Administration News

Hello everyone

Welcome to 2026! I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Boarding Administrator and to share a little about my first few weeks here. It’s been such a joy to get to know our students, their families, and the team at GSG. The warmth and sense of kinship within the school has really stood out to me - it's already feeling like a very special place to be.

Right from my first day, I’ve witnessed firsthand the dedication of our boarding team and the genuine care they show for every student. There’s a strong sense that this really is a home away from home - somewhere our boarders can learn, grow, build friendships, and feel supported every step of the way.

My role is all about ensuring that our boarding community continues to receive caring, professional, and prompt support. I'll be doing my best to keep things running smoothly behind the scenes; and see that parents/carers and students alike feel well-informed, reassured and connected.

I work part-time from 8.30am to 1.30pm every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday (away Wednesdays). You can reach me at boarding@gsg.wa.edu.au .

I’m really looking forward to the year ahead and to meeting more of you as the term progresses. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch or say hello - I’d love to hear from you!

Ms Andrea Morgan | Boarding Administrator

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

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 may 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.

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

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.

Parent Messenger Groups

If you need the link resent for your child’s year-group Messenger chat, please email boarding@gsg.wa.edu.au.

A big thank you to Alaina, Kelly, Julie, Jenny, Veronica and Kylie for managing these groups - they are an invaluable source of connection and support for families.

Seat Belt Safety Reminder

This week we have reminded all students that wearing a seatbelt is essential whenever travelling in any school or boarding vehicle. While our boarding drivers remain ultimately responsible for the safety of everyone in the vehicle, we are also working to build strong habits of personal responsibility among our boarders.

We encourage families to continue this conversation at home and reinforce the importance of buckling-up every time. Your support helps keep all students safe and assists our staff in maintaining safe transport practices. Seatbelts

Students may connect one personal device (e.g. a mobile phone) to the free GSG‑Boarding network. Most have already prioritised this (!) and are successfully connected.

Students experiencing difficulty can visit the IT desk in the Library for support.

Flexischools

If you are having issues with Flexischools (canteen ordering), please email boarding@gsg.wa.edu.au or speak with your child’s Head of Boarding House.

Orthodontist Appointments

We have secured an earlier appointment time slot for orthodontic visits to The Albany Orthodontist, which are on a Thursday from 8.45am. This reduces the likelihood that a student will miss school time.

Visiting Physiotherapy

We are pleased to announce that we now have a visiting physiotherapist at the Health Centre on Wednesday afternoons, available to our boarding students.

Mr Ezra Paraan from Health First Physiotherapy in Albany is an experienced physiotherapist who specialises in orthopaedic and sports injuries, including strength and conditioning.

Appointments can be made by contacting the GSG nurses on 9844 0319 or via email, nurse@gsg.wa.edu.au

2026 Term Dates

Term 1: Monday 2 February – Thursday 2 April
Term 2: Tuesday 21 April – Friday 3 July
Term 3: Tuesday 21 July – Friday 25 September
Term 4: Tuesday 13 October – Wednesday 9 December

2026 Long Weekends (Boarding Closed)

5.00pm Friday 27 February – 3.00pm Monday 2 March
5.00pm Friday 29 May – 3.00pm Monday 1 June
5.00pm Friday 21 August – 3.00pm Monday 24 August
5.00pm Thursday 5 November – 3.00pm Sunday 8 November

Boarding Houses Closed During the School Day

The Eclipse, Breaksea and Endeavour Boarding Houses are closed from 9.00am to 3.00pm, Monday to Friday.

During these hours, cleaners, contractors and maintenance staff are working in the buildings, and for safety and supervision reasons, students are not permitted to enter.

Students may store personal items at Michaelmas House (Admin area) when needing to depart or return during closed hours.