From the Principal

As we stand on the cusp of a new academic year and Valedictory celebrations, I find myself reflecting on the incredible journeys our students have embarked upon, and the unique paths that lie ahead of them. It is wonderful to see the diversity within our student body manifest itself in the breadth of choices our students make as they progress through our School and begin to envision their individual futures. 

 

Not only is there great diversity among our current students, but there are pronounced differences between the students of today and those of generations past, which was reaffirmed as I delved into the fascinating insights contained within McCrindle's Generations Defined report. In creating this report, McCrindle surveyed more than 2,000 Australians aged between 18 and 77 to determine the social, technological and cultural events that have ultimately shaped each generation’s attitudes, perceptions, hopes and fears. 

 

It is important for any organisation to have a deep understanding of their key demographic. In the case of Girton Grammar, the heart of our community is our students – the leaders of the future – and our role is to prepare them for that future. To fulfil this mission, it is crucial that we deeply understand this new generation, their unique needs and the changing educational landscape, so we can foster a love of learning in the most engaging and effective way possible. 

 

This year's graduating Year 12 students belong to Generation Z, while the Year 6 students who are about to transition to our Senior School represent Generation Alpha. According to the report, their generations have been shaped by transformative events like the Global Financial Crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, while pivotal social markers for previous generations included the moon landing and September 11. For our students, the digital age is their playground, with music streaming from platforms like Spotify and virtual home assistants eclipsing record players and cassette tapes. Seeking advice has evolved from consulting experts and peers to web forums and chatbots, while iconic toys such as frisbees and Rubik's cubes have been replaced by fidget spinners.

 

Perhaps one of the most profound changes is in the way these younger generations learn. While their predecessors studied in formal and structured settings, our Gen Z and Alpha students thrive in multi-modal and virtual learning environments. This is why Girton is committed to adopting and integrating emerging technologies that will support and amplify their learning experiences, including the augmented and virtual reality technologies within our Lumination Learning Lab. We are also excited to explore the insights Mr Rod Smith has gathered through his work with the state government’s Generative AI Community of Practice.

 

Equally transformative is the evolution of leadership styles, which have shifted from controlling and directing to empowering and inspiring. Today's students admire leaders who encourage collaboration and co-creation rather than simply instructing or supporting them. This is why we are focused on developing programs that will enhance student voice and agency, exemplified by initiatives such as our Restorative Peer Mediator program in the Junior School and our Student Delegate Council in the Senior School. It is my hope that by cultivating an environment that thrives on evolution and caters to the distinct needs of this new generation of learners, Girton will be shaping young leaders who are uniquely well equipped to take advantage of the opportunities of tomorrow.

 

As we approach the culmination of the 2023 academic year and prepare for 2024, our School is bustling with activity. In our Junior School, we have held a number of transition events to welcome next year’s Preparatory students. Additionally, three of our Junior School teachers embarked on their exciting journey to Yale yesterday, where they will explore the latest developments within the RULER program. We eagerly anticipate the wealth of insights they will bring back to our community.

 

In our Senior School, our Year 11 students commenced their Girton examinations this week, running parallel to VCAA examinations in many cases, while students in Years 7 to 10 are preparing to complete their examinations next week. Following the examinations, our Senior School students will shift their focus to 2024, as they begin the Early Commencement Program, while another important transition will take place next week when our Year 12 graduates officially become Old Girtonians at their Valedictory Dinner.

 

As we embrace the future and all it holds, I am grateful for the support of our dedicated parent community. I wish each of you a wonderful weekend ahead.

 

Dr Emma O'Rielly 

Principal