From the Acting Head of Senior School

It has been lovely to hear about our Senior School Student’s Term Two holiday break, with many seeking a change of climate on a trip, while others had some well-deserved rest and relaxation at home ahead of a busy term. It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of the second Week of Term Three, and our major events in the Senior School have already begun. 

As we look forward, our calendar shows many important events that help shape the remainder of this year, and also have an eye to next year. Building on the positive response to this week’s VCE Information Evening (discussed below), we’re preparing for more key events over the next two weeks. On Monday 4 August, we’ll host the Year 10 2026 Information Evening, followed by Parent-Teacher Conferences on Wednesday 6 August, Monday 11 August and Tuesday 12 August. We strongly encourage parents and carers to attend these sessions alongside their children, as they provide valuable opportunities to strengthen the partnership between home and school in support of student growth.

VCE Information Evening

On Monday 28 July, we welcomed Year 10 students and their families to our VCE 2026–2027 Information Evening. The evening started with a subject expo, giving students the opportunity to meet with VCE teachers to discuss subject options for Year 11 and start thinking about their post-school aspirations.

Later in the evening, presentations were delivered by a range of staff including Dr Emma O'Rielly (Principal), Mr Dean Langley (Head of VCE and Student Futures), Mr Jay Weston (Deputy Principal), Mr Rod Smith (Head of Academic and Data Services) and Mr Glynn Chambers (School Psychologist). These sessions offered insight into the structure of the VCE program, subject selection processes, assessment frameworks, career planning, and pathways to further education. 

Students then heard from current Year 12 students, who offered valuable personal reflections and practical advice on managing the VCE experience. We also highlighted key support services such as our weekly Motivate sessions and wellbeing programs designed to help students stay on track both academically and emotionally.

House Tutor Attendance

A reminder that attendance at morning House Tutor Sessions is compulsory for all students in the Senior School. These sessions provide House Tutors with an opportunity to check in with students about a range of topics, and this is a key component of our pastoral care model. It is also important to attend these sessions as it our main method of logging student attendance, which is a daily legal requirement.

On behalf of all Senior School staff, welcome back to Girton for Term Three. We look forward to an enjoyable and successful term. 

Mr Marcus Smalley

Acting Head of Senior School