Writing Our Future Together at MGC

Standing in this role as principal of an all girls government school is never something I take for granted. It is a privilege and a responsibility to lead a community where our girls are at the centre; their voices, ideas, questions, leadership and futures. That remains, for me, one of the most powerful aspects of Melbourne Girls’ College.

Earlier this week at our Presentation Evening, I spoke about the future and how, as Paralympian and 2022 Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott reminds young people, the best thing about the future is that it hasn’t happened yet; it’s still being written. Here at MGC, our students are writing a future where their stories are front and centre, not on the margins. As we come to the end of the 2025 school year, that idea feels more important than ever.

This year has once again shone a light on achievement in all its forms, academic, artistic, athletic, leadership and service. We have celebrated students whose commitment and excellence have been remarkable. Just as importantly, we have seen the collective opportunities of MGC in action every day: the learning, experiences and growth that every student has engaged in across the year, whether it is formally recognised on an awards night.

We talk often about “success”, but success at MGC is never just a certificate or a medal. It is the quiet courage to keep going when things are hard. It is the curiosity to ask another question, even when you are not sure of the answer. It is the willingness to try something new and the kindness to look after one another. These qualities have been visible in classrooms, on the river, in rehearsal spaces, at competitions, in leadership meetings and in the day to day moments that make up school life.

When we think about growth, it is helpful to picture the journey from Year 7 through to Year 12. Our Year 7s have taken their first steps into secondary school, learning new routines, building friendships and discovering what it means to be part of MGC. Years 8, 9 and 10 have been about finding voice and stretching into new subjects, projects and experiences, while beginning to make decisions about pathways and futures. Our senior students in Years 11 and 12 have balanced heavier workloads, leadership roles and considerations about life beyond school, modelling our values and showing what is possible.

It can be tempting, especially when we look back over a year, to tell a simple story: work hard, stay organised, and everything falls neatly into place. But life and learning, do not work like that. Plans change. Results sometimes disappoint. Friendships can be complicated. Health, family and the world around us all impact our days. What matters is not that we avoid challenge, but how we respond to it.

I am reminded of Marita Cheng, engineer, founder of RoboGals and 2012 Young Australian of the Year, who talks about starting with small ideas, making lots of mistakes and learning as you go. Her message to young people is that you do not have to be the smartest in the room or have everything figured out; you just have to be willing to try, to persist and to improve. That sits at the heart of resilience: staying curious, staying engaged and keeping going, even when the outcome is not certain.

As we close the year, I am especially mindful of the learning and life growth that might not appear on any certificate or formal report:

• the student who found the confidence to speak in front of a class for the first time,

• the group who persevered with a challenging project,

• the friend who consistently checked in on others,

• the young person who kept coming to school during a really tough time.

   

These stories matter and tell us who we are as a community.

We also know that none of this happens in isolation. Everything we celebrate, every improvement, opportunity and act of leadership or creativity is the result of partnership between student and teacher, between school and home, and between MGC and our broader community.

To our parents and carers: thank you for trusting us with your young people and for walking alongside them through the ups and downs of the year, the early drop offs, late pick ups, encouragement and, at times, the difficult conversations. Your support helps create the conditions in which our students can thrive.

To our community partners, Alumni and friends of the college: your mentoring, volunteering, sponsorship and willingness to share your expertise continue to expand our students’ world and show them what is possible beyond school. When Alumni return to coach, run workshops, speak at assemblies or serve on School Council, our students don’t just see what you do, they hear how you got there, and in doing so, can better imagine their own path.

To our staff: none of what we celebrate this year happens without you. Your expertise, care and belief in our students make this college what it is. From the visible events on the calendar to the countless quiet acts of support, planning and encouragement that sit behind them, I am deeply grateful for the way you live our values every day. It is a privilege to lead such a dedicated team.

I would also like to especially acknowledge the leadership of our outgoing School Captains: Daisy, Swathy and Sunday. Throughout 2025, they have led with drive and deep compassion. They have shown up consistently, in the big, visible moments and the quiet, unseen ones; as role models for what it looks like to lead in an all girls environment with courage, humility and care.

As they finish their time in these roles, we look ahead with excitement to our 2026 School Captains: Nova, Anna and Annie. I know they will build on this legacy, bringing their own strengths and stories to the role and continuing to “Lead and Achieve” on behalf of all MGC students.

As we head into the summer break, I hope every student, staff member and family takes a moment to reflect on their own journey this year. Growth is rarely obvious in the day today, but moments like this, as we pause at the end of a school year, remind us just how far we have come together.

Thank you for being part of Melbourne Girls’ College in 2025. I wish you a restful and safe holiday period, and I look forward to continuing this journey of learning, leadership and growth with you in 2026.

Tamy Stubley

Principal