MAC News 1 2025

Principal’s Report

Dear MAC Community,

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2025! It has been an enthusiastic start to the year, from classroom lessons to extracurricular activities, it has been inspiring to see such a positive beginning, laying the foundation for a successful and fulfilling year ahead. Our Entry students have settled in well embracing high school life with confidence, forming friendships and taking on new challenges. It has been a pleasure getting to know them and their families. Meeting our Entry parents at the Welcome BBQ earlier in the term was a highlight, and I’ve enjoyed hearing from our Entry students about their experiences at MAC and the aspects of high school life they are enjoying most.

We have started the year with 820 students and welcomed 15 new staff to MAC. You will hear more about them further on in the newsletter.

I want to express my gratitude to all the staff and students who have organized and taken part in the many events featured in this newsletter. Some of my personal highlights include the whole school assembly, the Entry and new families welcome BBQ, Swimming Sports, and the MAC Open Day where 240 people visited the school throughout the day. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Duncan Hillier, the Student Leadership Team and staff on the day, the feedback from prospective students and families was overwhelmingly positive.

I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Duncan Hillier, the student leadership team, staff and students who were involved in the Open Day on 12 March. We had 170 people visit the school and the feedback from prospective students and families was very positive. It was wonderful to also welcome past students Lachlan Janetzki and Rea Tinoy who assisted on the Q&A panel.

Thank you to MAC Parents and Friends Association for providing the sausage sizzle at the Entry and New Families Welcome BBQ and the parents and students who attended the working bee on Saturday 22 February.

The support and contributions of our school’s PFA play a crucial role in enhancing our community and enriching the educational experience for all students. The PFA meets on the first Monday of every month. For more information, please visit our website.

I also want to extend my gratitude to the families who have contributed to the building and library funds. Thank you for your generosity, we have upgraded the student toilets in A Block, air-conditioning and range hoods in the MasterChef kitchen, contributed to the remodelling of the wellbeing space and purchased new books and shelving for the Resource Centre.

I would like to remind the community of our uniform policy and the expectation that all students wear their full school uniform every day. Wearing the school uniform helps create a sense of belonging and increases student connection. It also helps foster a sense of responsibility and discipline; these are all traits that matter at school and in life.

This term, we have noticed some students wearing PE uniform items with the academic uniform, particularly girls wearing the black PE skirt with their white polo or shirt. This is not permitted. The only items that may be worn with the white polo or shirt are the tartan skirt or college grey shorts/pants. In addition, the only PE track pants and shorts that can be worn are those with the College logo.  A further reminder that students are required to wear all black shoes, these can include sneakers, but they must be completely black including the soles.

The uniform shop operates every Monday and Thursday from 3.00 – 4.00pm. The second-hand uniform shop operates the first Monday of every month from 3.30 – 4.00pm. Please note the second-hand uniform shop will open on an additional day on Monday 28 April.

I would like to remind the school community that the school policies, including those related to the Child Safe Standards, can be found on the College website. The School Council Policy Subcommittee is responsible for reviewing these policies, and while they are tailored to our school’s context, they are aligned with the guidelines set by the Department of Education.

As the term comes to a close, I want to thank the families who have made voluntary financial contributions so far. These contributions play a vital role in enhancing the quality of programs at MAC. Your support allows us to maintain and improve our facilities, ensuring an excellent learning environment for our students.

Thank you for your continued support. I wish our staff and students a restful break and look forward to another successful term ahead.

Dani Angelico, Principal


Annual privacy reminder for our school community

Our school collects and uses student and parent personal information for standard school functions or where permitted by law, as stated in the Schools’ Privacy Policy and the Schools’ Privacy Collection Notice.

Our Photographing, Filming and Recording Students Policy, describes how we collect and use photographs, video and recordings of students. The policy also explains when parent/guardian and carer consent is required and how it can be provided and withdrawn.

