Every year we ceremonially gather by the Yarra ahead of the rowing season, to acknowledge the work and the collaboration needed, and to bless new boats. This year is additionally special, celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Merton Hall Rowing Club (MHRC). OGs and past parents joined current girls and their families to reflect on the extraordinary history of our rowing program and pledge support to our future success.
Adding his name to the MGGS fleet of boats, we acknowledged the influential contributions of Mr Don Clarke to our rowing program. Father to three OGs who rowed, he gave so much time and passion to the MHRC, as long standing treasurer and then president. It was special that Don was joined by wife Fiona and family.
These past two weeks it has all been about “community”. Last weekend, we gathered for the annual OG Anniversary Chapel Service, including a special celebration of the OG donation to Artemis, which is represented in the naming of the bridge to the Chapel of St Luke. Some 50 Old Grammarians shared memories of their time at MGGS, and marveled at the scope and quality of the Artemis Centre. Included in our service, the acknowledgement of the 50th Anniversary of the Chapel of St Luke. We were thrilled to have past Chaplains Father Walter McEntee and Reverend Clemence Taplin, and 10th Principal Mrs Christine Briggs, join us for the day. Most noteworthy, Ms Judy Wilkinson, past President of the Old Grammarians Society, OG 1965, and grandmother to current students Evie and Honey, was endorsed as Honorary Life Member of the Old Grammarians Society. Congratulations Judy.
On Friday we enjoyed an enormously successful Navy Blue Lunch: successful for the sell-out of seats, for the joyous atmosphere, for bringing past parents, Old Grammarians, and current parents together across ELC – Year 12, and for the incredible fundraising effort. As I write, final donations are still being counted, but I can confirm that this year we have hit new heights, with over $70,000 being raised. We look forward to announcing the final figure shortly. A huge thank you to our NBL Committee, your amazing efforts, countless hours, and passion for creating a high quality event are sincerely appreciated.
Congratulations to the students who have been endorsed as our 2018 Student Executive Council. They have accepted significant responsibility in their respective roles, and most importantly will model and advance our School Values in action.
The final week of term is action packed. I am looking forward to attending dinners, concerts and of course, the culminating House competition, House Music! The first Valedictory event takes place, the final Chapel Service for Year 12, sounding the note that Year 12 is about to transition beyond our Red Brick Walls. In fact, on Friday the window to the Year 12 Common Room hosted the banner “15 days to go”!
May the term break ahead bring restful time and family connection. We have had an amazing 2017 and the final term will need all our vital enthusiasm to fittingly conclude an historically important year.