Latest Happenings at Melba Copland Secondary School

MCSS Concert Band on Tour

Posted on 18 Nov 2024

Thursday 14 and Friday 15 November, Mr Bowyer and Miss Turner took our MCSS Concert Band on Tour at the South Coast. Our students performed at Broulee Public School on Thursday to an incredible audience, and on Friday students stopped off for a little break at Mogo Zoo and then finished off their tour with a performance at Mogo Public School.

Our students represented our school beautifully, their ability to work together as a team, setting up for their performance, during their performances, listening to one another, and packing up was seamless. And a massive shout out to Katie Logue, a music student who is not in the concert band, but attended as a roadie to support the band!

We only had one small hiccup on the final day which meant that the students did their final performance without Tim, who could not be there due to illness, and the students held a band meeting, discussed the songs they would be performing and negotiated who would be conducting the band and how their overall performance and timing would work. Katie and Asha were our conductors on Friday and they did brilliantly! The fact that our students could pull all of this off is a testament to the amazing work Tim has done with them this year, Mogo Public School didn’t even know that we had to make adjustments, they did it so well 😊

AusDance ACT DanceFest

Posted on 08 Nov 2024

A MASSIVE congratulations to our students who performed at AusDance ACT Youth Dance Festival (DanceFest) last night 7 November 2024. 

This year MCSS entered three performances, centred around the theme of What Do You Dream?

The first performance from our Senior Quest Dancers focused on Monsters Under the Bed and was an intensely creative piece which was relatable to all audience members in some way. The costuming was spectacular and the technical performance abilities second to none.

The second performance was from our Senior Quest Dancers focused on dreaming and entering into different dream states and the impact on the person as a result. Jared Murray was an absolute stand out performer!

The third performance was from our Junior Quest Dancers. With a group of 30 students on stage, the piece was incredibly moving and told the story of soldiers heading to war and those who returned and the impact on family when a soldier didn’t return. There was certainly an emotion filled theatre after this performance. 

Drama Production

Posted on 06 Nov 2024

Mixed League Tag

Posted on 23 Oct 2024

MCSS 7/8 and 9/10 mixed league tag teams went undefeated all day and demonstrated amazing sportsmanship and represented Melba with pride!!

Please congratulate our students. 

Kings Visit

Posted on 23 Oct 2024

On Monday some of the MCSS school leaders attended the official arrival of their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Students spoke to the Hon Richard Marles MP, Deputy Prime Minister of Australia.

We welcomed their Majesties with other students from across the ACT.

@actpublicschools @theroyalfamily

Production of Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald

Posted on 23 Oct 2024

 Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald

The two senior drama classes have been hard at work rehearsing a production of Stories in the Dark by Debra Oswald as part of their assessment this semester. Many of the production ideas have been student-led, and we’re excited to announce that the performance is now open to the community!

Stories in the Dark explores the power of storytelling, mingling the magic and earthy wisdom of folk tales with the hard-edged story of violence, conflict and the struggle to survive in the backdrop of the Yugoslav Wars.

The performances will take place on October 29th and 30th @7pm (Week 3, Term 4), and tickets are now available. Please follow the link below to purchase tickets and support our talented students.

Stories in the Dark https://www.stagecenta.com/.../the.../1157/ShowdetailsC.aspx

Additionally, the Year 10 hospitality students will be offering a dinner and show package. This includes a pre-show dinner and a ticket to the play, with limited availability—only 20 places—so be quick to secure your spot! This option is also available through the stagecenta link. 

Inclusive Education Transition Visit for year 7 2025

Posted on 18 Sep 2024

2024 Secondary Students Photography Prize Exhibition

Posted on 13 Sep 2024

Joshua entered the 2024 Secondary Students Photography Prize Exhibition and was awarded an Encouragement Award for his piece titled ‘Graveyard’.

More information below:

Each year Canberra Museum and Gallery holds a Photography Prize for Canberra’s secondary students, displaying all entries to the public. It’s a chance to showcase the emerging talent in our region and provide entrants with pathways for development.

This year’s theme ‘Materiality’ connects with the current Materiality…But Not As We Know It exhibition. We asked students to use their cameras to capture the unexpected and show off their unique perspectives.

All pieces are available here: PowerPoint Presentation (cmag-and-hp.s3.amazonaws.com)

ACT Training Awards

Posted on 06 Sep 2024

A huge congratulations to MCSS student Aiden Moody who was a finalist in the ACT Australian School-Based Apprenticeship of the Year! While Aiden has finished at MCSS, throughout his schooling he was completing his ASBA and Cert II in Sport and Recreation at Miles Franklin Primary School. 

A huge congratulations to Aiden and thank you so much to Jo for supporting Aiden to achieve such a wonderful outcome! 

Step into the Limelight

Posted on 05 Sep 2024

Step into the Limelight Performers, 

24 of our students performed last night at the Step into the Limelight ACT Showcase Event.

