“They shall grow not old,
as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them,
nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun
and in the morning
We will remember them.
Lest we forget.”

Our four-day exeat weekend was a welcome reprieve for all. I hope that you were able to spend time with friends and family. Our Grammarians have returned with a spring in their step. This was evident at our House Swimming Carnival on Friday as MSAC’s outdoor pool filled up with Grammarians dressed head-to-toe in their House colours. We were incredibly lucky with a gorgeous Melbourne summer’s day that encouraged one and all to jump into the pool and earn a point for their House. What a wonderful display of spirit, spectacle and screaming! It was delightful to witness House rivalries and loyalty bring Grammarians of different ages together to achieve a common goal. Congratulations to our winners, Hensley House!

As brutal terrorism and wars impact countries and communities around the world, let us remember the sanctity of peace and give gratitude for our safety. We pray for those caught in conflict and for their families who are suffering in our MGGS and Australian community. Let us remember the futility of war and how we all have a role to play in striving for peace. Remembrance Day fell on a Saturday this year and although we were not at School to mark the occasion, our Grammarians took time in their learning to respect this important day observed in Commonwealth member states following the end of the First World War, to honour members of the armed forces who have died in the line of duty. In memory of the fallen, the symbol of the red poppy was abundant across our campuses. Our Grammarians learned that the red poppy has special significance for Australians as they were among the first to flower in the devastated battlefields of northern France and Belgium during the First World War. In soldiers’ folklore, the vivid red of the poppy came from the blood of their comrades soaking the ground. We say or write ‘lest we forget’ in commemoration to always remember the service and sacrifice of people who have served in wars, conflicts and peacekeeping operations.

It seems at MGGS we are in a moment in time of ‘nearly there’. VCE examinations are quickly coming to an end and the Class of 2023 are ‘nearly there’. I am pleased with the dedication our Grammarians and staff have demonstrated throughout this period. Our younger students have been respectful of the examination spaces and have been supporting their peers though their study and exams. The internal renovations of Glenhope are almost complete and ‘nearly there’. We are nearly at the point of beginning the refurbishment of Year 7 Hub upstairs in Phelia Grimwade, in preparation for the 2024 academic year. The restoration of the Chapel roof is also almost complete. We are fast approaching the pointy end of the year with Speech Night (Wednesday 29 November) and our magical Carols Service at St Paul’s Cathedral (Wednesday 6 December). I do hope you are able to join us for both special events that will close our anniversary celebrations.

There is much preparation in hand for next year. Our 2024 timetable and calendars are almost complete and staffing is in place. Book lists have gone out and our Transition and Orientation Days continue. Our intake years of Year 5, 7 and 9 are healthy and full and we look forward to welcoming new families to MGGS in 2024. 
In 2022, we introduced a Managed Device Program to ensure consistency of devices used in the classroom, to improve teaching and learning capabilities, to manage cybersecurity risk and safety and to ensure students have access to the software needed for learning and standardised testing. In 2024, as we continue the roll out this program across Years 7 to 12, it will be compulsory for all Years 7 to 9 students to use a laptop purchased through the Managed Device Program at School. Other students are welcome to purchase a device through the program too. Benefits of this program outside the classroom include onsite repair, support and loaning services (should your daughter’s laptop need to be repaired). I understand that some parents would prefer a BYOD arrangement, however, we are committed to the Managed Device Program. This is for the reasons stated; we want to ensure access and equity in learning and look to our students and parents to assist us to uphold the tightest cyber security possible for MGGS.

Throughout our 130-year history there have been many who have made a fine contribution to our School. I am delighted to announce that a new School Award will be given in honour of the service of Old Grammarian and alumna, Louise Gourlay AM (Holmes, 1955). The inaugural presentation will take place at Speech Night on Wednesday 29 November at the Melbourne Town Hall. The ‘Louise Gourlay Award for Kindness and Humility’ is intended to encourage students to show self-belief, ambition and grace in their life choices while contributing to the wider community. Louise’s life and achievements have been strongly influenced by the progressive philosophy of her Headmistress, DJ Ross, close family, and strong, long-lasting friendships. This prize will be awarded to a student in Year 10 who has demonstrated community service, sustained commitment to her chosen pathway or interests, and grace in all her dealings with staff and students. The selection of the Year 10 student will be based on these criteria and be decided by the Executive Director Senior Years in consultation with the House Wellbeing Co-ordinators.

Our special 130th Anniversary Past Staff Event held in the Music Atrium on Wednesday 7 November was a great success. There were staff in attendance who had served from 1978 to present day, representing an ‘old growth forest’ of wisdom and experience. We were fortunate that the heavy rains held off and current and past staff enjoyed reminiscing about the collegiality of their time together. Staff help to carry the rich culture of a school and it was lovely to celebrate the collective service and contribution of this dedicated group. We all know of a special teacher or professional support staff member from our own schooling who changed our lives – it’s nice to recognise them!

Yours in learning,

Dr Toni E Meath
Principal