From the Deputy Principal

The importance of reading and why it is everyone’s responsibility

It is no secret that most teenagers would rather be on their phones than reading a novel. While I am sure that each generation had their ‘crazes’ or hobbies that set them apart from other generations, I think we can agree that children born after 1995 have had technology thrust on them from the moment they were born. While we cannot control every aspect of the world our children will grow up in, there are some things we can do to ensure they have the necessary skills to not just survive, but thrive in this world.

One of those skills is reading. 

We are seeing an increase in Secondary School students who still struggle to read regardless of their overall learning ability. An article from 'The Conversation' states that there has been an enormous decline in reading since the 1980s. During that decade, 60% of older teenagers said they read a book, newspaper or magazine (remember those?) every day outside of their required reading at school. As of 2016, that percentage has dropped to 16%. 

You may be saying to yourself: “Well, my child can read!” and yes, they probably have a basic foundation of reading skills. But if these skills are not practiced, they start to fade. And building on basic skills is important for the future success of our students. If a student can’t read longer texts fluently and decipher deeper meanings, they will find upper school and university challenging. Think of it like a sport. I can’t skateboard – at all – but if I practiced every day to do a volley, and really stuck with it, I could probably achieve it by the end of the semester (provided I don’t break my ankles in the process). However, if I immediately stopped practicing after achieving this goal, I would probably forget how to do it, and certainly wouldn’t build on this skill or learn any new ones. 

Luckily, reading is safer than skateboarding! And no – reading Instagram captions doesn’t count. Imagine going from reading two-sentence captions to trying to read even five pages of an 800-page university textbook in one sitting. Reading and comprehending longer books and chapters takes practice, and teens aren’t getting that practice for a range of reasons. 

So what are we doing to combat this at school? Well, students are reading novels in their English classes, either for pleasure or school work. We are going to be incorporating a range of reading strategies alongside the Learner’s Toolkit within our classrooms so this becomes something we practice every day.

But it’s not just our job to foster this skill. Children need to see a range of people in their lives who value reading, not just their teachers or the librarian. Even if your child is in Secondary School, talking to them about reading and reading with them (yes, even in Year Twelve), will show them that you value and are interested in this important skill. Older students can and should also be encouraged to read with younger siblings when appropriate.

We will be using Anchor to showcase some reading strategies throughout the year that you can practice at home with your child quickly and easily. So the next time your child says they don’t have any homework, you can whip out the Anchor and work on a reading strategy together!

I look forward to renewing and fostering this important skill of reading with all our students at Grammar and look forward to your support with this endeavour. 

Mrs Samantha Ray | Head of English

School Photo Days - Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 March

It's nearly time for our school photo days. Personalised ordering envelopes have been distributed to students.

This year, Fotoworks has a new process for arranging and ordering sibling photos. The order now needs to be placed on the same personalised envelope that you usually receive, rather than receiving a separate envelope on the day. Please place your online order by 12 noon on Friday 22 March.

Students must bring their envelope to school on the photo days, regardless of whether they are ordering photos.  

GSG P&F Colour Run

To celebrate the end of term, the P&F Colour Run is here!

What happens for the Colour Run?

A rainbow of colour will greet students as they run their way through a variety of activities, through a designated track, getting splashed with water and colour (by teachers, staff and members of the P&F) as they go.  It will be a fantastic day with music, colour, obstacles and fire hoses...it's time to get wet and very colourful!  Parents are very welcome to come along and spectate.

What do I need to take part in the Colour Run?

Students will need to bring a white t-shirt and some shorts (suitable for school) from home for the Colour Run. The t-shirt might be from an op-shop, a hand me down or one they buy for this event.  Students may like to wear their school bathers under their t-shirt for the event.  They will need a towel and duffel (or other suitable) bag to put wet gear into, following the run.   

Important information

Students should wear Sport uniform, consisting of GSG navy shorts and the striped navy and red polo shirt to school on the day.  Students will get changed into their white T-shirt and shorts from home before their run time and change back into their sport uniform following the run.

There will be icy poles available for purchase on the day for $1.00 to fundraise for P&F contributions to new playground equipment.  Students will run in groups to ensure they can maximise the fun.  Run times are as follows:

Please note that students in Years Seven to Twelve will return to class in periods 7 and 8 on this day.

Easter Service

Please come along and join us for our Easter Service on Wednesday 27 March, commencing at 12.10pm in the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex.  

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal