As we move further into Term Three, the staff and I have noticed a heartening shift among our students. Many are growing more confident and comfortable in their Albany surroundings, and it has been wonderful to see them branching out, forming new friendships and engaging in a wider range of activities. These connections are blossoming across year levels and between boys and girls, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere within the house.

What stands out most is the way students are supporting one another. Whether it is offering a helping hand, lending a listening ear, or simply being present for a peer, these moments reflect the strong, caring culture we are building together.

Just this week, a Year Seven student expressed some nerves about attending Homework Club with Mrs Stone. Without hesitation, a nearby Year Eight student offered to go along for support, such a simple yet powerful act of kindness. In another instance, a Year Seven student was madly trying to sand their ancient artifact school project before school. A Year Eight boy came to assist (the sanding was happening on the couch at one point – but we will try and focus on the positives!). These are just a couple of the many examples that highlight the empathy, open-mindedness, and problem-solving skills our students are developing.

As students settle in, they are also showing greater care for the house and for each other. More are coming forward to share what is going well and what is on their minds, something I deeply value. These conversations help us better understand their experiences and provide the support they need. What may seem small to an adult can feel monumental to a child, and I am also grateful to the families who stay connected and communicate with us to help nurture each student’s journey.

It is hard to believe, but the winter sports season is already drawing to a close! I am incredibly proud of the students’ dedication to training and game commitments. Congratulations to everyone who participated, and best of luck to those heading into finals. Speaking of finals...go Freo💜

We have celebrated one birthday in the house this month, many happy returns to Jasmine Haynes.

Amy van der Merwe has now relocated back to Breaksea House following the arrival of our new Gap Assistant, Ashlee Hepburn. While Amy will be based at Breaksea overnight, she will remain closely connected to Endeavour House by continuing her rostered shifts and playing a key role in supporting Ashlee’s training and transition.

I would like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to Amy. She stepped up when needed, built strong relationships within the community, and continues to provide outstanding support to both our students and the broader Boarding program.

We are also delighted to welcome Ashlee Hepburn to the Boarding team. Ashlee has made a wonderful start and is looking forward to meeting more families in the coming weeks. Please enjoy her message below.

Mrs Nyree Mackenzie | Head of Endeavour House

Introducing Ashlee Hepburn, Gap Assistant

Hello, my name is Ashlee Hepburn, and I'm originally from South Africa. When I first considered moving out of home, I didn’t expect it to be such a significant change, but relocating to another country has certainly been a big step for me. I’m really looking forward to getting to know all the students at Endeavour and building meaningful connections with them.

I recently spent an evening in Breaksea, and I was warmly welcomed by the girls there. It was inspiring to see how independent the students are and how strongly they support one another.

At the moment, I’m still learning about the students’ individual interests and hobbies, but I’m excited to become more involved in Griffins and make the most of my time here at GSG. I'm also looking forward to exploring Albany and discovering all the local attractions. This gap year is an incredible opportunity for me to learn, grow, and create lasting memories as part of the GSG community.

Ashlee Hepburn | Gap Assistant

The Boarding Buzz

Term Three 2025 | Issue 82 · 29 Aug 2025

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