Junior School
From the Head of Junior School
The culture or character of a school can be difficult to describe in words. Listening to people tell their favourite stories offers a sense of the experience, as does photograph and video montages, but the lived experience is certainly where we form close connections for ourselves.
The past week has provided many connection points for us to share a lived experience of the school culture at GSG.
Last weekend, the weather warmed to match the playing intensity of finals across the sports. With so many families supporting our teams across the age groups I have no doubt this sense of occasion lifted the players in each team. More to come this weekend!
The Kingfisher Fair on Sunday was such a delight to share together. Students, alumni, parents, extended family, friends and the broader community all enjoying the fun together. Organised by the Parents' and Friends' Association, the Kingfisher Fair beautifully captures so many elements of our school culture. The selfless contributions from our community to prepare and run activities and stalls is truly heart-warming. The fun and playfulness from the young, and young-at-heart, energises the event with smiles, laughter and bubbly conversation. The value our community places on connection and genuine care for each other was evident and celebrated.
On Monday, the fine weather continued long enough for us to hold the eagerly anticipated ‘Running of the Flags’. The postponed dates only increased the sense of excitement around this years event. Normally held on the School's Foundation Day, the Running of the Flags is a House relay race involving student representatives from the Early Childhood Centre, Junior School, Middle School and Senior School. Like the tartan fabric on our uniforms or the anchor on our crest, this event is a signature feature of GSG with bragging rights treasured by the victorious House. On this occasion, after many years in the wilderness, those bragging rights reside with Baudin for 2021. Whilst the students were excited, arguably I think the Baudin staff relished the victory a little more!
Then on Tuesday evening we were treated to an array of musical performances at the Kingfisher Concert with students from Kindergarten to Year Twelve showcasing their passion and expertise in music. Our Junior School students were well represented with the Tiny Trebles and Junior Choir opening the evening, followed by the Violettes delighting the audience and the Junior School Rock Band wowing the crowd. Some Junior School students joined Middle and Senior School ensembles in what was a magnificent display of the GSG Music programme. Again, our community elevated the sense of occasion with billowing applause after each item. The students and Music Department can take a well-deserved bow for their efforts and choreography of such a wonderful event.
There are so many aspects of school life across a calendar year which contribute to the full experience for a school community. Each community member will have their own favourite event or component they connect with, and therein lies our ‘secret sauce’ if you will – connection points to something special. Schools are many things to many people, difficult to define but unmistakable to those who treasure the value of being at GSG.
With warmest regards and connection,
Mr Ken Raven | Head of Junior School