Our students performed an amazing number from the musical Mary Poppins Jnr. Feedback from families has been resoundingly positive through our social media.

Overnight I have also been contacted by several principals from across the ACT to express just how incredible and ‘in awe’ of the performance they were. This is further evidence of the high quality performance that our staff and students created.

Please join with us to congratulate our Limelight performers and staff!

Wakakirri State Finals

Posted on 27 Aug 2024

Wakakirri State Finals were held yesterday 26 August.

Congratulation to the Quest Dance Team on another beautiful/amazing performance.

Our Dancers were awarded the 2024 Certificate of Excellence alone with 6 other awards.

2024 ACT Minister’s Student Congress

Posted on 26 Aug 2024

On Friday 23 August, our school captains Donald Voegeli (Y7), Niamh Kleeman-Dowd (Y7) and Hayley Lewis (Y8) represented MCSS at the 2024 ACT Minister’s Student Congress. The Congress is an opportunity for ACT public school students to come together to discuss issues which matter to them and affect their education. It was opened by the Minister for Education and Youth Affairs, Yvette Berry MLA. The entire event was planned and lead by the Student Voice Working Group.

 Donald, Niamh and Hayley were part of the high school and college group and engaged in workshops on Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health in schools. They critically discussed the benefits and risks of using AI for schoolwork and had a go at identifying texts that had been written by AI. During the second session, they discussed whether schools have a responsibility when it comes to students’ mental health and what could be improved in this space. The final Q&A panel discussion highlighted the importance of listening to student voices and involving students in decisions-making processes. Overall, it was a great day, and it was fantastic to watch students speak about issues that matter to them. 

Australian School Sport XC Championships Victoria

Posted on 22 Aug 2024

**CONGRATULATIONS BRAYDEN**

Wednesday 21 August 2024, Brayden achieved brilliant results at the National Cross Country Championships!

Brayden came 8th overall / 5th Australian (1st ACT runner). ACT took bronze in the 16/17 Boys team event also.

This is an incredible achievement due to dedication and many hours of training!

Brayden is now off to Tasmania, wishing him the best.

Write a Book in a Day

Posted on 22 Aug 2024

Congratulations to our Write a Book in a Day students Wednesday 21 August, they finished off their 12 hour day by raising a whopping $7503 for The Kids Cancer Project and still counting!

#bookweek2024 #readingismagic

Australian School Sport XC Championships Victoria

Posted on 21 Aug 2024

A huge congratulations to year 10 Athlete Brayden who is representing the ACT at the National Cross Country event! We are so proud of his dedication and hard work to get to this high level of competition!

St George's Dance Competition

Posted on 06 Aug 2024

St George's Dance Competition

Wishing our performers all the best today in the St George's dance competition!

Our Senior Contemporary Dance Troupe have placed second at the competition today. Choreographed by Kailani Oakman, Year 12!

A phenomenal day with our students performing exceptionally well and being recognised in 9 out of 12 sections.

7 -12 Hip-Hop - 1^st place - Choreographed by Bronte Connolly and Ashi Barnes

7 – 12 Lyrical - 2^nd place

10 – 12 Contemporary - 2^nd place - Choreographed by Kailani Oakman

7 – 9 Contemporary - 2^nd place

10 – 12 Lyrical Highly Commended - Choreographed by Aidan Barrack & Teagan Collins

7 – 12 Contemporary - Highly Commended

7 – 9 Hip-Hop - Highly Commended

10-12 Hip-Hop - Highly Commended - Choreographed by Bronte Connolly

7 – 12 Jazz - Highly Commended

School Sports National Swimming

Posted on 06 Aug 2024

School Sports National Swimming on the Gold Coast.

Jun Orlowski (Yr 8 and Keita Orlowski Yr 7) competed for School Sports National Swimming from 27 to 31 July 2024.

They swam in 6 events and took part in the opening ceremony with 2,000 students across 6 sports from all Australian States and Territories and guest countries from Cook islands and Fiji.

Well done Jun and Keita!

Women in Construction

Posted on 03 Jul 2024

Our Women in Construction class participated in Try a Trade Day @citcanberra, with lunch provided by @totaltoolsaustralia, and all PPE provided by @forwomenact. Students were able to try 2 different trades of their choosing: Carpentry, Cabinet making, Landscaping, Bricklaying, Painting, Plastering, Tiling and some even got to try out high risk firefighting so they are prepared for any situation on a jobsite!

ACT Indigenous Tennis Carnival

Posted on 28 Jun 2024

MCSS Indigenous Students shine at ACT Indigenous Tennis Carnival

 Year 7 to 12 Indigenous students had the fantastic opportunity to attend the ACT Indigenous Tennis Carnival at the Tennis ACT centre in Lyneham.

The day was filled with learning and fun, and our MCSS students thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This event not only allowed our students to enhance their tennis skills but also immerse themselves in cultural activities, including Indigenous art workshops on weaving, painting, and boomerang throwing.

