Senior School News

From the Head of Character and Culture

Welcome to Term 2. I hope all members of our community enjoyed a restful break and are returning ready for a productive and engaging term ahead. Term 2 is always a busy and rewarding period in the Senior School calendar, with a range of academic, co-curricular and community events that provide opportunities for students to challenge themselves and connect more deeply with school life.

Looking ahead, there are several key dates for families to be aware of. Our annual Foundation Day will be held on Friday 15 May, an important occasion where we come together to celebrate the history, values and spirit of our school. It's always a highlight of the year and a wonderful opportunity to recognise what it means to be part of the Girton community.

Academic focus will also be a priority, with Exam Week for Years 7–11 scheduled from 1 – 4 June. This is an important time for students to consolidate their learning and demonstrate their understanding across subjects. We encourage all students to begin their preparation early, establish effective study routines, and seek support from their teachers where needed.

Our senior students will also be looking forward to the Senior School Formal on 4 June, which brings together students from Years 10, 11 and 12 for a memorable evening.

The creative and performing arts will again be on display in Week 9 with the Senior School Production, which promises to be a fantastic showcase of talent and collaboration. Also in Week 9, we have our students representing the school in Netball, Basketball, Hockey and Soccer at the ICCES Winter Tour. Trials are currently being run for these teams, and please see Astra news for more information.  

Maintaining strong partnerships between school and home remains a priority, and Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place across Weeks 4 and 5. These conversations are invaluable in supporting student progress and ensuring a shared understanding of each student’s learning journey.

A reminder to all families regarding our uniform expectations. Following Foundation Day (15th May), students are required to wear the Formal Suite. We appreciate your support in ensuring students present themselves in accordance with school expectations.

As we move into the cooler months, it is also important to remain mindful of our SunSmart Policy. When the UV index is 3 or above, all students are required to wear a Girton Grammar-approved hat when outdoors during recess and lunchtime. This remains an important part of maintaining student health and wellbeing, even outside of the summer period.

Thank you for your continued support as we begin what promises to be a full and rewarding term. I look forward to seeing students engage positively in all aspects of school life.

Mr Marcus Smalley

Head of Character and Culture

Year 7 and 8 rise to the challenge in Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) mathematics competition

Last term, a number of enthusiastic mathematicians from Years 7 and 8 took part in the Kangourou sans Frontières (KSF) mathematics competition. KSF is an international association founded in France, which is formed by maths lovers from all over the world who are motivated to support mathematical education in school and promote a positive perception of mathematics in society. The KSF provides students with a valuable opportunity to experience mathematics in a competitive setting ahead of the Australian Mathematics Competition in August.

Congratulations to all students who participated. Special congratulations to Theo Chandra (8 Millward) and Fraser Dullard (8 Aherne), who both achieved Distinctions - an outstanding result.

>> Head to In the Spotlight for a brilliant example of where passion for maths can lead.

Ms Emily Ryan

Head of Mathematics

Welcome to our Exchange Students from Viala-Lacoste in France!

Kenny Ryan (8 Frew) warmly welcomed our visiting exchange students at Assembly, acknowledging the start of an exciting cultural exchange for our Girton community.

During Week 10 of Term 1, the French-speaking world celebrated “la Semaine de la Francophonie”, a celebration of the French language and the many cultures connected to it across the globe. It’s a reminder that French is not just a subject here at school, but a living language shared by millions of people in many different countries on all seven continents. And here at Girton, we continue that spirit. Today is certainly one of those special moments.

 

We are very excited to welcome our visiting students from Viala-Lacoste, who will be with us until the end of Term 2. We hope you feel at home quickly, make new friends, and enjoy everything our school and community has to offer.

At the same time, this is also the beginning of an exciting Exchange journey. In Term 4, eight of our own students will travel to France, where they will experience life, language, and the French culture first-hand. For many of you, this will be the start of lasting friendships and unforgettable experiences. Please join me in giving them all a warm welcome.

