Principal’s Report

Dear MAC Community,

It has certainly been another very busy term with a myriad of activities and school events. I would like to take the opportunity to thank our student leaders who have led a number of events and fundraising activities. Some of my personal highlights include the Whole School Awards Assembly, the Graduates Formal, Science Week and visits from Ascot Vale and Debney Meadows Primary Schools, Book and Culture Weeks, Health Day, MAC’s Got Talent and the VCE Music Soiree. Thank you to all staff and students involved. These events are important in connecting our school community and providing enriched opportunities for students outside of the classroom.

I would also like to acknowledge the efforts of all the staff involved in this term’s Course Counselling. Every student in the school had a personalised counselling session with either their mentor or a senior member of staff. This is a significant undertaking and one that I know is valued by our students. The construction of next year’s timetable is underway, and students will be notified of their preliminary selections by late October.

I had the pleasure of attending the 2025 Entry Parent Information Session early this month. Next year we welcome approximately 160 Entry students, the largest cohort in decades and certainly in the last 20 years. I would like to congratulate the Entry students who spoke and answered many questions from parents and students who attended the session.

I would like to thank the Parents and Friends Association who are hosting the MAC Trivia Night on Saturday 19 October. This is a significant fundraising activity for the school and the proceeds will fund a vegetable garden which is being led by Ms Louise Leong and two of our student leaders. There is still time for members of the community and local businesses to donate goods for the silent auctions such as hamper gifts, silent auction items, restaurant vouchers, and stays at holiday houses. Email the MAC Parents and Friends if you can help: mac.parents.friends@gmail.com

I would like to take this opportunity in wishing our Graduates the best of luck as they complete their Unit 4 studies and embark on the first round of trial exams in week 1 of the holidays. These exams are very important in their exam preparation and an important indication of what students need to further revise before the external VCAA examinations which start on 29 October. Thank you to all the Year 12 teachers for their support and efforts in continuing to support our Graduates and for all the extra time and support out of class they give to their students in ensuring they are ready and achieve their best in the exams.

I would like to wish our staff and students a restful break and look forward to working with you all in Term 4.

Kind regards,

Dani Angelico, Principal

Administration

School Saving Bonus – Important Information

Dear parents and carers,
 
In Term 4 2024, families with a child enrolled in a government school from Prep to Year 12 in 2025 will receive the one-off $400 School Saving Bonus.
 
The $400 School Saving Bonus provides families with support for education-related costs, such as school activities and/or school uniforms and textbooks.
 
The School Saving Bonus is not available for full-fee international students, home schooled students, TAFE students and students attending kindergarten in 2025.   
 
Actions for parents and carers
Before 18 October 2024, the Department of Education is asking parents and carers to:

• Complete enrolment: If your child, or children are changing government school for Term 1 2025, or starting Prep or Year 7 in 2025. For more information, read about Enrolling in School. 

• Check your contact information: Ensure your email address and phone number is up to date with us.

 Follow the instructions below to update your details in Compass:

1. Login to your Compass account
   • If you are using the Compass app select “more” then scroll down and select “Open in browser”
2. Select the Cog icon in the right-hand corner of the page.
3. Select “Update My Details” from the dropdown menu.
4. Update with your new details where applicable, then click “Update My Details” button.

Please contact the Administration Team on 9376-1622 if you require your Compass login details or further assistance.
 
We need to ensure your contact information is up to date as the Department of Education will email you twice:

• in October, to verify your email address

• in November, with your $400 School Saving Bonus and access to an online system.

Please check your junk mail regularly to make sure you do not miss an important email.

To learn more about the School Saving Bonus, download the School Saving Bonus Information sheet for government school parents and carers or visit vic.gov.au/school-saving-bonus.

General Office Administration

Whole School Awards Assembly

Culture Week Assembly

Graduate 12 Formal

Gnurad Gundidj – Community Learning Project

MAC Students Learning to Lead

Hello MAC community!

We are a group of Above Entry 9 students who have recently attended the Gnurad Gundidj School for Student Leadership in western Victoria. Over the term we spent at Gnurad Gundidj, one of the main goals of the program was to develop a Community Learning Project (CLP) that aims to address an issue in our local communities. 

We collectively decided to raise money and awareness for victims of domestic violence in Australia. Unfortunately, domestic and family violence has become a rising statistic in recent years.

Gnurad Gundidj is a leadership school that spans for a term. It is for selected students in year 9 that have put in an application to attend. 

