We are incredibly proud of our Class of 2024, who learned of their VCE and IB results in December. As a genuinely open-entry school, our median ATAR of 89 over the past 5 years underscores the importance of providing a nurturing environment, where students are supported to explore their interests and passions throughout their school journey. In their final years, this focus helps them apply themselves to learning areas that inspire and motivate them.
While the most visible results are ATARs, we also celebrate the many achievements that cannot be measured by numbers: the perseverance to achieve personal bests, the courage to rise to challenges, and the leadership and enthusiasm shown across the MLC community.
We are delighted to share with you the diverse stories of five of our recent graduates, who each explored and discovered their individual passions through their schooling, and how that has prepared them for their next exciting steps.
An aspiring chef off to Paris – Isabella, VCE
A passion for cooking has set Isabella on an exciting path, leading her to begin a three-year Bachelor’s degree in Cooking at École Ducasse in Paris.
Her love for cooking started at a young age, but it was MLC’s commercial kitchen within the Home Economics Department and hands-on learning approach that truly nurtured her talents. Studying multiple Home Economics subjects in Year 8 and later pursuing VCE VET Hospitality, Isabella honed her skills.
Isabella shared a highlight of her journey was participating in MLC’s Terrace Restaurant, a program where students operate the onsite commercial restaurant with industry experienced teachers.
“It was amazing to have the Terrace Restaurant here. Because I’ve had that kitchen experience, I now have more confidence to work in a restaurant one day,” she said. “It was great to be able to practise my skills and get a better perspective of the different roles in a kitchen.”
Now, Isabella says she feels confident and excited about the next chapter of her life, in Paris. “MLC gave me the confidence to try new things and not be afraid. I’ve learned that even if I’m not good at something, it’s always worth a shot,” she shared.
An elite swimmer role modelling for the next generation – Mackie Hunter, VCE
Mackie joined MLC in Year 11, drawn to the College’s integration of sport and academics. Having the ability to train early in the morning and head straight to class without the stress of commuting helped her maximise her training while staying on top of her studies.
In Year 12, Mackie competed in the Olympic Trials, against some of Australia’s top swimmers. Her teachers and coaches worked closely with her to create a balance between her rigorous training schedule and academic commitments, helping her reach goals in both areas.
This year, Mackie will pursue tertiary studies in Pharmacauticals, a career she was inspired to follow after studying Chemistry in VCE. In addition to this, Mackie is driven to make a positive impact in the sports community. She hopes to advance her swimming career while inspiring the next generation of female athletes, particularly in open-water swimming, a traditionally male-dominated sport.
“I think it’s important to show that girls can do it too,” she said. “I really hope I can be that person that people look up to and be a role model.”
A rural boarder looking to give back – Rose Fisher, VCE
As a boarding student, Rose thrived in the supportive environment of Tiddeman Boarding House and embraced every opportunity at MLC. She immersed herself in a diverse range of subjects, including Chemistry, Economics and VCE VET Sport & Recreation, while also participating in seven sports, from AFL and athletics to diving and gymnastics.
Last year, Rose served as the Boarding Prefect, a role that encouraged her to develop leadership skills and support her peers.
Rose’s passion for health and science shaped her future ambitions. In 2024, she received an early admission to her first-choice course: Health Science at the Australian National University. There, she plans to specialise in rural healthcare, inspired by a desire to give back to the communities who supported her growing up.
Looking back on her MLC journey, Rose shared: “My biggest achievement is the confidence I’ve gained within myself to take on challenges that I wouldn’t have otherwise. Being faced with challenges at MLC, whether it’s sports injuries or academics, I’ve been able to tackle them head-on and gain confidence in myself to do that wherever I go. I think that’s the most valuable achievement.”
Creating positive change in leadership and charity – Bianca McMurtrie, IB
While completing Year 12, Bianca set herself an ambitious goal: to raise $10,000 to join a charity bike ride across Thailand next year. Her inspiration came after an MLC trip to visit Tharn Namchai Children's Home, a home established by Hands Across the Water and one of the international, education-focused communities supported through MLC’s Community Service program. Moved by the resilience and stories of the children she met, Bianca signed up for an 800km bike ride across Thailand, with all proceeds going towards Hands Across the Water.
Balancing this goal alongside the demanding IB Diploma and her leadership role as Deputy Senior Prefect, Bianca remained steadfast in her commitment to making a difference. Her leadership style reflected her values of inclusivity and empowerment.
“As Deputy Senior Prefect, my role was to reflect what is happening in the cohort – I listened to others and tried to implement their desired changes. I was able to use my position to give a voice to others, which is really special,” she says.
Looking to the future, Bianca’s aspirations are rooted in her passion for helping children. She envisions a career where she can make a meaningful impact on young lives, whether as a Primary Teacher or Child Psychologist.
“I’ve always wanted to work with kids,” she explained. “I look back at my Junior School teachers who helped me during that time and shaped who I am, and I want nothing more than to do the same thing in return.”
Marshmead shaping a greener outlook – Camille Shultis, IB
Camille’s lifelong passion for the environment deepened during her time at MLC. After joining in Year 7, she thrived in MLC’s Education Outdoors program, particularly during her 8-week stay at the remote campus in East Gippsland, MLC Marshmead.
“Sustainable practices are embedded in the Marshmead life and it became something that was really important to me; I wanted to integrate them into my everyday life,” she said.
Choosing the IB Diploma Programme allowed her to study Environmental Systems and Sciences (ISS) and Global Politics, aligning perfectly with her interests. Her subjects included meaningful real-world learning experiences through numerous excursions, which connected her studies to practical experiences, from trips to Mount Rothwell Research and Conservation Reserve to the Tulane Rainforest.
As MLC’s Environmental Sustainability Prefect and a member of the Green Team, one of MLC’s many student-led clubs, Camille led many initiatives to inspire environmental awareness across the College: from student clothes-swaps and Smoothie Bikes powered by pedal energy to art projects repurposing old materials and delivering regular speeches on pressing environmental issues at Assemblies.
This year, Camille will begin a double degree in Law and Environmental Science at the Australian National University where she can continue nurturing her environmental passions.