From the Acting Deputy Principal

Foundation Day Celebration

It was lovely to celebrate Foundation Day on Monday. At the assembly we had students from Years Two, Six, Nine and Twelve tell the story of how Great Southern Grammar started. It is important to hear the stories and celebrate the history of the school. From very humble and basic conditions to a modern and thriving campus, we should all be proud of our school and the part we play in this community. The Running of the Flags drew great excitement from students across all year groups. It was run in great spirit and I congratulate all the runners, as it’s a pressure cooker environment. Well done to Mokare on winning the title this year. Earlier in the day everyone enjoyed a birthday biscuit. Thanks to Chef Nick who made up 700 biscuits for the day, a massive effort.

Save the Date - Dr Craig Challen

At the start of the year we, unfortunately, had to cancel the P&F Sundowner due to Covid restrictions. The P&F has been busily arranging an alternative event to bring the GSG community together. A guest speaker, Dr Craig Challen, will be at school on Thursday 18 August, the day before the mid-term break. A joint winner of the 2019 Australian of Year award, Craig was instrumental in the rescue of 13 people from the flooded cave in Thailand in 2018. 

On the day there will be a Sundowner from 5.30pm to 6.30pm in the Pratten Centre with Craig speaking at 6.30pm in the Hall. He will also be speaking with students during the day. Please save the date and more details will be provided soon. Below is a bio of Craig’s achievements. 

Craig Challen is an Australian technical diver and cave explorer from Perth, Western Australia. After commencing cave diving in the 1990s he was an early adopter of then rapidly-developing technologies such as closed-circuit mixed gas rebreathers. He has explored caves throughout Australia and New Zealand and around the world including China, Thailand, Vanuatu and the Cook Islands. Craig also has an avid interest in shipwreck diving and has explored sites over the last 15 years in the South China Sea, Solomon Islands, Australia, New Zealand, Mediterranean Sea, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia. A veterinary surgeon by profession, he is additionally an enthusiastic helicopter and airplane pilot. In July 2018 Craig participated in the Tham Luang cave rescue of 13 people in Thailand. For his contribution he was awarded the Star of Courage and the Medal of the Order of Australia. He was named as the 2019 Australian of the Year jointly with his long-standing dive partner Richard Harris.

Mr Adam Scott | Acting Deputy Principal

New Bus Stop at Collingwood Heights

Jo, a current parent, is looking to lobby for a new bus stop in Collingwood Heights (on bus route 715). At the moment there are no bus stops in that area, with the closest one being at St Joseph's. Before Jo goes to the bus company, she is looking to gauge how much support there may be from other families for an additional stop. If you would like to lend your support, please email Jo via Alex.and.Jo@hotmail.com.