'. Mrs Dunwoody explained that she saw this as trying things that you don't normally do, as we always have the tendency to underestimate ourselves. Mrs Dunwoody said she hoped that MLC would continue to broaden its endless list of opportunities. She also implied that MLC students were very lucky: back in her time, the only choices for girls were cooking and needlework. She encourages all Middle School students to accept challenges and to broaden our horizons as this can enable us to realise our potential. In our opinion, Mrs Dunwoody is a great, inspirational person, who is open-minded, willing to share and to learn, and who tries to make the most of whatever opportunities she finds.

Julie Dai 9N Layla Wong 10B SILVER & GREEN

1999 |

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MIDDLE SCHOOL MARSHMEAD REFLECTIONS gathered at 6am on a school day, dragging our stripey bags behind us. Each bag was adorned in various ways to identify it. There was a colourful ribbon here, a surname or initials written boldly over there. My bag was proudly striped with pieces of silver duct tape which reflected the light - my brother's idea, I admit!

With all the bags, laptops, instruments and boxes loaded, it was time to say farewell to our families. Love you, Write to me, and I'll miss you were the most common words exchanged, accompanied by one or two tears.

However, all our forlorn feelings were lost soon after we hit the road. Forgetting that the trip was to be eight hours long, all our energy was released in the first hour in a commotion of noise. By the second hour the magazines were dumped to the side, and restlessness was taking its toll. What was to be done in the next six hours?

The five kilometre walk into Marshmead was a feat. Tired and groggy, we trudged down the dirt road.

Luckily for us it was all downhill.

Anticipation of the objective ahead became adrenaline, spurring us on. Our first sight of Marshmead from the top shed was the gratifying prize for our hard work. Applause and hoots of triumph echoed through the mountains. We were the queens of Marshmead!

The first few days passed quite slowly. We discovered our houses, our home group teachers, the Marshmead staff, and our surroundings.

We had the task of unpacking and retrieving our individual stripey bag from among the sea of hundreds. We had almost forgotten that we still had to do classes here and that those textbooks, reluctantly packed in a box, would have to be used.

Marshmead was the perfect time to free yourself. The environment was so tranquil: cows mooing in the distance, birds singing in the mornings and the candy floss of grey mist PAGE

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settling in the hills. There was no trace of speeding cars or the smell of exhaust fumes - except for the troopies, if you were really starting to feel city sick!

Cooking for your house, going on picnics and perhaps spending some time on your own outside were some of the activities that proved immensely enjoyable and memorable. Special events like Dorks' Night, Concert Night, and Social Night were hilarious to be part of. It was surprisingly satisfying watching the teachers making fools of themselves and having just as good as time as we were!

Leaving Marshmead after eight weeks of calling it home was like finishing a chapter of a novel.

Though we would never experience it again, there were things that would be kept and worked on; skills which we had learnt and could use to help us live the rest of our lives. We had gained cooking skills, people skills, time management skills, canoeing skills and environmental awareness. I know I try to have shorter showers these days!

Tanya Wong 9E

MIDDLE SCHOOL MARSHMEAD REFLECTIONS

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MIDDLE SCHOOL SPORT TEAM REPORTS MIDDLE SCHOOL NETBALL This was another season of excitement and commitment from all involved. Not even early morning training out in the cold could deter the girls from giving it everything they had when the Wednesday afternoon games came around.

Girls played in many different positions throughout the season, allowing them to build on their skills and have a bit of fun at the same time.

Results were outstanding, with both A and B teams getting through the season undefeated and other teams playing particularly well. The wonderful coaching from Miss Birrell and Mrs Church kept each player inspired and greatly encouraged us to play to the best of our ability.

The Schoolgirls' Netball Tournament at the end of the season was a day of fun that finished off the season nicely, and although we missed out on a place in the finals, everyone played extremely well and had a great day. The constant high spirits of all involved made it another memorable season.

Kit Wilson 10D

VICTORIAN INTERSCHOOL SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS Well, we finally did it. Last year we trailed St Catherine's by only four points, but this year, after intensive training (rollerblading, skateboarding and general fitness), we were able to come back and claim the title of Champion Girls' School with decided authority.

MLC's sixty-five strong team took part in the full range of events: Giant-Slalom (skiing and snowboard), Moguls, Classical Cross-Country, Freestyle Cross-Country, and the new event for 1999, the Bordercross.

Thanks must be given to all the parents for their tireless support, and, most importantly, to Mr Peter Torey and Mrs Penny Church for making i PAGE SIXTY-SIX

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this season not just happen, but happen successfully. We wish the Snowsports Team equal success in years to come, and thank each and every member for a fantastic final year.

Sarah Brown 12D Felicity Robb 12H Captains Meg Hutchins 12V Tanya Johnson 12V Vice-Captains

CROSS COUNTRY REPORT Wet weather, hills and pure determination were all the MLC Cross-Country team needed this year to bring home the GPSVSA Cross-Country shield.

