1989 Silver and Green

EDITORIAL

As our last year of school draws to a close, we cannot help but look back on the institution (no not the looney bin) that has dominated our lives for the past thirteen years Thirteen years! Do you realise in another thirteen years the 1989 Year 12 students will be at least thirty, quite likely married and maybe even with kids, and the 1989 Prep girls will have finished their V.C.E and be embarking on a new phase of their life.. which is exactly what the 1989 Year 12s are about to do It's going to be strange not going to school, not having to remember to wear our potentially lethal chunk of metal and not living life in time to a bell

While the Year 12s will be starting a new life, do not be deceived into believing that they will be entering the real world' for the first time Some would have you believe that MLC is a protective environment where we are insulated from the real world' Well, we beg to disagree, and in fact go so daringly far as to say "fiddlesticks" Apart from anything else, we all have experienced the frustrations of coming slap bang up against the MLC Bureaucracy, a most excellent source of practice for dealing with government departments

Now, we bet you are expecting us to have a whinge about how difficult it was getting this best-ever, splendiferous, fantasmagorical magazine together followed by "wasn't it worth it" and "didn't we have fun " Well, you are wrong! We did put a great deal of hard work, effort, time, stress, chasing around and paranoid anxiety into this best-ever, splendiferous, fantasmagorical magazine and it was well worth it and we did have fun, but we are not about to tell you that!

Relevant to the topic of Silver and Green,

our editing has highlighted an issue that is of considerable concern to this school: the English language English is the most important subject taught in school simply because you need it every single day to communicate and comprehend Little attention is paid to spelling, punctuation, grammar, the foundations of the language, and the development of a sophisticated, yet simple style It is disturbing that exposure to these aspects of our language is gained through reading rather than in the classroom Quite a number of students, even in Year 12, read little besides the prescribed texts and thus their exposure to written expression is limited Surely there is room in the syllabus of each year level to develop students' competence in the use of the language as well as to encourage creativity )ust as a dictionary is an essential reference for English, a concise and informative grammar book should also be listed as a required text This is not to say the articles we received were badly written You will see in the magazine that there are many excellent pieces which we hope you will enjoy reading

Silver and Green is becoming a more student-oriented magazine every year We wanted to give you a good, varied magazine and we hope we have succeeded One other point to remember is that although the front of the magazine says 1989, in reality the magazine covers Semester Two of 1988 and Semester One of 1989 or thereabouts

While we have busted our guts (almost!! putting this magazine together, remember that it is you who will determine the content and the future success of Silver and Green

Your editors, Helen Mentha and Lizzie Douglas.

EDITORS

SLLzaJj£.tlz (J^!oucj[a$ cMzLEn cAK£11 tU

YEAR 12

'J-U.lixi -Pxyoz

£unics. 9 intux <cNoxa (SftLton. miHs. U\Lngiton

Smmo. Jlzaxy XyncLC c'lUCex

UKatz yliixuJii

£mi£y iPoujex cS(uzu/ (f^eotgia <£tom

£Cbn CWa.xruL

JZutk Wrftdixs

cJfshn 'Woochidc

YEAR 11

-C.ou.IAS. BaCzi

^jadii U^idloa tzMandy 'j^ixuxy aSamantfuz ^eUmcui

U{atxina Jlaunzncs. C-tcLVn. Jlzadk U(atfiya cAAaxtyzi. JlAdlnda <^ViAoL'icli carina. cStzuraxt

YEAR 10

Cosale <J~fa.[[ J^djljii

YEAR 9

JVaiaiAa Otznn

£nny WdE

YEAR 8

Jlouis*. cAAdJysjixis. Cfaixz Ufiomas

YEAR 7

Cat xLna. enfant^r Uania. ^Pxioz

YEAR 6

c^fHex zxoxy c/fnna -llacjz <Scfuuaxz

PHOTOGRAPHY

Lfti/inl Baxtex

XiMy 9 inn

GRAPHICS

^Haxtin

FRONT COVER designed by ^Ju-Cie. cMaxtin

SPECIAL THANKS to d\J(x. Ckxii JMoti.ii f^StJiooC ^PfiotogxafidLx) and.

gjjjL Dillon

(£ditoxia£ c/fdcriioij

Tragedy in Beijing Study Leave Continues

Beijing was to have been the holiday at the end of twelve weeks study leave Here was the chance to relax and to be a tourist I was drawn by the fascination of a great people with a unique heritage The wonders included the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, Forbidden City and then there were the culinary delights such as Beijing Duck

Instead, Beijing became an integral part of the study leave In Beijing I was amongst students who had chosen to demonstrate their purpose and commitment to the reform of a political system There was a group of 40 Year 7 students with their teacher riding their bikes to Tiananmen Square to express solidarity with the one million people already in the square Then there were the older students in and around the square organising traffic, keeping space for ambulances and for processions, raising money to feed the people who chose to come to the square rather than to work Then there were the students so committed to a cause bigger than themselves who were fasting, not for 40 hours, but to the end

With fear I saw the arrival of the army No doubt the students experienced the same fear but this did not deter them from prompt action They met the army in the outskirts of the city, they stopped the trucks by standing in front of them They spoke to the soldiers, they argued with them and they fed them Then I witnessed the modern day miracle — those trucks turning around and departing

Unfortunately, the joy of the departing army trucks was short- lived We all know what happened after this As I look at my photographs of this time I wonder if the people in my photographs are still alive

These incidents remind me that many of life's experiences result from causes beyond our control They begin with our conception and birth, in which we have no say As life goes on, other unchosen things happen to us such as an illness, an accident, even meeting a person But most experiences arise out of our own choice In some situations, responsible people find that while they are free to choose, paradoxically they have no choice Facing one option they perceive to be right, and another perceived to be wrong, they know that only one course is morally open to them At such a time, they may say, with Martin Luther: "I can do no other, so help me God"

Mr David Loader, Principal

Mr Loader: An interview

Okay, I wanted a challenge, so I decided to do an interview with Mr Loader

Mr Loader is a very easy-going person and nice to talk to I asked him lots of questions I must say I was very nervous

Mr Loader had a business trip overseas: he went to England, America and Beijing In Beijing he was in the riots and protests Mr Loader doesn't get worried by crowds I mean you couldn't if you worked at MLC In America Mr Loader lived in boarding houses at the schools and sometimes in hotels He said that the schools in America are very different from MLC and other Australian schools MLC is very advanced in science, maths and computing Mr Loader told me that MLC is one of the oldest girls schools in the world He also went to schools in England and had conferences

Mr Loader said he really misses living in a normal house with a garden He also said that he knows when the boarders are happy and when they are quiet He said he wanted to be a teacher when he was my age I asked Mr Loader if he is a good typist and he said "Not really, but I can find my way round the board."

Mr Loader also said that in about five years every student will have their own portable computer and discs instead of books

The End

Catrina Hunter, Year 7

Tiananmen Square. Beijing

SENIOR SCHOOL

Mrs McKenzie reports on her recent trip to New England, USA.

In some ways the schools I visited were very different to MLC Their graduation, for example, was very different from our Speech Night One girls' school which, quite rightly, prided itself on producing young women of independence and initiative, held an afternoon garden party graduation Chairs were arranged on the rolling, verdant lawns on which proud parents sat as the girls, all attired in a pretty white dress (rather like a debutante's dress) and carrying a basket of flowers (like Ophelia!) came winsomely up the steps to the large white, colonial verandah to receive their graduation books The scene was like something from Gone With the Wind, with every girl the perfect image of genteel femininity

Then the girl who was dux rose to make the graduation speech on behalf of the Class of 89 It was full of stirring words on opportunities for women and revealed her intelligence and drive The speech was greeted with acclamation No one seemed to notice the ironic contrast between the girl's utterance and her demure image

American schools differ in other ways as well Their general education goes on longer There is less pressure to specialise as is the case here with girls who take the Year 11 sciences After secondary school in America they go on to, mostly, a general education College course The pressure there is to get into a prestigious university rather than into a particular course Incidentally, the pressure to achieve well academically, and the differing status of universities is greater in America than it is here Constantly the talk amongst teachers, parents and students was of the tremendous competition to get a place at a prestigious university And the students worked hard Immensely hard They knew where they wanted to go and were dedicating all their energies to getting there! But you must remember I am talking about New England independent schools where the students are very motivated and do very well This wouldn't be true of all schools, just as it wouldn't be true of all schools here

Similarities included the energy and excitement of the students, the importance of a broad extra curriculum with great opportunities for sport and creative and performing arts, the importance of developing girls' confidence and self-esteem, particularly with technology, good facilities, the importance of computers in education and the stress on developing students as independent learners There are good teachers and good students in both America and Australia and, of course, a longing for the long summer holidays so they can surf and sunbake and laze about!

There were two things 1 liked most about my trip I liked Americans very much I liked their warmth and their real interest in other people Those I met genuinely wanted to engage in an exchange of ideas I liked their zest, their enthusiasm, their belief that they could control their own lives and change the world by effort and planning I liked their colour and their vibrance

I also love to travel The real education of a trip such as mine is the experience itself It is an opportunity to extend your horizons by seeing how other people in other countries do things — how they run their education programs and conduct their daily lives Travel means the opportunity to talk to people who have different perspectives, different experiences 1 like the world and I enjoy being in it!

Year 12 Jumpers

This year has seen the introduction of a new phenomena to the school environment I speak, of course, of the Year 12 jumpers

As you are all aware the VCE students receive a special jumper whilst doing their final year at school Gone, however, is the drab grey of years past To take its place a cream coloured jumper with a green MLC logo has arrived on the scene

The jumper was introduced to match the new uniform Darker threads were run through the wool to prevent it from looking too dirty after it had been worn for some time Students voted for the emblem and it was approved by the MLC committees

The final judgement, however, rests with the students, so I asked some of them their opinions of the new jumper The conclusion was almost unanimous — it is nice but impractical Most students liked the look of the jumper and felt it was much more stylish than in previous years They liked the colour and most thought it matched the new uniform very well One student remarked: "It's great because it is a real status thing People know you are in Year 12." Another noted: "People can see it clearly in the street, especially if you are not wearing your blazer!"

There were some problems noted as well The major complaint was the impractical nature of the colour Most said their jumper became dirty after just one wearing and had to be washed frequently Some students remarked that the darker threads throughout made it look dirty even before it was worn Most did not think it suited the old uniform particularly well and the other complaint was how dirty the cuffs became One student remarked: "By the end of the week 1 look like I play football for Collingwood with black and white stripes up and down my arms And it can be awful having people able to pick out what you had for breakfast each day of the week by the various splotches on your jumper." Students were happy to make suggestions as to how the jumper may be improved They would like to see a more practical colour and possibly a rounded neck Another idea was having the emblem more centrally placed as at present it is not visible when wearing a blazer If the colour does not change for next year, however, here is some advice for incoming Year 12 students..

Use Sard's Wonder Soap!

Juliana Stamp, Year 12.

PHOTO: IENNI BAXTER

PREFECTS '89

Aiming For Prefection

It was a prefectly fine end to the decade for the 1989 prefects Be not deceived, for under those coveted gold stars lie the same students who existed before their election into prefectdom A gold star does not (necessarily) a bossy boots make

Exercising our role as prefects for the whole school, we joined the Year 5s for a Teddy Bears Picnic in the front gardens Any possible differences in age and amount of homework per night were soon forgotten as barriers were broken down by those much loved, slightly defluffed teddies who wanted everyone to play games and become so absorbed in the treasure hunt that no one would notice they were eating all the food Of course there was a serious purpose behind this bearly disguised excuse for having some fun and this was to encourage communication between sections of the school Sadly, we were unable to have Teddy Bears picnics with every year level in the school, so a prefect attended |SS and Middle School SRC and Year I 1 committee meetings instead

The fun is not over yet A talent quest has been organised and promises to be entertaining at the very least A question remains to be answered — shall we discover the next KylieColette-Madonna and do we get a ten percent cut?

On a more serious note we were also involved in various aspects of the Senior School Church Service at Wesley Uniting Church, and the handing out of programs at the Gala Concert

Our annual prefect's netball game was held with the Scotch College prefects, but our brilliant skills and tactics were no match for their ..height (That's our story and we're sticking to it) Our cause was not completely lost, however, as the match was declared a draw

Along with the fun, there is a more serious side to being prefects: helping maintain school rules, appearing at official functions, representing the students and the school, and, of course, tram duty Should you be pulled up by a prefect for an infringment of the rules do not instantly assume we are power hungry tyrants We have as much right to be stressed out as every other Year 12 student

On a note of thanks, we would like to extend our appreciation to Mrs McKenzie for her help and encouragement throughout the year 1989 Prefects.

Stacey Allwood

Claire Barton

lustine Bennett

Ingrid Corrie

Gillian Coutts

April Donnelly

Elizabeth Douglas

Andrea Frost

Yvette Gow

Amanda Hogg

Marnie Hopkins

Vicki Hore

Emma Leary

Julie Martin

Emma Royal

Rachael Scott

Jacyl Shaw

lodie Storey

Catherine Svars

Belinda Trembath

Katherine Wilkie

Senior Prefect: Dinusha Joseph

joint Deputy Senior Prefects: Sandra Chin

Daina Clark

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Not what do we want from Middle School but what do we have to put in?

Writing about Middle School in the middle of the year is probably not a good idea It is winter, end of term and hundreds of reports have to be signed My mind goes back to some rather dispiriting SRC speeches which all seemed to begin with "We want..." and "If you elect me I'll get you..."

"Typical political aspirants" was what the electors thought and voted accordingly As usual, good sense prevailed and we have a responsible committee who are rather more idealistic and, at the same time more practical than the promisers of luxurious common rooms and the abolishers of uniform

Speech Night last year was very different We had a special guest, Mrs Lorna Chambers, who had been the Honorary Organizer of the Assembly Hall Fund in the fifties which culminated in the building of an ediface we use almost daily It was a great achievement and Mrs Chambers' work was recognised when she was presented with a beautiful little MLC gold star with emeralds She wore the brooch that night

Mrs Chambers and many other benefactors of the school, like Mr Nevile and Mr Cato did not personally benefit from what they gave This year's Senior School students were responsible for many of the improvements in our part of the school which they never visit any more Some of our recent school leavers initiated the Middle School Fashion Parade which helped to pay for the diving board We need to be reminded of this from time to time

These examples are all of the bricks-andmortar variety Perhaps girls don't realise how responsive the school is to change Two of our brilliant mathematicians, Anne Shelley and |o Masel, are trialling for the mathematical Olympiad They have come up through the Accelerated Maths classes which already jump a year Clearly we will have to think about more vertical timetabling for students like them Way back we had some very talented gymnasts and with the superb facilities the school now has, even more gym students are attracted Fiona Hart in Year 10 is now at international standard and we all benefit from seeing her

In any group of people there will be some whose attitude is "What's in it for me?" Both within and outside the school, however, there is a recognition that MLC is a place where, over a very long period of time, staff and students old and new have "put in" whether in money or talent or time or ability And while we may not instantly receive the benefit, the people who came before us provided us with many of the assets which we sometimes take for granted but for which the school is renowned, lean Prest, Head of Middle School

Cabaret

This year the Year 10 Theatre Arts group presented "Life Support

The play consisted of four scenes, all set in a hospital waiting room and revolving around an unseen character Unseen that is, until the last scene when she enters the play with a vengeance

The atmosphere was created using various effects, from a flashing red light to nurses bringing false teeth around to all the tables

The meal and service was excellent and combined with the theatrical talents of the girls to make the cabaret a most enjoyable occasion Cassie Hall, Year 10.

Middle School Drama 1988

Tension mounted during the week prior to the actual performances of the plays which we had tried so hard to perfect It seemed ages, but the evening of the Drama finally arrived

The first play was titled "The Man Who Wouldn't Go To Heaven", staged by Berry This was followed by Nevile's interpretation of "The Lost Ring", an old Indian folk-tale Then the moment I had been waiting for arrived It was time for Cato to perform "Shall We loin the Ladies", an English mystery by J.M Barry Whilst the other plays were on we had been busy getting ready and even meditating to help calm the over-excited cast Finally Cato was on stage and it seemed only minutes before the final curtain came down

The next night Fitchett performed "Top Table", which at times had the whole audience laughing Last, but not least, Krome delighted us with the "Odyssey of Runyan ]ones" Then, after a torturous wait the adjudicator came onto the stage announcing that Cato was the winner, with Fitchett second For everyone involved, the many hours of hard work had been worthwhile

Anna

Stewart, Year 11.

Year 9s Get Down and Boogie!

Where was the majority of Year 9 on March 4 and May 27 at 8pm? Most girls would reply, "At the Year 9 Dance."

For the week preceeding the two dances the most commonly asked question was "What are you wearing to the dance?" Everyone looked so different; it was quite a change from green gingham

The first dance was quite good with approximately three hundred girls and guys raging the night away in the Assembly Hall The time went so quickly and soon the final song was playing It was "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys Everyone, being in a tropical mood, swayed away to this last song and looked forward to the next dance

About twelve weeks later the second dance was held This one was even better than the first with about three hundred and fifty girls and guys hitting the dance floor We enjoyed every single minute, but once again 1 1.30 came and the final song was played This time it was "Eternal Flame" by the Bangles

Hopefully, the Year 9 Dance will be an "Eternal" event, continuing vear after year

Thank you to the Dance Committee for organising such a fantastic event

Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9

The Picture

I stared up at the picture, Hung by someone who Doesn't know, can't guess, How unsuitable it is to the room

A room where sorrow, And the pain of waiting, Goes on for hours, Which tick by like years

Waiting for something, anything, That will tell you your sister's better When only a few hours ago, She was dancing across the road

A picture which tries to show Just how beautiful the world can be, Is out of place,

In one of the ugliest places in the world

You sister's laugh, her smile, Her springing steps as she reaches the road

Her hugging your parents, And gaily waving goodbye

You hear the creaking of the door, As the powerful white figure enters that terrible room

You see the creases in his skin as his mouth turns up

And suddenly the picture is in place

Sarah Wright

Middle School

S.R.C.

After six months of "Will I get in?" and "vote for me or you die" the new S.R.C is now in office

The new student council promises many new changes, including open air meetings, an S.R.C information board and S.R.C updates during assembly Organization of the annual fashion parade has already begun, the proceeds of which will go towards a much requested telephone All this after just one meeting Vicki Huang, Year 10.

Middle School S.R.C

Year 10

Angela Andrews

Vanessa Fahey

Beth Fuller

Katie Gore

Emily Hoe

Vicki Huang (chairpersonl

Rebecca Miller

Phuang Quach

Sylvie Sliskovic

Andrea Trembath (vice chairperson and treasurer)

Year 9

Shelley Benson Lenore Ellett

Fiona Fang

ienny Gee Wah

Ingrid Hopper

Kylie Hudson

Amy leeves

Melissa Perks

Melinda Schambre (secretary)

Brianna Smith

Year 10 Cabaret

On the sixth of December 1988, Middle School Girls were crushed as they fought their way towards the Betty lackson Hall for the Middle School Fashion Parade Once inside the hall it was not hard to relax and enjoy the music and the fashion

The models, girls chosen by a panel of SRC members, looked dazzling and seemed to work well as a team The models, the compere and technical team had only one and a half days of practice before the parade

The clothes, courtesy of Diesel, Speedo and Flossies, ranged from very casual day-wear right through to the most glamorous of night-time attire The audience seemed impressed by the clothes and amused at the sight of their friends playing Elle MacPherson

When I talked to the compere, Louise Findlay, she was full of praise for the models and the parade as a whole Louise and other members of last year's SRC are most anxious that the fashion parade should continue as it is lots of fun for all involved

Money raised for the parade is still in SRC funds; it is hoped that this money will be used for the much needed telephone in Nevile Wing A total of close to $400 was raised from just two parades Jane Libbis, Year 10.

Outward Bound

This year's Outward Bound, as in many other years, was extremely enjoyable Numerous girls braved the elements for a bit of good, hardworking fun

At the start no one knew quite what to expect Digging holes for toilets and the thought of no showers turned people off but we soon discovered that it wasn't all that bad Towards the end most groups worked out a routine for all the chores

On the first day we were introduced to our camp leader from Outward Bound Then we got a brief description of what to expect After that, the vital decisions: what clothes to bring No one was really sure Then we were distributed with vital equipment: sleeping bags, back packs, ground sheets and biwies

Food on Outward Bound was fairly good

Everyone got used to Black and Gold label products: dry biscuits, cheese, corned beef, beetroot, creamed corn, unsliced bread and dehydrated vegetables Stew was a favorite for tea and porridge became a favorite at breakfast

We also had coffee, tea and Quik

Shelter was a plastic sheet tied with cords, with a ground sheet and a sleeping bag for a bed Most people in my group used their beloved backpack as a pillow

The only thing everyone missed, except for their beds, was Melbourne water The water there was not safe to drink without first adding iodine True, iodine is used a lot in Science, but it is also used extensively to purify water If you didn't iodise the water you got the dreaded lurgy

The course consisted of a ropes course, cooking, a long walk to many of the destinations, more walking, abseiling and rock climbing, rafting and everyone's favorite, bivvy day Bivvy day consisted of doing absolutely nothing Natasha Otzen, Year 9

Overall, Outward Bound was a once-in-alifetime experience everyone should do Fun in the outback where favorite conversations included McDonalds and constipation I'm sure even if they don't think so — that everyone enjoyed Outward Bound

MY FRIEND

Silence falls between us Enjoying my sandwiches, I accidentally look across to my friend's face Sitting on the seat beside me is an expressionless person Her hair is blond, short and well cut Her bright, cerulean eyes, staring straight ahead, show me that she is deep in contemplation

What is she cogitating about? Is she ruminating over the hardships of school? Or musing over the memory of happy times we had last year? It has always been a mystery to me She seems to keep everything to herself and never shows her true feelings Crossing one leg over the other she continues with her endless thoughts

She can be buried in her deep meditation forever, unless some of her garrulous friends come along Then she turns our incommunicativeness into gassiness Starting to tell her own jokes, I relax and sit there listening, as usual When she rattles away, her braces are clearly shown Smiles may appear from time to time; big and cheerful ones

Once her friends are gone, she becomes tongue-tied again She usually remains the same until I start talking to her Leaving unwillingly from her secretiveness, she gives me the simplest response; which is, either "Yes", "No" or "I don't know" She ends the conversation right away Does this mean she tries to avoid talking to me? I don't know myself That is why taciturnity always falls between us

Whenever she wants to, she leaves soundlessly without telling me where she is going

She is the person that I have known for long, but can never understand Patricia Chung, Year 10

JWork Experience Year 10

From Monday ]une 19th until Friday |une 30th all Year 10 students wore their best clothes to their work experience placements They spent two weeks observing and learning about jobs they are interested in Most students, although they have changed their minds about the workforce thoroughly enjoyed their placements and the chance of experiencing their possible future profession

Cassie Hall, Year 10

Fashion Parade

JUNIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Interview with Mrs Keller

Those at the Gala Concert would have noticed a large section of the program missing this year None of the (unior Secondary School choirs were available to entertain us with their sweet voices They were either in the audience or at home in bed having done their fair share of entertainment for the year

This year the Year 6, 7 and 8 choirs put on their own musical productions Christopher Columbus' was performed by Year 6, The Hobbit' was produced by Year 7 and finally Cool In The Furnace' was staged by the Year 8s The JSS is also preparing for their Spring Concert to be held later this year

Speaking of Spring, 1989 was the year of the "sunrise class", a new program introduced into Year 7 at the beginning of the year The idea of this class was to encourage students to learn independently using computers as a tool The project's aim was also to develop thinking and research skills among Year 7s Only one class of mixed ability students was fortunate enough to have the program this year Organised by Mr Mapp, Mrs Baker and Mrs Atherton, the sunrise class "proved to be a very successful venture" in the words of Mrs Keller Next year there will be more sunrise classes introduced

This year's )SS is a group of girls who occasionally sing at old people's homes and have managed to come up with some suggestions for recycling rubbish, through their SRC Mrs Keller speaks very encouragingly of the |SS "I know we have a few scruffy girls and a few rude ones," she smiles "But basically they are an enthusiastic, friendly bunch."

Kathya Martyres, Year 11

Henry the Eighth had six wives, Some of them had very short lives, He chopped off their heads with a great big wack, For what they did, to get them back

He had some children, Elizabeth and Mary They needed to be very wary, For he chopped the heads of Anne and Max, With a very sharp and strong axe

He died in the end as you will see, I'm glad he didn't marry me, He might have chopped and hung my head, Like people in the olden days said

Helen Thomas, Year 6

BUILDING BRIDGES...Year 7 Maths in Practice

One of the many interesting projects undertaken by last year's Maths in Practice girls was the construction of bridges out of toothpicks Will we see a wave of civil engineers rise through the school as a result? Read on and judge for yourself as Lisa McLennan recalls how the action unfolded

The bridges were built on cardboard bases using toothpicks and PVA glue There were many specifications The bridges were only allowed to touch the cardboard base in two small pylon areas and there had to be room for a paper boat to fit underneath the span and for a wooden car to travel over the bridge itself PVA glue was the only adhesive allowed and we were restricted to less than 300 toothpicks

The designs varied a great deal in the pylon sections but most of the spans were basically of a triangular design Most had two levels on the span while a couple were great towering structures Everyone was liberal with the glue Constructing my toothpick bridge I developed large pyramids in the pylons with offshoots to support the span The floor of the span was made of many criss-crossing beams and the walls were made of triangles standing side by side with width-way beams on the apexes

During one lesson we tested the strength of the bridges with weights that we suspended from the wooden car in the centre of the bridge The strongest two bridges were able to withstand more than eleven kilograms My bridge snapped into three pieces at two and a half kilograms

Year 8 Speech Afternoon

To the rest of the school, Wednesday December 7, 1988, may have been insignificant, but for the Year 8s it was their big day Speech Afternoon marked the end of Junior Secondary School and the beginning of Middle School

Participation came from the Music School, the PE Department and the OLCD Department The Music School was represented by a string quartet and the Year 8 choir presented excellent vocal and instrumental pieces A fantastic display of gymnastics and dance was performed by the gym club Voice and Speech, and Drama students presented a play on the theme of "Reflections" based on the novel "The Endless Steppe" (about a girl experiencing difficulty settling in because she is different to everyone else|

The highlight of the afternoon was the presentation of certificates, awards and prizes by Mrs Helen Adam, President of the Old Collegian's Club

The afternoon concluded with everyone singing the Dismissal Hymn lenny Gee Wah, Year 9.

DREAMS...JSS Drama Festival 1988

The |SS Drama Festival for 1988 was held late last year The theme for the productions was dreams, with each house presenting a short play depicting a type of dream The festival was not a competition but there was an adjudicator who made comments at the end

Berry presented a mystery dream while Cato's play was a real life dream in which the main characters went on a trip around the world Krome's play was a nightmare and a teenromance was presented by Nevile Fitchett's play was a fantasy about fairy-tale characters

The whole program was very entertaining and offered a great variety of plays Claire Thomas, Year 8.

Simon's Seoulful Experience

In October 1988 a dedicated Olympic water polo player, Simon Asher, visited 7H during a Maths lesson Simon is the brother of Louise Asher, our Maths teacher

After living and training at the Institute of Sport in Canberra, Simon was chosen to represent Australia in water polo At 21 years of age he is young to be part of the Olympic team According to Simon most water polo players do not reach their peak until about 28

Simon wore his official Akubra and yellow Drizabone These were the clothes they wore at the opening ceremony

Time soon ran out but we didn't want Simon to leave Everyone wanted his autograph but only about eight people managed to get it because the bell rang and it was time for History!

