From the Principal

This Term, students immersed themselves in the many opportunities that make our community so vibrant. Girton's 2026 ArtsFest Exhibition, Grandparents' and Special Friends' Day, Middle School Production, camps and excursions were just some of the events that enrich our students’ lives, broaden their perspectives and help shape them into capable, connected and compassionate young people.

These experiences are important, but it is often the incidental moments, the everyday acts of kindness, determination and support, that reveal great character. Throughout the term, I have been delighted to hear from members of the wider Bendigo community who have contacted the School to share stories of Girton students who chose to help others. 

There were two students who noticed a wallet on the footpath and took the time to return it to its grateful owner. Another student noticed an elderly lady on the train platform, struck up a conversation, carried her shopping onto the train and helped her find a seat. Another noticed rubbish on Creek Street North and stopped to pick it up on her way to school. A group of students were recognised for being polite and respectful in the way they were speaking to each other and our staff while getting lunch at KFC. 

These might seem like small things but they were noticed because these acts of kindness and respect are, in my view, not as common as we might like. The members of the public were so impressed that they reached out to the school to commend them.

Each of these situations began with a student paying attention to someone or something beyond themselves. They noticed an opportunity to help and acted upon it. This is what our values look like in practice and are such wonderful examples in our ‘Year of Noticing’.

As educators, we spend much of our time helping young people develop knowledge, skills and confidence. Equally important, however, is helping them to develop an awareness of their responsibility to others. Respect and compassion do not have to be expressed through grand gestures. More often, they are revealed in the choices we make when we are not expecting recognition.

I have been equally pleased to see this spirit reflected amongst my colleagues. Earlier in the Term, we invited staff to recognise their colleagues who exemplify the School's Values through their everyday work and contributions to the School. Throughout Term 3, the nominations have been plentiful and have highlighted examples of generosity, professionalism, collaboration and care, many of which take place quietly behind the scenes each day.

Schools are communities built upon relationships. When we take the time to recognise the efforts of others, whether they are students, colleagues or family members, we strengthen those relationships and reinforce the culture we aspire to create together.

As we head into the holiday break, I hope families find opportunities to pause amidst the busyness of life and appreciate the people and moments that matter most. It is often in life's quieter moments that we are reminded of what is truly important.

Thank you for your support throughout Term 3. I wish all members of our community a safe, restful and rewarding holiday break.

Dr Emma O'Rielly

Principal

Girton eLink becomes Girton Life from Term 4

At the start of Term 4, we will introduce a new Communications Strategy for parents and staff. Developed in response to feedback from the Girton community, the strategy is deliberately simple and designed to provide greater clarity about where information is shared, ensuring important messages, requests and invitations are easy to find and less likely to be overlooked. 

At its heart is a commitment to strengthening connection by helping families engage more easily with the information, opportunities and stories that matter most.

As part of this refreshed approach, in Term 4 Girton eLink will be replaced by Girton Life, which will be released at the end of each term rather than each fortnight. Girton Life will celebrate the stories, achievements and experiences that define each term at Girton, but will not contain news and information.

We look forward to sharing our Communications Strategy with you after the holidays and releasing the first edition of Girton Life at the end of Term 4.