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Zara Nash performs with the Concert Band at the 2023 School Concert held at the Melbourne Recital Centre, August 2023.
Zara Nash performs with the Concert Band at the 2023 School Concert held at the Melbourne Recital Centre, August 2023.
Striking a Perfect Balance
At Melbourne Girls Grammar, our Grammarians are busy. They set goals, they work hard, and they achieve at a high level.
Presented with an array of diverse opportunities, Grammarians at all ages and stages of their education are encouraged to undertake activities, experiences and programs that will complement their classroom learning and positively impact their schooling journey.
We are happy to introduce Zara Nash, a Senior Years student who exemplifies excellence in all areas of her School life.
Active involvement in co-curricular activities is an important aspect of student culture at Melbourne Girls Grammar. 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi spoke of this ‘MGGS magic’ in her reflections last year, stating that the most important lesson she has learned while at MGGS is that "you have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim." Audrey said, "the culture of active participation…almost seeps from the walls of Merton Hall," opening her eyes to the rewards gained from giving things a go and being less outcome-focused.
"You have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim."
– 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi
From the ELC, to Morris Hall, to Merton Hall, our Grammarians develop the self-discipline required to manage their academics, sporting, musical and other co-curricular activities each week, putting them on the right track for success for tertiary study, careers and other challenges. Through developing these transferable self-management skills organically over time and providing themselves opportunities to develop friendships and social skills, participate in regular exercise and, most importantly, reduce stress and anxiety by having fun, our Grammarians learn how to prioritise their academic tasks and ensure they are in the optimal state for learning during the school day. And what we notice in our students, when they reach their Senior Years, is that those who are actively involved in the School outside the classroom tend to perform better academically.
Active involvement in co-curricular activities is an important aspect of student culture at Melbourne Girls Grammar. 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi spoke of this ‘MGGS magic’ in her reflections last year, stating that the most important lesson she has learned while at MGGS is that "you have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim." Audrey said, "the culture of active participation…almost seeps from the walls of Merton Hall," opening her eyes to the rewards gained from giving things a go and being less outcome-focused.
"You have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim."
– 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi
From the ELC, to Morris Hall, to Merton Hall, our Grammarians develop the self-discipline required to manage their academics, sporting, musical and other co-curricular activities each week, putting them on the right track for success for tertiary study, careers and other challenges. Through developing these transferable self-management skills organically over time and providing themselves opportunities to develop friendships and social skills, participate in regular exercise and, most importantly, reduce stress and anxiety by having fun, our Grammarians learn how to prioritise their academic tasks and ensure they are in the optimal state for learning during the school day. And what we notice in our students, when they reach their Senior Years, is that those who are actively involved in the School outside the classroom tend to perform better academically.
Active involvement in co-curricular activities is an important aspect of student culture at Melbourne Girls Grammar. 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi spoke of this ‘MGGS magic’ in her reflections last year, stating that the most important lesson she has learned while at MGGS is that "you have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim." Audrey said, "the culture of active participation…almost seeps from the walls of Merton Hall," opening her eyes to the rewards gained from giving things a go and being less outcome-focused.
"You have to get your feet wet if you want to learn to swim."
– 2023 School Captain, Audrey Choi
From the ELC, to Morris Hall, to Merton Hall, our Grammarians develop the self-discipline required to manage their academics, sporting, musical and other co-curricular activities each week, putting them on the right track for success for tertiary study, careers and other challenges. Through developing these transferable self-management skills organically over time and providing themselves opportunities to develop friendships and social skills, participate in regular exercise and, most importantly, reduce stress and anxiety by having fun, our Grammarians learn how to prioritise their academic tasks and ensure they are in the optimal state for learning during the school day. And what we notice in our students, when they reach their Senior Years, is that those who are actively involved in the School outside the classroom tend to perform better academically.
Recently, we spoke with Senior Years student and 2023 recipient of the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award for a student in Year 10, Zara Nash, to hear about how she manages her schedule to maximise success in school, sport and life.
The Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award was donated by Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978)* and her sisters, Virginia Swanson and Sally Davies, descendants of Dorothy Sholl, who was a student from 1922 to 1927. Dorothy loved Drama and sport at School and went on to play hockey for Victoria and Australia. She served in the Australian Women’s Army Service during World War II. Dorothy took a great interest in the School and its activities throughout her life.
Zara joined MGGS 13 years ago as a three-year-old student at the Early Learning Centre. Since then, she has been an active participant in school life at MGGS, consistently trying new things and contributing to musical, sporting and other programs on offer.
