The mid-term break is a great time to pause and reflect on what is a fast paced Term 4 at Melbourne Girls Grammar. For many of us, we spend the time operating in two different academic years as we work to ensure a successful close to 2017 whilst planning and preparing for the 2018 academic year. The term is very much a time of transition, as we farewell the Year 12 students and welcome our incoming Year 5 and Year 7 girls. In Week 3, our Year 7 2018 girls, both continuing and new to MGGS, spent two days together in preparation for their transition. The days are an excellent opportunity for the girls to connect with each other and key staff and student leaders. The days are filled with both great excitement and a degree of nervousness as the girls begin the journey to the next stage of their School experience.
We received more exciting news from The Educator magazine last week. Fresh on the heels of MGGS receiving the Innovative School’s award, Catherine Misson has been recognised in The Educator’s Hot List for the second year in a row. The Hot List shines a spotlight on individuals at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the Australian education sector. Click here to read the full article.
A new experience for me this year, in the absence of Catherine whilst on a well-earned sabbatical, was sitting on the selection panel for The Barnett Art Prize. It was a delight to be taken through the portfolios by the shortlisted candidates as they explained the development of their ideas and shared their passion for the Arts. The Barnett Art Prize is offered to recognise and encourage a gifted Year 11 student to develop her potential and talent in Visual Arts. I am very pleased to announce that Sophie Smith has been awarded the 2017 Barnett Art Prize, with Charlotte Jones highly commended. I warmly congratulate these students for their success and thank Mr Michael Clough, past Chairman, Merton Hall Foundation, for his continuing support of this Prize.
Our Years 12 girls have now commenced their VCE exams. We have been so impressed with their diligence and the support and kindness they have shown to each other throughout the journey. The final VCE exam will be on 22 November and we wish them every success as they tackle the final hurdle in the secondary school experience.
Chris McNamara
Acting Principal of Melbourne Girls Grammar