From the Head of Senior School

Waratah Dance Festival, Kendall’s Studio, Milk Bar, Hastings Kitchen, main stage, upstage, strike and move were all new linguistic terms and set design pieces that I learned while assisting with the backstage crew of the Strictly Ballroom school production. As a novice in the world of school productions, it was also an ideal opportunity for me to meet with the students in a different environment from the typical school setting. 

While backstage, I assisted staff and students with the manipulation of sets and props (called a strike). The camaraderie we developed and the friendships and peer support of the older students with some of the younger performers were humbling and a joy to witness. The production was an extraordinary achievement by everyone involved, including the orchestra, the backstage crew, choreography, the tech and make-up teams, and other volunteers from the Girton Grammar community who gave up their time to assist with bump-in and bump-out. The feedback from staff, students, members of the public, and the Ulumburra Theatre has been very positive regarding the professionalism of everyone involved and the exceptional talents of all our performers. 

It is hard to believe we are now back in full swing of Term 3, and this is a particularly busy time for planning for next year. Over the coming two weeks, there will be several after-school events, including a Year 10 Information Evening on Monday 1st August, followed by the Parent-Teacher Interview evening on Tuesday 2nd August starting at 4 pm. Senior School photographs will also occur on the 4th and 5th of August. Students must ensure they wear blazers and their full winter uniform.

On Tuesday evening this week, Year 10 students, parents, and caregivers attended the VCE 2023 and 2024 Information Evening. VCE teachers were available to allow students and their caregivers to learn more about subject choices for Years 11 and 12 and to help them decide their future pathways beyond Year 12. Presentations by Dr. Emma O’Rielly, Mr. Rod Smith, Mr. Dave Martin, Mr. Rod Knowles, and Mr. Richie Clark were given in the Black Box and the Lecture Theatre. These presentations centred on the design and components of the Victorian Education Certificate (VCE) and the different types of school-based assessments that are conducted in the VCE courses. Information was also provided on career advice support, student support through the weekly Motivate sessions, and wellbeing and pastoral care to help students cope with the demands of studying for a VCE. Year 11 and 12 students were also available to share their studying experiences, challenges, and tips for success.

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is a Senior Secondary Certificate of Education recognised within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF). It is designed to be completed over two years and includes general education curriculum components (VCE studies) and programs from Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications. Further details of key personnel, the VCE  and its outcomes, student support, special events, and subject summaries can be found in the VCE handbook, which is available from reception in the Performing Arts Building or on Astra.

Ms Dawn Davis

Head of Senior School