Throughout our time there, we participated in various leadership and outdoor activities to enhance our teamwork and initiative skills. Everyone gets put into rooms with someone from another school, generally someone from the city and someone from the country districts in Victoria. The group you came with from your school will be your CLP group. This is to make it easier to implement to your local community when you get home. 

Over the two months of the first term we spent at Gnurad Gundidj we managed to brainstorm different ideas for our community learning project, and we eventually landed on raising money and awareness for a local women and children’s shelter. 

We decided to collaborate with a local women and children’s shelter, McAuley Community Services for Women and Children, as they are located close to our school and have had a significant impact within local communities. 

We spent a significant period of time working towards our goal, contacting McAuley (our chosen organisation), emailing back to our Liaison teacher and planning various fundraising events to run.

Once we got back to school, we relayed with a representative of McAuley and prepared to begin our CLP. 

We first set up a donation page online, which attracted attention from members of our community. We also ran a sausage sizzle at Bunnings, a donation area at school, and a baked goods sale at our school. 

All of these events were very successful, and we ended up raising approximately $5800. 

We are currently in the process of organising with our school and gathering funds to transfer to McAuley Community Services for Women and Children. 

We are very proud of ourselves, because we raised over the amount that we had set as our goal, and we believe our efforts can make a difference in our community.

Sienna Barrios-Seupule, Oscar Batch, Leah Empey, Harold Morgan, Jarvis Roberts, Isla Smith, and Edward Williams

Lord Somers – Big Camp 2024

One thing I’ve always wanted to do as a student leader is to get people involved and bring light to some amazing programs I’m associated with, which I think young people like us can really benefit from. This year, I was offered the incredible opportunity to attend the one hundredth Lord Somers Big Camp. With a rich history of camaraderie and community service, the camp was launched by then-Governor Lord Somers in 1929 and has been running every January since. Each year, 200 male, female, and non-binary youth are nominated to attend either the Lord or Lady Somers Big Camp. The aim of the program is to create a stronger, more inclusive society, built on meaningful, intergenerational and cross-cultural friendships with a strong sense of purpose and belonging, by uniting young people from a diverse range of backgrounds, cultures, locations, ages, and interests. 

Having no contact with the outside world, participants are split into five groups who they’ll work together with throughout a series of team-building activities, to overcome a week’s worth of exciting and obscure challenges. I was hesitant at first – I’d never spent a week away from my family before, let alone with a hundred strangers! Not only that, but the description of the camp was extremely vague – for good reason, as I soon learned. As someone who likes to stay in control, my New Year’s resolution was to challenge myself by trying something new and embracing the unknown. Every day, we were woken up to something new and unprecedented, forcing us to adapt to a constantly changing environment. Expecting the unexpected was a survival skill. 

Big Camp is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, I would go so far as to say that it was the best week of my life. In saying that, it was also one of the most intense. I was pushed far beyond my comfort zone, and broke the boundaries I set for myself, achieving things I didn’t think I was capable of. Thanks to Big Camp, I now have a deeper, much more meaningful insight into myself and my potential. I’m no longer afraid to put myself out there, even when I know that I won’t succeed. It was exactly what I needed, entering what has been my most demanding year yet.

I’ll forever carry with me the Spirit of Somers and the valuable perspectives I gained, drawing on my time there for inspiration and courage. If you’re between the ages of 16-18, I invite you to reach out to me so that I can nominate you to be one in a hundred. For parents and carers, the Lord Somers Camp and Power House has a strong commitment to child safety, and are dedicated to ensuring the safety and wellbeing for all. The cost for each participant is $576, but with a strict policy that no one is to be excluded because of their financial circumstances, scholarships are available. For more information, don’t hesitate to contact me, or visit: https://www.lscph.org.au/bigcamp/

For good food, good fun, and good fellowship, we give thanks!

Lachlan Janetzki, Graduate of 2024

VCE Music Soiree

Hobart City High School Band Visits MAC on 27 August

MAC Futsal League

The MACFL final was held this term with WBFC taking out a massive win 7-2. It was great to see the game played so competitively and with great sportsmanship. Well done to everyone who came down to watch and support each team.

A big thank you and congratulations must also go to our MACFL Committee of Student Leaders; Xavier Huang, Will Immel, Emily A’Hara, Jack Phelps and Matias Lin. You all did an amazing job planning and running the competition while also working with the teachers to make sure the event was a huge success.

Duncan Hillier, Leading Teacher Student Leadership and Empowerment

This year we had our first ever completed Mac Futsal League!