For more information about privacy, refer to: Schools’ privacy policy: information for parents. This information is also available in ten community languages:

  • Amharic
  • Arabic
  • Chinese
  • Dari
  • Gujarati
  • Mandarin
  • Somali
  • Sudanese
  • Turkish
  • Urdu
  • Vietnamese

Mount Alexander College School Council 2025

Parent Council Members: 

Kate Barrelle – School Council Vice President  

Treasurer – Celine Becker

Jon King

Janine Forbes-Rolfe

Caroline Green

Community Members:

Peter Hormann – School Council President 

Luke Vella

Anita Corden

DET School Council Members:

Dani Angelico – Executive Officer

Louise Leong

Megan Rawlins

Student Council Members: 

Amelia Kenny

Mark Lubansky

School Council Subcommittees

Finance

Grounds and Facilities

School Policies

Dani Angelico, Principal


Meet our new MAC Staff

 

Sue Riquelme

Student Wellbeing and Engagement Leader

Hello MAC Community, I have been lucky enough to work in many different schools and in many different roles as an educator, both in the private and government sectors. Most recently, I was at Rosehill Secondary College. As a local, I have utilised MAC facilities almost everyday, playing with my bulldogs and meeting up with other dog lovers here. I have been drawn to teaching at MAC and am delighted I am now here and part of the community. I am a lover of travel and have spent a significant amount of my younger adult years backpacking around the world. Today I have swapped the backpack for a hotel, unless I am hiking one of Australia’s awesome hikes.

Megan Van Den Hurk

Daily Organiser

Hello MAC community. I am the new Daily Organiser. I have been in scheduling now for the last 6 years but first time in a school. I really enjoy the puzzle that is scheduling / rostering as one day is never the same! I also enjoy going to the beach, reading, and listening to music. Last year I read over 150 books. I’m looking forward to my time here at MAC and learning as much as I can!

Charlotte Iannella

English

I have grown up in the North-Western suburbs of Melbourne and have always worked in these communities. I always loved reading and discovering various parts of history. Walking my dog, going on hikes and travelling are also passions of mine. I have already felt so welcome in the MAC community and look forward to working together with students and families.

Samuel Kirby

English

I have always lived in Melbourne, but love to travel, especially over to America to see family. I love playing board games, going to the theatre, and eating delicious food. Lately I’ve been pushing outside my comfort zone to try new restaurants and activities around Melbourne. It’s been fun to explore new places in the city I’ve always lived in.

Nick Watson

English

 Hello MAC community. I’m one of the new English teachers at MAC. Over the 2024/2025 holidays, my partner, cat and myself relocated to Melbourne from Brisbane in search of a more favourable climate. So far, we are not regretting taking this plunge and I am particularly enjoying my new position at Mount Alexander College. In my spare time I mainly get my kicks from hanging around cinemas, second hand bookshops, and vintage clothing stores.  

Ester Koelle

Humanities

Hello MAC Community! I am a Humanities and Politics teacher. I moved from University High School (just down the road) where I have spent the last 6 years teaching, and I love working and living in the local community. I have had an incredible time at MAC so far, and have loved getting to know all the students and staff. Thank you for having me and I look forward to meeting you soon if I haven’t already.

Paul McManus

Science

Hi MAC community!

My name is Paul McManus. I am a Science teacher at MAC. I’m a born and bred Melbournian. People from other states can always pick me as a Melbournian because of the way I pronounce it. Mal-bin. I have worked in commercial science labs around town for many years and have recently shifted to teaching.

When not teaching Science I love exploring Melbourne’s vibrant music scene, and sitting getting sunburnt at a game of test match cricket. If the cricket is not on, watching Melbourne city FC at AAMI park is next on my list. I grew up in South Croydon and played an average centre half back for South Croydon bulldogs.

I love Science as it demonstrates that we all have our little part to play in figuring out the wonders of our universe through small, but meaningful contributions. I am loving getting to know all the students and staff at MAC. Come say hi!

Brendan White

Science

I have been a qualified teacher since 2013. In that time I have worked extensively as a relief teacher, and as an English and Humanities teacher. At VCE level I have specialised in Business Management and Psychology. I’m enjoying continuing my journey with MAC so far. I love travelling, having travelled to almost 40 countries, and also love sport, in particular the Melbourne Demons and Storm.

Shane Woods

Science

Hello MAC community. I am one of the new Science teachers at MAC. I moved to Melbourne almost 10 years ago from a small country town called Ararat and haven’t looked back! In my spare time I love going to the zoo or playing cricket in the summer around Royal Park. I have loved settling in to MAC over the last term and look forward to working with the school community throughout the future!

