Principal’s Report

Term Three has started off as lively as ever, with our young people having returned this term tuned in and ready for the challenges of the second semester. Personally, it has been terrific to engage with students in such positive ways, absorbing their enthusiasm and looking forward to the next few months.  This term holds many events such as a new round of Inter School Sports, new electives, the GAT for VCE students in September and the long-awaited school production. With not long to go until opening night, tickets for Melbourne Girls’ College production of Mamma Mia will go on sale in just two weeks' time. Make sure to get tickets to support the MGC with what is sure to be a wonderful production.

Although it appears as though we are only halfway through the 2022 school year, the planning for 2023 has begun. Over the next few weeks, we will unveil our course counselling sessions with students across Years 8 to 11.  Such events will not only advise and provide valuable information to students and families about the pathway and elective opportunities but also offer forums and platforms for discussions and support.  It is an exciting time, especially when engaging students in the design of their individual programs across Years 9, 10, Year 11 and 12. With so many courses, programs, and opportunities now available to students, it is important for teachers, parents and students to work together in partnership during this time. 

Parents would be aware of the changeable landscape we face in dealing with COVID. The Department of Education and Training has updated the operational advice for schools after recent announcements by the Victorian government about public health measures to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 and other illnesses, especially influenza, throughout the remainder of the winter season. 

It is the department’s expectation that, through to the end of winter, students aged 8 and over and staff will wear masks when in class, except where removing a mask is necessary for clear communication or when a particular activity requires the removal of a mask. 

Students won’t be required or expected to wear masks when outdoors, and this expectation won’t stop student participation in the full range of school activities, including music, sport and performances. Please note that masks continue to be mandatory on public transport. 

A reminder that students who are close contacts and attend school should still take 5 Rapid Antigen Tests over 7 days and wear a face mask whilst indoors if they are aged 8 years or over. Rapid Antigen Tests will continue to be provided to students periodically during Terms 3 and 4. Students should continue to stay home if they are unwell, even if they test negative on a Rapid Antigen Test. 

Finally, I would like to congratulate on behalf of the MGC community Antigone Thornton and Year 10 and Mim Suares-Jury in Year 11. Antigone has been selected in the State School Victorian 17 and under Softball team and Mim who has recently represented Victoria in the Under 18 Lacrosse National Championships, where the team was undefeated, and Mim named MVP for the tournament.  Wonderful achievements.

Thank you for your ongoing and unwavering support as we continue to make a difference each day.

Tamy Stubley

Principal

Melbourne Girls’ College