Throughout terms 2 and 3, more than 100 of our students ranging from years 7 all the way up to year 12 competed in this exciting season, with none other than the oldest team in the competition, WBFC, taking home the trophy. 

It was great to see everyone come to the courts to play, referee, watch and even conduct interviews with some of the players! Penalty drama, red cards, last minute goals, and huge saves made this competition one to watch. We would like to congratulate Leo Econemu from Receding Hairline Rangers for winning goal of the year with his full-court volley that stunned everyone in the opening few matches of the tournament. 

It was a heavily contested competition for the whole time it ran, however one player clearly stood out from the rest, and the player taking home the Player of the Tournament was Hussein Farah from WBFC. The young player of the year (Bonds child) award went to a player who stood out in 2024 and was in grades 7 or 8, being Riley Anderson, who notably took his team of year 8s and 9s to a semi-final, beating the mighty Ftown, who consisted of only year 10, 11 and 12 students, in what had to be the moment of the tournament.

We’re excited for the futsal tournament to return next year, so keep updated on Compass for more updates! Please note that the term 4 tournament will likely be a netball tournament, so everyone is encouraged to play, whether a seasoned netball star, or just learning the rules!

Thanks for an amazing season,

MAC Futsal Board

Book Week

Book Week Parade

Alternative Book Cover Competition

Congratulations on everyone who submitted an entry. You will find the winners below.

Science Week

Science week was held in week 5 this term from 12-16 August. The theme for 2024 was ‘Species survival – more than just sustainability’. Over the course of the week, we had a number of activities running at lunchtimes. In addition to the build-up to the week, a competition was run to make a short film/documentary in the style of David Attenborough to promote ‘species survival’. 

On Monday, we ran the National science quiz hosted by ABC via a nation-wide Kahoot. We had a big turnout, and had lots of people joining in. On Tuesday we had an Associate Professor Ashraful Haque from the University of Melbourne, who specialises in Immunology, come in and talk to students for the afternoon. The students had an opportunity to take a closer look into what a career in IT and immunology could be like, as well as have a look into the different ways someone could find what they wanted to do in life and a career in Science. On Wednesday, a ‘Choose your own adventure’, science experiment lunchtime was held, in which students could see and experience different science experiments. A couple of the highlights of the session were the Woosh experiment and the Alka Seltzer rockets. 

On Thursday, there was the ‘species survival’ themed scavenger hunt, in which students had to hunt to find their next clues, and solve riddles about endangered species.

On Friday, we got to relax and watch a David Attenbourough nature documentary and one of the competition entries at the end.

In Greening the Apocalypse, GTAP1 and GTAP4 classes hosted primary school grade 5/6 students in their Entry Science classrooms. It was great to have Ascot Vale and Debney Meadows primary school visit and have our Entry students mentor our younger visitors! Year 7 students were able to demonstrate experiments they had designed as well as guide the primary students on completing an escape room style activity and how to use a microscope. 

There were also two exciting excursions that occurred during Science week. A group of Year 10-11 students went out for the day to the University of Melbourne for the Biomedical Science Day (see the write up and photos!) and a number of students went out to the State Library for the Soap Box Science excursion where they had the opportunity to meet and hear from female experts in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

Last but not least, congratulations to all the students who submitted an entry and to the following students who placed for the Science week – David Attenborough Competition:

1st place – Lucas GIBBINS and Harry MORGAN

2nd place – Aurora D’APRANO, Cherry SHAW, Grace MANLEY and Mila RICHTER

3rd place – Sunny SHAW and Zach TOPLISS 

Thank you to all students who participated over the week and to students and Science teachers who helped out for the week. We hope you all enjoyed and learnt something new about ‘species survival’ this year. 

Emily Labas and Mark Lubansky, Science Captains, and Vivian Duong, Science Teaching and Learning Leader

GTAC – Biomedical Science Day

Year 10 & 11 Students spend day at Melbourne University learning about Biomedical Sciences 

Our students had a fantastic learning opportunity to further their Science / Biology study at the University of Melbourne and GTAC as part of Biomedical Sciences Day in National Science Week. 

They met with enthusiastic scientists, learning about current research and looking at real life samples under light, fluorescence and scanning electron microscopes. Across the day our students learned about arthritis, cancer, MND, the brain, neural responses in zebrafish, the skin, malaria, and stress responses in mice.  

They also accessed the Harry Brookes Allen Museum of Anatomy and Pathology undertaking a ‘treasure hunt’ uncovering real tissue specimens and historical anatomical models. This included looking at human bones dating back to the 1800’s! 