They combined well with Indigenous students from other ACT schools, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and sportsmanship. Their efforts and conduct made them excellent ambassadors for our school, earning high praise from Tennis ACT and Indigenous mentors that attended the day.

I am thrilled to announce that two of our Year 9 students, Hayes Smith and Levi Donnelly, have been nominated to represent the ACT Tennis squad at the National Indigenous Tennis Carnival in Darwin from August 8-11. This is a tremendous achievement.

Sydney Eisteddfod

Posted on 24 Jun 2024

Sydney Eisteddfod

For our junior dancers in Pink, the Sydney Eisteddfod was the second time they have performed together (the first being last Tuesday evening in the dress rehearsal).The group are mostly Year 7 students with only x3 Year 8 students. Only 5% of this group participate in Dance and studio training outside of school and them achieving a HIGHLY COMMENDED (considered 4^th place) is such an incredible achievement.

For our senior dancers in Purple, they placed HIGHLY COMMENDED in their Hip-Hop section. Whilst as a troupe they may be disappointed with this, this is the FIRST TIME EVER that our senior troupe have placed in this national competition. The senior level is INCREDIBLY demanding with sections having up to 28 groups enter (of which 99% are private and selective schools). Their HC is recognition of an incredible performance. Hugh credit to Year 12 students Bronte Connolly AND Ashi Barnes (sorry I accidentally missed Ashi in the FB post) who choreographed this dance.

We would also like to acknowledge that Asher Hodge (Year 10) and Kailani Oakman (Year 12) choreographed the senior Jazz and Contemporary numbers. Whilst these numbers did not place, they both received high marks and received EXCELLENT feedback. We are so proud of our students for their work and choreographic talents.

Mary Poppins Jr

Posted on 14 Jun 2024

U15 Boys Clyde Rauter Competition

Posted on 14 Jun 2024

MCSS Runner's Up

These boys were awarded the Runner-Up for the U15 Clyde Rauter competition, narrowly missing out on the top spot to a stronger team on the day. Our students displayed excellent sportsmanship throughout each game and were great ambassadors for our school. Despite the cold and miserable weather and not coming back with the trophy, they all enjoyed playing footy and representing our school. The boys remained proud and know where to focus for future improvement. Our MCSS team could potentially be called up to play in the Country Cup at the regional finals in Cootamundra early August if the top team are unable to attend.

Australian School-based Apprenticeship

Posted on 30 May 2024

Check out MCSS student Aiden Moody absolutely kicking goals in his future career, supported by our awesome careers team!

Aiden made the ACT Public Schools Facebook Page, read below. 

Melba Copland Secondary School Year 12 student, Aiden Moody, has spent the past 15 months giving back to his former primary school. All while gaining valuable work experience along the way.

Aiden is currently completing his Certificate II ASbA (Australian School-based Apprenticeship) in Sports and Recreation after one of his teachers recommended the program to him.

Now Aiden visits the nearby Miles Franklin Primary School every Tuesday and Thursday to support PE lessons and assist teachers.

Aiden has received nothing but high praise from his former primary schools’ students, staff and principal. In fact, his outstanding work has been recently rewarded with him taking home the Interwork ‘Vibrant Futures Award’ and nomination for the ACT Training Award’s ASbA Person of the Year.

Aiden’s journey won’t stop there though. Read more about Aiden at https://ow.ly/SjjH50RZtFo 

Information Night for 2025

Posted on 21 May 2024

Mary Poppins Jr

Posted on 20 May 2024

Oz Tag Gala Day

Posted on 15 May 2024

Congratulations to the Year 9 Boys Oz Tag who competed at the Gala Day on Tuesday 14 May. Our students played 7 games with no subs. A great day was held by all with the boy making it to the finial's. The team went down to Eddie's in the finals. Congratulations boys on doing so well on the day, now your next adventure is in Sydney we can not wait to see how you go!

Alan Tongue Cup

Posted on 09 May 2024

The annual Alan Tongue Cup was held yesterday Wednesday 8 May. Mr Chandra & Mr Luteru took our year 9/10 NRL Team to compete. A great day was held by all with the boy making it to the finial's. Congratulations the Team who took out the Alan Tongue Cup winning the grand final 20 to 16. 

Information Night for 2025

Posted on 22 Mar 2024

Do you have a young person to enrol in year 7 or year 11 in 2025? Our Information Night will be held on Tuesday 21 May 2024. Make sure you head along to hear all about the amazing opportunities for learning at MCSS!

National F1 Schools Competition

Posted on 22 Mar 2024

ACT Public School Photo of the Week for Week 7 comes from Melba Copland Secondary School, where this week two teams from the school have been competing in the National F1 Schools Competition!

More than 56 teams from across Australia and New Zealand gathered for the competition this week. Team Potentia and Team Storm Racing (pictured) are taking part from Melba Copland, the only ACT public school represented at the event.

