Leadership and Service sit hand in hand at Ivanhoe Girls’ as we work to empower, equip and lift students up in their capacity to exercise their strength of character for others. This is evident through student collaboration in the classroom, generous acts of kindness and more widely through commitment to House, Student Representative Council, Peer Support, being a School Ambassador and other leadership opportunities. We believe leadership can be taught and we encourage students to enable meaningful and lasting impact as they lead.

This week marked the significant changeover from the 2022 Prefect Leadership Team to the 2023 Prefect Leadership Team.

Ably led by School Captain Amy Hu and School Vice Captain Mia Salomon, this year’s Prefects have been a dynamic team. Their ‘Be That Somebody’ motto underpinned a year-long message of living outwardly with compassion and agency. In service to others, these authentic student leaders have exercised a service mindset that has certainly built our School culture in meaningful ways.

Yesterday marked the final school day for the Class of 2022. I was incredibly proud of the gratitude expressed by our Year 12 cohort as they acknowledged the leadership displayed by their peers throughout the year. There was such as sense of pride as they collectively reflected on how much they had developed, learnt, and shared together throughout their schooling.

Now we welcome the 2023 Prefect Leadership Team as they begin their transition program. I am confident this new team of emerging school leaders will embrace their new roles as they collectively serve others and lead with integrity and purpose.

It is my pleasure to introduce to you the Prefect Leadership Team for 2023:

Mrs Davina McClure
Deputy Principal/Head of Senior School

Over the weekend (Friday 14 October to Sunday 16 October) the National Finals of Future Problem Solvers (FPS) took place, hosted by Carey Baptist Grammar School. FPS is a research-based academic program that teaches problem-solving strategies, collaboration and critical thinking, and effective communication. The interdisciplinary approach aims to develop ethical leadership skills, and provides a unique opportunity for young people to problem solve authentic global issues.

A huge congratulation to Genevieve Harris, Sarah Matthews, Millie Horsburgh and Elena Canty who were invited to represent Ivanhoe Girls’ at the National Finals of Future Problem Solvers in Global Issues Problem Solving, Senior division (Years 10 - 12). The team received 2nd place for their Action Research Plan Presentation and 5th place for their written booklet.  Fiona Finch (Year 9) was also invited to attend the Middle Division (Years 7 - 9) but was unable to do so, due to her commitment to the Tournament of the Minds competition held over the same weekend.

Global Issues Problem Solving (GPIS) is a team or individual activity in which participants research a series of global topics and learn a six step creative problem solving process. Participants apply their knowledge and the six step process to address an imagined situation in the future. They produce a written document (a paper or virtual booklet) critically analysing and solving a major issue within the Future Scene.

Looking at the program through the lens of education, Global Issues Problem Solving provides a fantastic framework for students to become responsible global citizens and lifelong learners. It equips young people to be entrepreneurs and innovators and socially responsible changemakers as they tackle issues critical to the success of future generations. Students learn the skills to create solutions to complex problems, evaluate those solutions and turn them into workable actions.

Ivanhoe Girls’ has a long history of involvement and success in FPS. I encourage any student who is interested to speak with Mrs Jodie Smith who has been instrumental in supporting all our teams throughout 2022. Well done to all students who participated in FPS throughout the year and thank you to Mrs Smith for her mentoring and support of the students involved.

Ms Louisa Scerri
Director of Learning and Innovation

The Music Department would like to congratulate the following students on their achievements in Rockschool and AMEB Grade Examinations:

Mrs Sylvia Gilbert
Music and Speech Department Administrator

Bob Stewart at Ivanhoe Girls’ (Old and New Uniform) Woolley House, 137 Marshall Street, Ivanhoe

Normal Opening Times

• Monday - 8.00am - 2.00pm
• Tuesday - 12.00pm - 5.00pm
• Thursday - 12.00pm - 5.00pm
• First Saturday of the Month (excluding Public Holidays/Long Weekends) - 9.30am - 12.30pm

Appointments are NOT required.

Please Note: Some old uniform items are no longer available in certain styles and sizes. If this is the case, we refer you to the Second Life Uniform Shop or alternatively you will be required to purchase the new uniform if your style or size is no longer available.

Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School is excited to be able to provide parents and guardians with access to a new online resource dedicated to educating about the topics that Australian youth are often navigating through during childhood and adolescence.

SchoolTV is an online resource delivering insightful and well-researched information to empower parents with the skills needed to support their children through many wellbeing issues and ultimately raise happy, healthy and resilient young people.

We know that wellbeing needs can present themselves at any time of the day or night, parents and carers can access SchoolTV at any hour on the ‘Parent Resource’ page of hive or by clicking here.

The Edition Library Club went on a theatre trip on 7th September to see the Melbourne Theatre Company play, Laurinda.  Laurinda is an adaption on the Alice Pung novel that has been widely read in our Young Adult collection.  Alice set the story in Melbourne, and it is about a young person who gets a scholarship to an elite girls' school and meets a group of girls who run the school.

