Student Leadership
IWD Breakfast at Parliament House
On Wednesday 12 March a few students from our leadership program attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast at Queen’s Hall, State Parliament House hosted by the International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS). The event presented the opportunity to collaborate with students from girls’ schools throughout Victoria, discussing relevant ideas to implement at our schools.
In attendance were Ms Georgie Crozier, MP (Shadow Minister for Health) and Ms Jess Wilson, MP (Shadow Minister for Education, Shadow Minister for Industry and Economic Growth), whom both gave compelling speeches reflecting upon their journeys into leadership and advocating for equality within their communities.
Whilst being a wonderful breakfast this event proved to be an incredibly worthwhile experience attending as both students and aspiring future leaders.
Ms Justine Bowers
Director of Student Leadership
IWD Assembly speech
Mikayla Barwell, 2024 Dux and one of our extraordinary speakers at the IWD leadership- themed assembly shares her full address.
Good morning everyone,
Standing here today as your DUX for 2025 is both an honor and a moment of deep gratitude. Looking back to 2022 when I first joined this school, I remember feeling both excited and nervous but never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be standing up here today. I truly believe that it is a testament to the MGSC community for providing me the opportunity to not only reach but exceed my goals.
From the very beginning, I was met with nothing but warmth and kindness. This school has been more than just a place of learning for me—it has been a community, a support system, and a second home.
As I reflect on my journey, I want to share some key lessons that have shaped my time here and helped me achieve this award.
Firstly, I want to acknowledge the vitality of the teachers at this school. If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that teachers are more than just educators—they are mentors, guides, and the best resource you will ever have.
Hence I would like to formally apologise to my teachers who unfortunately all happened to be located in the VCE office because after I discovered how to utilize this invaluable resource they couldn’t get rid of me. In Year 12 I actually built a reputation for visiting this office so much that Ms Sleep would ask who had custody of me when I knocked on the door.
Therefore if you think you are asking too many questions I can guarantee I have asked more. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness, it is actually the complete opposite, it shows that you are committed to growth and willing to put in the effort to improve.
Secondly when it comes to academic success, there is one piece of advice I cannot stress enough—pick subjects you genuinely enjoy. It’s easy to be influenced by what others choose or what seems like the “smart” option, but the truth is, you will always perform better when you are passionate about what you’re learning.
Enjoyment fuels motivation. When you like what you study, putting in the extra effort doesn’t feel like a burden—it feels exciting. So, whether you love science, literature, history, or the arts, embrace what excites you and pursue it with confidence.
However I am also not going to stand here and say that my passion for these subjects made the journey of getting here easy. There were many setbacks, long days and definitely many tears which multiple people here can attest to, but these uncomfortable situations, where you test your limits are where the most growth occurs.
At the end of the day success is not measured by a percentage or grade but rather measured by whether you feel as though you have truly done everything you can. In the highly competitive environment of VCE it is vital to recognise that your only competition is yourself.
Finally I am sure you guys expect me to harp on about the countless hours of studying that lead me to be up here today and while that is obviously a key part of academic success I also wanted to touch on the importance of those you surround yourself with.
My good friends Lucy and Liv who you guys know as last year's School Captains implemented the motto that MGSC students support MGSC students and words can't explain how important this is as a fundamental attitude to this school's culture.
I can confidently say that I wouldn’t be standing here today without the support of my friends. They are the ones who pushed me when I wanted to give up, who turned stressful moments into ones filled with laughter, and who reminded me that school isn’t just about grades—it’s about the memories you create along the way.
So if you take anything out of this speech it is to reflect on whether you, and your friends are supporting each other in achieving your goals and being the best versions of yourselves. Because at its core MGSC does not just focus on academic excellence, but rather on helping shape the future of women in our society.
Receiving this award is not just a reflection of my hard work, but of the people who have supported me along the way. To my teachers—thank you for your guidance and unwavering support. To my friends—thank you for making every step of this journey enjoyable. And to everyone in this room—remember that success is not just about grades or awards. It’s about the connections you make, the lessons you learn, and the experiences that shape you.
So, work hard, take part in this amazing school community, and most importantly—make the most of your time here.
Thank you