Michelle Shen

Mathematics

I have been working as a math teacher for over a decade, teaching all levels of the maths curriculum. I enjoy traveling, exploring new restaurants, and learning new things. I am excited to join the MAC community.

Chloe Wang

Mathematics

Hi everyone! This is my first-year teaching at MAC, and I’m really excited to be here and learn with you all. I’m passionate about Maths and look forward to a great year together! Outside of school, I have a short domestic cat, and I love traveling and trying delicious food.

Leo Maletzke

Literacy Intervention

I have lived in four different countries and moved to Australia 20 years ago. In 2016, I moved from Broome, WA to Melbourne. I’m passionate about science and the environment, and enjoy exploring topics like space, psychology and the systems that shape our planet. I enjoy writing, journaling, and reading in my spare time.

Oliver Christie

Inclusion

I previously worked at Camberwell High and Toorak Primary as an LSO. I have a great interest in illustration, creative writing, singing, acting, and the creative arts in general. I am also interested in meditation, philosophy, political science, and the sciences. Before joining MAC I lived at a Buddhist Monastery for a bit over a year which was wonderful in many ways but I am not yet ready to commit to that lifestyle long term. 

Sophia Petropoulos

Inclusion

I’m a pre-service teacher currently working as an LSO while I finish my studies. I come from an art and film background and hope to teach these subjects once I graduate. My favourite film will forever be 10 Things I Hate About You – but feel free to ask me for non-Heath Ledger recommendations too.

Jayden Townsend

Inclusion

G’day, I’m Jayden, I’m from Queensland and lived in the same house for 24 years, 5 months, and 16 days. I’d never seen Melbourne until moving last year with my ex-champion racing greyhound, Yogi Bear, who once broke a toe falling UP my parents’ stairs! I’m starting at MAC as a Learning Support Officer, I moved to Melbourne to study my master’s degree in Secondary Teaching at RMIT. I previously studied Psychology and English at The University of Queensland, with plans to teach next year. I’d also love to pursue a PhD in educational theory or a second master’s in psychology down the track!

Student Leadership

YLAA Conference

On Thursday 27 March, 10 students from the MAC leadership team went to the Melbourne Convention Centre to attend a conference hosted by the Youth Leadership Academy Australia. Young Australian leaders ran this conference and provided valuable insight and tips about how to effectively lead and how to turn an idea into action with frameworks, and steps that leaders can follow.

This was a valuable opportunity to network with students in other schools and to learn about the qualities of a good leader. Our leadership team can apply many of the lessons that we learnt at this conference to make positive change and improve our school.

Elliot Mohummadally, Above Entry 9, Debating, English & Technology Captain

Successful election to Vic SRC – Olivia del Rio

Congratulations to Above Entry 10 student Olivia del Rio on her successful election to the Victorian Student Representative Council (VicSRC). Here are a few words from Olivia:

“I (Olivia) am thrilled to be able to share with you that my campaign for Vic SRC has been successful and thanks to your support, I have been elected! I have begun my term with VicSRC and I will be working with the organisation on their education priorities to work towards a better education for students. My job as a representative is to help shape Victorian education, and that means sharing our schools perspective. If you have anything you would like me to bring forward at meeting or any question about getting involved as a student with VicSRC feel free to contact me on my new Vic SRC email olivia@student.vicsrc.org.au

Duncan, Leading Teacher, Student Leadership & Empowerment


Swimming Carnival

Our 2025 Swimming Carnival was held at Queens Park Pool, bringing all four houses together for an exciting day of competition and team spirit. As one of our sports captains, I was proud to lead my house, encouraging everyone to give their best in the races and cheer for my teammates. It was a fantastic event that showcases not only athletic talent, but also school pride.

Fifi Thomas, Poseidon Sports Captain, Above Entry 9

The MAC Swimming Carnival was an exciting day filled with energy and team spirit. It was great to see everyone giving it their best—whether in the pool or cheering from the sidelines. A highlight of the year for sure!

