In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Joanne Sharpe, Deputy Head of Junior School – Wellbeing, and Anna Michalopoulos, Head of Counselling and Student Health, about the crucial role friendships play in girls' development throughout the Junior School years.

The episode addresses the positive impact of strong friendships on resilience, academic performance, and self-esteem, whilst also exploring challenges such as possessiveness in middle primary years, the transition when friendship groups change, and supporting girls who prefer just one or two close friends versus those who thrive with larger groups.

The conversation explores the role parents and siblings play in friendships, the importance of play dates and connections outside school, and practical tips for parents, including being a 'coach on the side', modelling positive social skills, and role-playing difficult conversations. Anna and Joanne also discuss the transition from Junior School to Senior School, where the cohort doubles in Year 7 and friendship dynamics shift significantly.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Dr Jan Milburn OAM, whose remarkable journey from MLC School student in the 1950s to award-winning educator and principal demonstrates the transformative power of exceptional education.

Jan shares her memories of MLC School during an era when most teachers were single women dedicated to their vocation, and when the School was one of the first girls' schools to offer physics and chemistry. She describes how the depth of learning and strong values she experienced at MLC School opened up horizons that would shape her entire life, from her PhD studies in London to her career as a teacher, principal, and education consultant.

The conversation explores Jan's multiple returns to MLC School - first as a teacher of English and history, then as Head of English, and later as a consultant working on computing and public relations. She reflects on the privilege of serving on the selection panel for Principal Barbara Stone and how each return felt like paying back what the School had given her whilst contributing to its future.

Jan discusses her extensive career in education, including her time as Principal of New England Girls School and her consultancy work with diverse schools across New South Wales - from Islamic and Jewish schools to Greek Orthodox and other faith-based institutions. She shares how this exposure helped her understand Australia's cultural diversity decades before it became widely recognised.

The episode includes Jan's surprise at receiving her Order of Australia Medal for services to education and her work with families of Vietnam veterans, chairing the national selection panel for Agent Orange scholarships. She reflects on the unexpected ways teachers influence students' lives, sharing touching stories of former students who reached out years later to express their gratitude.

The conversation concludes with Jan's powerful interpretation of 'dare to be more', drawing on the SAS motto 'he who dares wins' to explain why taking calculated risks - physically, spiritually, and mentally - is essential to truly living rather than merely existing, and how this philosophy has enabled her to accomplish the best version of herself.

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Trevor Mee, Director of Music at MLC School, about the School's exceptional music program and the profound impact music education has on young women's development.

Trevor shares his journey from the Queensland Conservatorium to teaching at Newington College and ultimately to MLC School, explaining how his passion for group music-making and the social aspects of music led him to education. He describes the fascinating differences between boys' and girls' schools, noting how girls often need encouragement to step forward but produce incredibly fine work once they do.

The conversation explores MLC School's comprehensive music program, which begins in Pre-Kindergarten and continues through Year 12. Trevor explains the compulsory string program in Years 1 and 2, the introduction of band instruments in Year 3, and the diverse range of ensembles including string orchestras, symphony orchestras, jazz bands, choirs, and rock programs. He describes how MLC School has built on its reputation as one of the finest classical music schools in the country whilst expanding to offer equally strong contemporary and jazz programs.

Trevor discusses the importance of catering to the full spectrum of musical interests and abilities - from students pursuing diploma-level classical training to self-taught electric bass players, from operatic singers to pop vocalists. He explains how the music department works to create well-rounded musicians who understand music holistically, not just their own instrument or voice.

The episode explores how music education develops transferable skills - from shaping phrases musically to expressing oneself in other areas, from managing performance nerves to presenting confidently in high-stakes situations. Trevor shares touching stories of students who, whilst not musical superstars, found their music experiences to be among the best things they did at school.

Trevor addresses the delicate balance parents face in encouraging music practice, sharing his own experience as a parent and explaining how MLC School's supportive atmosphere helps students maintain their love of music even when they've been pushed to practice. He describes the joy of seeing a Year 12 student who once wanted to be a banker now pursuing a music career because the School's environment kept her passion alive.