The F1 in Schools STEM Challenge, established by REA (Re-engineering Australia Foundation) in Australia in 2003, is multi-faceted and multi-disciplined. Students follow a pathway of engineering and manufacturing disciplines: design, analyse, test, make and race. They are provided with access to real-world technology and aim to become proficient in areas such as coding.

The program also aims to develop skills in problem solving, project management, communication, presentation, teamwork, innovation and collaboration. Students involved in the program have told us the skills they have learned have also flowed on to improve their success across their other school subjects.

Well done to all involved!

F1 Schools STEM Challenge

Posted on 14 Mar 2024

CONGRATULATIONS MCSS F1 

MCSS F1 Storm Racing Team, have just won the F1 Knockout Champions in the Development Class in Adelaide.The Team were ranked 8th, they have made their way thought to the Grand final, to become Victors.
Please give our F1 Student a big shout out.

H courses

Posted on 29 Feb 2024

From - ACT Public Schools

 Are these five young people university or college students? It’s a trick question, because they are both!

Julia (Melba Copland Secondary School), Mirabel and Alli (Gungahlin College), Makenna (Hawker College) and Simeon (Dickson College - Official Page) are all in Year 12, but they’re also studying an ‘H course’, Systemic Anatomy and Physiology, at the University of Canberra once a week.

H courses are Year 11 and 12 courses provided by a higher education provider. As participants in the UC’s free Accelerated Pathways Program (for which the next round of applications close March 6), they’re earning credit through the program towards their Year 12 Senior Secondary School Certificate and ATAR, but also towards a future UC degree.

All five intend to go on to further study in related fields, from physiotherapy to medicine and occupational therapy.

Makenna is aiming for the latter and switched schools specifically to access the Accelerated Pathways Program. “I moved to Hawker to take the H course because they didn’t offer it at the last school I was at,” she says.

Simeon applied after seeing how much his brother got out of the program. “It’s going to be really helpful to have a higher level than just college science,” he says. “It can lead to early offers and little perks, and you get to have a taste of what uni is going to be like."

Julia, who is College Captain at Melba Copland, knows all about this, having just received an early entry offer to study at UC next year. She says the program has helped with her school studies as well as preparing her for university.

UC’s Accelerated Pathways Program runs during Terms 2-4 of Year 11 and Terms 1-3 of Year 12, and includes Psychology; Creative Writing; Politics and Democracy; Anatomy and Physiology; and a new program starting in 2024, Performance Analysis in Sport.

Learn more at https://ow.ly/iZ9m50QHAtE

Swimming Carnival

Posted on 16 Feb 2024

F1 Schools STEM Challenge

Posted on 09 Feb 2024

MCSS will be represented in The F1 Schools STEM Challenge. It is the world’s foremost student competition for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
MCSS's team are heading over to Nationals in Adelaide later this year!

Junior World Championships

Posted on 09 Feb 2024

CONGRATULATIONS
Heli Laajoki, our 2023 Year 12 Dux, made it to the Junior World Championships in Planica, Slovenia. Heli has done an incredible job over the years at MCSS balancing school, training  and competition. Her race (10km classical) is on today (8pm our time), so please join us in cheering her on!

MCSS New Indigenous Mural

Posted on 28 Jan 2024

As part of the mural design process, we asked all participants:

* What country means to you and your family?

* What being on country means to you and your family?

* If you travel from another country to attend school or work. What is your connection to the country you live on?

Common responses included the following themes:

- Mountains

- Animals

- Meeting place

- Bogong Moths

- Water ways

- Trees

We hope you enjoy finding each of these themes in the incredible mural created by Eddie Longford - Contemporary Indigenous Art

Australian Open

Posted on 19 Jan 2024

A massive shout out to Hayes Smith in year 9 who is debuting as a Ball Kid at the @australianopen today in Melbourne. Hayes will also be doing the coin toss at 3.05pm which will broadcast live. The match is between Chris O'Connell (AUS) and Ben Shelton (USA) on John Cain Arena.

Year 10 Excellence Awards

Posted on 28 Nov 2023

The Year 10 Excellence Awards Ceremony at ANU.

 Please join us at MCSS to offer a HUGE congratulations to:

• Liam Stanley (successful learner)
• Dexter Cox (confident and creative individual)
• Becky Batt (active and informed citizen)

IMP Summer Winds Concert

Posted on 15 Nov 2023

A HUGE congratulations to the MCSS students below for their involvement in the Senior Concert Band (SCB) and Senior Concert Choir (SCC) for their performance at Llewellyn Hall last night, it was a great concert to hear! Congratulations also to Zach in year 10 who had a massive solo in one of the combined pieces with SCC and SCB, which he performed beautifully.

Thank you to Ms Maher for her ongoing support and encouragement!

Canberra Short Film Festival

Posted on 10 Nov 2023

Canberra Short Film Festival Success

mcss is proud of our Year 11 and 12 Media students who had two of their films screened at The Canberra Short Film Festival last night.  There were 23 student films selected from a large field last night including entries from China, South Korea, Singapore and UK – as well as Australia wide.  Our students – Mil Burford (Yr 11) “Picnic Panic” and Jack Fras-Havelberg, Hamish White, James Logue and Johnny Reeves film noir “Double-Cross” were commended by the selection panel and aired to a great audience reception at Dendy. Please congratulate these students if you see them!  They are now eligible to enter their films into world wide competitions. 

