From the Headmaster

Welcome students, staff, and parents to 2019.

I hope that you have had a wonderful summer holiday and enjoyed the things that give you energy and purpose, along with generous doses of relaxation.

For families new to the school, this eLink newsletter is the primary channel for regular communication with Girton families and will feature forthcoming events as well as news and photos from around the school from the previous two weeks. The eLink is also a place to celebrate student achievements and participation in all manner of activities, at Girton and beyond.

The School also has an informative Facebook page, which you may like to follow: https://www.facebook.com/GirtonGrammarSchoolBendigo/

The students and staff have found their stride and settled quickly and happily into the new school year, buoyed by the announcement that the Senior School production this year will be Matilda the Musical. The Drama buffs within the school have been waiting eagerly for the performance rights for this particular show to become available to Australian schools and were quick to pounce just before Christmas, securing rights early in the new year and making Girton one of the first schools in the country to take Roald Dahl’s popular story of a schoolgirl genius to the stage. It is hard to say whether staff or students are more excited.

Last Friday, the Girton Parents and Friends (GPF) hosted a welcome function for families with children new to the Junior School and Senior School. It was wonderful to see so many new faces and to welcome current families to the Senior School. Parents were able to meet with their child’s House Tutors and Heads of House, providing them with the vital first-hand link to those who care for their children each day.

Already, the school is a busy place. Before the first bell sounded, a Girton tennis tournament had been played and the two-day VCE Conference for Year 12 students took place in Melbourne. On Day 2, Senior School students participated in House swimming trials for the forthcoming Swimming Carnival and today we welcomed French exchange students from Ste Ursule School to Girton.

There is never a dull moment at this vibrant school!

All staff and students have been presented with a “PRIME” badge, which represents the element of the RULER Approach to emotional intelligence that will be the focus for 2019. “PRIME” awareness relates to self and social awareness and will be the foundation for teaching staff and students how to Prevent, Reduce, Initiative, Maintain, and Enhance various emotions that positively influence wellness, relationships, and performance.

Enjoy this first edition of eLink for 2019 and I look forward to sharing more news from around the school in future editions.

Matthew F. Maruff

Headmaster