Secondary School

As we approach the end of Term Three, I want to take a moment to express my gratitude to the entire school community for making these ten weeks so memorable. The Secondary School has hosted numerous events that have greatly enriched our daily experience, fostering a positive and vibrant culture within the school. Beyond the classroom, many sporting finals, and various music performances have added an extra layer of excitement and joy to our shared journey. It's been heartwarming to see students and staff gather in support of these events, creating a buzz of anticipation and celebration before, during, and after. These moments remind us of the strong sense of community that we are all a part of, and I know we are all eagerly anticipating a well-deserved break!

For our Year Twelve students, the past week has been a crucial one as they worked diligently to complete their final school assessments, whether through exams or classroom tasks. Their focus, determination, and commitment to finishing strong have been truly inspiring. It’s wonderful to see them giving their all, right up until the very end of their secondary schooling.

We are incredibly proud of all our students for their hard work and achievements this term, and I look forward to seeing what they will continue to accomplish in the coming months. Enjoy the break, recharge, and come back ready for the final stretch!

Leadership Retreat

On Monday and Tuesday, the newly appointed 2025 leadership team embarked on an enriching leadership retreat, accompanied by Mr Neil Ferreira, Mr Ian Robson, Mr Bryce McLean, Mrs Nyree Mackenzie, and Mr Brodie Sarre. The retreat began with a scenic hike up Castle Rock, providing an ideal opportunity for the team to connect. During the ascent, the leaders engaged in meaningful conversations about their hopes and aspirations for the year ahead. Upon reaching the summit, they took a moment to reflect in silence, appreciating the breathtaking view and the leadership journey that lay ahead.

Following the hike, the group enjoyed a delicious dinner at Due South, where they were joined by Richard Pengelley. He gave his time to share his insights and experiences, delivering a thought-provoking presentation on leadership.   Richard spoke on both Monday evening and in a follow-up session on Tuesday morning. His insights, drawn from personal experience, provided invaluable guidance to the emerging leaders as they prepared for their roles in the coming year.

On Tuesday, the team spent time at UWA in Albany, where they received further inspiration and guidance from a series of speakers, including Richard, Mr Mathew Irving, Mrs Emma Franklin, and Mr Neil Ferreira. After these talks, the group delved into planning their vision for 2025, establishing clear goals for what they hope to achieve as a leadership team. This process was followed by smaller group sessions with Heads of House and staff mentors, where the leaders worked on refining their individual roles and responsibilities within the broader leadership structure.

The retreat provided an excellent opportunity for the leaders to bond with each other and the staff members who will support and guide them throughout their leadership journey. It reinforced the significance of servant leadership—a style of leadership that prioritises the well-being and development of others. Some key principles of servant leadership discussed during the retreat included:

• Compassion – Truly listening to others, not just to respond or offer solutions, but to understand their perspectives and needs.
• Consistency – Leadership requires authenticity and integrity. People can quickly sense inauthenticity, so it’s essential to lead with honesty and reliability.
• Character – Leadership should be about positively influencing others, rather than manipulating them for personal gain.
• Competence – Leaders don’t need to have all the answers but should know who can provide expertise or assistance when needed.

Overall, the retreat was a valuable and inspiring experience for the 2025 leadership team. It strengthened their sense of purpose and prepared them to lead with empathy, integrity, and commitment as they take on the challenges and opportunities of the year ahead.

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary

Orienteering - Years Seven to Ten 

On Thursday 12 September, five teams represented GSG at the inaugural Year Seven to Ten Orienteering Carnival at North Road Sporting Precinct. 

We wish to thank John and his family for representing the ADHOC (Albany and Denmark Hinterland Orienteering Club Inc) and for their efforts in coordinating what we feel will be a very popular activity in years to come. All staff and students seemed to enjoy the day and the evident beautiful weather. 

Congratulations to Team Two in our Year Seven Boys on winning their division. James, Edmund, and Josh completed their course quickly. 

Our teams consisted of the following:

We look forward to more students representing GSG at next year's carnival.

Nathan Symonds | Director of Sport