Melbourne
Girls’ College
ISSUE 6
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I M P OR TA NT DA TES :
March 17— 20
Year 11 Outdoor Ed Camp 1
Wednesday 18th March
VCE 3/4 Parent Guided Book Club:
Year 12 ‘Identity’ theme - Summer of the
17th Doll
Thursday 19th March
Year 10 Mock Job Interviews
Thursday 19th March
Rowing Presentation Evening
Tuesday 24th March
Interim Reports released
Friday 27th March
Final day of term 1
Success in rowing is symbolic more widely of what a great State education can provide. It provides opportunity in a wide range of endeavours, exposure to the Positive Psychology traits of grit, determination, persistence, resilience, optimism and joy. These traits are essential for all quality learning and human interaction.
Jessica Bouchard, Anne Corry, Ramona Tilley, Jason Kohlman and Ellyce Calder also gave up their entire weekend to facilitate the Music Camp. Jessica was so proud of the girls and their learning at briefing on Monday
morning, reinforced by this note of appreciation from a parent, “The concert for the parents was brilliant!! I
loved it.” This is an example of another experience requiring persistence, resilience and joy.
International Woman’s Day (IWD) was celebrated on 8th March across the world with the theme “Make it
Happen”. March 10th saw our IWD celebration at MGC. Our guest speaker; mother, coroner and magistrate,
Ms Audrey Jamieson, was thoroughly engaging with the theme of her speech being “What will I be when I
grow up?” Audrey has been exploring this all her life!
School Council met on 17th March. Mr Geoff Coates was returned to Council and we are joined by new colleagues, Dr Allison Young and Mr Paul Webber.
The 2015 Council members are:
Gary Funston, President
Rose Lucas, Vice President
Hugh Rogers, Treasurer
Geoff Coates, parent member
Allison Young, parent member
Tuesday 14th April
Paul Webber, parent member
Parent/Student/ Teacher Conference
Sefija Demirova, staff member
Athletics Carnival
Laura Arney, staff member
Julia Ly / Harriet Harte /Caitlin Hooper, co-opted members
Pam St Leger, co-opted member
April 22—24
Maya Narayan, co-opted member
Year 10 Camp
Caroline Milburn, co-opted member
Wednesday 29th April
VCE 1/2 Parent Guided Book Club—
Border Crossing
Wednesday 6th May
VCE 3/4 Parent Guided Book Club—
White Tiger
2015
Congratulations to all girls who participated in the Head of School Girls from 13th -15th March, a significant
success for MGC rowing. The girls achieved their best possible success to date winning 13 medals, all teams
gaining entry to at least a semi-final and the jewel in the crown, winning the Open Division 1 Four. Our Head
Coach, Nick Wells, is an inspirational leader who calmly ensures all coaches and staff understand the MGC
Rowing culture of inclusion, participation, hard work and success. Thank you to Tonia Douglas-Scarf, Jono
RundelI, Katherine Chan, Trevor Howlett, Nicola Daniel and Ben Orphin whose commitment is exemplary. We
farewell Jono Rundell who leaves teaching to join the Fire Brigade this week and wish him every good fortune
in his new career. Many thanks to our wonderful parents who supported the girls and staff; it was a pleasure
to spend the day with you all. There will be much to celebrate at the Rowing Presentation Night on 19th
March.
Term 2 Begins
12.30pm to 8pm
MARCH
Principal’s Report
Monday 13th April
Monday 20th April
19
We thank Dale Bryce, Tonia Douglas-Scarfe, Catherine Walkear and Anna Crosswhite for their service to the
previous Council. Their commitment to ensuring MGC is the best it can possibly be is very much appreciated.
On the 4th of March Dr David Howes, Executive Director, Curriculum of the Victorian Curriculum Assessment
Authority (VCAA), presented an extremely thought provoking lecture on differentiation of learning to the
staff of all City Edge Schools (Victorian College of the Arts, Mac Robertson Girls’ High School, Melbourne High
School, The University High School, Princes Hill Secondary College and Albert Park College). MGC and City
Edge learning has focused on differentiation. This work is recognised in each teacher’s Performance and
Development Plan (PDP). The Learning Outcomes goal for every teacher is focussed on the differentiated
teaching required to extend our students’ learning.
