Whole School News
- Mrs J Weeks
- Nov 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Nov 28
T4, Week 5
Uniform - Help us Finish Strong
Our MCS Uniform is a testament, both at school and within the community, that MCS is a great place to be. Thank you for your continued support of our school by wearing our Uniform correctly and with pride.
Please ensure that your child has the correct uniform for each school day. Please pay particular attention to socks and sport shoes. If a short term variation to uniform is unavoidable for your child, the school requires notification by either emailing MCSStudentServices@acc.edu.au or sending a handwritten note to your child's classroom/CareGroup teacher.
Please also ensure your child has a hat for school, to wear all year round. The MCS School office has a limited supply, direct from the Uniform Shop and available for purchase:
Primary Hats
Secondary Caps / Secondary Bucket Hats
Ties and Tab Ties (for winter uniforms)
Please drop in to enquire about these items if you require one for your child. All other relevant information regarding Uniform Days and details of Uniform requirements can be found on the Uniform Days page at the bottom of each Whole School News.
Library News - Christmas Book Club
For the first time Medowie will be offering Scholastics Christmas Special Issue 8. Scholastic has generously offered to double our schools rewards for this issue. With Christmas coming ever closer, as well as a long stretch of time off school, it’s the perfect time to stock up on new reading material. To guarantee delivery this issue has a very tight deadline, with all orders needing to be submitted by Monday, 17th November.
Reasons to Love Reading:
Books are the perfect entertainment for long car rides, beach days, camping trips or for quiet time before bed. No power points of chargers required.
Reading the same book as a friend or family member gives you something to connect over and exchange opinions on.
Books are always welcome presents, compact and thoughtful. Picking the right book shows time and consideration to the recipient.
In the lengthy time off school, kids can easily slip into the habit of spending too much time on screens. But reading is shown to reduce stress by as much as 20% in just five minutes and can help give a better night’s sleep.
Remembrance Day
Remembrance Day holds special significance in our community, given our close proximity to Williamtown RAAF Base. Many of our families have a connection to the base—some through loved ones who serve or have served in the Australian Defence Force, and others through civilian roles. The sound of jets overhead is a daily reminder of the service and dedication of those who protect our nation.
Remembrance Day was first established to honour the 60,000 Australians who lost their lives in World War I, along with those who were wounded or forever changed. World War II brought a further loss of around 40,000 Australians, and countless others were wounded and scarred. Today, the day recognises the sacrifices made in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.
On Tuesday, our school community came together for a special service at the MCS flagpole, led by some of our Defence students. It was a meaningful opportunity to pause, reflect, and honour those who have given so much in service to Australia.
What does Remembrance Day mean to you? - Student Reflections
“Remembering the people who died for us that served in war.”
- Henry
“It reminds me of the soldiers who died and the poppies help me remember too.”
- Abigail
“Remembrance Day reminds me of my Great Pop who went to war and my other great grandfather who lived in Europe during World War II.”
- Isabelle
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In addition to our MCS Remembrance Day Service, on Tuesday the MCS Student Leaders had the opportunity to represent the school at the Medowie Community Remembrance Day service. This was a special time for the students to reflect on the sacrifice that our service men and women have made in order for us to live in a free country. Callum (Year 11) also shared about the significance of Remembrance Day, how it has been observed over history and what it means to him. It was a great honour for us to join with the local community on this very special day.
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Smart Play Vacation Care
Bookings are now open for Kinder to Year 6 at our Smart Play Vacation Care in the upcoming school holidays. Bookings are essential.
Vacation Care Request Form (if already enrolled)
Full booking information and Summer Vacation Care Program are attached in the below document:
Getting to School by Bus in 2026?
Applications are now open for a School Travel Pass. As this is a busy time of year, we highly recommend applying before the end of the year. It’s also a good idea to check the bus timetable to make your child’s journey to school as easy as possible.
Bus passes
All students catching the bus in 2026 will need a school travel pass.
Under the School Student Transport Scheme (SSTS), eligible students can apply for free or subsidised travel between home and school.
For more information about the SSTS and how to apply for a school travel pass, visit https://apps.transport.nsw.gov.au/ssts/#/ (best accessed from a desktop computer) click 'Apply now'.
Bus timetables
Busways operates your school's bus services. To find your child’s school bus timetable:
Go to busways.com.au/nsw
Click ‘School Services’ in the navigation bar, then proceed to ‘school timetables’
Enter the school’s name in the 'enter a school name’ field
Select the school’s name to open the timetable.
If you are unable to find or search for the school’s name, use the drop-down menus on the same page to find the school. Once the timetable is opened, you will be able to identify which school bus services are available in your area for your child.
Port Stephens “Incredible Place” Strategy
Can you help shape the arts, events and culture in Port Stephens?
Port Stephens Council is updating Our Incredible Place Strategy, a plan to support local arts, events and culture from 2026 to 2031, and we want your input!
Whether you’re a community member, local creative, performer or event organiser, your feedback will help shape a vibrant, inclusive and creative future for our region.
This is your chance to tell us what’s important, what’s working well, and what could be improved to reflect the identity and aspirations of our diverse community.
How to get involved?
Online – via the survey or Join the Conversation
Email us at haveyoursay@portstephens.nsw.gov.au
For more details visit - pscouncil.info/our-incredible-place
