The blazer of Amelie Woodward (12 Jones) tells the story of a student who has immersed herself in every aspect of life at Girton. The gleaming badges, piping and embroidery signal she is a diligent scholar, a dedicated volunteer, a dependable leader and a passionate devotee to her beloved Jones House. It is this commitment to being an exceptional all-rounder and upstanding member of the school community that has earned Amelie the prestigious 2024 Departing Girtonian Scholarship, a $2,500 prize presented to a departing student who embodies the school’s ethos. But, among all her talents and endeavours, it is the performing arts that holds a special place in Amelie’s heart. She counts the performance opportunities offered to her throughout her 12 years at Girton as some of the most valuable experiences of her educational journey. Amelie’s love of music has blossomed from Girton’s Junior School, where she fondly remembers her first cello and saxophone lessons and choir rehearsals with Mrs D. After progressing to the Senior School, she has become an integral member of numerous ensembles, including Girton Singers, Big Band, Symphony Orchestra and Wind Symphony – even finding time to captain the Jazz Band in her final year. Amelie’s efforts have seen her awarded the title of Musician of the Year on two occasions, as well as the coveted Betty Higgs Music Scholarship No stranger to the stage, Amelie has also been a regular fixture in the school’s One Act Play Festival, and this year she performed a leading role in the Senior School Production of The Little Mermaid. She has described portraying the fabulously wicked Ursula as one of her proudest achievements from her time at Girton. These accomplishments on the stage mean even more to Amelie given the challenges she faced in her younger years. Diagnosed with hip dysplasia as a child, she underwent multiple surgeries, each requiring months of recovery in a wheelchair and crutches. Eager to take part in her first senior production of Matilda the Musical, it eventually became apparent that Amelie would be unable to progress out of crutches in time to step onto the stage. But she refused to let this stop her from being involved in any way she could, carrying out her role in the ensemble from backstage instead. Off the stage, Amelie’s leadership journey began early, with her appointment as Jones House Captain in the Junior School setting the foundation for leadership roles in the Senior School as House Vice-Captain and Prefect. Embodying the Jones House motto of ‘No reward without effort’, she has been a regular volunteer at House Working Bees, with Head of House Mr Marcus Smalley commending her willingness to take on any task and her positive attitude towards challenges. Amelie’s ability to connect with younger students is another key strength – and in her scholarship interview, the panel was struck by the value she attributed to the simple, everyday conversations in ensuring people feel seen, supported and encouraged. Amelie’s academic achievements are similarly impressive. She has earned the accolades of dux, second and third among her cohort at various points in her Senior School journey, in addition to being selected for the Kwong Lee Dow Young Scholars Program. Outside the classroom, Amelie’s dedication to sport and the wider community has been just as outstanding. She has represented the school in table tennis, actively participated in local cricket, and even achieved certification as a lifeguard, enabling her to work part time at Bendigo’s Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre. Amelie’s community spirit is evident in the countless hours she has contributed to initiatives such as the Red Shield Appeal, Million Paws Walk, Zinda Festival and Sustainability Festival. And as a member of the Girton Community Action Group and founding member of Pride Plus, she has consistently demonstrated her passion for advocacy and service within Girton as well. This year, sustainability has become a key interest for Amelie, as she played a pivotal role in the Sustainability in Action co-curricular and implementing the school’s new recycling program. Her efforts in this area have left a lasting impact on the school and its approach to environmental responsibility. Looking ahead, Amelie plans to combine her passion for helping others with her love of music by pursuing a Bachelor of Biomedicine alongside a Diploma of Music at the University of Melbourne. She will use her scholarship prize to support her studies as she fully immerses herself in life at St Hilda’s College, where she has been offered a place of residence. Over the long term, Amelie hopes to work with children by earning a Doctor of Medicine, specialising in psychiatry and paediatric psychology. And in between all this study, she dreams of travelling the world, particularly returning to France to reconnect with the family who hosted her during her exchange experience. The Old Girtonians’ Association congratulates Amelie on being awarded the 2024 Departing Girtonian Scholarship in recognition of her remarkable dedication, leadership and spirit of ‘opting in’, which will undoubtedly continue to inspire others for years to come.

Girton has proudly celebrated 140 years of history today, marking the milestone with a vibrant whole-school anniversary event. Students, staff and special guests were captivated by stories tracing the school’s extraordinary journey and the individuals who contributed to its survival and success, before enjoying the premiere of a moving video commemorating Girton’s 140-year legacy. The festivities also included a special blessing by one of the Bendigo Chinese Association’s much-loved dragons, Gwong Loong. Having first appeared at the Bendigo Easter Fair in 1892, the city’s iconic dragons have been an integral part of its identity for nearly as long as Girton. Girton Grammar’s Principal, Dr Emma O’Rielly, who was one of the event’s keynote speakers, expressed her pride in the school’s enduring legacy. “The Girtonians of today feel incredibly fortunate to be the custodians of such a rich history, filled with inspirational stories of those who have paved the way for our generation,” she said. “Gathering together today, we were reminded that we are all a part of this living history, with our own opportunities to leave our mark on the school and our community.” Established as Girton College in 1884 by two visionary women, Mrs Marian Aherne and Miss Alice Hill, the school was founded with the bold mission of providing girls in the region with the opportunity to pursue a university education. Fittingly, they chose to name it in honour of Cambridge University’s Girton College, the UK’s first residential institution offering a university-level education for women. Throughout its 140 years, Girton has witnessed the unfolding of history: Federation, World Wars, periods of prosperity and times of economic hardship. From humble beginnings, the school has thrived despite facing numerous challenges, none greater than the decision by the Anglican Diocese to close Girton College in 1992. Through the unyielding determination and hard work of a group of courageous parents and supporters, the college was resurrected as Girton Grammar School in time for the following school year. While Girton has evolved in many ways – from a small girls’ college into a co-educational institution with significantly expanded enrolments and facilities – the school remains deeply connected to its founding principles. Girton’s cherished traditions, progressive outlook, caring community and reputation for academic excellence bind the schools of the past and present.