Latest Happenings at Melba Copland Secondary School
Archibald Prize – ‘Young Archies’
Posted on 23 May 2019
Congratulations to Rika Jammer Year 8. Rika has won her way to become a finalist in the 2019 Archibald Prize – ‘Young Archies’ age group 13-15 years.
Fynn Jammer
“This is my brother. This moment was a special one, his eyes tell you the story. I think a person’s eyes can hide and still reveal so much. His eyes here showed the fun, playful times we had as children, but also the bitter, sullen moments we somehow haven’t regretted. We think differently, but are still one. We stick together, and one day this showed. We were riding through a forest and stopped to take a rest. He looked up and there it was– the moment. With a swift kick of the pedals, we were back on the move.”
All Australian Girls Softball team
Posted on 21 May 2019
Congratulations to year 12 MCSS TAP athlete Kendal Elliott for her inclusion in the All Australian Girls Softball team.
Innovation Award
Posted on 14 May 2019
Congratulations to Darcy Gooday and Levi Dowhy winning the Innovation Award in the CIT Bridge Building Challenge. The boys will now participate in the ACT finals.
CyberTaipan Finals!
Posted on 29 Mar 2019
CyberTaipan Finals!
MCSS excels in the National Finals
CyberTaipan is a pilot Australian youth cyber security competition that is modelled on the US Air Force Association’s CyberPatriot program. The competition which started in Australia this year is designed to educate, engage and inspire young people to develop skills and pursue careers in cybersecurity and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields.
Participants gain exposure to real world defensive cyber security principles and ethics, while developing their technical, leadership, communication and teamwork skills and abilities.
After several rounds of competition our college team “Cool Kids of Canberra” with Cassandra Goh, Isaac Wetherell, William Pearson and Leighton Burns competed in the National Finals on 16thof March. This was followed by the award ceremony and a gourmet dinner at the Parliament House. Our MCSS team is among the top eight in the National Finals.
Let’s congratulate the team for their excellent effort and I hope CyberTaipan is just the start of many future careers in Cybersecurity.
UNSW Mathematics Winners
Posted on 08 Mar 2019
UNSW Canberra Prize for Best Female in Mathematics 2018 was won by Maneeha Durrani (Year 10) and Caitlin McCreedy (Year 9). These students along with their families were invited to attend the UNSW Canberra Prize for Best Female in Mathematics Award Ceremony on the 7 March 2019 celebrated as International Women’s Day
UN Youth Voice Winner - Heli Laajoki
Posted on 23 Nov 2018
A HUGE congratulations to Heli Laajoki in Year 7 who has been selected to represent the ACT at the UN Youth Voice Public Speaking Competition. She will travel to Perth early next year for this amazing opportunity.
Heli participated in the ACT final on the weekend and spoke brilliantly. She discussed how we can improve the values of Australian sport.
LitLinks Competition Winner
Posted on 08 Nov 2018
Congratulations Kassandra !! LitLinks Winner 2018! MCSS is so proud!
We have just received advance notice that Kassandra Stewart in Year 12 at our Copland campus has won one of the four major prizes in the LitLinks competition for ACT in 2018!
Kassie’s piece, titled A Nice Sandwich, is a clever homage to the writing style of George Orwell. Her essay outlines the rules for sandwich making – as “one of the mainstays of civilisation” - in clean, clear and direct language, with the journalistic voice of Orwell resonating through her work. Her work will be published in an anthology, and she will receive a pass to the Canberra Writers’ Festival in 2019.
Litlinks is a creative writing competition open to all ACT school students in Years 7-12. It was established in 2008 in cooperation with Paperchain Bookstore, Manuka, who is the sponsor again in 2018.
College Girls Complete Badminton Double!
Posted on 24 Sep 2018
College Girls Complete Badminton Double!
For the 2nd year running, the MCSS College Girls Badminton team have been crowned ACT College Champions!
Off the back of the 2017 victory, there was only one change to the team of 6, with Naomi Kendall coming in to join Tram Nguyen, Cindy Nguyen, Sophie Nguyen, Kasey Nguyen and Amy Jian.
The girls did not lose a match the entire day, going through the group phase undefeated, before taking on Gungahlin College in the final, comprehensively winning 8-1.
Congratulations to the girls on a fantastic effort. Hopefully MCSS can complete the treble in 2019.