Time spent in the AdaptLab allowed students to experience how innovative digital technology is used to study the human body utilising 3D VR heart models giving the opportunity to ‘hold’ the heart in the hand and examine the various structures making a human heart.

Students also had the opportunity to ask questions of current Biomedical Science Students about university life, joining social clubs, how they manage workload and stress, and how they are enjoying the experience so far. 

All our students had a wonderful experience, the day provided insights into what biomedicine is today and the diverse range of careers and impact studying biomedicine offers, and importantly what a life studying at University could look like for our students. 

There is also an article about the event published on the Melbourne University website.

On Thursday 15 August, students attended the Biomedical Science day at the University of Melbourne and Gene Technology Access Centre (GTAC). Here are reflections from students:

I really liked the excursion as it showed outer-curricular science fields which I wouldn’t have access to at school. In particular I enjoyed the Anatomy Museum that contained real human specimens and was only accessible to UoM students and professors. We as visitors had the privilege to examine them and for a moment I felt like a true researcher.

Dennis Pham, Above Entry 10

The way the heart works by pumping deoxygenated blood through the left atrium and ventricle and by pumping oxygenated blood through the right atrium and ventricle.

Matthew Wiseman, Above Entry 10

I really enjoyed the experience of the biomedicine excursion. It was interesting and immersive, with a tour of the anatomy museum and a VR experience learning about the heart. There was also a lab tour where we looked at different diseases and ailments under the microscopes. We got to change the colour scheme and the overall look of the photos which was cool, as well as looking at different types of microscopes. Overall it was an amazing experience and I’m so glad I went.
Kari Tonissen, Above Entry 9

VSSEC Units 3-4 Chemistry Excursion

Australian Culinary Competition

On the last day of term two, it was great to see two of our Year 12 VCE VM students, Wendy Wong and Jack Vy, take part in the Australian Culinary Federation of Victoria, Secondary Schools Culinary Competition. 

After months of hard work and practice, these students were tasked with making a dish, using a whole chicken as the main component within the allotted time of 1 hour. Prepared into two portions of a main course for the judges, the dish had to contain an appropriate starch, vegetable, garnish and utilised both white & dark meats of the chicken.

Judged against other students also undertaking their Certificate II in Cookery as part of their VET program, remaining composed under intense pressure, Wendy and Jack produced a stunning dish and were awarded a silver medal for their efforts. The final dish was a Mushroom Risotto with Dark Chocolate and Black Truffle, Roasted and Smoked Maryland, Blackened Brussel Sprouts and Kalettes, Crispy Chicken Skin, and Parsnip Hay. 

We thank the William Angliss VET in Schools team for their work with our students and look forward to watching the exciting futures of Wendy and Jack unfold.

VCE VM students

Arts and Technology

Upcoming Spring Festival

Masterchef – She’ll be Apples!

Masterchef students have been investigating sustainability and learning about food citizenship this term. They have just used the design process to make an apple dish using I’m perfect and odd bunch apples for their first MAT. Students were encouraged to bring a container to transport their apple dish home and one student even salvaged her apple peels (instead of directing them to the compost bin) to take home for her dog. Great job Masterchef students on being good food citizens and caring for your environment.    

PreVCE Food Studies

This semester’s PreVCE students were recently tasked with a Riscotto design challenge and the kitchen was a hive of activity. From the roasting of vegetables to add flavour to the consideration of textures the work that went into this task was a great experience!

VCE Food Studies

What a term for our VCE Students! Unit two has students investigate the many unseen and commercial food production principles. The SAC for this had students design a food item from brainstorming to ensuring safe food supply, marketing and evaluating their food items by consumers.

Our Unit 4s have been researching a contemporary food issue which has no doubt brought some interesting views and perspectives to the great food citizens we are fostering. Best of Luck to our Grad 24s as they finish up their time in the MAC Kitchens. 

And Lastly….

This week a group of MAC PreVCE & VCE Food Studies students attended a 3 course fine dining experience at William Anglis in the City.  A short tour of the facilities generated some wonder and awe of the skills being taught in patisserie and bakery sections as well as an incredible edible garden at the center of the campus that due to the micro climate was able to produce tropical fruits such as bananas and many indigenous spices. Many Thanks to Saveria Cipri and Noeleen Chester for assisting!

