Welcome to Term 4

What an amazing year we have had! Some things have been more visible than others - international visitors, overseas trips, outdoor adventures, challenging problems, heated debates and analyses, sporting competitions, virtual reality opportunities, cultural experiences… The other things, less visible and difficult to specify, though, are actually more significant in terms of who we are as a community. These are the attitudes and values that are embedded in the fabric of everyday life at MFG. They are represented in the multitude of moments, some defining, some barely noticeable, which add to the development of understanding and character in each of our students. So let me acknowledge at the outset the hard work, dedication and focus of our staff and our students who strive each day to achieve these noble goals.

On the first day of the year I shared this poem with our Year 12s. It is by Rupi Kaur.

we all move forward when

we recognise how resilient

and striking the women

around us are

I revisited this poem with our Year 12s at their Valedictory. The poem is simple but captures what we are trying to foster in our students at MFG.

I was so proud of our Year 12 girls in the way they managed themselves to make our Year 12 Celebration day safe, respectful and fun. It is always a bitter-sweet day, similar to their valedictory dinner. As a school we are proud of them and support them as they start the next phase of their lives - even as it is sad to lose their daily involvement in our school community. Of particular note this year were the Year 12 leaders who not only organised a range of fun activities for their fellow students but also led fund raising activities and took up key roles in shaping this year’s celebration day.

I would like to acknowledge the grit and devotion of our teachers - their motivation, inspiration and high expectations – the nurturing of our students’ experiences of learning would not be as rich and rewarding as they have been this year. I also warmly acknowledge the effort and dedication of our many educational support staff in the school and our administration staff. This wonderful team of people who serve our students so professionally deserve our sincere thanks.

I want to salute the parents, students, community members and staff who make up our School Council. Their active involvement in the strategic direction of the school has been invaluable. I also warmly acknowledge my Executive Colleagues, Mr Damien Toussaint, Mr Jeremy Dyson and Ms Marianne Scott, for their on-going professionalism, determination and commitment to our students, staff and parents.

Finally, one of the things I love about the Matthew Flinders Girls community is the understanding that it is OK not to be perfect, the acceptance that we haven’t quite mastered things YET - and that is OK because that is what learning is about! I think that is one of the many fine qualities of this place that keep us ‘looking forward.’

As a school we wish you a safe and enjoyable summer and look forward to seeing everyone in 2019.

Survey Data

School Council have analysed parent feedback from the Department of Education and Training and the survey from School Council to our school community. We will be in a place to share this feedback with you at the beginning of next year.

Staff and students have analysed the surveys they also completed through the Department of Education and Training as well as our MFG survey. We will also share a summary of this information with you early next year.

This data will be very useful as we head into a review year next year when we will also establish our new School Strategic Plan.

Second Hand Shop

Please consider selling or buying your 2019 uniforms on line using the Sustainable School Shop at following link: https://www.sustainableschoolshop.com.au/

A reminder of the uniform requirements for 2019 are as attached.

Staff Update

Greg Burgess has gained a leadership position at another school. We thank him for his hard work and dedication to our staff and students in his time at MFG. We wish him well in his new adventures.

Greg will be replaced by Lauren Welsh, an artist and Visual Communication and Design teacher. We welcome Lauren to our MFG team.

Ryan Bonner will return from leave in 2019. We are looking forward to his return, as is he.

Alana Harper has taken on the role of Freeman House leader for 2019.

Ms Michelle Crofts

Principal of Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College

Saver Plus - Bethany Community Support