The girls started the season with a bang, and continued to win throughout the term. Although the hills were tough and conditions were unpleasant, the girls were tougher. With help from Ms Tania Warrick, who encouraged us regularly and gave us valuable training sessions, we were able to achieve these credible victories. Every member of the team competed fantastically, with exceptional performances from Georgie McCallum, Anne-Maree Scott and Kate Rosengren, who qualified to compete at the National Cross-Country Championships held in Darwin.

Every girl who represented MLC in the Cross-Country team in 1999 should be proud of her achievements, which hopefully will continue in years to come. Well done, girls!

Kate Rosengren 12N Fiona Buchanan 12V

Triathlon Kayaking

Cross-Country

Rowing

Netball Tennis

MIDDLE SCHOOL Waterpolo

Aerobics Softball Badminton

|

Hockey

Cricket

Football

NGUKURR TRIP YEAR 10 ARNHEM LAND EXCHANGE We had two troop carriers, two roof racks, nine girls, three adults (sort of), 36 pieces of luggage, two saxophones, one guitar, food, first aid, water, tools and a precarious program. We were to experience the beauty and power of the bush in Kakadu and then live in an Aboriginal community in Arnhem Land. We were to try to begin to understand and connect with our land and its indigenous people.

We pushed ourselves physically, we did without our comforts, we helped each other and we laughed a lot. We saw landscapes that filled us with their beauty. Driving three and a half thousand kilometres through Arnhem Land, our sense of time and distance changed. We began to empty our minds of the usual babble and started to see and experience what was around us - vast tracts of bush, grassland, desert, forest. There were no fences. The colours were different. It was wild and quiet.

In Ngukurr we tried to just be there, to fit in and be available to whatever experiences presented themselves. And present themselves they did, but not in the ways we were used to - with plans and times and outcomes. Things happened if they happened and we had to just wait until they did. It was different here.

One of the great gifts of this trip was to be able to be with Aboriginal people in their place and to listen to the stories the old women told us of their lives, and to the stories of the Dreaming, which are so rich and vast that it would take a lifetime to know them. One of the old women, Maureen Thompson, took us to her land, to her caves. We saw the bones and paintings of her ancestors. We heard Maureen speak to them in her language. She told us of the laws that were broken that made the Rainbow Serpent breathe fire into the cave and kill her ancestors. We were stilled by the power and the history of this place.

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It was experiences like this that enabled us to understand deeply and emotionally something of the richness of this culture. We began to understand in ways that were very different from our Western, intellectual ways of knowing. We were able to experience things because we were given skin names; we were connected by skin within this community.

The attitude of our students helped create wonderful opportunities too - they were warm, smiling, confident and eager to learn. They sang songs, they created art, they danced, they laughed and talked, they made friends and shared some of their lives. They also watched and listened and thought deeply about where they were and what they were doing.

They also played basketball - they played basketball like whirling dervishes. They were fantastic! When Simon Normand assumed the mantle of coach and entered a team of students from MLC and Ngukurr into a competition at the Barunga Festival of Sport and Music, they rose to the occasion. They played their hearts out in the heat and the dust and made it through to the semi-finals against teams from all over the Northern Territory.

People watched - it was the first time that girls from a school in Melbourne had played here. An old Aboriginal woman, who was watching one of our games, caught my eye, smiled, and said, "That's reconciliation out there."

I guess she was right. In our own way that is what we were attempting.

By staying in Ngukurr, by sharing and learning and connecting with the people there, we were trying to reach out, to understand and to build some bridges with our indigenous people.

Ms Vivienne Powell Director of Special Education

SOUNDS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL MADRIGALS Under the direction of Mr Schmidt, the Middle School Madrigals completed another successful year. We performed at a number of memorable events, but the highlight of the year was our performance at The Music Event, where we did an international a capella performance, consisting of songs from Hungary and Australia.

We would like to thank Mr Schmidt for helping us put on many wonderful performances. He has been an inspirational and entertaining teacher.

Laura Switkowski 9N

As expected, members of Madrigals had to be committed to hard work, which involves many hours of practice. However, each member felt the commitment was worth it, especially when all our performances seemed to be highly regarded.

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IAMA IN MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR 10 CABARET jmester was filled with puppets, fairies, fridges and fun. Which class is this? Theatre Arts - a dramatic experience under the professional eye of Mr Ken Harper, and certainly one to remember. The main focus of the course was performing a cabaret, using only the expertise of the students involved, with the added help of Mr Harper. It was the first time that a cabaret had been written especially for the course and, with much redrafting of the script by the students, the final piece certainly made an impression on actors and audience - and let's not forget those behind the scenes.

Everyone in the class was involved in the creation of Off the Fridge: either in acting, make-up, costume or lighting. The play revolved around a typical yet exaggerated family, and their 'guardians' or 'fairies', which were magnets from the fridge who were able to come alive.

These fairies were portrayed by actors and puppets, which were moved about by students.

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In order for us to learn how to do this, a professional puppeteer came to teach us how to make the puppets move realistically.