The conversation concludes with Trevor's interpretation of 'dare to be more' in the context of music education - encouraging girls to overcome their perfectionist tendencies and dare to show people what they're capable of, stepping up and having a go even when the work isn't quite finished.

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Amy Murphy, Director of Professional Practice, about how learning has evolved and what contemporary education looks like at MLC School.

Amy, who recently joined MLC School after 17 years in the public system, shares her observations about the similarities and differences between educational contexts, emphasising that at the core, all educators want students to thrive and become agents of change in the world. She explains how her role supports both students and teachers, ensuring a clear vision for teaching and learning whilst providing responsive support for teacher wellbeing and professional growth.

The conversation explores how learning today differs from previous generations, with Amy highlighting the increased agency, voice, and choice that students now have in their learning. She discusses the focus on developing dispositions and soft skills - self-awareness, self-regulation, resilience, and collaboration - alongside content knowledge, preparing students to apply learning to any context in the world.

Amy addresses the role of technology and AI in modern classrooms, explaining how MLC School has chosen to embrace rather than ban AI, using it as a tool for feedback, idea generation, and efficiency whilst maintaining critical thinking as a priority. She discusses the complexities of assessment in an AI-enabled world and how teachers are adapting their approaches to ensure authentic student work.

The episode explores the critical intersection of wellbeing and learning, with Amy emphasising that psychological safety is essential for students to show up and learn effectively. She discusses trauma-informed pedagogy, neurodiversity, and how MLC School's relational approach - where teachers truly know, see, and value their students - creates the conditions for both academic success and personal growth.

Amy shares insights into how teachers are supported through the complexities of modern education, including professional learning that is relevant, meaningful, and practical. She discusses the importance of being kind to ourselves as learners in a rapidly changing world, and how Canvas as a learning management system provides transparency for parents whilst supporting teacher efficiency.

The conversation concludes with Amy's powerful interpretation of 'dare to be more', drawing on TS Eliot's "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" and the question "Do I dare disturb the universe?" She describes the inherent restlessness to keep growing, learning, pursuing, and making change as essential to both teaching and learning.

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Sonia Weston, Deputy Head of Junior School - Curriculum, and Natalie Hird, Deputy Head of Junior School - Operations, about the innovative approaches that create confident, curious learners in MLC School's Junior School.

Sonia shares her observations about the School's unique culture and how MLC School honours each developmental stage - from Pre-Kindergarten through to Year 6 - ensuring that students aren't simply being prepared for the next level, but are fully engaged in rich learning experiences appropriate to where they are right now.

Natalie describes MLC School's commitment to going beyond the mandatory curriculum, with Italian language learning from Kindergarten, a unique Language Carousel program in Year 6 where girls experience Mandarin, Japanese and French, and universal instrumental music from Year 1. She emphasises the School's focus on STEM education, explaining how vital it is for a girls' school to dedicate significant time and energy to subjects where girls have traditionally lacked confidence - mathematics, science and engineering - starting from Pre-Kindergarten with age-appropriate lessons.

The episode includes a delightful example of this approach in action: Sonia describes a Kindergarten STEM lesson where girls studying 'The Three Little Pigs' built houses from different materials, tested them by blowing them down, compared data about which materials worked best, and engaged in rich conversations linking literacy, vocabulary, science, engineering and mathematics - demonstrating how MLC School gamifies learning whilst maintaining academic rigour.

Both educators discuss the School's thoughtful approach to technology, how MLC School keeps parents informed and involved through multiple touchpoints throughout the year, and how the School manages personalised learning at scale through evidence-based screening tools and close work with the Learning Enhancement Department and High Potential team.

The episode highlights MLC School's unique Year 6 model, where students are based on the Senior School campus, learning from specialist Senior School teachers in subjects like visual arts and languages, creating a seamless transition to Year 7.

The conversation concludes with both educators reflecting on what 'dare to be more' means to them - Sonia describing it as embracing discomfort and challenge as part of growth, hoping that teachers and leaders model this for students by stretching themselves and taking on new challenges, whilst Natalie connects it to MLC School's 140-year history of preparing women for university and the School's values of courage, growth and justice.

