Senior School News

From the Head of Character and Culture

As Semester One draws to a close, it is an opportune time to reflect on what has been a busy and successful period for our Senior School students. Throughout the term, students have embraced a wide range of opportunities, demonstrating commitment, resilience, and a willingness to contribute to the life of the School both inside and outside the classroom.

The term commenced with our Inter-House Cross Country event, which once again provided students with the opportunity to challenge themselves while representing their House with pride. It was pleasing to see students encouraging one another throughout the course and celebrating individual and collective achievements. 

Congratulations to Frew House on their success in this year's competition.

Our Foundation Day Service provided an important opportunity for the School community to come together and reflect on Girton's history, values, and traditions. These occasions remind us of the strong foundations upon which our School is built and encourage students to consider the positive contributions they can make to both the School and the wider community.

A significant focus throughout the latter part of the term was Semester One examinations. Students approached this period with maturity and determination, and I commend them for the effort they invested in their preparation and performance. Examination periods can be challenging, but they also provide valuable opportunities for students to develop important organisational, study, and time-management skills that will serve them well beyond their schooling years.

The final weeks of term have been particularly busy, with many students involved in the School Production and the ICCES Winter Tour. These events showcase the breadth of opportunities available to our students and highlight the many talents that exist within our community. Whether performing on stage, competing on the sporting field, or supporting events behind the scenes, students represented themselves and the School with enthusiasm and pride.

I would also like to acknowledge the dedication of our staff, whose countless hours of preparation, rehearsal, coaching, and support make these experiences possible. Their commitment ensures that our students can continue to participate in meaningful and memorable opportunities beyond the classroom.

As we head into the semester break, I encourage all students to take the opportunity to rest, recharge, and spend time with family and friends. I thank our students for the positive manner in which they have approached the term and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Semester Two, ready to embrace the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.

Mr Marcus Smalley

Head of Character and Culture

Senior Formal 2026 | Festival of Lights

More than 330 students and staff gathered at All Seasons for the 2026 Senior Formal, creating an unforgettable evening of fun and friendship. With the dazzling theme of Festival of Lights, students from Years 10, 11 and 12 enjoyed a spectacular night.

The evening was hosted by School Vice-Captains Elizabeth McGrath (12 Millward) and Fraser Allan (12 Frew), whose energy kept the crowd entertained throughout the night. School Captains Dulee Siriwardana (12 Aherne) and Noah Willits (12 Jones) added to the festivities with a lighthearted awards presentation, recognising students in categories including Best Dance Moves of the Night and the MVP Award for the Friendliest Student.

A great selection of music was provided by DJs Liam Dole (12 Frew) and Otis Patton (12 Riley), whose playlist kept the dance floor full all evening, while the popular photo booth gave friends the opportunity to capture lasting memories together.

A gallery of photo booth images will be shared with attendees during the school holidays, so you can relive some of the night's brightest memories - stay tuned!

The success of the event was made possible through the contributions of the Prefects, who played an important role in selecting the theme, music and menu. Thanks also go to our staff members who supervised the evening and to the Tech Team, whose expertise helped create a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere.

Filled with laughter, dancing and countless special moments, the 2026 Senior Formal was a shining celebration that will be fondly remembered by all who attended.

Kristi Mitchell

Alumni and Community Relations Manager

Year 7 Literature: Short story highlights

Brave for 5 minutes longer by Eadie Mathews (7 Aherne)

Brave for 5 minutes longer by Kusali Deiyandara Gamage (7 Jenkin)

Through the smoke by Grace Beattie (7 Jenkin)

Year 9 Students Explore Future Pathways at Achieve Careers Expo

Year 9 students recently attended the Achieve Careers Expo, an exciting opportunity to explore a range of career pathways and gain valuable insights from industry professionals.

Students engaged with representatives from a diverse range of organisations and industries, learning firsthand about the skills, qualifications, and experience required for success in different fields. Exhibitors included Deep Core Drilling, Beck Legal, Coliban Water, Bendigo TAFE, Strategem Financial Advisors, and the RMIT Flying School, each providing unique perspectives on career opportunities within their sectors.

A particular highlight was hearing from a representative of the Young Industry Ambassador (YIA) Program through Goldfields LLEN. Cameron Lee introduced students to the benefits of connecting with local industry, developing employability skills, and exploring career pathways while still at school. As an electrical engineer in a small start-up in Bendigo, Cameron shared his experience of working in the cutting edge area of Robotics and how working in a small emerging company has enabled him to try his hand at many different areas of engineering.

The expo encouraged students to think about their interests, strengths, and future aspirations while gaining a greater understanding of the opportunities available beyond secondary school. Students were able to ask questions, gather information, and consider pathways they may not have previously explored.

The Achieve Careers Expo aims to help students as they move towards subject selection in Term Three. Knowing what possibilities are out there and how to achieve their preferred future will allow students to make informed choices about their educational path.  We sincerely thank all exhibitors for generously sharing their knowledge and expertise and helping inspire the next generation of workers and professionals.

Senior School Production: Arthur Miller's, The Crucible 

This week, our 2026 Senior School Production brought the Black Box Theatre to life as our senior students performed Arthur Miller's, The Crucible. With one performance remaining this evening, we are incredibly excited to share the production highlights. 

We wish to congratulate all staff and students involved! 

French Exchange Student Farewell

We bid a fond ‘au revoir’ to our Senior School Exchange Students from our sister school in France, Viala Lacoste, this week. They have returned home after spending Term 2 at Girton.  One of our student visitors, Louesine Chautard, shared this farewell speech:

"Today is June 15 2026, and it has been one year and two days since we have applied for this exchange. None of us could have predicted what was about to happen. 

 

Before coming here, we barely knew each other, and we only knew Australia through things we had heard from other people. Now, after three months, I think the person we have learned the most about is ourselves, thanks to this country, this exchange, all the people we have met, and all the experiences we have shared. 

 

And in two years, when we are filling out our university applications and we tick the box that says “school exchange,” we will think back to the challenge of understanding you at the beginning, the cultural shocks we experienced, the joy and laughter we shared in another language, and that strange feeling of being at home while being on the other side of the world. 

 

So, thank you for welcoming us into your school and into your daily lives. But most of all, thank you for talking to us despite the language barrier, despite our cultural differences, and despite knowing that our time here had an expiration date. 

 

And I think the best way to end this speech is with a sentence we have probably said many times during these past three months: 

“Guys, do you realise we’re actually in Australia?” 

A sincere thank you to our families for welcoming our exchange students into your homes and for the enriching experiences you have provided. We couldn’t participate in this program without you. 

Looking ahead, a group of Girton students eagerly anticipate their visit to Salon-de-Provence in November, where they will relish the chance to immerse themselves in all things French and strengthen the bonds already made. 

Bendigo Competitions Contemporary Vocal

During the King's Birthday long weekend, voice students from Girton participated in the Contemporary Vocal section of the 100th Annual Eisteddfod organised by the Bendigo Competitions Society.

Our singers showcased a diverse range of genres, including up-tempo pop, rock and R&B, contemporary ballads, country, jazz, musical theatre, and selections from film and television.

All the students performed exceptionally well, with some achieving awards across multiple sections. 

We congratulate Josh Parker, Amelia O'Rielly, Clarissa Salvatore, Audrey Jackson, Cooper Richardson, Elyssa Bhowon, Eliza Jackson-Sloane, and alumna Scarlett Abbott for their dedication and valuable experience in this competition.

Ms Stephanie McCorkelle

Instrumental Music Instructor