ELISABETH MURDOCH HOUSE NEWSLETTER 2020 EDITION 9 October 22
The
DOCH
Class of 2020. Congratulations on making it through what has been an extraordinary
year. In the years to come when I reflect on the year 2020, I will be reminded by the 18 amazing women who sit before me tonight. I am so very proud each and every one of you, in all you have achieved, both individually and as a collective. Individually you have all had some challenging moments and it has been your resilience, positive approach and the support you have received from your friends, family and staff, which has helped you successfully navigate your way through the uncertain and sometimes uncomfortable moments that 2020 has thrown your way. As a group, you have supported one another by providing comfort in offering, a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or words of encouragement. You have also supported one another by showing your gratitude, celebrating in each other’s success and acknowledging the efforts of your peers. You are an extremely inclusive group of young women, who have made the younger girls in EM feel valued, respected and safe. It is this culture of collaboration, kindness and respect and a collective responsibility to uphold our core values, which makes EM such an exceptional community, for which I thank you. Your journey through GGS is an experience, which is unique to you. For some of you, you have been a GGS student since ELC, some of you joined us in Middle School and for others you began your journey in Timbertop or in Senior School. Regardless of when you joined this community, I do hope you feel a strong connection, a sense of belonging and a sense of pride in being a Geelong Grammar student, and soon to be OG. I am sure you also feel appreciation. Appreciation for the friendships you have made, the experiences you have enjoyed, the lessons you have learnt. But also, appreciation for the people, who have undoubtably made sacrifices, in order for you to receive the very best education possible. Tonight, not only do we celebrate your journey through secondary school, but we also celebrate the commitment made by your family to your education. I’d like to thank the House Prefects for their contribution to the House this year. They have done a remarkable job in leading through the most challenging year the school has experienced. They have worked cohesively to support both staff and students in all matters. They showed initiative, were reliable and played a major role in ensuring the House ran smoothly and stayed connected during periods of remote learning. It’s a hard gig, leading your peers, however, you all did a fantastic job, so thank you. There is one person though, who I have to single out and thank individually. I met this person last year when I visited Timbertop for the first time. She instantly made me feel welcome. My first task as Head of EM was to meet 20 odd excited Year 9 students and introduce the House that they, and I, had just been assigned to. Not having even visited EM, I had very limited knowledge of the structure, processes and routines that students were so eager to find out about. Kasey knew though and she has been my rock from day one. Her commitment to the House has been unwavering, and she has displayed courage, compassion and integrity while leading this community. Her leadership is first class. She has her peers’ best interest at heart and her actions reflect this. She has stood up during times when it was easier to stay seated and spoke out when it was easier to stay quiet. She has exceeded the expectations of a House Captain. We are truly a better community because of her leadership.
I have no doubt that you will finish the year off strong by giving your best. That is all everyone will ever ask of you. Focusing on the process rather than the outcome is something that takes discipline and focus. If you can start living your life one moment at time, then you will find that the journey may be more rewarding than the outcome itself. And if you take care of the process, the outcome will take care of itself. Focus on what you can control and what matters. Keep this in mind as you head in to the next few weeks and remind others of it. The stress is real but the relief you feel when you realise you have just finished your final exam, is real. The hope of all educators is that when students leave us, they are ready. Ready to be the citizens the world needs. Ready to have the courage to make a difference. To bounce back when they get knocked down, to speak up for those who don’t have a voice, to innovate, create, problem solve. Ready to work collaboratively, adapt and take responsibility. Ready to contribute to a greater good and serve others and to treat others with kindness and compassion. And ready you are girls! You are ready to do this and so much more.
I wish you all the very best for your final weeks at Corio. You will have the support of friends, family and staff. Remember one thing, have faith in yourself, because we all do. Mel Bower HoH Elisabeth Murdoch.
F
FEBRUARY 2018
EM CLASS OF 2020: Ruby Burgess-Hoar, Evie Burns, Chloe Forwood, Kasey Furnari, Nikki Jason, Charlotte Kelly, Eliza Leckey, Millie Mackirdy, Macy Nixon, Issy Perrignon, Isla Randall, Jaz Setiawan, Jemima Smith, Lola Smith, Amaris Su, Jemima White, Sidney White, Brooke Wilson
In a year that so fraught with obstacles, we in EM celebrate the amazing Year 12 House leaders in a suitably ‘unprecedented’ fashion. With many thanks to the School organizers and the staff and gilrs of EM for making it remain a special celebration. From the staff to the parents guardians and families who were not able to attend in person, we thankyou for the trust and faith you put in us and for the opportunity to share in the lives of these young people over that past three years.
Pictured, along with the Year 12s, Mary-Anne Lewis, Lou Spanos, Martin Beaver, Andy Beauchamp, Mel Bower, Marina Oman, Fiona Sanderson, Pamela Beers, Jess Doherty.
Entertainment on the evening was provided kindly by Tara Quach, Caitie Remen, Macy Callander and Michaela Sorrenti
Year 12s, apart from celebrating the close of their time at School, are also obviously studying hard. A great benefit of the shared environment is, of course, the opportunity to collaborate and motivate.
EM is immen outdoor furn worked alon new ‘cafe sty
nsely grateful to the Year 12 parents who generously donated the niture. Students, especially Mackenzie Woodman and Jemima Smith, ng with facilities staff to remove some of the older fixtures to install our yle’ outdoor area.
And... probably, the less said about October 24th the better.