April Turner, Entry


Open Day


Entry BBQ

Our Welcome BBQ was a fantastic opportunity for Entry parents to connect with teachers, meet other families, and hear from students about their learning experiences. It was wonderful to see students confidently sharing their insights into the subjects they’ve been exploring. Following the BBQ, the information session hopefully provided valuable guidance on school processes and accessing student learning resources, I was pleased to see it well attended with parents eager to support their child’s education. Thank you to everyone who joined us for this event and a massive thanks to the PFA for cooking sausages and providing drinks and also to the students who volunteered to speak!

Tom Grocott, Leading Teacher Junior School Transitions and Programs Leader


Entry Camp

I really enjoyed the activities and how they pushed me out of my comfort zone. I liked the cabins had separate zooms and that they had balconies overlooking the lake and trees.

Mimi Gilder

At the Summit Camp one of the activities that I enjoyed was the giant swing. The reason why I enjoyed this activity was because I love the feeling of free falling. 

Matilda Lacey

In the mud run, we all had to work together to complete the events, as they all involved teamwork and getting to know each other. In rock climbing, getting up the slants was so hard, even with people cheering you on. When we went caving we had to find our way in the dark, either with partners or alone, and it was funny but creepy to hear people calling out and not being able to answer. All together, camp was really fun!

Quinn Rajewski 


Above Entry 10 Information Evening


Community Iftar

On 27 March, MAC, Flemington Primary School, Debney Meadows Primary School, and Kensington Neighbourhood House, supported by Jasmin Pilkington (Department of Education, Flemington Education Plan project manager) hosted a community Iftar event at Debney Meadows Primary School. Aisha Farah was one of the MCs for the night who opened the event. It was a fantastic night with amazing food and great company. A huge thank you to Warsan Tubea and Ladan Ibrahim, School Community Liaison Officers (SCLOs) who worked behind the scenes to organise the event.  

Kate Stevanovic, Assistant Principal – Student Engagement, Inclusion & Wellbeing

I really enjoyed not only planning but also MCing for the community Iftar, as it was an incredible opportunity to bring people together and celebrate our unity. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, and it felt amazing to be part of such a meaningful event. With lots of yummy food and treats this Iftar night was one I will truly never forget.

Aisha Farah, Above Entry 10

Our recent Iftar was a great opportunity for everyone—both Muslim and non-Muslim—to come together and experience the spirit of Ramadan. It was amazing to see students, teachers, and guests from different schools joining in to share this special occasion.

The night included activities like ‘Guess the Jar,’ which added a fun element to the event, and we also had speeches from students representing different schools, highlighting the significance of Ramadan and the importance of community. It was a great way to connect and learn from one another.

A huge thank you to Ladan Ibrahim, Warsan Tubea, and the principals of all the participating schools for their support. A special shoutout to everyone who helped make the event happen—the volunteers, organizers, and those who prepared the delicious food. Their hard work and effort made the evening a success, and we truly appreciate it.

Overall, the Iftar was a meaningful experience, bringing people together to celebrate, reflect, and enjoy good company.

Iman Omar, Graduate of 2026


Harmony Day

Heads of House celebrated Harmony Week and the International Day Against Racial Discrimination on Friday 21 March with some lunchtime activities. Harmony week is a celebration of Australia’s cultural diversity and is about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging.  

There was craft in the library and face painting and streamers in the yard. Thank you in particular to Rahima Ali and Sada Kahin for their help on the day, face painting and giving out ribbons.  

Thank you to all the students who took part and celebrated Harmony Day with us! 

MAC Heads of House


2025 International Women’s Day – March Forward

This year MAC student and staff representatives were invited to Flemington-Kensington Rotary to attend the City of Moonee Valley Mayoral Breakfast to celebrate International Women’s Day.

We were privileged to attend the event centred around this year’s IWD theme ‘March Forward’ where key speakers and panel members shared how they have and continue to advocate for gender equality. This year’s theme reminds us that progress is not just about reflecting but about taking decisive action in order to drive change for a truly equal future for all women and girls.

The panel members included Judy Maddigan, first female Speaker of the House, Victorian Parliament, Julie Kun, Acting CEO, Women with Disabilities Victoria, Ifrin Fittock, CEO Sisterworks and Joshua Smith, Board member, No to Violence. It was a rich discussion around the women on the panel who have broken barriers, reshaped policies and ignited powerful movements here in Victoria.

