From the Principal

Country Week – Rite of Passage

Throughout the learning journey at school, significant milestones are reached. Often these experiences are rites of passage as students grow in confidence, resilience, independence and wisdom.  One such rite of passage is Country Week. A week of competitive sport for regional and rural schools as far away as Christmas Island, the Goldfields and Derby.  Country Week is unique experience for Years Ten to Twelve students and is the culmination of hours of training and development throughout the Primary and Secondary years.

I have spent time with our 118-member squad this week, managing to cheer on every sport from the side lines. The students have remained in the contest until the last siren and the dedicated staff have guided, mentored and coached our young people with commitment and great encouragement.  Many students express that their involvement in Country Week is the pinnacle of their schooling experience. This year, the squad has included Year Twelve students who have not had the opportunity to attend until now, marking a rite of passage at the end of their formal education.

This year, GSG has entered into the Tier One competition, fielding 11 teams for the first time in many years. Country Week in 2024 is a standout experience for our students and we wish those teams in finals tomorrow, all the very best.  You can see more details about the Country Week experience on the special 'Country Week' page in this edition of the Anchor.

Updates

This week, I have announced the commencement of a review into boarding. This review is driven by the strategic plan towards 2025 to ensure we identify and capture the strengths of our program and areas that we can continue to improve. Boarding is a central pillar of GSG and will remain so for generations to come. Stephen Webber, former Principal and educational and leadership consultant, has been commissioned to undertake the review. His work will include meeting with staff, groups of students and reviewing policies and procedures in line with national standards.  Boarding parents are invited to complete a survey and the Boarding Parent Committee will take part in a workshop with Stephen in Term Three.

Last week, I regrettably accepted the resignation of our Chaplain, Mrs Naomi Cooper. She will finish at GSG in Week Three of next term to take up a teaching position at Bethel Christian School. We wish her all the best and thank her for her commitment and service to GSG.

Mr Mathew Irving | Principal