From the Head of Junior School

As we go through the process of winding up the school year, I would like to take a moment to thank our hard working, flexible and patient staff who, throughout a disrupted year have continued giving their all to ensure that classes are well taught and that our students are supported, even though some of them have been dislocated for the best part of the year. I also thank our students for their positive approach during the building of the Angus McKay Pavillion and then the subsequent Hall works. They have moved play spaces and shared areas brilliantly.

The Hall renovation took an unexpected turn early in the year. Initially our plans were to complete the Angus McKay Pavillion and then move straight into the Hall works. The plan was to fully renovate a building that has stood as both a witness and a contributor to Girton’s story. The John E Higgs Hall has long been more than bricks and beams; it has been a place where generations of students have learned, celebrated, performed, and grown. Its history stretches far beyond Girton’s own, yet its spirit has become inseparable from our school’s identity.

We knew from initial engineers reports on the floor last year that there were some issues with termites and some historic wood borer damage in the rafters. Subsequent engineering reports this year found serious degradation of the wall foundations. Damage that could not be repaired. The school made the decision to close Thomas Building as a precautionary measure and relocated 8 classes into other spaces around the school. Discussions then began with our architects, builders and the Council to develop plans for a more significant renovation that has subsequently become a demolition and rebuild. Some features of the Higgs Hall will be retained so that generations to come can see the history alongside the modern facility.

Unfortunately, there were complications with the site which, long before it was a school Hall, had been an industrial Foundry site complete with a gold mine, and later a jam and sauce factory. This has delayed the demolition of the sections of the Hall that need to come down. While it is now back on track, we will have some disruption at the beginning of next year as the demolition phase is completed but we will then be moving back into Thomas Building while the planning and then construction of a new hall takes place.

Staffing News

At the end of term we farewelled Mrs Keig who is retiring. We recognised Mrs Keig’s dedicated service to our school. Her knowledge of testing, screening and associated educational interventions and support will be missed.

Mrs Hulse has also notified us that she will be finishing with us at the end of the year as she is relocating with her family to Melbourne. We wish her all the best with the move and thank her for her work in the Year 5 team over the past 12 months.

Mrs Beks will also be taking a year of leave in 2026. We wish her well with her time away and certainly hope to see her back at the school in 2027. Mrs Beks has completed many roles at the school with the longest role being that of Prep teacher. Her absence next year will be missed by all of us, particularly the Prep team. We are fortunate to have Mrs Mahoney able to step in to take Mrs Bek’s Prep class next year. Mrs Mahoney is very familiar with the Prep classes, having also been a part of the Prep team for many years.

Mrs Burge is taking a term of Long Service Leave in Term 1. We wish her a well-earned rest at the beginning of next year and look forward to welcoming her back in Term 2. Mrs Burge is not only an excellent Year 2 teacher but also manages the Junior School timetable and duty rosters, as well as supporting P-3 in her role as Head of Early Years. Mrs Fisher will be fulfilling these duties while Mrs Burge is away and Mrs Lianne Brett and Mr Leske will be teaching 2M.

Next year we also welcome three new teachers to Junior School. Ms Lily Grossman will be teaching Year 3 alongside Mrs Gibson and Mrs Matthew, Mrs Jacqui Dyer joins us to teach Year 5 with Mrs Fisher and Mr Gibbs and Mrs Kelli Byron joins us for two days a week to teach Year 4 with Ms Ryan, who is returning from Parental Leave, Mr Flanagan and Mr Ruddick.

Finally, I would like to thank our Girton Junior School community for their commitment and support throughout the year. I am both proud to be part of, and thankful to be supported by, such a wonderful school community. Have a safe and happy Christmas break and we all look forward to greeting you again at the start of the school year.