Recently, we spoke with Senior Years student and 2023 recipient of the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award for a student in Year 10, Zara Nash, to hear about how she manages her schedule to maximise success in school, sport and life.
The Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award was donated by Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978)* and her sisters, Virginia Swanson and Sally Davies, descendants of Dorothy Sholl, who was a student from 1922 to 1927. Dorothy loved Drama and sport at School and went on to play hockey for Victoria and Australia. She served in the Australian Women’s Army Service during World War II. Dorothy took a great interest in the School and its activities throughout her life.
Zara joined MGGS 13 years ago as a three-year-old student at the Early Learning Centre. Since then, she has been an active participant in school life at MGGS, consistently trying new things and contributing to musical, sporting and other programs on offer.
Recently, we spoke with Senior Years student and 2023 recipient of the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award for a student in Year 10, Zara Nash, to hear about how she manages her schedule to maximise success in school, sport and life.
The Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award was donated by Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978)* and her sisters, Virginia Swanson and Sally Davies, descendants of Dorothy Sholl, who was a student from 1922 to 1927. Dorothy loved Drama and sport at School and went on to play hockey for Victoria and Australia. She served in the Australian Women’s Army Service during World War II. Dorothy took a great interest in the School and its activities throughout her life.
Zara joined MGGS 13 years ago as a three-year-old student at the Early Learning Centre. Since then, she has been an active participant in school life at MGGS, consistently trying new things and contributing to musical, sporting and other programs on offer.
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Zara in Year 2 at Morris Hall learning about the human body and digestive system.
Zara in Year 2 at Morris Hall learning about the human body and digestive system.
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Year 9 Sport Representative – Zara presents at the Celebration of Sport event in October, 2022.
She’s been part of a wide range of co-curricular activities at Morris and Merton Hall, including Orchestra, Netball, Stage Band, GSV Sport, Swimming, Rowing, Athletics, Concert Band, Sport Camps, Coding Club, academic competitions, in addition to House activities and more! In previous years Zara has also held leadership positions within her year group including the Year 9 Sport Representative in 2022 and the Year 10 Community Representative in 2023. Zara says that "maintaining a fixed daily routine throughout the week has been integral to balancing" her commitments and she always uses her school diary to help set out her activities and priorities each week.
This year, Zara is in Year 11 and is studying Units 3 and 4 of VCE Biology, in addition to Units 1 and 2 of Chemistry, English, French, Latin, and Mathematical Methods. On top of her sporting and music commitments, Zara has been voted into the position of Track and Field Captain by her peers in the Athletics squad. Zara has been a committed member of this program for many years and is looking forward to leading the squad through the Track and Field season in Term 3 this year.
She’s been part of a wide range of co-curricular activities at Morris and Merton Hall, including Orchestra, Netball, Stage Band, GSV Sport, Swimming, Rowing, Athletics, Concert Band, Sport Camps, Coding Club, academic competitions, in addition to House activities and more! In previous years Zara has also held leadership positions within her year group including the Year 9 Sport Representative in 2022 and the Year 10 Community Representative in 2023. Zara says that "maintaining a fixed daily routine throughout the week has been integral to balancing" her commitments and she always uses her school diary to help set out her activities and priorities each week.
This year, Zara is in Year 11 and is studying Units 3 and 4 of VCE Biology, in addition to Units 1 and 2 of Chemistry, English, French, Latin, and Mathematical Methods. On top of her sporting and music commitments, Zara has been voted into the position of Track and Field Captain by her peers in the Athletics squad. Zara has been a committed member of this program for many years and is looking forward to leading the squad through the Track and Field season in Term 3 this year.
Zara performs at the MGGS School Concert in August, 2023.
Zara performs at the MGGS School Concert in August, 2023.
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Zara recieves an prize for academic excellence at Speech Night, 2022.
Zara performs at the MGGS School Concert in August, 2023.
Zara recieves an prize for academic excellence at Speech Night, 2022.
During a normal week in Senior Years, Zara attends Athletics training a couple mornings a week or hits the gym with her friends. At lunchtime she’ll have Concert Band practice once a week and then afterschool co-curriculars like GSV Sport matches or Netball training too. She likes to plan out the order in which she will attack her evening study and establishes a revision timetable for upcoming tests or SACs to stay on top of things. She very much enjoys the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing out her completed tasks "in bright red pen"! Zara advises completing small fragments of study for each subject every night helps with productivity, balance and engagement.
