We are entering a period of Term 3 where students receive feedback on their progress, and parents have opportunities to discuss their Grammarians’ learning with teachers. These conversations are an important part of a student’s reflection and motivation to take their learning forward. It is our hope that students think about what they have learnt and what they want to learn next, and that they reflect on ‘results’ in the context of what these say about their learning, rather than in isolation as indicators of success or otherwise. I recently attended the University of Melbourne Open Day, and was engaged by many of the presentations on degree pathways, including the inclusion of breadth studies that allow students to take subjects out of their key fields of study. I trust that Melbourne Girls Grammar students are also thinking about their school education in terms of breadth of learning, and with the lens firmly on developing themselves. Education is not just about the number on the paper at the end but rather on the learning experience.
Book Week was celebrated across the School in Week 5, with activities every day and many flamboyant costumes at both Morris Hall and Merton Hall campuses. It is interesting to reflect on how Book Week makes visible an activity that for many of us, as adults, is quiet and introspective. The experience of reading aloud to children, acting out the voices and marvelling at what might be on the next page, is quite distinct from the experience of silently reading a novel. Book Week ignites the wonder and the conversations that form part of the early childhood experience. Across the School we talked excitedly of our favourite books, and we dressed up and performed the characters. I enjoyed the opportunity to walk the corridors and exclaim over the students and teachers’ costumes, and find out more about their reading. At Merton Hall, children’s and young adult fiction was well represented, with many dressing up as characters from The Hunger Games, Harry Potter, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, along with some impressive costumes from Sherlock Holmes, The Hobbit, The Old Man and The Sea and a range of others.
At Assembly, Ali McGregor – Australian opera singer and cabaret performer – spoke of creating her retelling of the Lorelei, an operatic cabaret re-imagining the sirens as sympathetic characters. We also heard from Adam Hills about his Rockstar Detectives novels, and the process of celebrating non-stereotypical heroes in literature. Both spoke passionately about the possibilities of creating works of fiction and engaging with art forms. Music students were also privileged to have a Q&A session with Ali McGregor, while Wildfell students enjoyed a post-assembly conversation with Adam Hills. The engagement with the Arts, Literature and creative endeavour was a joy to witness, and we offer a huge thank you to the teachers who co-ordinated these experiences.
Continuing with the literary theme, the MGGS Stella Society hosted author Melanie Cheng to discuss her latest book, The Burrow, which was shortlisted for the Stella Prize. The Stella Literary Evening was completely led by students, and their reflections on The Burrow were thought provoking. We are so proud of being able to promote Melbourne writers and have our students begin their journey as writers through the Stella Society.
The MGGS Snowsports program continues to be one of the best in the country; last weekend the skiers celebrated winning the Victorian Interschools Snowsports Championships in the Secondary Girls School category. The students have been training hard, ably supported by staff and the parent auxiliary, and we celebrate this achievement. We’ve also celebrated a number of successes recently which showcase the diversity of interests and opportunities for our students: the Merton Hall Chess Club competed in its first interschool competition this year, with all students achieving at least one win in the round robin tournament. Year 12 student Amelia T was awarded third place in the Parliament Prize, for a video explaining what she would say to Parliament if she were an MP. Morris Hall held its Music Soiree, with our youngest musicians showcasing their skills. Students were also involved in the MGS production of Cyrano de Bergerac. House Public Speaking commenced for Years 7 and 8, while Morris Hall’s Look at Learning is occurring this week. We continue to be busy across the School!
As we look to the warmer weather that Spring presents, we continue to be excited by the further examples of the pursuit of excellence we see across Melbourne Girls Grammar and the joy of learning.
Lynda Wall
Deputy Principal, Educational Leadership, Academic