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GIRTON Grammar School will continue to listen to the Victorian government's advice on schools rather than taking on the federal government's funding offer.
The Morrison government offered private schools around the country an early payment of more than $3.3 billion in funding if they brought students back to classrooms by the end of May.
But Girton's acting head Emma O'Rielly on Friday told families the school would not take on that offer.
"At this stage, the Victorian government advice is that Victorian schools will continue with remote learning until the end of term two," Dr O'Rielly said.
"We are watching this space very closely and, in the meantime, the Coronavirus Action Team is undertaking detailed planning for a range of possible scenarios for what is a moveable, somewhat politicised, feast.
"The important thing to confirm is that we will continue to follow the advice of the Victorian Chief Medical Officer and the Victorian Premier. We are receiving good advice from Independent Schools Victoria and putting the safety of students and staff first.
"The State of Emergency that was declared by the Premier is due to be reviewed on May 11. We hope that around that time we may have further detail from the Premier about the reopening of Victorian schools."
Earlier
BENDIGO's Girton Grammar School has appointed a new headmaster.
Dr Clayton Massey, from Tranby College in Perth, will take over the leadership role in term four.
It comes after former headmaster Matthew Maruff resigned from the role in October after more than 10 years at the school.
Girton Grammar School's board chair David Jemmett said Dr Massey - an experienced principal and leading educational expert - was a perfect fit for the school.
"We intended to find an experienced head who understood the values that Girton espouses," Mr Jemmett said.
"We are confident that Dr Massey's skills, experience and personal attributes make him an excellent choice for the diverse Girton Grammar School community.
"His strong desire to see students achieve will take the school from strength to strength."
Dr Massey has worked in seven different schools - including in the UK - and has completed doctoral research into the social, cognitive and multi-modal growth of young adolescent males.
He said it was an easy decision to move from Western Australia.
"I've always held the Victorian education system in really high regard," he said. "There is a strong culture and philosophy of developing teachers.
"Out of that comes an education where students are encouraged to exceed their expectations.
"Girton Grammar has an excellent history and tradition which sets it apart from many other schools. To be able to move to a city like Bendigo and a school like Girton is a once in a lifetime opportunity."
Dr Massey said he planned to be very involved with those at the school.
"They shouldn't be intimidated or worried about having a head coming to join their city and community that is not approachable," he said.
"Students and teachers at my current school would say they always find me out and about, and involved in the school and community."
Dr Emma O'Rielly has been Girton Grammar's acting head throughout the selection process.
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