Recently, our Student Executive Council for 2026 attended their Inauguration Service at Christ Church, officially taking over their responsibilities from the Class of 2025. The 2026 SEC will be lead by School Captain, Xanthe O’Loan.
In Term 3, Xanthe presented to a room full of prospective students and parents at one of our Merton Hall Open Mornings. Here is what she shared…
This morning, we are fortunate enough to be meeting in the beautiful Artemis Centre. Which for many of you, will be your first time in this space.
Yet, I can’t help but be somewhat self-indulgent and remember the first time that I was saw the Centre on my own school tour. Because at that time it was a miniature model sitting in the Drawing Room in Phelia Grimwade. My family and I excitedly huddled around the display encased in glass. However, as the woman leading the tour turned to ask me if I had any questions, the only thing that came to mind was, “why is it called Artemis?”.
Now, as a Classical studies student, I think the best answer to his questions lies in the Orphic hymns dedicated to the Greek Goddess of the Hunt, Artemis, written between 3 BC and 2 AD. Orpheus writes:
“Guard of the human race, endued with gentle mind, to helpless youth benevolent and kind; benignant nourisher; great nature’s key belongs to no divinity but thee.”
And this is how I interpret the culture at Melbourne Girls Grammar.
A culture that can only be made possible because our brilliant teachers uplift every student through their unwavering dedication to our success and betterment. Supporting us to chase self-improvement out of respect for ourselves rather than competition with peers. Such verbose warmth engages each student to evidently become high achievers not only academically, but personally. Furthermore, the deeply rooted value of knowledge is so foundational to our community that Year 5s to 12s and everyone in between can see the power of education, especially for young women. This pushes our cohorts to strive to be the best learners they can be. And this enthusiasm to learn is something I get to witness and take part in every day.
We are guardians, we are of composed mind, we are benevolent and kind.
Just two days ago my sister, an Old Grammarian, moved to Denmark to study global politics and international relations. Having arrived at this school with no great understanding of her place on the earth, no particular passion for academics, she had no confidence she could be capable of changing the world. And yet, last night she arrived in Denmark. Personally, I have had the privilege of witnessing the School’s ability to mould students into ethical woman of action, who stride into the future no matter how uncertain.
This superpower, I believe, must partly be attributed to the nurturing of passions that extend beyond the classroom. I have had the incredible privilege of opportunities, from speaking in Parliament, to environmental missions in Malaysia. None of which I thought would happen when I walked through these gates for the first time. And none of which would have happened without Melbourne Girls Grammar. Every student will have their own range of treasured memories from their academic and co-curricular adventures, which build a unique strength and confidence in those passions and extend throughout their lives.
I thank my parents every day for the act of trust they took in the teachers, students and community to send their daughters to this school. I thank my strong-willed grandmother even more for insisting I be sent here. There is no greater gift than education, as it will carry us far beyond what we see to be capable, or what we think we are capable of.
To all the parents here today, the act of enrolling your child in a school is an act of trust and confidence that cannot be paralleled. Yet, I hope that I have been able to give an insight into the undeniable warmth and strength that is cultivated within a Melbourne Girls Grammar student. Or at the very least, taught you all something about Greek mythology.
Thank you
Xanthe O’Loan
2026 School Captain