Senior School News

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

This morning, Girton Grammar’s Class of 2025 gathered with school staff to celebrate their outstanding VCE results. 

In a fitting conclusion to their 13 years of schooling, more than 30% (31.3%) of Girton’s Year 12 students achieved an ATAR above 90, and more than half (51.8%) achieved an ATAR above 80. Four students achieved perfect study scores of 50 in their chosen subjects. 

“I and all the staff at Girton are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students,” Principal Dr Emma O’Rielly said. 

“Not only have they achieved remarkable results this year, they have continually displayed leadership, perseverance and dedication throughout their secondary school years, which started with disruption, uncertainty and lockdowns. We commend the students for their unwavering sense of determination.” 

Graduates Sarah Witham and Katia Kamateros were thrilled to achieve ATARS above 99, placing them in the top 1% of the state. 

“I’m so glad the work I’ve put in this year has paid off,” said Sarah. “I want to thank all the Girton teachers for doing such an amazing job.” 

Katia echoed this sentiment. “Whilst I recognise my own dedication to my studies, I would like to applaud my teachers and tutors for their dedication and support throughout this year.” 

The 2025 VCE highlights for Girton Grammar include: 

• Two students achieving ATARs above 99, placing them in the top 1% of the state 
• 2.4% of Girton’s students finishing in the 1% of the state 
• 4.8% of Girton’s students finishing in the top 2% of the state 
• 12% of Girton’s students finishing in the top 5% of the state 
• 31.3% of Girton’s students finishing in the top 10% of the state 
• 51.8% of Girton’s students finishing in the top 20% of the state 
• 4 students achieving a study score of 50 (in the subjects of English, French, Biology and Systems Engineering) 
• 16% of students achieving study scores above 40 
• A median ATAR of 81. 

Reflecting on the power of connection that this Year 12 cohort displayed throughout their secondary school years, Dr O’Rielly expressed excitement for their futures. 

“This group chose to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities available at Girton and to make a difference in the school community. They are leaving the school not just with outstanding academic outcomes, but with the strong values and social emotional skills that they will need to thrive in the world beyond our school gates,” she said. 

“I have every confidence they will go on to do amazing things.” 

Dr O’Rielly also congratulated and thanked the teachers and families that supported these students throughout their school years. 

“Thank you to the teachers, parents and carers of our Year 12 students. These outcomes would not be possible without your support, guidance and encouragement."

These results can be seen on the Girton Grammar website. 

Annual Service of Carols 2025

On Tuesday 2 December, each of our six houses held their annual Service of Carols. 

Every year Girton Grammar comes together to celebrate the spirit of Christmas and collectively contribute to a toy drive to help spread joy to those in need. We would like to thank every member of our community for donating a toy or gift to place under the Christmas tree this year. We wish you all a merry Christmas! 

You can find photos of our annual carols service below. 

Aherne House

Frew House

Jenkin House 

Jones House

Millward House

Year 8 Immersion | Cooking Class - どらやき

Year 8 Japanese students had their first cooking session in the kitchen this week, lead by Kerr-sensei. Students had to read and understand the recipe in Japanese for dorayaki どらやき.　

Dorayaki is a popular and delicious Japanese treat. It’s made from two small round pancakes which are traditionally sandwiched together with a sweet red bean paste called anko. Dorayaki has ancient origins in Japan. During the Edo Period (1603–1867), they looked like thin folded cakes, similar to an omelette or pastry. It wasn’t until the 20th century that we got the round sandwich version! (Source: BritishMuseum.org 2021)

The students enjoyed assembling their dorayaki and most of them liked the taste of azuki (sweet beans). A special thank you to Watanabe-sensei for sourcing and providing the azuki beans for the class. We look forward to seeing what the Year 8 Immersion Japanese students make throughout 2026!

French Immersion | Cooking Class

Last semester, I chose to do French Immersion as my elective. In French Immersion, we learnt to cook French foods, such as French Toast, Crepes and Madeleines. However, the main objective of this elective was to help our fluency, pronunciation and our understanding of the French language. I enjoyed it so much that I decided I would partake in French Immersion again. Last week, we worked with partners to decorate a Bûche de Noël (Yule Log). This was a competition, and whoever won got bragging rights. 

My partner, Sunday, and I were judged the ‘best decorators of the Buche de Noel.’  It was interesting to decorate, as it gave you an insight into French culture and the creativity of the people, as it looked like a real log! I have loved being a part of French Immersion, and I have learnt so much about not just the language, but the culture of the French people. If you want to improve your French skills in an environment unlike a regular classroom, then this is the elective for you.

Hugo Dufty (8 Riley)

Girton Racing Team Shines at Energy Breakthrough Event

On Friday, 21 November, the Girton Racing Team (GRT) headed to Maryborough for the 24-hour Energy Breakthrough event. GRT proudly fielded four teams: two Human Powered Vehicles (HPV) and two Electric Energy Vehicles (EEV).

After setting up camp, teams presented their displays and completed the design and construction components—each worth 25 points and crucial to the final results. Practice laps on Friday evening determined grid positions, with our teams placing 8th, 13th, 96th, and 102nd.

The race began at midday Saturday. Despite a few crashes and challenging conditions—including heavy rain overnight—our riders and drivers showed resilience. By early Sunday morning, the track dried, allowing for strong finishes.

Final Results:

• IN-Flight: 28th in category
• Locked-IN: 9th in category
• IN-Sane: 7th overall, 3rd in category

• Xception: 8th overall, 2nd in category (after winning the design and construction component)

   

All teams should be proud of their achievements! A huge thank you to our parents and teachers for their support throughout the year, and a special acknowledgement to Mr Robin Kirby for his ongoing dedication to maintaining our trikes and preparing them for each event.

Chloe Phillips (GRT Captain, 11 Aherne) 

Sebastian Loraine (GRT Vice-Captain, 11 Aherne).