2023 School Leader of the Year

Posted on 03 Nov 2023

Congratulations to our incredible MCSS Principal, Jen Howard, on this prestigious award.

Principal Jennifer Howard who was named the 2023 School Leader of the Year at our Public Education Awards last week!

Jennifer was nominated for her previous work as Principal at Caroline Chisholm School.

Jennifer builds a collaborative, cohesive and constructive culture in her teams and across the school with a focus on providing all students with a positive learning environment and equity of opportunity.

Her support for excellence in teaching practice, early intervention and inclusive and supportive culture has achieved profound improvement in key student outcomes.

New Educator of the Year 2023

Posted on 03 Nov 2023

Massive congratulations to Miss Hiscocks who was nominated for New Educator of the Year in the Public Education Awards!

Sculpture by the Sea

Posted on 23 Oct 2023

Friday 20 October, our year 10 – 12 Visual Art students went on an excursion to Sculpture by the Sea, Bondi Beach. It was a great day where students got to see over 100 sculptures made by artists from around the world. They were situated along the beautiful coastal landscape between Tamarama and Bondi. Our students were excellent ambassadors for our school.

A couple of our students also participated in one of the award winning sculptures, the “On line clothes swap”, by Lucy Barker. The audience was invited to share resources by hanging their pre-loved clothes or removing some items from the line. The work was about finding more sustainable ways to live. Two of our students found some new items to call their own and were pretty chuffed about it. Cosmos said “It is like a portable Vinnies!”

The students all had a fun day and learnt a lot about contemporary sculptures. 

MCSS Senior Photography and Art Exhibit

Posted on 23 Oct 2023

Dance Fest

Posted on 20 Oct 2023

MCSS would like to congratulate the Senior Dance class, who performed last night at the Canberra Theatre as part of  AusDance Youth Dance Festival.

This years festival theme was “Bread and Circuses”, which initially the students struggled with, but in the end

students collaborated together and choreographed a beautiful and dramatic piece that focused on the idea that we often mask reality to meet society expectations, in turn hiding our battle scars behind our masks.

Students represented MCSS proudly and we had the honour of being first school to perform in the evening, opening the show! 

MCSS Arts & Tech Showcase

Posted on 20 Oct 2023

Disney - FROZEN jr

Posted on 17 Oct 2023

Senior Campus Art Exhibit

Posted on 22 Sep 2023

2023 Floriade

Posted on 22 Sep 2023

MCSS Concert Bands and the Magellan Dance Program performed on stage 88 at Floriade.
Gorgeous weather, incredible moves by the Magellan Dance team, topped off with the sounds of our Concert Band. Floriade was privileged to have us there! 🌷

STEM Boxes 2023 winners

Posted on 05 Sep 2023

Duke of Edinburgh camp @ Birrigai

Posted on 04 Sep 2023

We would like to acknowledge, the successful running of our Year 9 Duke of Edinburgh 3-day camp @ Birrigai. MCSS had fifty Year 9 students who attended this Adventure Camp as part of their Bronze award. More information regarding the camp will be in the next MCSS wrap.

Women in Construction

Posted on 24 Aug 2023

Step into the Limelight Art Exhibition

Posted on 12 Aug 2023

The Step into the Limelight Art Exhibition has opened at M16 Gallery.
We have 7 students from MCSS in the exhibition. Rika, Mos, Nimue, Abbie, Jess, Nella and Jiaen.

The exhibition runs until the 27 August 2023 at M16 Gallery, Kingston.
If your free and looking for something to do please drop in and see our students art work. 

Wakakirri National Story Dance Festival

Posted on 04 Aug 2023

Last night Thursday 3 August 2023,  15 of our wonderful MCSS students performed on the Canberra Theatre stage as part of the Wakakirri National Story Dance Festival. We would just like to acknowledge how amazing they did. Ms McFadden entered the group into Wakakirri last term, not quite realising how soon August was, so in the timeline of the last two Sundays, students worked incredibly hard to create a 4min Story-Dance piece inspired by the movie “How to train your Dragon” focussing on the themes of facing your fears and living in harmony.

