Principal’s Message
A story of grit, identity and perspective
At last week’s Junior School Assembly, we were privileged to hear from physiotherapist and Hockeyroo, Sophie Taylor.
Listening to Sophie, it is clear that she embodies determination, a competitive spirit, and a remarkable ability to reflect on the challenges she has faced with both thoughtfulness and perspective.
For high-ability athletes, and equally for high-ability students, there is often a strong emphasis placed on performance as a core part of identity. When setbacks occur, they can feel deeply personal and, at times, overwhelming.
Sophie spoke candidly about both the highs and the lows of her journey. The highs were significant: as a young elite athlete, she was part of the team that qualified for the 2016 World Cup. Yet, the challenges she encountered were equally profound. In her earlier years, she faced chronic fatigue, and in her early twenties experienced the disappointment of missing selection for the Tokyo Olympics and being dropped from international competition.
These setbacks were understandably difficult. However, they did not define or deter her.
Sophie’s story is a powerful reminder that setbacks are an inevitable part of any meaningful journey. At times, they may feel insurmountable. Yet, as Sophie demonstrated, they can also become the very experiences that shape and strengthen us. Through sustained effort, training, and reflection, we rebuild our capacity and find new ways forward, sometimes even reimagining ourselves with a broader set of skills, deeper insight, and a clearer understanding of who we are.
Importantly, in doing so, we also become role models for others, demonstrating resilience, courage, and grit in the face of adversity.
For those interested in hearing more of Sophie’s journey, I encourage you to listen to the podcast – Sophie Taylor: From Non-Selection to Captaining the Hockeyroos, available on Spotify. It is a compelling account of perseverance, growth, and leadership.
Coming Together for Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea
On Thursday 21 May, Melbourne High School proudly joined communities across the country in supporting the Cancer Council through Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. As one of 19,949 registered hosts, our staff came together during recess to raise funds for cancer research, prevention, and support services.
The Staff Centre became a gathering place, with a table filled with fresh fruit, cakes, slices, dips, and other delicious treats. More importantly, the morning provided an opportunity for colleagues to pause, connect, and enjoy each other’s company while supporting an important cause that touches the lives of so many Australians.
Throughout recess, donations flowed in both electronically and through cash contributions, reflecting the generosity and community spirit of our staff. Every contribution, no matter the size, will help the Cancer Council continue its vital work supporting those affected by cancer and funding life-saving research.
Collectively, Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea events have raised an impressive $6,410,988 this year. Melbourne High School was proud to play a small part in this remarkable national effort and to stand alongside thousands of communities committed to making a difference.
Thank you to everyone who contributed food, made a donation, or simply took the time to join the morning. Your generosity and support are greatly appreciated.
Melbourne High School Shines at Beachside Cross Country
Melbourne High School enjoyed an outstanding day at the Beachside Cross Country Championships held at Karakarook Park, Heatherton, on Friday 15 May. A team of 43 students proudly represented the School across four age groups, demonstrating determination, resilience, and outstanding sportsmanship.
The results were particularly impressive, with 25 students qualifying either as members of successful teams or as individual competitors for the next stage of competition. These students will represent Melbourne High School at the Southern Metropolitan Region Cross Country Championships at Hastings Foreshore Reserve on 9 June.
Congratulations to the following students who have progressed to the next round:
Boys 14 Team
Anish Das, Ryan Deetlefs, Caspar Lee and Jeremy Ding
Boys 15 Team
Nicholas Malliaras, Radheesh Hatharasinghe, Andy Yu and Noah D’Souza
Boys 15 Individual
Pak To Fung, Hayden Wong and Jisan Park
Boys 16 Team
Thej Vinodkhumar, River La, Marius Dekterev and Aydan Chong
Boys 16 Individual
Pierce Russon and Reyansh Virmani
Boys 17–20 Team
Willem Duncan, Armeet Dhaliwal, Harry Marr and Tejbeer Singh
Boys 17–20 Individual
Oliver Chuah, Ario Sakhaie, Adam D’Souza and Ranu Samaratne
We congratulate all competitors on their efforts and wish our qualifying runners every success at Hastings. Their achievements are a testament to their commitment to training and the strength of Melbourne High School’s cross-country program.