Pierre De Coubertin Olympic Awards
Posted on 21 Sep 2018
Pierre De Coubertin Olympic Awards 2018The Pierre de Coubertin Award recognises secondary school students who demonstrate values which are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation in sporting activities. The award itself is a prestigious one with over 13,000 young Australians having received the honour since its foundation year in 1993, including 2012 London Olympic Silver Medallists Kim Crow (Rowing) and Bronze Medallist Kaarlie McCulloch (Cycling - Track).
On Friday 14th September, Year 11 student Casey Buurveld was awarded the Pierre De Coubertin Olympic Award for 2018, with the Academy Day and Awards Ceremony held at the Australian Institute of Sport (AIS). Casey is a worthy recipient of the accolade as she is an active participant in the College Sport and Talented Athlete Programs, and displays a strong commitment to her personal sporting endeavours. Casey also displays a dedicated approach to her studies, which she combines with her sporting pursuits. Congratulations on your achievement Casey! Casey is photographed with her award, alongside Olympic Boxer Shelley Watts.
MCSS Year 10 OED Snow Camp - Thredbo 2018
Posted on 04 Sep 2018
MCSS Year 10 OED Snow Camp is being held this year at Thredbo.
As we can see the year 10's are having a great time from all the smiles on there faces.
Belconnen Rotary Scholarship
Posted on 26 Jun 2018
Congratulations to Brittany Smithwick who was awarded the Belconnen Rotary Trash and Treasure Scholarship. Brittany is completing Year 12 this year and will use her scholarship to further her dance career.
MCSS Student Wins at Ten Pin Bowling
Posted on 13 Jun 2018
Amy Shoesmith with her gold medals for winning open singles, mixed doubles, A grade doubles and one for all events. Silver for classic doubles and teams.
Over all, Amy had the highest average of the tournament for games bowled by all girls at the junior nationals.
National Eisteddfod School Concert Band
Posted on 31 May 2018
National Eisteddfod School Concert Band
A huge congratulations to Ms Brereton, Mr McLean and the school band who gained a Bronze award in the National Eisteddfod School Concert Band section on 19 May.
The band sounded strong, played a lovely arrangement and were a credit to MCSS.
There were 6 schools in the section and not all schools were awarded (Merici and Girls Grammar missed out).
A big thank you to Ms Brereton for her guidance and hard work.
Please congratulate Ms Brereton, Mr McLean and our students when you see them next week!
MCSS College Open Night
Posted on 09 May 2018
Please follow link to the MCSS College Open Night Handbook
Commonwealth Day
Posted on 04 Apr 2018
Our very own Stefany Sarkis delivered the Commonwealth Day Queen's Message at the ACT Legislative Assembly yesterday. The celebration included a range of diplomats from other Commonwealth Nations. Stefany is with the Speaker of the ACT Legislative Assembly Joy Burch and the High Commissioner from Malta who also spoke at the celebration. Other diplomats include those from South Africa, Fiji, Kenya, Cyprus and Mauritius. Other representatives from MCSS were Shan Teys and Imogen Alexander.
ACT School Sports Awards
Posted on 13 Mar 2018
At the ACT School Sport Awards where it was great to see Caitlin McCreedy receive the top award for 12 years girls.
ACT Softball
Posted on 13 Mar 2018
A big congratulations to our years 8,9,10 girls who are the ACT softball champions. A great display of talent and teamwork today in Hawker and a great representation of the students at MCSS.
UNSW ADFA Top Female Mathematics
Posted on 08 Mar 2018
UNSW ADFA Top Female Mathematics student prize for year 7 and 8
Early this morning Maneeha Durrani and Grace Davey received the UNSW ADFA Top Female Mathematics student prize for year 7 and 8 in 2017. Please congratulate the students when you see them at school.
The presentation had a very strong theme for STEM learning and careers. As a school we are moving in the right direction and there are many exciting opportunities ahead.
Michael Battenally
Year 7 Meet the Teachers Evening
Posted on 23 Feb 2018
Melba Copland Secondary School is pleased to invite you and your family to the Year 7 Meet the Teachers Evening.
Date: Tuesday 27th February
Time: 5:00 – 6:30 pm
Location: MCSS High School Campus Library, Conley Drive, Melba
MCSS Presentation & Graduation 2017
Posted on 14 Dec 2017
Please click on link to see the Program.
MCSS Presentation & Graduation Program 2017
Reading Challenge Recognition
Posted on 22 Nov 2017
Our representing team with Director General, Natalie Howson. All involved should be very proud of this wonderful achievement.