Filled with singing, dancing and dream scenes, Off the Fridge was rich with opportunities to explore things many of us had never done before (being a fridge fairy is not something everyone does every day!). Under the direction of Mr Harper, the play pulled together and we produced a wonderful night, even under the pressure of shortened rehearsal times.

The night itself involved family and friends entering a transformed Betty Jackson Hall and enjoying a Mexican dinner, as well as having the pleasure of seeing the result of a hard semester's work. Every member of the Theatre Arts class will remember the time and effort they put into the performance, and how each girl put in her best while having the time of her life.

Kit Wilson 10D Elizabeth James 10P

DANCING IN MIDDLE SCHOOL YEAR 9 SOCIAL It was a cold night on Saturday the 24th of July, the day of our second social for the year. I really hoped that this one would be better than the first one. Everyone was dressed up in their little skirts, dresses or pants, waiting anxiously for the Assembly Hall doors to open so we could all go inside and start dancing. I was with all my friends, some of whom had only decided to come to this social after a few rounds of begging and pleading from me.

We were finally able to get inside and meet up with our other friends.

Some people were already line dancing on the dance floor. The minutes clicked by and soon everyone had arrived and we were all warmed up and ready to start dancing. The first hour of the dance was OK, but soon everyone was talking instead of dancing. It got so boring that I went out into the foyer for food every five minutes, just to occupy myself.

The dance floor was filled with people who were just standing there and talking. I think the reason for this was because, earlier on, one of the speakers blew and music was only coming out of one speaker, which was all crackly and full of static, putting everyone off!

I could hear the music blaring a mile away. It was a distinct techno beat. There were guys everywhere you looked. You could tell that everyone, whether they were male or female, was ready to dance the night away. I wanted a night full of fun, dancing with my friends. The Assembly Hall was packed wall to wall, and suprisingly the girls were mixing with the boys!

Everything was going smoothly, for a while anyway, until one of the speakers blew. We ended up dancing to music that was coming out of a radio, turned up full blast. After about an hour, the speakers were fixed, so everything turned out to be okay.

At the end of the night, at about 11pm, parents surrounded the hall. They were waiting for their kids to leave all the fun and dancing behind. I went home and had a hot chocolate to soothe my aching throat. They next day, I woke up with hardly any voice at all. I guess that's the price you pay for such a fun night!

Sarah Di Pietro 9M

I was ready to leave at 10pm, but had to wait for another hour to get picked up. However, a few little things entertained me in that hour, including a little fight between one of my friends and a guy, where she got a bit scared and hid from him for half of the night! All in all, the dance turned out to be a complete flop for me, but not for some of my friends. I hope that next year's social will be even better!

Melissa Yap 9M

SILVER & GREEN

1999 |

PAGE SIXTY-SEVEN

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CREATIVE WRITING MIDDLE SCHOOL WINNER

OUR FRIEND SISTER I stride down the hall in perfect health.

I get to the door, drop my eyes, and sidle to the desk.

'What seems to be the problem?' she snaps.

'My head,' I say. 'Ooo, I feel sick!'

Suspicious eyes and tight mouth.

'Name?' she says.

'Alice,' I say.

'Year 7?' she says.

'Year 9' I correct.

'Jackson?' she says.

'That's right,' I say.

'9J,' she finishes.

'Yes,1 I say...

And I remember I'm sick and I grip the desk and clutch my head and say, 'Ooo, I don't feel well!'

'This headache,' she says.

'Yes?' I say faintly.

'How long have you had it?'

'Oh, half an hour or so,' I say vaguely.

'Half an hour or so?'

'Yes, half an hour or so.'

'Well,' she says, 'you know the rule.'

'The rule?' I blink.

'Yes, the rule,' she says. 'You must have had the headache for over an hour before I can give you some of my medicine.'

I put my hand on my head and I say in distress, 'May I lie down?'

And she leans back in her chair.

'What have you got now?'

'Maths,' I say, shuddering.

'Figures,' she says. 'No. Go back to class. If you still have it by recess you can come back. If you're sick as all that you should have stayed home.'

'Yes.' I say vaguely, and totter to the door, making sure I bang into the table on the way.

I stride down the hall in perfect health, And mutter insults under my breath.

Biffy James 10P

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SENIOR SCHOOL BROADENING HORIZONS

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Senior School is a time for shifting focus. We move from the comfortable College life that we have always known to the wider horizon of tertiary goals and life beyond. In this section you will experience the sensations of Senior School life; the thoughts, activities and passions of MLC's Senior students.

SILVER & GREEN

1999 |

PAGE SIXTY-SEVEN

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HEAD OF SENIOR SCHOOL MRS JENNY COLLINS

Mrs Jenny Collins commenced as the new head of Senior School at the start of Term 2 this year. She came back to MLC (where she was a student) from Wesley to "explore new avenues" and to "find new challenges".

Entering her office, we felt a mixture of excitement and fear, but she soon put us at ease with her bright, friendly manner, and we settled into asking her many and varied questions about herself and MLC Senior School.