On the 6th of March the City Edge professional learning continued. I thank Peter Hilton, Head of Languages
and Terry Donnelly, Head of English, for the preparation and hosting of City Edge colleagues. Our Director of
Curriculum, Wendy Keen is conducting a survey of the learning across all City Edge staff.
WHAT’S INSIDE:
PRINCIPAL’S REPORT
MOONLIGHT CINEMA THANK-YOU
Finally, the 2015 Annual Implementation Plan and 2014 Annual Report have been endorsed by Council and
will soon be available on the school website at www.mgc.vic.edu.au/School/Document.aspx. Thank you for
your support of Melbourne Girls’ College and encouraging your daughters to make the most of every opportunity.
LEADERSHIP NEWS
PARENTS’ ASSOCIATION DATES
Karen Money
GRAEME CLARK ORATION
TOPS ARTS 2015
YEAR 8 BIG DAY OUT EXCURSION
PARENT GUDIED BOOK CLUB
Due to the success of Compass as the key messenger of
current MGC events, the newsletter will now be posted
on line every two weeks.
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Moonlight Cinema
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the 2015 Pedal powered Moonlight Cinema!
Can we start by formally acknowledging the huge amount of work that many, many
people invested in this project, which continues to grow from year to year.
This year was an overwhelming success in terms of guest numbers, watt hours and
volunteer helpers. The atmosphere was amazing and presented MGC in such a good
light. It lacked the anxious moments of previous years where we thought we would run
out of power due to blistering hot days where the year 8 pedallers flaked in the heat
and were sent home early, or last year’s opposite problem of cold weather failing to
draw in a crowd and calling on the patrons to keep pedalling throughout the film to
keep the batteries charged!
2015 presented a perfectly mild temperature and attracted more than 350 guests, who
pedalled approximately 1857watt hours consumed 7,000 grams of chick peas and consequently produced 35kg of methane gas which unfortunately marred an otherwise
carbon positive event. We had loads of pedal themed attractions including pedal powered scale-electric slot cars, the human powered backyard carousel, the Coffee peddler
and the pedal powered smoothies from Bike n Blend. Staff and student volunteers
ensured that guests had plenty of guilt free, carbon neutral, waste wise food and beverage that would rival a flotilla of hipster pop-up food vans on any summer night on
Ruckers Hill.
The film and entertainment consumed only 900 watt hours, so we are in carbon credit
even with Alexis Diddelis’ extra special , super powerful impromptu performance before the film (pictured). Other fabulous performers included Jemima Crawford Smith,
Ruby Wynn Williams, Catia Blackwell, Madie Hannan-Jones, Rose Fremantle, Hannah
Steiner, Judy Lu, Olivia Kamien Sarbinowski, Jacqui Martin, Cait OShae, Isabel Carney,
Ruby Maclean-Swann, Kasundi Rathnadara Genara, Nicky Crowley, Gabi Cronin Pagano.
A lot of work went into the event behind the scenes and we are indebted to parents
organisers from the MGC Sustainability Collective, especially Cath OShea, Ruth Cronin
Pagano, Jacqueline Exton and Lucy Belfrage.
