Once the calendar ticks over into November, there is a sense that the end of the year is almost upon us, but it is one of the most exciting months of the school year, with VCE students finishing their examinations and all year levels preparing to step up for the year ahead. It is also a month of celebrating achievements and acknowledging the contributions of so many in our community.

With Dr Toni Meath taking leave for the rest of the year, I have officially commenced in the role of Acting Principal. This is an honour and a privilege and I am grateful for the support of Deputy Principal, Ms Lynda Wall, Acting Deputy Principal, Ms Sarah Gill, and all the MGGS staff. Dr Meath is in our thoughts and prayers and we look forward to welcoming her back at the start of 2025.

The Middle Years Production of The Little Mermaid Jr on 29 and 30 October was a musical and visual delight! The talents and enthusiasm of the performers, the colourful and imaginative costumes and the song and dance brought joy to all in the audience. Warmest Congratulations to all the cast, staff and student production crew and our wonderful Drama and Music departments for all their efforts!

Over the past fortnight, there have been many transition activities at MGGS, with the Year 3 Camp, Year 5 Orientation days, ELC to Prep transition mornings and new Prep to Year 4 students visiting Morris Hall. These are important introductory activities which help our Grammarians prepare for the year ahead.    

One of the outcomes of our consultation and review process for the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan was to review our Mobile Device Policy. We will be introducing several changes to this policy at the start of 2025 and looking to extend the restricted use of mobile devices during the school day to the senior levels, further details will be shared with our community later in the year.  

On Wednesday 6 November, MGGS hosted a Chaplains in Schools meeting to say farewell and thank you to The Archbishop of Melbourne, Philip Freier. There was a service in the Chapel of St Luke, followed by a meal in the Dining Hall, attended by over 65 Anglican school chaplains and principals. Archbishop Philip Freier is the 13th Archbishop of Melbourne and was installed in December 2006. He has been a wonderful supporter and friend of the School over the years and has attended the opening and blessing of numerous buildings, refurbishments and gardens at MGGS. He will retire on 9 February, 2025, when he turns 70.

The House Swimming Carnival at MSAC on Friday 8 November gave our Year 11 students the opportunity to step into their leadership roles. The 2025 House Captains were ably supported by their peers in building House Spirit and cheering the swimmers on. At the end of the day, all Year 11s followed tradition by holding hands and jumping into the pool. It was a day of strong competition, lots of cheering and some amazing individual results. Victory on the day went to Mungo House for the first time since 2014!  

With only four weeks left of Term 4, we will be carefully checking uniforms in the lead up to Speech Night and the Merton Hall and Morris Carol Services. We ask all families to assist by ensuring that the summer dresses are of an appropriate length and that our Grammarians have the correct white socks, school jumpers and wear their blazers to and from School and at assemblies and chapel services. 

With every good wish for all that lies ahead…

Lynn Broadway
Acting Principal