She has greatly enjoyed meeting her new students. Mrs Collins sees herself as an "action person" and has taken much pleasure from watching senior students get involved in so many aspects of the school. She sees Senior School as having a "vibrancy and energy" which offers a lot of potential for all students. She emphasises student involvement in the school, and in the future is planning to form smaller units where teachers can "tap into the magic" of the students and encourage students to take risks. She enjoys seeing the "cycle of students come full circle", that is, seeing past students fulfill their career goals and make their mark on the world.

Mrs Collins speaks with enthusiasm about her relationships with teachers and students in the past, and at MLC she plans to work on human relations, creating leadership opportunities for all students as she is "committed to women's leadership". She feels that teachers who are inspiring are a very important element of the last two years of school.

When asked about this year's Silver and Green theme of 'Broadening Horizons', Mrs Collins advocates that all students "should have a go", "not prejudge people" and "look for opportunities, take them up, embrace them."

Mrs Collins emphasises that, in the future, the world is going to need a very human dimension and, in order to harness this element in Senior School students, she believes that students should "not take people for granted". She plans to work on this through role-modelling and programs such as Social Service. She is a firm believer in the value of an education at MLC and an MLC ethos, and looks forward to instilling these values in her new students.

Kathryn Grigg 12J

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SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR 11 COMMITTEE The Year 11 Committee started the year with big plans: we wanted to save the world and change the school at the same time.

We wanted a democratic system, so we chose not to elect a president.

Instead, we worked entirely as a group and shared all tasks.

Our first major assignment was organising part of the Junior Carnival at the Xavier Maytime Fair.

As a group, we raised over $400 for the Jesuit Missions in India.

On that same weekend, we also helped with preparations for the Battle of the Bands competition. We sold $250 worth of tickets, the proceeds of which went to the same charity.

Our next mission was to promote the plight of cancer patients, by raising money through the Cuppa for Cancer program. We managed to raise over $100 for this cause.

In Term 2, we sent a representative, Shanti Narayanasamy, to the Turning the Tide program, which deals with drugs and other issues in the community. Also in this term we successfully campaigned for a study day during exam time.

Our largest and most recent event was Human Rights Week, which ran from the 9th to 13th August. The Committee sold $200 worth of Amnesty International badges.

The week included a casual clothes day and a Human Rights Speakers' Night on Wednesday, 11th August.

The night was a success, with speakers including Lee Kath (Faculty of Law, University of Melbourne), Anna Noronah (Director, East Timor Human Rights Centre) and a speaker from the United Nations Youth Association. Altogether, $300 was raised for the East Timor Human Rights Centre.

The collaborative efforts of the Committee have raised over $1,250 during the course of the year.

We would like to acknowledge the help of our Staff member, Mrs Pam Chamberlain, and also the members of the Committee: Stephanie Chan, Amy Marshall, Kate Price, Shanti Narayanasamy, Angela Rogers, Alice Baker, Melissa Walton, Danae Paxinos, Kelly Bucca, Georgia McCluskey, Amy Cochrane, Aingela Prokop, Jen Ryan, Emily Horner, Lucy Whitelaw, and our new members, Mollie Bobeff, Katie Bond and Emma Scarff.

Well done to all members for a very successful year!

Amy Marshall 11D Kate Price 11A

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SENIOR SCHOOL PREFECTS' REPORT: FROM JEFF TO JELLY WRESTLING Not one of the 1999 prefects would have been happy to be defined by just a title. We came to the position wanting to leave our mark on the school. We formed an eclectic group - but each member brought something valuable to the mix.

Our goals were to represent the student body, promote school spirit and contribute to the greater community.

We began the year by hosting a forum for the student heads of our surrounding schools.

Some of the ideas shared were inspiring, encouraging and even humbling. But we were most interested by an area in which we found ourselves to be lacking: school spirit. It was difficult to define where we were going wrong, let alone to set about remedying it. Our ideas on the matter ranged from linking the separate levels of our large school more through a new house system, to teaching people more school chants. Anyone who saw the prefects' skit on school spirit, and the prefects' imitation of Scotch's school chants might have doubted our sanity, but not our commitment to the cause.

Continuing the tradition of 'Funky Week' was our next challenge. Under our management, it metamorphosed into 'The Week Formerly Known as Funky.' Despite our lack of creativity in the renaming process, the week was a success, with the hilarious Talent Quest and Scotch vs. MLC debate.

It was a year when the sky was the limit. This was a feeling which Mrs McKenzie instilled in us from the beginning, and which continued right to the time she left: her parting gift was to secure Jeff Kennett's visit. It seemed, at times, that we had an impact beyond our own expectations.

The Republican Forum grew from the hypothetical to a public media event of mammoth proportions, with names like Keating and Stott Despoja being mentioned, among others.

The arrival of Mrs Collins from Wesley in Term 2 brought another view to our 'think tank', which essentially strengthened it.

