As the term draws to a close, it has been another rich and rewarding ten weeks of learning and connection across our school community.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the many parents and guardians who attended the Learning Experiences and empowerED parent briefing last Wednesday evening. It was wonderful to see so many members of our community in attendance and to share in the energy and optimism surrounding this important next chapter for learning at Ivanhoe Girls’. We look forward to continuing to partner with our community as we embark on this work together.

For families who were unable to attend, the information shared on the evening is now available on Hive, including a recording of the presentation and accompanying slides. I would also like to thank those in our community who took the time to submit questions. Questions from the evening have been grouped into key themes to reflect the most common areas of interest. A list of these frequently asked questions, along with responses, is available here.

A particular highlight of the evening was the introduction of our Director of empowerED, Ms Liana Gooch, who spoke about the role of industry partnerships in shaping authentic design challenges for our students. These partnerships will provide valuable, real-world contexts for learning.

I would also like to acknowledge the staff and students who took part in the Lighthouse Foundation Sleepout last Friday, raising both funds and awareness for youth homelessness. Despite the particularly challenging conditions, with rain throughout the night, our students demonstrated resilience and determination, embracing the experience with a strong sense of purpose.

Week eight provided a special opportunity to celebrate our senior students at the Years 11 and 12 Formal. My sincere thanks to the staff and students who thoughtfully planned and organised the evening, creating such a memorable event. It was wonderful to see our students take a moment to celebrate the hard work and commitment they have shown throughout their education, particularly as they begin to turn their focus towards Semester 2 and preparation for their VCE examinations in Term 4.

A particularly memorable moment came later in the evening when, after numerous requests, the DJ played a song from Legally Blonde. The response was immediate with students rushing to the dance floor, singing along with great enthusiasm. It was a joyful opportunity to revisit the energy and connection of this term’s School Production, much to the students’ delight.

Across Term 2, we have seen students embrace a wide range of opportunities, academic, co-curricular and service, demonstrating curiosity, resilience and a willingness to challenge themselves. These experiences reflect the depth and breadth of learning at Ivanhoe Girls’, and the direction in which our learning is continuing to evolve.

As we conclude what has been a full and rewarding term, I’d like to thank our staff, students and families for their ongoing contribution to our vibrant and supportive community.

I wish you all a restful and enjoyable holiday break and look forward to welcoming everyone back for the commencement of Term 3 on Tuesday 14 July.

Ms Narelle Umbers
Principal