From the Principal

As the echoes of the school holidays begin to fade, it is wonderful to see our students settling into their classes, immersing themselves in co-curricular activities, and embracing events such as today’s Senior School Swimming Carnival, which provide a fabulous opportunity to cement the connections being formed with their peers. 

A highlight of the school calendar, Girton’s Swimming Carnivals are a riot of colour and chanting, with our six Houses challenging each other not only in the pool but in their displays of House pride during the fiercely contested Spirit Cup. This much-loved tradition ensures every school year begins with a vibrant show of teamwork, energy and positivity. However, even before the Swimming Carnival, I felt an unmistakable air of optimism emanating from our student body, which was beautifully captured by the Junior and Senior School Captains in their addresses at the start-of-term assembly. In their speeches, they encouraged their peers to embrace ‘sunny side up thinking’ – an uplifting mantra to carry us through the school year.

Of course, despite the upbeat start to 2024, many of us will encounter challenging times this year, where it might be difficult to see the sunny side – and these are the moments where our support networks are vital. I addressed this topic in my own speech at the start-of-term assembly, when I shared a thought that crossed my mind during the holidays as I admired the view of the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse from Ocean Grove. It struck me that, while this view is continually changing depending on the sea and weather conditions, the lighthouse remains a constant, reassuring presence. Just knowing it is there to guide us in times of need provides an enormous sense of safety and comfort. I encouraged our students to identify their personal 'lighthouses' – within and outside school – who can help them navigate any moments of turbulence they encounter this year. Support is always available at Girton, and it is an immense privilege to be able to guide our students through both the calm times and the stormy. 

For our parent community too, please know that support is readily available if you have any queries or concerns throughout the year. In the Junior School, your first point of contact is your child’s class teacher, followed by our Deputy Head of Junior School, Mrs Viv Bath, if further assistance is needed. Any issues that cannot be resolved will be escalated to our Head of Junior School, Mr Don Thompson. In the Senior School, the first point of contact for wellbeing matters is your child’s House Tutor, followed by their Head of House if further assistance is needed. For queries related to particular subjects, your child’s classroom teacher is the best person to talk to, followed by the Head of Department if the matter requires more support. Any unresolved issues regarding either academic or emotional wellbeing will be escalated to the Head of Senior School, Ms Dawn Davis. Our Deputy Principal, Mr Jay Weston, and I are then available for advice if needed. 

Already this year, I have had the pleasure of spending time with many members of our parent and carer community at our Welcome to Girton Evening in the Senior School, and our Meet the Teacher Evening in the Junior School. I would like to thank the Girton Parents and Friends Association (GPF), led by Julia Henery, and the Friends of Junior School (FOJS), led by Clarissa Smith, for hosting these enjoyable evenings. The GPF and FOJS are delighted to accept new members, and I highly encourage you to get involved. Both organisations do wonderful work within our school, with the GPF’s funding of eye-catching new line markings within our Junior School providing a great example of the collective strength of our community. 

At Girton, we see education as a partnership – a collaborative effort between educators, students and parents in the pursuit of knowledge, growth and personal development. And as we commence the 2024 school year, I would like to thank you for choosing to partner with us, as we work together to guide our young people this year and beyond.

Dr Emma O'Rielly 

Principal