There was little anyone could fault in the choice of superhuman Shen Narayanasamy as Head Prefect. Elected by a diverse year group, Shen was a true representative of everyone. She was easy to talk to and willing to listen, with limitless energy and the ability to manage to be a part of every school activity, seemingly with a talent for anything she might try her hand in. Within the prefect body, Shen seemed equally happy to play Devil's Advocate or conciliator, helping or inspiring each of us during the year.

So did we leave our mark on the school? At the very least, a quirky personality seemed to come through. Lovers of all things tacky, the prefects introduced jelly-wrestling to MLC with 'Crazy House Day', .and although our jumping castle fell through, the karaoke idea was a hit.

Erica Meriting 12S

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SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT TEAM REPORTS ROWING REPORT The MLC Rowing Squad, which almost tripled in size over the season, bombarded the lush green change rooms at Richmond Rowing Club earlier than ever this season.

Ben Stewart and Brenton Terrell, our coaches, put their knowledge and expertise to good use, mapping out the 1999 season early on and then helping us put it into practice. Over the season the squad developed enormously, with each rower's dedication, strength, determination and enjoyment for the sport growing with each stroke.

The major regattas approached rapidly, and in the early months of '99 we began to ask, "Will our training pay off?" At some point during the season, as each crew sat at the starting line, eight minutes away from the finishing line, each rower was able to answer confidently, "Yes!" The 1999 Junior and Senior MLC Rowing Squads' immense talent and strength became visible within a few strokes of the season.

MLC's finest performance was at the Head of School Girls' (HOSG) Regatta, where nearly every crew within the entire squad made it into the finals and performed a personal best. MLC claimed ten HOSG titles at the end of the day, making schoolgirl rowing history! Well done to the 1999 Squad and good luck in 2000.

Sarah Dalley 120 Captain of Boats

BADMINTON In Term 3, SS MLC girls played Badminton, achieving great results and showing fantastic sportspersonship. We started the season with a close loss to Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School, but won the next two matches convincingly against Melbourne Girls' Grammar School and Camberwell. Our match against Strathcona was

tough, and we lost by just one game, but we went on to win against both PLC and Genazzano, showing sensational improvement and team spirit. Enormous thanks must go to our enthusiastic and supportive coach, Miss Birrell.

Congratulations and thank you to everyone for their participation and effort. Good luck next year!!

Jenny Choi 11R Sushma Malipatil 11K Captains

SWIMMING From the hot, claustrophobic swim centre at Albert Park, to the freezing cold outdoor pool at Bendigo, the 1999 swimming season was highly successful for our team. We won all three swimming competitions including the GSSA, GPSVSA and the All Schools Relay Championships. This meant that we knocked over our main rivals, St Catherine's. Throughout the year, team members had many incredible individual performances and many members of the swim team went on to compete in the State Championships, with some girls even competing in the National Championships.

The MLC swim team had a really good time over the season: Their wonderful performances were mainly due to the long training hours they put in.

The team would like to thank all our supporters who came to cheer us on. We would also like to thank Ms Julie Dyring and Miss Penny O'Connell for their hard work and dedication, and the parents for their support. Well done to all the swimmers who competed for the school this year. You did a great job and we wish you the best for the years to come.

Louise Co Iban 12D Elizabeth Kelly 12D Lucy Hodgson 12X

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SENIOR SCHOOL SPORT TEAM REPORTS SENIOR SOFTBALL REPORT Liz Caldwell: C'mon, guys, only four more runs 'til.. .you know.

A short time later: Clare Kinnear: That's five...

Emma Scarff: Chocolate decadence!

The dedicated training and high team spirits of the senior softball team in '99 resulted in us remaining undefeated. However, we were not only in it to win, but to entertain. For example, the shortest run was recorded by Fiona Josephs, who, after slogging the ball to outfield, tripped over herself, thus getting no further than the mud next to the base plate.

Thanks to all the team, especially Clare Kinnear (Captain), Mrs Caldwell, and Mr Shipp for making 'the thrashing of our opposition 1 possible. And thanks to our trusty decadent* biscuits - we couldn't have done it without you!

Hilary Holland 12S Vice-Captain

FOOTBALL REPORT This year MLC formed its first ever football team, consisting of twenty-four girls ranging from Year 9 to Year 12. As in other sports, MLC went undefeated: every match has seen us give our competitors an almighty thrashing. The girls on the team have shown outstanding skills while representing the school.

The first game was against Chisolm College.

They put up a good fight but the final score was 59:12. Our second match was against Carey Grammar, who, despite their great support, were defeated, after MLC scored the first goal. Then came our decisive victory over Lauriston, which made a hat trick for the MLC team.

The conditions on the field for this match were dry and sunny - a contrast to our first match, where

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we all came back covered in mud! Siena were by far our toughest team. They put up a strong challenge to try and overcome the mighty MLC team, but the final quarter saw MLC secure victory.

All in all, the MLC football team has proven to be very successful. The popularity and success of this sport should see it continue at MLC for years to come.

Kathy McBride 12Y

WATERPOLO REPORT The 1999 Waterpolo season began with a rocky start. Poor turnouts to our two gruelling training sessions per week at the beginning gave us doubts that we would have enough players for a team.

