Whole School News

Arts

Backyard Possum Encounter

We are busy developing the script for our puppet play about the western ringtail possum. Our lead artist, Chloe Flockart will be with us for much of Term Three working with students on set design and puppet making.

Here is a link to view work that Chloe has previously done:

https://youtu.be/8QhnjKCAlcE?feature=shared

We will be needing performers and a stage crew for the play though!! The performance will predominantly be through puppetry, a unique and magical style.

If you are interested in being part of this aspect of the play, please complete the link below. This initial call-out is for students in Year Seven and above. There will be opportunities for students in the Primary School coming soon!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/GreatSouthernGrammar/GSGPossumPuppetPlayExpressionOfInterest

We love all of the photographs and stories that were uploaded. Please keep sending them as we are still developing the plot, scenes and characters!

Ms Rachel Mordy | Head of the Arts

Film Internship

During March of this year, writer and director Adam Morris was shooting a new movie in Albany and I had the opportunity to work as a volunteer intern for three days in April. I was on set for the final three days of filming.

On the first day, I assisted with setting up scenes, moving props, meeting cast and crew members, and familiarising myself with the remaining plot points to be filmed.

On the second day, I helped with lighting, camera work and the boom microphone. While working on lighting, I learned how to create artificial sunlight by setting the light to 750 candela and using filters in front of it.

The final day of shooting was a night shoot, during which I helped choreograph the blocking for the actors in the opening scene. I also learned how to create fake alcoholic drinks and work with an easy cam setup.

The time I spent on set was some of the best days of my life. If someone had told me I’d be working on a film set during my holidays, I would have thought they were lying. I am incredibly grateful for this amazing opportunity, and I believe I have discovered what I want to do with the rest of my life.

Link to the Facebook page for photos: Low Lie the Fields | Albany WA | Facebook

Finnley Dwyer-Adams | Year Twelve student

From the School Counsellor

Greetings GSG Community

As we progress further into this enjoyable yet challenging term, several themes seem to be emphatically emerging. The second half of Term Two for senior students comprises assessments, exams for some, ESTs, embarking on Semester Two content and many have Country Week as their beacon leading them forth.

So, this week I’ve included some extra info on managing IT habits, a new course (Conversations about NSSI) about an unhealthy and potentially habit-forming coping strategy that a significant number of adolescents use as stress and emotion management, and a few tips regarding maximising study time and effectiveness.

Further to the information offered last week around IT safety in the home…

See below some no-nonsense gems from a Susan McLean Fact Sheet on Internet Safety Tips for Parents, Teachers and Carers.

The use of computers, laptops or any internet enabled devices (iPad, phone, iPod, Xbox) SHOULD be in a common area of the house NOT IN THE BEDROOM!
Need an alarm – buy a clock radio!
Parental monitoring is vital – walk past and see what your child is doing, who they are talking to and what sites they are on… be aware if their mood changes. This is NOT invading their privacy at all… it is parenting in the digital space.
Parents must learn about the internet with their child – get students to share their knowledge of the internet with their parents in a fun environment.
Make sure there is no response to rude or harassing emails (keep a record in case of further investigation.)
Advise your student/child to immediately exit any site that makes them feel uncomfortable or worried. Basic protective behaviour principles apply.
If the harassment continues… the current email account can be deleted and a new one started. The new email address should only be given to a selected few.
If receiving harassing messages on social media – have the sender blocked and report to the site.
If you have found inappropriate content about your child or one in your care on a website or are informed about this situation, please contact the ISP and or Police or advise the parent to do so ASAP.
Have a family internet contract and set house rules about what information your child can put onto websites or share with others.
Be aware the majority of children WILL NOT tell a parent/teacher if bullied or harassed online for fear that they will lose internet access!
Make sure that your children understand that they will not get in trouble if they tell you about a problem.

ABSOLUTELY NO EXCHANGE OF PERSONAL INFORMATION!

Children under 13 ARE NOT ALLOWED on Facebook, Instagram, Kik, SnapChat, iTunes and many more. Do not support your child to break the rules and they won’t be the only one without these accounts. Learn to say NO.

… and her list continues Internet-Safety-Tips-for-Teachers-Parents-and-Caregivers.pdf

New MHFA Course – a calendar must…

The 19 June NSSI has now been approved. Would you kindly confirm with Le Grande the date and times please. 9.30am to 2.30pm including morning tea and lunch.

What:    Conversations about Non-Suicidal Self-Injury

When:   19 June 2025 at 9.30am to 2.30pm

Where: Le Grande Motel, Albany Highway

Why:      This is a coping strategy which requires our attention

Cost:       Nil - all materials and catering covered by Palmerston and GSG

Presenter: Sheryl Moncur

For dietary needs please let Kait Hahn know via the email.

Study and Revision Season – It’s Getting Real.

If you’re in Secondary School and require some tips for study and exam preparation, see this five-minute clip for some very doable gems. Also, we all know that physical health (good sleep, regular exercise and healthy food), happy social times of connectivity and sensible boundary setting, as well as IT hygiene comprise a strong platform for this coming season. Stress management can be ameliorated by adherence to these aforementioned items, as well as clear communication of your needs.

The clip 13 Study Tips: The Science of Better Learning emphasises the following points as enhancers of learning and revision:

Spaced repetition and spaced interval
Find your own style
Pomodoro tech
Hard stuff first
Enrich/change up learning environments
Take fun seriously

From Linda Stade

Families in Australia with children older than six years old can now access Fear-Less Triple P Online. For the scoop go here A fix that works for kids suffering with anxiety

Happy to talk about any of the above.

Ms Sheryl Moncur | School Counsellor / Teacher

Discover GSG - Friday 13 June

We are excited to announce our Discover GSG experience, and we encourage our families to share this fun opportunity with their friends.

The come-and-try day is for Years Five to Eight in 2026, and prospective students are encouraged to invite a friend to attend on Friday 13 June from 9.00am to 1.00pm.

Prospective students in Years Four to Seven can register at https://gsg.to/Discover

For queries, contact julia.bairstow@gsg.wa.edu.au.