Wellbeing

Our House Pastoral System

At MFG we prioritize the holistic development of every student through our unique House System. Designed to cultivate a sense of community, identity, and belonging, each student is assigned to one of our four Houses: Lipson, Gilmore, Beachley, or Freeman. Led by dedicated House Leaders, these groups provide essential support throughout the student’s journey at MFG.

Our Houses are named after influential Australians who have significantly impacted the destiny of women in our country, setting the thematic tone for each House. Through participation in school-wide Sports, Arts, and Academic events, students compete for their House, earning valuable House Points. These points contribute to the annual House Cup Trophy, fostering healthy competition and school spirit.

At MFG, we believe in nurturing not only academic success but also the overall well-being of our students. Through our House System, we promote a sense of belonging and community, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued throughout their time with us. Join us at MFG, where well-being is at the heart of everything we do.

Beachley House is named after the iconic female World Champion Australian surfer, Layne Beachley. Layne won seven World Championships in surfing. Layne established the ‘Aim for the Stars’ Foundation to inspire and empower young girls and women to invest in their future and fulfil their potential to reach their goals. Beachley House reminds us that:

• women can do anything if they put their minds to it
• we must have the courage to try new things and to make the effort to realise them
• strength comes from being united and we need to encourage and support one another

Freeman House is named after Cathy Freeman. At the age of 16, Cathy became the first Aboriginal Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist. She is famous for running in a green body suit when she won gold and the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Cathy Freeman is also the founder of the ‘Cathy Freeman Foundation’, which supports Indigenous communities to recognise the power of education and helps them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Freeman House reminds us that:

• it is important to honour the culture of our Indigenous peoples
• the power of education can change people’s lives
• we must embrace every opportunity available to us

Gilmore House is named after Dame Mary Gilmore, whose image is on our $10 note. She was an accomplished poet and writer, and was honoured with an OBE and awarded the title of Dame; the first person to be granted this award for services to literature. Dame Mary Gilmore was also a feminist with a very strong sense of social justice. She campaigned for better working conditions for women, for children’s welfare and improving the lives of Indigenous Australians. Gilmore House reminds us that:

• it is important to care for those who need our help
• we must stand up for what we believe in
• we should all strive for a fair and just world for everyone

Lipson House is named after Ross Lipson, a former Science teacher at MFG who had a great love of learning. His passions included surfing, science and the environment. Ross was also deeply passionate about music. In 1989 he established the Sweethearts Program at Matthew Flinders Girls. A key focus for Ross was inspiring young women to play music in real life contexts; to experience what it was like to be a musician but in a context that was supportive and nurturing. Lipson House reminds us of:

• the importance of the Arts for our souls
• the importance of using our gifts and talents for the benefit of others
• the need to ‘live in the moment