 

Louesine — a talented guitar player who also loves volleyball.

Gaëlle — a very talented musician who could not wait to start creative textiles.

Kenz — apparently “the GOAT,” and a keen tennis player.

Gabriel  — who loves basketball and has requested to join our chess club.

Maxence  — our little genius, who has lived in French-speaking countries in Africa.

Florian — who loves music, enjoys reading, and would like to become a firefighter

Julien  — our next Tiger Woods, who plays golf and plays piano.

Sarah — who is active in tennis, volleyball, and swimming.

Welcome to Girton,and we are glad you are here.

Kenny Ryan (8 Frew)

2026 Girton Senior Athletics Carnival

On Thursday 26 March, the 2026 Girton Senior Athletics Carnival was held at La Birpa Athletics Track in Flora Hill. Despite true Victorian conditions delivering all four seasons in one day, students demonstrated exceptional willingness, perseverance and determination, giving their best across a full program of events.

Frew House did the double - a fantastic achievement as they were crowned Spirit Cup and Athletics overall points champion, just beating Jenkin who put up an incredible fight.  A special mention to Mr Langan (Head of Frew House) on celebrating his first Head of House Senior School Carnival victory, a proud milestone which we're sure he’ll cherish.

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the leadership and enthusiasm of our staff who played a vital role in creating a positive and spirited atmosphere, the Heads of House, House Captains and Vice Captains, who assisted with the planning, coordination and running of the carnival. Their support ensured the event ran smoothly and was enjoyed by all participants. 

Congratulations to all students who competed, and particularly to our Age Champions, and record breakers (attached below), whose performances were outstanding.

Age Champions

• 13 Years Female: Alexis Weekly
• 13 Years Male: Otto Chapman
• 14 Years Female: Lauren Davenport
• 14 Years Male: Elijah Willits
• 15 Years Female: Alicia Crowley
• 15 Years Male: Darcey Stewart
• 16 Years Female: Madeleine Lane
• 16 Years Male: Will Jackson
• 17 Years Female: Kate Wilson
• 17 Years Male: Cooper Richardson
• 20 Years Female: Zoe Dean
• 20 Years Male: James Peter

Records Set

• High Jump: 1.64m – Kate Wilson (17, Jenkin House)
• 4x100m Relay: 1:01.20 – Frew House (13 Girls)
• 4x100m Relay: 59.26 – Jenkin House (20 Girls)
• 4x100m Relay: 59.07 – Millward House (13 Boys)
• Long Jump: 5.05m – Madelyn Beaton (16, Frew House)
• Long Jump: 4.84m – Kate Wilson (17, Jenkin House)
• Triple Jump: 10.12m – Kate Wilson (17, Jenkin House)

Spirit Cup Results

1. Frew House
2. Jones House
3. Riley House

Overall Champion House

Students who won events will now represent Girton at the Independent Country Co-educational Schools (ICCES) Athletics Carnival at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park, on Thursday 14 May. We wish them all the very best.

Thank you – and see you at the next event!

Representative Sport Department

Girton celebrates diversity on Harmony Day

Students and staff at Girton came together to celebrate Harmony Day last term in a vibrant display of cultural diversity, inclusion, and community spirit. The celebrations began with a special assembly that showcased a range of dance performances from talented students. Aditi Kumar (10 Jones), Sejal Soni (12 Millward), and Aarya Sapehiyia (10 Riley) captivated the audience with their performances, highlighting traditional and contemporary dance styles. These performers were later joined by Anika Tadakamadla (10 Frew) during a lunchtime showcase on Friday 20 March, where students were treated to an engaging display of dance styles from across Southeast Asia.

Beyond the performances, the school community embraced the spirit of the day through a range of fundraising activities. A BBQ, along with popular treats such as orange spiders and lolly bags, were sold throughout the day. These efforts supported an important cause, with all proceeds going towards the Asylum Seekers Resource Centre.