Kate Symes,

PUBLIC TRANSPORT is....

Unpredictable

Boys

Limited space

Intolerable

Crowded

Trinity Rowdy

Airless

Noisy

Squashy

Pushy

Overloaded

Rampacked

Torturous by 7D

Thoughts from JSS

The New Silver Star

I think that the new sterling silver star is a waste of money It does look great, but twenty-six dollars for a star is ridiculous! I think the old star is fine and if you look after it well then it will last for a while It is fine to buy a new star but think of what the money could do for a child in a third world country

Pereka Gray, Year 8

Assembly

I sit and watch my hymn turn to scribble, the words no longer legible Must we sit through this every second day of our school life? What's this? A new attraction — eating the plastic which is trying to protect our hymn books from wear and tear

"Stand up girls, sing number 36, Morning Has Broken."

The half-hearted singing fills only half the Assembly Hall

We sit again

A visitor to Assembly

I think I shall go on scribbling but snatches of words come through to me I like this, 1 think, as I listen to what he has to say

Very rarely does Assembly interest us, and by the time we reach Year 12 our hymn books will be two pieces of cardboard holding twenty or so loose pieces of paper

We file out after our teachers What fun as the level of noise increases once more

Hilary Doyle, Year 8

The First Day

Tears came to my eyes The day was going more slowly than ever Why wasn't anyone talking to me? Was there something wrong with my appearance?

Teachers kept asking me questions in class and I kept making a total fool of myself with my answers

No friends, none at all

Millions of unfamiliar buildings shot past my bloodshot eyes Different classrooms, different teachers How will I ever remember their names? Girls kept giving me strange unfriendly looks This had to be a nightmare Nothing could be so awful

I sat in the corner all alone, nibbling at my lunch, but with no appetite, hoping, praying, that someone would talk to me

1 suppose I could try talking to one of those strangers, but what would 1 say? What would they think of me?

Louise McKenzie, Year 8

The Year 8 Camp

We arrived at the camp full of excitement and anticipation I had been looking forward to the camp since last year's girls had returned from theirs All the reports 1 had heard were glowing, and I had conjured images of small dilapidated huts, a warm campfire and terrific midnight feasts

When we entered the gates of Valley Homestead that image was shot to pieces It was more attractive than I had ever imagined and the facilities looked terrific

Our class was to sleep out on the first night This announcement was met with cries of dismay because we all wanted a night under cover to settle in Yet we knew we couldn't change the plan, and begrudgingly accepted our fate

Before night fall we did a Getting to Know You course where we all split up into groups with girls we didn't know Everyone was put though a confidence course where we had to rely on others in the group to help complete certain tasks This was great fun, but perhaps a little scary for some Finally all the obtacles were conquered and everyone trooped back to the cabins Our class packed ready to leave for the great outdoors, or was it really so great...? Cooking dinner was a trial and error

experience The girls who were sharing my tent were just as good as cooking as I was, and that isn't meant to be a compliment Here is a list of dos and do nots for camping out, even if you do have plenty of food to destroy, as we did

1 Never crack the eggs into a pan without greasing it first.

2 Never melt the butter in the pan for too long as this may cause an explosion

3 Never use your mouth to blow out a fire in the pan

4 ALWAYS pack a peeler

5 Never peel potatoes with a knive

6 Always bring a large packet of bandaids to patch up wounds caused by clumsy fingers peeling potatoes

7 Never fill the billy all the way to the top and expect it to be boiling by the end of the week

8 ALWAYS bring a can opener and some emergency supplies, just in case you starve, like we did!

9 Never make the pancake batter in one of your mugs and then decide you want a drink

10 Finally, ALWAYS TAKE A PILLOW! Pity those who don't follow the golden rules

As you can probably guess I didn't have the most enjoyable of nights I'm glad we slept out the first night — it rained the next two nights!

The next day everyone was tired Towards the end of the day, no one could walk, let alone tag along for the free swim offered The girls in my cabin just flopped onto their beds and didn't move until dinner, when we were suddenly revived and ready to go

I gulped down my food and for the life of me

I can't remember what was served, I was that hungry I do remember someone muttering about the watered-down chocolate pudding being cooked in the same tin as the burnt lasagne

After everyone was in their cabins for the night we talked for a while and eventually dozed off, under the threat of teachers patrolling the corridor

Seven of us were awakened early the next morning by someone's singing

"Knock it off,'' came a mumbled voice, as someone tried to block out the sound with a pillow

"La dee dar dee dar," she sang, still asleep, with no idea what she was doing

"KNOCK IT OFF!'' the rest of us chorused simultaneously, throwing our pillows at her head

"Sorry, I always sing just before I wake up!" she stated cheerfully, though how anyone can be so happy at 7 in the morning is beyond me

Our room, cabin 10, was on breakfast duty that morning so we all hurried to get dressed, anxious to see what was for breakfast Once breakfast was out of the way everyone was bundled off to the ropes course, the stamina course and the art course

The ropes were really fun and everyone managed a laugh or two The art was, well, arty and for non-sporty types like me the stamina course was just plain horrific

Everyone went swimming that afternoon and we had the time of our lives The rapids were really fun although no one escaped without doing themselves an injury 1 have never been in a flowing river like that before and I was amazed at its crystal clear freshness

Like all good things, however, the camp ended the next day but not before 8H staged a gala performance for the 8C people the night before I was sad to leave, but glad to be going home I wished it could have gone on forever

When I arrived home I didn't shut up for a week and even after the holidays I managed to bore my family with "On camp we did the best..."

Kelly Chandler, Year 8

MLC

Junior School

Little sweet lunior School girls, running around in brightly coloured smocks

Swinging on the monkey bars and climbing on the climbing frame

Running around playing Scare-Crow tiggy, Yelling, screaming and having all sorts of fun, Little sweet Junior School girls

Secondary School

When you get to Junior Secondary School, pushing and shoving to get food at the tuck No more bars or climbing frames, just walking or talking at lunchtime

Loads of homework, your bag gets heavier, When you get to Junior Secondary School

Middle School

When you're in Middle School

Cross-age tutoring

There is no better way of communicating with younger students in the school than becoming a cross-age tutor This enables Year 12's to socialize with Year 6, 7, and 8 girls before school, and also to involve themselves in Junior Secondary School activities which included a pizza lunch, helping with fund-raising stalls and marking the roll I enjoyed this worthwhile experience immmensely and formed many new friendships Sonia Turecek, Year 12.

My Locker

His name is Tim

He's made of metal, he gets hungry and eats things like my diary and other books

Names and dates are left behind by the owners before

A sport uniform left in there does not worry him

Good old trusty Tim

Hilary Doyle, Year 8

work gets harder and more important

Keeping up with the fashion and not being daggy, loads of books and folders to carry

When you're in Middle School

Senior School

When you get to Senior School

Loads of homework and studying for tests, Staying up till 11 or 12 at night doing work, When you get to Senior School

Carolyn Mapp, Year 7

Jum w §dh®® H

Interview with Mrs Pam

Don't ever let anyone tell you that nothing much goes on in Junior School On the contrary, the morning we interviewed Mrs Pam Dettman, the new Headmistress of |unior School, we were amazed by the frenzy of activity going on around us The phone was ringing frequently and various people were in and out with different problems In the space of a few minutes Mrs Dettman had to deal with tuckshop problems, uniform matters, a question about mathematics materials, a stray dog which had attacked the school s guinea pig, and a five-yearold who simply refused to do sport that morning

Although the lunior School is a relatively small part of the total school (it has 250 girls plus the kindergarten), Mrs Dettman is determined to ensure that it holds its place as an important part of the MLC community She is quick to remind us that a great deal of a child's intellectual potential is determined in the early years, and that attitudes and skills developed at this stage can have far-reaching implications for the rest of the child's school years and for her long-term education

Mrs Dettman says that the |unior School curriculum has changed somewhat this year First, there has been a swing towards science, with a major focus being on the environment

Very basic physics is also being taught and it is common to see girls building models to investigate pulleys and levers, or grappling with such problems on LOGO at computer time

Computer work has been given a boost this year with the appointment of Mr Steve Costa as Deputy Head of the )unior School Mr Costa's area of special expertise is primary computer education and both staff and students are reaping the benefit of his knowledge Another innovation this year has been the introduction of German to Years 1 - 5 Mrs Dettman says that

Dettman

learning a second language not only gives girls a useful skill but aids general academic development, increases understanding of their own language, and developes a healthy curiosity about other cultures We also heard that the study of sign language has been greatly expanded recently and that many junior School girls are becoming quite skilled at it

This all sounds rather heavy' but from what we heard the |unior School girls still have a lot of fun So far this year the Grade 4s have been orienteering in the Grampians, the Grade 5s have been on a camp at historical Swan Hill, there have been several excursions to other interesting places, and there have been visits to the school by a ballet troupe and the Theatre of the Deaf The Teddy Bears' Picnic, organised by the School Prefects for the Grade 5 students was also great fun On a regular basis the girls can do extra-curricular gym, speech, drama, swimming, chess and orchestra At the moment, a 70-member lunior School choir is rehearsing for an item at the Gala Concert At play time every day all the girls are enjoying the new playground which was planned a long time ago but which has only just been opened They also play cricket, football and netball with the new equipment donated by the Junior School Parents' Association

Finally we asked Mrs Dettman how she would like to see lunior School in the future Her reply:

"it must become an environment in which both students and staff work co-operatively to develop their various talents and in which individuals come to believe that they have the power and the wisdom to bring about positive change This is a great challenge."

Louise Bales and Anna Stewart, Year 11.

A Rocket

Mum got SO angry with my brother and me, she sent us in a rocket to Mars So we packed our bags and flew into space We felt that we were going so fast, we didn't even know how to steer!

When we landed on Mars we found it freezing, so we put on our scarves so we wouldn't get a cold, then we got a nice warm drink and sat down to think We wanted to go to sleep but we knew we would be too scared to, so we cuddled each other and went fast asleep After breakfast at nine o'clock we got our rocket ready and flew back home My brother steered very carefully and I sat down with my seat belt on In the middle of the driving 1 said to Timothy, "Do you think Mummy will be glad when we come back?" "I don't know but I think the answer will be no because she was SO angry with us That's why she sent us to Mars."

Then the rocket was quiet because we wanted to have a quiet time for one hour I was thinking but Timothy couldn't because he had to concentrate on driving the rocket When we were about to land everyone was waving and Mum and Dad too I cried a little bit because I missed my Mum and Dad When we got out Timothy and 1 ran and cuddled Mum and Dad 1 said, "We missed you." "So did we," said Mum and Dad They drove us home 1 said to my Mum, "It was freezing cold there." "I thought it would be," said Mum

When we got home I went to my bedroom and I saw a pot of flowers with a note that said "Welcome home!!!" In Timothy's room was a letter with special paper over it The note said, "Dear Timothy, welcome home, we love you very much There is a present for you From Mum and Dad." He opened the present It was a racing car! Timothy loves racing cars!

Tracy Wiegard, Year 4

The Night's Catch

In the darkest dungeon Late at night, A huge, fat spider, Made his STRIKE!

The unfortunate victim, Was stolen from his bed All through the night, You could hear his head, Bouncing on the dungeon floor..

Katie Chmiel, Year 5

Caterpillar, Furry, Creature, Moving slowly around, Longing to be a butterfly, Insect

Linda Forsyth, Year 5.

Raining

Very boring lumping in mud puddles Freezing temperatures cause colds Achoo!

Amelia Gourley, Year 5

Panda, Soft, sweet, cuddly Furry, fat and fussy Sits on a rock and eats bamboo Playful

Kirsty Morris, Year 5

LEFT

Mrs Dettman and girls

The Witches' Brawl!

Late last night,

In a cold spooky house, Ten tall hags held a furious fight

With armour of shield, cricket bats and all

These witches had a time of a ball

Suddenly there was a crash, For one of the witches had been bashed, Then more and more got smashed

Finally there was a winner of the ugly crones, She had the meanest, biggest, strongest bones

Dawn Senathi-Raja, Year 5

Jam

|am is nice

And so are mice jam is red

On my bread

I'm glad that jam is sweet

Now I close the cupboard door and go to bed!

Erin Holloway, Year 3

Swan Hill Camp

On the bus to Sandhurst Town, No one with a frown

Children running to and fro, Then on the bus to the Light and Sound show

We went to the Pioneer Settlement, To the Nyar Forest and spent every cent

We learned how to write with a quill

I had a wonderful time at Swan Hill

Belinda Wright Year 5

Chess

There were two men They went for a walk and fell down a hole The men saw a chess board A giant came out He said "Whoever loses will die!" The two men knew how to play chess They played chess The two men died

Half an hour later the girlfriend fell down the hole The giant said "Do you want to see your boyfriend?" "Yes." said the girlfriend, "I do"

She saw him He was dead

She ran out and told everyone No one went there again except the people who lived there They were careful about the giant People went to the men's funerals No one fell in

One day someone fell in He won The giant died Everyone in the town had a party

Everyone was so happy No one wanted to play chess with him because they knew how good he was at chess He played with his son instead

Alexandra O'Keefe, Year 2

The Opening of our New Playground

On Wednesday 14 |une, junior School's new playground was officially opened At the ceremony were Mr David Loader, the principal of the whole MLC, Mrs Pam Dettman, the headmistress of junior School, Mrs loan Forster, a former headmistress and Mrs |oy Dale, another former headmistress Mothers of the students were invited to come along, too Before this opening, which started in the Junior School hall, students were asked to blow up 300 green and white balloons They were strewn absolutely all over junior School

The ceremony started at 2.30 First there were the welcomes and the thankyous and then all the students sang The Vision Splendid, one of MLC's school songs

After that a few girls recited some poems The poems were good — the girls had made them up all by themselves A few speeches were made and then all the girls sang Advance Australia Fair

Then came the best part of all, when the girls were allowed to go into the new playground for the very first time! Streamers and balloons were all over the play equipment The balloons and streamers were green and white and the play equipment was white and red and green so it looked a bit like Christmas There was also a little stream

When all the girls were in the new playground, Mrs Dettman decided to slide down the new red slide The girls counted down from 10 When they got to zero, zoom went Mrs Dettman! Everyone clapped and cheered when she got to the bottom Mr Steven Costa, a teacher at MLC, also decided to go down the slide He slid down, grabbing an over-hanging balloon as he went by The students started insisting that Mr Loader go down the slide as well He did!

Then the students went over to a place near the tuckshop and started eating fairy bread and drinking cordial Nearly everyone got a green or white balloon At first the teachers insisted that only one piece of fairy bread was allowed, but there were lots left over so seconds and thirds were allowed

Soon it was 2.50 It was time for the ceremony to end and for everyone to go home

Lillian Cheong, Year 5

Have You Ever Seen a Duck?

Have you ever seen a duck skiing?

It always falls on its bottom

Then it gets up again

Amy Nelson, Year 3.

The Grampians

On the April 25, 4B, 4C, and 4S went to the Grampians for a camp It took five hours and seventeen minutes to get there Before we got off the bus our teachers told us who we were sleeping with When we got in our cabins we unpacked Then we went to talk about the rules with David and Alana (they were our leaders) One of our rules was that we had to go to the dining room when the bell rang While David was talking to us Alana went to get a baby kangaroo who was 18 months old and her name was Fern After that we went on a walk with David to see what we would be doing during the camp David took us to see the rope course and the flying fox That night after dinner David showed us some slides of different animals, trees, and plants

On the second day we went on the rope course These are the things we did in the rope course: criss cross, tight rope, Tarzan swing, hanging vine, kitten crawl, leopard crawl, sloping log, postman's walk, swinging log, stirrups Burmese bridge, and the weaving line After that we went on the flying fox It feels like the wind is blowing you back After dinner we went possum "hunting" and we found a few possums The third night came and we had hamburgers for tea Then we went on a reflector trail (which is a trail where you have to look for the reflectors in the trees) But first we were divided into our groups When all the groups were back from the reflector trail we toasted marshmallows

On the fourth day we climbed Piccaninny mountain When we were at the top it was very misty but when we were near the top we had a good view of everything After we had our lunch up there we looked for a different way to get down The way we came down Piccaninny was very slippery but we managed to get down

My favourite part of the camp was when I went on the flying fox Before we got on the bus to go home we had our photos taken We all gained a lot of experience from the camp such as being away from home, coping by ourselves, staying in a place with different surroundings, not seeing our parents, getting up early, sleeping with other people, eating different food, but most importantly to be able to see and respect our natural environment and to know why we should protect our environment

Belinda Choon, Year 4

REWIN' IT UP

Rev. Sterner

If y'all jest think back and remember the rev'rend thit used to geet up eand talk in Ass'mbly, y'all jest remember Rev'rend Sterner"

Well actually I'm over emphasising the American accent a little here, but yes, Rev Sterner is originally from Pennsylvania, U.S.A

She has been living in Australia for 22 years and still has her accent — well blow me down!

Why come to Australia you may well ask? I did ask, and discovered that in 1964, as a Rotary exchange student Rev Sterner made her way across the sea in search of adventure In those days Australia would have seemed at the end of the earth — which it still is! But Rev Sterner loved it

In fact Rev Sterner loved Australia (and him) so much she returned a year later and married She now has three children aged 18, 16, and 15 years

Initially Rev Sterner acquired a B.A at university and taught mathematics, later spending a year with a family in San Francisco

You are probably wondering how a maths teacher could now be a respected religious figure at MLC

It wasn't until July 1980 after many despairing moments and a divorce, that Rev Sterner found God, a union which began to transfer her life

Five years later in 1985 she became an official candidate for the ministry During this time she had acquired a B.A in Theology

MLC was graced with Rev Sterner's presence for a term in 1987 as one of our chaplains

Being a career woman and loving a challenge she then became further involved teaching R.E to years prep, to 5 in Junior School and also years 8 and 11 She also conducts assemblies in all four levels of the school and takes chapel services for the school and the boarders in her "spare time" She pops a few church services and weddings into her busy schedule and also conducts the occasional baptism and funeral

Rev Sterner's main hope for the girls at MLC is to be OPEN to spiritual things, without turning off before hearing the message

One of her favourite verses in the Bible is Phillipines 4:13

"I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me "

Rev Sterner is always available for girls to go and talk to about any concerns or interests She is very easy to approach and can be found in Special Services Just listen for the voice with the hint of Yankee Doodle and you won't miss her Jacyl Shaw, Year 12

Rev. John Smith: Opening our eyes

One morning in May a rare hush fell over a packed assembly of Senior School students One man held their attention for a full forty minutes as he spoke on topics ranging from sex to suicide

The Reverend ]ohn Smith, president of Melbourne's God's Squad, has earned a place in the history of the school as one of our most fascinating and eloquent speakers

He titled his address Life According to Dolly, Cleo and Cosmopolitan' By way of introduction he canvassed the alarming rates of suicide among Australia's youth, on both a physical and mental level

Popular women's magazines were the main target of his talk and were used as examples to demonstrate the way in which advertising and the media attempt to dictate women's values

Rev. Page

Can reverends wear black leather jackets, burl around on motorbikes and contemplate the ultimate "wheelie" in their spare time? Matter of fact — they can! A case in point is Ms Page, a familiar face in the surroundings of our college for the last four years

Ms Page hasn't always been a reverend After completing Year 12 in Adelaide she became a bank clerk but two years was enough in that line of work and she eventually resigned due to a lack of job satisfaction

Coming from a religious background may have been of some influence in Ms Page's ultimate career choice but it wasn't until a public relations exercise organised by a local theological college that she saw the light Her initial reason for going to this function had been to "check out the talent" but she came away with some stronger feelings towards God and joining the ministry

To become a Churches of Christ minister meant Ms Page had to come to Melbourne to study, so she did just that After some

Magazines, he said, placed unrealistic emphasis on financial and sexual success and if the content of these publications is taken seriously women are finished! They portray women as objects of pleasure but say nothing of reality or spirituality

On the subject of love he spoke of his concern at the number of unhappy marriages in our society and the loneliness endured by many men and women It is better, he added, to live in a tent where people love each other than to live in a palace where there is no love

Of particular relevance to the students were his views on relationships He believes the most amazing human sexual organ is in relatively the same place for both men and women — between the ears! Men putting the hard word on women were users, he added, not lovers

frustrations with the Churches of Christ she transferred her studies to the Uniting Church which seemed more favourable to her beliefs

After being ordained Ms Page's first appointment was at a church and lasted for two years Then after a year teaching at PLC she made the move to MLC

Ms Page has been married for two years to a chap who rides a motorbike On weekends they sometimes like to ride into the countryside either on separate bikes or with Ms Page sitting in the attached buggy!

Ms Page feels that her role as chaplain has two main aspects

1 Pastoral Care That means assisting individuals to explore their spirituality through avenues like identity, relationships and God

2 Making Christianity a reality that is shown in concern for and service to the world, especially the poor and powerless

Ms Page is now finding less resistance to the concept of Christianity, especially in her Year 12 religious studies classes Her aim is to help people realise that Christianity is alive and is not remote and old-fashioned

Jacyl Shaw, Year 12.

Rev Smith also told his audience about the memorable weekend he spent with the band U2 and how dedicated they were to creating a more honest society with more realistic values He is also good friends with Australian singer Peter Garrett and applauded his dedication to Christianity

In finishing his address to the students he stressed again that life is not as it appears in glossy magazines and that if we are to find the ultimate meaning of life we must change our attitudes towards material goods and cosmetic values

The impact of his talk was reflected in the applause, which continued for ages, and in the discussions which were provoked between both students and staff We were certainly all given a lot to think about Jacki Dillon, Year 11.

Rev John Smith (right of picture! with two colleagues from Melbourne's God's Squad

Christian Fellowship

This year, the Christian Fellowship met in the chapel every Thursday lunchtime We decided on the chapel because it was equipped with a piano and was one of such places unoccupied during lunchtime Of course, we could not help hearing strains of Sesame Street and Broadway music penetrating the walls from the brass ensemble next door, who also met at the same time

The attendance at CF this year ranged from Year 8 to Year 12 Every week new faces appeared as friends were encouraged to come along We are not one of those clubs requiring membership, nor does one need to know another person to attend Our meetings have been rather informal

During some meetings we shared the week's experiences with each other and at other times we had a set topic which encouraged a lot of discussion With our plentiful supply of pianists and song books we also sang scripture choruses I know all this sounds terribly serious and boring, but that could not be further from the truth I guess our happiness was due to the informality of our meetings, the jokes, the laughter, and the conviction that |esus Christ is alive We did have fun during CF as each meeting was not led by one person, but by many who were enthusiastic and encouraging Ruth Wong, Year 12.

Winter Walkings Upon St. Francis'

The village shadows into the recesses of distance, leaving me alone with my contemplations Pine cones scatter randomly across the mossed forest floor, and doves coo in their secret branches Trails dart this way and that, unidentified yet well worn

The ground crisps underfoot, and my mouth dragons tendrils of steam as I take each breath The firs, erect and crisp-scented, stand guard ensuring the clouds on the blue do not escape

My nose is cherried, my hands mittened in chillblains, but my whistle prances warm and sunny

The mountain peaks at my side loom, and the shiny winter sun pokes its rays through the cracks in the doors of the clouds, setting the scene for the emergence of a deer, dressed in its heavy winter coat

The chapel sneaks around the corner, appearing as the clouds depart Its pointed gables, turrets and brave cross reach heavenward, its shingled back glowing in the sky shine The russet ripe door is ajar and inviting, asking me to join it

St Francis' Chapel is tiny, timber, timeless Its cloudy patchwork windows are sparked by dancing candle brights Its alcove is smoking, chimney trailing grey, but it is silently home

Inside is richly warm, comforting Little shadowy creaks rustle; patches brighten and dim The air is musty and of incense, with a hint of age and peace It is hushed, with simply an audible breath able to shatter the still I feel as if I have returned to the womb; this is my sanctuary, privately friendly, velvetly safe

Remnants of prayer and chimes linger in the air, and all is welcomed with ripe serenity

Emily Power, Year 12

EASTER

Easter's a very special time, It's not just Easter eggs

It's a time when |esus died for us, and rose up from the dead

On Palm Sunday we celebrate the way (esus rode on this date

On Good Friday God gave his life especially for us, He rose from the dead on Easter Monday and now we have his love

Georgy Waldie, Year 6

Footprints

Most people probably do not know what Footprints'' is You probably thought we were a group of strange young people heavily into Christianity Well you're wrong True, Footprints is similar to a youth group but it is definitely not a pushy Christian group

All the girls in the group are either Christians or are interested in spiritual issues But we do not all go to church regularly or read the Bible every night, or pray before we go to bed We usually look at important topics concerning life, the universe and we often discuss social issues Footprints encourages student and teacher cooperation, but is predominantly student based Rev Page is our "leader'' although the students control the meetings Our group is for people who like to think about issues and discuss their ideas, which we endeavour to do in a spiritual state of mind This part of the group meets in the Special Services Department every second Thursday We also arrange social activities such as going to the movies

At our meetings we are in control of everything We sometimes have guest speakers and we also plan some Assemblies and Chapel Services

We have a leadership camp each year with Trinity Grammar This year's camp, like last year's, was a great success and enjoyed by all Natasha Otzen, Year 9.

Teachers' Quotes

DR ANDERSON: "I wouldn't say anything behind your backs that I wouldn't say to your face — in fact I like to see you suffer.1'

MR BELL: "Beneath this puny body is a man of steel.''

MRS RAWLINGS: "Alcohol is sexist."

MR SNELL: "I had a red pair of shoes that I wore with my purple pants, pink shirt and lime green tie."

MRS GORDON: "Today in Science we find out how plants do it!"

MRS ELTON-BROWN: "Move as quick as sticks Sticks move very quickly you know."

MISS COATES (daily): "You all look asleep today."

MRS WATSON: "Right you are!"

MRS SMITH: "Girls, the acid will eat your jumpers."

MR MARTIN: "My mother gave me this tie It's a horrible tie!"

DR ANDERSON: "Don't worry about Silver and Green Most of it is just made up anyway."

MR BELL: "Amsterdam is the most interesting place in all of Europe."

MISS MICHELL: "I'll use rabbits just to pull something out of the hat."

MRS Fay IOHNSON: "It's very hard to think things through at MLC."

MR NOTSIS (while delivering an English assignment question): "How do you prefer boys to dress...or undress?!"

DR ANDERSON: "Practically everyone who can read is a Senator in Tasmania."

DR ANDERSON: "It used to be thought that, in elections, women vote for the most handsome man One look at parliament and this proves differently."

STUDENT: "Gee, I feel tired."

MISS GARLICK: "Yes I must say you look positively de-oomphed."

STUDENT: "Mrs Hill, are you coming to the Middle School Drama?"

MRS HILL: "Middle School Drama? I have Middle School Drama every day of my life!"

STUDENT: "I read that in the paper."

MR MARTIN: "What? You read the paper? Are you sure it wasn't on Neighbours or the Flying Dentists?"

MISS GARLICK: "Don't be sorry, that's a wonderfully sexy voice."

STUDENT: "I've done my homework Mr Lim."

MR LIM: "Gosh, you've turned into a new leaf!"

JASON DONOVAN: "I know I'm not the world's best singer, but I'm willing to learn!"

MISS GARLICK: "I could lie and say I've left my correction at home, but the fact is, I just haven't done it."

