OURS Week 10 Term 2 2025

Principal’s Report

Melbourne High School Political Interest Group –
Developing a Sound Understanding of Key Issues in Government

Melbourne High School has a proud history of political engagement, particularly during the late 1960s and early 1970s. This tradition continues today through various student-led initiatives, including the Political Interest Group, which remains committed to exploring and discussing pressing social and political issues.

Recently, the Political Interest Group had the honour of hosting The Hon. John Brumby, former Premier of Victoria and current Chancellor of La Trobe University. The Hon. John Brumby has had a distinguished career in public service, including over ten years as Treasurer and later Premier of Victoria, six years as Leader of the Victorian Opposition, and seven years as Federal Member for Bendigo during the Hawke Government era.

The lunchtime forum featured a lively and wide-ranging discussion, giving students a valuable opportunity to engage directly with a prominent figure in Australian politics.

Public Speaking

Our School Captain, Oliver Downing has provided a brief report on the Plain English Speaking Award semifinals.

On Friday 20 June, a contingent of MHS students trekked to East Melbourne for the Plain English Speaking Award (PESA) semifinals. After Seb Lunn and Olly Downing competed at the State Heats last month, Seb was selected to progress to the semifinals, impressing the adjudicators with his speech entitled ‘Boys will be boys’. With encouragement from his peers, Seb presented his prepared speech again, highlighting the prevalence of casual misogyny and the unfair treatment of women like Brittany Higgins. Seb then gave an impromptu speech on the topic ‘Forgiveness is key’. We congratulate him on his insight, diligence and public speaking abilities. Thank you to Ms Crossley for her long-standing support for the contest and her commitment to helping our students.

Our participants – Rafael Belofastov-Gee, Oliver Downing, Sebastian Lunn and Daniel Harrison with English teacher Ms. Kate Crossley.

Lions Youth of the Year State Final– Congratulations to the winner, Year 12 MHS student Sebastain Lunn

As well as impressing the PESA judges, Sebastian’s public speaking skills have also impressed the Lions Club of Victoria, earning him the title of this year’s Youth of the Year. The Lions Youth of the Year program celebrates exceptional young Australians, with judging criteria including leadership, public speaking, academic achievement, and community involvement.

Environmental Action Group Fundraiser – For nature, for people, forever.

Congratulations to the EAG for their successful World Wildlife Foundation fundraiser this week. Everyone likes a casual dress day, and this was a worthy cause to leave the suit at home!

Staffing news

I will be in Indonesia the last three days of term, Mr Paul Drew will be Acting Principal.

We are pleased to announce that Mr Luke Salmond will be joining our staff as the new Business Manager, commencing on the first day of Term 3. Mr Salmond brings valuable experience, having previously worked as part of the Finance Team at Melbourne Girls’ College and currently serving as a Finance Manager at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). He holds a Bachelor of Accounting and is a qualified CPA. We look forward to welcoming him to our team.

I would also like to formally acknowledge Ms Laura Rizk, who has stepped into the role of Acting Business Manager this term. Ms Rizk has carried out her responsibilities with exceptional competence and professionalism, and we thank her sincerely for her dedication.

Term Break.

Term concludes on Friday July 4, and we return on Monday July 21 July. Stay safe and enjoy the break.

Dr Tony Mordini
Principal