Harmony Day at Girton Grammar was a meaningful celebration of cultural diversity, providing students with the opportunity to learn from one another while contributing to a broader sense of inclusion and support for those in need.

Please enjoy reading about the meaning behind the dances presented by our students:

My dance is a Bollywood performance inspired by traditional Rajasthani folk style. I chose this dance because the song, Shubh Din, from the Bollywood film Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran, represents celebration and joy. The music is inspired by traditional Rajasthani folk music and reflects the joyful spirit seen during Indian festivals like Diwali, where people celebrate with dance, music, and community. I performed this particular dance for my sister’s class a few years ago, which inspired me to perform it again. Outside of school, I don’t take formal dance lessons, and I have mostly self-learnt by practising and learning choreography on my own. I chose this dance as dancing helps me connect with my Indian culture while living in Australia as well as express a really important part of my identity. Further, dancing helps me practice my confidence and celebrate diversity. In Indian culture, a “shubh din” means an auspicious or great day when something important, joyful, or successful happens, such as a festival, victory, or new beginning. This reflects my own life this year. As I move into Year 12, it has felt like a time of change and growth, letting go of certain things and focusing on the ‘new beginning’. Performing the dance felt symbolic of that idea of a renewal. 

Sejal Soni (12 Milward)

My harmony day dance was from a renowned ollywood movie called Simmba. The dance created a fusion between western upbeat hiphop and classic bollywood. I chose this dance because it is not just one culture but many. It symbolises the importance of different cultures and when we connect, we create something extraordinary. I hoped that my dance made people happier and fostered a sense of belonging. 

Aditi Kumar (10 Jones)

Kathak is one of the eight major classical dance forms of India, born in the ancient temples of North India thousands of years ago. Long before dance was just entertainment, it was devotion, a way of sharing sacred stories when books could not. The name comes from Katha, meaning "story," which Kathak dancers precisely are, as living storytellers, using precise footwork, turns,  expressive hand gestures (mudras), and facial expressions. Aigiri Nandini, the song I danced to,  is sung in Sanskrit one of the world's oldest languages originating in about 1700-1200 BCE, which was the ancient tongue of scholars, priests, and poets across South Asia, and the root from which many Indian languages including Telugu, Hindi, and others grew. It is not just a language. It is a lineage. The mantra itself, the Mahishasura Mardini Stotram, tells of the goddess Durga who rises when heaven and earth have already fallen. When every god had failed and a great evil could not be defeated, it was Maa Durga's 'shakti', the ultimate form or divine feminism that answered, protecting her devotees with fierceness. This dance is very special to me, as not only it shares such a beautiful message, but keeps alive the light of Kathak dance, as these stories are ones that should never go out. 

Anika Tadakamadla (10 Frew)

The Bendigo Interfaith Council's Annual dinner was once again held during the week of Harmony Day and was attended by Mrs Melinda Naughton, Mr Jack Smeelie, Mr Chris Simpson and GCAG members Aaliyah Greenwell (11 Frew), Mythri Kolluru (8 Jones) and Izzah Hadi (8 Frew).  

Students from the Girton Community in Action Group (GCAG) recently attended the Bendigo Interfaith Council Harmony Day Dinner to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and unity within the community. Three staff members and three students proudly represented Girton Grammar School at this special event.

 

A highlight of the evening was a presentation by Bishop Philip Huggins, Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, who spoke about the importance of “Speaking in Harmony Against Racism and Discrimination.” His message encouraged everyone to stand together in promoting respect, understanding, and acceptance among all cultures and religions.

 

The dinner also featured vibrant multicultural dance performances, showcasing the rich diversity of the community. These performances brought energy and colour to the evening while celebrating different cultural traditions from around the world.

The event was a valuable opportunity for students to connect with members of the wider community, reflect on the importance of harmony and inclusion, and represent the school with pride.

