From the Principal

As 2025 came to a close, I found myself reflecting on the theme that guided us: the Year of Mattering. At our first full-school Assembly in January, I shared with students that mattering is about both adding value and feeling valued. It is about feeling significant, visible, relevant and cared for, and about making others feel the same. I challenged our students to look for opportunities, large and small, to add value to their own lives, to each other and to our school. Girton rose to this challenge in every corner of our community.

2025 was also a year of growth in our physical spaces. In March, we proudly opened the Angus MacKay Pavilion at the Junior School. It has been wonderful to see this new undercover learning and recreation space woven into the daily rhythm of school life: a shaded playground one moment, a gathering place for assemblies and special events the next. The students have certainly made it their own. 

Meanwhile, preparations continued for the partial demolition of the John E Higgs Hall, which has played an important role in Girton’s history. Its legacy will be honoured as we plan for the next phase in the building’s evolution. 

At Senior School, planning for the new Languages Centre and green space progressed steadily. Located on the former Paul Sadler Swimland site in Vine Street, this development will significantly expand opportunities for learning and connection.  

Speech night in December marked the launch of our new Girton Mission and Values, though in truth, they are not new, but rather a clear articulation of who we have long been. Our Mission is: We educate and empower young people to achieve and flourish in their aspirations for life. Our six Values — Educational Excellence, Determination, Respect, Curiosity, Compassion and Connection — describe the habits of character that shape daily life at Girton. They honour our past and guide our future, and you can read more about them on our newly updated website.

Our graduating students of 2025 gave us much to celebrate. Their resilience and leadership culminated in outstanding VCE results, with more than 31% achieving an ATAR above 90, and over half above 80. This cohort began their secondary schooling in 2020 in the midst of lockdowns, remote learning and uncertainty, and their journey has been far from straightforward. Yet they have shone. They met challenge after challenge with maturity, humour and determination, growing into young adults who understand the value of connection and the importance of supporting one another. 

Equally important are the many 2025 graduates whose pathways were not defined by ATARs. Some pursued applied learning programs, apprenticeships, traineeships and industry-based opportunities; others followed creative, vocational or entrepreneurial directions. These students leave Girton just as well prepared, equipped with the skills, confidence and character needed to flourish in their chosen futures.  

None of this happens in isolation. I extend my sincere thanks to the School Board for its guidance, vision and steady leadership throughout the year. I am equally grateful to our parents and carers, whose partnership remains vital to our work and whose trust in us is never taken for granted. I also want to acknowledge the Girton Parents and Friends Association (GPF) and Friends of Junior School (FOJS), whose generosity enriches school life in ways that are often unseen but deeply felt.

This year has once again been a testament to the commitment and care of our teachers and staff, and we are immensely grateful for all they do in helping our young people feel they matter every single day. This year, we had the privilege of acknowledging a number of staff who have devoted 10 years to Girton’s culture of excellence, care and connection: Mrs Caryn Clark, Ms Ann Forko, Mr John Gibbs, Mrs Sharon Hocking, Ms Jessica Loraine and Mr Ross Slater. 

We celebrated Mr David Turpie, who was recognised with an Honorary Associate Life Membership of the Old Girtonians’ Association for 20 years of service. We also acknowledged Mr Jamie Turner, who reached the extraordinary milestone of 30 years — three decades of shaping, guiding and inspiring generations of Girton students. 

We bid farewell to several long-serving teachers and professional staff who retired in 2025 and whose expertise, support and care have shaped generations of students: Ms Barbara Fielder (18 and a half years), Mrs Jacinta Jackson (almost 20 years), Mrs Annette Holmes (almost 20 years), Mrs Heather Keig (12.5 years), Mrs Joanne Evans (15 years), Mrs Heather Waterston (17 years), Ms Debbie Adams (more than 22 years). Their influence is seen in classrooms, careers and in the confidence of the young people they guided.  

We were also saddened this year by the passing of two significant contributors to Girton, both of whom leave profound legacies. Mr Tom Glazebrook AM devoted his life to youth and community, and his commitment led to the creation of the annual Rotary Club of Bendigo South – Tom Glazebrook Scholarship for a Year 10–11 Girton student. We also remember Mr Les Evans, a former Senior Master and much-loved Mathematics teacher, who dedicated 22 years to Girton. In 2011, he led the school’s adoption of Yale University’s RULER program, embedding emotional intelligence education deeply into our culture and helping Girton become a RULER Spotlight School for 2025.  

2025 brought moments of joy and celebration, as well as times of significant challenge and sadness, and through all of it we were reminded of what truly matters: the strength of our connections, the compassion we show one another and the sense of belonging that defines Girton. 

As the Year of Mattering came to an end, my hope is that each member of our community can look back and say: I added value. I felt valued. I mattered. And I helped someone else feel that they mattered too.   

Dr Emma O’Rielly 

Principal