Having completed Units 1 and 2 of VCE Biology in Year 10, Zara gained an understanding of the workload and time-management expectations of VCE early on. In approaching her Year 11 studies this year, Zara made an effort to recognise the unique demands of each subject, which has allowed her to plan ahead of time and balance her busy schedule. With the step up in study requirements from Year 10, Zara says that prioritising sleep and rest has been important in recharging for the next day, because you never know what is going to be thrown at you.
"I have learned to trust that the downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated."
During a normal week in Senior Years, Zara attends Athletics training a couple mornings a week or hits the gym with her friends. At lunchtime she’ll have Concert Band practice once a week and then afterschool co-curriculars like GSV Sport matches or Netball training too. She likes to plan out the order in which she will attack her evening study and establishes a revision timetable for upcoming tests or SACs to stay on top of things. She very much enjoys the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing out her completed tasks "in bright red pen"! Zara advises completing small fragments of study for each subject every night helps with productivity, balance and engagement.
Having completed Units 1 and 2 of VCE Biology in Year 10, Zara gained an understanding of the workload and time-management expectations of VCE early on. In approaching her Year 11 studies this year, Zara made an effort to recognise the unique demands of each subject, which has allowed her to plan ahead of time and balance her busy schedule. With the step up in study requirements from Year 10, Zara says that prioritising sleep and rest has been important in recharging for the next day, because you never know what is going to be thrown at you.
"I have learned to trust that the downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated."
During a normal week in Senior Years, Zara attends Athletics training a couple mornings a week or hits the gym with her friends. At lunchtime she’ll have Concert Band practice once a week and then afterschool co-curriculars like GSV Sport matches or Netball training too. She likes to plan out the order in which she will attack her evening study and establishes a revision timetable for upcoming tests or SACs to stay on top of things. She very much enjoys the feeling of accomplishment that comes with crossing out her completed tasks "in bright red pen"! Zara advises completing small fragments of study for each subject every night helps with productivity, balance and engagement.
Having completed Units 1 and 2 of VCE Biology in Year 10, Zara gained an understanding of the workload and time-management expectations of VCE early on. In approaching her Year 11 studies this year, Zara made an effort to recognise the unique demands of each subject, which has allowed her to plan ahead of time and balance her busy schedule. With the step up in study requirements from Year 10, Zara says that prioritising sleep and rest has been important in recharging for the next day, because you never know what is going to be thrown at you.
"I have learned to trust that the downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated."
When asked how she deals with distractions and self-doubt, Zara acknowledged that these feelings are inevitable, but she has learned to trust that "downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated." Rather than letting her emotions stress her out or ignoring them, Zara says "it is vital to allow [herself] to naturally experience" them and find methods to adapt.
Over the years, Zara has accomplished a great deal and contributed valuably to our School and community. She has received numerous academic awards, been a highly active participant of Blackwood House, a skilled athlete, a committed ensemble member, a supportive teammate and a brilliant role model and leader for our younger Grammarians. Her involvement in the School's Netball program has earned her two Best and Fairest Awards, as well as Junior Shields for Athletics, GSV Netball, a Junior Service to Sport Award, and Senior Shields for Track and Field, GSV Netball. Zara has even begun working as a Netball Coach at Morris Hall, passing on her skills to students in Year 3 who are new to the sport. Zara and her co-coach, Issy, recently won an award for their effort and performance coaching this netball season.
When asked how she deals with distractions and self-doubt, Zara acknowledged that these feelings are inevitable, but she has learned to trust that "downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated." Rather than letting her emotions stress her out or ignoring them, Zara says "it is vital to allow [herself] to naturally experience" them and find methods to adapt.
Over the years, Zara has accomplished a great deal and contributed valuably to our School and community. She has received numerous academic awards, been a highly active participant of Blackwood House, a skilled athlete, a committed ensemble member, a supportive teammate and a brilliant role model and leader for our younger Grammarians. Her involvement in the School's Netball program has earned her two Best and Fairest Awards, as well as Junior Shields for Athletics, GSV Netball, a Junior Service to Sport Award, and Senior Shields for Track and Field, GSV Netball. Zara has even begun working as a Netball Coach at Morris Hall, passing on her skills to students in Year 3 who are new to the sport. Zara and her co-coach, Issy, recently won an award for their effort and performance coaching this netball season.
When asked how she deals with distractions and self-doubt, Zara acknowledged that these feelings are inevitable, but she has learned to trust that "downs must be endured for the ups to be celebrated and appreciated." Rather than letting her emotions stress her out or ignoring them, Zara says "it is vital to allow [herself] to naturally experience" them and find methods to adapt.