2018 Chromebook
Posted on 16 Nov 2017
The Minister of Education, Yvette Berry has released a statement on the Chromebook loan scheme.
Attached is a form asking whether you wish your child/children to be involved in this opportunity.
Please complete the form that has been sent to you and return to the school reception or scan and return to mcss.studentservices@ed.act.edu.au by 1 December to be included in the scheme.
Please follow link to see Chromebook Device for Students
Chromebook Loan Scheme Yvette Berry Letter
College Drama Performance
Posted on 15 Nov 2017
Bus Changes as of 9th October 2017
Posted on 20 Sep 2017
Melba Copland Secondary School
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This service now starts 10 minutes earlier at 8:13am and arrives 10 minutes earlier at 8:45am. |
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This service now starts 5 minutes earlier at 7:54am and arrives 5 minutes earlier at 8:48am. |
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This service now starts 2 minutes later at 3:14pm. |
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Service now starts 1 minute later at 3:14pm. Service now ending at stop 6185 Manning Clark before Flemington Rd. |
Melba High
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This service now starts 10 minutes earlier at 8:13am and arrives 10 minutes earlier at 8:45am. |
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This service now starts 5 minutes earlier at 8:21am. It now arrives 3 minutes later at 8:53am. Now servicing Melba High School. |
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This service now starts 5 minutes earlier at 7:54am and arrives 5 minutes earlier at 8:48am. |
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This service now starts 2 minutes later at 3:14pm. |
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ACT College Badminton Winners
Posted on 31 Aug 2017
ACT College Badminton Winners!
On Tuesday the 29th August, MCSS took out the ACT College Girls Badminton competition for 2017. Will have to check the record books, but it could be the first MCSS girls Badminton title, certainly for some years at least.
Year 11/12 students Amy Jian, Tram Nguyen, Cindy Nguyen and Luca Wang were the 4 players that competed in the singles and doubles matches, playing a combined 36 matches across the day and only losing on 4 occasions. Pretty comprehensive.
They all played extremely well and MCSS congratulates them.
MCSS Annerly Poulos
Posted on 07 Aug 2017
Congratulations Annerly on your results in the Asian qualifying rounds and representing Australia in Europe. (Annerly is a year 9 student at MCSS)
"Canberra's tennis prodigy Annerly Poulos is only 14 but she knows what she wants - to become the next Serena Williams.
The teenager is in Europe for the first time and getting a taste of the professional circuit as she prepares to represent Australia at the world junior tennis titles in the Czech Republic on Monday.
Poulos blitzed the Asian qualifying rounds earlier this year with an unbeaten record as the Australian number one seed and now gets her chance against the world's best.
"This is my second time representing Australia and it's a great feeling. You're just really proud of yourself and what you've achieved and knowing that this is something to get you used to for what's ahead," Poulos said."
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/…/canberra-prodigy-annerly-…
MCSS Community Consultation Forum
Posted on 31 Jul 2017
MCSS - Year 7-8 Boy’s Northside Secondary School Sports Futsal Champions
Posted on 27 Jun 2017
MCSS - Year 7-8 Boy’s Northside Secondary School Sports Futsal Champions
The Melba Copland Secondary School year 7-8 boys Futsal Team emerged triumphant after a hard fought 3-1 win in the final against Amaroo School on 31 May, thus claiming the Northside Secondary School Sports Association title.
MCSS Year 9/10 Parliamentary Debating team
Posted on 02 Jun 2017
MCSS Year 9/10 Parliamentary Debating team and Mr Dunn ready for action at the ACT Legislative Assembly
Mr Dunn has coached our year 10 Interschool Parliamentary Debating team to victory in the ACT Legislative Assembly in both of their allocated debates!
Their two topics were:
· Effective infrastructure planning needs bipartisan support against SFX
· The ACT is leading the country in the move to renewable energy against St John Paul II College.
Given that this is the first time MCSS has entered these debates in 9 years we think that’s a BIG impact!!
Disney High School Musical
Posted on 26 May 2017
High School Musical!
High School Musical will be performed in week 9 of term from June 19th - 22nd.
This is a great opportunity for you to come along and support all students and staff who are involved.
Tickets can only be purchased online from www.stagecenta.com
We anticipate you will not be able to buy tickets at the door.
Young Raiders making a big impact in schools
Posted on 03 May 2017
Eighteen Canberra Raiders NYC players are currently working in the ACT public school education system as learning support assistants.
