“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.” Serena Williams

The International Women’s Day theme this year is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress.

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend and made use of that extra day! I know our Year 6 students were very pleased to enjoy this after a huge week at Year 6 Camp. 

I have been so happy to see our Grammarians commence 2024 in a settled and calm way. Thank you for supporting your daughter to begin the year organised and focused! There is Japanese word ‘Shizuka’ which means ‘calm’ and in a school it is ‘Gakkō no shizukesa’. This has been playing in my head as I walk the School each day. Shizuka, Shizuka, Shizuka. A lovely happy sense of contentment has settled upon our learning. 

The learning of music, I believe to be every human’s birthright. Music plays such an important role for us all and, as a very musical school, it is something we value and hold dear. Our Morris Hall musicians have been practising hard and polishing their playing. This was evident at the first two Morris Hall Music Soirées of the year. I love observing how fast our youngest Grammarians take to their musical instruments. Soirées provide an authentic opportunity for them to perform to real audience. Smiles all round!

The House Cross Country Carnival on Monday 4 March in Fawkner Park was fabulous. One of the stunning characteristics of our School is when we see the ‘sisterhood’ in action. Girls of all ages cheering on their buddies and fellow Grammarians. The ‘sisterhood’ was in full swing at the Cross Country. Well done to our Acting Head of Sport, Renee Brewster, Head of Athletics, Jeff Riseley and the Artemis Team for organising a stellar event.

Congratulations to MGS for hosting the annual William Shakespeare Quad Play and for showcasing our talented Grammarians. This year it was Julius Caesar and, as always, it did not disappoint. High level and compelling, the play was outstanding. Bravo! (Especially to our talented students Esther Nastri, Ava Allen, Amelia Banks, Corrine He, Tabitha Chamberlain, Xanthe O’Loan, Lucy Farrer, Honey Anderson, Amelia Pickering-Banks, and Freya Wajswelner.) 

Morris Hall Athletics on Thursday 7 March was sensational – we enjoyed a beautiful autumn day! Parents, grandparents, Grammarians and staff all got into the buzz of the day! I’m not sure how many records were broken, however much fun was had! These are treasured moments in the academic calendar.

Last week we celebrated International Women’s Day at our Assembly with guest speaker, former School Captain Ahelee Rahman, and with our Emily Hensley Award recipient Ginger Ridgeway at the Lyceum Club. The theme for IWD 2024 is Count Her In: Invest in Women. Accelerate Progress. In a world facing multiple crises that are putting immense pressure on communities, achieving gender equality is more vital than ever. Ensuring women’s and girls’ rights across all aspects of life is the only way to secure prosperous and just economies, and a healthy planet for future generations. There are five key messages for 2024 IWD including investing in women as a human rights issue, ending poverty, implementing gender responsive financing, shifting to a green economy and care society, and supporting female changemakers. Gender equality remains the greatest human rights challenge. Investing in women is a human rights imperative and cornerstone for building inclusive societies. Progress for women benefits us all. The COVID pandemic, geopolitical conflicts, climate disasters and economic turmoil have pushed an extra 75 million people into severe poverty since 2020. This could lead to more than 342 million women and girls living below the poverty line by 2030, making immediate action crucial. Progress for women benefits us all. As a proud girls’ school, we advocate strongly for women across the world. Please join us in championing the female agenda of investment and come together to transform these challenges into opportunities and shape a better future for all.

In closing, as we approach the end of term I would like to remind everyone (especially our Senior Years students) on the importance of sleep. I am well known for the mantra ‘sleep is your friend’. In the busy schedule of school, it is essential for growing children, adolescents and young adults to ensure that they get sufficient sleep. Sleep is as important as exercise and nutrition and our young Grammarians should be aiming for a minimum of 9 hours per night. Inadequate sleep will impact negatively on mood, wellbeing and academic performance and so please support your daughters to get to bed early, turn off devices and limit television and screen time so that they can start each day re-energised and refreshed.

Yours in learning,

Dr Toni E Meath
Principal