From the Heads of Boarding

Well, this is it for us! It seems like only yesterday that we started this journey as joint Heads of Boarding, it has been two very busy years. We have enjoyed the trials and the tribulations of the role and leave with our hearts full, knowing your children are in a safe, supportive and nurturing environment.  We would like to sincerely thank our dedicated staff for the way in which you care for our boarders and wish them all a well-earned break.

A special thank you to Mrs Dianne Franzinelli, our number one administration officer, we could not have completed our roles without your support.  We say a fond farewell to all Great Southern Grammar boarding families and wish Mr Ashley Keatch all the best in his role as Head of Boarding.  

Boarding Orientation Sleepover

The boarding orientation sleepover event was a wonderful success last Thursday. The 18 new boarders for 2023 had the opportunity to meet, enjoy games with our Boarding Captains Ava Smith and Darcy Barrett, tour the boarding houses, connect with their peer buddies for next year, and sleepover in Michaelmas House. 

While the students settled into boarding, the parents heard from Head of Middle Boarding, Mrs Tara Ball, about all the requirements and hints and tips for young people beginning boarding. After this, they joined the Principal, Mr Mark Sawle, and Ms Vanessa Bromhead at Six Degrees for dinner and the chance to build new connections and friendships.

Girl Guides

We would like to acknowledge the incredible work of Year Ten students Brianna Cunningham and Annabelle Lydeamore who recently received the Baden Powell Award in recognition of four years of work with the Girl Guides. This is a wonderful example of serving their local communities. 

Cousins Looking Out for Each Other

It was a special occasion when Faith Bin Omar (Year Ten) and Azriel Bin Omar (Year Seven) were asked by the Yalari team to be interviewed for the upcoming Yalari newsletter. The focus was on sibling or cousin support during boarding and school on the Yalari scholarship. Faith has relished the opportunity to be there for her cousin Azriel and has demonstrated her care, support and has been a wonderful role model, not just with her cousin but also with the younger Yalari students. The article was titled ‘Kimberley Cousins Share the Yalari Journey’ and it shared their story about home and time at school together. 

Both were very honest about their experiences coming to boarding, the worry about the unknown and the difference from home. Azriel remembered the times when Faith came home from boarding school during the holidays and commented that she grew up more and more each time. When it came to her turn, Azriel said her worries were lessened knowing that Faith was around. 2022 has been a busy but successful year for them and they are looking forward to the holidays at home together.  A link to the article can be found here.

Waverley Stanley in Town

The Yalari students were excited to be told that Mr Waverley Stanley, the Founding Director of the organisation, was coming over to WA to visit and spend time with them in Week Eight. Due to COVID and many other commitments, Waverley has had limited opportunities to come to Albany. We all spent Monday afternoon playing Wacky Golf, with Marcus Pigram and Charlie Ritchie demonstrating their skill with the putter. Everyone enjoyed dressing up and having a good laugh, which was refreshing after a busy school year. The mini-golf was followed by some pizza and ball games at Middleton Beach. We were lucky that the sun was shining for the two days. On Tuesday, Waverley met with Mr Mark Sawle, and afterward we all went to ALAC to cheer on the basketballers, then out for hamburgers. The students all had a great time catching up with Waverley and sharing their past year of highs and lows and their plans for the holidays. Waverley will be back again early next year which they all were happy to hear.

Basketball Court

The basketball court cement has been laid; this is one thing Vanessa was not leaving until it was complete. She even sat out the front and watched the cement set whilst doing her marking.   

Dates to Remember for 2023

For important information on returning dates for 2023, please see the Dates to Remember page of the Buzz.  Boarding Leaders and a few selected students will be asked to return to boarding early to support the new boarders settling in for the first time.  Families of those students will be contacted before the end of the term.

New Heads of Boarding Houses - Meet & Greet

We would like to invite families of Anchorage, Endeavour and Breaksea Houses to attend a Meet & Greet with the new Heads of Boarding Houses at 12.30pm on Tuesday 31 January, just before the commencement of the Welcome Lunch.  The new Heads of House will meet families within their respective houses.

Farewells

At the end of every year, some of our staff move onto new opportunities. We wish to say a fond farewell to Jenny Colgate, Harry Tanner, Ella Sloss, Zaria Church, Lauren Holder, and Georgia Cabot.

Ms Vanessa Bromhead | Head of Senior Boarding

Mrs Tara Ball | Head of Middle Boarding