In the Spotlight
Congratulations Grace Canterford (9 Frew)
Grace Canterford has been selected to participate in the Women in Aerospace Program at RMIT University in April 2026, delivered through the Sir Lawrence Wackett Defence & Aerospace Centre. This prestigious four‑day program is designed to inspire and empower young women by giving them insight into aerospace engineering, defence technologies, and a wide range of future‑focused STEM careers. Grace’s selection reflects her determination, curiosity and passion for STEM, and we're excited to see where this opportunity leads her.
Congratulations Dale Every (12 Aherne)
On Saturday 28 February, Year 12 Aherne student and 2025 Vice-Captain, Dale Every was presented with the King's Scout Award at Government House, Melbourne. The King's Scout (formerly Queen's Scout) Award is the highest honour in Scouting, widely recognised for its prestige and the dedication it represents both within Scouting and the broader community.
Dale has shown remarkable commitment and initiative in meeting the rigorous requirements for this award. Alongside 100 other Venturers from across Victoria, he was recognised for his exceptional effort and leadership. To achieve this honour, Dale set personal goals, planned and organised activities for his Scout group, and demonstrated consistent perseverance in reaching key milestones to the very best of his ability.
As part of the award, Dale successfully planned and led two expeditions. As part of the planning, Scouts must achieve 12 OAS (Outdoor Activities Scheme) progressions. Dale's focus area was kayaking and white-water skills. Over the season (when sufficient water was in the rivers), he travelled and camped along the state's rivers with the Victorian Scout Paddle team. Each river presented different challenges and progressively more difficult obstacles as he built his skills. Dales' first expedition consisted of a paddling and camping weekend on the Goulburn River, co-organised with a Rover doing their BP award, around the Mitchelton area and up to Nagambie Lakes. Dale learned that being dumped out of a kayak is character-building, and he had to show mental and physical strength. As a member of the local Campaspe Scout paddle team, Dale continues to help by instructing other Scouting members.
The second expedition was a wet weekend hike and camping trip in Otway's hinterland. He was also required to fulfil achievements across the six SPICES areas - Social, Physical, Intellectual, Character, Emotional, and Spiritual. His sustained involvement in community and voluntary service further highlights his dedication to Scouting and to others.
Beyond his award, Scouting has offered Dale many enriching experiences. Notably, he was selected to join the Enterprise Trust Youth Tall Ship Sailing Program based in Victoria Harbour, where he spent four days of his holidays learning to sail a replica of John Batman's schooner, The Enterprise, around Port Phillip Bay.
Congratulations to Dale on this outstanding achievement and for being an inspiring representative of Aherne House and our school community.
Ms Kristen Simpson
Head of Aherne House
Congratulations Joshua Lim (11 Frew)
Joshua Lim has been selected to play in Phantom’s Premier League Men’s Volleyball Team, competing at the highest state level! This positions Joshua just one step away from national‑level opportunities. Well done Joshua!
Congratulations Henry Allan (11 Jones)
On 27 February, Henry Allan received the May Award at the Bendigo Sports Star presentation. This year marked the 60th Annual Sports Star Awards, and it was Henry’s third time attending the event. His prize was proudly sponsored by Agnico Eagle.
From 5–7 March, Henry travelled to the NSW Open State Swimming Championships, accompanied by Swimming Australia Coach Craig Jackson. Henry delivered an outstanding performance, winning:
- Gold in the 50m Backstroke
- Gold in the 100m Backstroke
- Silver in the 200m Backstroke
He also achieved a personal best (PB) in the 100m Freestyle, placing 14th.
Henry’s success was highlighted in SwimSwam magazine, which reported:
“Rising 17-year-old star Henry Allan got it done for gold in the men’s 100m backstroke, registering 54.74 as the sole swimmer of the pack to clear the 55-second threshold. Behind him was 24-year-old Stuart Swinburn in 55.24 and Rishabh Das who collected bronze in 55.51. Allan owns a lifetime best of 53.72 in this event, a mark he produced at last December’s Queensland Championships.”
Congratulations to Henry on his continued achievements and impressive representation at state level.
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!