Shelford Girls' Grammar - Herald Sun, April 2023

Dear Shelford community, 

I am writing to you regarding some articles about Shelford in the media this week. I would like to take the opportunity to make some informed comments. 

• Our financial fundamentals are strong and we are, and always have been, financially responsible in our operations. By managing our funds, we continue to excel and improve. We are continuing to invest in the school’s infrastructure. 
• Since its inception, Shelford has offered a range of scholarships and bursaries and like all other independent schools and continues to do so in order to encourage talented students to access an outstanding education. 
• Shelford, like all independent schools, operates in a highly competitive area and education market. 
• We have restructured our Junior School fees so that a Shelford education in these important foundational years represents a strong value proposition for those in the community who are seeking an independent single-sex school for their daughters. 
• Our enrolments are increasing through best practice transition programs and positive word of mouth. We have a vibrant marketing and communications plan, which is improving our brand awareness and subsequently increasing enquiries and enrolments, with a strong intake in Year 7 in 2023 and enrolment forecast for 2024 and beyond. 
• Shelford continues to achieve outstanding VCE and NAPLAN results and is one of Melbourne’s highest achieving schools. We are among the top performing girls’ schools in Victoria.
• We applaud the strong and capable women that our students become. This year we are working to engage more meaningfully with our alumnae and are committed to continuing to strengthen our relationship with them. We have re-established a Shelford Alumni Committee (a group of six committee members has been elected) to work with the school to provide greater alumnae engagement and connections to the school.
• We are reinvigorating the Shelford Foundation to develop fundraising in our community and to continue to provide resources, upgrade facilities and scholarships. 
• Shelford is a School that provides students with outstanding teachers, as we attract the highest calibre staff. In addition, exceptional extracurricular programs are available for our students. 
• Shelford provides the highest level of pastoral care and support for every student at each stage of their time at Shelford. 

It is unfortunate that the newspaper concerned has chosen to publish anonymous, unsubstantiated, and untrue comments that seek to undermine the school. We are incredibly proud of our school, our students and our community. 

I hope that families have enjoyed a restful and peaceful break.

Yours sincerely, 

Katrina Brennan 
Principal