The Boarding Buzz

From the Head of Boarding

Dear Boarding Families

 

As we reach the end of another enriching term at Great Southern Grammar, I want to take a moment to share some exciting updates with you. Our boarding community continues to thrive, embodying the values and spirit that make GSG a home away from home for so many students in our region.

 

Great Southern Grammar Boarding is proud of its heritage as a coeducational Christian boarding school. For 24 years, we have provided a supportive and nurturing environment for students from rural and remote locations across the Great Southern region. Our commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and dynamic boarding experience remains steadfast.

 

This term, our dedicated Facilities team has worked on enhancing our boarding areas. Their efforts have included ensuring our green areas around our grounds are well kept for the boarders to play on. Landscaping the garden beds around the houses to freshen up some tired spaces and assisting in the Principal's Challenge of planting up to 700 trees and bushes to provide a future green belt in front of our boarding village.

 

Next term as the school embarks on developing a new strategic plan, set to be completed by 2025, I am delighted that our Principal Mr Mathew Irving has announced the commencement of a comprehensive boarding review. This review is part of the school's broader strategic planning efforts to ensure we capture the essence of GSG, highlight best practices, identify areas for improvement, and envision future opportunities.

 

The school has commissioned Stephen Webber, a former Principal and experienced educational leader in boarding contexts, to lead this review. Stephen brings a wealth of knowledge from his roles at St Peter’s College, Adelaide, Wesley College, Perth, Guildford Grammar School, Perth, and Redlands School, Sydney.

 

Stephen will undertake an audit of our boarding processes and policies, in line with ABSA standards. His review will include:

  • Interviews with groups of students and staff to celebrate successes and identify areas for improvement.
  • Observations and assessments of the cultural dynamics among stakeholders.
  • A discovery session with the Boarding Parent Committee.
  • A review of a parent/guardian survey.

Your input is invaluable to this process. This week Mrs Di Franzinelli sent out the survey via email to our boarding community to capture your insights and suggestions. As Head of Boarding, I really encourage you to take some time during the break to participate and share your perspectives. Should you have any questions regarding the review, please feel free to contact Belinda Van Helden, Executive Assistant to the Principal, via belinda.vanhelden@gsg.wa.edu.au 

 

A summary of the review report and the adoption of any recommendations will be communicated to the boarding community by the end of Term Three. This review represents an opportunity for us to reflect, grow, and continue delivering exceptional outcomes for our students.

 

As we strive to keep our boarding community at GSG fresh, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude for your continued support and commitment to GSG. Boarding remains the cultural heart of our school, and together, we will ensure it continues to be a place where young people flourish.

 

Wishing you all a restful and enjoyable break and a chance to refresh, as well. We look forward to welcoming our boarders back for another exciting term ahead.

 

Warm regards

 

Mr Ashley Keatch | Head of Boarding