Follow along on our delicious adventures on Instagram @macmasterchef

Lezanne Webb-Johnson and Noeleen Chester, Food Studies Teachers

Interschool Sport

Year 7 Basketball

Over the course of the day the boys team played three matches. In the first match we played Strathmore 2’s and we started the game off well and we had a solid lead of 11 points at half time. We maintained our lead for the rest of the game and ended up winning by 9. In the 2nd game we battled through the first half and led by 5. Rose Hill stole our momentum in the 2nd half and we ended up losing in a very close game by a narrow 3 points. In the 3rd and final game we played EKC. We were immediately under pressure after they quickly snatched a 14 point lead. We kept our hopes up though ended up down by 10 going into the 2nd half. In the end though they were too much and ran away in the 2nd half to win by 19.

Liam Kippin and Will Noonan

Throughout the day, the girls played three games. We narrowly lost the first game by just 3 points, but that only gave us energy and fuelled our determination to win the next two, which we did! This earned us third place overall, which is impressive given that most of the girls were new to basketball. I had an amazing time, and many of the other girls did too. It was a fantastic and fun experience, and I’m looking forward to the possibility of doing it again next year. 

Nuala Butters

Student Wellbeing

Health Day

Supporting young people to be safe, responsible and positive online is a key challenge for educators and parents alike.  Recently the team from the Optus Digital Thumbprint program were in the classroom with our Year 7-10 students taking them through the fun and interactive workshops that cover a range of important issues such as cybersecurity, cyberbullying, digital discernment, digital balance, and digital identity.

It is very important to be aware of these topics so that your child is prepared and supported to thrive in the digital world.  There is a range of free, downloadable Digital Thumbprint Parent Conversation Guides for parents and care-givers that support you to have effective conversations around what young people should and shouldn’t share online, cyberbullying, and how digital technology can support effective study practices.

Please visit: www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/parent-resources

For more information on the program and each of the workshops we encourage you to visit: www.digitalthumbprint.com.au/

SchoolTV

SchoolTV is an online resource designed to empower parents with credible and sound information with realistic, practical ongoing support strategies. You can access SchoolTV by either clicking the SchoolTV icon on the home page or this link.

In this edition of SchoolTV – Healthy Study Habits

In today’s world, where distractions are abundant and the pressure to excel is high, guiding children to develop healthy study habits is more important than ever. As students aspire to achieve academic success, the cornerstone of that achievement lies not just in their intelligence or drive, but in the study habits they cultivate.

It’s essential for students to recognise that good study habits aren’t merely about spending extra hours hitting the books. It’s more about quality over quantity and having a more balanced approach. Emphasising the value of a routine is essential. Consistent study times establish a sense of structure and discipline, turning studying into a natural part of their daily routine rather than a burdensome task.

Additionally, how students approach their study sessions is equally important. Taking regular breaks is a crucial part of this process in maintaining focus and preventing burnout.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes sufficient sleep, a balanced diet, and consistent physical activity are indispensable elements that will significantly impact your child’s ability to study effectively. Fostering these healthy habits is one of the most valuable gifts we can offer children, paving the way for a lifetime of learning and achievement.

This Special Report will help you support your young person as they embark on studying for exams.

Click here for the Healthy Study Habits edition of SchoolTV.

Hard Quiz – MAC Student Winner

Congratulations to Entry student Fleur Forbes-Rolfe for winning on an episode of Hard Quiz, released in late July.

Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington

Congratulations to Ching Chan for being awarded a Certificate of Appreciation from the Rotary Club of Flemington Kensington. We appreciate your valuable contributions to our community.

Resource Centre

Staff and students can use the Library Catalogue (login using the Single Sign On with your school email address and password) from school and from home. It’s a great way to see what books are on offer in the library and to reserve a book that you’ve been looking forward to reading.

A friendly reminder to anyone who has overdue books to please return them to the Resource Centre. Bringing books back by their due date ensures that everyone is able to enjoy our collection.

Do you know we have ebooks and audiobooks?

The Eplatform has over 2500 ebooks and audiobooks that you can read or listen to with new books being added every day. You can access it by downloading the app on your device and signing in with your school details in the Single Sign On (SSO). Find out more here: mountalexandercollege.wheelers.co

Community News and Advertising

We advertise and support local organisations that reside in our catchment area. These suburbs include Flemington, Kensington, Ascot Vale, Moonee Ponds, Maribyrnong, West Brunswick, North Melbourne, and Parkville.

Key Assets Victoria is a not-for-profit foster care agency supporting children in care that operates in all areas of Melbourne and many regional areas.

There is currently 12,458 children in Victoria that need the support of a loving caring foster family.