Our students got the opportunity to meet the cast after the show, as a result of an interview the library staff had with the lead actor Ngoc Phan during Book Week, earlier this year.  Students were starstruck and enjoyed some lovely moments getting the actors autographs and chatting with them about what they enjoyed about the play.  The novel is living in the YA Contemporary collection and on our SORA app.

Edition Club will continue to find literary opportunities for our students to grow and extend their love of books, authors, and literary adaptations.

What students said:

• Issie:  It was so much fun to watch a play that felt very alive and true, then meet the actors afterwards!
• Claire:  It was a really fascinating feeling to see a play about a book, as well as meeting the actors and talking to them!
• Jorja:  I could really relate to the character Lucy.

Mrs Fiona Mulvaney
Head of Library & Information Services

The National Council of Women Victoria conducts an annual event ‘My Vote, My Voice’, which invites students from schools across Victoria to engage with social and political issues. Students are invited to present their views on a topical issue: this year’s topic was The Role of Treaty in achieving Reconciliation. This event was held in the Legislative Council Chamber of Parliament House – an appropriately formal, yet exciting environment for young people to share their insights and views on some of the significant issues of our day.

Ivanhoe Girls’ formed a team of six Year 11 students: Grace Fisher, Esther Jones, Lara Vivarini, Madeline Luvaul, Saambavi Seevanayagam, and Mary Hoye.  Our team researched the topic and presented a thorough and creative presentation.  As the first speakers for the day, our team could be said to have drawn the short straw, but the students' dynamic presentation set the tone for the morning and drew several commendations from the audience.

During the course of the morning, those present in the Chamber heard from Leanne Miller, Member for the North East Region, Proud Dhulanyagen Ulupna of the Yorta Yorta people, Elected Member of the First People’s Assembly of Victoria.  It was a privilege to hear Ms Miller speak of her culture and of her views on Treaty.  Leanne Miller was one of the Panel Members for the event, along with National Women of Victoria Vice-President Elida Brereton and Cr Trent McCarthy.

I am delighted to report that Ivanhoe Girls’ was awarded the Sylvia Gelman AM MBE Award for their outstanding presentation.  Well done to our team of students.

Ms Germana Tendelli
Year 11 Coordinator
Teacher of English

Congratulations to Teaghan Coen (Year 11) who was selected as a member of the GSV Rep Netball Teams that played a match at the end of Term 3. It is a great achievement to be selected in this team, only 20 students from all 24 GSV schools were selected in the two netball teams – well done Teaghan!

The GSV Track and Field Finals night is a competition for the best athletes in each event and year level to compete to become the overall champion. It is a fantastic achievement for students to qualify for this event as they must be among the top athletes from all 24 GSV schools.

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for Finals Night:

All of our students performed extremely well in the competition.  A special mention must be made for our medal winners, the students who managed to finish in the top three in their event:

• Alice Frencham – 3rd in Year 9 Discus
• Cindy Lawson – 3rd in Year 10 Hurdles
• Valente Mavropoulos – 3rd in Year 12 Javelin
• Mia Salomon - 1st in Year 12 High Jump

Congratulations to all our Athletics Team Members on a great season!

Our Term 3 Sport teams had some fantastic results at the end of last term. Four teams made it to the GSV Finals. Congratulations to all the students involved!

The Intermediate A Badminton team played PLC in their semi-final. Unfortunately for our team, PLC were dominant winning 4/8/240 – 0/0/110. PLC then went on to win the grand final convincingly. Our Intermediate Badminton players have had a great season, working with their coach Miss Natalle Leong (Science Department).

Our Junior B Badminton team also played PLC in their semi-final. Once again, PLC were too strong for our team 4/8/240 defeating Ivanhoe 0/0/86. Fantastic effort everyone to make a GSV finals series and to get that experience.

Our Junior A Soccer Team played Firbank in their semi-final. It was a tough tussle with our team eventually going down 2-0. Well done on a great season.

The Junior B Soccer Team played Sacre Coeur in their semi-final. Scores were level at 1 - 1 for a lot of the match. In the final few minutes, Sacre Coeur scored which unfortunately meant our team lost 2 - 1. Once again, bad luck, however great effort to make the finals.

Ms Julie Fraser
Head of Sport

Congratulations to Joely McArdle who came 3rd in the 200m at the Northern Metropolitan Regional Athletics Championships and Archie Ghosh who came 3rd in the Discus. 

Well done!

Ms Mia Francesconi
Head of Health and Physical Education

It’s time to talk

All Junior School classes will address Health, Sexuality and Respectful Relationships this term. I encourage all families to set aside some time over the next week or two to view Vanessa Hamilton’s parent information session as communicated last week. Please also make time to talk with your daughter about some of the things that she’s learning about at school. 

All content is guided by the Australian Curriculum, and it is age appropriate. If students ask questions beyond the scope of the curriculum, teachers will encourage them to talk to an adult at home. Family values and conversations are respected and form an essential part of this learning. The curriculum incorporates body safety and consent.