But the event would simply not run without the generosity of staff who give up their
time to supervise students and work tirelessly behind the scenes to make everything
run smoothly. We had a great deal of support this year, so please slowly scroll up the
remainder of this document and imagine you are watching film credits:
Special thanks goes to:
Terry Donnely and Michael O’Newton of Donnely’s Fine Felafels
Cool and calm Roadie / AV extraordinaire: Trev Howlett
Key Grip: Jono Rundell* already stepping up to his serve and protect role, rigging up
the screen to prevent any wind gusts blowing over the stage
Stage and performance manager: Anne Corry
Best boy (and provider of grunt pedal labour between 3-5pm): Nick Wells
First barista and BBQ Ben Orphin and his merry band of latte artists:
Anise, Alice, Jemima, Hannah, Ella, Paloma, Lily and lilian
Costume designer: Bob Stewart
The winners on the night (apart from the environ- Head chef, amazeballs artist, salad creator and OHS supervisor Jeanne Clarke
Lead Dish hand, BBQer and general Gopher Sharon Gardner Drummond
ment) were:
Runner and waste wise officer Alan Clarke
Most powerful year 8 student:
Dominique Quirk of 8L3, who in 5 minutes covered Yellow Jersey winner and Student leader motivator Pete Torey
0.8% of the night’s electricity demands
Saviour of the bluray player creator of promo display and connector of technology,
Supa Smith
Most powerful pedaller:
Trevor Junge (Father of Claudia), who pipped Mr Head rigger of Bike carousel / protector of battery bank Desmond Ang
Peter Torey at the post by 0.4 watt hours in his 5 Electronic media promoter Tony-Chris-ODowd-Keen
minute sprint!
Student executive members who volunteered performance and logistical skills
Raffle winners: Violet Henderson, Hugo Lunn, TereExecutive producers and facilitators of funding- Emma Frankenberg and Kathy Schipper
sa Ewart and Sabine, who collected a range of goodies from our supporters at the Enviro Shop including Local schools promotion: Cheryl Shea
solar lights, hand crank radios, a solar shower and a Printer: Emily Healey
solar powered model solar system!
And the final thanks go to the amazing Enviro reps
who are too numerous to list, but you know who
you are!
Photos provided by year 12 student Amanda Tombolato
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Leadership News
Swim Sports Middle School Exec fundraiser
During the 2015 swimming carnival, the Middle School Executive
along with the help of the Senior School Executive cooked up a
storm! With delicious cupcakes, slices, muffins and biscuits available throughout the day the Middle School
Executive worked together to successfully
handle money, decide on prices and sell
the scrumptious goods. After the several
hours spent on the stall, the Middle
School Executive raised approximately
$500! Thank you to all the Executive
members who baked and to all the students and staff who bought some of the yummy goods. The funds
are currently up for consideration and the MS Exec will be deciding on a cause to donate to later on in the term.
Claudia Junge, Middle School Captain
Leadership Expo
On Monday the 2nd of March the Senior and Middle School
Executive, and other interest groups and clubs, held their first
Leadership Expo for the year. This was a showcase of the amazing opportunities offered here at MGC. There were boards set
up to advertise the many clubs
and groups that all students
are welcome to be a part of,
from Science to Environment,
Philanthropy and Book club
just to mention a few. We had
an amazing year seven turn
out but just a reminder that
students from the whole
school can be a part of these
things. Maybe you are still looking for a leadership opportunity
this year and still want to be an active part of the school community, or you are really passionate about a certain portfolio
and want to be involved, or you just want to hang out and
make new friends; whatever your reason please contact any
members
of
the
student
executives.
A big thank you to the Senior and Middle School Executives for
organising this event and to everyone who came along and got
involved!
Sruti Venkatesh
Communications, Senior School Executive
Gilbert, Gilbert, Gilbert, Gilbert….
What is this name that you keep hearing around the school
you wonder? Nothing less then the MGC dog!
Gilbert, the incredibly cute 4-year-old Labrador, has just
started to come into MGC every Tuesday to spend recess
with the year 12 students.
The year 12s are becoming aware of the expectations and
requirements that going through year 12 can come with, and
it can be difficult to find ways Women in Rotary - International Women's Day breakfast
to relax at school and just
enjoy the moment.
On Thursday March 5th, 10 students from the Senior School
This is where Gilbert comes to
Executive and Mr. Torey attended the Women in Rotary's Inthe rescue.
ternational Women's Day breakfast held at Crown Palladium.
