Senior School News

From the Head of Character and Culture

Thank you to students, staff and families for their support in implementing the School's SunSmart Policy. As we move into the warmer months, it is important that students take the necessary steps to protect themselves from UV exposure while enjoying outdoor activities and break times.

A reminder that all students are required to bring their school hat each day. Hats are a compulsory uniform item and must be worn whenever students are outdoors when the SunSmart Policy is active. Families who need to purchase a hat can do so through our uniform supplier, Bob Stewart. We appreciate the ongoing support of parents and staff in helping students develop positive sun-safe habits.

Inter-House Singing Competition

This week also saw one of the highlights of the House calendar, the Inter-House Singing Competition. The event showcased the enthusiasm and House spirit that make Girton such a vibrant school community. Students participated with incredible energy, demonstrating not only their musical abilities but also their willingness to support one another and contribute positively to a shared experience.

The atmosphere throughout the competition was exceptional, with students embracing the event in the spirit of friendly rivalry while celebrating the achievements of all Houses. The judges were faced with the unenviable task of selecting a winner from a series of outstanding performances. 

Congratulations to Jones House, who were named the 2026 Inter-House Singing Champions.

Mr Marcus Smalley

Head of Character and Culture

Year 8 Maths Games Day

Last Wednesday 27th August, Mr Whitsed and Ms O’Shea accompanied eight students from the Year 8 Maths Enrichment class to the Mathematics Association of Victoria’s Annual Year 8 Maths Games Day. 

The games were held at Penleigh-Essendon Grammar School in Keilor. The day involved many teams of four from different schools across Victoria competing against each other in several rounds of differing maths games and problem-solving. 

Although our Girton teams may not have won, we were strong competitors and successfully solved numerous problems. Both our teams also managed to beat the other teams of four we were competing against during the maths games. 

The day allowed us to challenge ourselves with difficult maths problems and games and meet students from other schools who share a passion in math and show talent in these areas.

Congratulations to Sidrat Islam, Mythri Kolluru, Azlaan Qureshi, Vihara Konara, Gracie Seipolt, Mikaela Hall, Rrig Sharma and Izzah Hadi, for representing Girton Grammar School.

Gracie Seipolt (8 Riley) & Mikaela Hall (8 Jones)

Year 9 Outdoor Education

As part of Year 9 Outdoor Education, students completed an outdoor gear-making project where they designed and created a practical item suitable for use in an outdoor environment. Students researched materials, considered durability, sustainability, weight, weather resistance, and user needs before developing their gear.

The project encouraged creativity, resilience and attention to detail, with students evaluating the effectiveness of their finished product and reflecting on how it could be improved for future outdoor use.

Some fabulous creations included; wash bags, whittled spoons and hiking sticks, beanies, scarves, ponchos, gaiters, a hammock and a portable foldable camp table. 

Well done Year 9s!

Mrs Lucy Wharfe

Senior School Teacher of Physical Education

Year 10 & 11 Media Incursion

On Monday 24th August, Year 10 and Year 11 Media students were delighted to welcome US-based, writer and directing duo, Eleanor Wilson and Alex Huston-Fischer. With their latest feature film Wicker opening this year’s Melbourne International Film Festival, it’s been a whirlwind trip, and they will soon be gearing up for its official release in theatres across the globe this October and November.

During their visit they discussed their careers, and how they pursued their interests and found the way to the work they now do. They discussed the origin of their ideas, and how they work collaboratively to develop scripts and take proactive steps in getting their films made. Having worked with high-calibre actors on their latest film, including Olivia Colman, Peter Dinklage, Alex Skarsgaard and Elizabeth Debicki, they shared insight into how they work with such talent, while ensuring their vision comes to life.

This was a fantastic opportunity for our students who noted they gained insights into the process of casting and finding out more about how films are funded, key areas to focus on when creating your own films such as good sound, and learning about the film industry and how it functions.

Ms Alex Ashley

Head of Visual Arts

Girton Tigers wins first game of Volleyball!

On Thursday, 20 August, Girton Tigers Volleyball team celebrated a fantastic achievement — they won their first-ever game of Volleyball!