THE YEAR THAT WAS

1988 Senior School Speech Night

Speech Night commenced, as usual, with the loud chatter of students as they settled down in the auditorium of the Dallas Brooks Hall

The evening was opened by the Chairman of the College Council, Mr Ian Retford, followed by two lovely pieces from Ravel and Tchaikovsky, performed by our Concert Orchestra There was also an enthusiastic rendition of Psalm I50 by the Senior School massed singing Pieces were also presented by the Senior Madrigals and the Concert Choir Several students were singled out for achievements of excellence and were awarded prizes

The highlight of the night focused on the Year I 2s for whom it was their last Speech Night They sang a beautiful version of Memories and brought tears to many an eye, as well as their own Several Year I Is also left and will be sadly missed The night ended traditionally with the Dismissal hymn Juliana Stamp, Year 12

KUNTERBUNT

Those of you not fortunate enough to have learned German at MLC may not know that KUNTERBUNT is the German Department's magazine and is usually produced twice yearly

The magazine provides an opportunity for all German students to contribute articles, games, puzzles and recipes in German Last year the magazine sought to incorporate relevant information regarding German activities in both the wider community and MLC while still engaging the younger readers and reinforcing their German language skills

As only one edition was published last year a greater volume of material was available from which to compile the magazine Our enthusiastic team of Kunterbunt class representatives and teachers produced a truly great publication The German Goethe Institute, after seeing the final product, asked MLC German students to produce an edition of its own magazine called Rocky this year

Georgia Stone, Year 12

Year 11 Committee

Okay So we've reached Year I I The big SS Senior School The final two years in which to corrupt...sorry...shape the school into a harmonious community in which we can produce brilliant work with which to dazzle and impress our teachers But let's face it If all is not well in the common room, how can life as a Year I I go on? That's why we're here, the Year 1 I Committee

A committee member's work is never done Every breathing moment is spent doing the very treacherous LLWR Yes, committee members are put through the continual strain and agony of Listening, Looking, Writing and Reporting Now call it adolescent abuse, call it cruel, call Derryn Hinch, but week after week we scour the MLC grounds and in particular the Year I 1 common room searching high and low for things to improve, to get, and get rid of But! Brilliant as we may seem we cannot do this task solo So your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to help us search for parts of the school that need fixing We'll listen with open ears, eyes and minds

Although a stereo system for the common room is a little out of our league, mug cupboards, chairs, rubbish bins and toilet paper are right up our alley As for all the requests that are in between, with the help of Mrs Chamberlain we'll do our darndest!

A Truscott, Year 11.

The SSSS

The Senior School Social Service committee was founded in 1988 It consists of a representative from each tutor group and works to raise money for a nominated charity or organisation

This year we have decided to support the work of Reverend |ohn Smith from the God's Squad, following his memorable address to the Senior School Assembly

We began the year with a chocolate drive and have also held a casual clothes day To date we have raised over S600 and have plans for another chocolate drive soon

The committee is an ongoing one and we hope to see it continue into the future

Vanessa Crew and Mandy Hogg, Year 12

Heads of the SSSS.

Checkmate!

The 1989 MLC Chess Club has continued to bound from strength to strength Through both blunders and triumphs we have managed to maintain our title of top chess playing girls' school

FIDE Master, Guy West, has returned for another year of self- imposed torture as our patient and guiding coach, but not without reward We convincingly won the Individual I 5 Minute, the Quickplay and the Girls Interschool Chess titles for another year, so the walls of MLC will not remain bare

Our top side, the "Marauders", consists of Amaruka Hazari, loanna Masel and myself, while our second senior team, the humbly named "Megastars" boasts loanne Stuart, Synti Ng, Natalie Yang and Amelia Chung

Whilst our most senior players are in Year I I it seems we have talent and enthusiasm enough to field winning teams Many of our players have also played in State competitions which shows the standard of our club Girls in lunior and lunior Secondary School are most enthusiastic and fast improving which promises a successful future for the years to come Alison Barton (Chess captain) Year 11

Year 11 Committee

Hey Big Spenders!

The oval was a riot of colour on the day of the April Fair and we were lucky to have the presence of the sun As we passed through the front gates we were greeted by the smell of sausages frying, mixed with the warm aroma of sugar doughnuts Where to go? What to do?

It seems that most of the people who passed through the gates had got it into their heads to visit the sweet stall Raising $2679.00 it made more than any other stall at the fair We, however, decided to treat ourselves to the milkshakes kindly provided by the rowing girls Following this we made a tour of the fair, noting that there was something for everyone Books for the bookworms, plants for the plantaholics and abseiling for the weightwatchers The abseiling was also an exercise for the patient After waiting in the queue for ten minutes we decided to save it for later

Two hours later we left the fair feeling contented, fat and utterly broke With a total sum of $35,250.85 raised, the April Fair was a great success and enjoyed by all who participated

Kathya Martyres, Year 1 I.

Carmel Bird

After the success of Carmel Bird's stay at MLC as Writer in Residence in 1988, we have been blessed with her company again this year Mrs Bird has been available every Monday of this year for consultation with students, particularly those in the Senior School, in relation to their English work She has also lectured to some Year I 2 English classes on the set text Accidental Tourist' As well, her book Dear Writer' which explores the process of writing has been used by many English classes Carmel Bird is a much appreciated and valuable resource to both students and teachers, all of whom have found her methods of writing fiction most enlightening and useful Georgia Stone, Year 12.

Debating The Point The Lost Weekend...

"The object of oratory itself is not truth but persuasion.''

The Year 12 School Debating Team began the year badly with both teams losing the first round, debating the topic That the Microchip Will Set Us Free However, sweet revenge was ours in the second round when MLC One's opponents forfeited, and MLC Two defeated the team which had beaten MLC One in the first round A recent victory on August 4th secured School Team One a place in the quarter final with Year 12 Team Two winning three out of five debates Unfortunately Team One was narrowly defeated by Carey in the semi-finals

Debating is not all hard work Of course there will always be a churning stomach and a sudden urge to go to the toilet just before you begin your speech The previous speaker has finished his speech and the adjudicator is writing notes for hours, while you sit expectantly with clammy hands and a shivering back Admittedly, this is the worst moment of a debator's life, and a recurring one which becomes particularly acute in a house final debate in front of an audience of several hundred MLC girls Added to this there is the waiting period for the adjudicator to give his "verdict" He spends forever on the score, and when he finally begins he speaks for twenty minutes, informing you that the first affirmative speaker "best handled her rebuttal"

Negative aspects aside, there is the pleasure derived from winning, from assessing the physical merits of the opposition (only if male, of course), and from attempting to keep a straight face while explaining how "the pill has been a plus"

A wonderful sense of achievement may be obtained from sitting around a table eating dinner together Ten minutes before the debate you may decide to begin preparing, but honestly the debate is merely an excuse to miss one night s homework The final enjoyment is derived from the running competition during the debate in which you and your teammates write down as many derogatory terms to describe the opposition and adjudicator as possible (particularly if the opposition appears to be winning)

In Senior House Debating Nevile and Fitchett argued their way to the final Thus, as the senior girls filed into the Assembly Hall on Monday May 1st, six Fitchett and Nevile girls congregated on the stage to bid each other nervous salutations of good luck As the debate commenced it was amusing to notice the small huddle of R.E teachers seated at the back of the hall Their sudden interest in debating was probably due to the fact that the topic of the debate was That God is Dead, chosen with such diplomacy by the debating coordinator Of even more interest were the reactions of the R.E teachers, who listened eagerly to the speeches of Nevile, the negative team arguing that God is NOT dead

Despite my reservations about debating a topic in which I would be compromising my own principles, I enjoyed arguing that God is dead Both teams performed marvellously, with the end result being victory to Fitchett by seven points

More Teachers' Quotes

MRS SMITH: "..and all the little water molecules are holding hands."

MS IOHNSTON: "There's a lot to be said for marrying for money."

MR FRY: "Sarah, have you been to see a psychiatrist lately? Did he say you were normal?"

MISS TREMLETT: "Traffic flows at the rate of 30 cows per hour."

MR FRY: "In the past ninety-three years I've been teaching at MLC..."

THE DANCE!!! When I think of those two simple words, not only four hours, but an entire weekend flows speedily through my mind Along with the Year 12 end-of-year festivities (sob, sob..Sue really!!) the dance is THE EVENT guaranteed to be marked in EVERY Year 12 diary, whether it be scrawled, sketched or love-hearted!

Although we anticipated the big night just as eagerly as we did last year it seemed to be a quieter sort of eagerness rather than the tiring dizzy hysteria of last September Perhaps this was because we knew what to expect this time, or perhaps because we are all in different rooms at lunchtime and the MASS hysteria had no chance of being created as it had in the common room, or perhaps it was because we were so involved in our last House Drama

Competition the night before Whatever the reason, it was anticipation of a less raucous kind Anyway, this is not to say we were less excited: basically we could not wait

All the typical superficial questions such as, "What's your dress like? Oh, that sounds stunning!" and, "Who are you taking?" as well as, "What are you doing afterwards?" became major parts of our conversation We planned, and organised, and schemed for hours on end

It all paid off: we had an absolutely wonderful night Before parties mostly comprised of admiring dresses

("Oh, it's much nicer than I expected!"), clinking glasses, excited hugs, nice- to-meet-you's and clicking of cameras When we arrived at the Southern Cross Hotel we went through the process again 1 don't think 1 have ever given so many hugs in one evening

We were all very impressed with the decor of the Australis Room and the food served to us The atmosphere steadily built as everone found their tables, greeted more friends, laughed, joked and ate

DR CASTLES: "Do penguins quack?"

DR ANDERSON: "I tell lies Didn't you realise?"

MR PRYKE: "Tell me if I start to dribble."

MR EDGOOSE (on scratching chalk down the blackboard): "There you are — a new instrument for the GALAH Concert."

MS PATTERSON: "If I haven't heard of a word it probably doesn't exist."

DR ANDERSON: "You won't always find examiners as intelligent as me."

MR FRY: "He opened his jeans and T-shirt..."

MISS TREMLETT: "I was just wondering what you had to do outside that you had to wear your tights outside."

I think the climax of the whole evening was just after we'd finished our main course The DJ turned up the music all of a sudden and "She drives me crazy" by FYC sent everyone into a frenzy of excitement and craziness It was quite an incredible moment As soon as we heard the first beat of that song boom across the huge room there was an almighty, almost insane scream of joy and a sort of delirious clambering to the dance floor For the rest of my life that song will bring back special memories of Year 12

The time passed all too quickly But of course, the night wasn't over at midnight We piled into cars lor buses!!) and roared off to party the rest of the night away and half of Sunday, too! Yes, of course we could stay awake for thirty-six hours! We were all walking zombies on Monday, not to mention utter piglets! We consumed an entire vending-machine of food by the end of the day!! Honestly, girls!!

Homework on that weekend? You've got to be joking! I really don't think one of us touched a book It felt so good!

Susannah

Tymms, Year 12

MR FRY: "Oh, have you got more than one Rachael in this school?"

MR EDGOOSE: "Maybe it's picked up like you pick up things in the school shelter sheds."

MRS SMITH: "That's kiddiwinks stuff."

DR ANDERSON: "Women are always worth inspecting and talking about."

MRS ELTON-BROWN: "I'm not even being my usual cynical, sarcastic self."

MR McGRATH: "I am the Messiah of Accounting."

MS PATTERSON: "If you don't shut up I'll extend the undie metaphor."

MR BELL: "I was getting very excited by this stage."

Julia Pryor, Year 12

Taking Care of Business

Life in the Business School is different from any other part of the MLC community Like everything in life it has its bad points and good points However, most of the students appreciate the practical bias of the course This practicality is only suited to a certain type of student

A big plus in doing the Business Course is that our skills are well sought after in the work force We also get an extensive insight into the work environment through the course's work experience program Many girls achieve positive and successful results from work experience and some are given references or even a job! As many of us are going straight into employment once we leave MLC this insight is a valuable and memorable one

The Business School is not as limiting as some are led to believe A very wide range of business oriented subjects are offered They include Accounting, Shorthand, Keyboarding, Business Administration, Communication, Business Law, Economics, Audio Transcription, Secretarial Projects and English The independence gained and skills learned are beneficial as when we enter the workforce we can put them into practice straight away

A percentage of the business students will go on to tertiary education to gain knowledge for their chosen field Some girls are planning to go to RMIT, Footscray Institute and Chisholm, to name a few So the business course is not the be all and end all: it is possible to go to further education Of course, not all institutions are going to accept the course For my part, however, the business course allows me to obtain all the skills I need and above all prepares me for the real world

April Donnelly. Year 12.

Happy Christmas from

Short Courses

We were asked to do an interview with Mrs Wells Initially we didn't know who she was, but we soon found out

Mrs Wells organizes the short courses for the public These include computer studies, language courses, cookery, music, mathematics and fitness courses The courses are for people who have left school and are interested in furthering their education They have been running at MLC for three years now and are very successful, being relatively inexpensive at about five dollars an hour Mrs Wells enjoys her job and has never had any problems

As well as organizing courses, Mrs Wells is this year looking after a group of lapanese students and will be taking them to the main tourist attractions of Melbourne She speaks both French and German and is now attempting lapanese

Mrs Wells worked at an all boys school and she told us that working at an all girls school was very different "Girls are angels compared with boys"

She has a business background and was also an English teacher, although this year she is not teaching at all

Some of the courses run in the holidays, although most are after school Last term 300 people took part So if you feel that you need to improve your skills, whether it be cooking or learning a language, then come and do it at MLC

CATERING

You'll always find us in the kitchen at parties.

This year 14 students are doing the catering course We complete our first year at MLC and then we transfer to William Angliss College or Box Hill College of TAFE for the second and third years During the second and third years we work part time, so that by the end of the course we have 2,000 hours of work experience

We study twelve subiects during the year, six in the first semester and six in the second We do principles of cookery where we gain practical skills, quantity food production, food science and nutrition, business maths and hospitality statistics, communications 1 and 2, catering hygiene and food purchasing and storage and economics I and 2

During the year we have catered for 26 functions Some of these are lunches and some dinners and many are for large groups of people Some students are in the kitchen preparing the meal and some are waitressing on tables Working as a team is especially important at these functions

The 1989 Catering Students.

Catrina Hunter and Tania Prior, Year 7

The life writing program involves one period five and a lunch time each month During that time, one or two MLC girls pair with one elderly person to discuss and write about aspects of that person's life It has been a great opportunity for everyone involved to get to know each other, and for girls to find out about real history, not statistics and textbook generalisations

My partner, Mrs Trixie Chapman, has only been living in Australia for a few years after migrating for political reasons from South Africa Together we have discussed, not only the politics of South Africa, but aspects of her life as varied as her experience as a left-handed child being forced to write right-handed, to looking at the beautiful story books she has written for her grandchildren

In her books, Mrs Chapman has invented giants and fairies and photographed' them by projecting two or more slides onto a wall to create the effect she wants, and then photographing the image on the wall In this way her son became the fierce giant, and her grandchildren the fairies at the bottom of the garden The wild bushland of South Africa has made some of these photos quite spectacular

Other members of the group have also discovered some very interesting things by talking to their partners Mrs Tidd was a student at MLC in the 1920 s and hasn't been back since, so this year she has been astounded at the changes She remembers when the language centre was the domestic science building, and classes were sometimes held in the open air along the Glenferrie Road fence

Alec, another member of the group, remembers the Depression in St Kilda from the point of view of a very mischievous young boy He told us that once, St Kilda was a very prestigious part of Melbourne, similar perhaps to Toorak or South Yarra today, and that Little Lonsdale Street was once the bad' part of town Some of the women in the group actually remember being driven down Little Lonsdale Street by their boyfriends for a quick peep at a place they had been told by their parents to avoid at all costs

Mrs Isler remembers arriving from Vienna with her husband on November the 6th, 1938 The next day they decided to go and explore the city of Melbourne but on arrival they found all the shops were shut They were a little perplexed as it was a Tuesday, and surely a working day Imagine their surprise when they asked a solitary stranger, and were told that everyone was out watching the horse races! Of course, it was their first encounter with Melbourne Cup fever

Although we have only had three or four sessions of life writing so far we have learnt many interesting things The stories which we write together will later this year be printed into a book for all the members of the group to keep as a memory of a very inspiring time Karen Hall, Year 12

DID YOU KNOW?

• The school population in 1989 is 2087

• According to population, MLC is the largest independent girls' school in the southern hemisphere

• Between June 1988 and |une 1989, 24 articles relating to MLC were published in the Sun and Herald newspapers

• Nellie Fitchett (school ghost) died of meningitis, not by falling down the stairs of the boarding house

• 4,000,000 leaves of toilet paper are purchased each year for use by MLC students and teachers

• The vending machine in Senior Centre is the most profitable vending machine in Victoria

• In excess of 100,000 photocopied papers go to the General Science department each year

Compiled by Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9

As part of the Life Writing course we have had the opportunity to meet Mrs Tidd, a former MLC student Over several lunchtimes Mrs Tidd has told us a lot about MLC and her school life in the 1920 s

When Mrs Tidd first came to MLC at the age of seven, Rev Fitchett was principal Her first experience was an interview with Rev Fitchett who lifted her onto his lap and asked the young girl if she would like to come to MLC

She was a student here until she was sixteen and during her school life saw several changes But since she has left the changes have been much more drastic On walking around the school Mrs Tidd found it amazing that so many buildings had been built and how large the school is now The only buildings she recognized were the tower building, which once held the main classrooms, and Fitchett Hall which was the Assembly Hall Built at the time of the First World War there were also several wooden buildings scattered around the school Even in the 1920 s MLC had a swimming pool which was used in the summer months, but got progressively more yellow during the year

Mrs Tidd wore a navy blue and white long sleeved dress in summer, with black woollen stockings and shoes, and, of course, hat and gloves Often she would have to wear her uniform for up to a week due to a lack of modern washing facilities There were no school bags as we know them today, but the girls carried a small suitcase' containing their writing equipment

There was a much narrower subject range and the subjects put more emphasis on the English way of life, particularly History and English French and Latin were available and Domestic Science could be studied after school Like the Year 10's today, Mrs Tidd had the opportunity to learn martial arts in P.E., in her case ju-jitsu Baseball and Gymnastics were also learnt

We have found it very interesting talking with Mrs Tidd about the MLC of 65 years ago How will MLC change in the next 65 years?

Anna Redshaw and Lucy Procter, Year 11

Untitled

The old tree stands, like a God in watch over the schoolyard, waiting, timeless and strong

In hours of light, chiidren flock to worship, granted freedom from their books; shade for moist mud pies; a silent

ear that hears every secret; a sacred shrine for shining treasures For nimble feet, a tower on high

With overcast skies comes neglect But, feeding on the rain, roots tighten their grip, strength is restored

Before the time of darkness, there falls a spell on the tree Offspring change into cheeky rustic scoundrels

Rebellious individuals propel themselves into space with a rustling chorus of glee But without the tree they are weak, falling to the ground

Foolish, the leaves rain down: a murderer in overalls comes with barrow to cart them to a cremation

They cannot fight The thud of broom on stone strikes up the mourning song and from the school comes the knell of Friday playtime

The children, shocked to see their God naked, as though dead, abandon the site, running to their homes

Three days pass, in pairs the children return, to stare with wonder at the new life

From out of its side, the tree secretes a trickle of sap, glistening like blood in the light of the morning sun

Carolyn Jones, Year 12

The True Glc

My mother recently found for me a very old book called The True Glory of Woman It belonged to my great-great-grandmother and is dated 1876 Each chapter is about an aspect of life for women in the nineteenth century How different things were then!

The book suggests that a young girl should not ballroom dance because "these are the accomplishments which often bring young women into contact with men to whom they should be ashamed to speak and from whose touch they should shrink as from a viper's fangs" The book also said that if a young woman waits patiently God will send the right man to her home, where the gentleman can "observe her true personality by watching her perform domestic duties " The book further

of Woman?

foretells that a marriage in which husband and wife are of different social classes will not last! When refering to occupation, the publication advises that women "have neither the physical nor mental capacity of men" and in the situation of having to earn money themselves should have jobs such as "counting buttons and measuring tape, selling tea and sugar or issuing tickets and making entries of the simplest kind" Women who do physical work (in factories etc.) are likely to come into contact with the sort of people who will destroy her "beautiful unspoiled nature'

As we head towards the 1990s let us not forget how far we have come in only a little more than a century

Caitlin Evans, Year 8.

Welcome to the House of Fun!

MLC Boarders Have Some Fun!

It is natural to assume that the Boarding House is a boring place Its image in my mind is of an old grey building with eroded engravings and cracks running through its walls It seems so impersonal and dead That assumption is quickly torn apart and trampled on, as an individual experiences boarding house life

For whom the bell tolls Life in the Boarding House is ordered by a series of bells which start at 7.00 am This is followed by the 7.30 am bell for the sleepy heads and the 7.40 am bell for breakfast All year levels breakfast in the Dining Room, except for Year 12 who, being the oldest of the clan', have the privilege of breakfasting in their own commom room Breakfast consists of cereal, milk, toast and fruit juice with the occasional hot treat of baked beans, spaghetti, or creamed corn Year 12s may cook extra eggs in their common room

The 8.15 am bell is to remind girls that they have 10 minutes before the 8.25 am leaving bell It is only now that you will see action in the corridors Some girls will obediently leave the house at exactly the right time, while others are still scurrying about, higgledy-piggledy, getting dressed, brushing their teeth, putting on shoes and tidying their bedrooms

During school hours, Year 12s are the only boarders allowed to re-enter the house Despite this regimentation girls are skilled at sneaking back undetected Lunches and mail are collected from the Dining Room Receiving of mail is usually followed by an ear splitting yell of exhilaration and a grin that stretches from ear to ear

The dinner bell is at 5.30 pm on weekdays and 6.00 pm on the weekends No one bothers to complain any more about the food after a recent succession of cooks came and went, each only staying about a month

Now for the FUN

We started with the annual excursion, riding on Puffing Billy to Emerald Lake Girls enjoyed the barbecue, the waterslides, bushwalking and just lazing in the sun It was an opportunity for old boarders to catch up on summer holiday news and to get to know the new boarders as well The great disappointment was that Emerald Lake had been drained Otherwise it was an enjoyable Sunday where girls could relax and laugh

Then, somewhere in March...I think it was the 3rd, the Boarding House prefects organised the Boarders' Concert with an entertaining variety of items performed by different year levels Our

audience was composed of day girls and teachers who had been specially invited to share that special night

Of course, the Boarders' Prefect induction must not be forgotten It was a solemn affair conducted by Mr Loader and held in the chapel We have six prefects this year, the joint leaders being Angelina Lee and Kylie Marriott

Besides the concert, our prefects were also placed in charge of the Boarders' Stall at the April Fair We sold country produce, including fresh vegetables, pickles, jams and lollies and homemade craft, which came from the country homes of the boarders themselves We also sizzled sausages

The Boarders Social held in the Year 11 Common Room in Centenary was also fun It gave the boarders an opportunity to socialise with students from other boarding houses in the vicinity

More activities are planned These include shopping excursions to the city, films, cycling along the Yarra and visits to the Victoria market, as well as to Hanging Rock with its mysterious history

Who said that life in the Boarding House is boring?

Ruth Wong, Year 12

1989 Boarders

BOARDERS' CONCERT 89

"What are we doing for the Boarders' Concert?" was a frequent question circulating around the boarding house Originally part of the Boarders' Birthday Night, the Concert was now going to be a separate event, with every year level presenting an item

The night commenced at 7.45 pm, after guests settled down and technical problems were ironed out

Instead of the traditional opening speech, the prefects sang a welcome song to the tune of the "Sprite" advertisement This was followed by Years 7 and 8 giving an entertaining mimicry of characters from television's The Comedy Company and two advertisements There was then a short act by two Year 12s, Fiona Allen and Ruth Cobden, on the characteristics of boarders This particular sketch tickled the audience as each of the characteristics was easily recognised

Girls in Year 9 attempted to project the image of boarding house life through songs from "The Sound of Music" and the Year 12s used the same idea to sing about exciting visits to the pub and the fascination of the scenery there, through a song adapted from "Kokomo " Both items achieved great success in conveying these ideas through costumes even though their warblings were a little off-key

Boarders from the Year 10 level choreographed a dance depicting relationships between MLC and Scotch College that were later emphasized by the Year 12 song and dance adapted from "Summer Nights" in "Grease "

In between these two acts there was another dance routine by Year 12s The Year 1 Is depicted mass living in the Boarders' Lounge downstairs, followed by the Mistresses' skit (surprise! surprise!)

The night ended on an off-key but hilarious note as Year 12 sang their songs

Later our guests, the enthusiastic and attentive audience were treated to a light supper of sandwiches, fruits and cordial before being farewelled and given the chance to escape Ruth Wong, Year 12

It's the weekend, boarders!

It has become a subject of much curiousity among day girls as to what boarders do on the weekends Do they face the same doldrums as during the weekdays or what?

In fact boarders look forward to the weekends just as much as day scholars do It is only then that we let ourselves go, forget our homework and rage

Some boarders go home, which probably involves a rush to the station on Friday afternoon and a two-hour train ride At this time the boarding house is ruled by total chaos as boarders yell their farewells and others complete last-minute packing And of course there are those who go out on Friday night to relax

Every Friday night there is usually an excursion to the city either for shopping or to see the latest movie This is rather exciting because it is not often that the younger boarders are allowed to go into the city The other alternative is to have a video night where videos are borrowed from the nearest outlet and popcorn is bought to be popped in the microwave

Saturday and Sunday mornings are sleep-in mornings as there are no bells rung at 7am to wake everyone up If you were foolish enough to wake up before 9am on Saturday and Sunday you would find the corridors quite deserted The boarding house gradually comes to life at about 10.30 as showers are turned on and radios can be heard behind closed doors

During autumn and winter, when the football season commences, boarders devote Saturday afternoon to being part of the crowd at VFL Park or the MCG During summer we laze in our very own front gardens or visit St Kilda Beach to soak up the sun and parade the very latest one-piece swimwear Sometimes we have a cycling excursion along the Yarra

At night boarders are given the use of the swimming pool and squash courts in the PEC but those who venture across to the PEC are in a minority Most sit glassy-eyed before the television screen idolising the teenage heartthrob lohnny Depp

Sunday is the quietest day, when some boarders hurriedly try to finish their homework and others attend church services For those who want to go shopping there is an excursion to the Victoria Market

Meals on the weekend are more informal consisting of fresh tossed salads, steaks, sausages and stews Sunday lunch is without fail the traditional roast Perhaps the reason boarders have trouble finishing their homework is that they are too busy having fun! Ruth Wong, Year 12.

Some More Teachers' Quotes

MR McGRATH (to girls coming in late): "I don't meet MY boyfriend in the morning.''

MRS (ONES: "Before you start your essay I'd like you to wander through those comments."

MR McGRATH: "I haven't been bashed by a woman for ages I'm looking forward to it."

MRS JONES: "Obviously there's a bit of hankypanky going on there."

MR FRY: "Sorry to keep interrupting myself"

MR McGRATH (on the new blue tower): "They don't know if they should open it or circumcise it."

MR BELL: "It comes back to patty politics and degrees of naughtiness."

MR McGRATH: "How can they let a woman write an economic text book?"

MR PRYKE: "1 can see a wonderful project coming up — poverty among chickens."

MISS MEHEGAN: "All those people sitting on the fence with pickets up their bums..."

MRS MASON: "Anything can happen on my desk."

STUDENT: "How many babies did you have?"

MRS SMITH: T don't remember."

MRS ELTON-BROWN: "One day you will realise just how polite and patient I am."

MISS OSWALD: "After the age of fourteen your backsides start slipping down your legs."

