Principal's Report

Random Acts of Kindness

The random acts of kindness our girls display often go unnoticed, however a kind person has taken the time to write:

Good evening, I just wanted to let you know that one of your lovely students showed courage and kindness towards my daughter on the train this afternoon.  My daughter has some special needs around spatial awareness.  The train at Hawthorn Station can be hard for her to navigate and when she was climbing on board she tripped and fell into the train with her legs in-between the carriage and the platform.  One of your students lifted her up and helped her on board.   I just wanted to find a way to show our gratitude.  This student is a great ambassador for your school and should be very proud of her actions.  

Kind regards.

Congratulations to Tip Kennedy

Our wonderful Assistant Principal, Tip Kennedy has been appointed Principal of Richmond West Primary School. We are very proud of Tip and indeed all of our leaders who go onto promotion in our public system. We are so grateful to Tip for her wonderful work at Melbourne Girls’ College over many years and wish her every success in her new role.

Congratulations on whole school assembly 21 June

Unite was the theme of the assembly for over 1400 girl and 100 staff in the gym on 21 June lead by our Captains and Student Executive. The theme gave us all an opportunity to reflect on being united in respect and honouring care over cruelty. Respect for different opinions, perspectives and agendas and for example, thinking before posting and ‘liking’ anonymous vitriol on line.

Turning of the Sod Ceremony, Tuesday 26 June

On Tuesday 26 June the Honourable Minister for Sport and Recreation John Eren, the Honourable Minister for Planning and for Richmond, Richard Wynne and CEO of Netball Victoria, Rosie King officially began the construction of the new netball courts at Melbourne Girls’ College. We look forward to the students utilising the courts in term four. The courts replace the old courts which were in need of expensive refurbishment and we are grateful for the Sport and Recreation funding to support the work.

Yarra Sustainability Awards Thursday 28 June

Congratulations to Lucy Skelton who won a highly commended in the Local Hero section of the Yarra Sustainability Awards for her social enterprise ‘beHappy.bags’ which raises money for environmental organisations and awareness about plastic pollution. Lucy drove the plastic cutlery ban, replacing them with metal ones for hire in the café. Lucy is a role model to younger students through her genuine approach and commitment to the environment and sustainability.

Many congratulations also to our Environmental Team, Captains Zoe Mavros, Polly-Jane Decker, Samantha Kitanar, Maryam Abdekhodae and Andrew Vance who won the education section of the awards for the ban on plastic utensils, reintroducing the locally threatened Murnong yam daisy; saving more than $7,000 in water by detecting a major underground leak; installing solar panels and hosting the pedal power cinema event for the community each year.

Vocal Showcase

Congratulations to Ellyce Calder, Susan de Jong and Anne Corry for their expert teaching of a large number of girls whose talents were showcased in the Vocal Showcase on Tuesday 26 June. It was a privilege to see how far so many students have come. The work continues with preparations for the musical “Bring It On”. We have two casts of excited students who look forward to entertaining.

School for Student Leadership

Six very excited students and their families arrived at the Snowy River Campus, at Marlo in east Gippsland on Sunday 22nd July to begin their School for Student Leadership adventure. According to the Campus Principal they are enthusiastic and keen to get into the program! We wish Cecilia Karlovic, Mihiri Dharmabandu, Hazel Calwell, Saskia Junge, Jemima Kavanagh and Ruby Upfield every success.

The School for Student Leadership is a Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) initiative offering a unique residential education experience for year nine students. The curriculum focuses on personal development and team learning projects sourced from students’ home regions. The program at Snowy focuses on engaging the students in activities which allow them to explore and learn about the local environment and cultures; both indigenous and non-indigenous. Gaining a sense of belonging in local places through knowledge and experience is a key learning outcome.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV)

School Council has recently been discussing the installation of security cameras at Melbourne Girls’ College. The council, which comprises parents, students and staff is keen to seek community input on a proposal which would include the installation of eight external cameras aimed at the gated entrances to the school, the entrance to the Rowing facility and the entrance of the Gym.

Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) is a proven crime prevention tool that will greatly improve our ability as a college to increase the safety of students, staff and visitors. On behalf of the School Council, I have attached a draft Melbourne Girls’ College CCTV policy. This policy outlines the rationale behind the installation of these units, the locations they may and may not be used, what the footage would be used for and who will have access to the footage.

If you are keen to offer your feedback to council before a decision is made, please email Jordyn Taylor in the general office at jordyn.taylor@mgc.vic.edu.au by the Friday the 29th of June.

Kind regards,

Karen