In the Spotlight

Congratulations, Lucy O’Shea (12 Jenkin)

A brilliant example of where a passion for mathematics and competitions can lead is provided by our very own Lucy O’Shea. Over several years, Lucy has excelled in a wide range of mathematics and computing challenges. Her achievements include participation in the University of Melbourne’s Mathematics and Statistics Research Challenge, attendance at the National Mathematics Summer School, and earning a Gold Award in the 2025 Australian Informatics Olympiad.

Most recently, Lucy has been selected to represent Australia at the 2026 European Girls Olympiad in Informatics (EGOI), to be held in Cesenatico, Italy. This is an exceptional achievement at an international level. Congratulations, Lucy!

Henry Allan (12 Jones) delivers a record‑breaking performance in the pool

Year 12 student Henry Allan has delivered one of the most impressive performances at the Australian Age Group Swimming Championships in recent years.

Competing on the Gold Coast, Henry won gold in the 50‑metre backstroke. This swim broke a 17‑year national age record previously held by Olympic medallist and two‑time world champion, and placed Henry second on the Australian all‑time list for the event.

Over the course of the championships, Henry broke several additional long‑standing records across the backstroke events, including the 100‑metre and 200‑metre races.

Henry’s results follow years of dedication and hard work. Training with Bendigo East Swimming Club, he has progressed through commitment, strong coaching support and a calm approach to competition. At just 17, he is now ranked third in the world for his age group in backstroke and has earned selection opportunities for the Commonwealth Games and Pan Pacifics.

Just as impressive as his performances was Henry’s post‑race interview, where he spoke thoughtfully about the pressures on young athletes and the importance of balancing elite sport with education and wellbeing. His maturity and humility were widely praised by the swimming community, helping prompt an important and positive conversation about youth development in sport.

Henry’s achievements are a source of great pride for our school community. He exemplifies excellence and strong character, and we look forward to following his continued journey in both swimming and school life.

Azia Fong-Sutton (10 Aherne) 2026 Australian Age Championships Highlight

Azia rose to the occasion at the 2026 Australian Age Championships at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre, proving she belongs among the nation’s elite sprint swimmers.

Competing in one of the toughest fields in the country, Azia showed remarkable composure and resilience. She tackled a demanding program of 10 events, repeatedly finding another gear for finals performances. Producing multiple personal best times against world‑class competition is a powerful testament to her fitness, preparation and mental toughness. Her ability to perform under pressure saw her secure Top 10 national rankings across three premier events.

National Finals results:

50m Freestyle: A Final – 5th in Australia
100m Freestyle: B Final – 9th in Australia
50m Backstroke: B Final – 7th in Australia

Beyond her individual performance, Azia earned selection for the Victorian State Team Relays. Competing against the fastest teams in the country, she helped her squad secure an impressive 4th place finish in Australia. Congratulations, Azia on navigating a stacked field to deliver an incredible national campaign!

Introducing Ms Kathryn McDiven, Head of English

We’re delighted to introduce Ms Kathryn McDiven, our new Head of English. In this Q&A, Ms McDiven shares her thoughts on what helps students grow into confident readers and writers, the change she’s welcomed in English education and the practices that shape her leadership in the classroom and beyond.

What do you think makes the biggest difference in helping students become confident readers and writers?

I think well-chosen texts, intriguing background information, carefully scaffolded lessons to build skills and knowledge, an enthusiastic teacher, and the time to craft and create texts helps students become confident readers and writers.

What are some of the most positive changes you’ve seen in English education over the years?

I am so relieved to see the shift to phonics and decodables in the early years of English teaching, which are the essential foundations for students to be able to cope with more challenging texts as they progress through their schooling. In the secondary levels, I am pleased to see the mechanics of English being prioritised again, alongside rich text studies.

How do you help teachers feel supported and inspired in their own practice?

I support and inspire my colleagues by celebrating our ‘wins’, while encouraging the sharing of challenges and concerns. I am the first to ask for advice or ideas from others, and I find that this encourages others to ask me for my help or advice too. I read, question and think deeply about problems of teaching practice, and I love to dive deep into the weeds with anyone who is similarly intrigued.

Are you a “write in the margins” person, a “use a bookmark” person, or a “dog-ear the page” person?

When I read for pleasure, I use any piece of paper I can lay my hand on for a bookmark – a receipt, a drawing, a tag, etc. When I read a text I’m teaching, it will be lined with hundreds of sticky tabs and underlined quotes. I NEVER dog-ear the pages, though!

What’s a book you’re embarrassed to admit you haven’t read yet?

I still haven’t read any Sylvia Plath – it’s on the list!

Is there anything else you would like us to know about you?

I’ve been a lover of books and words my whole life. I was the librarian’s pet in Primary School, then studied Linguistics at Uni, geeked out with the word nerds in English Language classes, then became a fierce advocate of kids with language disorders or difficulties in literacy intervention programs.

Congratulations, Mr Dean Langley!

Head of VCE and Student Futures, Mr Langley, married his partner Alicia in a small ceremony in the White Hills Botanical Gardens in mid-April with family in a wonderful day filled with love and lots of fun.

Dean and Anita's kids were in the wedding party, including Anita's two girls and Dean's three children - just one child short of a Brady Bunch. Congratulations to the happy couple.

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!