From the Principal

After a restorative long weekend, I am told that our students have this week returned to Girton with a fresh burst of energy, diving headfirst into Semester 2. I am very much looking forward to rejoining them next week, following a period of medical leave during which I underwent surgery and have been making a steady recovery. During my hospital stay, I had the unexpected pleasure of being cared for by one of my former biology students, who I was delighted to see flourishing in her chosen career – a powerful reminder of our ultimate goal for every Girton student.

Before we turn our full attention to the Early Commencement Period (ECP) and new semester ahead, I wanted to take this opportunity to congratulate our students, staff and families for a phenomenal first half of 2025, culminating with a successful end-of-semester assessment period. Our Senior School students in particular will no doubt be feeling a sense of relief having completed their Semester 1 examinations, and are hopefully now taking the opportunity to review their results in partnership with teachers and families. To support this process, I encourage parents and carers to refer to our Assessment Procedures, available via the Parent Services homepage in Astra. This document provides a comprehensive overview of Girton’s approach to assessing student progress, including guidance on interpreting our five-level achievement scale and how to best support your child in their learning journey.

While debate continues around the value of formal examinations, the fact remains that they are a key feature of the VCE and many tertiary education courses. As such, we are committed to preparing our students for them – not only academically, but mentally and emotionally – and making the most of the opportunity to assess our students’ progress. From their first NAPLAN experience in Year 3, we encourage our students to see assessments as an opportunity for growth, not just a hurdle to overcome. By the time they reach Senior School, students begin to appreciate that examinations are not just about learning the content covered in their papers, but also other skills that will be pivotal in their lives beyond school – such as time management, resilience and self-reflection. Often, what students learn about themselves during examination periods can be just as meaningful as the results they achieve. 

Of course, the learning that took place in Semester 1 extended far beyond classrooms and study spaces. Supported by our staff, students have embraced the full gamut of opportunities available to them at Girton – from swimming, running and jumping; to singing, painting and performing; to cheering, leading and supporting one another. As with academic assessments, what matters most is the learning students take from these experiences and how they apply them in the ECP and beyond.

The ECP provides students with a valuable head start on their Semester 2 learning – a chance to connect with new teachers and classmates, adjust to new routines, and apply the insights gained so far this year. And far from coasting towards the mid-year break, I am told that our students have been using this time to their full advantage – engaged in their learning as well as the events and experiences still to come this term. While our Year 10 to 12 students are preparing for a night of fun and celebration at this evening’s Senior Formal, our Year 4 students are getting ready to immerse themselves in the bush setting of next week’s Log Cabin Camp. And while our representative sports teams are deep in training for the ICCES Winter Tour, our Senior School Production team is adding the final touches to what promises to be a spectacular performance of Mamma Mia! – both taking place in Week 10. 

As a school, we are also using this time to gather feedback that will inform our future direction. In addition to ongoing reviews of the Co-curricular Program and Imagine Charter, we have been gathering feedback from Year 7 and 8 students on their Semester 1 electives, heartened to hear their experiences have been overwhelmingly positive. Next week, we will host our Mission and Values focus groups, giving participants the chance to review and comment on a series of draft statements. We are still accepting applications for these, so I encourage any parents and carers interested in taking part to complete the self-nomination form. We will also soon be surveying students and families involved in instrumental music lessons and electives to ensure our Music Program continues to meet the needs of our school community.

As we farewell Semester 1 and move into the second half of the academic year at Girton, I would like to thank you once again for your ongoing support of our school and students. I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead and look forward to seeing you at one of the many exciting events still to come in Term 2. 

Dr Emma O’Rielly

Principal