From the Principal

In what will be my last edition of The Star as Principal of MLC, I wish to honour and celebrate the way that the whole College has embraced courage as part of its core values.

Since “Explore with Courage” became part of our College values, the notion of courage has been thoroughly embraced by our students, staff, parents, and broader College community - the courage to dream, the courage to act, the courage to hope and the courage to challenge and stand up for what is right. Our current society talks frequently of originality, genius, indeed, of the amount of ‘likes’ or ‘followers’ one has, but rarely of the courage it takes to sustain a project, to be prepared, to pick oneself up after failure or misstep, to try something new, or to see something, someone, or yourself in an entirely different light. I am unreservedly proud of the diverse courageousness demonstrated by our students across the College. The story on pages 4 and 5 highlights the way in which students, with pluck, teamwork, and a strong sense of purpose, can pull together large-scale events like Gen+ and the MLC Science Conference, for the benefit of other students and the vibrancy of College life. Meanwhile, on page 7, we meet some of our younger students in Junior School as they learn how to raise their own voice in support of Uluru Statement from the Heart and in the service of greater cultural and historical awareness. Having the fortitude to broaden one’s perspective is demonstrated again on page 8, where our Year 9 students explore some of the real social and environmental issues faced by the City of Melbourne, and put forward their solutions. It takes courage to present your big ideas, but our Year 9s did not shy away from the challenge. We see bravery continue on page 9, with our Senior VCE and IB students who took part in our astonishing Artist in Residence program. Their willingness to work with respected contemporary artists, sometimes in collaboration, to expand their creative practice, is truly admirable, and not only takes real skill but also a keen sense of adventure, which is where courage can take us, if we let it. Of course, as my final edition as eighth Principal of MLC, there are reflections on my Principalship, both from myself and from my colleagues, our students, and the wider MLC community. How wonderful it is to see us all share a combined commitment to the College, its students, and its future.

Finally, it has been a true privilege to lead our College, but now I, too, must step boldly step forward, ready for whatever comes next, confident that MLC is in good hands with our incoming Principal, Ms. Julia Shea, and inspired by all our courageous students. Best wishes,

Diana Vernon, Principal

Principal Ms Diana Vernon discusses first impressions and favourite moments from Year 7 so far, with Polly, Audrey and Amy. The Senior Student Leaders and Kindle students enjoyed making a Reconciliation Week collage together.