We received the awards:

Storytelling Award for Great Story
Production Award for Projection
Ensemble Award for Overall Performance
Production Award for Soundtrack

 And the two exclusive awards for the night:

Best Public Speaking Award- Our public speakers were Ashi Barnes, Emily Fleming and Jess Turner
Spirit of Wakakirri Award- Awarded to school that shows the most positive spirit on the night

MCSS P&C Meeting

Posted on 20 Jul 2023

Hello parents, carers and friends

The next P&C meeting is on Monday 14 August at 7.15pm at the High School Campus in the Conference Room. We would love you to join us!
Please feel free to reach out to the P&C anytime:

Email:
generalMCSSPandC@gmail.com

Facebook:
https://m.facebook.com/groups/898661581357425/?ref=share&mibextid=S66gvF

WhatsApp:
https://chat.whatsapp.com/JuWyPHrmRO14RoluBpKUQz

Michelle Swadling
Melba Copland P&C President

Year 12 Formal Fundraiser

Posted on 27 Jun 2023

Year 7 French

Posted on 27 Jun 2023

Sydney Eisteddfod

Posted on 05 Jun 2023

20 of our students travelled to Sydney to compete in the Sydney Eisteddfod. It was a wonderful (though a very long) day, the students thoroughly enjoyed themselves and were great representatives of MCSS and the ACT.  Unfortunate we did not place this year, our students did MCSS proud, we received great feedback from the different adjudicators, put on some fantastic performances and really held our own. 

Please do congratulate our students when you see them - they were a credit to the school, and we are so proud of them! 

National Indigenous Tennis Carnival

Posted on 05 Jun 2023

Regional Cross Country

Posted on 05 Jun 2023

2nd place Daisy Pipe 13yr old girls

2nd place Phoenix Marks 14 yr old boys

4th place Brayden Noonan 15 yr old boys

32nd place Jacob Croft in 14yr old boys

MCSS Information Night 23 May for 2024

Posted on 03 May 2023

MCSS would like you invite you to our Information Night on 23 May for 2024

Where: Melba Copland Secondary School.

High School Campus, 15 Conley Drive, Melba, 5pm to 6.30pm for Year 7 to 9 2024.

Senior Campus, 97 Verbrugghen Street, Melba, 6.30pm to 8pm for Year 10 to 12 2024.

Come and experience a slice of MCSS life and learn what we can offer students on their learning journey.

Enrolment for 2024 are now open

Posted on 28 Apr 2023

Apply online to enrol in an ACT public school for the 2024 school year. Check your child or young person’s Priority Enrolment Area, visit the school’s website and get ready to attend an information session. If you apply by 2 June, you will receive an offer from 24 July 2023 and be set for 2024 https://bit.ly/3Zqhoj9

Music Tuition at MCSS

Posted on 13 Feb 2023

MCSS is seeking expressions of interest from families who are interested in one-on-one music tuition at MCSS. Students would have a set lesson time each week for 30 minutes to attend a music lesson with an instructor and instrument of their choosing in a designated room, under the supervision of a classroom teacher. They would return to their timetabled class afterwards. Costs to be charged would primarily be invoiced by the music tuition providers. This is a fantastic opportunity to improve technical skills and musicality in any student who is keen to learn one or more instruments. If you have any further enquiries, please contact our band coordinator, Helena Maher, at Helena.Maher@ed.act.edu.au.

MCSS Library Team awarded the 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award

Posted on 13 Dec 2022

Please join us in congratulating our exceptional Teacher Librarians Mali Jorm and Lisette Robey who were awarded the 2022 Excellence in Innovation Award at the Public Education Awards on Monday evening. They received the award because “The Melba Copland Secondary School Library team are active innovators in the development of their student-focussed library strategy. Their program has resulted in incredible results in increased loans and engagement from students and evidence of creating a safe and supportive space for students. The team are recognised nationally as professional leaders and actively share their ideas and success across many forums.”

We are very lucky to have the best library team in the ACT managing our two beautiful library spaces and programs!

CIT Industry Bootcamps for School Leavers

Posted on 26 Oct 2022

Canberra Institute of Technology (CIT) is offering eligible school leavers, ages 17 to 24, the opportunity to undertake fee-free industry courses in hair and beauty, hospitality, dog care and safety in construction through JobTrainer.

The aim of these programs is to provide the skills, certifications and connections to industry to allow school leavers the opportunity to enter employment. To apply, visit JobTrainer at CIT: Canberra Institute of Technology.

Attachments:

• Hair & Beauty flyer (316 kb PDF)
• Hospitality flyer (565 kb PDF)
• Dog Care flyer (573 kb PDF)
• Safety in Construction flyer (120 kb PDF)

Contact Catherine Pappas, CIT Business and Engagement Officer on catherina.pappas@cit.edu.au.

Royal Life Saving ACT School Leaver Program

Posted on 26 Oct 2022

Royal Life Saving ACT (RLSA) is offering eligible school leavers, ages 17 to 24, the opportunity to undertake Swim Teacher and Pool Lifeguard training through the Job Trainer program, leading to tangible employment pathways and careers within the ACT Aquatic Industry. There are 80 Swim Teacher and 30 Pool Lifeguard course positions available.

As a result of the increased seasonal demand from industry, RLSA may be able to provide employment opportunities through their own Aqua Safe Schools Program. To apply, visit Course Search – JobTrainer – RLSSA ACT (royallifesaving.com.au).

Attachments:

• School Leaver Program one-page flyer (197 kb PDF)

Contact Ashley Kalz on 02 626 05800 or act@royalact.com.au.

