Whole School News
Staff News
Mr Nathan Symonds | Director of Sport
I wish to inform the community of Nathan's resignation for personal reasons, effective immediately. Nathan has served as Director of Sport for 17 years with distinction. He has made an enormous contribution to the School’s sporting program. Nathan was instrumental in the development of the Great Southern Griffins Sporting Club and his impact on the Sport Department and our wider community has been significant. We thank Nathan sincerely for his dedication and service to Great Southern Grammar and wish him every success for the future.
Mr Paul Donaldson will remain in the role of Head of HPE and Acting Director of Sport throughout Term Two.
Mrs Julia Bairstow | Community Engagement & Enrolments Manager
I wish to inform the community of Julia's resignation effective from the end of the year. Julia has had a long and valued connection with GSG spanning more than 20 years, first as a parent, then as P&F President and for the past 13 years as a staff member in Community Relations and Enrolments. For many families, Julia has been the first and constant relationship throughout the GSG journey. We are deeply grateful for Julia’s commitment and the many contributions she has made to the school community. We wish her every success for the future.
The School will shortly commence the recruitment of a new Enrolment Manager.
Ms Sheryl Moncur | School Counsellor
I wish to inform the community of Sheryl's retirement effective 30 June 2026. Sheryl has provided almost 25 years of loyal and outstanding service in the roles of Head of English Department, Head of Senior School in the early 2000s, Director of Pastoral Care and since 2007, School Counsellor.
Across these roles, Sheryl has walked alongside many students and families, providing holistic pastoral care, guidance and emotional support. A notable legacy of Sheryl’s work is her leadership in mental health education at GSG. She has single‑handedly embedded Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) across the school community, delivering training to Year Eight and Year Ten students and extending this work into the broader community through programs focused on Youth Mental Health, Non‑Suicidal Self‑Injury (NSSI) and Older Persons Mental Health.
Sheryl’s commitment, compassion, and advocacy for wellbeing have had a profound and enduring impact on the GSG community. We thank her sincerely for her exceptional service and wish her every success and fulfilment as she begins the next chapter of her life.
The school will shortly commence the recruitment of a new Student Engagement Officer to provide in time social and emotional support for students in Years Three to Eight. This role will work alongside students in and out of the classroom as part of the Pastoral Care Team that includes the Chaplain, Indigenous Student Support Officers, Learning Support Coordinators and Heads of House.
The school will also shortly commence discussions with education and clinical psychology partners to support early intervention programs, student assessment, crisis support and triage services to mental health providers.
Ms Sibylle Wenger | Year Three Teacher
We warmly welcome Sibylle to GSG, commencing at the start of Term Two. Sibylle is currently a lecturer at South Regional TAFE and is an experienced education support specialist. She is a newly qualified primary school teacher and holds qualifications in Education Support, Fitness, Sport and Recreation, Business and Training and Assessment.
Mrs Nyree Mackenzie | Director of Junior Boarding
Nyree will take long service leave in Term Two as she completes her final practicum as part of a Bachelor of Primary Education. This is an exciting time for Nyree and she will be working in Year Six.
Nyree will remain in the role of Director of Junior Boarding with a focus on staffing and operational oversight.
Ms Madi van der List has been promoted to Teacher - Pastoral Manager of Junior Boarding to lead pastoral care with a focus on student and family support to maintain continuity of care.
- Mr Lachie Steytler has been promoted to Senior Boarding Supervisor - Boys and Miss Grace Larham has been appointed to Senior Boarding Supervisor - Girls. Both these roles are residential roles and will oversee routines, leave requests and in time responses to boarders' needs.
Mrs Hesté Vermaak | Human Resources Manager
Hesté has been promoted from HR Advisor to HR Manager, effective from Term Two. In this role, Hesté will take on a more active leadership position in shaping and supporting the school’s workforce strategy.
Mr Mathew Irving | Principal
WA State Interschool Equestrian Championships
The WA State Interschool Equestrian Championshipsare fast approaching and will be held during the school holidays at the State Equestrian Centre in Brigadoon, from Wednesday 15 to Friday 17 April. GSG will be proudly represented by six riders and seven horses, and we are delighted to share their journeys with our community. Below, our Interschool Equestrian Team introduces themselves and their horses as they prepare to represent GSG at this prestigious event.
We wish them every success.
Sadie Cameron & Rocco
(Year Six, Wilson)
My horse’s name is Rocco. He is an 11‑year‑old Welsh Cob, standing at 13.1 hands and I have been riding him since October last year.
We have competed in ODEs and show jumping days and went really well in those. However, I think my biggest achievement was when I went to pony club and we absolutely rocked the cross‑country. The first month or two were a bit rough and we didn’t always have the best rides, but we are going really well now.
I think Rocco would say that I’m just as stubborn as he is. He would also say that he loves food and jumping and that he loves me most of the time.
