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Mia and Zara at the ELC Sport Day.
Mia and Zara at the ELC Sport Day.
Being Part of More
The Artemis Centre is positioned on the top of Anderson Street hill, across the road from one of the most iconic running tracks in the world and on the edge of Melbourne’s sporting precinct. This beautiful building tells the world, or at least those running, walking, and cycling past, of Melbourne Girls Grammar’s commitment to optimising the health, wellbeing, athletic and performance capabilities of our Grammarians.
It’s been somewhat of a pipedream to host our Celebration of Sport in Artemis, and so it was with a great sense of occasion that we gathered as a community of sports fans within the amber fins of our happy place — our “cauldron” — to pay homage to the experiences, achievements, highs, lows, and learnings of our year in sport.
The MGGS Celebration of Sport is an annual event that holds a special place in the hearts of our Grammarians, who give so much of themselves every time they dive off the blocks, chase their opponent down, pull their oars through the water, and leap through the air. It’s an occasion to celebrate the moments that hold meaning, the work that has been done, the efforts applied through the process, the acts of commitment to the team, and the tenacity to overcome challenges.
Underpinning all these wonderful stories of endeavour, achievement, excellence and, at times, heartbreak are currents of joy, friendship, good humour, and being part of more.
This notion of “being part of more” is a thread that runs through sport at every level, and this is particularly amplified during our time in school.
It’s such a privilege to witness the inspiration and shared purpose that is expressed within our Grammarians when they engage in a sport or a physical pursuit that deepens their connection to each other and to the School they love.
In his 2021 publication titled “Belonging”, Owen Eastwood talks of “Whakapapa” — a “…Māori idea which embodies our universal human need to belong. It represents a powerful spiritual belief that each of us is part of an unbroken and unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
Sport is one of the most powerful vehicles in which to create a sense of belonging, foster social connections and build healthy and vibrant communities. But sport alone can’t do the heavy lifting; it needs agents who embrace, foster, and role model a generosity of spirit and care for community.
Our Grammarians are fine examples of those agents. Showing respect for those who have come before them, taking good care of each other during their time at School, and leaving a legacy of continuous service and community for the generation following in their footsteps.
We were so excited to welcome Old Grammarians Olivia Vesely (2017) and Eliza McNamara (2020) to this year’s Celebration of Sport. Despite graduating three years apart, Olivia and Eliza are the best of friends. A friendship forged playing ‘footy’ together at MGGS. They were part of our first-ever team to win the GSV premiership (2017) and to progress to the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final, contested on the hallowed turf of the MCG. Both have gone on to play AFL at the highest level. Olivia debuting for St Kilda in 2020 and taking out joint Best and Fairest Honours that season; Eliza who was recruited by the Melbourne Football Club in the 2020 national draft as pick number 15 and listed among Melbourne's best players in the team’s preliminary final win over Brisbane last season, as the Demons progressed to their first AFLW Grand Final appearance.
When quizzed by our 2022 Sport Captains, Ruby J and Chloe W, Olivia and Eliza spoke fondly of their sport experiences at school, how deeply they valued playing with friends, the opportunity to mix with students in other year levels, and their love of representing MGGS across multiple sports. They described these experiences as foundational to shaping their passion and continuing their approach to their craft at a professional level, and they did so with humility and gratitude. It was evident to everyone in the room that their sense of service and giving to community continues to be at the heart of their purpose.
I was reminded of “… the unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
It’s been somewhat of a pipedream to host our Celebration of Sport in Artemis, and so it was with a great sense of occasion that we gathered as a community of sports fans within the amber fins of our happy place — our “cauldron” — to pay homage to the experiences, achievements, highs, lows, and learnings of our year in sport.
The MGGS Celebration of Sport is an annual event that holds a special place in the hearts of our Grammarians, who give so much of themselves every time they dive off the blocks, chase their opponent down, pull their oars through the water, and leap through the air. It’s an occasion to celebrate the moments that hold meaning, the work that has been done, the efforts applied through the process, the acts of commitment to the team, and the tenacity to overcome challenges.
Underpinning all these wonderful stories of endeavour, achievement, excellence and, at times, heartbreak are currents of joy, friendship, good humour, and being part of more.
This notion of “being part of more” is a thread that runs through sport at every level, and this is particularly amplified during our time in school.
It’s such a privilege to witness the inspiration and shared purpose that is expressed within our Grammarians when they engage in a sport or a physical pursuit that deepens their connection to each other and to the School they love.