MRS |ONES: "Culture is going to ooze out of you this year."

MRS SMITH (to a Year 12 class): "The Year 10s are the grotty lipids...and you are the wonderful proteins."

MRS SMITH: "We could squeeze in a few teachers...they could be chloroplasts."

MR FRY: "Don't fiddle with anything you're not sure of."

Flying High ^ ^ ^

J ^ ** ...the jetsetters!

There is an emerging group within the school community

Nude Snow Romps in Finland

Exchange Student Tells!

While most of you spent 1988 garbed in green dresses and silver stars and grovelling over Physics books, I was on the top of the world — literally

I was a Rotary exchange student posted to Finland for one year Where's Finland? I hear you ask It is a country 1 /24th the size of Australia sitting pretty between Sweden and Russia A truly remarkable place, famous for being the home of Santa Claus, blood pancakes and naked sauna rituals! A place where the sun doesn't rise in winter nor set in summer Home to four million fiords, 60,000 lakes, millions of fir trees, too many reindeer and a heck of a lot of snow

I lived with three very different families and went to a classical high school ! learned to ski, to speak Finnish and experienced some very interesting customs One of these was sauna' "You take off all your clothes." they told me All of them? I laughed laughingly to myself in a laughable sort of way, thinking this was a hearty joke It wasn't It turned out to be a wonderful custom, after much persuasion, and became a weekly ritual for me In winter between sauna we would roll in the snow or jump in a hole in the frozen lake in temperatures of minus 38!

Why Exchange?

"Learning Danish wasn't too hard My host family owned a confectionery shop which was amazing Freshly made gob-stoppers are really delicious and they're the weirdest things to see being made Anyway, my sister and 1 used to help in the shop so we talked to lots of people By the end of the summer holidays I was fluent but incredibly fat!"

Everyone has heard returned exchange students speaking in Assembly They begin by describing their host country, recount some funny situations, energetically encourage fellow students to go on exchange, then smile and end They were always interesting but I could never understand them Why leave home and go overseas and eat weird food? You wouldn't see your friends for a whole year Coming home would be awful You would be in class with the year below while your friends would be in the year above or at University!

So why did these people go away? Why go to school for an extra year, where everything and everyone is alien and you can't speak the language? It all sounded pretty frightening It was even harder to understand the overseas people who chose to come to MLC

Sure they had some great stories but they gave up a lot to do it All the talk about "once in a lifetime" and "an opportunity to understand a new culture and language" didn't mean much to me

So where's the attraction? Well, I have since found out that the stories and sentiments are true! The feeling of bussing across the border to ski in Austria or witnessing Kabuki theatre in Tokyo is difficult to understand except through personal experience Going on exchange is about understanding the stories first hand

By leaving Australia you do give up a familiar life with your friends and family, but you stand to gain a whole new life on exchange

Being on exchange means that you have been given the chance to look at the world with new eyes New people, food, ideas and customs help you to formulate your own opinions and ideas

It is great if the people of your host country don't speak English because language then becomes an important part of your stay A new language can drive you crazy with frustration but there is no feeling like the first time you are able to understand a whole conversation

None of this means that problems don't occur on exchange These include homesickness, tension in host families and physical reactions to the environmental change Being on exchange is not a fairy tale but it is fun

The duration of a student exchange can range between two months and one year Most exchange programs offer scholarships while the most expensive ones cost $6000 A few organisations require families to reciprocate and host a student while their own child is overseas

Becoming an exchange student isn't hard

Because of the tough competition in groups like Rotary, people think that obtaining an exchange is difficult Yet, in contrast, Youth For Understanding only rejects 5% of all applicants

The application and selection requirements vary greatly between different groups as do academic requirements, but most groups expect you to pass the Australian year you are studying when you apply It is also worth contacting societies like the Australia-Britain society or the AustraliaJapan society Many groups also offer trips for school leavers on student or working visas

So experience it all for yourself and see if the stories are true

Rosemary Chang, currently on exchange in Japan.

Besides seeing practically all Finland had to offer I saw a lot of Europe I visited Russia and Czeckoslovakia where I saw what life was like behind the Iron Curtain In my summer holidays I back-packed around Europe seeing ten countries and oodles of cities — my favorites being Vienna and London

I had two purposes in mind when I wrote this article One was to tell you how wonderful my year was and how much I had learned about other countries, people and myself, and the other was to persuade anyone reading this to become an exchange student

It is one of the best things you can do when you're young and now that I'm back 1 can surely say I WOULDN'T HAVE MISSED IT FOR THE WORLD!

Jacyl Shaw, Year 12.

Anna from Sveeeyden

I remember just before landing in Melbourne on the first day I was absolutely terrified The only thing I had heard about Australia was about the poisonous snakes and spiders and that there would be kangaroos jumping up and down in the streets My little sister told me I could probably get a lift to school in a pouch!

Driving from the airport I saw this huge city, with palm trees beside the road and the sun shining and 1thought it was really exciting It still is, meeting new people every day, and going to a very different school from the one at home, where we haven't got uniforms or single-sex schools at all Our schools consist of ONE building and here it's like a whole village with almost everything including three tennis courts and a swimming pool!

All the people are really nice and much more open to strangers than European people are and I felt at home almost from the very beginning The language was a bit of a problem at first, especially with the new Australian accent to understand, but now it really feels strange speaking Swedish! When I speak on the telephone to my parents I have to think about what I am saying in Swedish, and once in a while an English word pops in, which gives them a good laugh

Anyway, I must say I really love being an exchange student and thank you for having me at your school

Anna Isaksson, from Sweden.

Jacyl Shaw in Finland

Anna isaksson

WORLD EXPO 88

Two large tour buses departed from the Chapel on Friday, September 9th What lay ahead? A 22 hour journey, squashed legs and an abundance of twisties and tim-tams, that much we knew But what of Expo itself? We had all talked, heard and read so much about it, but none of us really knew what to expect

Somerville House, which is a girls' boarding school in Brisbane, generously opened its door to us; 80 girls and eight teachers Positioned high on a hill, and just across the road from Expo, it provided a perfect view of the site, and upon our arrival in Brisbane on Saturday night we were graced with a spectacular show of lasers and fireworks from the Expo River Stage along the Brisbane River This display wasn't just a single special occasion As we discovered later the fireworks were a marvellous conclusion to each and every day at Expo

The World Expo gates were opened to the masses each morning at 10, and luckily we were able to be the first people through the gates, but not without sufferance To achieve this we had to be down at the gates at 9 to sit for an hour on cold and sometimes damp or wet ground However after spending 22 hours in a bus we felt we could cope with anything The real problem was yet to come Survival beyond the gates required great skill, strength and courage Being in the front of the queue we were at the forefront of the crush Once the gates were opened survival meant speed We were quite safe as long as we kept running with the crowd After half an hour everyone slowed to a walk and the atmosphere changed from alarming trepidation to a brisk calm

Our day had begun, and for the next 12 hours we were caught up in the excitement and discovery of World Expo '88

The Pavilions.

One of the most popular exhibitions amongst the visitors to Expo was the New Zealand pavilion which was designed entirely by school children, and the theme naturally was "New Zealand through the eyes of youth" The building was surrounded by waterfalls, caverns, and a beautiful kauri forest A theatre in the form of a woolshed with a reclining floor and sheep to sit on was probably the most memorable feature In addition a film showing the fascinating legends of the islands and the Maori people was displayed on a screen of mist

Another favorite was the Canadian pavilion which showed us how the Canadian people spend their "Leisure in the Age of Technology" Visitors were taken through two theatres, viewed an historic underwater sound and light show, its highlight being Canada's two new deep sea diving vessels Before leaving the exhibition visitors were able to test their fitness using the equipment in the highly technological fitness arcade

Down on the Ranch

Towards the end of February all Year 12 Geography students lost sleep in anticipation of their field trip camp at Rye

The complaints were never-ending when Friday came, since it was a boiling hot day We dreaded the bus ride, without airconditioning, down to Rye, particularly since we could not swim when we arrived at Ace Hire Riding Ranch

However, the ranch itself was wonderful with a choice of sleeping in either one of six gorgeous little wagons, or an old train Their appearance really added to the American Wild West' atmosphere Ace Hire is as the name states and many girls enjoyed a train ride on the Saturday afternoon Dinner was served in a former church

During the weekend we studied three different types of beaches, taking measurements, notes, samples and photos On Saturday we visited

Points of interest in other exhibitions included the man made ski-slope which was always in full use inside the Swiss pavilion The Fujitsu pavilion boasted a three dimensional movie, while the Chinese pavilion displayed ancient relics dating back to the famed Ming Dynasty and some dating back a further 2000 years

Leisure in the Age of Technology

The World Expo '88 theme of "Leisure in the Age of Technology" was wonderfully depicted throughout the grounds with a combination of both the arts and technology There was a sense of celebration as one walked about, greeted at every corner with a different landscape of brilliant colour, eye-catching sculptures and the alluring aromas of international cuisine

A ride or two on the World Expo monorail was a must for every visitor The monorail's four nine-carriage trains were able to carry 44,000 passengers each day on a 2.3 kilometre journey through part of the Queensland pavilion, over the Pacific Lagoon and alongside the Brisbane River During the day the monorail provided an interesting bird's eye view of the World Expo site and after dark it took its passengers on a magical and captivating journey through fairyland

Littered with concrete human sculptures, futuristic steel sculptures and giant insects the walkways wound round the various buildings and pavilions creating surrealistic images for the passers-by The Expo site however was not without its tranquility, the Pacific Lagoon and the Cascade fountains displayed inspiring spectacles of nature

As far as entertainment went Expo certainly had plenty to offer with six theatres and stage venues as well as the popular Aquacade which boasted an entertaining and spectacular musical show displaying expert diving skills and synchronised swimming At the middle of each Expo day the comic "Lunchtime Parade" wound its way through the centre of Expo, entertaining the crowds Other crowd entertainers were the various theatre companies participating in the daily street entertainment There were CIA agents running in and out of the crowd, mechanical men and even flower pot men to keep the people smiling Four times each day there was an exciting water-ski show on the Brisbane River

Food, and the opportunity to experience strange international dishes was perhaps one of the most enjoyable parts of Expo The Broadwalk provided a wide spectrum of local and international dishes Some of the pavilions had their own restaurants which were wonderfully unique and enabled visitors to experience the true international flavours of Expo

Jacki Dillon, Year 11.

lack's Beach on Westernport Bay It is known as a mangrove saltmarsh system and is very muddy and smelly George, one of our assistants, discovered just how muddy when she tried to walk out past the mangroves to the sea As far as we know her gumboot is still wallowing out there somewhere in the mud On Saturday afternoon we studied St Andrews Beach which is also the Rye backbeach and on Sunday we took a long walk to look at Cape Schanck

This weekend was a great learning experience Apart from our fieldwork, we know not to attempt the miraculous walking across mud trick We also know that when Kate plays practial jokes such as turning lights off when people are in the shower she manages to botch it up

We also learnt that it is possible to have a great time even though a weekend had to be sacrificed to do so

Helen Woodside, Year 12

ASSIST...Scholarships to the USA

Late last year, Kate Gibson and I found out about a program called ASSIST — American Secondary Schools for International Students and Teachers We were told they offered scholarships for students worldwide to go to American independent schools, which are like our private schools, for a full year, beginning in August, and were asked if we would like to apply

What a tough decision that was! If we did go it meant breaking up our VCE and doing it over two years, and it meant not being with our friends for Speech Night, muck up day', final exams and so on However, it seemed like the chance of a lifetime, a chance not to be missed, so we both decided to apply After filling out detailed applications, and undergoing a gruelling interview, we were contacted in mid-|anuary and told we had been awarded scholarships It still hardly seems real

I am going to a private girls' boarding school in Middlebury, Connecticut, which has only 185 students (MLC's Concert Choir has over 200!) Kate is going to a private co-ed boarding school in Illinois, which is slightly larger Neither of our schools has a uniform; my school simply states that you can't wear jeans to class, while at Kate's school the girls must wear skirts or dresses and the boys must wear a jacket and tie

Both schools have very good academic programs, and Kate and I will probably be able to take most subjects at A.P level, which would give us entrance into American Universities I am very fortunate in that my school also offers students a scholarship to the Manhattan School of Music in New York, which 1 applied for, and as a result 1 will have the wonderful opportunity of going to that school every Saturday to have music lessons and to play in their orchestra From the brochures we received, the schools look magnificent The grounds are very large (my school is set in 125 acres) and the buildings very old The school I am going to is not as old as MLC, but was one of the first private girls' schools in the USA

Both schools place a large emphasis on physical education You can do all the normal sports as well as horse riding and outdoor activities', which is a little like Outward Bound Kate and I have been working hard trying to finish options before we go We are looking forward very much to beginning the scholarships in August, but we will also be sad to go as we will be leaving friends just as they start the hard slog leading up to the exams As we go into our new schools, and begin what will be a very exciting year, we will think especially of everyone in Year 12, and we wish them all the very best of luck

Kristina Shugg, Year 12

SKI TRIP

After all the hard work and preparation by Mrs Brooke and fellow colleagues, the ski trip to Mount Buller for Year 7s turned out to be a great success More than forty girls took part in the five day and weekend trips

Students were given a very useful two hour lesson when they arrived After lunch they were free to go on the tows or try more difficult slopes Some students and teachers proved to be true professionals and attempted steeper hills while beginners like myself stayed on Bourke Street, the main slope

The tows like the T-bar were quite a challenge for the beginners Meanwhile the more experienced skiers tackled the other slopes quite easily

On the way back we made a short stop which enabled us to buy hot dinners The trip home was a very pleasant one Students and teachers either slept or talked quietly I am sure that all students and teachers not only found the trip very enjoyable, but educational as well Juli Leong,

Nouvelle Caledonie

Restless as our Air Caledonie flight landed in Noumea, we excitedly crossed the tarmac in the stifling humidity towards the main building of Tontouta Airport A bus took us from the airport to Noumea Village Hotel, on the Rue De Sebastopol, in the centre of the city The dream which had inspired us through our exams and the last weeks of term was now a reality

We were hot and tired but wonderfully excited to be on holiday in such a cosmopolitan French country Nearly half the population are Melanesian, living mostly outside the city, about one-third are European (mainly French), with many Vietnamese and Indonesians originally brought in to work on the plantations and in the nickel mines Noumea is also home to many Tahitians and Wallis Islanders who are temporary immigrant workers

We awoke on our first morning to a typical French breakfast of warm croissants, hot chocolate and fluffy French bread The first half of the day was spent walking the streets of Noumea, peering into shops, and generally making ourselves at home In the afternoon a bus tour showed us all the points of interest in the city and surrounding areas This included a visit to the renowned aquarium, a must for any visitor to New Caledonia

Amedee Island awaited us the following day We boarded a small boat early in the morning and were taken out to the island where we walked along the picturesque beaches and viewed the spectacular scene from the top of the lighthouse for which the island is so well known We took the opportunity to eat a tropical lunch of parrot-fish before making the return journey in the late afternoon

Anse Vata, a beachfront area approximately twenty minutes by bus from the city, the zoo, the botanical gardens, and the city itself became the main places at which the next three days were spent

Our nights in Noumea were almost as full as our days with many nightclubs and tempting restaurants within walking distance of our hotel Even a taxi ride down to Anse Vata, which many girls enjoyed, didn't prove to be too expensive when shared with three or four others

We all loved the experience of communicating in French, particularly with young French National Servicemen and local Melanesian males, some of whom we suspected had dubious intentions!

One of the many highlights for myself in particular was attending a Catholic Mass conducted entirely in French at the beautiful St Joseph's Cathedral

After disembarking at Tullamarine finding our parents and collecting our luggage, we walked calmly through the great glass doors quite unprepared for the biting chill of a typical Melbourne winter evening I am sure that although we were happy to be home again there was not one girl whose thoughts at that moment were not back with the sun-kissed atmosphere and swaying palms of New Caledonia

lacki Dillon, Year 11.

Tish, that's French . . . the gels get into the swing of Noumea's cafe

St. loseph's Cathedral.

Repression It's written on the walls in downtown Noumea life

Two happy locals and their pet

THAT ... THING

X < CO 0 1

MLCs TOP 10 FACELlFTS....since the class of '89 were in year 7

• • ' Kilvington tuck moved to the back corner of the tuckshop, and the old tuckshop later became a locker room The portable classrooms disappeared and the asphalt became green and j landscaped

• • The bookroom changed from the bottom floor of Nevile to a hole in the tuckshop's wall

* * The terraces, tennis courts and the old sports centre disappeared under the new car park and Sports Complex

* * Nevile administration and OLCD turned pink Plastic pot plants replaced the old benches in the corridor Administration grew huge windows facing onto the landscaped grass, so Year 10s could see Mr Loader at his desk

• • Year 6s discovered play equipment in the boarders' quad

• • Nevile became a modern pink, purple, and crimson edifice, complete with glass walls, sky lights, and doors which only close when they are in a good mood

• • 'The old bookroom/locker room became Mrs Prest's office A new wall and roof was erected between the Assembly Hall and Nevile, giving Middle school a new locker room and an incredibly crowded walkway between 'classes

In the front garden the floral star died down and the trees encompassing the chapel wereifelled Inside the fountain the tiles changed to blue

*

* iBeside the Assembly Hall, the basketball courtiacquired a net and became a tennis court

A huge window was created on the second floor of Cato so Year 8s could see who hit the ball in tennis lessons

• • A huge tower was slowly erected in the library quadrangle, to enable young |SS ladies to scream their way to science lessons along a different route

More face lifts than Andrew Peacock and more stitches than Frankenstein's monster? Maybe so, but "old traditions play a part" la di da dah ! (dom dom dom|..

The Purple Pimple — A letter from a demolition worker of the future.

To the Editors,

I am writing to you as a concerned member of this school's community I am known to have patience and yet, like many others, the unnecessary destruction of the environment in which I must live pushes my tolerance level to the limit

Until now MLC has had at least some taste in its developments around the school (Centenary, the fantastic P.E.C.) and now I find myself continually praying that the lilac; is only an undercoat The new staircase (?) does not blend in with the yellow bricks of Nevile or the cement of the library Instead it stands box-like in the 'centre of what was once a lovely courtyard

It rained today so I thought I may",just use these inside stairs But the violet monster was locked! If it doesn't function what does it do? Stand there and look pretty?

Pink Palace then shall this be dubbed the Purple Pimple? It definitely is a blot on the landscape A future demolition worker (name withheld)

An Appointment with Doctor Dedman

Amidst the excitement, the scandal, and even the mystery behind the new tower, we decided to seek out the face behind this mauve miracle Who was the mastermind of this marvel? The brains behind the beauty? Our instinct led us to the end of a long corridor where we were confronted by a plaque on the wall, majestically stating 'Director of Finance"

What would Dr Dedman be like? Our imagination created an intimidatingly tall man with penetrating eyes and "Director of Finance' written all over him Hand in hand we stepped into the room to meet our quarry

We were invited to take a seat by this humble looking man with a hint of curiosity in his big blue eyes From his neatly combed hair to his straightened lapel and his even poise we detected his efficiency and preciseness ;' • -

So this was the man responsible for our school's newest arrival Well, in this respect Dr Dedman was very modest and not willing to take much responsibility at all It seems that the School Council in conjunction with the Kew Council is in charge of building projects

Now that we were actually in the presence of The Tower Man' we wondered what Dr Dedman actually did Controlling the school's revenue and expenditure probably seems like an obvious answer coming from the Head of Finance So, with no more ado, we returned to the controversial issue of the day

Naively .we inquired about the cost of the tower That , was a waste of time, because it is confidential But we did discover one amazing fact Our rigid, oblong structure was originally planned to be in the shape of a cylinder Fancy that!

We finally posed the question on everybody's lips: "What does Dr Dedman think of this piece de resistance?"

T don't dislike it," he responded, adding thoughtfully, "It fulfils its purpose."

Were there any additional comments he would like to make on the matter Catching on, he asked:

"You mean the colour, don't you?"

Well, to be frank, yes!

"I think the colour is excellent It merges in with its surroundings and co-ordinates with the interior of Nevile rather well."

There you have it! Coming from the Director of Finance himself!

We were left wondering why this sculpture was surrounded by so much controversy Then we remembered why as we suddenly found ourselves under the dark Shadow of the foreboding lilac intruder Oh well, the people of Paris hated the Eiffel Tower when it was first built, and look at what an international attraction it is today!

Katrina Lawrence and Melinda Nikolich, Year 11

SCIENCE

Mrs. Jenkins...Blinding Us With Science!

For the benefit of those who don't know her, Mrs lenkins is the head of General Science at MLC You may have seen her dodging her way though the corridors of Nevile trying to get to a class or a meeting Being the head of General Science is not an easy job Mrs Jenkins' position involves organising the syllabus for Years 7 to 10, making sure the teachers know what to teach and that all of the science departments work together Mrs lenkins also has the laborious and tedious job of sorting out the mail The aspect she enjoys most about her job is teaching She loves being in the classroom teaching the girls all the interesting facets of science Although this year she is teaching Years 9, 10 and 12 Mrs Jenkins has taught at all year levels since she has been at MLC

Mrs lenkins has been at the school since 1981 and it did not take her long to reach the top of the department's hierarchy She was appointed head after teaching at MLC for only one term!

Mrs Jenkins loves her job and says she is lucky to have such a great team of science teachers to work with Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9

Mrs. Rush...Laboratory assistant

Rushing Around the Lab

If it was not for our lab assistants, the Science department would be really disorganised and in a state of chaos

Mrs Rush is one of the many lab assistants at MLC Her job includes getting worksheets and equipment ready, trying out experiments, and taking care of the chemicals

Mrs Rush finds that the worst part of her job is having to clean up after messy students A lot of her time is spent unblocking sinks and cleaning graffitied desks (HINT, HINT) According to Mrs Rush working with the students is fun and the best part of her job

Being a lab assistant is exciting Mrs Rush is often to be found running around Melbourne looking for materials for experiments Funny things happen too Mrs Rush recalls that the skeleton went missing during the renovations It still has not returned

Some people have the impression that lab assistants are dumb Well, they most certainly are not! The majority of assistants at MLC are bachelors of science, but the requirement is only a pass in Year 12 Physics or Chemistry

To Mrs Rush, being a lab assistant is a good job, mainly because the people are friendly Without those friendships being a lab assistant would not be as enjoyable as it is Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9

Mr. Lim...Science teacher

Out on a Lim

Mr Lim is one of our many science teachers To Mr Lim, science is a field where learning is a continuous process; science teachers have to keep up to date with the latest information

A science teacher's job involves teaching, setting homework and correcting tests, as well as helping to set up the curriculum All of the teachers share their ideas to create a curriculum that will appeal to the students Mr Lim finds the worst part of his job is teaching students who do not realise the importance of education

The best part of his job is being able to teach different types of students He likes the challenge of having to change his teaching methods for different students

Overall, Mr Lim finds being a science teacher an enjoyable profession He gains satisfaction from seeing his students become successful Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9.

Disaster in the Laboratory

The bell rang for period seven, as Sue and Sophie grabbed their school bags and books and set off for science When they arrived at lab G the door was still locked so they joined the rest of their class huddling and pushing around the door

Finally Mrs Smith arrived and let them all in Everyone barged through and made wild dashes for the best seats For five minutes chaos reigned but eventually everyone had secured a satisfactory seat and sat down, those with bags dumping them in front of their desks

"Today," announced Mrs Smith, "We are going to do an experiment We are going to find out how long a kerosene lamp can burn without any oxygen." Before she could give any further instructions everybody was busily claiming matches, lamps and bottles of kerosene

"Now now everybody, settle down and listen to me." Mrs Smith tried in vain to speak above the noise "Please! Oh bother you all You can work it out for yourselves," she muttered as she retreated to her table

Sue staggered back to her desk, hauling all her equipment with her She dumped it down and told Sophie to set it up Sophie stood the lamp up straight and began pouring kerosene into it It was almost full when Kath came running past the desk, tripped over the school bags, and knocked the lamp flying Kerosene spilled all over the floor, creating two huge puddles

"Kath!" groaned Sue, "Well done!"

"Never mind," said Sophie, "We can clean it up later There's enough kerosene to let us fill the lamp again Don't tell Mrs Smith, though She might be angry."

The girls refilled the lamp and set it up again

"We haven't got a cover to block out the oxygen yet," remembered Sue "I'll go and get one now." She forgot to avoid the puddles and spread a trail of kerosene right across the room

When she arrived back at her desk she struck a match and lit the lamp But she didn't blow the match out straight away — she wanted to see how long she could hold it before it came too close to her fingers She misjudged the flame and before she knew it, it was burning her

She squealed, and dropped the match right into the kerosene A flame leaped up, then started creeping and flickering along the trail of kerosene on the floor

Sophie screamed and ran down between the desks Everyone started for the door but the flame danced along the trail and cut them off They turned around and hurried to the windows instead Mrs Smith was already there, wringing her hands and praying

"Don't let me die," she was pleading The flame was creeping closer and closer towards the huddle of children Mrs Smith was becoming hysterical

"The flame will kill me! We are all going to die! I'll never see Mr Loader again!"

She climbed out the open window intending to put an end to her misery but lost courage at the last minute and snatched hold of the window sill Desperately she clung on, her legs dangling nine metres from the ground

"Somebody help me," she whimpered Til give you a good report if you do, I promise!"

"I will!" shouted lane, who was very quick thinking and desperate for a good report in science Quickly she ripped down one of the pretty brown and red curtains and fastened the four corners together with the cord

"Right We're going down," she announced "Who's coming?"

"Me!" chorused 29 voices, and everyone fought for a hold of the curtain

The flames reached the window just as Mrs Smith and 8| launched themselves out The parachute floated slowly to the ground

Mr Loader came running up and stared with dismay at the flames leaping out of the windows

"This is a disaster! A disaster!" he cried

"A disaster? No!" scoffed Sophie "This has been the most useful science lesson I have ever had We've learned that to succeed you have to break all the rules!"

Kate Macdonald, Year 8

EQUUS

Anyone paying the price of admission to Hitchcock's "Psycho" had well-founded notions of what to expect A normal situation, suspense, revelation of neuroses that would have intrigued even Sigmund Freud, and a finale of shower curtain ripping (desecration), the visual commentary of life ebbing down the gurgler and the finale of dreadful remorse

Patrons to MLCs Equus, particularly those unread of Peter Shaffer may have been forgiven for thinking this might be a schoolgirl horsey drama in the line of Black Beauty or Kentucky Derby Not so MLCs Equus was an aural as well as visual experience easily a match for Hitchcock Representing the horses, the otherwise mute players gave, at the horrific climax to the deranged youth's excesses of spike-blinding, a performance that was striking in its pathos and passive faith in man

THE CAST

Martin Dysart

Alan Strang

Frank Strang

Dora Strang

Hesther Solomon

)ill Mason

Harry Dalton

lenny — Nurse

The Horseman

Horses

Lighting

Imogene Rothnie

Tess Barling

Barbara Thome

Trephina Galloway

Sharna Guest

Julie Martin

Anna Stewart

Jacki Dillon

Tabitha Clutterbuck

Alison Barton, Michelle Ho

llona Misa, Melissa Perks

Astrid Haldane, Alison Crawford, Juliette Haliday

Sound Donna Chang, Genevieve Searle

Publicity

FOH manager

Michelle Powell, Rebecca Walker

Cathy Schapper

Melissa Drewer

Equus was directed and produced by Emily Morieson and Kit McMahon

Congratulations A never to be forgotten

theatrical experience

Who Is That Man?

