Melbourne Girls' College

Principal's Report

Welcome to the final newsletter for 2018.

We look forward to tomorrow with anticipation as our VCE results are released. We are proud of all of our students who have completed Year 12, regardless of score. Completing VCE is, in itself, a predictor for better life, health, social and emotional outcomes for each person. Good luck girls!

 

VCE Update

Congratulations to our wonderful Year 12 students and teachers who succeeded on so many levels in 2018. Our inspirational Dux and College Captain, Isabelle Carney attained 99.8.

Ten students attained an ATAR score of 99 or above, 18% of students a study score above 40, 31% of students attained an ATAR above 90, 54% above 80 and 72% above 70.

Ten perfect study scores of 50 were attained in the following subjects:

  • Business Management
  • Product Design
  • English
  • Health
  • Legal Studies
  • Literature
  • Media
  • Visual Communication Design

We are proud of every student no matter the ATAR. Persistence, lifelong learning and grit are what is most important.

 

Early 2018 VCE Success

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) have shortlisted Monique Burns for their annual celebration of the very best VCE art work, “Top Arts”. Monique’s lino-print is titled “Banksia Prionotes” and explores the themes of life cycles and regeneration. Our Parents’ Association have an excellent eye for art as they also awarded the work the “Jesalyn Leong Art Acquisition Award”.

We wish Monique every success to make the final selection. To make the short list in itself is a great achievement. Thank you to Harriet Turnbull our Year 12 Art expert and teacher.

 

Skyline Foundation Success https://skylinefoundation.org.au

Congratulations to Sunny Zhao and Holly Wu who are successful recipients of a Skyline Foundation Scholarship from 2019. Bridget Tellefson, our Year 10 Leader, mentored Holly and Sunny throughout the rigorous selection and interview process, we are most grateful.

The Skyline Foundation provides support, leadership training and University of Melbourne mentoring opportunities to young people of talent and determination.

Current Programs

In the closing weeks of the school year staff are still working solidly to provide engaging programs for our students. Our Year 10 students have completed a very successful Work Experience week, many thanks to Bridget Tellefson, Leigh Hanley, Mella Pescos and Erin Edgley who coordinated our girls and teachers across the week.

Congratulations to Anna Crosswhite, Wendy Keen and their team who have planned, developed and lead the Digital Boot camp initiative. Shaunagh O’Connell, Issy Kontogeorgis and team have developed our traditional Chorals and a new World-wide Learning program, thank you to all staff for the teaching and development of the girls in both digital technologies and global learning. Both programs will ensure a meaningful launch into 2019 study.

 

Year 7 Orientation Day 11 December

We welcomed 230 new students with an assembly, presentations, engaging activities and the opportunity to get to know their Wellbeing teachers. For the first time, we hosted a morning tea for our parents, over one hundred new and established parents came along to hear more about MGC from both a Year 7 and parent involvement perspective. The entire program illustrated the excellent organisation and care of the Year 7 Leaders, Shaunagh O’Connell and Issy Kontogeorgis.

 

From the Richmond Rotary December Newsletter

“Melbourne Girls College Presentation Evening

We are very pleased to have such a wonderful partnership with the Melbourne Girls College.

On behalf of the members I would like to thank Karen Money; Principal, Brooke O’Callaghan; MGC & Rotary Liaison teacher and Glen Holland Facilities Manager for the support they provide to ensure we can provide wonderful opportunities to the students at Melbourne Girls College. Glen assists us with the logistics of events and pop up shops that we hold at the College each year.

I would also like to acknowledge the commitment of Nia Holdenson and Maria Makris who work with the school and the Youth Services Committee to ensure we offer worthy projects that make a difference to the student participants.

I would like to congratulate Nia for her role with Melbourne University and look forward to hearing more about her new role with Melbourne Girls College in 2019.”

 

Refurbishment of Level 3

This exciting project is now underway. The upgrade to a fifty year old facility will allow for flexible learning spaces from standard classroom to double, even triple learning areas but with sophisticated acoustic design to ensure the spaces enhance all types of learning practice. It is anticipated the project will be completed at the end of term 1. The concepts of problem based learning spaces to promote the skills for collaboration, application and deep thinking was of interest to Minister Wynne at a recent meeting, as a tool for building global citizens with the skills for their future success. The Curiosity framework and Department initiatives including the High Impact Teaching Strategies (H.I.T.S.), support the thinking for the design.

 

Rowing

The Rowing Season is well underway with the Sacred Heart regatta taking place on December 1.  The Senior Rowing Camp has also been held this week in Ballarat at Lake Wendouree.

 

2019 Planning

A reminder for 2019 Planning

Student Free Days approved by School Council:

  • Friday, 8th March 2019 - Visible Wellbeing with Professor Lea Waters of The University of Melbourne
  • Friday, 14th June 2019 -  Assessment, Reporting and Planning
  • Friday, 16th August 2019 – Curriculum Day
  • Monday, 4th November 2018 – 2020 Planning

Please enjoy a safe and happy holiday season with family and friends and a safe trip home to our international students. I look forward to learning and working with you all in 2019.

Kind regards,

Karen