The Head of the Schoolgirls Regatta by the Barwon is the largest all girls sporting event in the southern hemisphere, and the atmosphere every year is tremendous. It takes enormous preparation by all – girls, coaches, and the Merton Hall Rowing Club, to ensure that MGGS has a successful experience. This weekend, our Rowing Program provided all involved a wonderful experience of team spirit, striving for personal best, and a community gathering of great rapport.
The “Merton Army” of supporting students was a positive presence, running at times alongside the crews rowing in their finals. Chatting to these girls, with school colours emblazoned on their cheeks, it was clear they had a great respect for their peers in the boats and a fine sense of pride in the MGGS effort at the Barwon.
Our girls gave their all over the three day meet and they were well encouraged by their team of coaches, led so well by Mr Mike Steele. A huge thank you to the MHRC, our parent volunteers who provide refreshments throughout the Regatta for parents and a raft of other much appreciated provisions. I look forward to the culminating season event, the MGGS Rowing dinner this Thursday.
The OG International Women’s Day Breakfast is now a signature event and we were treated to a fantastic presentation by guest speaker, Ms Emma Grant (OG 1991). In an inspiring address, Emma drew out life lessons from her personal journey from Merton Hall student to internationally competitive rower, to a teaching career, to internationally competitive cyclist, to Director of Coaching for Cycling Australia to pioneering Wellbeing Coach at MGGS. She was passionate in her advocacy for young people learning to self manage, to develop a repertoire of wellbeing strategies and skills. All in attendance were thoroughly engaged by her address.
Term 1 is coming to a close with a feast of House events. With House colours blazing, the girls competed and laughed their way through House Swimming at MSAC. Wonderfully led by Year 12, who relished their final House Swimming competition, the levels of participation were very high and House spirit was on display all day. Ultimately, Hensley prevailed and the House Cup was raised with pink ribbons proudly attached.
Our inaugural Easter Service at St Paul’s Cathedral was a special community experience. We were privileged to commune together and acknowledge the Christian tradition, presided over by The Right Reverend Genieve Blackwell and The Very Reverend Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne.
As we look to the conclusion of Term 1, I pray for a safe and happy progress for girls, staff and families. Our strength as a community has come to the fore already this year as we support each other, a unity and generosity that is remarkable, commendable and special.