He lurks in the shadows of the Music School Is it Stravinsky? Is it Beethoven? No, it's Mr Van Ernst!

This musical maestro, the assistant director of music at this school, was born on February 6, 1934, in a Dutch town called Bussium, twenty kilometres south of Amsterdam

The son of two musical parents, it was not surprising that he won a scholarship for singing and music at an early age After his primary education, little Henk was drawn to Amsterdam where he attended secondary and tertiary institutions Studying music and art he supported himself by playing clarinet in various nightclubs

Believe it or not, the clarinet was not the first instrument Mr Van Ernst played In fact, he started on the violin and received singing training, picking up the clarinet at the tender age of 11

Soon he was swooped up by the army during which time he bootled with the Dutch Grenadier Guards After this conscription of two years he travelled around Europe on push bike with a few friends and also played with a travelling opera and ballet company

Why did he want to leave this peaceful life in Holland? Well, after the war Holland was a depressing place and following much consideration Mr Van Ernst heeded the wise words of a friend in Australia "Come to Melbourne" was the call and in 1957 he did

At first, music was not the career he followed Being a man of varied interests he became the well-rounded individual he is by:

1 entering the building industry

2 having a career in advertising

3 meeting his wife in 1964 Barbara is now the mayor of Hawthorn

It was in 1967 that he began to work in the Education Department and taught music at Brighton High School, Mount Waverley High School and Ringwood High School Then the day arrived which was destined to change his life forever On December 31 1970, Mr Van Ernst met the one and only, yes, the woman herself, Mrs Elton-Brown In 1971, he became the first full-time music teacher at MLC

It is now 1989 and we are sitting in a comfy little room in the music school from where many a passer-by will be hit with wafts of jazz floating from the nimble fingers of Mr Van Ernst

Q. Do you like teaching at MLC?

A Yes, otherwise I wouldn't be here!

The School is Alive with

Q. How do you think the Concert Orchestra has improved over the years? (Mr Van Ernst is conductor of both the MLC orchestras.)

A. Every year something different happens Strengths in sections vary At one stage we had a whole Victorian section from the Australian Youth Orchestra (1976) At first the Orchestra had only forty people, now there are ninety

Q. Who is your favorite composer?

A. I don't have one, I only have favorite compositions It depends on my mood I enjoy all music, even good pop

Q What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

A Lots of things Gardening, bushwalking, collecting art and antiques, taking my dogs for a walk, billiards, carpentry, painting and, of course, playing my clarinet and saxophone

Q. What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you during a concert?

A (His eyes open wide and he utters a small chuckle) I left my instrument at home the night I was to play with a chamber orchestra 1 was given a big warning and was unable to play in the concert

Q If you weren't a musician what would you most like to be?

A An antique or art dealer, maybe even a painter or perhaps an architect But I am very happy with my choice

Q Was it hard being in the competitive music industry?

A I am a very competitive player It suits my personality I play to win and I play to be good

Q. What is your favorite food?

A 1 love all food but my favorite would be French cuisine

Q. What do you dislike?

A What I dislike most is the poverty in the world I have seen plenty! 1 also dislike the sheer destruction of the world, such as de-forestation

Q. What are your hopes for the future?

A. I hope to be around for a long time (chuckle, chuckle) 1 hope to still be teaching part-time at MLC and even come back for visits when I have retired

Madrigals Storm Canberra, 1988.

July 1988 will be remembered by most senior students as the month of the dreaded mid-year exams Yet for 34 Year 10, 1 I and 12 girls July marked the climax of four months of singing, practising and perfecting The 1988 MLC Madrigals (the chorale) was one of the musical groups selected from around Australia and the world to perform at the 1988 International Music Education Conference held in Canberra

After exams we flew to Canberra to be billeted out with girls from Canberra Girls Grammar (the first question my host mother asked me was "How much do you pay each term?") My host family lived in the richest suburb in Australia and drove a Mercedes and an Alfa

We gave two performances while in Canberra both of which proved to be highly successful Just before we were about to shuffle on to the stage to perform to some 300 people Mrs EltonBrown whispered to 34 nervous and excited girls, "lust remember there are some very important people out there listening to you, who are very influential!"

We performed numbers ranging from modern Australian compositions to traditional Hungarian folk songs, without any major hiccups Between performances we also managed a private inspection of the new Parliament House and tours of all Canberra's significant sights — the National Gallery, the National Library, old Parliament House and on Saturday night the one and only night club in Canberra!

After tearful farewells the MLC chorale departed from the Australian capital on a dreary wet Sunday afternoon Arriving back in Melbourne was a wonderful experience until we remembered that the morrow would bring us the results of our exams!

Julia Pryor, Year 12

Anna Stewart and Mandy Drury, Year 11

Senior Madrigals

the Sound of Music

CONCERT ORCHESTRA

Concert Orchestra has been a great success this year Not only have we achieved many things, but we have enjoyed doing them As usual we can boast a large membership of almost one hundred girls These include a wide variety of instruments covering all sections of an orchestra; strings, woodwind, brass and percussion

Once again our orchestra was under the baton of Mr Henk Van Ernst, whose patience and knowledge played a major role in producing the final results Mr Clive McCullough assisted in his own area of expertise, strings, as did Mr Robert Burns with percussion and brass Without such fine staff we would never have reached such heights

Rehearsing each week, usually on Friday nights, we began the year with Suite from Tannhauser' by Richard Wagner Later in first term we also began working on Tchaikowsky s The Sleeping Beauty', from his ballet Later we added to our repertoire Basin Street Blues', a well known jazz number Thus there was great variety and a chance for each section of the orchestra to "show off "

I would like to thank and congratulate the music staff for their continuous encouragement For all Year 12s there is no more orchestra on Friday nights, after all these years, and to all other members, I hope next year and the years to follow are just as good as 1989 Kathy Wilkie, Year 12

FIRST VIOLINS: Kathy Wilkie {leader), julie Rankin, Natalie Bergen, Angela Nicholas, SomLing Leung, Kate Gibson, Melanie Fasham, Sarah Kate Doyle, Rachel Needoba, Rebecca Millikan, Lenore Ellett, Patricia Wong, Melissa Rankin, Amaruka Hazari, Melissa Rankin, Rowan Tuttleby, Carolynne Baker, Melissa Batty

SECOND VIOLINS: Gabrielle Knights, Katherine Dawson (joint leadersl, Lesley Chow, Louisa Oppenheim, Suman Joshi, Melissa Perks, Rebecca Ziffer, Sarah Chin, Wendy Wu, Rosemary Field, Rebecca Sleeth, Bronwyn Andrew

VIOLA: Dierdre Dowling (leader), Anna Stewart, Kathy Thomson, Carolyn Barton, Chloe Walton

CELLOS: Fiona Symons (leader), Kate Bergen, Marian Wheda, Stella Roditsis, Charlotte Dennis, Miranda Jamieson, Yasmin Aly, Anna Kent Caroline Bennet

BASSES: Rebecca Miller, Dianne Bergen, Kylie Trompf

PERCUSSION: Allison Summers, Kirsty McDougall

SAXOPHONES: Elizabeth Douglas, Amelianne Truscott, |ulie Findlay, lane Pace, Suzanne Field, Anita King, Claire Putt

HORNS: Anne Wigglesworth, Michelle Francis, Fiona Etherton

TRUMPETS: Catherine Sealy, joanne Halls, Katie Gleeson, Claire Barton

TROMBONES: Krishna Ferguson Natasha Otzen, Carolyn Welch

TUBA: Katrin Hewitt

FLUTES: lulia Coldrey lane Levin, Sonia Turecek, Helen Pearce, Alyson Locket Sarah Whitchurch, Christine Morris, Catherine Fisher, jodie Hogg, Tarna Schmidt, Emma Kowal, Nerissa Easton

OBOES: Rachael Scott, Kylie McCubbing, Vanessa Sowerwine, Bernadine Holland, Megan Warrell

CLARINETS: Evelyn Halls Sally Mapp, Hayley Smithers, Alex Kent, Sarah Adams Mandy Drury

BASSOONS: Krishna Shugg, Elizabeth Bennett Jenny Martin

JS Choir singing with sign language at a Year 12 Chapel Service

Gala Concert

The Gala Concert again lived up to its name, a truly joyful celebration of music in all its wonderful variety

The buzz of parents and friends in the foyer as they arrived, the striking checker-board cover of the programme featuring the crests of both MLC and Camberwell Grammar School, the tuning of musical instruments and the excited whispers of hundreds of girls set the atmosphere of expectation

The evening began with the Training Orchestra sweeping into the striking King William's March' and then Bill Bailey' We were then treated to a Rondo from the Concert Orchestra and a wonderful selection from the opera, Tannhauser The switch to Basin Street Blues' was fun and obviously enjoyed by all the orchestra

Everyone loves the Sleeping Beauty Waltz' which the Chamber Orchestra then performed The feast of music was taken up by the String Orchestra which played a marvellous Allegro and then effortlessly followed, playing with great enjoyment, the |ig and Finale' from the St Paul's Suite

The Year 9 Madrigal Group in fine voice took the stage and their clear and fine voices rose in The Herdmaiden's Song' and that typically lifting Irish Air The Galway Piper'

The Junior School Choir had dressed colourfully in costume to sing two songs from Hansel and Gretel They were a delight to watch and tried to send us away with So Long, Farewell' from the Sound of Music, but the audience had no intention of going, clapping heartily and waiting for more

The Senior Madrigals are a treasure of the school and the four songs they sang a treat at this feast Fair Phyllis' was beautifully sung, but the most unusual use of the voice in Sea- Wash' was an experience to be remembered

This would have been enough pleasure for a Gala Concert but after interval came the flower

at the top of the tree A fine performance by the combined choirs of MLC and CGS of Mozart's Requiem Mass The soloists gave depth and quality to this perfomance which was conducted by Mrs Elton-Brown To sing in such a massed choir is such a wonderful feeling and the song that rises from all those notes pouring forth is a memory I know many of us will have all our lives It was a great night and 1 went home tired but very happy and fulfilled Gala Concert 1989 was Great Eunice Finter, Year 12

Mozart's Requiem

After many months of meetings and planning, 1989 saw the undertaking of Mozart's Requiem Mass with Camberwell Boys' Grammar School The MLC Concert Choir combined with the Camberwell Grammar Senior Choir to produce a choir of 350 voices The two choirs consisted of students, past students and teachers Margot Cory (soprano!, Judith Mallinson (contralto), David Ashton- Smith (tenor), and Chung WaiSoong (baritone) sang the solo parts

Over many centuries the setting of the Requiem Mass has inspired musicians to write beautiful music Mozart was one of those many musicians who was inspired to write a requiem The words of the mass offered dramatic suggestions Bold phrases such as "Rex gloriae!" contrasted with the soft and gentle phrase "Salva me" Combinations of strong and gentle phrases generated fine sounds

Two performances of the Requiem Mass were held, both at the Dallas Brooks Hall The first was on Thursday 1st )une at Camberwell Grammar School's choral concert This mass was conducted by Mr Trevor Henley, Camberwell Grammar's music director The second performance, conducted by Mrs Elton-Brown was on Friday 21st July at the MLC Gala Concert

Singing the Requiem Mass was a dramatic experience that was thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and the performers Mrs Elton-Brown hopes that the performers found the Requiem Mass rewarding and something to remember and be proud about Jenny Gee Wah, Year 9

Concert Choir

BULLFROG CHORUS

Like cattle to the slaughter, Meekly, demurely we shuffle in She is in one of her moods — fangs bared and hungry for blood The door is locked, woe betide any latecomer, even if it is only by three seconds or so, for decapitation is guaranteed

We begin, tuning up as a bullfrog chorus: her face grows darker, and her ears would be perfect satellite dishes A whisper — back row, third to the right, and her wrath is brought upon us "Stand up girl!" she demands "Seeing you are so eager to use your voice, sing for us! Go on, sing."

Cringe "Me?" The poor girl is ashen "Yes, you Sing Don't worry, the whole chorus is on your side, and hating me."

The last rehearsal before the Bullfrog Concert, tension is always in the air, but the results — well worth the efforts of the bullfrog chorus and its leader Anon, Year 12

Rules for Choir and Madrigal girls and proposed amendments to college regulations

No member shall choose geography, art, community involvement, or go on Outward Bound, thus eliminating interference with rehearsals

Year 10 Work Experience must be delayed until the holidays

Choristers may only fall ill on a Thursday or a weekend when no rehearsals are scheduled

No chorister may shriek on trams, or participate in war-cries on sports day Voices must be preserved

All glandular illnesses may not be contracted until after the Gala Concert and then not in the six weeks prior to Speech Night

Fraternizing with members of CGS Choir is absolutely forbidden ALL eyes must remain on the conductor AT ALL TIMES

Lunch must be consumed before school, at recess, during class, after school, or not at all, with the exception of Monday, so that no girl eats during rehearsal

Senior members should commence exam study during the summer holidays, enabling them to obtain good marks while attending rehearsals held during the week prior to, and during exams

Natalie Bergen, Year 12

Gala Concert

Senior School House Chorals

Going Down To See Sister

What kind of a world were we leading ourselves into? Would these steps take us to another timezone? Had we stumbled across the staircase of time itself?...four, five, six...As we ascended, we were overcome by an inexplicable sense of the unknown The dark cloud of mystery thickened as we neared our goal...twenty one, twenty two We were there! Our relief was immense We had survived the first challenge

Now, to confront this infamous figurehead Images of this next challenge filled our heads Floating down the dark, narrow hallway towards us was a tall, imposing woman, her face rigidly structured, her eyes penetrating, her black hair pulled back tightly, her crisp, starched uniform demonstrating her frightening efficiency, but scariest of all, a lethal syringe poised in her cold, wrinkled hand

This was almost enough to make us turn and flee back to reality But we had a job to do We took deep breaths of courage and stepped through the doorway of the nurses' room A warm ray of light suddenly reached out to us, beckoning us in Immediately at ease, we felt as though we'd known Sister Kirsty Evans for years Her cheery and youthful appearance at once dismissed our previous fears

Sr Evans certainly has a great burden on her shoulders, having the task of caring for at least two thousand girls and staff members, as well as herself Surprisingly, she has never been seriously ill in the time she has been here, despite the forty-odd patients she has every day Helping Sr Evans are Sr Kapoor and Sr Brownell, who work on alternative part-time shifts during the week Each nurse has been at MLC for about three years now

Sr Evans also has the responsibility of looking after the boarders, so it is understandable that she lives in the quarters She shares this humble abode with her husband and contrary to popular belief, Sister has a reasonably exciting social life Yet everything has a drawback, and Sister tends to find her surroundings somewhat claustrophobic

The nurses' main job is purely first aid, supplying over-the- counter medication and treating the more common complaints However, the nurses serve more purposes than one would

think They supply needles, cotton, eucalyptus oil (to remove liquid paper) and general health advice They are also seen by many as people with whom problems may be discussed Sister describes her relationship with many of the girls as that of a big sister, or a surrogate mother for the boarders

Sister admits that there are certain rogues she does not take a particular fancy to and vice versa, but she does get along well with most As this point was being made a girl walked in with a cheerful Hi Sis!" Sister is entrusted with many secrets and is usually up-to-date with the boarders' gossip

The sincerity of girls' complaints cannot be openly doubted by Sister; she must take girls at face value There is rather a big problem with girls using the sick bay to skip a class but a word of warning: most teachers ring Sister to check up on students She advises, "Do not use the sickbay as a false excuse because 1 won't cover for you."

Wanting to clear the air a little, Sister explained that the patient records are not kept

in order to charge students for their medication but purely to keep track of who has visited in case of a doubting teacher Another gripe Sister wants to clear is that she does not "just give someone a Panadol and send them back to class."

Sister also believes the school expects too much of her and her colleagues They have enough knowledge to be qualified nurses, but they are not doctors In the past, some crises have arisen, which have been rather stressful for the ladies in blue On one occasion an elderly lady broke her hip in the school grounds and a staff member suffered a heart attack

Some amusing illnesses and occasions come to Sister's mind, but they remain confidential In the past she has looked after birds, possums and various other sick animals

We have now discovered that our school nurse is not an intimidating figure, but more of a martyr figure, someone who all healthy MLC students should look up to

We thanked the nurse for her co-operation and descended the dreaded stairs "Woops Oh my Gosh, I missed a step!!! NURSE!!" Katrina Lawrence and Melinda Nikolich, Year 11.

The MLC Stereotypes: Where do you fit in?

Before reading this, glance around your classroom Observe the behaviour of your classmates Have you ever noticed their distinct behavioural patterns? For example, watch the beacons positioned in the front row Shining examples of scholastic success, they are loved by the teachers and widely tipped to reach that awesome height of leadership — the Prefect Now, run your eyes back through the rows and note the gradual degeneration The middle rows consist of a variety of stereotypes like the artistic geniuses, the pseudo-intelligentsia and the quiet science lover By the time you have reached the last row the only life forms in sight are the girls who will most likely become the queens of society once they inherit daddy's company and marry the son of the vicepresident of daddy's associate company Where do you fit in among the conglomeration of talented youngsters who frequent the halls of our dear college?

As you may have observed, the peer group into which you fall in the future is established during your school years Of course, the perfect MLC girl is eager to please teachers and other highly-placed school staff Some have labelled this as "sucking up", a distasteful phrase not known to the perfect MLC girl Thus she appears attentive and eager to learn She places herself in the front row, right under the teacher's nose I know from experience that this will allow one to get away with practically anything as the teacher glances past you to keep checks on the more troublesome students up the back Perhaps the single most effective method of endearing oneself to the teacher is

by wearing a badge saying "Young Labor" or "Down with Capitalism" as it is commonly accepted that most teachers vote Labor Moving to the other end of the spectrum we meet the hard-done- by wealthy girls whose only problem is chosing four formal dresses out of a possible five The futility of attempting to teach these girls is alleviated only by the recognition that their daddies contribute substantially to MLCs coffers They may be seen at lunchtime, coquettishly salivating down the fence while talking to Boys They also attempt to impress their teachers with statements like:

Teacher: What are the five main causes of unemployment?

Student: My Dad says it's the Trade Unions, the Aborigines, immigration, lazy bums and exhorbitant taxes placed on high income earners The burden is completely on the shoulders of the wealthy Oh, the Labor Party That makes six

It is comforting to think that the future of our nation is in the hands of such open-minded, socially-aware and concerned people

Naturally, some of you will fit neither category, which brings us to the middle rows in the classroom Observe the artistic/humanities types They are society's future patrons of good tastes and the Arts For the time being they cover their folders with Picasso and fill their minds with Baudelaire Lunchtimes are spent discussing the plays of Oscar Wilde or arguing in the debating society

Then there is the nightclubber, distinguished

by large black rings under the eyes and many rings on the fingers Seldom successful at school, she lives for the night moving from pick-up joint to pick-up joint Little is known of this creature, as her appearance during the day is rarely noted

Upon entering the library at lunchtime one is struck by a wave of never-abating noise Within this environment one encounters the studious girl intent on devouring knowledge at every opportunity, ignorant of the pleasures of life and bitterly disappointed when a test paper reveals a fault She tends to be a little inept on the social scene as the following conversation at a school dance reveals:

Girl (to blind date): umm...l have an insect collection which I have been adding to for the last six months It's very interesting

Blind date: Really! Do you like dancing?

Girl: No, I can't do anything too strenuous My glasses fog up if I get too excited, (long silence)

Blind date: Umm...do you want to just sit and talk then?

Girl: Yes, if you like I have a rock collection too I find it fascinating to compare rock surfaces

Thus, emerging from a sea of green is an array of prefects, glamour girls, intelligentsia, artists and scientists Within these ranks there are factions of extreme right-wingers, dedicated socialists, demure young ladies and brash partygoers Where do you fit in? lulia Pryor, Year 12.

The Three Sisters

"Oh my Cod, there's the cherry doc man!"

Silence sweeps over the grounds of MLC The Year 7s stop playing Bros, the Year 8s are persuaded to put down their mirrors, the Year 9s are forced to stop arranging their hair, the Year 10s are convinced to butt out their cigarettes, every Year I 1 head turns simultaneously in the direction of the Art Department and even the Year 1 2s can be prised away from the vending machine

Who on earth is this mysterious cherry doc man' and how did he obtain all this power over MLC girls?

As roving reporters for Silver and Green we conducted our own investigation and we hope that this article will answer all your questions about the cherry doc man

His name is David Frazer and he works in the Art Department in the Centenary building His job involves fixing broken things, making shelves, framing pictures, mixing chemicals and shopping for supplies

After leaving Rosebud High School David felt it was time to hit the big smoke For those of you who enjoy Mexican, David used to work at Taco Bill's in the city We bsard that his speciality was hot chile When he quit that, he did a Fine Arts course at PIT in Bundoora After graduating he earned the title of artist

Artists don't make that much money so David came to MLC Upon being questioned David reveals that he prefers working in a girls' school

Even More Teachers' Quotes

MISS OSWALD: "Mmmm...smell that sweat!"

MR FRY (to a Year 12 studentl: "Work at it though...you will be literate one day."

MISS COATES: " You're so restless and ratty."

MRS |ONES: "I wasn't encouraging you to nick off!"

The Cherry Doc Man

MR McGRATH: "Sex as in male and female, not as in how many times you do it."

MRS [ONES: "Aren't I a good girl?"

MISS COATES: "There's an undercurrent of chatter."

MR BUCKINGHAM: "OK get out your crayons girls."

MISS PARNABY (to a studentl: "Maybe your mother thinks your sexual activity is similar to a bottomless pit."

STUDENT: "But what can you do on the phone?"

MR McGRATH: "I got a quote in last year...wonder if I'll get another this year?"

He finds that MLC girls are generally wellbehaved and even says that some of his musician friends are envious of his working here! David is 23 years old and his birthday is on April I3 For the benefit of astronomical readers he is an Aries but he is not really into horoscopes He believes in fate and likes to think that there is life after death He does not belong to a religion but believes that there is "something out there"

We also asked David how he spent his weekends He informs us he frequently attends night clubs like Razor He used to go to The Metro but now hates it He enjoys pubs like the Esplanade Hotel and he also likes to relate to nature by going camping!

David also has a lot of other hidden talents He is the lead singer of a band called Kid Colosus and the Spaghetti Marinari The band plays covers of legends like Elvis Presley and Jimi Hendrix as well as a lot of original blues numbers And as if that's not enough David also makes a few bucks busking at the Camberwell market

A man of burning ambition, David is working --on a solo cabaret act in order to take cabaret to the streets He dreams of designing the album cover for his band's first release and plans to have a big family "I'm a family man," he admits

So next time you see those eight-ups scooting by remember that the cherry doc man is more than just a pretty face and a pair of boots

Melinda Nikolich and Katrina Lawrence, Year 11

MRS IONES: "And you'd obviously have to have lots of little men behind those little walls all throwing things."

MR FRY: "You must excuse me wearing my gown today...I spilled my lunch in a very embarrassing place."

MS IOHNSTON: "There's a lot to be said for marrying for money."

MR BELL: "Has anyone seen Bob Hawke working the streets?"

MR FRY: "I had on my sportshirt with windmills on it...I love it but my wife hates it."

MRS SMITH: "1 can only draw plant cells because they look like bricks gone wrong "

MS IOHNSTON: "You know what Americans are like."

MR BELL: "Mr Howard is physically ridiculous." MISS GARLICK: "Those horrid Year I Is..."

MS DE ZILWA: "Sorry girls, it must be the drugs I'm on."

MR BELL: "God, I was a pompous 9 0$%&."

MS PARNABY: Teaching is all about bribery and manipulation."

MR SAVAGE: "Thou shalt not use the Phantom's name in vain!"

MRS MICHELE: "...then that means babies would be like a cuboid!"

MR BELL: "Women gasp when they see me in my speedos."

MR BUCKINGHAM: "People borrow money from where it is offered the cheapest In your case, from mummy and daddy."

MS DE ZILWA: "Last night, all I remember is sitting in a bar with a black band playing."

MR BUCKINGHAM: "Some families live on $15,000 per year, an amount which you would spend just on clothes."

MR BELL: "When the opportunity arises...perve."

David Frazer

Would you buy a used car from this man?

Pollution

Lots of pollution is going about, And harming the ozone layer

We all want to plant new trees

But who will be the payer?

While all these problems are being solved

Lots of damage is being done

They're killing whales and cutting quails, And lots of disasters will come

Wendy Shang, Year 4.

Environment

The ozone layer is going,

Because our care isn't showing

Some people will die, And some people will cry

Aerosol sprays are killing trees

And aerosol sprays are killing bees

People are really bad

And they drive me mad

Belinda Choon, Year 4

A Green Dream

The seagulls used to scream and call where the cities stand so tall

Across the darkened bay so far 1 hear the screech of a racing car

Over our developed land where towns and cities now stand I see forbidding smog that rises with the buildings of various sizes, in a world we love so much being destroyed at our every touch

In the sea so dark and mysterious the fish are beginning to get delirious With all our wastes, wants and needs we are forgetting animals and trees, but there is hope for the world and I so living things can live not die, because people will wake up one day and they will think we must do not say What I mean by this conception is the simple rule of deception, that if nothing is done quick and fast people shall be dreaming of an unnatural past

Future Planet

Yes I am hopeful that the environmental catastrophe can be avoided The people in the government and all of us too should be able to look around and see what is happening to our future We should get out and start to ban the things that are causing the environmental catastrophe Indeed there is a very big crisis that in time might kill us all With such a big crisis we might have to change our whole style of living by not cutting down trees and by not incinerating off old things and start composting instead of incinerating and killing the future, lasmine Giles, Year 4.

I don't think that we have any future if we keep on destroying the world All the acid rain will kill the leaves and trees and we will die with them By the year 2,000 the land might be as dry as the desert or as over-flowed as a flood All sewerage shouldn't be thrown into the sea, it should be fertilised on plants, trees, vegetables and fruits All food scraps should not be dumped anywhere, it should be used as compost because that also is a very good fertilizer

Eleena Tong, Year 4.

Yes I am hopeful the catastrophe will stop People are being very careless People can avoid it but they are too lazy Well, right now some people are not responding to the Greenhouse effect and pollution If the Government is going to act they should act now The Government should ban CFCs halogens and all the other chemicals which destroy the atmosphere Factories should not be allowed to put their waste into the air and water Jane Murray, Year 4

Sarah Hook, Year 7

HOUSE SPIRIT

Everyone is sitting and singing house songs, cheering on one person, calling her by name, "Walrus, Walrus, Walrus..,"' an affectionate name for Berry's house captain The whole house, representing one fifth of the school, is behind that one girl Yet, it doesn't matter who she is; everyone wants her to do her best

There is admiration for the captains and a great willingness to cheer and egg on' our fellow team mates What is it that connects each house member to form a whole body enclosed in a bubble of team spirit? Is it a force one receives on being admitted to the school? Is it a tradition implanted deeply and subtly within each of us?

As one or two members concious of proficiency points yell "sit down", the whole house obediently sits On another day a few smart remarks would be returned and the offenders would continue to stand

I sit amongst a few friends who are screaming loudly I turn back and see Berry clad bodies concentrating on the race in progress

House music is no different The conductor, with the slightest twitch of her left eyebrow is able to change the dynamics of the piece dramatically All eyes are focused on this one student, happily giving her our utmost attention

No matter what the event, time of year, or girl in charge, house events always create the same atmosphere, combining hundreds of girls to a single purpose

Natalie Bergen, Year 12

The Toilet Monster

There was once a boy named Tim, He had a great ginormous grin But he had a bad habit, He didn't pull the chain, Like his smart friend lane, Then one day his sister Mary, Told him about a cousin of the tooth fairy, He was the toilet monster big and strong, But smarty pants Tim thought she was wrong, Then one day when he was on the loo, Suddenly, quite out of the blue, A gurgling sound came out of the pipes Poor old Tim screamed "CRIPES!" He jumped off the seat, And ran and ran till he thought he was beat But the monster was back for more, Tim threw his apple core, But the monster ate it

Then the monster ate him too, So the next time you go to the loo, Remember the important thing you have to do!

