Principal's Report
There has been a lot of commentary in the Media about the Plebiscite (Yes/No vote for marriage equality). Regardless of our individual positions on whether to vote “yes” or “no” we need to be aware that some of the commentary in the news and social media has been detrimental to members of our school community, including students, staff members and families.
Two fundamental values of our school are that we are inclusive and supportive.
The MFG value of “inclusivity” means that everyone, regardless of their sexuality, gender identity, racial background, disability, or social status are welcome at our school. This is truly one of the wonderful things about being a city school with such an eclectic community. We have so much to learn from one another. Yes, these personal differences sometimes bring challenges, but at MFG our staff, students and parents are encouraged to celebrate that - because it is through understanding and accepting difference that we improve, as people and as a society.
The second fundamental value is that we are supportive of one another. This is not just something we say because it sounds nice… We do not have to agree with each other, but if we are part of this community we have a collective commitment to support one another, despite our differences of opinion from time to time. I want to encourage our students, staff and families to seek help if they are upset by the media/social media coverage or by some of the prejudices that have been expressed in the wider community. You have a right to feel safe and accepted for who you are.
We have the Safe and Supportive Hub at school for our MFG community to access, as well as home group teachers who are willing to listen and offer guidance. I encourage families to talk about these issues together and urge all our students to strongly embrace the two MFG trademarks of inclusivity and supportiveness. This is particularly important now when some of our community are troubled and upset.
I wish everyone a wonderful Term 4 and encourage our Year 12 students to embrace their last weeks of learning with positive mindsets and a willingness to stay focussed and apply themselves right up to their final exam.
Staff News
We welcome back Anne Halliburton and Vanessa Bartholomew to our school.
We thank Annie Mullen-Walsh for her work with our students as she leaves to have her first child.
Uniform 2018
In 2015 we moved to a new uniform and at the time advised parents and students that there would be a three year phase in process. At the end of 2017 the three year phase will conclude. In 2018 the three years will have ended and the new uniform is due to be worn by all students in all year levels.
The three year phase in process was to give parents and carers an opportunity to purchase items, as needed, over this time. We understand that this is an extra expense but School Council is adamant about the need to adhere to this timeline for 2018.
The school uniform policy is attached. Additional (optional) items have been added to the uniform list, these include:
- MFG Rugby jumper
- MFG tracksuit pants – two options tapered leg as well as open leg
- Scarves, mittens and hats – school colours (red, navy, yellow and white)
- MFG school bag
Please note that the second hand shop has some items for sale.
School Council has carefully considered this decision and we thank you for your support to ensure that the policy is followed.
If this poses any financial challenges for you, please contact Chelsea Bright, the School Services Manager, to discuss how we can support your child to be in the new full school uniform in 2018.
School Council have advised that they believe some consideration be given to the fact the Year 12s are in their final year. The 2018 Year 12 uniform will be as follows:
- The new MFG summer dress, not the previous blue one
- The new MFG white shirt, not the previous blue one
- The old kilt can be worn
- The old sports uniform can be worn when the students are participating in PE and sport
- The new blazer is optional for Year 12
Generally, Year 12 students like to have a Year 12 jumper that they wear for the year. This will be permitted in 2018 as well, but it is not compulsory.
Finally, there are a few misconceptions regarding uniform that I would like to clarify. These are our current and ongoing guidelines regarding uniform:
- The blazer is compulsory and to be worn to and from school unless the advertised daily temperature is 25 or over
- The jumper is optional
- Hair colour is natural only
- Boots are not permitted as school shoes
- Tracksuit pants must be the MFG pants (no other blue pants or leggings are permitted)
Thank you for your support.
Michelle Crofts
Principal