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Daniel Sandral, Head of Junior School, and Joanna Graffen, Head of Senior School, about why girls' schools are more important than ever before in today's educational landscape.

Daniel, who has worked in co-educational, boys', and girls' schools, shares his perspective on how single-sex education eliminates gender-based stereotypes from the earliest years. He explains how girls in all-girls environments receive full teacher attention and opportunities without the natural dominance that boys often exhibit in co-educational settings, allowing them to explore all subjects freely - from robotics to engineering - without societal limitations.

The conversation explores how this foundation of confidence building continues through Senior School, where Joanna describes seeing full physics classes, robust engineering programs, and strong female leadership as the norm. She shares how MLC School graduates often report that when they enter university or the workforce, it simply doesn't occur to them to step behind a boy, because leadership has been normalised throughout their education.

Daniel and Joanna discuss MLC School's recent third-place finish in the National RoboCup competition as an example of what girls achieve when given equal access to STEM opportunities. They also address the importance of safe spaces during the challenging teenage years, emphasising that while MLC School students engage with boys through co-curricular activities, debates, and musical pursuits, having a girls-only school environment allows them to develop strong peer relationships and emotional resilience without additional social pressures.

The episode explores how girls in single-sex schools stay involved in sports significantly longer, the developmental appropriateness of tailoring education to where girls actually are in their growth journey, and MLC School's powerful legacy as one of the first schools to send women to university. Joanna describes the annual Sapphires' Lunch, where graduates from 50+ years ago return to celebrate their connection to this community of strong women.

The conversation concludes with both educators reflecting on the School's 'dare to be more' philosophy.

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.

In this episode of 'Dare to Be More', host Anthony Perl speaks with Lisa Moloney, Principal, and Melissa Boyd, Deputy Principal, about MLC School's approach to developing the "whole girl" through a balanced education that extends beyond academics.

Lisa and Melissa explain the School's guiding principle that "the MLC School girl is at the heart of everything we do," and how this shapes decision-making across all aspects of school life. Melissa, who oversees co-curricular programs, camps, immersions, and service learning, describes how these opportunities help students develop both competence and confidence.

The conversation explores MLC School's extensive co-curricular program, which offers over 80 different activities ranging from music and sports to robotics and cadets. Melissa shares how these programs evolve based on student interests, highlighting the school's new all-girls cadet unit—one of only three in Australia—where "girls lead girls" in developing leadership skills.

Lisa discusses the School's renowned music program and how participation in activities like music helps build community, develop persistence, and teach students that improvement comes through practice and dedication. Both educators emphasise that involvement in diverse activities not only creates well-rounded individuals but often leads to stronger academic outcomes.

The episode concludes with Lisa and Melissa sharing their personal interpretations of the School's motto, 'dare to be more', describing it as both an invitation to try new things at the individual level and a call to action that permeates the entire school community.

Welcome to the premiere episode of 'Dare to Be More', the official podcast of MLC School! In this inaugural episode, host Anthony Perl sits down with Principal Lisa Moloney to explore the heart and soul of MLC School.

Lisa shares the School's inspiring vision of empowering young women to become confident, compassionate, and capable leaders. She discusses how MLC School's values of respect, integrity, courage, and compassion guide every aspect of school life, from the classroom to co-curricular activities.

Discover how MLC School creates an environment where girls are encouraged to take risks, embrace challenges, and develop their unique talents. Lisa explains the importance of holistic education that nurtures academic excellence alongside emotional well-being, creativity, and social responsibility.

Whether you're a prospective parent, current family member, or simply interested in girls' education, this episode offers valuable insights into what makes MLC School a special place where every girl is encouraged to dare to be more.

Key Topics Discussed:

1. MLC School's core vision and values
2. The importance of holistic education for girls
3. Creating a supportive and empowering school community
4. How MLC School prepares young women for future success
5. The role of courage and compassion in girls' development

#MLCSchool #DareToBeMore #GirlsEducation #HolisticLearning #EmpoweringGirls #SchoolValues #WomenLeaders

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Host:  Anthony Perl

Production: Podcasts Done For You. For more information about podcast production services, visit podcastsdoneforyou.com.au.