Whole School News
GSG Foundation Day – Celebrating the Spirit of Grammar
Friday 1 May
Foundation Day is fast approaching and our school community is looking forward to coming together to honour the history, values and spirit that make Great Southern Grammar so special.
The day features a joyful Whole School Assembly and the always-thrilling Running of the Flags, a highlight for students, staff and families alike. We warmly invite all families to come along, join the fun and celebrate the traditions that unite us as we look ahead to the future we’re creating together.
This year, Foundation Day takes place on Friday 1 May, aligning with our Annual Giving Day, a wonderful opportunity for families, past or present and friends of the School to support initiatives that directly benefit current and future students. All donations made go directly to The Great Southern Grammar School Foundation Incorporated.
We warmly encourage every family to consider making a tax-deductible voluntary donation of $20 or more to support the Scholarship or the Building Fund. These contributions help provide educational opportunities for those who may not otherwise have access to a GSG education, enriching the lives of students and strengthening the foundation of our school.
On Foundation Day, signage will be placed around the school with QR codes that make donating quick and easy. Families can simply scan a code or head directly to the donation website. More information about Annual Giving Day will be shared next week, but for those eager to contribute early, early donations can be made here: https://gsg.to/GivingDay
Let’s join together to honour our past, celebrate the present and shape the future of Great Southern Grammar.
Go well!
Mr Mathew Irving | Principal
Ready to Crack the Code?
Mathematical Association WA is excited to continue its collaboration with The Mathematical Association of Victoria (MAV) and Digital Learning and Teaching Victoria (DLTV) to bring Stage One of the Victorian Coding Challenge to WA students in Years Five to Ten!
Now in its third year for WA schools, this engaging challenge continues to inspire curious minds, nurture emerging passions and strengthen students’ coding skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Designed to be accessible for all schools:
- No coding expertise required for teachers
- Minimal preparation and no marking involved
- Delivered online via a user-friendly platform
- Students can work at their own pace
- Extensive support and resources provided for both teachers and students
Year level categories:
• Years Five and Six
• Years Seven and Eight
• Years Nine and Ten
Cost: $12 per student
This is an exciting opportunity to challenge and inspire students. Get ready to code your way to success!
Registrations open in Term Two. To learn more, visitVictorian Coding Challenge - Mathematical Association of Western Australia (MAWA)
P&F Upcoming Event
Mr Jason Pages | P&F Coordinator
From the School Counsellor
The Pause That Creates Change
We are living through stressful times and facing problems beyond our control. When this happens, our bodies and minds go on alert and the problem solver within goes into overdrive. Our bodies do too. When we feel threatened, our heart rate accelerates, our muscles tense, our breathing quickens, and we feel on edge.
A helpful response is available to us in such moments.
Our nervous system constantly seeks ways to bring us back to calm and connection. With practice, we can channel this. We can use our body and mind to return to ourselves and to our loved ones.
Try this brief action*:
1. PAUSE: Stop doing everything. Breathe out long and slow. Notice your breath. No need to change your inhale, just slow your exhale.
2. RESET: If possible, allow your gaze to reach off far into the distance for a few seconds. Scan the clouds, look far down the road, look across the landscape. Let your mind and body follow into the space.
3. PLAN: Remind yourself of what matters right now. Your value in this moment is within your sphere of influence:
Right now, it matters to...
Why this helps:
We are giving ourselves time to practice being here before trying to problem-solve a situation.
Returning to balance gets easier with every practice.
Change is possible for us. Hold on to that notion. Never forget that we can learn how to cope.
If our distress is in interaction with others around us, it only takes the smallest of actions to shift, to show vulnerability, to listen instead of defending.
Other ways to restore our balance:
Boost balance with basic awareness practices. Try noticing what's happening inside and outside you. Practice becoming aware of when you're tipping into stress or shutting down.
Use small actions to ground: feeling your feet on the floor, wiggling your toes, slowing your exhale, or hugging a loved one.
Bring your full awareness to what you can see, hear, touch, taste, and smell.
Practice connecting with things that support you: pets, friends, music, movement, knitting, walks outside, a cup of tea, reading or listening to something nurturing. There is no limit; it's about knowing what works for you.
For more information on Poly Vagal resets visit:
Dr Louise Hayes | Therapy Training, Supervision and Mentoring
Polyvagal Theory Exercises for Nervous System Calm
Youth MHFA
This 14-hour course for adults teaches participants how to provide initial support to a young person (aged 12-18) who may be experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis until professional help is accessed or the crisis resolves itself.
Please check out this link for further information.
When: 9.00am - 4.00pm Wednesday 29 April to Thursday 30 April
Where: venue tba
Cost: Nil – food, materials, training and venue provided by sponsors
Sponsors: GSG and Palmerston (via WA Mental Health Commission)
To register, email sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au
Teen Mental Health First Aid for Year Eight Students
All Year Eight Health Education classes will be trained in teenMHFA for approx 5 lessons across Weeks Three to Six.
The topics include:
- The relationship between thoughts, feelings and behaviours
- The difference between mental health problems and mental health crises
- What stigma is and how to reduce it
- What help seeking is and how to increase and normalise it
- The action plan – Look, Ask, Listen, Help Connect with an Adult, Friendship is important
- How to help a friend access the support they need
- Making sure our own self-care is priority no 1
I am the trainer; I have loads of experience in this field and love what I do. If families have any questions about the course, or feel that their child may be emotionally vulnerable, please don't hesitate to contact me. sheryl.moncur@gsg.wa.edu.au
Safety protocols are always maintained throughout the course.
More information can be found:
Teen Mental Health First Aid | Mental Health First Aid Australia
School of Rock - The Musical
How could we forget to mention our very talented Mr Geoff Hardey, who takes on the lead role of guitarist Dewey Finn. After being kicked out of his band, Dewey poses as a substitute teacher at a prestigious private school, where he ultimately transforms his students into a rock band.
Tickets for the show can be purchased online or in store at Paperbark Merchants: www.paperbark.com.au