Kate Stevanovic, Assistant Principal – Student Engagement, Inclusion & Wellbeing

Here’s what some of our students thought about the event:

The mayoral breakfast for International Women’s day is an event that can only be described as inspirational and inspiring. Being able to hear the experiences of such accomplished Women is invaluable to me as a young woman with big aspirations and dreams. Learning about the struggles the panelists had experienced and what these struggles had taught them was great food for thought. I am so grateful to have gotten to attend and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Olivia del Rio, Above Entry 10 Student

Having the opportunity to attend the Moonee Valley International Women’s Day breakfast was such an honor. The life experiences and knowledge that the panelists shared was an important reminder of the struggles generations of women have fought to overcome, and the progression we have made in society. We are so thankful for this opportunity to attend and hope to use the knowledge to improve the community here at MAC.

Emily A’Hara and Amelia Kenny, Graduate 11 Students


VM Communications Excursions

As part of VCE VM literacy we visited multiple businesses regarding our VET courses. We first visited Ascot Vale Auto Clinic to learn about the automotive industry. We also visited Homie which is a social enterprise that supports homelessness and young people experiencing disadvantage. We visited a gym and Tulip Beauty in Kensington. At Tulip Beauty we experienced a warm welcome from the staff team.

We learned about how to open a new business and being aware of your location, as well as how the owner shifted industries. We also learned effective ways to use technology to make your life easier in business and ways to manage customer flow for a small business. 

Taha Hamsaden and PC Mallonga, VM Graduates of 2025

Elevate Education Workshops 

This term our VCE students have participated in ‘Study Sensei’ workshops delivered by Elevate Education. These workshops are designed to help students learn tips and strategies to help improve their study habits. Strategies students learnt included understanding key themes in study designs, formatting effective note taking, mind mapping and reviewing information across the course. 

Kate Stevanovic, Assistant Principal – Student Engagement, Inclusion & Wellbeing


Flemington Kensington Rotary Club

Moonee Valley Festival

RYDA Road Safety Program

Alham Ashikak receiving her award with Kate Stevanovic and Andrew from Valvoline

Last year for the First time our students in Year 10 and 11 attended the RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) Road Safety program with the support of Flemington-Kensington Rotary. The day-long program featured six different workshops including: Speed and Stopping, Drive so others survive, the I in drive, Road choices, Crash investigators and Mind matters. Students gained a lot out of the day and were invited to enter a competition providing their feedback and the chance to win a $250 gift voucher. 

On 13 March, Anton (RYDA program coordinator) and Andrew from Valvoline (competition sponsors) came to the college to present Alham who won the competition. With over 1000 entries nationally, we are very proud of Alham’s achievement. Below is part of her winning entry. 

A big thank you to Flemington-Kensington Rotary for providing this opportunity for our students.

Favourite session: Crash Investigators 

Why was this your favourite session?

Delving into the intricacies of the storyline was my favourite part of the experience. It allowed me to move beyond a superficial understanding of the accident and develop a much clearer picture of the circumstances that led to it. By examining the details more closely, I was able to piece together the sequence of events and gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities involved. This in-depth investigation provided valuable insights and ultimately gave me a more comprehensive understanding of the incident.

What is the most useful piece of information you learned?

This experience instilled in me a profound respect for road safety. I came to understand that neglecting even seemingly minor precautions can have devastating consequences, not only for myself but also for other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. The potential for serious injury or even fatality became starkly clear. It’s not just about following the rules; it’s about cultivating a mindset of constant vigilance and awareness, recognising that every decision made behind the wheel has the power to impact lives. This newfound appreciation for road safety has fundamentally changed my driving habits and how I perceive the responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle.


Arts and Technology

Masterchef

Welcome back to the MAC Kitchens!

This term has seen Masterchef students investigate the topics of sustainability and what it means to be a good food citizen. Students in their first MAT were required to produce an apple dish ( crumble/ muffin/cake) in class individually. Many of the students practiced this dish at home and came into the kitchen and did an amazing job in showing us how organized and focussed they were. We were really impressed with the level of talented future Masterchefs out there! 

