Welcome to the OGA
OGA Life Membership
In 2023, 107 Year 12 students joined the OGA. This is an outstanding uptake of the OGA Life Membership.
The OGA is delighted to welcome the following Year 12 members:
Akshan Agarwal, Wasik Ajmain, Emily Anderson, Rebecca Ashman, Leilani Babitu, Willow Barnett, Devdatta Bhat, Alex Blake, Olivia Boef, Darcy Bourke, Tia Brand, Remus Brasier, Astrid Brenchley, Claire Budimir, Oliver Campbell, Lucia Carlon-Tozer, Jeremy Carlson, Joshua Carr, Orion Chatterjee, Xavier Ciancio, Poppy Cornelius, Claire Costello, Hannah Crane, Audrey Crean, ZoeCuthbertson, Gabrielle Dean, Natasha Dean, Declan Delaney, Viran Dhanapala, Madeline Dole, Matthew Edwards, Isabella Ellis, Skye Fitzgerald, Angus Gill, Ava Griffin, Lily Harvey, Eliza Hauler, Elliot Haywood, Sharilee Henderson-Wray, Miriam Henry, Beatrice Hercott Atkinson, Li Hindson, Kimberley Hocking, Lincon Hocking, Ellie Hutton, Libby Hutton, Christian Iuliano, Grace Jemmett, Astrid Johnston, Bailey Jones, Harry Jones, Liam Jones, Dimitri Kamateros, Ailish Keane, Rose Kennett, Julius Krelle, Aislinn Lavin, Augustine Leung, Zaydyn Lockwood, Lora Ma, Arwen MacCallum, Zoe MacGregor, Ronell Masiboy, Imogen Mason, Sophie Mayes, Ben McConachy, Connor McKenzie, Ellard McKenzie-Pluckhahn, Fraser McKinstry, Sharoon Mirza, Lucy Mitchell, Arielle Moran, Massimo Morris, Myra Muhammad, John Nankivell, Emma Neilson, Eliza Oxley, William Perrin, Joshua Perry, Hamish Pollock, Elise Richards, Eliza Richmond, Polly Robertson, Lily Rowe, Liya Roy, Emily Russell, Pooja Sabari, Matthew Saxon, Deakin Seiter, Aksharan Shobanan, Emerson Sim, Michelle Slow, Joshua Smith, Austin Spiteri, Isabel St Clair, Samuel Stewart, Virginia Stobie, Erlin Thomas, Jay Thomas, Amity Thorpe, Darcy Thorpe, Louise Toomey, Josh Trotter, Sophie Tyson-Vallance, Gian Vellacott, Hamish Walker and Jinuka Wickrama.
Honorary Associate Life Membership
In December 2023, five staff members were welcomed into the OGA after receiving an Honorary Associate Life Membership for having worked at the school for 20 years. Congratulations to Ms Debbie Adams, Ms Anita Briggs, Mrs Kendra Burge, Mr Scott Langan and Ms Kristi Mitchell. Below we take the opportunity to reflect on the outstanding service these staff members have given over the last 20 years.
Ms Debbie Adams
Debbie’s professional journey at Girton has been nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a Receptionist, her capabilities were quickly acknowledged and it wasn’t long before she moved into the role of Personal Assistant to the Deputy Head, Mrs Robyn MacCulloch. Later Debbie progressed to the pivotal role of Executive Assistant to the Head, where she worked under the leadership of iconic founding Headmaster Mr Clayton Jones OAM, followed by Mr Matthew Maruff, Dr Clayton Massey and Dr Emma O’Rielly. In this high-pressure role, Debbie always carried herself with grace, serenity and professionalism no matter how challenging the situation at hand. She also flourished in the position of Office Manager, uniting her team under the common goal of providing exceptional care and service to parents, students and teachers alike.
