A Week of Looking out

This past week I have been talking with lots of families, students and staff about wellbeing, and the theme of gratitude has come up over and over again.

The idea was floated about how our amazing MGC community can show our gratitude and celebrate the community organisations that do so much good around us. So, each day this coming week I am going to post some information and a link to donate to some of the brilliant charity groups we have worked with at MGC over the past few years.

Give a little, or give a lot, but please consider supporting them if you can.

Day 1: Two of our amazing year 11 students Maddy and Hannah have signed up for the Beyond Blue half marathon on the 10th of October. Sponsor them and the brilliant work of Beyond Blue here: https://melbmara2021.grassrootz.com/beyondblue/maddy-and-Hannah

Day 2: The fabulous Ella Reeman of year 9 is participating in Starlight’s Tour de Kids cycling challenge by riding 600km (approximately from here to Cootamundra in NSW) over 30 days to raise money for sick kids. Sponsor her and the life changing work of the Starlight Foundation here:

https://tourdekids.org.au/ella-reeman

Day 3: I have always been a huge fan of the local social enterprise SisterWorks, found in Richmond. Their vision of empowering entrepreneurial migrant and refugee women from low income backgrounds is one with deep synergies with the values of our MGC community and is certainly worth us throwing our support behind. During the pandemic they have continued to support the community through work opportunities and facilitating social connections between local residents, not to mention the donation of thousands of handmade face masks to causes around Victoria.

Learn more about the brilliant work of SisterWorks here https://youtu.be/7WenWkATFOY and you can donate to support them here: https://sisterworks.org.au/donate/

Day 4: The National Homeless Collective is an Australian charity that creates solutions to complex issues arising from homelessness, domestic violence, and social disadvantage. They create Projects that respond to the needs of people living in crisis and distress. Their 'Period Project' is one we at MGC have supported in the past, an Australia wide initiative that proves menstruation products an essential living items to women, non-binary and trans-men experiencing homelessness and housing uncertainty.

During the pandemic they have continued to support the community through providing food hampers to families living in public housing while in quarantine and have built a fabulous relationship with "Underwear for Humanity" who also assist women in vulnerable life situations find employment.

Learn more about the brilliant work of the National Homeless Collective and the Period Project here https://youtu.be/LhGQzByErZk and you can donate to support them here: https://www.nhcollective.org.au/donate/

Day 5: I don't know anyone who is not inspired by watching our athletes in this year's Paralympics. The determination and grit to achieve is awe inspiring and will be the catalyst to inspire not only our next generations of athletes, but also our whole community in pushing through boundaries and doing our personal best.

Paralympics Australia's most current fundraiser is to purchase a virtual seat for the Tokyo Olympics. Every seat purchased is invested in the next generation of Para-athletes through Paralympics Australia’s community and sports programs, changing community perception, and breaking down barriers. You can donate to support them here: https://donate.paralympic.org.au/

The response from our community has already been outstanding, so thank you to everyone who has already contributed!

Performing Arts Centre

The demolition works for our new Performing Arts Centre are nearing completion. In-ground works for the new foundations should be starting soon, including driving screw pylons 10 meters into the ground. This is quite a fascinating process to watch and be involved in, and even though I have been involved in several building projects over the past few years, a project of this size and complexity is quite a learning experience. I will be sure to post updates as the project continues.

We will soon be formally announcing a fundraising effort where the community can 'purchase a seat' in the new theatre, with contributions to recognised by your name being mounted on a seat in your honour. I can't wait to be able to welcome everyone to our new theatre and to watch our fabulous students perform in a space that is truly worthy of their talents.

Health and PE Week

Every one of our students will have been involved in Health and PE week in some way; It has been an amazing week of varied activities to celebrate the importance that physical activity plays in wellbeing. I know the team will publish something in a newsletter soon about this, but I wanted to recognise the contributions of our Health and PE teachers, and in particular Mr. Kyle Monaghan, for all of their work in running this brilliant week of events.

Lockdown Extension

Although not unexpected, the news of yet another lockdown extension will likely hit members of our community in many different ways - from anger to frustration, from apathy to resignation, and I would like to urge everyone to continue to check in on those around you. While there is so much uncertainly in our lives right now, the one thing I am certain of is the importance of family, friends and our colleagues in keeping us well, safe and supported.

If there is anything further we can do to support our tenacious MGC students, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of our wonderful team.

Have a great week

Andrew

Important Dates