Pre VCE students have been busy looking at the sensory properties of food and recently completed a SAC where they collected data from a range of foods cooked in class. Students have shown a real ability to step up to more challenging recipes and produce some amazing dishes. From spicy meat filled pides, caramelized onion and feta tarts  and some amazing sticky pear and date puddings served with a creme anglaise. We have started to investigate some of the functional properties of food and applying that to what we are making in the Masterchef kitchen has made the science of food tangible to students. 

Our VCE groups have wasted no time exploring food origins (Unit 1) and the science behind how our bodies digest the food we eat (Unit 3).

This year we welcome Ms Riquelme to the team of teachers teaching Food Studies at MAC – we are excited to have this opportunity to expand our team! 

As we have been exploring sustainability – we ask that you please support our young chefs by having a container available for students to take their food out to recess, lunch or home with them after practical classes.

Follow along on our adventures on Instagram @macmasterchef

Thanks,

Ms Chester, Ms Webb Johnson and Ms Riqueleme 

Art Attack

Young Archies Portrait – Entry to Above Entry 10 Visual Arts

Students explored portraiture through the lens of the Archibald Prize, developing skills in observation, representation, and visual storytelling. They selected a significant person in their life as the subject of their portrait, conducting an interview and capturing reference photographs to inform their work.

Throughout the unit, students experimented with drawing and painting techniques to convey meaning and personal connections within their artwork. They documented their creative process in their visual diaries, refining compositions, exploring media, and developing ideas through preliminary sketches and studies. The final portrait demonstrated their understanding of expressive techniques, composition, and the use of visual language to communicate ideas and messages.

Nicole Beran, Visual Arts and Fashion Teacher


Languages and Humanities

Lunar New Year

Performance by CMS Lion (Chinese Masonic Society Lion Dance Team), with member Lana Ballantyne, Graduate 11 student

Guilty or Not Guilty Crime Tour Walk

The Fitzroy Vendetta was a violent gang war between Squizzy Taylor’s gang and their rivals, leading to shootings, ambushes, and street battles in Fitzroy and Collingwood. It started after a failed heist and escalated with the murder of Long Harry Slater, one of Taylor’s allies. Police crackdowns eventually ended the conflict, but corruption let many criminals go free. On our excursion, we walked through some of the places where these crimes happened and learned how the area has changed since.

Cleopatra Gjurovski, Above Entry 10


Mathematics


Maths help is available!

Two 2023 graduates from Mount Alexander College are currently working as tutors in Math and Science classes at the school and running Maths Help sessions during lunchtimes. Maths help is offered to senior students on Tuesdays in B Block and to all students on Fridays in A Block. We’ve had a fantastic turnout for these sessions and look forward to even more participation in Term 2!

Andreas Stephanou, Mathematics Teaching and Learning Leader


Science

GTAC Unlock Cancer Research – Excursion


Inclusion

Dear Families,

As we approach the end of the term, I would like to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you for your continued support of our school community here at MAC. Your partnership and involvement in working with me to support your children have been invaluable, and together, we have helped them stay motivated and focused on achieving their goals.

A special congratulations to all of our students for their hard work and determination in accomplishing their personal and academic objectives this term. It has been a pleasure watching their growth and progress, and I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved.

I would also like to take this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the dedicated staff here at MAC. Their tireless efforts and commitment to assisting our diverse learners are truly commendable, and we are fortunate to have such a passionate team working alongside our students.

For those of you who will be enjoying a break over the holidays, I hope you have a restful and enjoyable time with your loved ones.

Thank you once again for your collaboration, and I look forward to continuing to work together to support the success of our students at MAC.

Warm regards,

Travis Ellis, Inclusion Coordinator


Student Wellbeing

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 – Cybersafety

Young people today are growing up in an increasingly connected world where technology is part of their everyday lives –– for learning, socialising, and entertainment. While the digital world offers enormous benefits, it also comes with serious risks. From cyberbullying and online predators to inappropriate content and screen time concerns, navigating the online environment can be challenging for young people and their families.

