Principal’s Report
Exploring Indonesia: Melbourne High School’s 2025 Cultural and Scientific Expedition
During the July holidays, 39 students and staff from Melbourne High School travelled to Bali and Labuan Bajo for a 12-day adventure that brought learning to life through science, language, and cultural exchange.
Led by Dr Anthony Mordini, Ms Silvy Wantania, Mr Andrew Sloan, Ms Danielle Thomas, and Mr Matthew Roberts, this year’s expedition marked our third official visit to Labuan Bajo, deepening our school’s long-standing connection with Indonesia.
Where Science Meets Adventure
Students followed in the footsteps of naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, observing Komodo dragons in their natural habitat on Rinca Island—an unforgettable experience. The group spotted over a dozen dragons, with the most dramatic moment captured as a massive Komodo basked just metres away in the midday sun!
The trip was designed to give students a deeper understanding of natural selection, biodiversity, and conservation. Local rangers offered insights into the dragons’ unique behaviours and ecological role—one student described it as “walking through a real-life nature documentary.”
Reef Restoration in Action
At Hatamin Island, students got hands-on with coral restoration efforts led by Coral Guardian, a French NGO that’s been active in the region since 2015. In just a few hours, the MHS team planted six new iron coral frames, each designed to support reef growth and attract marine life. One student even spotted a baby clownfish darting between restored coral—a living sign of regeneration.
Students also learned about the impact of bomb fishing, a now-banned practice that once devastated the area’s reefs, and how community-led conservation is healing the damage.
Culture, Cuisine & Connection
The first part of the trip took place in Bali, where students immersed themselves in Indonesian culture through:
- Language and culture workshops at Primakara University
- A visit to a local school in Ubud
- A mesmerizing Balinese dance performance
- And a delicious cooking class in Taro Village, where they learned to prepare traditional dishes like satay and lawar.
In Taro, students also met researchers working on a firefly conservation project, in partnership with Monash University, highlighting another facet of Australia–Indonesia collaboration.
One student summed up the experience:
“I came home with a full heart, new friends, and a new appreciation for the world beyond my classroom.”
What We Learned
Beyond the science and culture, students walked away with something deeper:
- New friendships and stronger peer bonds
- Enhanced Bahasa Indonesia skills through real-world immersion
- A sharpened global awareness of environmental responsibility
- A recognition of the value of cross-cultural connection and diplomacy
In Labuan Bajo, the group was warmly welcomed by Mr Vincensius Jemadu, Deputy of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, who praised the students’ engagement and commitment—especially as this was the third year Melbourne High has visited the region.
Looking to 2026
Plans are already underway for our next Indonesian expedition. Based on student feedback and staff reflection, future trips will include additional language immersion activities and even tighter links between theory and hands-on learning. With each visit, we aim to grow this program into a model of global education and sustainable travel.
This was more than a school trip—it was a transformative journey of curiosity, culture, and conservation.
Science Week 2025: Celebrating Curiosity at Melbourne High School
Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology ran from 9–17 August, with over 3 million Australians participating in more than 2,000 events nationwide. National Science Week brings together schools, universities, research institutions, libraries, museums and science centres in a nationwide celebration of STEM — inspiring curiosity, promoting learning and showcasing the critical role of science and technology in shaping Australia’s future.
At Melbourne High School, our Science Week program took students from the furthest reaches of the cosmos to the microscopic wonders of the lab:
- The collision of black holes and the meeting point of astrophysics and quantum gravity
- Electron shells revealed through quantum microscopy
- Darwin’s insights during his voyage on the Beagle
- Melbourne-led breakthroughs in molecular biology
- fMRI brain scans revealing decisions made before we’re even aware of them
To close the week, Friday’s lunchtime challenge saw Year 10 students testing their engineering creativity with catapults, powered cars and slope racers — an energetic finale linked to their Practical Investigation projects.
It has been an exceptional year for Science at MHS, including:
- Success in the Australian Brain Bee Challenge, Big Science Competition, Junior and Senior Science Olympiads, and the International Chemistry Quiz
- Project-based learning in Year 10 Practical Investigations and Year 9 Ionic Compounds analysis
- From neuroscience to nanoscience, from chemistry labs to black holes, Science Week reminds us that learning is not just about knowledge — it’s about curiosity, creativity, and the courage to explore the unknown.
From neuroscience to nanoscience, from chemistry labs to black holes, Science Week reminds us that learning is not just about knowledge — it’s about curiosity, creativity, and the courage to explore the unknown.
Class of 2025 Formal: A Night to Remember
Starting their Melbourne High School journey in 2022, the Class of 2025 is now in its final year, with eyes firmly set on the challenges of the VCE. While their dedication and focus remain unwavering, this milestone year is also a time for reflection and celebration.
On Friday 8 August 2025, the cohort came together in style for their Year 12 Formal at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne. The elegant venue, paired with exceptional food, provided the perfect backdrop for students and staff to relax, socialise, and enjoy a well-earned evening away from their studies.
The event was a true community effort, with contributions from the SRC, Acting Assistant Principal Robert Sette, and many staff and student volunteers. Members of the Photography Club — George Karpathakis, Pei Zhang, and Alan Zhen — were also on hand to capture the night’s highlights, ensuring the memories will be preserved for years to come.
The evening was filled with laughter, camaraderie, and memories that the Class of 2025 will carry with them long after their final exams.
Chinese Culture Club Food Festival: A Feast for the Senses
On Thursday 7 August 2025, Melbourne High School was alive with energy as the Chinese Culture Club brought the community together for a celebration of food and culture.
Passing by the Hockey Pavilion, visitors were greeted by the delicious aromas of freshly prepared dim sims, crispy spring rolls, succulent skewers, and more. Inside, families worked tirelessly in the kitchen, while students in the main area packed and labelled containers with assembly-line precision. Out front, the sales stall was a hive of activity as eager customers lined up to secure their lunch.
And as much as food is good for the tummy, the Chinese Culture Club didn’t forget about food for the soul. The Chinese Dragon wound its way through the school grounds, accompanied by the rhythmic beat of drums. In Chinese culture, the dragon is a symbol of strength, good fortune, and prosperity, and its dance is traditionally believed to ward off evil spirits and bring happiness to the community. The vibrant performance brought colour, energy, and tradition to the day’s festivities.
A huge thank you to the many families who spent countless hours organising, preparing, and sharing their time and talents to delight our school community with this very special day. Your efforts made the event unforgettable.
The event was a resounding success, showcasing the dedication, teamwork, and cultural pride of the Chinese Culture Club and its supporters.
School Play: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Melbourne High School, in collaboration with MacRobertson Girls’ High School, proudly presented The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time: Abridged for Schools, adapted from the acclaimed novel by Mark Haddon. This captivating production was part murder mystery, part coming-of-age story, and part family drama.
The story followed Christopher Boon, a fifteen-year-old neurodivergent mathematical genius living with his father in Swindon, England. One evening, Christopher discovered the body of his neighbour’s dog and set out to uncover the culprit.
His investigation took him far beyond the familiar streets of his neighbourhood to the bustling city of London, challenging him in ways he never imagined. Along the way, Christopher unravelled a deeper mystery: the fate of his deceased mother.
The production was a compelling and thought-provoking performance, showcasing the talent, creativity, and dedication of both Melbourne High School and MacRobertson Girls’ High School students.
A special thank you to director Mr Tyler Howie and the amazing actors from both schools for bringing this story to life with energy, skill, and heart.
Dr Tony Mordini
Principal