Izzah Hadi (8 Frew)

Girton's 2025 Infinity Award Recipients visit La Trobe Uni for a special tour

Girton Grammar students visited a special Infinity Awards Day on Friday 17 April at La Trobe University Bendigo.

Benjamin Hines (12 Frew) and Vivek Vattakatuchery (12 Riley) (pictured below third and fourth from left), Lucy O’Shea (12 Jenkin) and Madeleine Ching (12 Frew) were named recipients of the La Trobe Infinity Awards at Girton Grammar Speech Night 2025.

The Year 12s explored the campus and heard from La Trobe students about their university pathways. The day also included sessions on practical tips for VCE, course and entry options, and opportunities to meet other Infinity Award recipients from across the region.

Thanks to La Trobe University Bendigo for providing an inspiring insight into university life. The visit reinforced the importance of Girton’s ongoing relationship with La Trobe University Bendigo, which supports our students' aspirations through meaningful exposure to tertiary learning and future opportunities.

Year 3-8 Sports Excellence

How do we know where to start in the gym?

The Long-Term Athlete Development (LTAD) model is a framework for the development of athletes in different sports based on their age, development, and ability levels. The LTAD model provides guidelines for coaches and parents to optimise athletes' physical, emotional, and social development while also improving performance. 

The LTAD model has seven stages, each with its unique focus and objectives:

• Active Start (0-6 years)
• FUNdamentals (girls 6-8, boys 6-9)
• Learn to Train (girls 8-11, boys 9-12)
• Train to Train (girls 11-15, boys 12-16)
• Train to Compete (girls 15-21, boys 16-23)
• Train to Win (girls 18+, boys 19+)
• Active for Life (all ages)

The focus during the 5-8 Emerging Athlete Program sits within the Learn to Train and Train to Train stages, in which athletes develop the physical, technical, and tactical skills specific to their chosen sport. During this phase, we like to focus on EnterTRAINment, a mix of entertainment and training in the gym, which is is all about making workouts fun and engaging while still being effective. 

Here are some great examples of our Gamified Workouts:

• Team Challenges – Splitting people into teams for friendly competition (e.g., relay races, races against friends).
• Battle Rope Tug-of-War – Competitive, full-body fun which helps develop full-body strength.
• Bodyweight Challenges- Timed hangs off the bar
• Medicine Ball Throws- Used as a fun way to develop power.

By creating programs that are fun and exciting, students get to work on their strengths whilst simultaneously having fun. Our students rotate through three separate programs each session - Games, Speed & Agility, and Strength. Each station uses the LTAD model to decide age-appropriate exercises for our athletes.

Year 9-12 Sports Excellence

Our Athletes have had a terrific start to the term, with students embracing our “in-season” training program. Their commitment and enthusiasm have set a strong tone moving into winter sport. From here, our focus is on helping athletes maintain their fitness, reduce injury risk, and perform consistently throughout a busy competition period.

Examples of how programs are modified during “in-season” training:

• Reduced training volume – slightly lower total workload to allow for games and recovery 
• Maintained intensity – keeping speed and power elements high, but with fewer reps 
• Greater recovery focus – incorporating mobility, stretching, and regeneration sessions 
• Injury prevention work – targeted strength (e.g. hamstrings, groin, shoulders)

Don't miss out - Senior School Formal 2026: Festival of Lights

Our Senior School Formal will take place on Thursday 4 June at the All Seasons Bendigo for students in Years 10 to 12. For this year's 'Festival of Lights' theme, we have planned an illuminating evening filled with glowing lanterns and an atmosphere of elegance and wonder. Each ticket is priced at $88 per student, with the dress code of formal attire. A registration link has been sent to parents and carers via Consent2Go for ticket purchase.  

RSVP deadline Monday 18 May.

Please note the event is scheduled at the conclusion of the Years 10-11 Exam week, allowing students to celebrate their hard work. The following day is a pupil free day.

Ms Kristi Mitchell

Alumni and Community Relations Manager