Rocco’s funniest habit is that whenever he is near a mounting block, he will step up on it and act like he’s the king. Sometimes, when I’m cantering into a jump, he will stop and try to step up onto the jump instead.
My goal is to get to Interschools, not necessarily to win everything but to make it a positive experience for both me and my horse. If it goes well, then next year I can focus more on trying to place.
Maggie Lester & Tex
(Year Eight, Wilson)
My horse’s name is Tex (Booyar Raise the Barr). He is a heritage stock horse and is 16 hands tall. I have been riding Tex for about five months now. My greatest achievement riding Tex so far is getting to know him better and learning how to ride him well. I have really enjoyed moving up the heights with him. If Tex could talk, I hope he would say good things about me, hopefully that I am fun and kind. Tex is a very chill and kind‑mannered horse in general and his funniest habit would probably be when he grunts if he doesn’t want to do something. My goal for the 2026 Interschool Championships is to get all clear rounds and use it as a chance to get to know Tex better in these environments and to do my best for the GSG team.
Poppy Lester & Rockey
(Year Eight, Wilson)
This is Rockey (Little Roany Pony). Even though he can be a cheeky boy sometimes, I love him to death. He is a seven-year-old Quarter Horse with a lot of personality. Rockey is 14.2 hands tall and I have been riding him for two years now!
I think my greatest achievement was winning a very special award, the Michele Parsons Memorial Award, at the Mount Barker Agricultural Show. It is a very meaningful award and I was extremely grateful to bring it home. I have also done many “firsts” with Rockey, achieving lots of little things along the way, from my first Albany Show to my first One Day Event. I will also be going to State Tetrathlon soon, which will be one of the coolest things I have achieved with Rockey!
As a given, I think Rockey would say I’m annoying because I make him work. But other than that, I think he would say that I am always learning and trying new things to see what he likes and doesn’t like and what he responds to.
Rockey’s funniest habit is that when he’s hungry, he will pick up his bucket and wave it around. He also acts terrified when he sees a sheep on the farm even though he has two pet sheep living with him in the paddock.
As this is my first Interschool event, my goal is to get around the course without Rockey spooking and hopefully to place in one of my rounds or classes.
Willow Bennett & Luna / Romeo
Year Nine, Baudin
My horse is Bennbrook Park Luna, an 8‑year‑old Warmblood x Andalusian standing at 16.2hh. We have owned Luna for just over a year. My greatest achievement with her has been being selected for the Maitland Junior Equestrian Development Squad for WA, following strong placings in both dressage and jumping.
If Luna could talk, I think she would say that I spoil her and that I am a nice rider. Her funniest (and naughtiest!) habit is sneaking into the feed shed to help herself to the feeds.
My goal for the 2026 Interschools Championship is for Luna and me to have a great first Interschools together, do well for GSG and hopefully qualify for Nationals.
Abbie Cameron & Diamond
Year Nine, Wilson
My horse, Diamond, is a 12‑year‑old pinto mare standing at a height of 15.1 hands. I have owned Diamond for two years and during that time we have formed an incredible partnership. We have taken part in numerous eventing and all‑rounder events, gaining valuable experience and achieving great results.
My greatest achievement while owning Diamond was at the 2025 Equestrian WA Interschool State Championships. Last year, we placed in every class that we entered, resulting in me coming overall second participant in my age category. I also attended the EWA Annual Awards Night in June 2025.
If Diamond could talk, I think she would say that I am a patient and caring rider who always tries to understand her. She might say that I push her to do her best in competitions, but I also make sure she feels safe and comfortable. Overall, I think she would say that we work well as a team and trust each other.
One of Diamond’s funniest habits is that she yawns dramatically whenever she’s bored or doesn’t feel like working, and she always pulls a face when I take off her bridle.
My goal for the 2026 State Interschools Championships is to compete at a championship level and complete my first year in this category. I also hope to place in my combined training class and maybe even qualify for Nationals 2026.
Amelia McDonald & Lady
Year Eleven, Camfield
My horse is Chatahn Estate Femme Fatale, also known as Lady. She is a 14‑year‑old Warmblood mare standing at 17.1hh, and I have been riding her for nearly one year.
My greatest achievement with Lady is qualifying and being selected for the WA State Team and competing for WA at the Pony Club Australia National Championships. We placed 9th overall in Novice Dressage and were the highest‑placed WA combination in our section. If Lady could talk, I hope she would say that I am a kind rider and that I always put her welfare first.
Lady’s naughtiest habit is using her size against me when we are riding — she definitely knows how big she is! But most of the time, she isn’t naughty at all.
Our goal for the 2026 Interschools Championships is to do our best, represent our school in a professional manner, and hopefully place in our classes and qualify for the Australian Interschool Championships.
