Whole School News

Library News – National Simultaneous Storytime Celebrations

This week, our school proudly joined schools and libraries across Australia in celebrating National Simultaneous Storytime, a much-loved annual event that brings children together through the joy of reading.

This year’s featured book, chosen by the Australian Library and Information Association (ALIA), was Luna Roo: The Kangaroo Baller by Adam Wallace and Adrian Beck, beautifully illustrated by Jake A. Minton and published by Little Book Press. The story delighted students with its lively rhythm, engaging storyline, and a wonderful cast of colourful animal characters.

All our Early Childhood Centre (ECC) students gathered together in the ECC foyer to take part in this special shared reading experience. Alongside an incredible 2.28 million participants across Australia, our students listened, laughed, and connected through storytelling. The session ended on a high note as we came together to sing our much-loved library song, creating a joyful and memorable conclusion to the event.

The excitement continued into lunchtime, where the library was buzzing with enthusiastic Year One and Year Two students. They eagerly took part in an illustration session inspired by Luna Roo, following the online guidance of illustrator Jake A. Minton. It was wonderful to see so many young artists bringing the characters to life in their own unique ways.

One of the greatest joys of being a teacher librarian is witnessing the magic that happens when children truly engage with a book. Events like National Simultaneous Storytime remind us of the power of stories to inspire imagination, build connections, and foster a lifelong love of reading.

We are already looking forward to the next adventure in the series and can’t wait to get our hands on the upcoming title, Trickshot Harri: The Cheetah World Beater!

Book Club

We will send out Issue Four pamphlets shortly.

All orders are due by 9.00am Thursday 24 October. 

Scholastic Book Club

Book Club forms are due back by Monday 8 June at 9.00am. 

There are two options for ordering.

1. Use your own Scholastic account to order and pay online. (Loop) If you would like to set up a new account go to:
2. Please enclose the correct amount of cash with your completed order form. We do not keep cash within the library. Your completed forms can be handed in to the library.

http://scholastic.com.au/register

Interesting Podcast

I recently listened to a Life Matters podcast highlighting the importance of school libraries and, in particular, the vital role of teacher librarians in supporting literacy, research skills, and a love of reading. It was a timely reminder that these positions aren’t guaranteed in every school. We are very fortunate here at GSG to have a teacher librarian supporting our students and staff.

Find the link below to the podcast :

Life Matters Podcast: Saving the school library and first aid for mental health

The school library is where so many kids first develop a love of reading and learn the skills they need to understand the world. But the very existence of those libraries is largely dependent on the discretion of the school, and some say they're under threat. The Australian Library and Information Association's Cathie Warburton, best-selling children's author Andy Griffiths and school librarian Hajnalka Molloy explain why school libraries are a vital learning resource for students.

Saving the school library and first aid for mental health - ABC listen

Ms Elinor Couper | ​​​​Head of Library Services

From the School Counsellor

Year Eight teenMHFA 

This week saw the completion of training in this important course. For me, it’s curious to observe the buy-in (or not) of the students from the early lessons as we progress through the learning, arriving at the final lesson. 

Students tend to listen in a more attuned manner, to participate in activities with greater purpose…as we imbricate and build each student’s knowledge base in this critical training. The students take their booklet with them after the last lesson, and I urge you – families, carers, coaches, mentors – to use this accessible manual as a powerful catalyst for essential conversations. 

Certificates of completion are in the pipeline now.

The major areas covered in the teenMHFA course are listed below:

1. When is it a mental health problem? 

Although some mental health problems can have signs or symptoms that are easily confused with normal reactions to life, such as sadness, tiredness or changes in eating patterns, there are always three important things that tell us when someone has a mental health problem.

• There is a major change from the person’s normal way of thinking, feeling and behaving.
• The change interferes with the person’s ability to get on with life.

• The change does not go away quickly. It lasts longer than normal feelings or reactions would be expected to. 

   

1. Mental Health First Aid:

Is the help you can give a friend with a mental health problem, or a friend in a mental health crisis, until a responsible adult can take over?

Within this section we talked about responsible adults and also the kinds of crises that might arise (having thoughts of suicide, engaging in self-injury, being very intoxicated with alcohol or other drugs, experiencing bullying or abuse, becoming unconscious) and that your own safety is your first priority. 

1. The Action Plan for MHFA comprises five actions and these are listed on the back cover of the manual: Look, Ask, Listen, Help them connect with an adult, Your friendship is important. Students understand that if a friend is at risk, then the Help action would be the first choice. Also, the MHFA Action Plan is not structured in a Lock-Step manner like Physical First Aid. 

2. The students understand that any of us can experience mental health problems and that we humans have differing capacities at different times, and that doing courses such as this can help others who are struggling, from becoming more unwell, as early intervention is very important. 

We also spoke of how help-seeking is a strength and that we can all work together to diminish stigma; that each of us can play a role in developing healthy relationships and maintaining personal well-being.

It was a privilege to meet with the young people of Year Eight this year, and I wish them strength and confidence as Mental Health First Aiders.

Mental Health First Aid 

June Courses 

Conversations About Non-Suicidal Self-Injury  

(4.5 hour course)

When: Monday 15 June, 9.30am to 2.00pm

Where: Palmerston 63 Serpentine Road, Albany

Cost: Nil - sponsored by Palmerston and GSG

Instructor: Ms Sheryl Moncur

More information here.

Older Persons MHFA  

(12 hour course)

When: Friday 19 June and Monday 22 June, 9.30am to 3.30pm

Where: Palmerston 63 Serpentine Road, Albany

Cost: Nil - sponsored by Palmerston and GSG

Instructor: Ms Sheryl Moncur

More information here.

How do I sign up?  

Please email sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au to register your interest 

Ms Sheryl Moncur | Counsellor

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop will be closed on Wednesday 17 June.

It will reopen as usual on Friday 19 June, 8.00am to 1.00pm

Djinda Pre‑Kindergarten Program 2027 – Applications Closing Soon

We are excited to announce that the Djinda Pre‑Kindergarten program for 2027 will be offered as a two‑day program (Thursday and Friday).

As part of our ongoing commitment to best practice and building strong, meaningful relationships with children and families, we have made the considered decision to move to this two‑day structure. This approach allows for greater continuity of learning, increased opportunities to develop secure relationships, and supports a smoother transition into school life.

Applications are closing soon, with an Application for Admission form required by Monday 1 June. https://gsg.to/application

(Please note: submitting an application does not guarantee a place.)

For enquiries, please contact julia.bairstow@gsg.wa.edu.au