We only know a tiny proportion about the complexity of the natural world. Wherever you look, there are still things we don’t know about and don’t understand. There are always new things to find out if you go looking for them. ― David Attenborough

Our valedictory season, with its many significant events, marks the rite of passage for our Year 12 Grammarians. Our Class of 2022 are an impressive cohort, and the way they respectfully approached their final weeks of school is to be commended. The Valedictory Assembly, held at Hamer Hall on 17 October, was a fitting acknowledgement and farewell. At this special assembly, we celebrated the hard work, achievements, and contribution to the life of the School by our Year 12 students and welcomed them as young Old Grammarians. Deputy Chair of Council, Ms Carolyn Clark AO, praised our leaving cohort for the fine legacy they have left and spoke about the importance of community and inclusiveness. The Assembly was an opportunity to thank the Year 12s for their role modelling for our younger students and for the joy they have instilled in our School, and to thank our parents and families for trusting MGGS with the care of their children. Our Year 12 students have received their Old Grammarian Society pin, their Year 12 reference, a chosen book, and a keepsake MGGS crosslet and golden honeybee reflecting their motto for the year, Lead the Change. Be the Change. I wish to thank the outgoing School Captain, Ms Ahelee Rahman, Vice-Captains Ms Anna Boreham and Ms Claudia Casson, the 2022 Student Executive Council and the entire cohort for their fine contribution and legacy to the School. We wish them well as they head into the VCE examination period, and I know that they are well prepared.

The 2023 Student Executive Council Inauguration was led by the Very Reverend Dr Andreas Loewe, Dean of Melbourne, on 19 October. This was a warm celebration and significant event for our incoming Class of 2023 student leaders. We wish them well in their leadership journey.

Our incoming students and their families for 2023 will be warmly welcomed to MGGS with carefully planned information evenings and orientation events. This includes our Prep, Year 5, Year 7, and Year 9 intakes, as well as young women entering into Years 10 and 11. I understand it is often with great apprehension that many of our new Grammarians walk through our School doors for the first time. However, my experience informs me that it does not take very long for most to be settled as part of the rich fabric of the culture. On reflecting on the last days of Year 12 for our Grammarians, it is easy to see the firm bonds of friendship that develop over the years here.

New research has been published into the value of an all-girls education, and included in Messenger is a precis of some new thoughts in this space. Read ‘The facts about girls schools — what the research says’. Single-sex learning environments improve student confidence, and provide a safe place for students to develop their individuality. International research provides strong evidence that “girls-only education leads to higher academic achievement, higher self-esteem levels, greater participation in STEM, and enhanced career aspirations” (Connelly, 2022). At Melbourne Girls Grammar, we see this in action every day. We are most fortunate indeed!

Have a lovely mid-term break!

Yours in learning,

Dr Toni E Meath
Principal