Annual Giving Day – Celebrating the Spirit of Grammar
Friday 1 May
Foundation Day is fast approaching and our school community is looking forward to coming together to honour the history, values and spirit that make Great Southern Grammar so special.
The day features a joyful Whole School Assembly and the always-thrilling Running of the Flags, a highlight for students, staff and families alike. We warmly invite all families to come along, join the fun and celebrate the traditions that unite us as we look ahead to the future we’re creating together.
This year, Foundation Day takes place on Friday 1 May, aligning with our Annual Giving Day, a wonderful opportunity for families, past or present and friends of the School to support initiatives that directly benefit current and future students. All donations made go directly to The Great Southern Grammar School Foundation Incorporated.
We warmly encourage every family to consider making a tax-deductible voluntary donation of $20 or more to support the Scholarship or the Building Fund. These contributions help provide educational opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access to a GSG education, enriching the lives of students and strengthening the foundation of our school.
On Foundation Day, signage will be placed around the school with QR codes that make donating quick and easy. Families can simply scan a code or head directly to the donation website. More information about Annual Giving Day will be shared next week, but for those eager to contribute early, early donations can be made here: https://gsg.to/GivingDay
Let’s join together to honour our past, celebrate the present and shape the future of Great Southern Grammar.
Go well!
Mr Mathew Irving | Principal
Library News
This week, students enjoyed an Easter craft in the library during lunchtime. Lots of colourful paper eggs were made to fill the Easter Bunny's basket for our library foyer display. Students created their own Easter-themed cards or relaxed with a colouring page. Thank you to our student helpers, Lenna and Evie.
Learning Together Through Non-Fiction
Reading and enjoying non-fiction is a large part of my role as a teacher librarian, and one of my great joys is learning alongside our primary students about Australia’s incredible native flora and fauna.
Recently, we have pored over Ningaloo: Australia’s Wild Wonder by Tim Winton, which has been shortlisted for the Eve Pownall Award in this year’s 80th Book Week celebrations. Many of our students excitedly share stories of their trips to Exmouth and the amazing experiences they have had along our extraordinary coastline.
The recent cyclone in Exmouth, however, has had a devastating impact on the wildlife of the Ningaloo region. I was deeply moved by an ABC report highlighting the significant lack of resources available to care for injured wildlife. In response, a mobile wildlife hospital is being deployed to the area.
WA Wildlife is currently collecting donations to support wildlife affected by the cyclone in northern Western Australia. Any funds raised beyond the immediate needs of this appeal will be held in a separate fund and used to support regional wildlife care in the future.
Please see the following link for more information and to donate: https://wawildlife.org.au/
I have spoken with our Community Captains and hope that, early next term, we will be able to organise some fundraising activities to support this vital cause.
Scholastic Bookclub
Issue Two arrived earlier this week in time for holiday reading and has been distributed to classrooms. We will be sending out pamphlets for Issue Four next term.
Thank you for your support throughout Term One.
Wishing you all a very safe and happy Easter from the library team.
Ms Elinor Couper | Head of Library Services
P&F Upcoming Event
Mr Jason Pages | P&F Coordinator
From the School Counsellor
Youth MHFA
This 14-hour course for adults teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until professional help is accessed or the crisis resolves itself.
Please check out this link for further information.
When: 9.00am to 4.00pm Wednesday 29 April to Thursday 30 April
Where: TBA
Cost: Nil – food, materials, training and venue provided by sponsors
Sponsors: GSG and Palmerston (via WA Mental Health Commission)
To register, email sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au
Teen Mental Health First Aid for Year Eight Students
All Year Eight Health Education classes will be trained in teenMHFA for approximately five lessons across Weeks Three to Six.
The topics include:
- The relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- The difference between mental health problems and mental health crises
- What stigma is and how to reduce it
- What help seeking is and how to increase and normalise it
- The action plan – Look, Ask, Listen, Help Connect with an Adult, Friendship is important
- How to help a friend access the support they need
- Making sure our own self-care is priority number one
I am the trainer; I have loads of experience in this field and love what I do. If families have any questions about the course, or feel that their child may be emotionally vulnerable, please don't hesitate to contact me. sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au
Safety protocols are always maintained throughout the course.
More information can be found:
Teen Mental Health First Aid | Mental Health First Aid Australia
The Uniform Shop
The Uniform Shop will be closed during the school holidays.
Reopening on Wednesday 22 April at 8.00am.
Please email tristine.smargiassi@gsg.wa.edu.au for any urgent inquiries.
School of Rock - The Musical
How could we forget to mention our very talented Mr Geoff Hardey, who takes on the lead role of guitarist Dewey Finn. After being kicked out of his band, Dewey poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school, where he ultimately transforms his students into a rock band.
Tickets for the show can be purchased online or in-store at Paperbark Merchants: www.paperbark.com.au
