The Anchor

From the Principal

Reflection on the Themes of 2024

At the end of another year, it is timely to hold up the mirror and reflect on the themes and stories of 2024 that has made us stronger, together.

 

In 2024, our themes have been Culture, Engagement and Excellence.

 

This is what we said about culture at the beginning of the year:

  • We collectively take responsibility for our school culture​
  • We live our values of respect, integrity, compassion, commitment in accordance with our Christian Ethos​
  • We are proud of our school and earnestly embrace our purpose together.

This is what we said about engagement at the beginning of the year:

  • We are active contributors to the life of the school​
  • We work collaboratively to fulfill our mission, providing an environment built on meaningful relationships, safety and belonging ​
  • We ensure we have ‘fun’ along the way.

This is what we said about excellence at the beginning of the year:

  • We are deeply committed to excellence in all that we do and say​
  • We ensure ‘the way we do anything, is the way we do everything’ - 1% matters
  • We provide feedback to each other and maintain accountability for our actions.

Culture, Engagement, and Excellence have exemplified ‘how we do things around here’ - ‘the GSG Way.’

 

This year, I have been impressed by how the community has collectively raised the spirit of culture. I have seen a greater effort to build meaningful connections between staff and students, sincere acknowledgement and encouragement of others, a lift in the standard of the grounds and corridors, greater pride in wearing the uniform, and all people speaking and demonstrating our school values in action.

 

We have moved the dial on active engagement in school life. I have witnessed an increase in student contribution in and out of the classroom, more service hours and giving in the wider community, the biggest team yet to attend Country Week, students stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things and great joy at our House dress-up days and staff vs students sporting fixtures.

 

I have seen students grow in seeking excellence and their personal best, setting goals and getting about achieving them with a quiet confidence. We have witnessed the highest standards in music performance, award-winning achievement in Hospitality, and accolades in academic enrichment activities.

 

I have been impressed by how staff and students have identified their 1% improvement areas. They have remained accountable to their goals through the support of their peers and their own fortitude. 

 

I pray that in 2025, we continue to build upon the positive progress made this year.

 

‘If we are to preserve our culture, we must continue to shape it.’

 

‘If we are to preserve our engagement, we must invite each other into new opportunities.’

 

‘If we are to preserve excellence, we must commit to it every day.'

 

Culture, engagement and excellence speaks to ‘how we do things around here, today and always.'

 

Go well

Mr Mathew Irving | Principal

 

 

 

 

For more information, please head to Scholarships - Great Southern Grammar (gsg.wa.edu.au)