In her 20th year of service, Debbie has embraced the vital role of Registrar with remarkable prowess. Her ability to gain people’s trust and her vast knowledge of the school has seen her thrive in this position, with prospective parents often praising her for going above and beyond in her assistance. Commencing this role during a period of growth, Debbie set a new record for the most enrolment interviews conducted in one month.
Colleagues admire Debbie’s professionalism, integrity, attention to detail, approachability, and genuine care and concern. She also possesses a killer sense of style and a quick and wicked wit. Debbie is someone who others will gravitate to for advice, with a wonderful ability to make people feel comfortable and open up about anything. Whether interacting with a Board member, a parent, a staff member or a student, Debbie gives her undivided attention to whomever she speaks and immediately makes them feel valued and important.
Ms Anita Briggs
In her role as Chief Financial Officer, Anita has masterfully navigated Girton Grammar through transformative expansions, property transactions and building projects, including the construction of the Naunton Family Building and refurbishment of the Morey Building. While Anita may not always be in the limelight, tucked away in the Business Office, she plays an indispensable role in ensuring the school’s financial wellbeing. Her colleagues remark that the fact she is not always visible is in itself a sign that she is excelling in her job as a financial steward.
Anita's professional journey at Girton is nothing short of inspiring, having started as an Assistant Accountant and rising through the ranks to become Chief Financial Officer. Along the way, she completed a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting to become recognised as a Chartered Accountant (CA) – an incredible achievement that required unwavering commitment to balance alongside her full-time employment at Girton.
In addition to her love of numbers, Anita harbours an array of hidden passions. She often shares these for the benefit of Girton Grammar, not afraid to get involved beyond the remit of her role. This includes tapping into her culinary background to teach Food Technology, sharing her skiing expertise with students on school camp, and tending to the wellbeing of creatures great and small, including Poppy the wellbeing dog and science critters during holidays.
Among her colleagues, Anita is known as the go-to person for any unknown questions and the undisputed queen of Excel – always open to teaching colleagues new and easier ways of working. She is described as approachable, encouraging, caring, patient, perceptive and a person who simply wants nothing but the best for Girton Grammar.
Mrs Kendra Burge
The inaugural Head of Early Learning at Girton, Kendra is an excellent leader of the Prep to Year 2 levels, as well as a valued member of the Junior School leadership team. She is a kind and caring teacher, who takes a genuine interest in her students and creates a warm class environment. Kendra enjoys seeing students improve their skills and is always open to learning new approaches, particularly if it will help to improve student outcomes. Colleagues have remarked that the year Kendra taught their children was one of the best years of their schooling.
Outside the classroom, Kendra has been actively involved in many aspects of the Junior School co-curricular program, always completing her duties with quiet diligence. While she has generously contributed to both netball and Girton Games over the years, her most enduring commitment has been to basketball, with the stadium becoming like a second home.
Colleagues appreciate Kendra’s hardworking, practical and goal-driven nature, which enables her to achieve an enormous amount. She also possesses exceptional skills with anything that involves a spreadsheet and is well known for looking after the Junior School timetable and yard duties, both of which she oversees with flexibility and transparency. She sets high but reasonable expectations for students and colleagues, making her an admirable mentor. The consummate professional, Kendra is known for her fairness, honesty and thoughtfulness, which she applies to all her endeavours as she humbly works for the good of the school.
While perhaps not always obvious, Kendra also possesses a wicked sense of humour. She is quick-witted, highly entertaining and always up for a good laugh, making her a favourite colleague of many. After two decades of service, Kendra has disclosed that she sees her fellow staff as an extended family – and like a family, she looks after them in her own quiet and private way. The only fault Kendra’s colleagues have to report is her allegiance to Collingwood, which only proves that nobody is perfect!
Mr Scott Langan
Over two decades of dedicated service, Scott has deeply woven himself into the fabric of Girton, earning the admiration of staff and students across the school. He is well known for his extensive contributions to the English department, the House system, and student and staff wellbeing through his roles as Head of English, Assistant Head of Jenkin, Head of Frew and President of the Staff Association. Few would remember his contributions to the Drama Department when he was first employed at Girton.
