From the Principal

Growth driven by community feedback 

Earlier this year, the School, in partnership with MMG Education, commissioned an independent and confidential survey of school parents, Pre-Kindy to Year Twelve, staff, and students in Years Six to Twelve.  The survey forms part of our ongoing commitment to continually monitor and improve the quality of education and experience we provide to our students. 

This survey captured overall satisfaction across different domains of school life and identified strengths and areas for continual improvement. A total of 300 areas of school life were used to capture the data. 

A total of 324 parents, 418 students from Years Six to Twelve, and 140 staff completed the survey in Term Two. The sample size met the survey's methodology framework, allowing for meaningful benchmarking against other independent schools across the country. 

I am most grateful that parents took the opportunity to provide the School with valuable information to support our growth trajectory. 

I would like to provide families with a summary of the data. 

The MMG Wheel below reflects the average satisfaction level scores for all parents across key areas. 

Parents recorded very high scores in 11 of the 13 areas and high scores in the remaining two areas. The overall score is very high 82%. The MMG benchmark for other schools across Australia is 79%. 

Expectations Met or Exceeded 

The following charts detail the percentage of parents who noted their expectations had been met or exceeded across key areas, ranked in order of the importance they placed on these same areas when choosing the School for their children. For example, 88% of parents noted their expectations had been met or exceeded for the 'quality of teaching' - the most important area identified by parents. 

Academic Program 

The following chart shows parents’ level of agreement with statements relating to the Academic Program at the School.

Child's Life at the School 

The following chart shows parents’ level of satisfaction with aspects of their child's life at the School. 

Open Responses 

Parents provided valuable open-ended comments on several areas. These responses added greatly to the value of the review. In response to the question about what parents valued most about Great Southern Grammar, the top five areas are noted below. 

• Community, Belonging and Family Feel: Parents value the welcoming, family-like school community, connection between families, and their child’s sense of belonging. 
• Quality Education, Academic Focus and Pathways: Parents value strong teaching, academic standards, pathways to Year 12, ATAR/university options, and academic progress. 
• Staff Care, Support and Pastoral Care: Parents value caring, approachable and committed teachers and staff who know, support and encourage their children. 
• Student Happiness, Wellbeing and Safety: Parents mention that their child is happy, safe, settled, confident and well cared for. 
• Opportunities and Breadth of Experiences: Parents value the range of opportunities available, including music, sport, leadership, personal development and broader school. 

Areas for further review and strengthening 

Drawn from qualitative, open-ended responses to questions about where further improvement might occur, families made suggestions some of which expand on existing strengths. 

Response 

In response to the findings of the survey and with the support of the School Council, action plans are underway to amplify strengths and advance areas for further improvement. 

Action plans embedded within existing strategic priorities include academic enrichment, pastoral care support, the daily timetable, wellbeing education, campus revitalisation, sport, boarding, and Christian identity.  

These plans will be communicated to the community over the coming months. 

Conclusion 

The information gathered from the survey indicates a high-quality, healthy, and vibrant school, positioned for further growth by leveraging its strengths and focusing on continual improvement. 

There will be an opportunity to discuss the survey results further at the upcoming Principal's Coffee Morning at Dylan's on 14 August at 10.30am, and the Boarding Parent Committee Meeting on 21 August at 1.30pm. 

I once again thank the community wholeheartedly for their feedback and engagement in the life of our school. 

Go well, 

Mr Mathew Irving | Principal