Cybersafety is not just about blocking access –– it’s about empowering young people with the knowledge and skills they need to use technology responsibly and safely. This includes understanding privacy settings, recognising scams, and developing healthy digital habits. At the same time, it’s important for parents and caregivers to stay informed, have open and judgement-free conversations with their children, and lead by example through positive online behaviour.

In today’s digital age, safeguarding a child’s wellbeing must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV will help you better understand the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.

Click here for the Cybersafety edition of SchoolTV.


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

2025 Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge

The Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge is in full swing at Mount Alexander College. The PRC application offers a range of exciting features including:

  • access to a library catalogue (including book images and blurbs)
  • a modern user-friendly interface
  • rewarding students with badges as challenge milestones are achieved
  • the option for students to mark books as a favourite, give them a star rating or complete a book review.

The Challenge is open to all Victorian children from birth to Year 10 in recognition of the importance of reading for literacy development. It is not a competition; but a personal challenge for children to read a set number of books by 5 September 2025.

Students from Year 7 to Year 10 are challenged to read 15 books.

All children who meet the Challenge will receive a certificate of achievement signed by the Victorian Premier and former Premiers.

To read the Premier’s letter to parents, view the booklist and for more information about the Victorian Premiers’ Reading Challenge, visit: https://www.vic.gov.au/premiers-reading-challenge

Remember

Students were given a physical copy of their login details during Mentoring. If a student needs to get these details again, they can contact Carla Iannarella in the Resource Centre.

To log in, visit the PRC website. Click the sign in button below ‘School Coordinator or Student’ and select ‘VPRC login’. Insert your login details.

We have already seen an enthusiastic response from students, but please note that 10 out of the 15 books read must be from the Challenge list. You can access this list on the VPRC website here.

Students can also find books on the Challenge list in our school Library Catalogue in the Quick Lists. There is a list for Years 7 and 8 and Years 9 and 10.

Insight Creative Writing Competition

 

This competition is open to high school students around Australia as we aim to ignite a passion for creative writing and inspire the voices of the future.

Entering the competition is free and all entrants will have the chance to share in over $3000 worth of cash prizes! 

All shortlisted entries will also be judged by acclaimed Australian authors. Past judges have included Alice Pung, Nam Le, Cath Moore, Michael Pryor, Will Kostakis and Jack Henseleit. This year’s shortlist judges will be announced in the coming months, so make sure you follow us on Facebook and Instagram to see the official announcement! 

The optional theme for 2025 is: Soulmates. 

Over the past seven years, we have had the pleasure of reading more than 2000 creative pieces from high school students around the country. If you’re a budding writer in high school, we’d love to see your work. 

2025 Important Dates

For details about how to enter, please click here  to download the Conditions of Entry and Submission Form. To learn more, visit the Insight Publications website here.

Carla Iannarella, Resource Centre, Communications and Marketing Manager


Canteen

CARDS AT THE CANTEEN

  • All card transactions include a surcharge
  • Spriggy Cards – Parents must activate the card after purchase otherwise they will not work
  • A reminder that mobile phone payments will not be accepted as per government policy
  • Unfortunately we are unable to process transactions from American Express or Diners Club cards

Please bring cash if you can.

We apologise for any inconvenience.

Bocca Foods


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.

Mount Alexander College – Assistant Exam Supervisor – Expression of Interest

Upcoming Events

MAC News Deadlines

The MAC News is published once a term.

Please see the below dates for MAC News submissions deadlines for articles and advertising. Any advertising requests must be sent to mount.alexander.712@education.vic.gov.au

2026 Dates

Term 3

Wednesday 16 September

Term 4

Wednesday 9 December

Community School Since 1858

Mount Alexander College is located where Flemington National School was established in 1858. The school, which has undergone many changes, has always served the community.

Contact Us

Email: mount.alexander.712@education.vic.gov.au
Phone: 0393761622
Fax: 0393765232
Address: 78 Wellington St, Flemington VIC 3031
Provider No.: 00861K

Mount Alexander College is accredited under the Department of Education and Training’s CRICOS registration (CRICOS provider name and code: Department of Education and Training, 00861K). For further information refer to www.study.vic.gov.au.

Mount Alexander College acknowledges the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nations, the Traditional Owners of the land on whose unceded lands the school stands, and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present.