Vinnies DoNut Stress Homework Club at Gungahlin Library

Posted on 26 Oct 2022

Libraries ACT and Vinnies Migrant and Refugee Program are collaborating to provide homework support for primary and secondary students from a multicultural background. The sessions are every Saturday afternoon during the school term at Gungahlin Library from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm. See the attached flyer for more information or email Joanna.bragg@vinnies.org.au.

Attachments:

• DoNut Stress- Vinnies Homework Club Flyer (890 kb PDF)

Contact Sam Chrzczonowicz on 02 620 59346 or EALD@act.gov.au.

ACT Emergency Services Agency – Be Emergency Ready Day – 29 October 2022

Posted on 26 Oct 2022

Are you ready for the hazard season?  The Canberra community is invited to attend the ‘Be Emergency Ready Day’ on Saturday 29 October 2022 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at one of 4 locations across Canberra:

• Molonglo ACT Rural Fire Service Brigade, 25 Drake Brockman Dr, Holt
• Tuggeranong ACT State Emergency Service Unit, 51 Johnson Dr, Calwell
• Stromlo Forest Park, Criterion Pavilion
• Gungahlin Town Centre, near the Marketplace playground

The family-friendly event is an opportunity to meet some friendly volunteers, learn about emergency services, and prepare your home for the season ahead. There’s also a colouring-in competition. Please share this information and link with your school community: Be Emergency Ready Day on Saturday 29 October 2022 | ACT Emergency Services Agency.

Contact Phoebe Angelatos, Media and Communication Officer, Public Information & Engagement, ACT Emergency Services Agency on 0466 651 521.

2023 CIT Music Enrichment Course information session (27 October) and expressions of interest

Posted on 19 Oct 2022

CIT (Canberra Institute of Technology) invites aspiring musicians in year 11 next year to express their interest in the CIT Music Enrichment Course (Cert IV Music Industry) by emailing mediamusic@cit.edu.au. An information session is on 27 October at 4:30 pm at CIT Reid and online.

This opportunity is free to ACT public college students and is delivered as a series of evening classes over 2 years at CIT Reid. The course will complement your year 11 and 12 studies and may provide credit towards the ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and pathways into the professional music industry or further study. Entry is by audition only. For more information and to register for the information session, go to Music Enrichment Course, Canberra Institute of Technology (cit.edu.au).

Attachments:

• CIT Music Enrichment Course flier (110 kb PDF)

Contact Mark Webber on mediamusic@cit.edu.au.

Australian School-based Apprenticeship – National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy program – applications close 18 November 2022

Posted on 19 Oct 2022

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) is recruiting for the ACT National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Academy (ACT NATSIHA) for 2023. The ACT NATSIHA is a Career Pathway Program that supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to complete year 12 and graduate with a Certificate III in Allied Health Assistance as an Australian School-based Apprentice. IAHA can visit your school and talk to interested year 9 and 10 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students about the academy and a career in health. Expressions of interests close on Friday 18 November 2022.

The Australian School-based Apprenticeship will start in February 2023 (2 days a week for about 15 hours a week) on Mondays and Thursdays, with expected completion in December 2024.

Attachments:

• IAHA Academy flyer (1.4 MB PDF)
• IAHA Brochure (5.7 MB PDF)

Contact Byron Brunhuber, IAHA National Academy, ACT Project Support Officer on
0429 224 771 or academy@iaha.com.au.

eSafety Webinars for all ACT Public School Parents and Carers – term 4, 2022

Posted on 17 Oct 2022

The Directorate’s eSafety team delivers webinars for parents and carers to learn how to help their child develop eSafety knowledge and skills. The webinars are updated each semester, and attendees can register using the information in the attached flyers. Please share the flyers with your parent community or use the information in your communication channels (e.g. newsletter, social media, email).

The eSafety team will deliver the following webinars in term 4:

• Parent and Carer eSafety for secondary schools – Tuesday 25 October from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• Parent and Carer eSafety for primary schools – Thursday 27 October from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm
• ‘Have an eSafe Summer’ Parent and Carer eSafety for P-12 – (repeat sessions) from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Tuesday 22 and Thursday 24 November

Attachments:

• eSafety Parents and Carers Webinar Flyer – Term 4 2022 (348 kb PDF)
• Have an eSafe Summer! Webinar Flyer – Term 4 2022 (100 kb PDF)

Contact Ryan Elwell/Sarah Darcy on EDUeSafety@act.gov.au.

2022 School Satisfaction & Climate Survey

Posted on 02 Sep 2022

Book Week 2022

Posted on 12 Aug 2022

Book week is coming!

The theme this year is Dreaming with eyes open...

Dress up as your favourite character will be on Wednesday 24 August.  Prizes will be up for grabs so get involved and let’s boost bookish vibes here at MCSS!