Octavia Schweitzer, Year 7

Realism in writing

Bravely, I battled my way up the dreaded stairway to the top floor As though it was natural, my legs collapsed and I leant against a cold stone wall My legs tossed and turned trying to accept a comfortable position on the prickly, dirty, patched carpet

Notes from a radio waft pulsingly from a room, and collide with the clambering of muttering girls echoing from the staircase The stairs are quiet now but the radio pulses away like a heart beat

Backwards and forwards teachers pace the corridor and eye me a glance each way The lady over the other side is staring at me; she has been since I appeared up here She glances down on me from the wall almost questioning my existence here on the floor of the art department corridor

Keys rattle and chime, then open a door

A pounding man's voice proceeds from the room next door, instructions for his class flying everywhere Then the pounding man struts past me down the corridor but sends me a gentle smile on the way

Keys rattle and chime, then close a door

I peer up and down the corridor inspecting the display of shaped and formed artwork which has vanished, reappeared, then vanished Never to return?

Tittering giggles tickle at my sides, until a girl strolls past with her head down She has her eye patched over and she really looks unhappy, like a breath of sadness

The words from rooms mutter on occasionally a burst of laughter echoes, and teachers continue to mouth out instructions and commands The stairs have stopped their clambering and chatting, but the old lady on the wall still stares, but now I think she smiles at me

This place is like no other The feel of it is creative and indulgent I feel like a fly on the wall as nothing and nobody is bothered or concerned with my observations here I feel peaceful, together and at home Louisa Gent

BLINDNESS

My sight was gone, the world seemed dark, I was angry and annoyed at every sympathetic remark

I was furious with everybody for being so cruel for this blindness to attack me I was just as helpless as a mule

I got around okay Yes I did alright though at some points I was panicky, I just wanted to see light

Oh how I longed to see my mother's face again, to see her hazel eyes to see my little sister play and remember how she cries

When I'm in a room alone, sometimes I feel so scared I feel so helpless and really sad I just want to know someone is there, Someone who cared

At night I lie in bed thinking if this was a dream but no when I wake up and I can't see, this is the way it will always be, it seems

Willow Kellock, Year 6.

Father Figure

He's a bit of a sportsman in his own eyes, flexing his calf muscles as he sits on the couch watching the cricket We have competitions to see who can get the biggest bulge of muscles He always likes to win That's my Dad I always feel that his eyes are watching me I hate it when during a sports game I glance across the court to see his eyes glaring back at me The worst part is it isn't a disgusted or encouraging look, just a penetrating vacant pair of eyes They don't give away a thing

Nothing

As we sit at the dinner table he always read the labels of the tomato sauce and mustard jars His eyes slowly move over every ingredient, wanting to know everything as he sits back and relaxes after a hard day at work He brings his hands up to his face and slowly rubs them upwards, right to the top of his head where the bald patch wrinkles up There are only small wisps of hair the skin is red Mum tries to make his wear his white towelling hat He forgets

When he's mad his nostrils flare out wildly and his face goes a red or purple colour When he's really worked up tendons in his neck bulge out He is frightening when he's like that

He is a very animated talker and really lights up a conversation When he is talking to a group of people his eyes flash around from face to face taking in every comment said He says his bit and waits again until the right time has come for him to speak He is ever alert and on the ball, he always seems to know what to say and when That's when I like my dad best Karen Hunt

My Beautifully Unperturbed Grandmother

As the coffin descends I think of the frail, old body inside

My grandmother sits in her flat, smoking, watching her favorite TV program unaware of the goings on around her Sitting innocently in her favourite chair, wearing her old and worn dressing gown, fiddling with her wedding ring hoping I would come and visit her soon Last night we saw her walking to the milk bar with her dressing gown on, not aware that she might be disturbing others It is now the day of her funeral

I remember the moment we found out she had been robbed the day of her death, all of her jewellery taken and her wedding ring with which she wished to be buried I am angry, thinking how ruthless people must be robbing her when she was dead, but these thoughts fade as I think how she loved me and how I would miss her Seeing my mother and sister crying I realise that never again would I see my beautifully unperturbed grandmother

Cathy Bowden

SOMETHING CONCRETE

garden gnome with grey paintless knees hoeing wheelbarrowing on solid pink flamingo broken leg from gale of last September or perhaps the more traditional imitation Greek statue the armless virile male in the garden of violent violet weatherboard or maybe you prefer the elaborate plaster fountain? white with spiralling frills and flounces cupids spraying water into a lake of goldfish so many somethings concrete

Emily Power, Year 12

I Have A Little Cat

I have a little cat I do, and he chews a funny-looking shoe it is a shoe coloured bright, bright red and he always chews it under my bed

He's a funny little cat he is, he zooms around the house whiz whiz whiz he always eats our fresh pavlova and he always goes around knocking things over

He has a funny name he does, the name I give to him is Fuzz his colour is grey with a nice black tummy just the same as his mummy

He always eats a lot of food, because he is in a good mood

He quite often likes to catch a rat and he eats it sitting on his mat

Fuzz quite often likes to play with a ball but when he tries to catch it he always seems to fall this is just a little bit about my cat that is so likeable, lazy and fat

Sophie Prior, Year 4

FIRST IMPRESSIONS IN THE LAND OF OZ

The girl

The shoes

The land of green

My first day at MLC bore an uncanny resemblance to the classic, familiar fairy-tale, in which the heroine finds herself transported to a land geographically situated "somewhere over the rainbow " The worn components developed by L Frank Baum seemed to be eerily repeating themselves, with me the innocent participant

In compliance with the more lenient of copyright laws, I must clarify that there were some discrepancies between the two storylines My name is not Dorothy, and my dog, a Schnauzer bred in Melbourne, is Elliot, not Toto I am not in the habit of picking up strange men in straw, tin or otherwise, and have no place in my wardrobe for ruby red slippers The Ems I know are too young to be aunties, and my singing voice leaves a lot to be desired But as for the rest..

Once upon a February I made my way to the scholastic institution known as MLC There was no yellow brick road to guide me in my travels, though tramline 69 successfully steered me to the outer gate Staring up at the metal frame I felt a swelling in my chest and could almost feel the proud touch of my parents as they patted me on the back, egging me onwards Suddenly the touch became a nudge, then a shove, then a rude push Amidst angry elbows and jostling knees, I had my first contact with the student body A little painful perhaps, but it was a start..

Trying desperately to regain my balance, I took the first tentative step into my MLC career And then another And another Until finally I could go no further I was lost!

Having attended an open day, a concert, two examinations, and an orientation day at the school, I had confidently assumed I could make my way to class blindfolded Ha! The naivety of youth Why, 1 moaned, had I not been supplied with a map to study, refer to, and above all memorise? With a stupid smile common only to tourists from overseas, I resolved to follow a group of girls who looked as though they might have been in my year (when in Rome do as the Romansl hoping they would lead me to the assembly hall Instead, I wound up in a toilet block Useful for future reference but totally inappropriate for my present needs

The plastic smile beginning to numb my jaw, I eventually discovered not only the hall but my timetable, classroom and tutor group as well Replacing my tired facial expression with one of honest relief and happiness, 1 stood for a moment absorbing my new surroundings It was soon obvious that there existed an item of uniform conflicting with those mentioned on the mailing list Or rather a uniform item which almost failed to exist at all T-bar sandles confronted me at every turn, and on every foot I stared down at my own feet in horror There smirking back at me with a superior "I told you so" smile, shone my reflection, blatently clear in the clear in the shiny surface of my polished, new black lace-ups

"Go away," I hissed fiercely "Not a chance," they sniggered back "We're staying."

And so unwillingly I conceded defeat and concentrated on looking on the brighter side Failing to find that, I looked instead for any fellow wearers of minority footwear I think in my entire first day I spied only one other student with feet laced up in leather Of course, she was new too

The day brightened considerably with my discovery of the tuck shop It seemed generously extravagant, to say the least In fact, it seemed near miraculous that with such an abundant variety of food, the student body could maintain its svelte, slender figure I concluded there must be some relationship between the delicacies served and the popularity of lunchtime aerobics

The rest of the day I spent floating along in the sea of green, with only the occasional wave or ripple The turbulence of the morning settled into a calm flow, and as the tide washed in at three thirty, I was pleased with my skills of navigation I had not encountered any wicked witch, although my fellow students assured me SHE lurked deep within staff centre My shoes had lost their newness and my reflection was pleasingly distorted My eyes had adjusted to the glare of constant green, and I could find each class with relative ease, although I figured I could use the excuse "I'm new" when arriving late for at least the better part of first term

And the lesson of the day? If it all gets too much for you, if you feel you can't cope, just click those T-bar sandles together three times and repeat over and over again There's no place like school."

Samantha Feldman, Year II.

BETRAYAL

There she lay, glazed over, dazed and stupid

Dead to the world in her blinkingly white bath, each scale a perfect silver moon stretched, stuffed and stupid

There were no flowers on her chest, only parsley

Each little shining cut was somehow empty, dulled by death, but not quietened

Her locked jaws stuck open

gaping They moaned I did nothing'

But

It's not for me to judge I only feast on her gentle betrayal

%....and it only cost a shrimp and a tiny, tiny hook

Tabitha Clutterbuck, Year 12

Untitled

A long square box is it

The memories remain and torture the weak

Why flowers?

She'll never know

The box takes her into the earth

Slowly ever so slowly

Safe as a baby in the womb

She won't hurt anymore

The pain is over and she ended it

She fought her way out of the web and set herself free of the sticky spider legs

Blinded by themselves

They didn't see her hurt

They hurt now

April Donnelly, Year 12

School

We're going back to school today, oh drats I would rather stay at home and get nibbled by some rats

We're

Going back to school today, which means we get more books

We also have to

Take on all those teachers' ditty looks

We also have to wear a Daggy uniform of green

Why can't I trade them in on a pair of holey jeans!

1 would like to be a punk more than anything in the World,

But I have to keep my hair up in horrid plaits and curls

I've

Graffitied all my bags and books

And now I have to Hide them in secret little nooks!

I'm glad the day is finally

Finished, Before the teachers find my brain powers have Totally Diminished

Lauren Berkefeld, Year 4.

The New Girl

She walked into the room, her eyes cast down, trying not to look at the class with which she would be for the rest of the year

As soon as she entered the room it was as if everybody had sensed something, because simultaneously everybody turned around to stare at the new girl To see what she looked like and how she acted When she looked up you could see the nervousness in her brown eyes, because she never actually focused on one person Her eyes wandered aimlessly around the room If she looked at someone she might find them staring back Those who weren't looking at her were talking about her She had dark brown hair that probably went down to her lower back; it was hard to tell as her hair was in a braid She must have seen something slightly amusing in the room, as a little smirk started to appear on her face My thoughts were interupted by the teacher

"This is the new girl Jane Morris Girls, be quiet now." She paused until everyone was quiet then began again T would like you to show her around and make her as welcome as possible."

When |ane sat down a relieved look swept over her face as the introduction was over I thought she would fit in well as people started talking to her

The Season Autumn

The woods seem to echo with their whisper

Autumn twirls around

Dancing as she passes trees by Leaves whirl around, fluttering in the air

Making way for her

The crimson leaves twist and twirl, the golden ones get up and dance

The nut brown ones tumble and leap, each one to impress her

Her chestnut hair flows down behind her back, Her hazel eyes aglow

She brings a happy warmth to cool crisp mornings and nights

Soon she starts to fade away her whispy feeling goes, for soon winter will come and she will mysteriously disappear But surely to return next year

Willow Kellock, Year 6

LITERATURE...with apologies to Mr. Pryke

personal response starting out atmosphere getting into it idea of ever line by line go beyond another language

Emily Power, Year 12

An Ode

O Snuggslybun

Fuzzysoft

Chatterpuff

Sandi Burggraaf, Year 12

Ballet

HATE BALLET, I HATE IT!

I REALLY REALLY DO! I never learn a THING

I HATE IT

I HATE IT

I HATE IT

I DO

Bianca Sumner, Year 3

Voices

I sit waiting on the cold stone foyer floor I can hear voices coming from inside Voices telling others what to do lust another assembly, then all of a sudden people running quickly in all directions, all with a purpose

I move inside and sit right in the centre, comfortably contained in a padded seat I am alone, i cast my gaze to the ceiling, high up, its different coloured wood, all fitting together in long lines, stretching away like a carefully planned jigsaw puzzle The sound is drifting in from the tennis courts As I look up I hear the dull thud of ball and raquet

How can this place be so different at night time? A drama festival for instance, dark, doors closed, props, dressing rooms The fragile moment when the audience's anticipation and the actor's anticipation meets as the curtain rises

Then I think of assemblies Trying to be interested The orchestra pit, perhaps symbolising the gap between teachers and students in my part of the school The honour boards What honour is this? The girls' names have no faces to me Netball, swimming, athletics who cares? Maybe only they themselves High above, the stern-faced portraits stare at me You should know better Their eyes follow mine

The light filters in through the open shutters I remember late night rehearsals for music, drama or choir My eyes often wander to the sky outside Today it is overcast

The strategically placed chairs for staff members are removed from the stage, my thoughts wander again

My attention is directed to the mural of a young girl on the wall Perhaps it's the only thing I hate about this hall The old irritation of why she has to have a baby in her arms returns It makes me more determined to have a career

A man comes to replace a string on the old grand piano The sound trickles out I hear the quiet rumbling of the air conditioning and remember I'm hungry

Kate Doyle, Year 10

MISTY MOUNTAIN

country cottage

idle poppies

lavender grey dusk upon hilly top crescent of world untouched rug of patch muted memories time past

Emily Power, Year 12

Fiona Grant

BUSHFIRE

For weeks the burning sun had reigned

Over the hinterland,

The once green leaves were curled and dry, The soil had turned to sand

The remnants of bygone picnics lay Upon the dried out ground, Bottle tops and broken glass

Were both there to be found

Hiding under rocks and leaves, Peeping through the grass,

The sun shone brightly through the trees And centred on the glass

It shone and sparkled, glittered, smoked, Then flickered with a spark

It landed on the forest bed

And set fire to the bark

The flame shot up a nearby bush, Burning with greatest ease

Then crept and flickered along the ground, Spreading to all the trees

It roared and howled like a beast let loose, Spreading its ashes afar

Not ceasing until the bush was reduced To an ugly, blackened scar

Kate Macdonald, Year 8

Sitting pretty

She's sitting pretty in the classroom

Feeling up high on mushroom and She's sitting pretty in the restaurant

Dressed up in white she's a debutante

Waiting for her introduction to the big, wide world

She's just turned seventeen

She's sitting pretty on the magazine cover

Boys and girls they look her over

Turning the page you feel your age

She's sitting pretty a female vamp

She's twelve and her name is Milla

And everyone is talking about her

She's sitting pretty an empty shell

Going through a private hell

Wondering what else she has to sell

To the world before they accept her

She's sitting pretty in the nightclub

Drinking wine, fermenting inside

Rotting from your expectations

She doesn't fit in the shop window

But she doesn't let her feelings show

She says she's not stupid, but I wonder

She's sitting pretty content with life

Domesticated a very good wife

She's sitting pretty in a cafe

A pretty girl with a pretty curl on a Sunday

We have the freedom now to fly

We sit watching the world go by Or are we just prisoners in a gilded cage

In this liberated day and age?

Hoa Phan, Year 12.

Rain

Pitter, patter rain falling down, Splish! Splash! Splosh!

I'm jumping in the puddles

Boom goes the lightening! Bang goes the thunder!

Pitter, patter! Splish! Splash! Splosh Bom! Bang!

Rachel Tan, Year 5.

Raining!

Pitter patter, Sky full of dense, black clouds, Large, mirky puddles everywhere, Boring!

Xin Wei Tan, Year 5

REPLACEMENTS

As a child I played, With toys, and climbed up trees

Ran through the sunny park, And kicked the fallen leaves

But my blue skies turned to grey as I grew up and older

The rain replaced the sun, People grew meaner and colder

My little friends of long ago Have changed, just like the weather I now have only memories Of the things we did together

Now the boys replace our games, Cosmetics take the place of toys

My parents try to rule my life, The sorrows replace the joys

I stare outside at the falling rain, Thinking of childish things I did Oh, to be back in the sunny park, I wish I was still a kid

The Arabian Horse

With nostrils quivering, the Arabian horse smells the air,

Carved from marble he stands on the windswept hillside, With delicate face and a dish-shaped head, Wide golden eyes and aloof pricked ears, He stands there, perfect and beautiful, Every minute detail can be seen, Tendons, muscles and veins, rippling under satin soft skin,

With wind swept mane and banner of a tale

The Arabian horse is pure and clean

Kate Bossena, Year 11

Butterflies

At the zoo, you will find

The very best things on earth, They are of course the butterflies

Who are pretty from the days of their birth

Red, yellow, brown and green

Are the colours on their wings, Not to forget orange and blue That make them more beautiful things

They fly around their green surroundings And sit on every plant, I wish I could fly like them too, But unfortunately I can't

When they do get hungry

They sit on a little flower, They eat all the nectar And look around — to admire their tower

As I walk around the enclosure I see a gold one on a flower bed, It flies over to me And gently sits on my head

Kate Silberscher, Year 7

Sorry, but how would you like it?

Short Rounded

Neat

Concise

Be more concise, Dear

Structure

Depth

Meaning Mood You must create a mood

Meaning Time Evolution Conception Have you know conception Dear?

Synthesis Realization The bringing together You must bring it together, Dear You know, the end? Like this? That's right.. sort of, Dear Oh.. You mean like everybody elses? M-hm

Kirrily Weber, Year 11.

Snail, Slimey, Small

Slowly creeping forward Slushy, Ugly, Fascinating Invertebrate Destroyer

Katie Chmiel, Year 5.

Fish

Four fat fish watching out for frogs

Watch out fish here come some frogs

Gulp, gulp, gulp, gulp

Stacey Lawson, Year 3.

COMMUNITY IMPRESSIONS

Standing on the outside looking in...

Silver and Green sent a team of intrepid reporters out into the streets and trams of Melbourne to discover what the outside world thinks of our beloved school, our uniform and ourselves Here is what they said about..

THE SCHOOL

Trinity Old Collegian (left 1986): "The school encourages girls to have a career without becoming radical feminists."

Father of MLC student: I sent my daughter to MLC for two reasons One, for the education But more importantly, because of the opportunities she has outside of school work, like choir, sport and drama You wouldn't get that at a state school."

Elderly Woman: "The only change I find is the growth in numbers and the openness, like with their behaviour, but I suppose that's the same at every school."

Mother of Fintona student: It's fantastic how it has boarders."

Old Collegian (at Open Day): "Gee it's changed a lot It was all old and dumpy back then Now it's beautiful and new The new P.E.C is fantastic."

Year II Trinity Student: Too many different buildings, a bit big."

Parent of MLC student: "Fantastic subject choices."

Male secondary student: "My mother went to MLC It had an excellent reputation in terms of educational standards She thinks it has slipped in the last ten or so years."

Seven year old boy: "What's MLC?"

Old Collegian (left 1988): "Brilliant facilities and good standard of teaching MLC pushes the sport thing too hard and the House system is dreadful — putting people in boxes The music school is elitist."

Male student: "Easy to get into."

Year 11 University High Student: MLC definitely has a good reputation."

Old Collegian: "MLC helped me tremendously They have a wide selection of subject choices and teachers supported you around exam time."

Father of future MLC student: I think she had better start saving up."

THE UNIFORM

Year 10 Xavier student: "I think they should throw out all the ugly girls, then scrap about four metres off the bottom of the summer dresses."

Lady: "When I get on the tram I don't know whether to ask an MLC girl or the conductor for my ticket."

Male Secondary student: "1 like the star I'm trying to get one but no one seems to want to sell one to me The uniform? It's green What more can I say?"

Old Collegian: "They look so awful now, with hair all over the place and those ear-rings! I remember when I was at MLC we weren't allowed to wear them We looked so much nicer, too I know it is for those migrant girls, but it doesn't look nice That's what I think."

Trinity student: "MLC girls shouldn't be allowed to wear such sharp stars That's all."

Man: "Green."

Male student: "Easy to get into."

Old Collegian (left 1988): "Seems pretentious although it is better than the old uniform."

Year 12 Trinity student: "Uniforms should be shorter."

Anon: "Outrageously expensive."

Elderly woman: "The uniform makes them look so much more sophisticated than the usual type of uniform, you know, all stiff and with a tie A hat would look nice."

Female secondary student: "I do like the new uniform except there's a tiny bit too much green."

Male student: "The uniform goes well with the blond hair A good contrast."

Shopkeeper in Cotham Rd.: Very smart and sophisticated."

Anon: "The uniform creates the image of pious convent girls But a uniform does not a pious convent girl make."

MLC GIRLS

Tram conductress: The other day there was this girl from MLC in the tram, feet up on the seat, and when I asked her to take them off, she just looked at me as if I was nothing — worthless It might not be all MLC girls but a lot of them are giving the school a bad name."

15 year old male (trying unsuccessfully to chat up our intrepid reporter): Hey, MLC girls are the best to (kiss) Before I go with any girl, I check that they go to MLC You go to MLC?"

Female secondary student: "1 don't like the look of them at all They walk around high and mighty, looking down on most people."

Year 12 Trinity student: "Their behaviour is kinda' naughty at Glenferrie, not that I'm complaining."

Male secondary student: "They're no different from other private school girls except for the fact that they've all got blond hair I can't get over that."

Shopkeeper in Cotham Rd.: "Mostly polite and courteous."

Doncaster High student (ex Trinity): "Their behaviour is much better now They used to throw our caps out the windows of trams."

Old Collegian (left 1988): "Generally they are elitist, ignorant, snobby, naive and unrealistic."

Year 11 Trinity student: "Basically nice, just nice."

13 year old male: "They're all right, I s'pose Male secondary student: MLC girls have a fairly bad reputation amongst a lot of boys' schools I suppose it's because a few girls wreck it for everyone."

Elderly woman: "The girls seem rather wellmannered to me, but my friends sometimes complain about them on trams and their rowdiness They're rather pretty young girls."

Male secondary student: "Girls from other schools don't think much of them My friends and I don't mind them though It's rather a status symbol to be seen arm in arm with an MLC girl."

Compiled by Helen Mentha, Year 12, with help from our many intrepid reporters without whom this article would have looked rather

M.E.T. Madness

The Met as a health hazard

Travelling on the Met is an acquired taste Year 7's on their very first bus ride to school are daunted by the amount of pushing, pulling, laughing and screaming both on, and on the way to, the bus, tram or train When they have removed the band-aids and mercurochrome from the left shin after being pushed into the running board of an overpacked tram, recovered from the massive bruise on their hipbone from being shoved into the side of the bus, healed after being scratched on the cheek by the stopper on someone's bag whilst trying to grab at a pole on a crowded train, they start to learn some survival tactics

The motto for all Met Travellers is "Elbows out, fingernails sharpened, steel-capped shoes ready"

1 Always hold onto bag

2 Never let go of bag if standing near a doorway

3 If someone has cleverly placed their bag next to the open door of a tram, kick it out

4 NEVER stand near a bunch of footy-mad Xavier boys after a hard training session

5 Never stand back and let other girls on "Every girl for herself" is the motto that applies whilst mounting a bus or tram Remember it's a long walk if you don't make it on

6 Always stick your tongue out at friends who decide to walk up Glenferrie Rd instead of taking the tram

7 If you miss the tram and decide to walk and someone is rude enough to stick their tongue out at you, adopt the Trinity motto "Fingers up"

8 Always sharpen nails the night before a big train ride They come in handy if someone seems to be beating you on the train

points about travelling on the Met My friends and I always enjoy meeting at our bus stop It's a great chance to meet with friends who go to different schools, to talk to people you had forgotten existed, and to catch up on the latest gossip with your old school chums

The bus we catch is always crowded This is sometimes a bonus if you see someone you really can't stand

If you wish to survive your bus/train/tram travelling years you have to become as bad, as mean and as tough as the other Met users Forget about what Ronald MacDonald says about Stopping, Looking and Listening and ignore the old adage Look before you Leap Kelly Chandler, Year 8.

Taking The Plunge

Inter-House

Swimming Sports

At the beginning of the competition Cato led in the points tally due to their success in the diving events held the day before at MLC 45 divers competed, giving demonstration dives the next day to the whole school, which gasped appreciatively, especially at the graceful flights from the ten metre tower

It may have been all the talk of doctor's certificates and Saturday detentions, but the attendance at the Swimming Sports was the best for years In fact, the State Swimming Centre was fairly bursting at the seams., what would happen if, one year, everyone turned up?

At the end of the day all houses had enjoyed their fair share of wins with the final results being very close

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

Inter-house relay: Nevile

Proficiency: Berry

(unior Secondary: Krome

Middle School: Nevile

Senior School: Cato and Berry

AGGREGATE: BERRY

BEST QUOTE ABOUT THE SPORTS:

"There's nothing to do but watch the diving and do your make-up."

Slave at the Swimming Sports

"We've got the coach, We've got the steam, yehh Fitchett

House songs filled the steamy and humid State Swimming Centre Girls dressed up in eyecatching costumes in their particular house colours and teachers suffocated as they ticked off our names

At 10.30 am 1 reported to a table on the opposite side to the stands where I collected a name tag saying "Hostess" For the entire day I was to wait upon teachers and parents

A fellow helper and I moved around the pool asking, "Would you like a tea or coffee? Was that white with one sugar? Thankyou, it won't be long." Great skill was required to fill out the tea or coffee form One had to ask the teachers at exactly the right moment, just after timing and reporting the time to a puffed swimmer One also needed to take care not to block the judges view or mix up orders

Being officials we ignored the "No Access" sign and went upstairs to the tea and coffee making facilities This area was disasterous, the table was too small and there was not enough room for the numerous officials The milk was long-lasting and the coffee was strong It was embarrassing offering staff "black" coffee, but after a few trials and much wastage our beverages were "perfect"

Between rounds we returned to our houses to help with the cheering The day passed quickly for us slaves, being under bondage for most of the time, and judging from the rowdy, excited responses from the stands everyone had a fantastic day

lacinta Orr, Year 12

SWIMMING SPORTSHOLLYWOOD STYLE

As I tripped over the third man-sized purple turtle in as many rows I silently cursed and then, realising I couldn't be heard anyway, I repeated myself at the top of my voice No one heard Afterall, I was at the MLC Swimming Sports, where the noise level last year caused one delicate teacher to have a nervous breakdown Again this year everyone was shouting and screaming until 1 was sure that I could see the cracks in the ceiling spread as the whole centre vibrated

Last year the management at the State Swimming Centre sent various not-so-friendly letters to the Principal, writing darkly of irreparable damage to the foundations Yet we had been allowed back into the place again! They must have been trying to look positively and hopefully at the situation Not a wise move

Realising that sitting still made me very conspicuous, I rose slowly to my feet and cried half-heartedly "Yeah Berry'' through the microphone with which 1 had been supplied 1 glanced at the girl next to me and was surprised to see that she really seemed to be enjoying herself In fact every girl in the whole centre seemed to be having the time of her life Quite amazing!

