Book Week 2026 – MHS Literature Festival
At Melbourne High School, we celebrate Book Week through our annual Literature Festival. The festival brings renowned writers and poets into the school, providing students with valuable opportunities to engage in activities that promote and celebrate literacy.
For the past four years, I have invested in a Learning Specialist (English and Literacy) position and have recently renewed Mr Mahoney’s appointment for a further two years.
This decision is supported by evidence demonstrating the strong correlation between regular reading and improvements in vocabulary, neuroplasticity, creativity and overall academic achievement.
Unfortunately, research indicates a significant decline in reading among boys between the ages of 11 and 14. If this decline is not addressed during adolescence, reading habits rarely return to the levels established in early childhood. The literature also suggests that developing a reading habit is largely dependent on making time for reading. As adolescents’ lives become increasingly busy, reading can easily be displaced by competing priorities.
For this reason, I am particularly pleased that the school is developing targeted strategies to cultivate a reading culture and encourage boys to read. Fostering strong reading habits is essential if we are to maximise academic success and support lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, the planned reduction in screen time next year will help remove some of the distractions that compete for students’ attention and re-centre learning on the written word. Research also suggests that reading from printed text can support deeper comprehension and engagement than reading on a screen. Together, these initiatives will strengthen our commitment to literacy and ensure that reading remains a core element of a Melbourne High School education.
Year 10’s Ethan Liu 10A, and Hayden Hui 10B channelling the Lord of the Rings and Pablo Cabrera 10K paying homage to Star Wars for our Literature Festival dress up.
Brandon as Marvel character Magneto.
Alumnus John Morrissey was one of our visiting writers this year.
Media Arts – Artist in Residence – Melody Woodnutt
This year, thanks to the support of the Terry Smith Arts Scholarship and the long-term loan of a rare 16mm film scanner from former MHS teacher Mike Frencham, students participated in a six-week analogue experimental film project led by our artist-in-residence filmmaker, Melody Woodnutt.
We extend our sincere thanks to Mr Paul Morton, Head of Media Arts and Creative Studio, for coordinating this outstanding initiative. Paul’s passion for the Arts is truly inspiring, and his ability to deliver meaningful and enriching opportunities for students, despite limited time and resources, is remarkable.
Included are a selection of images and student reflections that highlight the creativity, learning, and lasting impact of this unique program.
“In a world where creativity is being outsourced to AI, a step branching out into the creativity of physical rolls of film felt amazing”.
“In this term-long program, we learned how to operatr film cameras…how to physically clour film…but one major point was point was pivotal-we only got so little film to say so much. Slowing down and focusing on the narrative points of each aspect of a shot meant no shot was unintended…” Amaar Khan Durrani.
Political Interest Group and Heritage Society 30th Anniversaries
On Friday, 29 August, we celebrated the 30th anniversaries of two long-standing and highly regarded student organisations: the Political Interest Group and the Heritage Society. Students marked the occasion with a special luncheon in the Unicorn Club.
We were honoured to welcome an outstanding panel of guests, including Senator the Hon. Jane Hume, Federal Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party; Professor the Hon. Gareth Evans AC KC FASSA FAIIA, former Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs and a Melbourne High School Old Boy; and Dr Daniel Casey, founder of the Political Interest Group, and now Lecturer in Politics and International Relations at the Australian Catholic University and Visiting Fellow at the ANU School of Politics and International Relations.
These two student-led groups have played an important role in fostering intellectual curiosity, civic engagement and an appreciation of history and public affairs over the past three decades. Their continued success is a testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of both students and staff.
A sincere thank you to Mr Scott Howard (Teacher Liaison), Matthew Hayes (Political Interest Group President), and Risith Jayasakara (Heritage Society President) for their oversight of the event and for the outstanding leadership they have demonstrated throughout the year. Their efforts have ensured that both groups continue to occupy a prominent place within Melbourne High School’s rich co-curricular program.
Prefects Cup – Melbourne High School – Adelaide High School Exchange
From 16 to 19 August, Melbourne High School hosted Adelaide High School for the annual Prefects Cup. Established in 1910, this sporting exchange is one of the longest-running interschool sporting exchanges in Australia. Hosting duties alternate between Adelaide and Melbourne, with the host school also providing billets for visiting students. These billet arrangements often lead to lifelong friendships and strengthen the bond between the two schools.
We extend our sincere thanks to the families who hosted students and to the staff who supervised, coached and supported our teams throughout the exchange. Our commitment to sport and community engagement provides valuable opportunities for students to develop their health and fitness, leadership skills, teamwork and social connections.
Congratulations to all our students, who competed with determination, represented the school with pride and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship. Their hard work and dedication were rewarded with Melbourne High School reclaiming the Prefects Cup trophy.
2026 Royal South Street Eisteddfod Ballarat
The Royal South Street Society Ballarat Eisteddfod is one of Australia’s premier performing arts competitions, with a proud history of providing outstanding performance opportunities since 1891.
As part of Melbourne High School’s commitment to fostering and showcasing musical excellence, the MHS Orchestra and Camerata regularly participate in the Advanced Orchestra and String categories at this prestigious event, which holds an important place in Australia’s cultural and artistic landscape.
This year, our students represented the school with distinction. The MHS Camerata was awarded first place, while the MHS Orchestra delivered an outstanding performance to finish a close second, just one point behind the winner.
Congratulations to all participating students on these excellent achievements, and sincere thanks to the staff whose guidance, dedication and support contributed to this success.
Mother and Son Night
Vasilios Alexiadis 9G and his mother Panayiota
Gabriel Kovalev 9G and his mother Anna
On Monday 24 August, we held our annual Mother and Son Night, bringing together more than 100 mothers and their sons for an evening focused on building connections with one another and with other families in our community.
Led by Mr Bill Jennings, an internationally renowned facilitator with more than 20 years’ experience leading mother-and-son and father-and-son programs, this year’s group took part in a range of activities designed to foster communication, connection and reflection.
As Bill notes on his website:
“Time & Space provides time to talk, to listen and to reflect in a trusting, safe space. Through guided conversation and reflection, Time & Space facilitators encourage meaningful communication and connection between parents and their children.”
We all love our children, but as they grow older, it can sometimes become more challenging to engage with them in meaningful ways. Bill provides parents with practical tools and strategies to help navigate the often-challenging adolescent years, while strengthening the relationship and connection between parent and child.
Dr Tony Mordini
Principal