From the Head of Junior School

It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of Term 1! This week our Year 6 students and teachers visited Canberra for the Year 6 Camp. Travelling to the Australian Capital Territory and learning about our federal government, our history and what it means to be an Australian citizen has been exciting and educational for the students. We have had positive reports about the enthusiasm, behaviour and friendship displayed by the students. We know that Girton students are well respected in our own community but it is always good to get independent feedback about the exemplary behaviour of our Year 6 students in Canberra. 

I would like to thank Mrs Milner, Mr Di Fede, Ms Bilkey, Mr Turner, Mrs Polidano, Mr Epps, Mrs Crameri, Mrs Barnes and Mrs James, who travelled to Canberra to facilitate this camp. With so many students to care for, they had plenty to do and were always on duty. I have no doubt that the success of the camp was in no small part due to their professionalism, commitment and caring approach with our students. 

We would also like to thank the Australian Government for supporting this program through the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate, which partially funds our trip to the national capital by providing a subsidy for each student. While there were many highlights from camp – including visits to the National War Memorial, the Institute of Sport, the National Science Museum and the rugby league clash between the Raiders and Cronulla – nothing could beat a personal meeting with the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. This even included a selfie in the gardens of Yarralumla!

Shave for a Cure

On Friday 21 March, 12 of our very brave Year 6 students sat in front of the Junior School Assembly and had their heads shaved as part of the 2025 World’s Greatest Shave. We commend Flynn Gordon, Charles Smith, Steve Georgeos, James Dalton, Archer Hubbard, Conor Elliot, Otto Chapman, Gilbert Pham, Hudson Martin, Xavier Tweed, Nate Douglas and Abe Chapman for their bravery and commitment to such a worthy cause. To date, they have collectively raised $24,000 to fund blood cancer research and support patients and families facing blood cancer treatment. Thanks also to Sam and Kate from SM Hair Studio, who donated their time and expertise to shave our volunteers. We were all appreciative of their help, none more so than the students being shaved!

Term 2 Staffing

At the beginning of Term 2, Mrs Bath will be commencing long service leave. Mrs Bath is on leave for Terms 2 and 3. We wish her all the best as she enjoys her well-earned leave and we will all work hard to ensure the school is in as good a shape when she returns as when she leaves. Mrs Bath leaves huge shoes to fill but we are pleased to have had Mrs

Peter and Mrs Burge agree to step in to share the Deputy Head duties while Mrs Bath is on leave. Mrs Peter and Mrs Burge will each have an additional day of administration duties. Their classroom teaching roles on these days will be filled by Mrs Rowe and Mrs Mahony, both of whom already work in their respective classes so they are well known to the students.

In Term 2 we also welcome Mrs Martin back from her long service leave. We thank Mrs Retallick and Mrs Williams who have been working in the Inclusive Education department while Mrs Martin has been on leave.