Nevertheless, Miss O'Connell always managed to sustain our team spirit.

Defeats in our first couple of matches to Loretto and Korowa didn't dampen our spirits as we came back to comfortably beat both PLC and MacRobertson Girls' School. The remainder of the season may not have been as successful, but the lollies from Miss O'Connell on the bus ride home made up for it!

The GSSA Round Robin at PLC was our last meet for the season. Teams A & B blitzed the field in all their matches, with our A team taking first place and the B team coming third overall.

We felt we had a successful season and enjoyed the time away from schoolwork. We would like to thank Miss O'Connell for her tireless hard work and dedication.

Verity Tuck 11K Captain Sarah Brown 12D Vice-Captain

Rowing

Volleyball

Hockey

Aerobics

Netball

Swimming

Badminton

SENIOR SCHOOL

Kayaking

Cross-Counti

Waterpolo

SOUNDS OF SENIOR SCHOOL SENIOR STRINGS The MLC Senior Strings is an ensemble renowned for its excellence and professionalism in performance.

Comprising some forty students and staff tutors, the group performs annually at such occasions as the Chamber Music Concert, held in March, June's Music Event (formerly known as the Gala Concert) and the Springtime Music Showcase, which is performed at the end of Term 3.

The Strings ensemble has, for many years, also formed the string section of the orchestra for Carols by Candlelight, which is held at the Myer Music Bowl on 24th December each year. This

event provides an excellent opportunity for performance outside the school, and it is very public - a single mistake can be heard by thousands of people!

There's also the opportunity to get autographs from 'famous' people, like Peter Cupples and Michael Cormick (I hadn't heard of them either, before Carols!).

Thanks to the fantastic conducting talents of Mr McCullough (he paid me to write that part), Strings has had a highly successful 1999, and we hope its high standards will continue in the future.

Deb Watson 12P

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SOUNDS OF SENIOR SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOOL MADRIGALS What a year it has been! Working around Physics lectures, Biology lectures, English lectures (which entailed a total absence of Year 12s from rehearsals) and every other lecture the school has thrown at us has indeed proved trying.

The Senior Mads have enjoyed performing in a variety of contexts this year, from our unforgettable joint venture with Scotch College (which gave us something to talk about for the rest of the year...) to our most recent performance at the 24th World Congress of the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery. We are proud to say that we have also been able to enjoy an eclectic range of music - our favourite for '99 has to be this little

ditty: "In the window, out the front door/throw old nanny from the top floor/Pack her head into a basket/Let her sell it in the market'. (We chose not to include this in our repertoire for the surgeons.)

We have enjoyed this year immensely and as we draw closer to SS Speech Night, our final performance, the Senior Madrigal Group would like to wish Mrs Elton Brown the fondest of farewells as she leaves us - Mads will never be the same without you!

Miranda Lukey 12R Gene-Lyn Ngian 12H Sam Ng 12Q Joint Leaders of Senior Madrigals

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SENIOR SCHOOL DRAMA THE PROVOK'D WIFE (VCE PLAY)

Good Morrow, fair neighbour: you've all come to see, A somewhat restored restoration comedy.

become characters from a century that many of us knew very little about. We had to know it all, from fan language to bowing.

These eloquent words opened this year's VCE play, The Provok'd Wife, a 17th century comedy that challenged both the actors and technical team. In the sweltering March heat, the actors were powdered and wigged from head to toe while battling fatigue, colds and lost voices. The technical crew were having problems of their own, as costumes fell apart and the follow spot fused hours before the show was meant to start.

But, as always, opening night was a huge success.

This was the first year that the VCE play was taken out of the school to be performed at the Camberwell Civic Centre, thus allowing us the privilege and experience of working in a professional theatre environment.

For two nights we performed, praying that our dresses wouldn't get stuck in the door and that our wigs would stay on.

It was a great learning experience in which we gained an understanding of a completely different style of theatre that placed new demands on both cast and crew and, of course, it was a lot of fun! We must thank Ms Duncan and Mrs Donnoli for all their hard work and confidence in us.

Three months of sweating our way through intense rehearsals and a furious crash course in Received Pronunciation (R.P.) helped us to

Naanki Pasricha 12P

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ACROSS THE SCHOOL THE BIG SISTER PROGRAM BIG SISTERS Ask anyone and they'll tell you that Year 12 can be quite a strain. Day in, day out, there's always something due (mostly something that you've forgotten about). However, there is one thing that makes my day light up and all my hassles float away: Big Sister Day. Once a week I make my way down to Junior School, to a Year One classroom on the bottom floor. Sometimes I think I am too busy - that I should instead make my way to the top floor of the library and spend my time in silent contemplation of my mounting work requirements. But I always take the plunge.

With my first step inside the building, I can see bright faces, cheery-eyed, rosy-cheeked.

Sometimes they are listening attentively to their teacher in silent adoration. At other times they are scattered around the room, intent on various tasks. And on the occasions which I like best, one of "my girls" will see me and wave, telling

her classmates that "Kathryn's here!

