In December 2020, the Old Girtonians’ Association was delighted to bestow on Mr Dan Slater, an Honorary Associate Life Membership for achieving twenty years of service to Girton Grammar School.
It is in many ways thanks to the work of Dan Slater that the Girton Co-curriculum sits comfortably alongside the Curriculum as one of the School’s pillars of strategic intent. As the Head of Co-curriculum for twenty years, Dan has been instrumental in the evolution and growth of the Co-curriculum programme, helping to ensure that participation in Co-curriculum is at the core of every Girton student’s education.
Under Dan’s leadership, the Co-curriculum programme is comprehensive and extensive. It has influenced the School culture in many ways. The provision of such a broad range of activities means that every student finds their place within the School, supporting a culture of diversity and inclusion. Dan has always been an advocate of the House system and the Co-curricular programme combining to make Girton a great place to teach. He believes that under this system students and teachers work more as a team when they have the opportunity to interact outside of the regular classroom environment.
Dan is known for empowering those around him. He is a sounding board for many colleagues, always willing to listen and a frequent source of safe advice. Dan encourages people to take opportunities as they arise and supports individual growth in his students and colleagues.
Aside from overseeing the Co-curriculum, Dan is a highly valued member of the Physical Education Department and was the Head of Physical Education from 2001 to 2007 as well as the Head of Outdoor Recreation (V.E.T.) from 2001 to 2007. With an obvious passion for Physical Education, Dan has a love of teaching that has spanned his entire career. It is well known to Dan’s colleagues that his favourite part of any week is when he is teaching, demonstrated by his enthusiastic and energetic approach. Dan is interested in students’ hobbies and passions and encourages students of all abilities to have a go. He is known for inquiring about students’ upcoming weekend of sport and following up on results, showing a genuine interest and level of care for students that has provided generations of Girtonians’ with confidence and positive reinforcement for participation. Dan’s love for Year 9 Dance classes in the Physical Education curriculum is somewhat legendary.
For many years, Dan has organised the Girton Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country Carnivals, which have become cultural beacons on the annual School calendar of events. These events have become a fine example of the standard of event that sets the School apart, forming a memorable part of every student’s Girton journey that is fondly remembered well after graduation.
Under Dan’s stewardship, Girton has developed a successful representative Senior School sports program in the Sandhurst Division and ICCES sports events, allowing students to compete proudly for their School. The Sandhurst and ICCES Sports Co-ordinators regularly seek Dan’s advice, and he is a highly regarded member and unofficial leader within these sporting associations. In recent years, Girton has joined the School Sports Victoria programme of sporting events providing yet more opportunities for Girton athletes to compete at the highest level.
At various times, Dan has been the MiC of numerous activities, some of which are Athletics, Cross Country, Cricket and Equestrian, rounding out an incredible sporting and leadership contribution to Girton Grammar School.
Those close to Dan enjoy his dry humour and benefit enormously from his generous spirit, his knowledge, and his caring approach.
Mr Dan Slater, for twenty years of outstanding service to Girton Grammar School, we thank you and wish you luck in your retirement.
