The hikes were both a struggle and rewarding, offering breathtaking views of rugged cliffs, regrowing bush and plants unique to the Grampians. Camping outdoors was a highlight of the trip. Setting up tents, cooking over a campfire and sharing stories with friends created a sense of camaraderie and simplicity. Sleeping under the open sky was a memorable experience, and I enjoyed waking up to the serene sounds of nature each morning.— Annelie, Year 8

I hope you have shared some important family time over the King’s Birthday holiday. It came just at the right time as the levels of fatigue amongst our Grammarians was apparent and the respite much needed. Everyone has been working hard and there has been a plethora of co-curricular activities. We all needed a good rest!

Oh, how I love this beginning quote from Annelie with the two words, ‘struggle and reward’ in the same sentence reflecting on her recent hike on Year 8 Camp in the Grampians. This is certainly a Grammarian with a growth mindset, who can recognise that hard work brings its own gift. At MGGS, we ask our Grammarians to strive for excellence and not shy away from rigour. It is exactly the message our critical friend Dr Judith Locke encourages and promotes – allow young people to take risks in their learning, so that they develop resilience and responsibility. It is with this mind, that I am delighted to announce that we have the ‘green light’ to share some wonderful news for Morris Hall. We have begun the development of our long-awaited new playground! This playground is designed to be a vibrant space where our girls can connect with each other and the environment, helping them grow as confident individuals ‘in, and of the world’. The space will include an updated Imagination Zone and an innovative and challenging active play space. Construction is scheduled to begin in the Term 3 holidays and be ready for the start of Term 1, 2026. During this time, certain areas may be temporarily closed for safety reasons, and we appreciate your understanding and co-operation. We look forward to providing a fantastic new play space for our girls and will keep you updated throughout the process.

Reconciliation Week with the theme Bridging Now to Next was observed from 27 May to 3 June with curriculum, storytelling, art and a whole school approach. Our Reconciliation Week assembly was a wonderful example of how a school can celebrate First Nations Scholars and be proud to be a positive voice in reconciliation. Proud Quandamooka woman, Auntie Katrina Amon was our special guest at assembly and shared her family story over time. Auntie Katrina reminded us that we have come so far but still have a long way to go. 

Next week, our VCE students will sit the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) General Achievement Test (GAT). The GAT is an essential part of the VCE assessment process. It tests written communication, mathematics, science and technology, humanities, the arts and social sciences. GAT results are used to check that final VCE assessments and school-assessed coursework have been accurately and fairly marked. The GAT proves extremely important, giving all students insurance if something unexpectedly prevents them from completing their VCE exams. The GAT is used because its results are a good predictor of final assessment for VCE studies and therefore support the calculation of final grades if necessary. If a student has done well in the GAT, they are likely to do well in other assessments. We wish our VCE students well in this test. 

Winter is upon us with that extra chill factor! In the final weeks of term our staff have been busy assessing student work and writing Semester 1 reports. Our Senior Years students are in the thick of exams and assessments and our students have been impressive in their attention to the tasks at hand. The feedback given to students is critical in the learning process and I encourage all families to have a conversation with their daughters in how they perceive themselves to be progressing in their learning. Students will receive their reports on the last day of Term 2. 

In closing, thank you to our wonderful grandparents and family members who visited our youngest Grammarians at the Early Learning Centre last week. It was so joyful! The last two weeks of term have many activities, and as I accompany the entire Year 9 cohort to East Arnhem Land next week, Ms Lynda Wall will act in the capacity of Principal in my absence. 

Yours in learning

Dr Toni E. Meath
Principal