In his 2021 publication titled “Belonging”, Owen Eastwood talks of “Whakapapa” — a “…Māori idea which embodies our universal human need to belong. It represents a powerful spiritual belief that each of us is part of an unbroken and unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
Sport is one of the most powerful vehicles in which to create a sense of belonging, foster social connections and build healthy and vibrant communities. But sport alone can’t do the heavy lifting; it needs agents who embrace, foster, and role model a generosity of spirit and care for community.
Our Grammarians are fine examples of those agents. Showing respect for those who have come before them, taking good care of each other during their time at School, and leaving a legacy of continuous service and community for the generation following in their footsteps.
We were so excited to welcome Old Grammarians Olivia Vesely (2017) and Eliza McNamara (2020) to this year’s Celebration of Sport. Despite graduating three years apart, Olivia and Eliza are the best of friends. A friendship forged playing ‘footy’ together at MGGS. They were part of our first-ever team to win the GSV premiership (2017) and to progress to the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final, contested on the hallowed turf of the MCG. Both have gone on to play AFL at the highest level. Olivia debuting for St Kilda in 2020 and taking out joint Best and Fairest Honours that season; Eliza who was recruited by the Melbourne Football Club in the 2020 national draft as pick number 15 and listed among Melbourne's best players in the team’s preliminary final win over Brisbane last season, as the Demons progressed to their first AFLW Grand Final appearance.
When quizzed by our 2022 Sport Captains, Ruby J and Chloe W, Olivia and Eliza spoke fondly of their sport experiences at school, how deeply they valued playing with friends, the opportunity to mix with students in other year levels, and their love of representing MGGS across multiple sports. They described these experiences as foundational to shaping their passion and continuing their approach to their craft at a professional level, and they did so with humility and gratitude. It was evident to everyone in the room that their sense of service and giving to community continues to be at the heart of their purpose.
I was reminded of “… the unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
It’s been somewhat of a pipedream to host our Celebration of Sport in Artemis, and so it was with a great sense of occasion that we gathered as a community of sports fans within the amber fins of our happy place — our “cauldron” — to pay homage to the experiences, achievements, highs, lows, and learnings of our year in sport.
The MGGS Celebration of Sport is an annual event that holds a special place in the hearts of our Grammarians, who give so much of themselves every time they dive off the blocks, chase their opponent down, pull their oars through the water, and leap through the air. It’s an occasion to celebrate the moments that hold meaning, the work that has been done, the efforts applied through the process, the acts of commitment to the team, and the tenacity to overcome challenges.
Underpinning all these wonderful stories of endeavour, achievement, excellence and, at times, heartbreak are currents of joy, friendship, good humour, and being part of more.
This notion of “being part of more” is a thread that runs through sport at every level, and this is particularly amplified during our time in school.
It’s such a privilege to witness the inspiration and shared purpose that is expressed within our Grammarians when they engage in a sport or a physical pursuit that deepens their connection to each other and to the School they love.
In his 2021 publication titled “Belonging”, Owen Eastwood talks of “Whakapapa” — a “…Māori idea which embodies our universal human need to belong. It represents a powerful spiritual belief that each of us is part of an unbroken and unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
Sport is one of the most powerful vehicles in which to create a sense of belonging, foster social connections and build healthy and vibrant communities. But sport alone can’t do the heavy lifting; it needs agents who embrace, foster, and role model a generosity of spirit and care for community.
Our Grammarians are fine examples of those agents. Showing respect for those who have come before them, taking good care of each other during their time at School, and leaving a legacy of continuous service and community for the generation following in their footsteps.
We were so excited to welcome Old Grammarians Olivia Vesely (2017) and Eliza McNamara (2020) to this year’s Celebration of Sport. Despite graduating three years apart, Olivia and Eliza are the best of friends. A friendship forged playing ‘footy’ together at MGGS. They were part of our first-ever team to win the GSV premiership (2017) and to progress to the Herald Sun Shield Grand Final, contested on the hallowed turf of the MCG. Both have gone on to play AFL at the highest level. Olivia debuting for St Kilda in 2020 and taking out joint Best and Fairest Honours that season; Eliza who was recruited by the Melbourne Football Club in the 2020 national draft as pick number 15 and listed among Melbourne's best players in the team’s preliminary final win over Brisbane last season, as the Demons progressed to their first AFLW Grand Final appearance.
When quizzed by our 2022 Sport Captains, Ruby J and Chloe W, Olivia and Eliza spoke fondly of their sport experiences at school, how deeply they valued playing with friends, the opportunity to mix with students in other year levels, and their love of representing MGGS across multiple sports. They described these experiences as foundational to shaping their passion and continuing their approach to their craft at a professional level, and they did so with humility and gratitude. It was evident to everyone in the room that their sense of service and giving to community continues to be at the heart of their purpose.
