Principal’s Report
Congratulations on another successful year
The year has concluded with some excellent achievements across all domains. Academically, our VCE results were stellar, in NAPLAN we were the highest performing Government secondary school in Victoria, and in several national and international competitions our students have been outstanding. On the latter point, I wish to acknowledge Oliver Downing who has recently returned from the International Science Olympiad. Olly was one of six Australians chosen and the only one to return with a gold medal. In acknowledging his success, I want to thank the Melbourne High School Foundation for generously supporting him with a scholarship of $1,500 towards his expenses.
Our achievements have also been noteworthy in many other areas including the arts, sport and community service. These are very important adjuncts to our academic program and something we are committed to. It is through these activities that we continue to graduate young people who are more equipped for their future studies, work, community engagement and family life.
Year 9 Awards Assembly
This week we announced the scholarship winners and the 2023 Academic Awards for the top 5% of the year 9 cohort. The list was long highlighting how many students have excelled in their studies this year. However, as noted in my address, I am incredibly proud of all our year 9 students. They have settled in well and demonstrated some outstanding results.
The Simon Bergman Memorial Scholarship
The Simon Bergman Memorial Scholarship is awarded to a year 9 student each year who has demonstrated academic excellence, co-curricular involvement, and an affinity with the school ethos. The scholarship is in memory of Simon Bergman who attended MHS in 1996 and sadly lost his life to Hodgkin’s lymphoma in his first year. From all accounts Simon was an active Year 9 boy who loved Melbourne High and was very engaged in school life. The 2023 recipient is Alexander Fu. Alex is pictured here with Mr and Mrs Bergman.
NAPLAN and VCE Results
As noted, our NAPLAN results were excellent and as reported in the media, we were the highest performing Government secondary school.
Our VCE results were also impressive and attracted lots of media attention. Our highlights included:
- Three perfect scores:
- Krishav Malhotra 99.95 (Dux)
- Mark Liu (99.95)
- Oliver Bao (99.95)
- 53 students achieved an ATAR of 99 or above which represents 14.72% of the cohort. (N=360)
- (In 2022, 33 students achieved the same result and this figure represented approximately 11% of the cohort.)
- Median ATAR 94.7 (It was the same in 2022)
- Average 91.59 (In 2022 it was 91)
- Median study score – 36
- Percentage of study scores of 40 and over – 27.9%
Old Boy Visit – Joseph Aaron
One of my visitors this week was Joseph Aaron (Class of 54). Joseph had a tour of the school and presented me with a copy of a book written by his cousin Graeme, Memoirs of the Jellybean Kid. Graeme, also an alumnus, has spent many years practicing law in London. As with many of our alumni he has many other talents. Joseph has had a distinguished career in the engineering sector.
All the best for the holiday season
It has been a busy year, and it is now time to rest and recharge. I wish all of you the best for the holiday season. I thank all members of the school community for their commitment and involvement. We cannot achieve what we achieve without the many hours of hard work we put in. I am very grateful.
School resumes on Tuesday 30 January 2024 for Year 9 students. This will be a day of orientation for them. Years 10 – 12 (including new students) return Wednesday 31 January 2024.
Have and safe and restful break.
Dr Tony Mordini
Principal