The program, organised by the Raiders development and welfare staff, started off with a couple of players and has grown extremely quickly over the past year.
ACT Minister for Sport and Education, Yvette Berry visited Melba Copland Secondary School on Monday morning to find out more about the program and meet with three Raiders NYC players, Sam Bramich, Matt Lyons and Sato Ketia-Opo, currently working as learning support assistants.
Ms Berry spoke highly of the work the young Raiders have been doing and the benefit it will have on students in the schools.
“It’s really great opportunity for the young people across Canberra’s public schools to meet some role models in a sport they may aspire to,” Ms Berry said.
It’s also important for these young men to have a chance to expand their horizons, not just in a sporting career.
“We want to expand on the relationship with the Raiders. Sport and education go beautifully together so it’s great to have role models like Sam, Sato and Matt come along to the school.”
Sam Bramich, who is currently studying to be a teacher, said working as a learning support assistant has been exciting and a great experience.
“It’s really exciting to work with the kids – I enjoy it a lot. It’s been a great experience. Coming straight from school is a bit challenging since I’m close to their age, but I still find I get respect and I really enjoy the opportunity,” Bramwich said.
“You never know what can happen with footy so it’s great to have that second option. You don’t want to put all your eggs in one basket. You never have the same sort of day, it’s never boring.”
While extremely beneficial for the students, the program has made a difference on and off the field for Ketia-Opo.
“Working with kids helps me build my confidence as a person and as a footy player. Hopefully I get the chance to go to more schools around the ACT,” Ketia-Opo said.
Matt Lyons echoed Ketia-Opo’s thoughts.
“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve always wanted to help kids and if footy doesn’t work out it’s what I want to do in the future,” Lyons said.
With only a small number of NYC players making it through to the NRL squad each year, having a back-up plan for life after football is extremely important for young players.
Feedback has been excellent from the students and teachers the players have come into contact with and the Raiders will be looking to keep improving this program onto bigger and better things.
Enrollments 2018
Posted on 27 Apr 2017
NSW residents applying for years 7 to 12 in 2018.
Applications from NSW residents for years 7 to 12 will be processed later in 2017. We will finalise processing of applications from ACT students before we consider NSW applications; this may be as late as Term 4 2017. If you have any queries about this process please call the ACT Education Directorate on 6205 5429.
NAPLAN Online 2017
Posted on 19 Mar 2017
NAPLAN Online 2017
You may have heard that NAPLAN online is being introduced across Australia from 2017, with the aim for all Australian schools to be administering NAPLAN online by 2019.
NAPLAN online will provide better assessment, more precise results and faster turnaround of information. Your child’s results will be returned to you more quickly, within a couple of weeks rather than a couple of months. Please follow the link http://www.mcss.act.edu.au/our_school/newsletters to see more NAPLAN information.
End Violence
Posted on 19 Mar 2017
One Million Stars to End Violence is a peaceful global weaving project that engages communities in a conversation about ending all forms of violence.
Our first Star weaving session at lunchtime. Our aim is to weave 200 stars for one million stars to end violence project. They will end up as part of an art installation at the 2018 Commenwealth Games on the Gold Coast. We weave every Friday lunchtime in the high school library.
MCSS Student wins 2016 School VET Award
Posted on 07 Feb 2017
Samantha Morris, who attended Melba Copland Secondary School already knows what she wants to study.
She'll be the third generation of women in her family to take up nursing. She plans to study for a degree in nursing and midwifery at the University of Canberra.
"My grandmother Lorraine Miller and my mother Antionette Tulloh are both nurses," Ms Morris said.
"My grandmother was a palliative care nurse and my mother has worked in disability care for 20 years. They were both inspirations for me."
Ms Morris said taking on VET courses during her final years at school opened her eyes to the opportunities available in nursing. She completed Australian School Based Apprenticeships in Aged Care and Ageing Support while working at the Calvary Hayden Retirement Community, where she was recognised with the Mary Potter Award for kindness, generosity and friendliness.
Melba Copland Secondary School Board Nominations
Posted on 01 Feb 2017
Good Afternoon
We are please to advise that nominations for Melba Copland Secondary School board positions 2017 are now open. The nomination form and instructions are included in this notification and are also available from the high school and college reception. Nomination forms should be submitted to the reception or by email to school.bursar@mcss.act.edu.au by 11:00am Monday 13 February.
Please find nomination form under the Newsletter heading.