The message soon passes along and the whole class waves at me as I come in the door.

Sometimes I get to assist with reading or writing (trying frantically to remember how to actually spell 'auntie'). At other times, I get to watch as they present their Science reports - on static electricity or on gas, liquids and solids. Or I get to join in their activities for Snail Week or Pasta Day (which are separate activities, I assure you!).

The time goes so quickly there that I often find I've stayed halfway into my lunchbreak. In "my" Year One classroom, there is no need to look at my watch. By helping them learn I learn more myself - especially given the advantages these Year Ones have that I never had a chance to experience. Not only do I have a respite from my other responsibilities, but for sixty minutes every week, I get to be a Year One again too.

Kathryn Grigg 12J

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SENIOR SCHOOL DANCES YEAR 11 FORMAL The Year 11 Formal was held at Chaucer's on 17th July.

Anticipation of the day rose throughout the year. For weeks prior to the event there were many questions that needed answering: Who was on which table? Hairstyle?

Make-up? Dress - short or long? But the most important question was: Which boy to take?

Luckily the night went off with a bang and the girls seemed to have a wonderful time. The awards for Best Dress, Hair and Date (just to mention a few) were very funny and lightened up the atmosphere of the night. Although the awards themselves were doll toilet roll holders painted gold, this didn't detract from the honour of receiving one (even if it was a tad embarrassing!).

It was truly amazing to see everyone looking so grown up. It was astounding to see the girl who sits in the back of your Maths class looking like the belle of the ball. I found it weird to see girls walking around that I was sure I had never seen at school before, but even though the year level is so big, it was great to see that everyone could get along and enjoy the night together.

The night was a lot of fun, and nothing went wrong. I hope everyone there managed to have a good night. I can also say that some became a little teary the next day when they prised their eyes open (very late in the day) to realise that the event they had been planning for months had passed them in one quick night. Yet the best thing about it is that there is always next year's formal to look forward to.

Jae Stirling 11C

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SENIOR SCHOOL DANCES YEAR 12 FORMAL The Year 12 Formal 1999 was a night to remember...for those who actually made it completely up the stairway!

The fourteen committee members and Mrs Caldwell met numerous times to put together an unforgettable evening. Our last meeting was to set up the Grand Hall with blue balloons and sparkly stars.

Once all the preparation was complete, all the committee members had to do was sit back and watch it all unfold ...

By that evening, hair had been cut, coloured, crimped, curled, permed, straightened, styled and scrunched twice over - not to mention the colouring of lips, eyes, cheeks and nails, and the removal of unwanted body (and, for some) facial hair. Everyone was well and truly ready for the night ahead.

Luxurious limousines - a fourteen-seater, the largest in Australia, amongst them - glamorous party buses and even conventional taxis proved a sure-fire way to arrive in style.

For those without the opportunity to bring a boyfriend, crush, friend, relative or blind date, there was always the chance to take one of Wesley's ... umm...finest, with the dignified offer from our new head of Senior School, Mrs Collins, to set up any Year 12 student with one of her 'boys.'

Although much appreciated, this generous offer was declined.

and even possible future achievements of certain people within the year level. Thus we initiated the inaugural Methodist Ladies' College Year 12 Academy Awards, including 'The person most likely to end up in jail' and T h e most famous, fantasised student/teacher relationship', which went to ... Oh, yeah, that's right: that one was banned.

After all the different styles of dancing displayed by some partners and Ms Storelli, and being rushed and pushed by the photographer to take our table photo - which really was not worth the time it took - the night quickly drew to a close. At the conclusion of all the thank you speeches, everyone flooded the taxi depot and double-decker buses to make their way to the after-party.

Monday morning saw many saying, "No I didn't!

Did I?" and "Who, me?!?" but, overall, those involved in planning the success of the night should be congratulated for their efforts in producing a night which will undoubtedly be remembered by all as one of the highlights of our final year.

Natalie Canzoneri 12B

After teachers finally managed to get everyone out of the foyer and into the hall, the formal was underway. As everyone took their seats for their delicious entree and the welcoming speech, a small group of the formal committee decided that it was an opportune moment (while everyone was too busy concentrating on eating their meals to listen to us) to recognise the past

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EIGHTY-THREE

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CREATIVE WRITING SENIOR SCHOOL WINNER ig to tell you about a sixteen year old girl. Like me, really. I'm sixteen. We've both got four siblings, wear glasses (well, sometimes) and we both want to make our mark on the world. But for me, the world has endless possibilities. I could do anything, be anyone. Merita's world is different. She's just been released from prison. She has watched as thirty-six of her comrades were killed. She's been beaten, starved and tortured. She has seen things that no one should have to see. But like me, she is only sixteen.

Only sixteen years old and she has said these words: "Today, I'm with my family. Tomorrow, I'm going to put on an army uniform and take a gun and go to the front line."

