Empowering Excellence: Student Success and a Vibrant College Culture

In this edition of our college newsletter, I want to take the time to commend our students for their unwavering dedication to their studies. Across all year levels, our students continue to display an eagerness to learn, actively participating in class discussions, challenging themselves, and consistently striving for excellence. 

I am thrilled to see our extra-curricular programs' impact and positive influence. These programs continue to provide opportunities for our young people to explore their passions, discover new talents and develop critical life skills. Whether it’s participating in the Learn to Row program, engaging in the aerobics or dance programs, representing the college at the interschool sports level, embracing the AAFC cadets culture, or joining a club, our students embrace these opportunities with enthusiasm and dedication.  

Equally important is the positive culture that permeates throughout the college. We have fostered a community where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated and thrive. I consistently see our young people displaying empathy and compassion for one another. This is key in creating an environment where everyone feels connected, has a sense of belonging, and is something to be proud of.

Congratulations to Swathy Nair and Sanduli Wijesinghe on their participation in the Model United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) sponsored by Richmond Rotary this year. They joined students from different schools over a weekend to deliberate and debate a range of contemporary global issues.

Last week a number of other MGC students also participated in a Model UNGA at Reservoir High School run by the United Nations Association of Australia. Students assembled to discuss the topic Planet Ocean: Protecting the World’s Oceans, Seas and Marine Resources which all delegates did with enthusiasm, tackling both friend and foe throughout the day. The current UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addressed participants via video message and luckily no major diplomatic situations unfolded.

I am delighted to share with the college community that Taya Argus, one of our Year 8 students, has made the Victorian Diving Team. Taya’s skill and dedication have earned her a well-deserved spot after an impressive performance in the platform and springboard events, where she secured third place. As a member of the Victorian Team, Taya now has the incredible opportunity to represent our college and compete in the upcoming National Championships, which will be held at Sydney Olympic Park, a venue that has witnessed some of Australia’s most remarkable sporting moments. We extend our best wishes to Taya as she prepares for the championships. 

As we approach the last few weeks of this term, I encourage everyone to continue to pursue their passions, embrace challenges and strive for personal growth. I look forward to sharing and celebrating our college community's continued achievements and successes.

Tamy Stubley

Principal

ChatGPT and Artificial Intelligence

You may be aware of, or indeed be using, new Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies that have become publicly available. One of these technologies, ChatGPT, has received a lot of media coverage this year.

At the start of Term 1, 2023, the Department of Education restricted access to ChatGPT in Victorian government schools. This was because the terms of service restricted access to those aged 18 years or over.

Those terms have now been changed to permit access for those aged 13 years and over. As a result, the interim restriction on ChatGPT has been lifted and secondary school-aged students who are at least 13 years old can now access these technologies (the current restriction on use with primary school-aged students will remain in place).

We will seek your consent if your child’s personal details (such as a mobile phone number) are required to register for the use of the tool. We will also continue to ensure our compliance with all department policies, including those in relation to the safe and responsible use of technology, and privacy and information sharing.

Please remind your child that they should not enter any personal information such as name, age or address into generative AI platforms they might be using at home as this can be a risk to their privacy. This is because content typed into some generative AI tools may be used and reused by the platform and its users.

One area of concern with generative AI tools relates to student assessment. We are aware of these concerns and will use existing assessment policies and processes to understand what students know about the topics being taught and ensure that assessments are completed without undue assistance.

The Department of Education is working with the non-government sector authorities and other state and territory education departments on the use of generative AI tools in schools. We will provide any updates as the term and year progress.