Over the years, Zara has accomplished a great deal and contributed valuably to our School and community. She has received numerous academic awards, been a highly active participant of Blackwood House, a skilled athlete, a committed ensemble member, a supportive teammate and a brilliant role model and leader for our younger Grammarians. Her involvement in the School's Netball program has earned her two Best and Fairest Awards, as well as Junior Shields for Athletics, GSV Netball, a Junior Service to Sport Award, and Senior Shields for Track and Field, GSV Netball. Zara has even begun working as a Netball Coach at Morris Hall, passing on her skills to students in Year 3 who are new to the sport. Zara and her co-coach, Issy, recently won an award for their effort and performance coaching this netball season.
Zara with her Year 9 netball team, the MGGS Hurricanes, ahead of their Grand Final in September 2022.
Zara with her Year 9 netball team, the MGGS Hurricanes, ahead of their Grand Final in September 2022.
Her most crucial piece of advice for fully engaging in school life would be to seize every opportunity and aim to embrace challenges as opportunities to improve instead of perceiving them as threats. In Year 8, Zara says, perfection was her priority, in school, sport and other aspects of her life. As she has gotten older, Zara has come to understand that her commitments and activities should add to her health and happiness and provide positives in her life, not the other way around. She says it is important to listen to your instincts and learn to recognise signals for recharging.
"Perfection is impossible, and it is more than okay to accept failure, move on and try again."
Zara feels confident to face the challenges that lie ahead of her on her VCE journey over the next 18 months, and beyond. Although she isn’t sure yet of her tertiary or career pathway, she is keeping her options and mindset open and has chosen an array of VCE subjects that will facilitate a range of pathways and university courses. This also means she has been able to ‘exert equal focus across all areas of study’ and not have additional pressure leaning towards a specific tertiary course pathway.
We congratulate Zara on her achievements at School so far, including receiving the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award in 2023 and look forward to following her journey into the future.
*Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978) also features later on in this edition of IE, as we share the news of her son Tom's marriage and the birth of two grandchildren, Tillie and Charlie!
Her most crucial piece of advice for fully engaging in school life would be to seize every opportunity and aim to embrace challenges as opportunities to improve instead of perceiving them as threats. In Year 8, Zara says, perfection was her priority, in school, sport and other aspects of her life. As she has gotten older, Zara has come to understand that her commitments and activities should add to her health and happiness and provide positives in her life, not the other way around. She says it is important to listen to your instincts and learn to recognise signals for recharging.
"Perfection is impossible, and it is more than okay to accept failure, move on and try again."
Zara feels confident to face the challenges that lie ahead of her on her VCE journey over the next 18 months, and beyond. Although she isn’t sure yet of her tertiary or career pathway, she is keeping her options and mindset open and has chosen an array of VCE subjects that will facilitate a range of pathways and university courses. This also means she has been able to ‘exert equal focus across all areas of study’ and not have additional pressure leaning towards a specific tertiary course pathway.
We congratulate Zara on her achievements at School so far, including receiving the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award in 2023 and look forward to following her journey into the future.
*Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978) also features later on in this edition of IE, as we share the news of her son Tom's marriage and the birth of two grandchildren, Tillie and Charlie!
Her most crucial piece of advice for fully engaging in school life would be to seize every opportunity and aim to embrace challenges as opportunities to improve instead of perceiving them as threats. In Year 8, Zara says, perfection was her priority, in school, sport and other aspects of her life. As she has gotten older, Zara has come to understand that her commitments and activities should add to her health and happiness and provide positives in her life, not the other way around. She says it is important to listen to your instincts and learn to recognise signals for recharging.
"Perfection is impossible, and it is more than okay to accept failure, move on and try again."
Zara feels confident to face the challenges that lie ahead of her on her VCE journey over the next 18 months, and beyond. Although she isn’t sure yet of her tertiary or career pathway, she is keeping her options and mindset open and has chosen an array of VCE subjects that will facilitate a range of pathways and university courses. This also means she has been able to ‘exert equal focus across all areas of study’ and not have additional pressure leaning towards a specific tertiary course pathway.
We congratulate Zara on her achievements at School so far, including receiving the Dorothy Sholl All-Rounder Award in 2023 and look forward to following her journey into the future.
*Felicity Browne (Sholl, 1978) also features later on in this edition of IE, as we share the news of her son Tom's marriage and the birth of two grandchildren, Tillie and Charlie!