GPF News

GPF - Get involved with your school community!

The Girton Parent and Friends Association (GPF) is a number of volunteer parents who meet once a month during a normal school year. Participation in this group gives insights into some of the behind the scenes workings of the school you are invested in, a sense of belonging to the school and opportunity to give back to your community. It strengthens relationships between staff, parents and students by coordinating social and fundraising activities that benefit all Girton families.

Last year was an unusual one for sure, and fundraising events were mostly cancelled. In previous years however we have helped to run the Girton Fairbrother Fair, a trivia night, House dinner parent get togethers, and of course the welcome to Girton Evening for new parents. Our funds raised in the past few years have helped to purchase projectors in Junior and Senior school and have made a significant contribution to the Junior School playground. 

Following the events of 2020, 2021 is the year to renew our connections with the Girton community.  The GPF will start off 2021 with a meeting for all parents and carers on Feb 23rd, M07 (Morey Building) at 5.30pm. All are welcome. It will also be holding its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, March 23rd at 5.30pm in M07 (Morey Building).  We actively encourage you to attend and perhaps even become a committee member. The committee consists of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and two general committee members. 

Girton Parents and Friends Association (GPF) ~ Welcome to Girton Parent Function 2021

On Friday February 5th 2021 we ran our first Girton Parent function for the year.  It was wonderful to see so many existing Girton parents as they move up from Junior school and also to meet new families who have joined the school this year.  I believe we had 80 plus parents, carers and staff of Senior School in attendance. 

The event was opened by a welcome speech from Dr Clayton Massey and followed by Mrs Olga Davenport (President of Girton Parents and Friends Association) and it was also an opportunity to hear from the Chair of the Board, Mr David Jemmett. Drinks and finger food were excellent and catered internally by the canteen. Everyone had a lovely time chatting to new faces.

Historically, GPF and Friends of Performing Arts (FoPA) fundraise money for school projects and performing arts at the school, whereas Friends of Junior School focus more on building friendships between families and supporting the local community. This year will be a different year again and new ideas might need to be explored to foster more connections to the school. It is important to emphasise that every idea, every bit of time and support is kindly and greatly appreciated by the school and volunteer members.  

The GPF, FoJS, and FoPA also welcome new committee members. If you are interested or have any queries, please contact us via:

Girton Parents and Friends: GPFA@girton.vic.edu.au 

Friends of Junior School: FOJS@girton.vic.edu.au

Friends of Performing Arts:  janellecanobie@girton.vic.edu.au

Or see you at the meeting! 

Kym Fitzgerald 

GPF Secretary