Summer in Melbourne has been very unpredictable, with erratic temperature changes and extremes and very little rainfall. At MGGS, our calendar is very full but finely tuned and predictable as we step through each term, and that brings a sense of familiarity and order.
By Week 3, the School seems to have settled into the rhythm of the new 2026 routine. The weekly cycles and activity schedules are in place for teaching and learning, activities and events. There is a sense of optimism and excitement for new challenges and experiences amongst the students which come with a fresh start in Term 1.
So far, we have welcomed parents and guardians onto our campus with the Boarders Family BBQ, JY, MY, Year 9 and SY information nights, breakfasts and teacher meet and greets from ELC to Morris Hall and Wildfell. We hope to see many of you again at the Whole School Cocktail Party on Thursday 26 February.
In Week 2, whilst our Year 12 Art students travelled to Canberra for the annual Art Camp, the Year 11s enjoyed an evening of sophistication and style at their first Formal, held at Leonda. The level of co-ordination and planning involved in putting together each outfit, and the logistics of the night was most impressive. We hope that our Grammarians can apply that same level of rigour to their studies!
At Morris Hall, our Year 4 students received their badges from Dr Meath at the Leadership Assembly and heard from Olympic Gymnast, Ashley Brennan who gave an inspiring address. Our School Captains also shared snippets of their own experiences at MGGS.
Lunar New Year – the year of the Fire Horse, was marked by a wonderful celebration at Merton Hall on Monday 16 February. Ann Soyer led a dedicated team of parents who organised a Bubble Tea stand and gave out good luck gifts and trinkets. Our 3 and 4 Year Olds joined the senior students beside the Artemis Centre to watch a spectacular troupe of Lion Dancers, accompanied by drums and bells.
Wednesday brought a day of quiet reflection at Merton Hall with Ash Wednesday Services held in the Chapel of St Luke for students in Years 5 to 12. Rev Ross reminded us of the importance of the Lenten season, taking time for reflection and gratitude, to be kind to ourselves and know that each of us matters and is loved.
We are aware that some of our Grammarians are also observing Ramadan at this time, which began on Wednesday 18 February.
The Father Daughter Breakfast provided the opportunity for our Year 12 Grammarians to gather for breakfast with their fathers/father figures at the Terrace by the lake in the Royal Botanic Gardens. Paul Perrett, CEO and Tech Entrepreneur, and father of Year 12 twins Grace and Imogen, delivered a heartfelt and carefully researched address on what daughters mean to fathers and the important role of the father figure. He contemplated what it is that EWAs (Ethical Women of Action) need in addition to the basics of food, transport and playlists; and surmised that they need to know that you believe in them, they cannot be stereotyped and they can learn from things not going well. Paul said they must be allowed to explore and determine their own futures, self-determination is key but takes courage.
We were delighted to welcome back a significant number of 2025 leavers for the High Achievers Assembly on Friday. All students in Years 5 to 12 were able to listen to advice, tips and feedback from students who had achieved 99+ or perfect scores in the VCE. The results of the 2025 cohort were truly outstanding and demonstrated the powerful effect of working together to bring everyone along.
At MGGS, whatever your culture, faith or beliefs, please know that each and every one of you is an integral part of our Melbourne Girls Grammar Community.
Every blessing.
Lynn Broadway
Deputy Principal: Educational Leadership, Wellbeing