High Expectations for Learning and Character Strengths

World events, most recently the Christchurch tragedy, highlight why excellence in building knowledge, clear thinking, resilience, kindness and empathy are embedded in the MGC learning design. The events of last Friday have horrified the world and shown how the compassion of a leader can bring people together after tragedy. Jacinda Adern’s language is deliberately chosen to be inclusive and strong about changes to gun laws in the immediate time frame and for NZ to be an even more accepting society in the longer term. As global citizens NZ are leading the world in building a dialogue of inclusion rather than cruelty and tribalism.

On Monday night many Melbournians united at the State Library to reflect on the massacres in Christchurch, we united to send compassion and care to Islamic people everywhere and to celebrate the humanity we have in common rather than the differences that divide. MGC is a place where people follow passions, intellect, leadership and personal best. Harmony equates to respect for different opinions, perspectives and agendas but united in hope as we deal with the future. Please let us know if you or your children need any support at all.

Our students will become inspirational leaders who calmly ensure commitments to learning, inclusion, participation, hard work and success are essential ingredients to any enterprise or study. On Wednesday 20 March, we celebrated Harmony Day with a whole of school assembly concentrating on celebrating the diversity of cultures represented in multi-cultural Melbourne. This is our opportunity to bring our best values to the fore. Congratulations to our Diversity Captains, Lucy Xu and Sienna Chumbley- Contin who lead the celebration.

Building upon the theme of learning excellence we are working on student metacognition which can result in almost eight months of additional learning gain. Further information can be found here:

When students become aware of the learning process, they can gain control over their learning.

Co-curricular Programs

We have so many excellent co-curricular programs it is important to celebrate them all. The Leaders of each program highlight key activities, events and successes throughout the year and at times they are also celebrated in this section of the newsletter. Our programs include dance, instrumental music, choir, ensembles, band, AAF cadets, aerobics, sport, philanthropy and rowing. These co-curricular programs echo and support the formal curriculum in building character strengths, fitness and learning.

State Schools Rowing Regatta 13-14 March and Head of School Girls 15-17 March

Thank you to our amazing rowing leader Andrew Beck who ensured the season concluded with great success both on and off the water for our students. Thank you also to lead coach Paul Blanchfield, colleagues Victoria Fitzgerald, Kathryn Lloyd, Jono Rundell, Trevor Howlett, Gavin Antolos, Nancy Sandilands, rowers, coaches and parents who ensured the State School Rowing and Head of School Girls (HOSG) regattas on the Barwon River in Geelong built life-long memories for all involved.

The State Schools Rowing Regatta saw our rowers and coaches bring home 8 Gold medals,

8 Silver and 5 Bronze. At HOSG congratulations go to coach Charis Jones (class of 2018!) and her Year 9 Division 1 crew - Josie Stevens, Hannah Benhassine, Ellie Bellsmith, Georgia Watson and Tess Carmody who won gold in their A Final on Sunday. Overall we took part in 15 A Finals, 6 B Finals and 4 other finals. Many of our crews out performed their personal bests with incredible improvements displayed. The hard work and dedication of every rower and staff member is to be celebrated.

The annual MGC Rowing Presentation Night will be held this coming Monday March 25 from 7.00pm in the MGC Library, followed by refreshments in the Gillard Centre.

Aerobics

Currently there are National trials underway for our MGC athletes to have an opportunity to represent Victoria at the National Championships. Congratulations to Lana Croker of Year 12 who has qualified for Level 7 (senior division) of the Victorian team. Two other athletes are almost there, Mariana Pappas of Year 12 is 0.65 under the qualifying mark for Level 7 (senior division) and Holly Morrison of Year 11 is 0.4 under the qualifying mark for Level 6 (senior division). There are still opportunities for these athletes to qualify and we wish them every success. The National Championships will be held on the 30-31st May this year in Melbourne.

Performing Arts

Jordan Evans celebrated his wonderful Top Class Dance students in our last newsletter and this week Lindy Mumme highlights Issy Carney's (Year 12 2018) Drama performance at Top Class. https://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Pages/excellenceawards/seasonofexcellence/generalinfo/topclass.aspx

25th Anniversary Celebrations!

Our dedicated 25th Anniversary Committee have been meeting to plan the Open House on Saturday 23 March and Cocktail party in the Library for 11 September. It is with pleasure we invite you to celebrate on Saturday 23rd March, 2019 from 11 am - 2 pm, with a number of activities running throughout that time. Our committee will keep you posted on the 11 September cocktail party.

Hon John Kennedy, Member for Hawthorn

On 14 March the Hon John Kennedy visited the college to see where over 230 students who live in his constituency learn and work. Our College Captains, Georgia Wolfe, Meg Funston and Gen Cox were excellent hosts leading the school tour and morning tea.

Many thanks everyone for your excellent support of our students and staff. We are very fortunate to be part of the Melbourne Girls’ community.

Kind regards,

Karen

MGC Parents Association