In the Spotlight 

Congratulations Matthew Wood, Liam Wood, James Davenport, Eamon Primmer 

Congratulations to Matthew Wood (6 Aherne), Liam Wood (6 Aherne), James Davenport (6 Jenkin) and Eamon Primmer (6 Millward) who competed in the Basketball Victoria 3X3 Schools Tournament in Melbourne. The boys fought their way through the tournament to make it to the Grand Final where they were narrowly defeated. It was a great effort on the day having left Bendigo in the early hours. As a result of their efforts the team has been invited to the State Finals next term. We wish them well at State level.

Congratulations William Carter and Annika Rao, BTA Junior Pennant 2025/2026 B Grade Winners

William and Annika (Grade 4V) competed as Team WILL.I.ANN, delivered an outstanding performance throughout the season. They demonstrated excellent teamwork and determination, achieving the remarkable feat of remaining undefeated in every round. A fantastic achievement. Well done, William and Annika!

Congratulations Aurelia Ford (10 Riley)

Year 10 student Aurelia Ford performed at the Schoolband Pop-Up Concert in the Mall on Friday 27 March. 

Run by Creative City Bendigo, part of Bendigo Venues & Events, the concert features some of our region's finest musicians, and is a great opportunity for emerging up-and-comers to more established singers and songwriters and other engaging ensembles to perform live on the permanent stage in Hargreaves Mall for diners, shoppers and passersby. 

It was Aurelia's first gig and she did a fantastic job!

Congratulations Eve Ferris (11 Riley)

We are delighted to share that following a competitive multi-stage selection process, Eve Ferris has been selected to represent the local electorate of FARRER as a Youth Member in the National Youth Parliament 2026 program. In August, Eve will join 150 young people from across the country - one from every federal electorate - in Canberra to take part in the National Youth Parliament. 

Throughout the program, Eve will find out how Australia’s democracy works in practice by engaging in policy discussions, debating ideas, and developing leadership skills alongside peers. The program is fully funded, ensuring young people from every community have the opportunity to participate in this national experience. 

Congratulations Eve, we can't wait to hear about it!

Congratulations Noah Willits (12 Jones)

Congratulations to Girton School Co-Captain Noah Willits, who has been named 2026 Co-Captain of the Bendigo Pioneers, a fantastic achievement that recognises his leadership both on and off the field.

As reported in the Bendigo Advertiser on 20 March, Noah is a proud Bendigo local who

grew up playing for Sandhurst and has become a vital member of the Pioneers. After gaining valuable experience as a high half-forward in 2025, he now steps into a leadership role as a strong-bodied midfielder, known for his work at stoppage, accelerating out of contests and his 'damaging left foot'.

Following the team's challenging end to last season against the Geelong Falcons, Noah’s appointment reflects one of the Girton values of Determination, a quality that is serving him just as well in his role as School Captain.

We're proud to see Noah leading by example, and demonstrating that leadership, hard work and teamwork make a real difference both at school and on the field. 

Genevieve Draper (12 Aherne): Sustainable clothing that includes everyone

Meet Genevieve Draper, whose Design & Technology project has been selected for Top Designs in the VCE Season of Excellence, and will be displayed at the Melbourne Museum from 16 April. Genevieve’s adaptive, sustainable jacket is an exemplary example of design with heart.

When Genevieve submitted the VCE Units 3 & 4 Design and Technology project in 2025, the Girton student created something that genuinely met a real need. Genevieve’s thoughtful, user‑driven design has now earned a place in Top Designs, part of the VCE Season of Excellence presented by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA). The Season of Excellence is an annual celebration of outstanding work produced by VCE students across design, technology, research, writing, performing arts, visual arts, multimedia and film. As part of this statewide showcase, Genevieve’s project will be exhibited at Melbourne Museum from 10 April 2026.

What set Genevieve’s project apart was her desire to design clothing that didn’t force young people to choose between comfort, function and expressing their own personal style. Genevieve spoke with individuals with a wide range of mobility levels, taking time to understand what would make a garment genuinely accessible and universal.

The end users were young people aged 13 to 18, many with sensory needs or reliance on a wheelchair. They told the thoughtful student what mattered: soft fabrics, muted dark colours, easy fastenings and clothing that didn’t look or feel medical. In short, they wanted clothing that felt like them.

From these insights, Genevieve developed a sustainable, adaptive jacket made from recycled and repurposed materials, including fleece and an upcycled fur stole. The result is practical without losing personality, featuring:

• Removable sleeves for comfort and flexibility
• A detachable lower section for seated comfort in a wheelchair
• Magnetic snap fastenings for ease of use
• Two large, practical pockets
• A cinchable waist for comfort and fit
• Soft, fluffy textures for sensory needs
• A dark, muted colour palette that reflects users’ preferred style

Environmental impact was front of mind throughout the process. Genevieve believes that good design should last and should consider the broader impact on people and the planet. “Design should be approached with consideration for the future environment, the economy and society as a whole,” she explains.

Infused with empathy and determination, Genevieve's final product is a small glimpse of the kind of thoughtful, inclusive future this Girton student is helping to create.

Do you know a Girton student, staff member or community member doing something worth celebrating? Send your stories to elink@girton.vic.edu.au. Photos are encouraged!