‘Ad Astra per aspera’ translates as ‘to the stars through difficulties or challenges’.

This is a line from the opening song at the Merton Hall Concert on Thursday night and beautifully captures the essence of what we aim do at MGGS, to learn and achieve through making an effort, through challenge and struggle. To achieve excellence, you need to strive and work hard but also to have a sense that you can and should aim high.

Over the past fortnight, Prep celebrated 100 Days of Big School, while our Year 12 students began their countdown to the final 100 days of their MGGS journey. From Prep to Year 12, we witness the many milestones, achievements and moments of growth that shape each student’s learning journey. We are continually inspired by what our Grammarians achieve through persistence, curiosity and collaboration with their peers and teachers. This week, Morris Hall parents stepped into the learning studios to experience firsthand how and what their daughters have been learning.

The third and final challenge for the 2026 Domain Cup, the Domain Netball match took place on Friday 7 August. The SEC and domain leaders put on a bake sale and sausage sizzle to raise funds for the chosen Charity One Girl. The Artemis Team Zone was packed with chanting MGGS and MGS students cheering their peers on. MGS came with sharpened netball skills and played with determination but MGGS ultimately won the match (played across Years 9 – 12) by 5 goals. This means that Melbourne Girls Grammar has retained the Domain Cup for the second year in a row.

On Tuesday 11 August, our MGGS Chess Team travelled to Korowa for an interschool competition, while our AFLW Firsts team headed to Port Melbourne for the highly anticipated Herald Sun Shield Grand Final against Carey Grammar. The Merton Army of around 120 students from Years 7 to 12 brought banners and placards, chanting and cheering throughout the match. It was a hard-fought contest, with MGGS dominating the first three quarters before a challenging final quarter tested both teams. MGGS won the competition for the fourth consecutive year, recording a score of 8.7 (55) to 3.5 (23). Claudia Kogler was named Best on Ground, but every player brought their best game on the day. Congratulations to all involved, and thank you to Colin Drake (Coach), Tennille Nash (Assistant Coach) and Anthony Bruhn (Runner) for their efforts throughout the AFLW schoolgirls season. We are incredibly proud of this outstanding achievement.

On Thursday 13 August, we were enchanted by the Merton Hall Music Concert ‘Ad Astra’ (to the Stars) at Deakin Edge in Federation Square. It was a wonderful showcase of musical talent, diverse skills and collaboration across Middle and Senior Years Grammarians, as well as solo performances from our Year 12 students: Casey Wong, Daisy Stoney and Stephanie Adamson. All our musical stars shone brightly on the night and we thank Director of Music, Ms Elizabeth du Blet and all the Music staff and students who contributed to such a special (stellar) night!

Principal, Dr Toni Meath surprised staff and students by attending the football grand final and the school concert, having returned from overseas sabbatical leave earlier in the week. Her official return to school was on Friday when she attended the Middle Years and Year 12 Chapel Service at Christ Church, South Yarra.

Today, Monday 17 August, marks the start of STEM week with a Middle and Senior Years Assembly in the Artemis Team Zone and we look forward to a week of exciting lunchtime activities and the Celebration of STEM evening on Thursday.

Yours sincerely,

Lynn Broadway
Deputy Principal: Educational Leadership – Wellbeing