From the Principal

While we are only just commencing Term 4, today marked a poignant ending for our graduating class of 2023. I had the great pleasure of joining them at a church service and special assembly to celebrate the final day of their 13-year educational journey, and express our gratitude for the qualities they have shared with us so generously – chief among them kindness, respect and innovation. 

As I prepared my speech for the occasion and contemplated examples of leadership that might inspire their future endeavours, it was the Year 12 cohort themselves who came to mind. This exceptional group of young people have served as role models for us all, and I hope they will find a powerful source of inspiration by reflecting on their own remarkable actions this year. As the famous quote by Thomas Browne goes: All the wonders you seek are within yourself.

Despite the rigours of their final year of schooling, this group chose to look beyond their own immediate needs and devise initiatives that would leave our School a better place for those who will follow in their footsteps. Zoe MacGregor exemplified this spirit when she came to me with a set of ideas aimed at providing better sun protection for our students, supported by a compelling rationale that considered the latest research. I’m delighted we have been able to work with Zoe to implement an array of SunSmart initiatives based on her suggestions, which I introduced to our community of parents and carers in an email sent earlier this week.

Another example of the change-making qualities that have defined this group can be found in Remus Brasier, who championed a brand-new model of student leadership for our School – a Student Delegate Council (SDC), run by students for students. At the end of last term, Remus’s idea became a reality when we inducted 18 students from across our Senior School to the new SDC, who will now work together to suggest ideas for real and lasting changes that will benefit our School community. The SDC will be treated as a co-curricular, with students holding regular meetings and having the opportunity to earn colours for their efforts. 

These are just two recent examples that illustrate the leadership qualities of this group, and their dedication to protecting and empowering their fellow students. This year, they have also been responsible for many other initiatives I have mentioned in previous issues of eLink, including our pronoun badges, Reconciliation Action Plan, and new student beanie and Year 12 House scarf. By selflessly dedicating themselves to improving the school experience for others, this cohort has left a legacy that will enrich our School community for years to come. But even more important is the way they have gone about things, with kindness, collaboration, patience and respect. They have pursued innovative changes while embracing and respecting Girton’s history and traditions, embodying the very essence of our School spirit.

On behalf of our entire School community, I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our graduating class and their families for the invaluable contributions they have made to Girton Grammar, and wish them the best for the exciting next chapter that awaits them.

As we think now to the future, there is much to look forward to this coming fortnight. Next Tuesday, the Junior School will open their production of Aladdin Jr at The Capital Theatre. Our students are incredibly excited to perform this much-loved story after many months of rehearsals, and tickets for the three performance nights are now available via gotix for those who would like to attend. We also wish the very best to the three Tournament of Minds teams who will be competing at the International Finals in Melbourne on Saturday 21 October. Our Girton teams will make up three of the eight teams representing Victoria, which is an extremely proud accomplishment. 

Before I sign off for this issue of eLink, I would also like to take this opportunity to recognise the students who took part in two wonderful events run by our Arts Faculty in recent weeks: Musician and Composer of the Year, and the Performing Arts Showcase. In particular, congratulations to our Musician of the Year, Amelie Woodward (11 Jones), and our Composer of the Year, Kira Moloney (11 Frew). I would also like to congratulate aerobic gymnast Ruby Conti (11 Millward), who represented Australia at the Plovdiv Cup in Bulgaria last weekend. I am continually amazed by the remarkable feats our students are able to achieve by harnessing their extraordinary talents.

Thank you to everyone in our School community for an excellent start to Term 4, and I wish you a wonderful weekend ahead. 

Dr Emma O'Rielly 

Principal