We take girls’ education seriously, and we are known for it! On Friday 26 and Saturday 27 April, MGGS hosted the inaugural International Coalition of Girls’ Schools ‘Educating Girls’ Australasian Symposium. Our School was as ‘shiny as a new pin’ and a welcoming host for our 500 Australian and international guests. Artemis and the Merton Hall classrooms provided a beautiful venue and reinforced to the outside community that MGGS is a school of excellence. Our School Captain, Emily Walters and Vice Captains, Sophie Johnson and Amelia Banks, opened the Conference and emceed throughout the day. Keynote speakers included East Arnhem Land, Yolgnu elder, Auntie Djapirri Mununggirritj, speaking on ‘Country as Teacher’, The University of Melbourne academic, Dr Nira Rahman, speaking on ‘Better communication and inclusion in Diverse Classrooms’, PhD Scholar, Leon Furze presenting on ‘Engaging with Generative AI in Education’, and the final Keynote, by entrepreneur, Dr Stephen Holmes presenting on ‘Creating a Compelling Identity in Girls’ Education through Impactful Strategic Planning’. The Conference closed with Auntie Djapirri Mununggirritj singing us out with grace and gratitude, honouring our connections ‘as a vine’ of educators. It was very special and filled me with pride in our community. Heartfelt gratitude to Luke Francis, Executive Director, Innovation and Research and Director of the MGGI Institute who led the program with ICG, Danica Phan (Marketing and Community Engagement Office) for her meticulous planning and attention to detail, our IT Team and Facilities Team for ensuring everything ran smoothly. Our Grammarians were sensational student ambassadors and all MGGS staff pitched in and played a role. 

This morning you will have received a survey to complete as part of the process we are undertaking in developing our next Strategic Plan 2025-2030. Our School is taking part in the LEAD School Effectiveness Surveys 2024. Your opinion is valuable to us, and I encourage you to participate in the Parent Satisfaction survey. The aim of the survey is to understand your perceptions regarding the quality of your child’s educational experience with our School. The information obtained will be used to improve the quality of education for all Grammarians. The survey is conducted by Independent Schools Victoria and is completely anonymous. The School receives only aggregate results, and we will use this data to inform our direction for the future.

I have some very special news I would like to share with you. Our new MGGS Sport and Activewear range will be launched later in the year as our new Sport and HPE Uniform. This has been ratified by School Council and we are so excited to introduce the range to our community. It has been an extensive process of community consultation and our Grammarians have been at the forefront of decision making. It is a completely ‘mix and match’ range that suits different ages, stages, and body types. It is crisp, contemporary and we think it’s going to be a hit! Our current Sport and HPE uniform will be slowly phased out over a two-year period, however, as the uniform pieces are all the same Pantone colour they will all work together seamlessly. The Melbourne Girls Grammar uniform is an important visible symbol of our School as an entity and of a student’s membership in our community. I have always believed strongly in the power of the uniform to bring everyone together and create school morale. As we enter winter, it is a timely reminder for our Grammarians that all students are expected to wear the uniform appropriately and this is clearly set out in the MGGS School Diary. The wearing of a uniform symbolises affiliation and pride and how it is worn speaks volumes of the School. Overall, most students are wearing the uniform well, however, I seek support from parents to ensure that their daughters arrive each day with blazers, the appropriate length of skirt, and the correct socks and shoes. Some students are still learning to knot their ties, however, by this stage of the year, it should be well practised. 

I look forward to seeing you on Tuesday 14 May at our Dark Arts Festival. Merton Hall will be transformed into a full art installation of colour and music. I encourage you to come and explore the vibrant displays of student artwork and immerse yourself in dramatic and musical performances. I can’t wait – it’s going to fabulous!

Yours in learning

Dr Toni E Meath
Principal