Student Leadership Update

As Term Two comes to a close, we take a moment to reflect on the past few busy weeks, which have been filled with exciting events and initiatives organised by the various portfolios within the Senior and Middle School Executive teams. From fresh new initiatives that brought new energy to the school community, to well loved classics that continue to be student favourites, there has been plenty happening across MGC. Here is an overview of some of the highlights from the past few weeks.

Wellbeing

Last month, on 8 May, MGC joined the conversation of going blue to end bullying. Students were encouraged to wear a splash of blue to show support for the cause, and a PowerPoint was sent out for homegroup classes to go through on ways to reach out and how to support others. At Quiet Lunch, origami butterflies were made which will be displayed on the wellbeing board in the Level 1 hallway.

At MGC, we promote inclusivity. If you experience bullying, the following are great people to access: a teacher you feel comfortable speaking to, your homegroup teacher or your Year Level Leader office. They are experienced adults who are there to support and listen, and can help with concerns you may have. If it is outside hours, family members or the Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) provide opportunities to talk.

As part of our work with The Resilience Project our Wellbeing Captains shared the edition to the GEM Chat series, asking the question "Who is someone who makes you smile?". Students were encouraged to think about someone who makes them smile 😊 Taking a moment to recognise and appreciate these people helps us build stronger connections and reminds us of the positive relationships in our lives. 

(Stay tuned for the next one...😊)

To continue this learning at home, we encourage families to visit the TRP Family Hub. It offers simple activities, helpful resources, and conversation starters that support wellbeing. Here are some simple GEM chats you can have with your family and friends to spark gratitude conversations: 

Thanks to Mr Thomas, Ms Grey Smith, and all students and teachers who got involved! Stay tuned for the next one. We have a few events coming up next term, so keep an eye out for those details!

Alyssa Blair

MGC Wellbeing Captain

Diversity

Earlier in June, which also marked Pride Month, the Diversity Team hosted their annual Pride bake sale! This event was organised by the team themselves and raised $113 for Minus18, a charity that supports and advocates for LGBTQ youth in Australia. We had many rainbow decorated baked goods to sell provided by numerous students and staff, as well as fairy floss from the Environment Team's machine. Massive thanks to everyone who baked, bought something or just came along, and to the library staff for their help.

Kit Creaney

Diversity Captain

Middle School Excecutive

This week, the talented, hardworking members of the MGC Middle School Executive organised, ran and hosted the MGC Whole School Talent Show! The event has been an amazing success, and we have all been so lucky to witness the incredible talent of many students, who bravely got on stage and displayed their talents to enthusiastic audience members. We have had dancers, singers and bands, with more to come! It is amazing to see how members of the school community have galvanised to create amazing acts and cheer their peers on! I am sure the temptation of tasty treats and a first place prize of a Haigh's Chocolate hamper may have also persuaded them. Every day, a crowd of energetic, supportive audience members have gathered to cheer on their classmates, and win or lose, this has been an incredible experience for everyone involved.

Bridget Van Vliet

Middle School Captain

Humanities 

Students from MGC proudly participated in our annual Model United Nations (Model UN) conference alongside students from schools across Victoria on 24 June. Throughout the day, delegates represented countries from around the world and debated the global issue of asylum seekers and refugees, working together to develop solutions through diplomacy, negotiation and international cooperation. Students spent weeks preparing for the conference by researching their assigned countries and developing an understanding of international responses to refugee and asylum seeker issues. During the event, delegates delivered position statements, participated in formal debates and caucuses, proposed amendments to the draft resolution, and collaborated with students from other schools to reach a final resolution. The conference was a tremendous success and provided students with an authentic insight into the workings of the United Nations. Participants demonstrated impressive public speaking, critical thinking, leadership and teamwork skills while engaging respectfully with diverse perspectives and complex global challenges.

We were also grateful to have Professor Ian Howie serve as our Secretary-General for the conference. His guidance, expertise and leadership helped create an engaging and authentic Model UN experience for all delegates.

Melbourne Girls' College is incredibly proud of all students who participated and represented the school with confidence, professionalism and enthusiasm. We also thank the staff, organisers and participating schools whose support helped make the event such a rewarding and memorable experience. We look forward to seeing Model UN continue to grow and inspire future student leaders in the years ahead.

Ro Roy Chowdhury

Humanities Captain