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Administration News

Hello everyone

 

Well, we've flown through March and now it's full-steam ahead into April, and as much as it's great to be kept busy, the weeks are flying by a little too quickly for my liking! As it happens, I hear myself repeating this same comment with increasing frequency each year. Combine this with a newfound skill for forgetting where I've put things down, an ever-growing appreciation for herbal teas, and an unexplained rage towards rooms that have no cooling/heating; it is dawning on me that I am in fact, turning into my mother. 

 

But – what a fantastic concept that really is! My mother is one of the most resilient, patient, and thoughtful women that I know. I found myself feeling proud of this realisation, brought about when I attended the school’s celebration of International Women's Day (IWD) last month.

 

The assembly held on Monday 9 March was all about the importance of recognising women’s contributions and why feminism remains relevant, now more than ever. The students did a wonderful job highlighting that while great strides have been made towards equality between the genders, this is still very much a work-in-progress. While each speaker raised some of the challenges and inequalities that women face, they also provided some tactful tips and tricks on how we as a collective, can change the way we talk, think, and act, when faced with these matters. This is how we move forward. It was incredible to witness such young minds discussing a topic as important as this – whilst delivering the subject matter eloquently and respectfully. 

 

In addition, I’d like to make a special mention to Mrs Nyree Mackenzie and Ms Liz Stewart for being nominated during the assembly as women who inspire. Several of our boarding students spoke up on stage about these two incredible women, and how they are always there to uplift, inspire, comfort and encourage those around them. Was a fantastic and very deserving moment of recognition for both Mrs Mackenzie and Ms Stewart. Well done ladies, and thank you to our boarding students for the nominations!

 

Lastly, it was lovely to meet some of the boarding parents at the first Boarding Parent Committee Meeting of the year. I look forward to seeing you at the next meeting, and of course, continuing to meet more of our boarding parents along the way.

 

Now, must be time for a hot cross bun slathered in butter... Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday break.

 

Ms Andrea Morgan | Boarding Administrator

 

 

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

 

Boarding Transport

While there has been national discussion around potential fuel supply challenges, at this stage we do not anticipate any disruption to boarding transport services. Should any adjustments become necessary, they would be carefully considered.

 

We would like to reassure families that we anticipate no change to our regular regional transport services for the Term Two closed weekend on Friday 29 May and Monday 1 June. 

 

Transport to scheduled medical appointments, TAFE commitments, and workplace learning placements will also continue as usual. All in-town services will remain unchanged for now also. 

 

We will keep families informed should any changes become necessary and thank you for your understanding and continued support as we continue to monitor the situation together.

 

 

FRIENDLY REMINDERS:

 

Leave Submission Deadlines 

To ensure smooth processing and timely approval of leave, please note the following requirements: 

 

  • Weekend Leave: enter into REACH by Thursday. 
  • Long Weekend Leave: enter one week prior. 
  • Holiday Leave: enter two weeks prior. 
  • Travel Outside the Great Southern Region (long weekend or holidays): enter two weeks prior, regardless of leave type. 

 

Host Requirements and Conditions of Leave 

To add a new leave host, please email boarding@gsg.wa.edu.au with: the host's full name, mobile number and relationship to the student (e.g. grandparent, family friend, coach). 

 

  • Local Contact: a local / Albany contact (family member or friend) should be nominated at the time of enrolment for emergency situations (e.g. illness). 
  • Approved Hosts: families must only nominate adult hosts (18+) for their child. Boarders then select from this list when entering leave in REACH. Please discuss leave plans with your child, to ensure you are comfortable with any request submitted. 
  • Host Changes: only a parent or guardian can request changes to a boarder’s host list. Requests must be submitted in writing to boarding@gsg.wa.edu.au or the Head of Boarding House (email/text). 
  • Leave Duration: standard overnight weekend leave runs from 3.30pm Friday to 5.30pm Sunday. We ask that boarders return by 5.30pm wherever possible. 
  • Late Returns: if a student will be returning late, the host must contact the Boarding Supervisor before the expected return time, explaining the reason and providing a new ETA. Repeated unexplained late returns may result in follow‑up from boarding staff. 
  • Changes to Leave: students are not allowed to contact the bus drivers directly and make ‘on-the-go' changes to their approved leave. Students or families must discuss changes with the Supervisor on duty at their boarding house.