Mooroolbark College Newsletter – April 2025

Mooroolbark College 62nd Debutante Ball 2025

Mooroolbark College celebrated the 62nd Debutante Ball at The Centre Ivanhoe. Cathy and Lucio Saisi from Sassi Dance ensured that all 60 of our participating students were well prepared and confident learning 5 routines over just 8 rehearsals. We thank Cathy and Lucio for their energy and expertise.
Students were presented by Master of Ceremonies, James Taylor to special guests, Mr Matthew Bell (student voted special guest), Ms Bridget Vallence MP and Mr Aaron Violi MP. Students conducted themselves with poise and grace as friends and family watched on.
Mikey Gavin and Aliyah Orwin presented a wonderful speech on behalf of the participating cohort which perfectly summed up the students experience. Once formalities concluded, Melbourne DJ Co lit up the dancefloor as participants and guests let their hair down and danced the night away. Families enjoyed professional photography and time in the 360 degree video booth, both providing memories that will last a lifetime.
We would like to thank our other vendors who assisted with special touches to our night.
We would like to thank College Council President Mrs Julie Medlin, Principal Mrs Ann Stratford, Assistant Principal Mrs Samantha McIntosh and MCPA representative Jodi Jordan and our staff volunteers for their attendance and support on the night.
It really was a night to remember! 

Jodi Mathieson and Natalie Mulligan – Debutante Ball Coordinators 

Chin National Day has become a highly anticipated event at Mooroolbark College. This year, students dedicated weeks to planning, choreographing, and rehearsing performances that beautifully showcased their culture. We were treated to a stunning fashion show featuring traditional clothing, and the much-loved staff vs. student volleyball. With so many chin students passionate about volleyball, the annual game always draws enthusiastic and competitive participants on both sides of the net! 

Here’s what our students had to say about the significance of Chin National Day: 

“Celebrating Chin National Day at school means a lot to me. It’s a chance to connect with my roots and show pride in my heritage. Growing up, it sometimes felt like my culture wasn’t really acknowledged, so having this day recognized at school makes me feel seen and valued. It’s a reminder that my background, and the history of my people, matters.” 

“For me, it’s not just about celebrating—it’s about remembering the struggles and sacrifices my community has endured. We’ve faced many challenges, and this day allows me to honor that resilience. It makes me proud of my people and what we’ve overcome together.” 

“It  gives me the chance to bond with other Chin students. When we come together to celebrate, it feels like we’re part of something bigger than just the school—we’re part of a community with shared experiences and traditions. It’s a time when I feel truly connected to my culture and can share that with others.” 

“Being able to celebrate Chin National Day helps me share my background with my classmates. It’s an opportunity for them to learn about who we are and what we’ve been through. It feels good to know that other students are gaining a better understanding of my culture, and hopefully, that helps them appreciate the diversity in our school even more.” 

Mooroolbark College is incredibly proud to support and celebrate the rich cultural diversity of our students. Chin National Day continues to be a meaningful and memorable event, strengthening both cultural pride and school community spirit. 

Harmony Day is a highly anticipated event on the Mooroolbark College calendar. Over the years, our celebrations of belonging and unity have continued to grow. It is a day for us to come together, recognize, and honour the unique qualities that make each of us different. Regardless of background, culture, or beliefs, Harmony Day reminds us that we all belong at Mooroolbark College.

Our student leadership team, along with a group of passionate students, organized a range of engaging activities, including:

• A special assembly encouraging us to embrace the spirit of Harmony Day every day.

• A flag display representing the diverse backgrounds of our staff and students.

• Face painting inspired by different cultural traditions.

• A cultural dress fashion show featuring students with backgrounds from Myanmar, India, China, and Australia (Koori).

• A collaborative Harmony Day mural, serving as a lasting symbol of our commitment to valuing diversity.

• A stunning traditional dance performance by students from Myanmar, showcasing their cultural heritage.

Harmony Day is a celebration of unity and understanding among all Australians. It provides our students with an opportunity to learn about, appreciate, and celebrate the many cultures that shape our school and wider community. The message is simple yet powerful: Everyone Belongs.

Mooroolbark College’s Sustainability Student Leader, Amelia Gray, supported our students to reduce rubbish and recycle bottles at this years swimming carnival. Students did a wonderful job collecting all their recyclable bottles and cans in the special sustainability bins. These will be recycled in the government scheme and the money raised will go towards more sustainability initiatives at our school.

The Mooroolbark College Bottle Recycling scheme will reopen in the coming weeks, look out for the bins near the canteen.

Well done to all of the students who got involved in this initiative to reduce our global footprint!