As Head of English, Scott emerged as a collaborative and insightful leader, valuing the attributes, opinions and experience of all staff within the department. During team discussions, he fostered an environment where everyone felt empowered to have a say, remaining calm and collected no matter how robust the conversation. Scott’s quest for innovative and engaging pedagogies was evident, with his 21st-century project for Year 7 well received by students and staff alike.
Transitioning to the role of Assistant Head of Jenkin, Scott brought a measured, sincere and professional approach to the wellbeing team. His tenure as the acting Head of House during a long service leave cover showcased his uniquely caring style, marked by an open-door policy that reassured students and House Tutors of his unwavering support. It was no surprise when he was appointed Head of Frew, and while his maiden year saw Frew lose their first Athletics Cup in 13 years, he has since infused the House with his own special culture while maintaining its rich traditions.
In the co-curricular realm, Scott’s passion for football has been a constant throughout his tenure, and his involvement extends to basketball and many other sports. Scale and Game – occurring at lunchtime on Friday – was another favourite, although this may have had more to do with the opportunity to enjoy Red Rooster. Scott is also often volunteering for staff sporting teams, including swimming, soccer and cricket. While he undoubtedly loves his sport, colleagues marvel at Scott’s ability to hold engaging conversations across the arts, literature, fashion, computer gaming and hygiene products thanks to his broad knowledge and experience. He is also known for his terrible dad jokes, legendary Astra skills and dapper sense of style, though his baking skills leave something to be desired, with Beechworth Bakery the usual port of call for staff morning teas.
Colleagues appreciate the genuine care, kindness and empathy he displays, as well as his advocacy for staff wellbeing and employment rights, demonstrated through his pivotal role in developing the enterprise bargaining policy. The epitome of a gentleman, Scott’s work ethic and respectful nature make him a role model for staff and students alike.
Ms Kristi Mitchell
Kristi stands as a shining example of dedication and warmth at Girton Grammar, and over two decades has become a beloved figure not only among her colleagues but within the parent and OGA community. Her infectious enthusiasm for life and her genuine interest in people make her the go-to person for a chat and a hearty laugh. It’s no secret that she is the tea room’s unofficial food critic, always curious about what others are having for lunch and adding a sprinkle of cheer to daily breaks. But what truly sets Kristi apart is her ability to be a confidante and a source of invaluable advice, making her a cherished friend to many.
Beyond her social charm, Kristi is a true workhorse. She has held many roles during her time at Girton, through which she has interacted with all members of the school community. To each of these positions, she has brought her professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication. As part of the Community Relations team, Kristi has led many transformative initiatives that have benefitted the school, including redesigning the eLink newsletter and introducing the Pixevity photo management system. Kristi has poured her heart and soul into her current role as Alumni and Community Relations Manager, making the complex appear effortless and ensuring every event is executed with precision. She is not just a colleague but a helping hand, ever willing to lend her expertise and support to those in need.
Kristi’s commitment to the Old Girtonians’ Association is truly commendable. Having managed the OGA since 2019, she serves as the beating heart of this alumni network, displaying an unquenchable curiosity about the lives and achievements of past students. Kristi has overseen the enhancement of the OGA newsletter, the introduction of merchandise (including the much-sought-after OGA t-shirt), and the production of a superlative documentary for Girton Grammar’s 30th anniversary that will preserve the story of the school’s foundation for generations to come. Kristi’s genuine interest in the careers and life adventures of Girton’s alumni fosters a strong sense of connection, engaging OGA members and building a vibrant community united in celebrating the successes of Girton’s graduates.
Both Girton Grammar and the OGA are fortunate to have had Kristi serving as a pillar of strength for two decades, and her legacy of warmth, dedication and camaraderie will undoubtedly continue to enrich the school for years to come.