This week, it is 200 years since the birth of novelist, George Eliot (born Mary Ann Evans), who wrote that ‘The greatest benefit we owe to the artist, whether painter or poet or novelist, is the extension of our sympathies.’
As was written in The Guardian about Eliot, her ‘artistic virtues—wisdom, kindness, intellectual honesty, moral seriousness—may seem old-fashioned, even off-putting, but her deep, encompassing humanity and her penetrating intelligence are needed more than ever in our fractious, fragmented times’.
It is my hope that at Girls Grammar we have developed these virtues in our girls this year through learning experiences that foster deepened relationships, challenging endeavours, astonishing achievements and meaningful moments.
Today, at our final Assembly of the year we acknowledged the efforts and achievements of our students during another successful and rewarding year at the School. We thanked and farewelled staff and honoured important milestones, such as the presentation of the Year 10 students’ Certificates.
The girls have much to be proud of. They have inspired us with their generosity, commitment to their classes, ensembles and teams, and through their contribution to service activities. And through these endeavours they have not only got to know themselves much better, but one another.
I hope that our students take time to reflect on their achievements, their learnings, their friendships and their aspirations during the holidays—and to read. May they also enjoy a fun and restful holiday with family, and friends and return to us with renewed energy and enthusiasm for the start of another academic year.
Without the dedicated support of all in our community—support groups, parents and friends—we could not achieve all that we do. Thank you most sincerely for your loyalty to our School and contributions, in so many different ways, this year.
I extend my very best wishes to you and your family for a happy and peaceful festive season.
Ms Jacinda Euler
Principal