I was reminded of “… the unbreakable chain of people who share a sacred identity and culture.”
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2022 Sports Captains Ruby J and Chloe W with OGs Olivia Vesely (2017), Eliza McNamara (2020) at the Celebration of Sport.
2022 Sports Captains Ruby J and Chloe W with OGs Olivia Vesely (2017), Eliza McNamara (2020) at the Celebration of Sport.
In my role, I am blessed to have a front row seat to the work of our student leaders, both on and off the field. Over the years, consistent trademarks of their leadership include a deep sense of service to give (back) to MGGS, their desire to create an environment in which everyone feels confident and comfortable to get involved and have a go, and their motivation to build an inclusive and fun community that brings the best out in all and celebrates the achievements of everyone.
I have seen these trademark behaviours expressed in OGs like Olivia and Eliza, and with each passing year I have witnessed so many deeds which continue to drive a connected and vibrant community of health, wellbeing, activity, and sport. To highlight just a few examples:
… In the notion of our most little Grammarians learning from their big sisters, our Year 9 and 10 House and Sport Representatives were charged with the responsibility of running the ELC Sport Day in the last week of Term 3. They designed the program from start to end, a task they embraced with epic enthusiasm. Over the course of the term, the group met every fortnight to formulate and test their ideas with each other and discuss all the organisational and practical considerations they would need to put in place to make it a successful day. Their program was complete with musical playlists, costumes, and stickers. The magic is in their reflections attached to this piece.
… Georgie G, Alex W, and Amelia K's leadership of the rowing program through a season that resulted in the School’s most successful season of rowing in its esteemed history.
… The Merton (First VIII), creating history as the first crew to compete in the Prince Phillip Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, thereby sparking the imagination to what’s possible in the hearts and minds of their peers and our future generation of rowers.
… Ruby J and Aria L initiating the first ever Swim Team Relay morning and social breakfast with Melbourne Grammar School this year.
… Jess S picking up the baton to keep the “Tan-a-thon” alive after a COVID-impacted era and raise much needed funds for Fitted for Work.
… The countless senior and graduating students who put themselves forward to umpire and coach netball, teach learn to swim, and coach or manage within the multitude of programs we offer from athletics to taekwondo. Thereby contributing to a virtuous cycle of community and paying it forward.
… The 10 students in Years 9 and 10 who have volunteered their time to produce and direct Series 2 of our Nutrition Nibble podcast, a strengths-based approach to conversations around nutrition, led by students who ask the questions they want to unpack in relation to healthy and positive eating for life and performance.
… The group of students who participated in this year’s Worowa Sports Carnival; an event designed to bring Indigenous students together from across Melbourne in the spirit of Reconciliation.
Being part of more is a thread that runs through sport. Being part of more is part of our story.
In my role, I am blessed to have a front row seat to the work of our student leaders, both on and off the field. Over the years, consistent trademarks of their leadership include a deep sense of service to give (back) to MGGS, their desire to create an environment in which everyone feels confident and comfortable to get involved and have a go, and their motivation to build an inclusive and fun community that brings the best out in all and celebrates the achievements of everyone.
I have seen these trademark behaviours expressed in OGs like Olivia and Eliza, and with each passing year I have witnessed so many deeds which continue to drive a connected and vibrant community of health, wellbeing, activity, and sport. To highlight just a few examples:
… In the notion of our most little Grammarians learning from their big sisters, our Year 9 and 10 House and Sport Representatives were charged with the responsibility of running the ELC Sport Day in the last week of Term 3. They designed the program from start to end, a task they embraced with epic enthusiasm. Over the course of the term, the group met every fortnight to formulate and test their ideas with each other and discuss all the organisational and practical considerations they would need to put in place to make it a successful day. Their program was complete with musical playlists, costumes, and stickers. The magic is in their reflections attached to this piece.
… Georgie G, Alex W, and Amelia K's leadership of the rowing program through a season that resulted in the School’s most successful season of rowing in its esteemed history.
… The Merton (First VIII), creating history as the first crew to compete in the Prince Phillip Challenge Cup at the Henley Royal Regatta, thereby sparking the imagination to what’s possible in the hearts and minds of their peers and our future generation of rowers.
… Ruby J and Aria L initiating the first ever Swim Team Relay morning and social breakfast with Melbourne Grammar School this year.
… Jess S picking up the baton to keep the “Tan-a-thon” alive after a COVID-impacted era and raise much needed funds for Fitted for Work.
