Senior School
From the Head of Senior School
Our school Counsellor, Ms Sheryl Moncur, passed on a wonderful article to our pastoral team which resonated strongly with me. Linda Stade writes about the importance of connection between teens and adults in The Parent-Teen Connection: What You Need To Know (lindastade.com) . I read many articles about the significance of these types of connection but I like the simple ideas that Linda shares in this particular report. She writes:
We don’t need to have deep and meaningful conversations with kids every day. In fact, if we did, they would run a mile. But there are little gestures that build connection instantly, (between you and your child):
1. A quick pat on the back or a touch on the shoulder
2. A fly-by kiss on the head or a hug
3. A wink
4. Holding a gaze, a little longer than usual and smiling
5. An in-joke.
6. Noticing something personal, like “We have the same hands”
7. A quick text message
8. A few minutes of focused one-on-one time
9. Turning your phone off when they want to talk to you
10. A coffee together
She adds “(Remember) the paradox of teens; they are likely to push you away at exactly the time they need you most.”
Values and Christian Service (VACS)
VACS this term in the Senior School takes the form of smaller Clubs. Teachers nominate an area of interest to them and students choose a Club from that list. This is an opportunity for students and teachers to make connections in a different context and develop relationships and skills in a different way. This term we have:
- Birdwatching
- Card Making and Paper Craft
- Chess Club
- Crochet
- Creative Writing in the Outdoors
- Christmas Card Making
- Esports
- GSG Olympics
- Random Acts of Kindness
- Rockets
- Wattle Eradication
- Woodwork
Please see some comments from our students below:
In VACS this term we have put our creative hats on as we design and make bespoke Christmas cards for our friends and loved ones. It’s been such a lovely time slowing down and catching up with those we wouldn’t normally see during a busy term four. We hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, a joyous New Year and a safe and restful holiday!
At the start of Chess Club during VACS there was a table drawn up and there were lots of mini-games to decide who was going to be the final winner overall. After you got knocked out/lost a game, everyone was playing in mini-competitions against themselves and there was a lot of rivalry in the class. The overall winner was Louis Cosh who didn’t lose a game. Chess Club was a fun and good time to relax during VACS.
During VACS clubs this term, myself and other students with Mr Taylor participated in the Rockets Club. During this time, we learnt how to build model rockets which we got to launch a few weeks into the club. During the building of the rockets, we were given all the pieces to build the model which we completed in a double period. During the periods after that we were able to decorate the rockets with model paint and stickers, designing the rockets however we pleased. The week after this we were ready to launch the rockets! Mr Taylor showed us how to prepare the rockets for launch. We went out onto the oval to launch the rockets, which was a success! Thank you to Mr Taylor for helping us launch these rockets.
Mrs Victoria Turnor | Head of Senior School
Lifeguard Course at ALAC
NOW OPEN - STS Leeuwin II Voyage Sponsorships by CBH
GSG students are eligible for sponsorship on STS Leeuwin II. CBH has been sponsoring regional youth on voyages since 2015. Sponsorship applications are now open for 2022 – closing 30 November 2022. Please find the Leeuwin Voyage Application and CBH Sponsorship application form attached below.