Senior School News

Senior School Swimming Carnival

What a brilliant day at our Senior School Swimming Carnival on Friday 13 February, full of energy, colour and connection. There was something for everyone - our competitive swimmers had their moment in the fast lanes, while others splashed through the novelty events, cheered from the sidelines and simply enjoyed being part of the colour and noise.

Our long-held tradition, the Spirit Cup, once again brought out the very best of our House culture, with each House taking to the stage to perform for the coveted cup. Congratulations to Jones House for winning the Spirit Cup!

And congratulations to Jenkin House for achieving the highest overall points for the day! Jenkin’s success was ultimately driven by high participation across all of the events, proving that every competitor truly makes a difference. 

These moments of determination and connection matter! A big thank you to our students and staff for a day full of enthusiasm, belonging and genuine school spirit. Thank you also to our parents for your support throughout the day.

If you couldn't make it on the day, you can watch our six Houses battle it out for the 2026 Spirit Cup below: 

Welcome to Flourish, our Social and Emotional Learning Program in Senior School.

Research shows that learning is relational. Students learn best when they feel safe and supported. Emotional regulation supports focus and behaviour, and Emotional Intelligence (EI) strengthens classroom and pastoral practice.

These are just some of the reasons why we conduct Flourish lessons each week.

In Flourish lessons, House Mentors deliver a program that develops a shared language around emotions, explicitly teaches regulation strategies, and models calm, respectful interactions.

Each year level has specifically developed, age-appropriate lessons. Below are the areas of focus for Term 1.

Year 7 – Safety & self-awareness

• Self & IdentitySettling into secondary school, belonging, strengths, naming emotions

• Managing EmotionsBasic regulation, emotional triggers, and asking for help

   

Year 8 – Self & emotional growth

• Self & IdentityIdentity changes, peer influence, self-esteem

• Managing EmotionsStress, embarrassment, frustration

   

Year 9 – Autonomy & emotions

• Self & IdentityIndependence, values, reputation
• Managing EmotionsImpulsivity, emotional intensit

Year 10 – Pressure & self-management

• Self & IdentityConfidence, self-concept
• Managing EmotionsStress, motivation, balance

Year 11 – Academic self-leadership

• Academic SuccessTime management, study habits
• Managing EmotionsStress, overwhelm, and burnout awareness

Year 12 – Managing intensity

• Managing EmotionsPressure, uncertainty, self-compassion
• Academic SuccessSustaining effort, realistic expectations

I encourage you to engage with your child about what they’re learning and the insights they’re gaining in these classes. These conversations help them reflect, make connections and get more value from the program. Asking simple questions - like what surprised them, what they enjoyed or what they found challenging - can deepen their understanding and build confidence.

If you have any questions about the program, I’m always happy to talk.

Joanne Christie

Social and Emotional Learning Co-ordinator

Dave Martin

Student Engagement Co-ordinator

The Girton Racing Team Needs Your Help!

Do you or someone you know own a business that wants to support a growing team of young people involved with engineering and athleticism in your local community?

Last Wednesday, the Girton Racing Team held their first training session for the year on campus, where two of our racing trikes were introduced to new members for the very first time! Both Locked-In, our most competitive human powered vehicle, and In-sane, our multi-time electric vehicle champion, were brought out for demonstration and hands-on experience, where our new members got the opportunity to practice getting in and out of the trikes, familiarise themselves with the mechanisms that make them operate, learn some GRT history, and most importantly, get to know new and old members alike.

2026 is already an exciting year for the GRT – with a huge new base of riders coming in for the upcoming season, our team has finally regained its pre-COVID numbers – a whopping 50 students from year 7 to 12! Our goals for the year are mainly to represent Girton Grammar (and hopefully win some categories!) at the 2026 Energy Breakthrough in November, as well as attending VicHPV races throughout the season. But this comes at a cost! 

Organising race equipment, travel, training sessions, facility hire, trike repair, and maintenance is not free, and with such an influx in members, we are placed under more demand than ever! Whether you know a local business we should reach out to or you are representing one yourself, the GRT would love to chat about ways you can support a competitive, high-visibility team of all ages and genders in both STEM and sports – monetary sponsorships, cycling gear, signage, electrical equipment, food, coffee – whatever it is, contact jessicaloraine@girton.vic.edu.au or annikahall@girton.vic.edu.au