We were very privileged to be 11 out of 1250 men and womHanging out with Gilbert (and owner Claire) is a great chance en who attended such a wonderful morning filled with laughto bond, socialise and have fun. Even from having just one ter, delicious food and an extremely interesting panel discussession us year 12 students are quickly realising that Gilbert sion. The event raised over $55,000 for Violence Free Famiis an expert on stress management, team building and taking lies, Kids Foundation, Australian Genealogical Cancer Foundaa positive attitude. As well as chasing balls and in general tion and Rotary Club of Albert Park. It was a pleasure to be
able to attend such a successful event raising awareness for
being really lovable and soft and adorable and awesome.
the equality of women in rotary and in the workplace. On behalf of everyone who represented MGC at the event I would
If you see him around school, give him a cuddle!
like to thank the Rotary Club of Richmond for sponsoring us to
attend.
Follow Gilbert on instagram! @gilbert_the_hound
Sally Jacobs, Sports Vice-Captain 2015
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The Graeme Clark Oration
Parents’ Association Meeting
Dates 2015:
Tuesday 24th March
Tuesday 28th April
Tuesday 26th May
Tuesday 23rd June
Tuesday 28th July
Tuesday 25th August
Tuesday 27th October
The recent Surf School League was full of
great results and a lot of fun for those
participating. The days best results were
2nd in the 2k run (Annie Coleman), 4th in
individual board (Emily Carr) and 3rd in
the board relay (Emily Carr, Lana Croker
and Emma Croker). The Victorian-wide
competition was a fantastic opportunity
to try out all the events available and had
a fun and friendly atmosphere. It would
be great to see the MGC surf team grow,
there are events that girls without any
experience in surf life saving can compete
in, such as sprinting and running events,
as well as swimming events. Keep your
eye out for updates for next years competition.
Emma Croker
On Tuesday 10th March, 12 students and Ms Rochette headed off to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre to attend The Graeme Clark Oration.
The guest speaker was Sir Paul Nurse, who won a nobel prize in 2001 and has a
speciality in biology and genetics.
In the first presentation, Sir Paul Nurse talked about how he became interested
in science and all of the major achievements in his life. Nearing the end of the
presentation, students were able to ask questions. It was fascinating to see how
other students took in the information and expressed their interest in Science
and to Sir Paul Nurse.
After a short break, we went back in for the next presentation, 'Controlling how
Cells Reproduce.' This lecture explored what happens to genes when they become infected. Some of the material presented was hard to understand, but was
still intriguing as I learned many new things. The lecture was more based on his
current work, where as the first
presentation explored his life into science.
He included stories, diagrams, dreams,
facts and photos throughout the afternoon. That really helped us understand his words more.
Over all, I was happy with my experience, and I'm sure the other students agree
with me.
Tops Arts 2015
Congratulations to Louella Exton and Migle Zvirblyte, Studio Arts students from
2014 who were shortlisted for the 2015 Top Arts exhibition.
Migle Zvirblyte has been successful and will exhibit her ephemeral artwork in the
2015 Top Arts exhibition. The Top Arts exhibition is held at the National Gallery
of Victoria (Australia) from the 19 March 2015 - 28 June 2015.
Year 8 Big Day Out - Excursion
The NGV was a great escape from the modern world. Throughout the tour, I was able to learn about important aspects of medieval times such as religious importance and art purposes. Some things were difficult to understand and finding a new perspective on these topics was hard, but to think of life in the ways of people in medieval times was interesting and rewarding.
Many religious topics were related to the paintings we investigated and as much as I was interested, I questioned how much
scientifically proven knowledge people had in the medieval times and how determined they were to question even their own
religion.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed my trip to the NGV and I was faced with very challenging questions. The painting exercise was
fun and I can't wait to complete it at school!
The State Library was inspiring and the dome was magnificent! The manuscripts and different writing styles were interesting,
and the stories behind them were astonishing. I would have liked more time to look around the library, but the calligraphy was
great! I had a bit of trouble being left-handed, but I definitely learnt many new skills and history and calligraphy.
Kate Thomson, 8A
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