From the Principal
Welcome to 2022
It has been wonderful to welcome new students to the School this week along with those returning. A new start brings the opportunity to form new relationships, set goals and be part of a new community. Some staff have new roles, students have progressed a year and we have elected new student leadership. To all our families, welcome to the start of the new academic term.
Staff Appointments
A number of staff will take up different roles this year, I am delighted to confirm the following appointments:
Head of Senior School, Mrs Victoria Turnor
Head of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ms Angelina Ross
Head of Camfield, Mrs Alexis Stone
Head of Teaching Staff Operations, Mr Ian Robson
Head of Eclipse House, Mr Taylor Colton
Two new positions at the school have also been created:
Head of Technologies, Mrs Teresa McAllister
Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Ms Rachael Colmer
We also have a number of new staff members across the school:
Design & Technology Teacher, Mr Brodie Sarre
Junior School Teacher, Ms Amelia Dempster
Junior School Art Teacher, Mrs Mel Michael
Canteen Coordinator, Mrs Fiona Sanders
Education Assistant: Mrs Tertia Le Roux, Mrs Kiley Bowey, Mrs Melissa Button
Boarding Supervisors: Mr Sam Forward, Ms Georgina Mullins, Mr Jackson Pitman, Ms Ciara Franklin, Mrs Janet McArtney
Music Tutor, Mr Regan Kelly
Information Technology Assistant, Mr Jasper Oxford
Physical Education Assistant, Ms Jasmine Butterworth
Facilities Assistant, Mr Toby Manson
Main entry and boarding road refurbishment
The first stage of the refurbishment has been completed with the resurfacing of the boarding entry, added parking and bituminised bus bay area being a welcomed improvement. Included in this first stage is an exit road that has been added to the ECC carpark to allow for single entry and exit. The second stage of the refurbishment which includes the widening of the entry for improved bus access and the resurfacing of the road will be completed in the April school holidays.
Semaphore and P&F Calendar
The 2021 Semaphore and 2022 P&F calendar were distributed to students on Wednesday. For families who have more than one child the Semaphore and calendar were given to the youngest child. If you have not received your copy parents may like to check their child's school bag. Thank you to the Community Relations team, Cat Woods and Julia Bairstow and to all staff and students who supported the production of the 2021 Semaphore.
Australia Day Honours List
On Australia Day, Carol Pettersen was present an Order of Australia OAM for service to the Indigenous community of Western Australia. Carol is a regular visitor to the School and has had a connection with Great Southern Grammar for many years. She has regularly provided Welcome to Country at significant school events. Carol has been a member of the National NAIDOC Committee, Member of the Aboriginal Advisory Council and Former President, Women’s Advisory Committee to the Premier of Western Australia on Women’s Issues. Congratulations Carol on an extremely well-deserved award.
P&F Sundowner
The P&F Sundowner to welcome all families to the 2022 academic year will be held on Friday 11 February in the Pratten Centre courtyard commencing at 6.00pm. This will be an outdoor event; however, attendees will need to wear a mask if entering a building.
New Flag Poles
Great Southern Grammar is lucky to be situated in such beautiful surroundings. Noongar people have been returning to the area for thousands of years. Some of the stones from the Oyster Harbour Fish Traps are dated at 8,000 years. The Indigenous flag has symbolic meaning for First Nation people. Black - represents the Aboriginal people of Australia. Red - represents the red earth, the red ochre used in ceremonies and Aboriginal people’s spiritual relation to the land. Yellow - represents the Sun, the giver of life. The new flagpoles installed at the entrance to the School acknowledge that the School community stands united to recognise the deep connections to country and culture for Indigenous people of Australia. The flags are a visual display of unity to all families and visitors who enter the school.
Summer Holidays
A special thank you to our fantastic Facilities and I.T. teams for all their hard work during the summer holidays. These dedicated teams worked tirelessly throughout the summer break to ensure major upgrades and maintenance was completed before the students and staff returned to school.
Jeff Spinks retires after 22 years at GSG
After 22 years of loyal and valuable service, Mr Jeff Spinks from our Facilities Department retired on Thursday 27 January. Jeff commenced at Great Southern Grammar in January 2000 as a member of the Grounds team and in 2004 was appointed Manager of Property and Grounds. Jeff was awarded a Council Commendation for his planning and coordination of the move to the new Senior School building and has won numerous awards from the City of Albany for Best School Gardens and Outside Facilities. We wish Jeff all the best for his retirement.
Mr Mark Sawle | Principal