This group of students has been playing together since 2025. Having never played Volleyball before joining the team, their progress over the past three seasons has been outstanding.

What makes this achievement even better is their commitment and dedication they have shown. They have stuck together as a team, continued to develop their skills and, have had a lot of fun along the way, both at training and during games.

A huge thank you to Steven Keast, their training and game coach, who has worked closely with the team over the seasons to develop their skills and confidence. We would also like to thank Mr Scott Langan, and parents who have been at Volleyball every week to provide support and encouragement.

Most importantly, well done to all the students! Your commitment, teamwork and positive attitude have been fantastic to see.

Congratulations on your first win; what a great achievement!

Mrs Deirdre Tunzi

Student Activities Coordinator

Middle School Production:High School Musical – One Act Version hits all the right notes

The 2026 Middle School Production of High School Musical – One Act Version finished an energetic and hugely successful season on Saturday 29 August, following a full production week featuring five sold-out performances in the Girton Black Box Theatre.

Congratulations to Drama Teacher and Director, Miss Emily Holmes, Choreographer, Miss Kaddison Kearin and Vocal Coach, Mrs Stephanie McCorkelle, who transformed the Black Box into a powerhouse production of the much-loved Disney classic. 

Every production week is a marathon, and I would like to acknowledge the tireless team who give so much of their time and energy to create such a positive and rewarding experience for everyone involved.

To our often-unsung backstage heroes, the show simply could not happen without you! From the ministry of bright lights and noise, to backstage gymnastics and character transformations, your expertise and dedication ensure that everything runs seamlessly behind the scenes.

Thank you to Mr Adrian Hodda, Mr David Plathe and the wonderful student technical team, as well as to Mr Ian Scott for exceptional lighting design. Thank you also to Mr Daniel Soncin and Mr Daniel Roche for their creative photography and videography, and to Ms Michaela Hulme for the fabulous marketing posters, souvenir production program and performance photography. These images beautifully capture the fun, energy and enjoyment shared by the students throughout the season.

To our backstage production staff and students, thank you for calmly and efficiently keeping the logistics running across six full days. Thank you to Ms Joanne Christie, Mr Bevan Madden and Mr Dean Aherne, along with the dedicated student backstage team. 

Also to Mr Luke Jenkin and Girton's Maintenance Team for your assistance with the set installation and operational matters. Thank you also to Miss Amy Bilkey and the Stage Make-Up Co-curriculum students, who assisted with pre-show make-up. It was a pleasure to work backstage during each performance and watch everyone work together like a well-oiled machine.

Special thanks to Mrs Ashley Chelliah for her excellent organisation and scheduling, which kept everything on track throughout the production week.

As another production season comes to a close, we can reflect on the wonderful results and rewards that come from seeing our students celebrate their commitment, creativity and achievements as a cohesive team. There is nothing quite like the thunderous applause of an appreciative audience to provide the perfect finale!

Congratulations to director Miss Emily Holmes and the entire High School Musical team for your passion, creativity and determination in creating another fabulous Middle School production. What a wonderful way to celebrate the talent and spirit of our students!

Ms Mandy Ellison

Head of Drama

40 Hour Challenge raises $10,941!

Congratulations to the 50 Senior School students who participated in this year’s 40 Hour Challenge.

Together, our students have already raised an incredible $10,941 to help support children and communities experiencing hunger and poverty. Donations are still coming in and will stay open until 30 September, so hopefully we can see that total climb even higher. 

The challenge is all about giving up something that is part of your everyday life for 40 hours. This gives students a small taste of what it can be like to go without and helps raise awareness of the millions of children around the world who face hunger every day.

Our students took on a range of challenges, including giving up talking for 40 hours, going without junk food, and giving up technology.

Well done to everyone who got involved and helped raise such an incredible amount.

Mrs Rachelle Fisher

Head of Community Service

Lights, Camera, Review! 

Girton is partnering with Bendigo Cinemas to run a Senior School co-curricular activity called the Bendigo Cinema Film Reviewers.

