Be Bold and Brave

It has been another positive start to the term. Students and staff have returned energised and ready to embark upon another important term of teaching and learning. Already this term, our Year 10 students have successfully embarked on their year-level camp, our instrumental music students immersed themselves in their annual urban weekend music camp, we hosted the 2023 Ainger Peck Public Speaking Competition in our theatre last week, our outdoor education classes have been out and about again, and we continue to celebrate much success with our interschool sporting teams. 

The first Tuesday of the term allowed us to stop and commemorate ANZAC day with a number of very moving services. Our AAFC Cadets attended local ceremonies and represented MGC with great pride. They listened to stories of the ANZACs and participated in ceremonial traditions. The day was solemn, full of reflection, but embraced with devotion and appreciation. 

I look forward to what the remainder of this term will bring and encourage all our young people to apply themselves to their learning and prepare well for upcoming assessments. It is crucial that they develop good habits now that will serve them well in the future. Parents and carers can play an active role here as well. Please take the time to engage with your child’s learning, be inquisitive about what they are studying, ask questions and offer support.

Public Reporting Meeting

On Tuesday, April 4, we hosted a public online meeting where we presented our 2022 Annual School Report to the School Council and our school community. This report provided us with an opportunity to celebrate last year’s achievements while reflecting on our performance and explaining the positive impact of the college’s improvement efforts on student growth and outcomes. This report can be found on our college website, and I would highly encourage all members of the MGC community to take the time to engage in this report. 

Professional Practice Day (PPD) – Wednesday 24 May 

As part of the implementation of the new Victorian Government Schools Agreement 2022, the Department of Education and Training has agreed that schools, through College Councils, may schedule one of the common professional practice days (PPDs) for 2023 as an additional student-free day.  With the support of the MGC College Council, Wednesday 24 May will now be a student-free day instead of a Digital Learning Day that was previously scheduled.

Fresh, Bold and Brave Website 

It is with great excitement that I share with our community our new college website. Having acted upon feedback and suggested improvements from many of our existing parents and carers, our new website provides a comprehensive overview and structure that encompasses the many wonderful aspects of the college, including useful information and resources. With new technology is always evolving and strengthening its offerings, we felt it was time to be brave and bold and provide our parents, carers, and students with an innovative website that celebrates the many fantastic aspects of our community. Please take the time to explore our new site and do not hesitate to share your thoughts and feedback with us. 

Hannah Benhassine; Awarded Prestigious C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship

Last week, 2022 MGC graduate, Hannah Benhassine was awarded a C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship at a reception at Government House in Adelaide. The Charles Allan Seymour Hawker Scholarship is one of Australia's most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate and postgraduate students. Hannah is currently enrolled in the Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of International Relations degrees at ANU and is residing at Burgmann College. The residential scholarship is valued at up to $60,000 over three years.  She is without a doubt a thoughtful, articulate, inspiring person who is a role model for her generation.  We are very proud of Hannah and her achievements and look forward to hearing about her many achievements. Congratulations Hannah.

Open Night / Open Day

Melbourne Girls’ College continues to attract immense interest from prospective parents. This is a testament to the exceptional culture and academic reputation we have established in the community. We were at capacity during our recent College Open Evening which was held on Tuesday 2 May and again at our Open Day which was held on Wednesday 3 May.  In addition to this event, we have been leading weekly tours of the college since the beginning of the academic year to ensure we promote, celebrate, and provide opportunities for access for our community. The feedback from families has been tremendously positive and included comments relating to the passionate nature of teachers and how the college felt warm, safe and very welcoming. I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and say thank you to Kate Chard, one of our parents who shared several special stories, wonderful experiences and affirming messages from the parent and carer perspective.  Our student leaders were remarkable, and they all spoke with such poise, and professionalism and radiated genuine passion for MGC. 

Mother’s Day

This Sunday, please take a moment to acknowledge all the mothers and significant female role models in your lives. Mothers around the world are leading the way, juggling jobs, and working from home.  During remote learning many were joining classrooms, keeping order, and stability and still finding time to be just that little bit more patient with everyone.  We celebrate you.

Tamy Stubley

Principal