From the Principal

2022 was a positive and productive year at Girton for so many reasons as our students returned to face-to-face learning after two years of disruptions. As a parent myself, I witnessed my two daughters flourish in the Junior School, and witnessed the relief and joy felt by our teachers to have our students back in the classroom.

For many of our students, 2022 was a year of firsts after COVID lockdowns. For our Preps, Year 1, 2, 7, 8 and 9 students, they attended their first Swimming and Sports Carnivals. Many students enjoyed their first Foundation Day and hit the stage at their first Junior, Middle School and Senior School performances. They sang at their first House Carols Services and applauded each other at their first Speech Nights.

It was my privilege to share these events in person again with all of them as I experienced my own first term as School Principal. I loved watching our students embrace these opportunities to have fun, perform, compete, celebrate, and enjoy the rich Girton traditions that are passed from generation to generation.

Once again, we were very pleased with our VCE results this year, but even more so with the attitude of our students as they returned to face-to-face learning. As we farewelled our Class of 2022, I felt particularly proud having known and observed many of these students during my 16 years at Girton, as they have journeyed, grown, and changed through the years. As I said at their Valedictory Dinner, wherever the world takes them, whatever success means to them, they will always be Girtonians. As Old Girtonians in years to come, just like you, I am sure they will fondly reminisce over this newsletter.

For some of our staff members, 2022 was their last year at Girton after announcing their retirements. During 27 years of service, Mrs Cate Brewin made a strong impression on generations of students and staff, leaving with Girton a strong legacy – including Aherne Family Night. We also bid farewell to Mrs Betty Higgs after 29 years of service. Mrs Higgs joined Girton as a part-time sessional piano instructor in its first year as a Grammar School in 1993, began teaching piano full-time in 1998, and was appointed Head of Instrumental Music in 2001. Mr Merv Hynes, an invaluable member of the Maintenance Department, retired after 10 years at Girton, as did Mr Trevor Cantwell, also a member of the Maintenance Department, and a friendly face on the school crossing for 12 years come rain, hail or shine. The School also commended Mr Rod Knowles on his retirement for six years of exemplary service in which Mr Knowles’ strong guidance proved invaluable for our senior students as Head of Student Futures.

We also thanked Mrs Lorraine Ellis for her long and loyal service to our School as she embarked on the next chapter of her life. Mrs Ellis began at Girton in 1997 in the Payroll Office and over 23 years, carried out many important roles, including Senior First Aid Officer.

Two members of the Girton Community - Mrs Robyn MacCulloch and Mr Rob Ketterer - were presented with the award of Life Governor at the Year 10-12 Speech Night celebrations. These appointments were awarded in October 2020, however recent global events prevented the opportunity to share with the Girton community their extensive contributions. Mrs MacCulloch was the founding Deputy Head of Girton Grammar School from 1993 to 2018 and Acting Headmistress in 2003, retiring in 2018 after 31 years as a teacher and leader at Girton. Mr Ketterer joined the Girton Grammar School Board in 1999 and served through to 2018, Chairing the Girton Board from 2012 onwards. Mrs MacCulloch and Mr Ketterer join Mr John Higgs, Mr Clayton Jones, Mr Chris Morey, and Mrs Janice Thomas as Life Governors, bringing the total of Girton Grammar School Life Governors to six.

After feedback from the Girton Community, we introduced a change to our Girton uniform expectations. Two Year 9 students came to me with a well-considered proposal to introduce a set of uniform ‘suites’ or wardrobes in which our students can mix and match uniform pieces. The idea was supported by the Girton Community to introduce three uniform wardrobes in 2023 – Summer Suite, Formal Suite and Physical Education Suite - for both Junior School and Senior School. I know these changes will be especially appreciated when the summer uniform can be replaced with something warmer during inclement weather in November and December.

In 2023, we will reveal a number of building updates, including a state-of-the-art kitchen teaching facility in the Junior School and newly refurbished Morey Building in the Senior School. We will begin to implement Girton Grammar School’s Strategic Plan 2023-2028, which will be supported by the 10-year Girton Grammar School Master Plan 2023-33, due for release early next year. The Master Plan will ensure that the future development of the School’s buildings and spaces align our physical environment with our strategic vision, and will assist with the acquisition of property surrounding the school to enable future development for the benefit of our students, such as this year’s acquisition of Elliot Bros on Wattle St.

Finally, after an extensive search, I was pleased to announce the appointment of a Deputy Principal. Mr Jay Weston is a passionate educator with extensive teaching and leadership experience in the secondary school sector, and I look forward to working with him as we implement our five-year Strategic Plan over the next few years. I extend my sincere appreciation to Mr Don Thompson, Head of Junior School, for assuming the position of Acting Deputy Head in Terms 2, 3 and 4, in which his intelligence and wise counsel was greatly appreciated.

2023 marks the 30th Anniversary of the founding of Girton Grammar School, with a number of celebrations set to take place. We will certainly have much to celebrate as we take a walk down memory lane.

Dr Emma O’Rielly

PRINCIPAL