Kai Warner (11 Aherne) and Brandon Tuohy (11 Frew) have reviewed The Dog Stars, now showing at Bendigo Cinemas. Head to the Bendigo Cinemas website to read their full reviews, along with more from our Girton Film Reviewers as the program continues: 

Ms Alex Ashley

Head of Visual Arts

Bendigo Cinema Film Reviewers - Staff Member in Charge (SMC)

ICCES AFL CARNIVAL

Girton students enjoyed a memorable 2026 ICCES AFL carnival, with strong performances across the boys' and girls' competitions. The day brought plenty of competitive football, determined efforts and exceptional school spirit.

OFFICIAL GIRTON RESULTS

Girton finished 3rd overall with 17 points. GVGS finished 1st (21 points), followed by Braemar 2nd (20 points).

Year 7/8 Boys Bring Home the Gold by Riley Crapper

The Year 7/8 boys represented Girton at the ICCES AFL carnival, bringing home gold. Our team displayed great teamwork, courage and skill throughout all six games during the day.

Going undefeated, the boys were dominant, with Scout Davies (30 goals) and co-captain Cael White leading the way. Even with an injury occurring in the third game, our team kept battling, inspired by some interesting speeches from Coach Mr McConville. Overall, it was a great day of success on the field and lots of fun off it.

Senior Boys Win a Nail-Biting Grand Final by Noah Willits

The Senior Boys football team had a fantastic day at this year's ICCES AFL carnival, capping it off with a grand final victory. After winning two of their three pool games, the boys progressed to the semi-final, where they got the job done against Braemar to book their spot in the grand final against GVGS. In a nail-biting contest, the scores were locked at the end of regular time, sending the match into overtime. The boys held their nerve, with Jimmy Peter kicking the sealer to secure the win by a goal. It was a true team effort throughout the day, with the boys backing each other up and fighting for every contest. A huge thank you to Mr Langan and Mr Madden for their coaching, and to Mr Whitsed and Mr Hoyt for organising and running a great day. The win now sees the boys progress to the Herald Sun Shield, where they'll travel to Melbourne later in the term to compete at the next stage. A brilliant result and a fun day had by all!

Senior Girls Show Determination by Sophie O'Connell

The Senior Girls (10–12) had a good time at the ICCES AFL carnival. We started the day against Highview, where we unfortunately lost by three goals. Despite the difficult start, we rearranged positions, kept our heads up and remained determined for the next game. Against GVGS, we kept the ball in our forward 50 for most of the game but still unfortunately lost by five points in a much closer contest. Our final game was against Bacchus Marsh, where we won 14–12, which was a major highlight for the team. One of our goals came from our new French exchange student, Philippine, who has only been in the country since the start of the term! Overall, the carnival was a fun day, and although we faced some challenges, we all enjoyed the day.

Year 7/8 Boys Go Undefeated by Elijah Willits

To start off the day of footy, our Year 7/8 boys played Highview College. The boys got off to a great start, kicking seven goals in the first half. After that, the game was won as Highview were unable to claw back the lead. The highlight of the game was Scout Davies kicking eight goals, six of them in the first half. Our second game was straight after our first. We were playing Ballarat Grammar and they were going to be our toughest match-up of the day. But that didn't matter as we went out and beat them by three goals. Our third game was against Braemar beating convincingly. Going into the fourth game the boys were a bit rattled after a few injuries, but that didn't matter as the boys got up to get their fourth win of the day. Our final two games were against Moama and Bacchus Marsh. We beat both of them, Bacchus Marsh by 15 goals, which meant we went undefeated for the day and won the trophy for the 7/8 boys football. The team put in some great individual efforts, notably Scout kicking 30 goals for the day. We would like to thank Mr McConville, Mr Hoyt, Mr Whitsed and everyone who helped out on the day. It was a great day and we can't wait to go back next year and defend our title.

Congratulations to all Girton players, coaches and organisers!

Last Day Year 12 Celebrations

Dear Year 12 Students, Parents and Carers,

We extend a warm invitation to join us in celebrating your final day of school for the Year 12 Last Day Celebrations on Friday, October 17th.

Please find below a detailed invitation providing additional information regarding the day.   

There is no need to RSVP, you are welcome to simply join us for this special occasion as we celebrate the conclusion of the students' school journey.