From the Headmaster

In the best possible way, schools can be unpredictable places where wonderful things happen, for unexpected reasons. Things can evolve in the most delightful and fulfilling ways. 

The story of repurposing of older style Girton school uniform items is just such an evolution. An initiative has been bubbling away for two years and is about to thrive in ways that we probably haven’t yet fully realised. It certainly did not spring from any formal planning.

The story begins with some Junior School parents, who stumbled across boxes of old school uniform items while setting up for the School Fair last year. They were concerned about the impending landfill that might eventuate when the uniform transition period finished and decided to do something about it. Setting up the Secondhand Uniform Shop in the Junior School was the first step, and for the past two years, families have been able to purchase very affordable older style uniform items while we transition to the newer style. As sales of the older style items slowed, the parents got to thinking about the next steps, which are detailed within this edition of eLink. The long and short of the story is that the huge volume of older style uniform items that we have accumulated will be rebranded and donated to a school in the Philippines, with whom we have become connected through St Killians Church. The work of re-branding will be undertaken by a non-profit organisation for refugee women called SisterWorks, who will carry out their work in Girton House in the Junior School. The connections between SisterWorks and the school in the Philippines provides endless opportunities for mutual benefit for our students, and we are grateful for the work of Kate Mahony, in particular, for establishing these relationships.

This is a story of hard work, commitment to zero waste, community connection, and it is a story worth reading.

Congratulations to Lachlan Archibald (12 Riley) who last week received the 2019 Caitlin Thwaites Award for exceptional sportsmanship, leadership and integrity. Caitlin Thwaites is an Old Girtonian well known for her netball prowess, having been to the Commonwealth Games and having represented Australia many times all over the world. Her contribution to school life and beyond, in a sporting capacity and as an upstanding Girtonian led us to name this special award in her honour and Lachlan is a worthy recipient. You can read more about the award in this edition of eLink.

Our year 12 students enjoyed a day of reflection and celebration last Friday as they completed their 13-year school journey. In an annual Girton tradition, they sang and danced their way to the conclusion of their school life in a fun-filled assembly with their parents and were farewelled with an equal measure of entertainment by younger students. The students conducted themselves with maturity and good humour, and we wish them all the very best for their final examinations. My thanks to the teachers, some from thirteen years ago, who have supported our year 12 students and prepared them so well for their next steps.

Preparations are now in full swing for the Year 12 Valedictory Dinner, Annual Service of Carols and the three Speech Night events that will take place on the 3rd, 4th and 5th of December at the Ulumbarra Theatre. More information is in this eLink.

Please enjoy the gallery of photos in this newsletter of the wonderful Junior School performance of Mulan Jr. My hearty congratulations to the Drama teachers, classroom teachers and parents who so thoroughly prepared the wonderful student performers for the re-telling of the ancient Chinese tale of a female warrior hero.

Matthew F. Maruff

Headmaster