From the Principal
It has been just over a week since we officially concluded the 2024 school year with our Year 10 to 12 Speech Night, and I am still reflecting on the many moments of joy, pride and celebration that defined the evening. Beyond the opportunity to acknowledge our students’ achievements, I thoroughly enjoyed sitting among the audience as they lit up the stage with their spectacular musical performances and captivating speeches.
In particular, the addresses delivered by our 2024 School Captains have left a lasting impression on me. Miffy’s heartfelt words centred on the beauty of imperfection, which is after all what gives our school – and the world at large – depth and vibrancy. She reminded us that while no school could ever be perfect, Girton’s enduring strength lies in our pursuit of collective and individual progress. Like Miffy, I believe this is what makes Girton ‘perfect’ for me.
Charlotte’s message was equally impactful, focusing on the culture of ‘mattering’ that underpins life at Girton – a place where every voice matters. She encouraged us all to rejoice in the small moments and prioritise the things that truly matter – our passions, our learning, our wellbeing and simply being kind to one another. Just like Miffy’s address, Charlotte’s also prompted me to pause and reflect on what matters most to me in my own life at Girton. Without a doubt, it is the strength and cohesion of our school community, which I feel so privileged to be a part of. More than the milestones we achieve or the accolades we receive, it is the people – our students, staff and families – who make Girton the extraordinary place that it is.
While I am no longer surprised to hear such powerful wisdom from our students, it still fills me with pride to hear their insights and confidence with which they deliver them. I felt inspired to touch on their messages in my own end-of-year address to our staff members this week, as we concluded three days of professional development and planning for 2025. I am confident that our collective introspection on those themes – of striving for continual improvement and nurturing a sense of belonging for every member of our community – will guide us as we step into a new year filled with possibilities.
Though our students haven’t been at school for over a week now, Girton has remained a hive of activity. In addition to the planning and professional development days undertaken by our staff, yesterday we had the pleasure of welcoming back the Class of 2024 for our VCE Results Day morning tea. It was wonderful to reconnect with our recent graduates, celebrate their outstanding achievements, and discuss their plans moving forward. With close to 50% of the cohort placing in the top 20% of the state, I am excited to see where their next chapter will take them and have no doubt that they will continue to flourish. Thank you again to our staff and families for the hand you have played in our graduates’ accomplishments.
Looking ahead to 2025, while it may not be a milestone anniversary, it promises to be a year of significant progress. We will continue building on the strides made in 2024, embracing every opportunity to enhance the learning environment and experiences of our students. As we move forward, our pursuit of continuous improvement and our culture of ‘mattering’ will continue to provide a guiding light that strengthens our school community. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude for the contributions you have made to Girton in 2024, and wish you a restful and joyful holiday season. I look forward to seeing you again in the new year, ready to embark on the exciting journey ahead in 2025.
Dr Emma O’Rielly
Principal