… The countless senior and graduating students who put themselves forward to umpire and coach netball, teach learn to swim, and coach or manage within the multitude of programs we offer from athletics to taekwondo. Thereby contributing to a virtuous cycle of community and paying it forward.
… The 10 students in Years 9 and 10 who have volunteered their time to produce and direct Series 2 of our Nutrition Nibble podcast, a strengths-based approach to conversations around nutrition, led by students who ask the questions they want to unpack in relation to healthy and positive eating for life and performance.
… The group of students who participated in this year’s Worowa Sports Carnival; an event designed to bring Indigenous students together from across Melbourne in the spirit of Reconciliation.
Being part of more is a thread that runs through sport. Being part of more is part of our story.
ELC Sport Day Reflections
From our ELC students:
ELC Sport Day Reflections
From our ELC students:
ELC Sport Day Reflections
From our ELC students:
From our Senior Years leaders:
“Spending time with the smallest members of the MGGS community was an incredible experience. Dressed in our ridiculous, over-the-top costumes, we hoped to gain a smile. Their laughter, giggles, and grins as they competed in the sack race and many other activities made the weeks of planning all worth it.“ – Zoe S, Year 10
“ELC Sport Day was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to connect and give back to the community, following in the footsteps of leaders that have influenced my school years. The smiles, excitement and energy of the groups brightened my day as much as I hoped I brightened theirs.” – Zoe P, Year 10
“The ELC Sports Day is an event I will remember as one of the highlights of being a Year 10 Sport Rep. Experiences like these are so vital to have in our School community as they allow students from all ages to bond and collaborate. The ELC Sports Day gave the young ELC girls a chance to connect with their peers and those who they look up to. This day was not only a highlight of their ELC experience but was also something I’m so happy to have been a part of.“ – Sophie L, Year 10
“Dressed as Elsa from Frozen, I remember one of the young girls asking me, ‘Elsa, can you come to my party?’ This special moment encapsulates the morning for me; a morning from which both the ELC, and Year 9 and 10 students gained so much by being able to strengthen our sisterhood.” – Isabella H, Year 10
From our Senior Years leaders:
“Spending time with the smallest members of the MGGS community was an incredible experience. Dressed in our ridiculous, over-the-top costumes, we hoped to gain a smile. Their laughter, giggles, and grins as they competed in the sack race and many other activities made the weeks of planning all worth it.“ – Zoe S, Year 10
“ELC Sport Day was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to connect and give back to the community, following in the footsteps of leaders that have influenced my school years. The smiles, excitement and energy of the groups brightened my day as much as I hoped I brightened theirs.” – Zoe P, Year 10
“The ELC Sports Day is an event I will remember as one of the highlights of being a Year 10 Sport Rep. Experiences like these are so vital to have in our School community as they allow students from all ages to bond and collaborate. The ELC Sports Day gave the young ELC girls a chance to connect with their peers and those who they look up to. This day was not only a highlight of their ELC experience but was also something I’m so happy to have been a part of.“ – Sophie L, Year 10
“Dressed as Elsa from Frozen, I remember one of the young girls asking me, ‘Elsa, can you come to my party?’ This special moment encapsulates the morning for me; a morning from which both the ELC, and Year 9 and 10 students gained so much by being able to strengthen our sisterhood.” – Isabella H, Year 10
From our Senior Years leaders:
“Spending time with the smallest members of the MGGS community was an incredible experience. Dressed in our ridiculous, over-the-top costumes, we hoped to gain a smile. Their laughter, giggles, and grins as they competed in the sack race and many other activities made the weeks of planning all worth it.“ – Zoe S, Year 10
“ELC Sport Day was an incredibly rewarding experience that allowed me to connect and give back to the community, following in the footsteps of leaders that have influenced my school years. The smiles, excitement and energy of the groups brightened my day as much as I hoped I brightened theirs.” – Zoe P, Year 10
“The ELC Sports Day is an event I will remember as one of the highlights of being a Year 10 Sport Rep. Experiences like these are so vital to have in our School community as they allow students from all ages to bond and collaborate. The ELC Sports Day gave the young ELC girls a chance to connect with their peers and those who they look up to. This day was not only a highlight of their ELC experience but was also something I’m so happy to have been a part of.“ – Sophie L, Year 10
“Dressed as Elsa from Frozen, I remember one of the young girls asking me, ‘Elsa, can you come to my party?’ This special moment encapsulates the morning for me; a morning from which both the ELC, and Year 9 and 10 students gained so much by being able to strengthen our sisterhood.” – Isabella H, Year 10