Helping your Teenager with Career Planning

Posted on 20 Jul 2022

Engaging Parents in Career Conversations (EPICC) Helping Your Teenager with Career Planning

Parents and Carers can have an enormous influence on their child’s career decisions and pathway planning, but it’s not always easy to know where to start!

The ACT Education Directorate in partnership with the Canberra Institute of Technology, will present a workshop for parents and carers at Melba Copland Secondary School. During this workshop, experienced career practitioners will present useful career information, resources and strategies to start career conversations with your young person including:

• Up to date information on career pathways
• Communication strategies
• Leading by example
• Seeking support

Where: Melba Copland Secondary School Senior Campus Library

When: Tuesday 26 July

Time: 5:00 - 7PM

Contact: mcss.careers@ed.act.edu.au for more information

Updated MCSS School Bus Timetable

Posted on 23 Jun 2022

From the start of term 3, Monday July 18 2022, there will be an updated MCSS school bus timetable to better suit the needs of our students on both campuses.

View all MCSS school timetable updates here.

MCSS Senior Campus

• 1048 - now leaving school at 3:30pm (currently 3:10pm)
• 1049 - now leaving school at 3:30pm (currently 3:20pm)
• 1068 – now leaving school at 3:29pm (currently 3:22pm)
• Minor updates to timings of routes R3, 41, 42 and 43 in the afternoon

MCSS High School Campus

• 1048 - now leaving school at 3:33pm (currently 3:13pm)
• 1049 - now leaving school at 3:27pm (currently 3:17pm)
• 1068 – now leaving school at 3:32pm (currently 3:25pm)
• Minor updates to timings of routes R3, 41, 42 and 43 in the afternoon

2023 Years 7 - 12 Prospective Families School Tours

Posted on 09 May 2022

Dear Community

We are excited that the ‘season of enrolments’ is nearly upon us!

Although we will not be holding physical information evenings this year (in order to keep everyone as safe as possible) we have provided a short video to help you to get to know our staff, our school and what to expect when your young person starts at Melba Copland Secondary School in Year 7 or Year 11 (or any other year!)

We are able to host some school visits and tours for students in the coming months.  There are very limited spaces available and bookings can be made via the link on this page.

If you prefer reading, then please just click here to see what you need to prepare so that you are ready to enrol.

You might also like to check out our videos from 2021 to see some of the amazing opportunities our school offers. Melba Copland Secondary School Video.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Kerrie

To book a school tour please click on the link below.

https://sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=588

Enrolments for Year 7 and Year 11 2023

Posted on 30 Mar 2022

Dear Community

We are excited that the ‘season of enrolments’ is nearly upon us!

Although we will not be holding physical information evenings this year (in order to keep everyone as safe as possible) we will be providing you with some virtual opportunities to get to know our staff, our school and what to expect when your young person starts at Melba Copland Secondary School in Year 7 or Year 11 (or any other year!)

We will post a release date for these opportunities at the start of next term and expect to have information available here, on our website, within the first four weeks of Term 2.

We are very hopeful that we will be able to host some school visits and tours for students in the coming months.

In the meantime please click here to see what you need to prepare so that you are ready to enrol.

You might also like to check out our videos from 2021 to see some of the amazing opportunities our school offers. Melba Copland Secondary School Video.

Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Kerrie

Photo Day is coming!

Posted on 18 Feb 2022

MCSS Photo Day is on Tuesday February 22, 2022.  Remember to bring your envelope on the day. Payment can either be placed in the envelope or you can pre-pay online.

All students must have their photo taken for an ID card. 

Melba Copland Secondary School Senior Campus Lawyer

Posted on 08 Feb 2022

A lawyer from Legal Aid ACT attends the MCSS Senior Campus every second Tuesday (even weeks) from 9am to 4pm.

The lawyer provides free and confidential legal help to students and their families. The lawyer may be able to:

1. Give you general legal information so that you understand your rights and responsibilities
2. Give you advice about specific legal issues so that you know your options and the best steps forward.
3. Help you by negotiating, drafting letters or preparing for court.
4. Appear on your behalf in mediations and court.
5. Refer  you to non-legal community and support services.

The lawyer can help students across a range of legal areas including family violence, moving out of home and renting, Centrelink issues, protection orders (PPOs and FVOs), family law, police matters and criminal law, employment law, driving and traffic matters, Care and Protection involvement (CYPS), debt and fines and reporting crimes to the police. The lawyer can also help students to understand the laws around drugs and alcohol, sex and consent, and their rights when interacting with police. To speak to the Legal Liaison Officer, you can drop by her office on campus at MCSS Senior Campus on a Tuesday, or call or email her on the details below:

• Legal Aid Lawyer for Melba Copland Secondary School Senior Campus: Jodie Campbell
• Email: college@LegalAidACT.org.au
• Phone: (02) 6243 3431
• On campus office: the school counsellor’s office (every second Tuesday in even school weeks, from 9am to 4pm).

Please note that only students can ‘drop in’ without an appointment. Family members who would like free legal advice from the lawyer must make an appointment first.