If Merita were born in Australia, not Kosovo, she would probably never have even held a gun, and the only army uniform she'd wear would be cut-off army dacks from Aussie Disposals. Her mum would probably be on her back: "You look shocking! Why can't you be more elegant?" Right now, her mum is more worried about whether or not Merita will reach the age of seventeen.

'Ethnic Albanian'. The words don't mean very much to us. "Terribly sad, read about them in the newspaper. Probably quite a nice bunch of people." We mutter and tut-tut to ourselves, but do we ever think about how we would feel in that situation? Do you ever thank your lucky stars that you don't have to make the choices that Merita makes every day? To flee or stand her ground. Whether or not to raise a gun. To kill or not to kill. The only judgement that I can make is that Merita should never been put into this position in the first place. But really, it's too late. Merita must decide.

She didn't ask for this life; she didn't ask to be born into a place that has been fought over for centuries: but she was. The fighting in Kosovo began before 1448. For thousands of years, people have been giving up their lives in the hope that there will be a better tomorrow. It makes me think of a scene from the movie Saving Private Ryan. The scene depicts the U.S. soldiers landing at Normandy. Huge waves lash at the boats as they approach the beach. The men are scared. But as the boats hit the shore, the men throw themselves onto the beach and lurch up the sand. One by one, they all fall down. Just like that. Every man is lying dead, and yet, more and more soldiers keep coming.

I see Merita as one of those soldiers. It's too late to run back. She has jumped from the boat and has nowhere to run but up the beach.

Charlotte Elder 11J

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SENIOR SCHOOL YEAR 12 '99 SIGNING OFF YEAR 12 REPORT A fortress of chestnut bricks, With gates on either side: A forbidden land called Centenary, Where the Year 12s reside.

Inside lies the common room, And the broken drink machine.

On the bench top sits a microwave, Which was once hygienic and clean.

The first bell rings and footsteps hurry To the first class for the day, Where the CAT stress levels are rising high, And the teacher is going grey.

'Sit down!' she barks. 'And do your work.

'You're in Year 12 mode, dear.'

So you attempt to write the first line of your CAT, Whose deadline is drawing near.

When recess arrives, it's coffee time.

But the Milo machine is broken.

It decided to eat your two dollar coin: The gods of caffeine have spoken.

Assembly time is a world of fun, With squeaky vinyl seats.

And that putrid smell wafting out of your bag Is last week's sandwich meat.

Lunchtime is a chance to escape All the frantic mess.

The CATS and requirements are piling up: You're about to die of stress.

The selection of tucker down the street Is a Year 12 student's heaven: Shakes from McDonald's, focaccias Courtyard Or Slurpees from 7-Eleven.

from

Out of school, the air is clean, The breeze is .fresh and dry.

You've spent last lesson in the toilet, Hiding from the video guy.

Finding your way to the bookroom Is sometimes a hectic maze.

Once you get there, you wait: For minutes, then hours, then days.

When you finally buy that folder, You feel dizzy in the head.

You reach into your pocket and pull out a dollar, Only to find out it's $2 instead.

But at the end of the day, when all has been done And you're at home, feeling calm and cool.

You realise that you don't have your CAT. 'Dad, can you drive me back to school?'

Edwina Jarman 12C

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SENIOR SCHOOL FAREWELL MRS JUDY MCKENZIE MLC may be renowned for its technological expertise, its stellar facilities and numerous co-curricular and educational opportunities, by far its greatest asset is the quality of its staff. MLC students are privileged to work with staff who are not only excellent teachers but have the special qualities of being able to inspire, encourage and challenge us. Mrs Judy McKenzie exemplified these qualities in her role as Head of Senior School.

Mrs McKenzie was an amazing role model for Senior students. She came to MLC in 1984. Upon her arrival, she was asked to write a short introduction of herself for MLC's staff newsletter. This is what she wrote: "I have Chaucerian delight in the flavour and foibles of individual character, have much appreciation of eccentricity, erudition, seriousness, sincerity and integrity.

I'm interested in generating and encouraging an open climate where ideas are the currency, where staff and students test their wings, where a sense of community responsibility thrives."

As Vice-Principal and Head of Senior School, she was celebrated for her motivational speeches ("Talking is my vice!") to all MLC students ("Grab life by the throat, girls!") as well as for never failing to believe that Australia's first woman Prime Minister would be an MLC student. Every speech at Assembly or talk in a classroom left us confident in the knowledge that we were Mrs McKenzie's girls - and we could do anything if we put our minds to it.

How sad and disappointed we were to learn of her retirement - we had been looking forward for so many years to that special moment when she would turn her back on the audience and speak exclusively to us Year 12s.

As we write, we are sure that everybody who has had the good fortune to have known Mrs McKenzie during her time at MLC would like to thank her for her inspirational advice, support and belief in us as MLC students. We wish her well in every venture that she undertakes and look forward to the next MLC function, so that we can invite her to come along and chat to us!

Shen Narayanasamy Sam Ng 12Q Kathryn Grigg 12J

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1999

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EIGHTY-EIGHT

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