I could see nothing to even crack a smile about In the pool the Year 6 IOOO metre breaststroke race had just started Considering the record for this event was twenty minutes and twelve seconds I felt it would more appropriate to take a quick doze Yet I didn't dare for the same reason everyone else didn't dare to do anything but cheer madly In the last

Capita Financial Group

week most of the nightclubs in Melbourne had been visited by the swimming captains and, as a result, each house was employing ten bouncers today No girl could remain seated for long with a two metre tall guy boasting the facial scars of a prize fighter pulling her up by the hair

Having resigned myself to enjoying only the lunchtime diving display, I was pleasantly surprised to find the action away from the pool quite entertaining The nearest ambulance station to the pool must have been forewarned to be on hand: during the day they made a record 43 visits to pick up patients suffering from such complaints as heat exhaustion, lung collapse and water in the lungs And these were only from the spectators! I started to keep a tally of the number of casualties per house and decided that Krome definitely won that rather dubious honour Still, at the swimming sports any recognition is good

The Swimming Sports were big business with each house employing rather nasty tactics It was amazing to see how far the captains would go to win proficiency Berry hired a light aircraft to write a smokey "GO BERRY" in the sky above Melbourne, while Nevile commissioned a group of waterskiers dressed as pink panthers to take over the Yarra River I couldn't help feeling that the friendliness and fun of the swimming sports had disappeared in the past few years and I didn't think the changes had been much of an improvement I must admit, however, that like all Hollywood occasions it was pretty darned impressive

Lucy Procter, Year 11

Aths Entertainment!

Sports Day 89

but

Hot on the Track

Often spied parading around the Sports Centre in a tennis skirt, Mrs Lee Armstrong is the backbone of MLC sport With a total of 27 years at MLC, Mrs Armstrong has been the Head of the Sports Department since 1980 Why did she become a sportsmistress?

"Well, 1 enjoyed sport and was good at it."

in Physical Pursuit

• There are 10 full-time P.E staff and 2 gym teachers

• There are 39 sports available at MLC! "Something for everyone" in the words of Mrs Armstrong

• P.E staff work the same number of hours as the academic staff including before and after school Dedication, Hey!

• lust before you start pickin' your nose, STOP The staff are spying on you through their little cameras

• Timetabling for all sports needs to be done a whole year ahead

• Did you think your wagged P.E lessons would go unnoticed? WATCH OUT!

Everything which occurs in the P.E centre is carefully recorded on the NEW computer

• Staff in the P.E centre do not mix as much with those in Staff Centre as they used to

• Originally, the P.E staff wanted a TV screen at the P.E.C front entrance telling girls about the daily activities

Further Down the Track (Ha! Ha!)

Canoe Polo and Underwater Hockey will be introduced next year as an open house sport

For those interested in P.E as a career, one needs an Anderson score of approximately 330, and a physical training course and an interview to get into teaching P.E at MLC

Two good places to do P.E are Rusden College and the Phillip Institute of Technology A four year course, or a three year course without a Dip Ed may be taken

Football will probably NOT be introduced at MLC as the school carries a policy of non-contact sports (Bad luck feminists!)

In response to rising rumors there will not be a separate ball games trophy introduced for the Sports Day

Regarding Sports Day this year, Mrs Armstrong felt it was successful given the circumstances However, she offered no clues as to next year's venue

MLC's Claims To Fame

• Miss Val Beddoe Once an MLC diving teacher, now a successful Olympic diver

• Miss lean Perkins Once the captain of the Australian women's cricket team, and the head of the MLC Sport's Department

• Miss Lindy Tresize Runner for MLC and Australia

• Miss Peta Kennedy Faster than a speeding bullet!

• Many of the rowing girls who used to row for MLC are now rowing in Yugoslavia

Kathya Martyres and Mandy Drury, Year 11.

Sports Day dawned very damp and cold, this did not deter girls in their athletic endeavours in support of their houses There were many fine individual efforts, and as well, many girls who should be congratulated for the spirit in which they participated irrespective of where they came

Results

Junior Secondary: Cato 790, Nevile 756, Krome 736, Fitchett 733, Berry 706

Middle School:

Senior School:

Proficiency: Aggregate Cup:

Berry 637, Fitchett 584, Nevile 561, Krome 503, Cato 466

Fitchett 610, Berry 590, Krome 567, Cato 528, Nevile 508

Fitchett

Berry 1933, Fitchett 1927, Nevile 1825 Krome 1806, Cato 1784

THE NOVELTY RACE...a highlight of the 1989 Athletics Day

Everbody was a little apprehensive, unsure of what lay ahead! We were ushered into our lines at the top of the oval "Rossie, what do you have to do in flippers how embarrassing!" Finally we were told what to do by a teacher, but it was still a little confusing

The first few runners had to blow up a balloon and carry it to the opposite end for later We hopped through a row of tyres, jumped over a hurdle, climbed under a parachute, put on a pair of goggles, and balanced an egg on a spoon which we handed on to the next person in the relay

When all of the competitors had run, the house athletics captains had to attempt the activities blindfolded, as a finale, sitting on the balloon Such hilarity! it was great fun watching other people make fools of themselves

All in all it was a fun and unusual event There were no winners because we were all either disqualified or the judges could not see the competitors amongst the shouting hordes of Year 12s

(acinta Orr, Year 12

Every year several hundred MLC girls participate in such events as the Annual Sports Day, the House Chorals, House Sports and House Swimming Some may even aspire to compete in the House Debating competition

How many of us have any knowledge of the origins of the houses which we so ardently support? Do we know of the mysterious circumstance surrounding the death of Otto Krome? Are we aware that Cato was named after a grocer? It would appear that we know little of our heritage Thus, here is a short biography of the five men, and one woman, after whom our houses were named in 1933

"Is it wise, is it patriotic, or in accordance with the fitness of things at this juncture, that our young ladies 'at' the MLC, which has the reputation of being one of the very nicest of the young ladies' seminaries in the state, should be trained by Germans?"

This was the question in the minds of many concerned parents, worried about their daughters' well-being in 1916 Increasingly, rumours were being directed at the Headmaster of the school, Otto Krome, of being a German collaborator conspiring to imbue young ladies with anti-British convictions, "which (are) responsible for the awful devilish devices which are drenching Europe with a red rain and endeavouring to pave a road to Paris with human bones."

By 1916, the world had been plunged into frantic and devastating war At the front the main contenders appeared to be Britain and Germany, locked in stalemate with neither side making any substantial headway

Central to the education of the girls at MLC was Otto Krome, headmaster since 1906, of whom the girls wrote in 191 1, "Mr Krome is recognised by all as a most efficient headmaster."

Evidently a greatly revered man, Otto Krome had lived outside Germany since he was sixteen years old He was naturalised in Australia in 1894, twenty years before the war Yet despite Krome's integrity he was continually hampered from within and without the school It is rumoured that Mr Krome was so pressured by his work, that the strains of the war in which he was regarded as an alien were too great He died suddenly in 1918 from "a breakdown of health" Krome house was created in his memory in 1933

Despite the recessive economic conditions prevalent in Australia in the early I890's, Fred J Cato established himself as a grocery store owner of some renown, in conjunction with his cousin, Thomas Moran When Mr Moran died in 1890 there were forty branches of Moran and Cato grocery stores

Mr Cato was well known at MLC where his four daughters attended In 1920 he established a Benevolent Fund of twenty thousand pounds and a Charitable Fund of thirty thousand pounds In 1925 he endowed the school with the Cato scholarships, modelled on the Rhodes scholarship and awarded annually at each year level to a girl of outstanding all round ability in academic work, sport and music

His immense wealth and generosity helped pave the way for a new tennis court, and contributed towards the purchase of Justice Power's home in Wellington Street This property, renamed Cato House, became the new home for the Junior School His legacy of generosity has remained as a fine contribution to the school

Little is known of this elusive character, after whom a most prestigious house is named One may assume that he was a substantial benefactor to MLC and, indeed, he was a great friend of Dr Fitchett At the turn of the century when the school recorded a financial loss of one hundred and forty pounds, one shilling and ten pence, Henry Berry paid the deficit In 1906 he contributed five hundred pounds to a Loan Fund initiated by Dr Fitchett Berry was an affluent man, whose daughters attended MLC, arriving at school from Kew each day in the family carriage driven by liveried coachmen

Mr Nevile was chairman of the College Council's Advisory Committee in 1938 and supported the appointment of the venerable Rev Dr Wood as headmaster in 1939.- It seems that the influence of our motto "Deo Domuique" extended well into the enlightened second half of the college's existence, for Mr Nevile believed emphatically that "a man was needed to control the administrative work of the College " As a longreigning chairman of the College Council Mr Nevile supported Dr and Mrs Wood in many ways right up until 1966

It is interesting to note that in 107 years of MLCs existence there has been no female principal of the school

Nevile house was created in 1959 to cope with the growing size of the school, significantly contributing now to the school's competitive nature

J^* yfc^uzwi, SfacAetf

Rev Dr William Fitchett was the first president of the Methodist Ladies' College and remained in that position for 46 years His dream of establishing a college for young ladies began in 1872 and was finally realised in 1882

Essentially Fitchett was a boy from the bush who had succeeded He had been self-educated, completed a BA part-time at Melbourne University and had an honorary doctorate bestowed upon him in recognition of his historical best-sellers When he opened his school for girls he viewed MLC as a Christian mission and place of enlightened education to prepare girls preferably for marriage, but, if necessary, for an acceptable occupation

A mythical aura surrounds the name and person of William Fitchett and his family (remember his daughter Nellie who died at the college in 1898 of meningitis Her ghost is said to roam the halls of the Boarding House in perpetual limbo) Fitchett is perceived as a gracious, dedicated Methodist who commanded the respect and awe of friends, students and colleagues alike In reality, behind this caricature lay a man set in his ways, proud, and intolerant of opposition, with a sharp and sarcastic wit In his early years Fitchett was an imposing figure, stern in countenance and majestic in speech Indeed he was a renowned historian, writing staunchly patriotic histories like Deeds That Won The Empire Fitchett believed in the unquestionable supremacy of the white man, in particular the British

By the 1920s Fitchett had been at MLC for forty years and was in his early eighties In 1922 MLC celebrated "Forty Years at the MLC", immortalised by Fitchett in a novel of the same name But just as Stalin did to Trotsky so too did Fitchett omit the valuable contributions made to the school by its first two principals The history almost glorified the role he had played in the evolution of a prestigious girls' school in the prosperous suburb of Kew

He died in May 1928, aged 87, marking the end of a magnificent yet decaying era in the history of the school His death revealed a mountain of outstanding debts owed by the College and a system of questionable efficiency

Margaret Tiddeman was the first Lady Superintendent of MLC's boarding house, remaining there until 1896 Born in London in 1839 she was educated both in England and in France Mrs Tiddeman taught French to the older girls in the Boarding House where French was spoken at mealtimes, with girls taking turns to sit at her table

She was a highly revered lady, loved by the girls for her maternalistic instincts, for her sincerity and kindness She had a great understanding of the younger girls, winning their support and love Mrs Tiddeman was "strict, yet just and understanding, and she could curb undue boisterousness with a gentle look" Upon her retirement in 1896 the School Council reluctantly relinquished her, urging her to return to MLC and resume duties

In 1904 she was elected the first President of the newly formed Old Collegian's Club While the Boarders' house is no longer a competing house, we still enjoy the remnants of a bygone era at every Annual Sports Day when Tiddeman performs their war-cry, and participates in the School-Staff-Boarding House challenge brilliantly attired in red

Next time you groan in house assembly, and hide in the corner when volunteers are called for to play table tennis, spare a thought for the heritage you are forgetting Remember those after whom our houses are named, and to whom we dedicate hours of support in a vain attempt to win the Aggregate Cup Participate in House Chorals and contribute with renewed spirit to your house which has been part of our school for fifty-six years

Julia Pryor Year 12

A background source for this article was Ailsa C Thomson Zainuddin's history of MLC titled They Dreamt of a School IHyland House Publishing, Melbourne, 19821

Yep! Teachers' Quotes Again!

MISS GARLICK: "Dogs are much better than children."

MR ELLIS: "1 like my mickey mouse socks."

MISS SHIPP: "An automatic failure goes to anyone who spells my name with only one P."

MR FRY: "Sarah have you been to see a psychiatrist lately Did he say you were normal?"

MISS KILLEEN: "Sorry about yesterday, girls It was hay fever."

MISS GIBSON: "Gosh, we have a pack of babies here."

MISS OSWALD: "Just stand there like a pack of meat heads."

MRS ELTON-BROWN: "Take off your ear! Come on, take it off! Now get your other ear Look in your pocket No It's in the other one...."

CHOIR MEMBER: "Sometimes 1 think it's better when she's NOT in a good mood."

MS MEHEGAN: "Don't argue with me I'm the teacher."

DR OTZEN: "General knowledge is a very specific knowledge."

of the Purple Turtles BERRY: The Dream

To my dearest turtle-heads, High! Right now I, Myrtle T Turtle write this report in the comfort of my own bed after a hard day in the surf I am presently holidaying in Hawaii after managing to get time off from the Bertie Beatle factory So far I have encountered some pretty nasty wipe-outs, but being the tough sort that I am, I'll be back in full force tomorrow

Speaking of tough, terrific and unbelievably fantastic — how are you Berry? Rumour has it that things are looking pretty darn good (not that it comes as any great shock though!)

I'll begin with the swimming Well, the annual swimming carnival started off with the traditional purple breaky on the Yarra with all sorts of tempting purple goodies including a great portrait of yours truly in a chocolate cake Fortunately for me there was no mix up in the identity of the REAL Myrtle!

As a result of Berry's excruciatingly fine guidance by our swimming captains Gill Coutts and Jackie Nathanielsz, Berry came in and blitzed the opposition Not only did we prove successful in the water and on the diving boards, but also in the marshalling areas where we managed to pick up the Proficiency Cup

Still on a high from our successful day at the pools, Berry ran, jogged, threw, relayed, hopped, skipped, jumped and egg and spooned our way to first place at the Aths The superb efforts of our active Aths captains Jodie Storey and Nat Jeffcott evidently paying off A big thanks is extended also to our M.S and |.S.S Aths captains without whom Berry would only be a third as successful

At both sports days Berry was blessed, not only with the presence of myself, but also a mystery guest who was referred to as "Walrus" Fortunately for me this Walrus proved no competition and made even me look co-ordinated

Berry also proved themselves on the stage when, under the skilled leadership of Ingrid Firth-Smith and Jane Wiggill, Berry performed Interior" at the S.S drama festival Stop Press! The results of the S.S house music contest (with Berry led by Deirdre Dowling and Lizzie Douglas) have come to hand with Berry winning the instrumental item and the massed singing, and coming second overall This comes as no surprise!

As per usual the team sports have continued steadily with all the enthusiasm one might expect from a house such as Berry (trust me, that's an awful lot!) Regardless of conditions — rain, hail or shine "Berry will be there!"

I would like to thank all the M.S., J.S.S and J.S captains who took such good care of the kids — Burtle, Skyrtle and Hurtle — while I've been busy at work in the Bertie Beatle factory What it's like to be a working woman of the eighties — great, great, great Grandma Gurtle had it easy back in her day!

My thanks also go to all those Berryites who have contributed to the general success of Berry in any way, shape or form and to the great help and support offered by Mrs Chamberlain, Mrs Leigh-Jones and Mrs Brook

All my love, Myrtle T Turtle

P.S Remember, "We are Berry, couldn't be prouder, if you can't hear us, we'll shout a little louder!"

Andi Frost (Captain).

Lizzie Douglas and Dinusha Joseph (Vice Captains)

CATO: Rapping with Pooh

The Catoites of 1989 are a team of enthusiastic, energetic rappers who chant till their voices are hoarse

The power of Cato was seen in the true blue streamers, banners, and balloons that decorated our area at the different events this year

The clamour and clapping of the Cato Rap was loud and proud at Aths day as our new members catapulted Cato to victory with a first in j.S.S Aths The rappin' machine of our spirited team proved victorious at the swimming when the tried and true Catoites of S.S also rapped up a win

The on going sports have allowed the Cato Clan to strut their stuff The Cato drama really pleased after all that practising In S.S we entertained our foe with a great rappin' performance of "1UVIE " The music crew can do it too when they wow the crowd at the Chorals

We leave you with a rap,

We're in Cato

Rappin's what we do, We've got a message

From Pooh to you, "Thanks to the girls, Who were all so keen, Training hard, And working as a team, Be it Softball, netball, table tennis too, The Victories of Cato, Are thanks to you!"

So keep on rappin' And don't give in, Pooh loves you

So win for him

Emily Morieson (House Captain)

Jo Bruce and Rachaei Scott (Vice Captains)

FITCHETT King of the Jungle

Once again THE LION ROARS making placid kittens of the other houses who watch in awe as we conquer all with our ENTHUSIASM Every Fitchett member should be proud of the effort put in by all

Led well in the swimming by Rachael and Fiona we most definitely cheered the loudest (no matter where we came!|

"MIGHTY, MIGHTY FITCHETT" again proved in the Annual Athletics that we have the pep, steam and team Coached brilliantly by Ros and Sandy we clawed our way to the top, beaten by the deserving Berry, by an itty bitty six points (NEXT YEAR YOU TINY TURTLES!) What we missed out on in points we made up for in team spirit; winning the Proficiency Cup and the Senior School section we proved we are the TEAM SUPREME! Thanks also to our Middle and Junior Secondary Aths captains who pulled in enormous turnouts!!

Our track team, separated from the house, performed twice over to compensate (we are no pussycats!!) and the ball games saw almost every cubbette involved

Our Senior Debators thrilled us with VICTORY, led by Tabitha, our well-spoken but never outspoken captain! Well done, all debators

Congratulations Nevile on a brilliant performance in the Senior School Drama Fitchett too proved fantastically entertaining as the cast swung the audience into the twenties All Fitchett should put their paws together for Kim Szubryj who skillfully (and patiently) directed numerous practices and eventually the actual performance of " Bernice Bobs Her Hair", which was much more than alright on the night!

Thanks (and a lion size hug) to our Middle School captains Josie Howie and Susanne Field, and Junior Secondary captains Briony Hopkins and Rosie Field who have done so well Nicole

Stockton has proved a supportive, organised and fantastic senior house recorder Fitchett owes all its recorders many thanks for their invaluable help

To the tamers — Mr Ellis, Mrs Myers and Mrs Christie, who have given determination, enthusiasm and crisis prevention new meaning we all say thank you

In expectation of melodious roars we thank Som Ling and Kim for what is always a great Senior School music competition

Most of all we have to congratulate ourselves, FITCHETT Our combination of dedication, encouragement, enthusiasm and sheer yelling has proven that within this house there is a FAMILY!

The year is not over, win or lose FITCHETT is the BEST! And thanks again to EVERYONE We are sure Fitchett will rule the nineties too

Ingrid Corrie (Captain)

Belinda Trembath (Vice Captain)

KROME: Frogs Freak Out

Okay, so you've finally reached the most important, fab, unbelievable, best, slap-my-thighs page About time!

Yes, another MLC "Year of the FROG" has drawn to an end and what a froggie year it has been After the fantastic Swimming and Athletics Days all Krome voices were certainly croaking (what house spirit!) Talking about house spirit, 1989 really saw house enthusiasm come back into vogue Any true yuppie would not have been caught dead without her green zinc slapped across her nose

Armed with the green zinc, green hairspray and, of course, green balloons, Krome stormed the State Swimming Centre on February 22 ready for action Unfortunately we were quickly informed that our "greenie movements" would have to cease as zinc, hairspray, balloons and even crepe paper are banned at the Centre Oh well, we no complain Not to be deterred we whipped out all the green material we had in our bags, right down to the green bed sheets (who uses green sheets anyway?) and went on our merry way of transforming the Centre into a Green Zone While all the Krome froggies swam up and down the pool the rest of us waved and yelled, waved and yelled With arms and legs flying everywhere our voices soon began to fade through over-use At the end of the five-hour aerobic session we packed away our green stuff and awaited Athletics Day

April 13 saw Krome competitors leap onto the bus (are we frogs or what?) ready to do our bit at Olympic Park With rain threatening, Kromites bounded around the track and threw with all their might out of froggie consideration to end

the day early for the other houses As we all know, lions, pink panthers, pooh bears and purple turtles hate to get wet with rain On the Friday we began blowing up balloons at 6.30 am and by 8.30 there were about 350 green balloons filled with lots of puff from us frogs, and the MLC oval was looking decidedly green It was an action- packed day with many ball games occurring simultaneously Again our froggy voices cracked after the day had finished The Junior Secondary School has been well led by Rachael McGlade and lenny Wood with the help of Miss Sally lohnston The enthusiasm of the Year 6s, 7s and 8s is invaluable and every single Kromite deserves a big froggie pat on the back Middle School captains Chloe McLean and Melissa Aliens, and Miss Sue Heffernan, have helped to guide the Year 9s

and 10s back on the path of house spirit A big thankyou to the woman who is definitely okay, Miss Meagan (Mrs Kelly), and Julie Martin, the fantastic Vice House Captain, for their support and house spirit Year I Is and 12s have been fantastic Let's face it, we did come second in the Senior House Drama with our brilliant performance of "Buffalo Head Nickels"

Congratulations to everyone involved With music, cross country and numerous other activities still to occur in the latter part of this year Krome is looking forward to continued support from all members and, perhaps, winning a few events

Yours froggily,

Daina Clark (Captain)

Julie Martin (Vice Captain)

NEVILE: Panthers on Parade

Well, what a year it has been! Nevile in 89 has been full of enthusiasm and energy and it has been a pleasure leading such a great house, our house for many years

The swimming, led by Svars, was a fantastic start as we came a fighting second The enthusiasm at the swimming sports made attending well worthwhile Herds of pink girls attended the sports with pink zinc smothered on their faces, and wearing the commonly seen traditional headband

No sooner had we recovered from the heated swimming sports than we were confronted by the athletics, led by Anna and Anita Ending up third we were very happy as the girls tried their very best

After many drama practices Rachael and Annabel finally got their wish when Nevile was annonced as the winner of the Senior School House Drama Festival after a superb and funny performance of an adaptation of Shakespeare's "As You Like It" Congratulations to everyone who was involved, the cast and the people who worked fiercely behind the scenes

Team sports have gone well Wins and losses have been experienced by every team but that's part of the game We only hope Neville continues fighting, not only to win, but to achieve the very best they can

Thanks go to our Junior Secondary and Middle School captains Its hard to continually keep contact with you, but we do recognise the work you do, and the encouragement you show the girls All captains are currently leading their teams with very pleasing results

Thank you to our house recorder Petra Walker; those redates and colours really do take time

Congratulations girls, and good luck with with your forthcoming events We are pleased that you chose us to lead you, and we only hope we have fulfilled the role originally intended Love always,

Stacey Allwood and Emma Royal (Joint House Captains)

Le Sport, Le Tough.

Senior School Softball

The Softball season started off with a real bang, the bang of bat striking ball Not only did we win our first game, but our winning streak continued throughout Term One and well into Term Two

We trained twice a week to prepare for the visit from MLC Sydney in late April Although they missed the first two games due to their late arrival from the airport on the Friday afternoon they were tough competitors Not tough enough though as the final score of the one innings match was 7-4, MLC Melbourne defeating our Sydney counterparts Despite our loss to Wesley in the final, it was a commendable effort by all team members

All competition aside, the weekend proved to be an enjoyable one, with our students entertaining their billets throughout the weekend A special thanks to "Kurt" for making the 1989 softball season a good one

Jodie Storey and Andrea Frost, Year 12

School Netball

Training began at the end of Term One to prepare for a visit from the Sydney MLC team They arrived on the weekend starting April 28 for the Netball Round Robin which was held on the Saturday 1\vo Melbourne MLC teams, one Sydney MLC team and one "old girl's" team made up half the draw The best match was the Wesley vs Old Girls final where Wesley won narrowly in a well- fought match

Based on this result, we expect our stiffest competition to come from Wesley — but when the time comes we'll be ready! Captain for this year is Jodie Storey, with Natalie Jeffcott and Sandra Chin as joint Vice Captains and our coach is Mrs Swain

Sandra Chin Year 12

ANYONE FOR TENNIS?

The S.S Tennis Team had a successful and enjoyable season with MLC winning the majority of its matches

Many thanks to Miss Osborne-Smith who, in her first year at MLC, did a wonderful job organising the Steffi Grafs of MLC and also making reasonably good players out of us mere mortals...the Tennis Team

She also managed to organise the highlight of the season....a break-up dinner at Toto's where Miss Osborne-Smith was generous enough to shout all 30 of us to a feast of lasagne, spaghetti, pizza and garlic bread, topped off with gelati She doesn't know it yet, but when would be the best time to present her with the $300 bill?

Anyway, judging by the results from JSS and MS MLC will continue to be a force to be reckoned with on and off the tennis court

Congratulations to Vikki Hore (captainj, Caroline Gay, Jo Bruce, Sandra Chin (vicecaptainj, Jenni Baxter and Lyndal Miller who received School Colours for their dedication to the Tennis Team

Thank you to all tennis enthusiasts for your support

Sandra Chin and Vikki Hore, Year 12

NETBALL

SOFTBALL

Dulce et decorum est

Cross Country Running

This is it! The moment that we have been training towards for weeks Nightmare images of those weekly torture sessions bombard our minds, in particular the Torture Room — a huge cavernous hall with a high ceiling and no windows so that no one could hear our screams There we were subjected to the rigours of push-ups, sit- ups, straddle burpees and standing jumps interspersed with sprints and aptly named "suicides"

Now we are herded like pitiful naive sheep into a rickety bus away from our natural habitat of shin-splitting concrete pastures and whistle-blowing tracksuit-clad dictators to the dreaded..

INTERSCHOOL CROSS-COUNTRY!

Once the bus has delivered us to our fate, our ordeal begins We stretch our muscles and limbs in strange contortionist poses, uttering practised and perfected grunts to impress competitors from rival schools A chilling sense of forboding pervades the air as the bruised and swollen clouds gather momentum overhead The cry "Take your marks!" echoes across the field "Run hard and watch out for wet patches," the starter warns, with more than a glint of malice in his eyes

BANG! Hundreds of lilywhite quivering legs are launched in full flight; hyperdynamicaircontrolledturbopoweredsupergrip sneakers are quickly rendered useless by the oozing trenches of mud and slime The track pours downhill On either side towering gums crowd together squeezing the flow of runners into a narrow channel This is dangerous territory Snipers, gnarled and knotted roots, rear up and strike the vulnerable ankles of their unsuspecting prey

Ahead, the leaders have established themselves, jostling for the honour and ecstacy of being the pacesetter (a position much revered during the race but which often culminates in disappointment as one is passed by one runner after another in the final 100 metre dash)

As the leading pack stumbles down to the bottom of the slope the dark lake gurgles quietly in anticipation But alas! The front runners cross the wooden slatted bridge without mishap The water laps impatiently

Finally the other runners appear, at first a trickle, then a surging tributary The banks of the lake, churned up more and more by each successive wave of runners, become a shiny No Man's Land eagerly devouring the weary and the wounded Pleas for help are futile This is the survival of the fittest Survivors? Did 1 mention survivors? Granted there are always a few, a couple of runners who escape the clutches of the tree roots and the mud — not to mention the final gruelling ascent, crab-crawl fashion, to the finish line, hovering dauntingly at the top of a sheer mountain face For these people the pursuit of that winning coloured ribbon presented in front of a huge appreciative crowd — ie two grandmas who were out walking their dogs — is the most rewarding moment of their lives Yet if they could only hear the rasping, choking gasps of their school friends, victims of a pointless sacrifice, they would not tell with such high zest (to students seeking some similar desperate glory) the old lie:

Dulce et decorum est pro schola mori

Angela Dally, Year 12

1988 proved to be a year of thirds for the Athletics Squad We finished third in the Eastern Suburbs' Association Athletics and third in the Girls' Private Schools, Victorian Association Athletics Outstanding individual performances throughout the year were made by Peta Kennedy, Kym Burns and Lindy-|ane Tresize (all Year 12 students in 1988) who represented Australia in their respective events (heptathalon, triple/long jump and long distance running)

The long distance/cross-country runners established a prominent position in the squad with MLC gaining second place in the ESA Cross Country Competition and third place in the Victorian Athletics Association Schools' Shell Road Relay and Track Relay Championships

Three teams each comprising four girls competed in the Road Relay Championships which were held in the grounds of Latrobe University Each competitor was required to run a road circuit of 2.5 kilometres The under-15 team finished eighth, the under-17s came fifth and the Open Team — Alise Camplin Yr 8, Lindy-lane Tresize Yr 12, Angela Dally Yr 11 and Kim Bond Yr 1 I — came first beating many of the startled boys' teams in the process!