Thank you to Dr Shaun Kemp for his dedication in preparing and supporting our athletes throughout the season.
William Perry Mole Scholarship Awarded to Sam Jang
Melbourne High School is delighted to announce that Sam Jang (9A) has been awarded the inaugural William Perry Mole Scholarship.
The scholarship has been established through the generosity of William (Bill) Perry Mole, a Mornington Peninsula farmer, land developer and philanthropist whose charitable work has supported a range of community initiatives. Through this scholarship, Mr Mole is supporting students at Melbourne High School in their educational journey and encouraging the pursuit of academic excellence and active engagement in school life.
The William Perry Mole Scholarship recognises students who demonstrate strong commitment to their studies, involvement in co-curricular activities, and positive contribution to the school community over time.
Sam was selected in recognition of his outstanding all-round contribution to Melbourne High School. He is a consistently engaged and respectful learner who contributes thoughtfully in class discussions and demonstrates strong academic commitment across his subjects. Teachers describe him as well-mannered, reliable, and a student who adds positively to the learning environment.
Beyond the classroom, Sam has also made an impressive contribution to the School’s co-curricular life. Together with his peers, he recently achieved outstanding success in the MHS Slam Poetry competition and went on to represent Melbourne High School at the regional finals of the OutLoud Poetry Slam, part of the Melbourne Writers Festival. His performances, alongside classmates, reflected both creativity and confidence, and contributed to a highly successful showing for the School in a prestigious statewide competition.
The School also acknowledges the contribution of Graham Spencer, educational leader and founder of the internationally recognised Fit to Drive road safety education program. Working through the Melbourne High School Foundation, Mr Spencer has played an important role in establishing this scholarship and supporting opportunities for future students.
We warmly congratulate Sam on this significant achievement and look forward to following his continued contributions to the life of Melbourne High School.
MHS Students Excel at OutLoud Poetry Slam Final
Melbourne High School students have once again demonstrated outstanding creativity and performance at the OutLoud Poetry Slam, a prestigious statewide competition held as part of the Melbourne Writers Festival at the Wheeler Centre.
Representing the School were Kerry Qiu and Sam Jang (9A), alongside Aarav Ajithkumar, Thenul Gamage and Quan Thai (9D). The students performed with confidence, originality and maturity in a highly competitive field, showcasing the strength of student voice and creative expression at Melbourne High School.
A particular highlight of the event was the commitment shown by students balancing multiple school activities on the same day. Kerry Qiu performed shortly after participating in the Tattam Band at the ANZAC Legacy Service before joining Sam to present their poem—an exceptional example of dedication and engagement across the School community.
The judging panel, which included Australian Children’s Laureate Andy Griffiths, awarded the 9D team of Aarav, Thenul and Quan as runners-up in the junior division, an outstanding achievement in a competition of exceptionally high standard.
These performances reflect the same qualities of engagement, collaboration and contribution that underpin Melbourne High School’s broader co-curricular program.
Congratulations to all students involved, and sincere thanks to the English Department for their support in enabling this excellent celebration of creativity, expression and student voice.
🌿 Sunday 24 May – Food & Futsal/Basketball (Keysborough)
A reminder that our Parents & Friends Association is looking forward to welcoming families this Sunday for an afternoon of food, fun, and community connection.
🌿 Sunday 24 May – Food & Futsal/Basketball
Springers Leisure Centre, 400 Cheltenham Road, Keysborough
The afternoon will begin with a vibrant potluck lunch, followed by futsal and basketball activities for students, siblings, and parents. It promises to be a wonderful opportunity for families to meet, connect, and enjoy time together in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Families are invited to bring a plate of food to share, along with their own plates, cutlery, and a container for any leftovers.
For bookings and further information, please visit:
https://www.trybooking.com/DMBGT
We thank the Parents & Friends Association for organising this community event and look forward to seeing many Melbourne High School families there.
As we conclude another busy and rewarding week at Melbourne High School, I would like to thank students, staff, parents, carers, and volunteers for their ongoing contributions to our vibrant school community.
Whether you are attending the Parents & Friends Food, Futsal & Basketball Day, supporting one of our many co-curricular activities, or simply taking the opportunity to rest and recharge, I wish you a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing weekend.
Tony Mordini
Principal