From the Head

The last week of the school year finished in the fashion we all became accustomed to in 2020, changed from traditional formats in the ongoing world of a global pandemic.

Despite more than a month with no new cases in Victoria, and the claim of elimination of community transmission, our end of year events required us to again conduct virtual assemblies, ceremonies and a remote speech night – all predominately without an audience.  Masks were again worn and handshakes remained off-limits.  Happily, our Valedictory Evening could occur with students only, being a school event and under the limits imposed on inside venues.  However, parents watched the proceedings from their homes – I’m reliably informed that many celebrated in small household gatherings.

Having not previously enjoyed Girton’s traditional end of year celebrations, I cannot really appreciate the anticlimax that the end of this year was to many members of the school.  The thing about being part of a community is that we expect to come together on significant occasions such as the end of the year and celebrate en-masse, recognising achievements, prizes, awards.  

If there is one thing that compensates for all that was missed at the end of the year, it is the record of 2020 that is the Speech Night Award Recipients Booklets.  I was lifted by the endless achievements of our students in a difficult year.  Both Junior School and Senior School publications list countless examples of commitment, dedication and personal excellence.  2020 may have been very different, but Girton continued to serve and strive – traditions central to the philosophy of our school.  Congratulations to all recipients, and all members of our school community.  The spectacle may have been missing, but our spirit has been ever present. 

Dr Clayton Massey

HEAD