The same teams competed in the Track Relays (4 x 800m) at Olympic Park where the Open Team was beaten by arch-rivals Wesley (who had run second in the Road Relay)

This year the Athletics Squad is huge — reflecting in no small way the enthusiasm and energy of Mrs Allen Specialist training and competing singlets are on the way, a weekend camp has been organised for the beginning of Term 3 and training sessions are frequently held at Olympic Park in order to provide proper facilities for the throwers, jumpers, sprinters and hurdlers

ROWING

Teams are being entered into as many competitions as possible and this has already paid dividends with the recent winning of the Lisa Wardale Cross Country Championships (Senior and Overall Divisions) run over a demanding course at Churchill National Park In a field of 80 runners, the strong Senior team blitzed the opposition producing the following results: Rachael Gibney (Yr II) second, Kim Bond (Yr 12) third, Angela Dally (Yr 12) fourth, Alex Verrier (Yr II) seventh, Adele Mcintosh (Yr 11) eighth, Melinda Kennedy (Yr 11) eighteenth and Kate Stewart (Yr II) twenty-ninth

Competitions such as this provide valuable experience for the younger members of the squad It has been great to see the dedication and interest of all the junior members this year and judging by the talent displayed, the continuing success of the Athletics Squad in years to come is assured Angela Dally, Year 12

Athletics

For many years, on the Aths scene MLC has relied heavily on the sheer brilliance of Peta Kennedy, Kym Burns and Lindy-|ane Tresize while overall participation in the aths squad has been dwindling

Yet this was all changed in 1989 with the energetic Mrs Allen at the helm, assisted by Peta "The Champ" Kennedy We knew Mrs Allen was serious about revamping school athletics when she began by issuing official invitations to join the squad, newsletters, singlet tops, training programs, training at well-facilitated Olympic Park and the Aths Camp at Lancefield

Fitness training began in Term TWo, with overwhelming numbers MLC has already competed in two cross country events In the Shell Victoria Cross Country Championships MLC finished with great individual and team results Helen Gibney finished fifth in the Under 17 division and Angela Dally finished eleventh in the Open division Both have qualified for the Victorian team to compete in Adelaide against other states in the Australian Cross Country Championships

Too often there is an emphasis on winning in sports but Mrs Allen has helped reinforce the efforts of the team as a whole and for each member to focus on doing her individual best and hopefully aim for Personal Bests

Sandra Chin, Year 12.

Water Polo

To state it simply, the water polo season of 1989 was a great success Our enthusiastic and highly spirited team successfully claimed victory in four of its six matches, losing only to the two top seeded teams

Our first match could only be equated to a gladiatorial combat! We were playing our toughest competitors, who numbered amongst their team, girls who played in various "Out of school" competitions This "jump-in-the-deepend" game was a real learning experience and jolted us into a great performance, winning the next three games with large margins Our fourth game was our next big encounter, our only hope "survival!" Inside sources informed us that the Wesley team was a very large, well experienced, ferocious bunch, who were destined to take out the water polo title To both teams' amazement, and our teams' total delight, the engagement ended in a draw The six-all score required us to meet again and do battle for a place in the semi- final Time; the following Tuesday Place; the Wesley pool

The match itself was very well played by both sides, but Wesley seemed to get the better of us and our second last match went, by a small margin, in their favour

Our last game ended on a high with our greatest triumph, a fourteen to nil victory We finished the evening with a water polo banquet at Toto's to celebrate our best ever water polo season

In conclusion I wish to thank Miss Fry for her terrific effort in coaching us into shape and her warm-hearted encouragement throughout the matches

Thanks and congratulations also go to the team for their dedication and optimistic approach to the season; Kim Bond, Kate Gibson, Rebecca Edwards, Rachael Maloney, Kirsty Ford, Rebecca Renwick and Pauline Arnold Catherine Svars (Captain), Year 12.

Aerobics Squad

1989 saw the introduction of the first ever MLC Aerobics Squad In preparation for the Victorian Interschool Aerobics Championship we lunged into a training session to design the MLC aerobics uniform that would star-jump us to victory This consists of a two-piece sweatabsorbing lycra leotard which not only enhances our performances but also prevents those unsightly perspiration stains The leggings are dark green cropped off just below the knee to allow the calves to breathe freely The top is a white skin-tight singlet midriff with added support and a green star in the centre The colours were strategically chosen with dark

green to slim the legs and white, well..

Unfortunately the squad was formed after entries had closed for most local competitions, so we concentrated our training for the Victorian titles Routines for the singles, pairs, team and water aerobics divisions needed to be choreographed and refined All our work paid off when we were awarded a close second place

With only six members in the squad at present, we anticipate an increase in numbers for 1990 With all this extra support we would become favorites for the Australian Aerobic Championships

Eunice Finter (captain), Year 12

Competition Skiing

In the past MLC has enjoyed some success in the Interschool Ski Championships Although we have fielded a team since 1977, our first real success was in 1984 when we won the Victorian and Australian championships

For the Victorian interschool races each team consists of four skiers who each have one run down the Giant Slalom at Mt Buller The best three times are added together to produce the team time, the first three teams being eligibe to compete in the Australian titles The Australian race differs a little as each skier skies the course twice and the best time of the two is counted towards the team's time

Skiing has become more popular and the interschool competition harder As a result Mrs Dahl formed the MLC Ski Club in 1987, giving much time and effort into organising training at Mt Hotham for club members The training consists of four days in the July holidays and

also four weekends during third term Race and technique training is undertaken in preparation for the championships and also to better our skiing overall

As a result 1988 produced some great results We fielded two senior teams who came fourth and fifth and our junior team won their competition Although we did not qualify for the Australians, the third place team pulled out, and a week before the race Mrs Dahl was asked if she could send a team to N.S.W to compete Belinda Trembath, Cathy Smith, Vivian Barker and Peggy Warren raced very well, coming third

This year the ski club has fifty members and will again train at Mt Hotham and Mt Buller

Hopefully we will again ski well at the championships and perhaps repeat the 1984 success

We thank Mrs Dahl for the time, effort and dedication she gives to the club, and the enthusiasm she generates Genevieve Searle (Vice Ski Captain), Year 12

WATER POLO

MLC Gym Club

Senior School

The coaches for senior gymnasts this year are Ms Lina Sculac and Melinda Storey (1988 School Gym Captain) The Senior girls have become more enthusiastic training several hours on weeknights after school and also before school

We currently have girls training from levels 1 to 8 and this year MLC will be fielding teams in the level 5, 6 and 7 section of the Victorian titles

In Inter-school competition MLC has proved consistently over the past few years to be the strongest team MLC always has the most entries, not only winning many of the team events, but taking out individual medals as well

Junior School

Miss Kathy Oswald is responsible this year for the Junior School gymnasts Karen Myers (1987 School Gym Captain), Kynwyn Jones (Year 9), Krishna Seibold (Year 9), Kirrily Weber (Year 11) and Cassie Gibson (Year 12) have also been given the opportunity to obtain valuable experience in coaching the Junior School girls

There are 120 junior School girls taking part in gym classes We are already discovering some talented gymnasts, and are sure to build up a strong team for the future

Display

Miss Kathy Oswald has created many opportunities for the Display Team to perform, and has produced several exciting displays Her first year here began with the performance of "Hollywood TSkes a TUmble ", which involved 120 dancers and tumblers The following year we were invited to perform "Celebration of a Nation" and "Playing to Win" at the National Gymnastics Competition While in Brisbane, the 35 girls and 3 teachers took the opportunity to visit Expo

In 1988 we also performed at Son Et Lumiere

The endurance of the display team was tested as we had to perform six nights running with seven performances a night Towards the end of 1988 McDonalds sponsored the team to perform on two occasions at the Sports Star of the Year Awards, which much to our delight included a free McDonalds meal afterwards

This year is set to be the biggest yet as the display team perform "Locomotion" to the music from Starlight Express The cast involves 64 skaters, dancers and tumblers Skaters are fortunate to be coached by the 1985 World Champion Roller Skater Martin Hass, and many hours have been given by mothers and Kathy Oswald into preparing the costumes, while Year 12 student Kristen Anderson is designing the set Beneath all the glamour of performances are many hours of hard work by both gymnasts and coaches All are to be commended on the excellent results and we wish them the best of luck in the future

Kirsten Gardner-Berry (1989 School Gym Captain)

Interschool Basketball

The interschool senior and junior basketball competition does not begin until Term Four but training every Friday morning began as early as mid-Term Two After the inspirational clinic from Andrew Gaze MLC is looking for some big results this year

Basketballers Gaze at Andrew

On Wednesday May 10th, Andrew Gaze, who has shot to super- stardom by starring for Seaton Hall in the American College Basketball System, and who represented Australia in the Seoul Olympics last year, came to give a basketball clinic at MLC

During our lunchtime he demonstrated simple drills to do with the basketball, but the manager of the Melbourne Tigers who had accompanied Andrew did most of the talking Tickets to the Melbourne Tigers' next match were given to the P.E staff and a few of the girls in the basketball club

Andrew Gaze certainly proved popular judging by the number of girls wanting his autograph I'm sure that his visits to schools in Melbourne will benefit the great team sport of basketball Jenny Wong, Year 10.

I need more junk food

A tribute to my school years

I

I exaggerate?

LEE ALEXANDER

I'm just going to HOP' up to Scotch

Memories

AMEL1ARANNE ALLAN

Did anyone watch Dukula last night?

It's going to feel very strange not to walk into the familiar Senior Centre every morning at 8 o'clock Basically it's going to be weird not walking into school at all In some ways it will be good, because, believe it or not, I feel READY to leave I've had enough! I want to get away and try something new But that is not to say I won't be taking some special memories with me

Senior Centre provides me with the same sense of security and comfort as my bedroom It is totally OURS We can do with it almost whatever we like We can really get away from the classroom atmosphere by putting up posters, photos, turning the radio on full blast, and generally making a maximum amount of noise

Whenever I smell toasted cheese I always think of Senior Centre I'll always treasure my memories of happy lunchtimes sitting in Senior Centre, laughing, talking, singing to the radio, screaming, and letting out the pent up tensions of the day

My memories of House activities will remain very prominent, too They are one of the best things about MLC I have always enjoyed being part of a team, yelling war-cries and dressing in house colours It gives me a real sense of belonging, of being a part of something special

Another thing which I shall miss is the closeness of the friends I have made during my years at MLC My parents have always said that school years are the best years of your life, and when it comes to friendships, I know how true this is

My memories of friends who have comforted me when I've been down, and laughed with me when I've been happy, will always remain It is my friends who have made my school life at MLC so wonderful The opportunity for getting to know so many people is not one to be taken for granted or missed

Memories have to be created How can school memories be special if you haven't been involved in anything memorable? So many activities are provided at our school that 1 cannot understand why people ignore them In my opinion school is much more than sitting in a classroom and studying It has been for me, anyway There is an advertisement which says that a diamond is forever Well, so is a memory

And I have so MANY of them

Susannah Tymms, Year 12

VCE Obesity

Year 12 MLC girls, due to VCE "pressure" and the vending machine in Senior Centre, are living in the post-anorexic era! Yee Ha!

Eating now has the edge over starvation You can forget the laxatives and the (enny Craig dietary plan; liberate yourself from the regimes of period five compulsory sport, optional aerobics and pain for no gain

In 1989 the theme is weight!

So indulge in the tuckshop s latest creations

Indulge in choc-coated donuts, heavily buttered coffee scrolls and chocolate big Ms Indulgence is the key to a successful VCE score

Out, out out, are the salad rolls, natural yoghurt and any carbonated drink with "Diet" or "Low Calorie" written on In, in, in, are any spares, period fives or lunchtimes when the vending machine or Eddie's fast-food chicken shop can be frequented Remember aerobics and other energy consuming pastimes are VULGAR

Ode To Senior Centre

A towering old antique In the corner of the school

With eat, chat and be merry Its one and only rule

Its appearance is deceiving For it looks so quaint and sweet, But inside is chocolate wrappers And dirty messes from our feet

With many girls often

Hanging around the snack machine

And many dirty coffee mugs Are often to be seen

No polished chairs and cabinets

But scrapheap odds and bits

I would not be wrong in stating that "Not all the Year I2s fit!"

Orange chairs and purple tables

And a rather fetid smell

With so much noise and music

That it is hard to hear the bell

The smell of burnt toast and cheese Is often to be smelt, And icy toes on winter mornings Are often to be felt!

But every room has Its own individual feeling, From the photo-covered walls To plain white painting ceiling

And though it is no monument From Greece or from Rome For all of us Year 1 2s It's our Home Sweet Home!

Lyndal Miller, Year 12.

OVERHEARD in Senior Centre

I'm not here yet, O.K It's only a little late... The vending machine's been filled againviolet crumbles!

OPTION-ITIS..

Who are you taking to the dance? 16 weeks until D-Day Shaving cream or garlic water? FREEDOM

Much more fun is skipping across to the vending machine every ten minutes to get those fifteen Snickers and Mars bars for your unforgiveably never-to-be-found friends Better still is grovelling around outside Home Eco to find leftover cakes and biscuits made in demonstration classes

But wait! There's more! In these days of the new EAT ETHIC guilt is definitely uncool

So throw out your bathroom scales, burn your calorie counter and forget being the slimmest Year 12 student in the school Eating between meals is the key to success

Make the most of your final year at MLC Try anything and everything that the tuckshop and the vending machine have to offer, and if anyone offers you another piece of cake remember..

NEVER SAY NO!....It could change your life

Jacyl Shaw, Year 12

CATHERINE ALEXANDER

AMANDA BAKER Now would

JENNI BAXTER Buuurrp!

NICOLE BOOMSMA

SANDI BURGGRAAF

want to go to Disneyland and get a job as Mickey Mouse

LAINIE CHAIT HONK!!!

GRAZINA ANDERSON The Flied Won-ton girl

SHAMNI BANGAH

So much work and so little time

MEREDITH BEGG Guess what guys...more Bunnies!

SUZANNE BOUNDY Been there, done that

ANNABEL BUTLER I'm not quiet I just think a lot

FIONA ALLEN No! You can t put two balls up the one hole

STACEY ALLWOOD Two big ones are better than one

BONNIE CHAN Sure that's fine

MLC Modelling Agency

ELENA ANGELODELMOU

MELISA BATTY

SARAH BONE

FIONA BURGESS

VANESSA CHAPMAN

FELICITY CHARREXT

IUSTINE

LIZZIE

CAROLYN BARTON

KIMBERLEY BOND

SUZANNE CARRUTHERS

ADRIANNE CHEN

Ady-monster forever!

Yes, this is my natural hair colour

LEE-WON CHEN She's so hard working!

Next year, next year, next year!

Yes, I did forget, and no, I'm not vague

CHRISTINE CHONG Daavweeeeyy!!!

MUN-LAN CHEAH I've got a weird sense of humour!

LING

Oh no homework again!

COLE Far out cazzles!

TABITHA CLUTTERBUCK Tabeetha or not Tabeetha; that is the question

COBDEN lackaroo's sheep and sheep wings?

Hmmm...not particularly..

CHRISTIE Oohh! My loins are aching

It's gotta poke out the top!

How far can YOU chuck a rock?

LARA CONSTANTINOU I'm not going there with him

I'm not vague anymore

I won't eat anything that can still run around the

I have'nt had a full day at school yet

SANDRA CHIN

CAROLINE CLARK

MARC1A

BIANCA CRIPPS

EMMA CONDON

ANGELA CRITCHLEY I had pins and needles from head to toe

STEPHANIE CHEN

RUTH

GEORGIA CROWE

YEE

CHEN

VIVIENNE CHOU

RUTH COGAN I'm feeling lustful today

1NGRID CORRIE I know Glenn on the inside better than anyone else

JENNIFER CUMMINS Cool bananas!

LYNDA CHENG What have I got first?

JODIE

ELIZABETH COGHLAN

GILLIAN COUTTS

plate

KIM CZUBRYI

VIVIAN CHEUNG You know what I mean?

DAINA CLARK Could it be a vampiiiire...baaaat?

JULIA COLDREY Sorry I'm late, but I..

VANESSA CREW He's such a sweetie!

ANGELA DALLY Not to worry

EMMA DE MORNEMENT I need my milk

SUSAN DICKINSON I saw voltage last night

VICTORIA DING No action talk only

SUSAN DODDS Who's having a party?

APRIL DONNELY Prefects Hike me) need protection

KAREN DOOLEY Not everything has to have a meaning

TANIA

BELINDA

KAREN EAMES Why is the ant Lindy?

INGRID FIRTH-SMITH

ANDREA FROST

JULIE

SELENA FINLAY On the road again

KIRSTEN GARDNER-BERRY

CASSIE GIBSON Ma, I'm innocent 1 wasn't even there!

GIBSON

NICKY GOLDIE The phone bill is coming in a week

REBECCA GORMAN YVETTE GOW I burnt my nostril hairs Ah you're a card!

ELIZABETH DOUGLAS

was not drunk, my shoes were just slippery!

REBECCA EDWARDS It's better in the bath than in the bed

MELISSA FLEMING

CATHERINE FROSTER I'm so gullible

JANE GLEESON I'll go to the tuckshop for you

VANESSA GRIFFIN Miss Social Butterfly I can't help it if I'm friendly

RACHAEL GUTHRIDGE Hi

what I mean? (Marsha Brady)

LUCY GWEE Hmm...I have to stock up my locker today

ASTR1D HALDANE I'm gonna get her

KATHRYN GRAY He was yesterday! Smooch won't let me do anything

REBECCA GRAVESTOCK

I'm going out with Adam, no Ashleigh no Anthony

MICHELLE HANSLOW

Crumble

NATALIE HARRIS

TINA HOLLIS

KATHRYN HALL

CARA HONEYCHURCH

TARA HANNAN Spray with Mortein for God's sake!

IANE HILL It's because I'm inbred

MARNIE HOPKINS Not in front of the children honey!

LISA HINE P Hewson — my God

VIKKI HORE I don't get it!

MARNIE HARRIS I need some bosoms

MANDY HOGG No, I'm not cut! I love you, Ray

LISA HOSKING I'm stressed out to the max!

KAREN HALL

AMANDA HOWELL

NATALIE JEFFCOTT

LANA KARANTZIS ANNE KAYE-SMITH

RENEE KAYSER MEAGAN KEMP

KYLIE KERR ANITA KING

CLAIRE HUTTON Pull your head in before a fruit picker sees it!

ELIZABETH HYNE I am not conservative

ANNA ISAKSSON I'm from Sweden Where's my rucksack?

CATHY JONES

DINUSHA JOSEPH POOI-YOKE KAN

HEATHER JABOOR We must have cheated

MARTINE KANE No, I just have a blocked anal passage

GABBY LANGLEY

SOM LING LEUNG

YEAN

SANDY LEUNG

FIONA L1NDGREN

JACKIE MACTIER

ANGELINA LEE

CAROL LEW (I've lost

ALYSON LOCKETT

ELIZA MADDOCK

JULIE MARTIN

RACHAEL

YVETTE

PAULA MATSON TANIA MATTEI VIRGINIA MATTHEWS JUDITH MAUNDERS

MELISSA

KATE McCREDIE Hassling people is an art

KYLIE McCUBBING Fast to cook, good to eat

REBECCA MCINTOSH Where's Mem? HAYLEY McKAY What's your problem.. Mate?

KERSTIN McKAY Gee, what an expression!

BENITA McLEOD I love Leigh, I wish he'd come home

KIT McMAHON

KATE MIZRAHI

GITA

NICHOLAS

MICHELLE PARKES

FIONA MCMILLAN Future chief commissioner of police

RACHEL MOLONY We're not students, we're Year 12's

SON|A MYSKA-LACK

SHARON NOONAN

MARGARET

KATHERINE MEAD God I'm funny!

SOPHIE MOORE

VANISSA NA RANONG Absorb...Absorb!

IENN1 NORDEN Everyone thinks I'm a sex fiend.

HELEN PEARCE Good composers are pathetic performers!

HELEN MENTHA Mr Happy is my guru

MORGAN

DENISE NAKIS I'm going to make Elle McPherson look like a Pig

VIVIEN ONG Going swimming?

SUZANNE PETROU

ROSE MILIDONI That's my car!

EMILY MORIESON I'm not here today OK?

RACHEL NEEDOBA

IACINTA ORR ..but I haven't even met him yet!

HOA PHAM Frip it!

LYNDAL MILLER Ahh Cathy It's dirty not ditty and Bundy not Barramundi

|ANE MORTON I collect ex's not get rid of them

CYNTHIA RAMSBOTHAM I ve got a gold Porsche

CHE PARKER It's been a hard four days this year!

KYLIE PITT Somebody find me a tall building

ROWENA PRENTICE

JULIA PRYOR

KATE RADFORD

REBECCA RENWICK

N1KKI SCHWARZ BUT WHY?

MELANIE RAMSDELL Wild!

KATRINA REYNOLDS

ANGELA ROSS

RACHAEL SCOTT A camel's hump is only for the rider's comfort

KRISTINA SHUGG My watch says it's 8.00, but somehow I don't think it

KAREN QUAN

PAMELA QUAY

NARELLE RAYMOND

KIRSTEN

ELISE ROBERTS I'm hungry!

MICHELLE ROBIN

IRENE RODITIS ha ha ha giggle giggle giggle

NATALIE ROSS EMMA ROYAL No! He was last week! IQueeniel

CATHERINE SCHAPPER Hard-headed woman

GENEVIEVE SEARLE

ROXANNE SENEQUE I'm lost!

ROBYN SEYMOUR Have you been naughty again?

CHRISTINE PSILIAKOS

IULIE RANKIN

ROSALIND RILEY It's times like these, I wish I could walk backwards

CATRIONA ROSS

CATHERINE SEALEY Gone fishing!

ANDREA

VILIA SULISTYO My economics essay, I haven't finish..

WENDY

AMANDA STERKENBURG

CATHERINE

ANDREA

NANCY SOON That's okay

KESHENA STEWART I can't wait, I'm

FIONA SYMONS My Dad's a butcher SKYE TAYLOR

CHUI-MEI SIEW

MICHIKO SMITH

LINDA STENNING

JODIE STOREY

YVETTE

LEE-CHAN TEO D'you want some food?

KAMALINI SIVAPATHY

SLEEMAN

NARELLE

JULIANA STAMP I'll dye

NICOLE STOCKTON The quiet achiever! GEORGIA STONE You are what you eat, so I suppose I'm a chocky frog.

CINDY TAI Are you feeling okay?

LISA TAN I'll do it later Can't be bothered now

LOUISA TAYTON

MOON TEH Sydney or America?

KATARINA TISAY Look I've grown! KARA TONG (4.47 pm| Get real, I'm in my pyjamas!

ELLEN WARNE

REBECCA VINEY

MICHELLE WATK1NS

FIONA WAIT

KATRINA WILSON

WONG Zai |ian Goodbye Selamut tingga!

KATRINA ZARIFEH You have to be joking!

RUTH WILTSHIRE The greatest invention ever was the mobile polling booth

RUTH WONG Don't be silly

IOHANNA Z1PS1N It runs in the family

KATHRYN WILKIE Music A has its purpose Was it two or three dasses I had today?

IULIE WILLIAMS She'll be cool bananas

KATRINA WOLSTENCROFT Hey Smedley!

JANICE WONG janicism: a new found element in MLC

HELEN WOODSIDE

get it done eventually SAGE WYER I've had enough of school I'm going home

KATE WILCOX I think my dance dress shrank!

MELINDA WITHERS Hey dude! What a LEGEND! I love Scotty

ANNE WIGGLESWORTH

AMANDA W1NDLEY He's soooo gorgeous

Teachers' Quotes: more sequels than Rocky

MRS SMITH: "I was just trying to beat the system but the system was smarter than I was."

MR FRY: "You can just see that silence."

MS MEHEGAN: "Circumcision is inherited."

MS MEHEGAN: "Someone's going to come and cart me away to the loony bin very soon."

STUDENT: "Oh good Does that mean we get this lesson off?"

DR CASTLES: "If you boo boo this, you're in real trouble."

DR CASTLES: "You've really got me over the barrel."

MR MARTIN: "Damn, I made a mistake No I didn't It's very rare I do anyway."

MR MARTIN: "We are basically...in the poo!"

MRS (ONES: "The standard was very high but you were very well taught."

MS PATTERSON: "Don't put that in Silver and Green."

DR ANDERSON: "This is a very famous quote I wrote it at lunchtime."

MRS COLLINGS: "It's no use having a nervous breakdown We haven't got time for it."

DR ANDERSON: "In regard to Silver and Green quotations, just remember ladies who marks your examination papers That's not a threat, it's a promise."

STUDENT: "I've got a biscuit named after me."

DR ANDERSON: "What? A cracker?"

MRS FEIKEMA: T must admit, I've never felt the urge to go to the toilet in the middle of a lesson."

STUDENTS: "We were singing the Beatles."

DR ANDERSON: "You'll be singing the blues in just a few seconds."

STUDENT: "I smashed a mug in Senior Centre."

DR ANDERSON: "What was she called."

MS MEHEGAN: T didn't have time to shave this morning I'm sorry...at least I didn't come without my false teeth and my wig."

MS IOHNSTON: "I was listening to my walkperson."

MISS COATES: "What? What?"

MR FRY: "...and worst of all — remaining celibate!"

MRS SMITH (to a Year 12 student!: "I've got a six year old like you."

MR FRY: "We had a teacher called Mill and we used to put an "s" on the end of Mill because it annoyed him."

STUDENT: "I smashed a mug in Senior Centre."

DR ANDERSON: "What was she called?"

STUDENT: "There can't be a wrong interpretation of a poem."

FRAU FEIKEMA: "Yes, but that (interpretation) is wrong."

MS IOHNSTON: "There has not been a man born yet who has not and who will not root around."

REVENGE

I wish I was a flying cow Oh wouldn't it be great I'd fly so gaily through the air, And pooh on the ones I hate

They'd clutch their heads In blank surprise And shout "We were not wise, To torment the wretched peasant Who dropped that smelly present."

I wish I was an elephant Oh wouldn't it be nice I'd take my rivals in my trunk And throw them like a dice

They'd be too injured to complain And I would like it fine I'd never hear of them again And life would be divine

Shobana Kanagassingham, Year 6