“What do you want to be when you grow up?” “Kind”, said the boy. Charlie Macksey
As I acknowledged in recent communications, we all deal with complex situations differently. Over the past week, we have focussed on the wellbeing and safety of everyone within the School community. We continue to follow our procedures with vigilance and care. Our values – courage, compassion, self-discipline and integrity – guide our actions. We take guidance also from trusted advisors and seek help when we need it through our wellbeing services, community support networks, and our staff teams. We are a strong and proud community and, together with our care and support, our Grammarians can feel safe, and be safe.
Collectively, at School and at home, we provide structure and routine, and as trusted adults we give our students the voice to keep themselves and others safe. In the last fortnight we have also provided our Grammarians many opportunities to get involved in our educational and co-curricular programs and the platforms to showcase their capabilities, strengths and individual achievements. I am impressed by how widely so many Grammarians participate in all that we have to offer and thank our staff for crafting and facilitating learning experiences that motivate, challenge, engage and open the hearts and minds of our students.
During STEM week, staff dazzled our students with an inspiring agenda of activities. I loved seeing the enchanted faces of our youngest ELC students when they visited Merton Hall and were treated to a Science Extravaganza hosted by laboratory technicians Alasdair, James and Andrew. Students and staff participated in interactive exhibits throughout the week, including jet flight simulators and an aerial drone display from Monash University Engineering. The SEC hosted a space and science fiction themed dress-up day on Wednesday 16 August, raising funds for Year 12’s chosen charity, The Healing Foundation. This created much excitement for House Mathematics on Friday 18 August. STEM Captains Elke and Rosemary reflected on the growing passion for STEM that was evident throughout the week, and I couldn’t help but agree. A special thanks to our STEM Auxiliary, Liz Hallifax, Cassandra Szoeke, Natalie Schiavello and other parents and staff who set the tone for STEM Week at the STEM Night the week earlier.
As many of you will have heard me say, a community that sings together is a strong community. As part of our 130th Anniversary celebrations, we invited members of our community, including students, parents, and alumnae to submit compositions for a new song which celebrates the spirit of Melbourne Girls Grammar. I am delighted to announce that talented Year 10 student, Michelle Mah, is the winner of our competition. Michelle’s song is a beautiful piece written from the heart and epitomises the strong sense of belonging we want for all students and staff at MGGS. Our Director of Music, Elizabeth du Blêt, and our House Captains have begun to teach this addition to our repertoire which will be performed by each House as the ‘set song’ at our upcoming House Music competition. Staff have already commented on the love and joy the song incites amongst students at lunchtime rehearsals. I am very much looking forward to watching each of our House Choirs perform Michelle’s song in a couple of weeks’ time. Parents will have the full choral experience at Speech Night later in the year.
Last week was Book Week when as a community we could all celebrate the joy that reading brings. Mrs Broadway shared her favourite places to read and other daily updates were provided from the library staff including a book quiz with special clues to unpack. Like me, Morris Hall would have been delighted by Miss Gill’s The Very Hungry Caterpillar costume while our Wildfell students thoroughly enjoyed a visit from Year 12 students. Carla, Ella, Bella, Phoebe, Sarah, Lily, Anouk and Lola dressed up as the Matildas which I can confirm are indeed characters from a newly released book. The sharing of older sister-younger sister moments like this brings great joy and demonstrates the connections afforded our students during their time at School and beyond.
On Friday 25 August, a student held Diversity Assembly took place with Senior Years students. The camaraderie and support for diversity within our community is heartfelt. Individual students told their personal stories to an audience of peers with confidence and integrity. Acceptance for difference is something we can all aspire to and on a day when the country defines its support, it is fitting that we too can celebrate together. Students and staff wore a touch of purple to display their support for the wonderful diversity within our community. School Vice-Captain, Charlotte Millear, said that the assembly highlighted how inclusive our School is, reiterating the loving way our students respect and accept each other. Mr Francis was overjoyed and filled with pride, telling me it was a glorious assembly, filled with laughter and a strong sense of love.
At Mount Buller this week, our Snowsports team took to the slopes with energy and enthusiasm to compete in the Victorian Interschools SnowSports Championships. Their results were outstanding and for the first time in our School’s history, MGGS has won the Primary Girls’ section. With a total of 111 points, they were able to overthrow long-time champions, St Catherine’s. Congratulations to all Morris Hall and Wildfell students who competed in the different events. Our Senior Years Grammarians excelled also, ending the competition as the overall champions of the Senior category as well. Photos show animated smiles, enthusiastic cheering and sheer determination on the faces of our Grammarians. Congratulations to all involved!
In closing, I want to thank students, parents and staff for the kindness and care that you have demonstrated this week. I have been moved by the gestures, and offers of help and support that I have witnessed and thank you for the role that you play in creating a beautiful educational space for us all to work and learn in.
As winter comes to a close and the days get warmer and lighter, I encourage you all to spend time outdoors enjoying the sun and lovely gardens that we are so lucky to have right on our doorstep. We must not forget to be kind to each other and to ourselves.
Yours in learning
Dr Toni E. Meath
Principal