In the Spotlight 

Mitchell Pole awarded 2026 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize

Congratulations to Mitchell Pole (11 Jenkin) for being awarded the 2026 Premier’s Spirit of Anzac Prize, selected as one of only 12 students in Year 9-12 from across Victoria. 

The prize is a fully funded study tour and visit to significant wartime and historical sites to explore Australia's wartime and peacekeeping history. Mitchell will travel to Vietnam.

Mitchell received a personal commendation from the Hon Maree Edwards MP, who said: 

"As the Member for Bendigo West and Speaker of the Victorian Parliament, I congratulate you on this prestigious honour. I have no doubt the tour will be a rewarding and formative experience, leaving you with memories, friendships and insights that endure long after you return home. 

Congratulations on this well-deserved achievement. I wish you a safe, enriching and deeply meaningful journey."

Students Represent Bendigo at the Victorian Youth Congress Forum

On Saturday 15 August 2026, Violet Potter (9 Aherne) and Rose Bonsey (10 Millward) proudly participated in the Victorian Youth Congress Forum in Melbourne, hosted by the Office for Youth.

The Victorian Youth Congress is the state government's leading youth advisory body. It brings together young people aged 12–25 from across the state to advise the government directly on the issues that matter most to them. The Congress hosted a dedicated Youth Forum to hear directly from young people living in regional Victoria. 

The forum featured an interactive workshop where Violet and Rose collaborated with other members across the state to ideate and co-design new ideas to improve education and career pathways for regional youth.

Well done, Violet and Rose, on your fantastic leadership and regional representation and contribution!

To highlight a student or staff achievement in this section, please send through details and a photo to elink@girton.vic.edu.au