Here are some helpful points that you might reinforce at home about feelings, body safety and consent:

• Allow time for your daughter to talk about feelings and encourage her to use words beyond sad and happy.
• Talk about how our body can give ‘early warning signs’ when we feel unsafe (a sick stomach or a fast heartbeat) and that this is the time to talk to a trusted adult straight away.
• Discuss who the five trusted adults are for your daughter - people they can talk to about anything.
• Use the correct names for ‘private parts’ (including the mouth) and ‘private’ means just for you. 
• Talk about body boundaries and that no-one should come inside your body boundary without you saying it’s okay. 
• Encourage family members to ask, "can I give you a kiss" or "would you like a hug".
• Discourage the use of keeping secrets - have ‘happy surprises’ instead.
• If someone asks your child to keep a secret that makes them feel unsafe, they should tell a trusted adult straight away.

For further advice and information, visit Vanessa Hamilton’s online parent support website: https://www.talkingthetalksexed.com.au/

Orientation for Next Year

Orientation began last week with the first Prep Orientation session and A Day in Junior School. I am pleased to confirm that we will have two Prep classes and three Year 6 classes in 2023.

I am delighted that Tess Morriss will be the second Prep teacher alongside Jo Rowlands. Tess has taught Prep for almost 10 years and she has an exceptional awareness of the needs of students in their first year of school. Tess is known to our Junior School staff team after doing some casual relief teaching for us this year and we are so pleased that she is returning to full time work next year.

Students in Years 1 - 6 can look forward to Orientation Day on Tuesday 29 November where they will meet their 2023 class and teachers. We put considerable time and effort into creating well-balanced class groups to meet the social, emotional and academic needs of each student.  

Preparing for Leadership

This week, as our Year 12 Leaders completed their last day of formal classes, our Year 5 students began the process for determining Year 6 leadership roles for next year.

I met with the year level to talk about the importance of understanding themselves and their character strengths that will enable them to fulfil a role effectively and happily. Some current Year 6 Leaders met with Year 5 to talk about their experience in their roles this year. In Year 6, every student fulfils a leadership role to enhance the life of the Junior School.

Mrs Helen Moore
Head of Junior School

Year 5 students enjoyed bringing ‘Boucles Violettes et les trois ours’ to life and performing their group plays in front of each other.  

In Year 6, students premiered the new French play, ‘Salut mon ami’. Madame Edwards was impressed by their focus on pronunciation and fluency, and their ability to convey the meaning of their lines through gestures and acting. 

Félicitations! 

Madame Jae Edwards
Teacher of French

One of the many things we missed so much during the Covid restrictions was the freedom for parents to come into the ELC, and their involvement in the learning program. Over the last few weeks and some of last term, we have regularly welcomed parents in to read stories, sing songs or share a special skill. The delight on their daughter’s face is precious, even though it can be a bit daunting for the parents to entertain a full class. So far, we have had lots of great storytellers, a ukulele performance and even a story in Italian.

Thank you to all our special guests for stepping out of their comfort zone and bringing an extra bit of joy to our Kinder and PrePrep classes.

ELC Survey

In the next couple of weeks, you will receive a Parent Satisfaction Survey.  Your contributions combined with ongoing reflective practise helps us to continually improve.  We are very appreciative of your feedback and thank you in advance for participating.  

Ms Bernadette Gioia
Director of the Early Learning Centre

Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Parents’ Association (IGGSPA) in partnership with the School Counselling Department, invite you to attend a very important Parent Seminar for parents and guardians of students in Years 5 to 12.

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Identifying and Managing Teenage Distress 

What is a ‘normal’ part of growing up vs identifying a mental health problem? 

Presented by Dr Tahnee Bridson, Hand-n-Hand Peer Support Inc.

Wednesday 26 October 2022
7.00pm – 8.00pm
Doris Walker Centre, Lecture Theatre (Accessible via Noel Street, Ivanhoe)

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Tea and coffee will be served in the Lecture Theatre Foyer at 6.30pm prior to the Seminar.

RSVP by Monday 24 October by clicking here. 

Click here for more information on this Parent Seminar.

Tuesday 15 November 2022
Performing Arts Centre Foyer
6.00pm – 8.00pm 

The Ivanhoe Girls’ Grammar School Parents Association (IGGSPA) AGM will be held at 6.00pm on Tuesday 15 November 2022 in the Performing Arts Centre Foyer. Doors open at 5.45pm, AGM starts promptly at 6.00pm.

All Ordinary Members of IGGSPA (An "Ordinary Member" is a Parent/Guardian of a child currently or previously enrolled at Ivanhoe Girls' Grammar School) have the opportunity to nominate representatives to The Elected Positions on The Executive Committee.

The positions to be elected at the 2022 AGM are President and Treasurer. Further information including nomination forms will be distributed via email this week. 

For any enquiries about the positions to be elected or how to get involved more generally in the association please contact Deborah Hannah, President, IGGSPA at president-iggspa@ivanhoegirls.vic.edu.au