Secondary School

Taste of Great Southern with Year Twelve VET Class 

Our Year Twelve Certificate II Hospitality students shone at the Tides of Taste event at Maitraya Private Retreat on Friday evening, taking on both front‑ and back‑of‑house roles as part of Taste Great Southern. Working alongside leading industry chefs, they helped finish and plate dishes featuring local ingredients such as wild goat, bloodroot, sardines, macadamias, wattleseed and samphire. 

Overlooking Nanarup Beach on a warm autumn night, students served nearly 200 guests with professionalism, confidence and genuine enthusiasm. They shared knowledge about each dish, supported one another through a fast‑paced service, and constantly looked for ways to contribute. 

From polishing hundreds of glasses to navigating the grandeur of the venue, they embraced every challenge. By the end of the night, there were tired feet and sore backs, but also big smiles, especially when chefs cooked them well‑earned bacon and egg sandwiches. 

They represented themselves and the school with pride. 

 Mrs Teresa McAllister | Head of Technologies 

Arts Camp

A large group of Years Eleven and Twelve Arts students travelled to Perth last Thursday for a three‑day immersion in arts events and exhibitions, many connected to the Perth Festival. 

Their first stop was Sculpture by the Sea at Cottesloe Beach, which had opened only days earlier. After exploring the exhibition, the group enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant, where they were delighted to bump into former GSG student, Sian Tebbutt, who is now studying Drama at Curtin University. 

Friday began with an early‑morning drawing session at the beach, followed by visits to the contemporary exhibitions at the John Curtin Gallery and Heathcote Museum. Students especially enjoyed the chance to draw directly onto the museum’s walls and to explore the iconic boat‑shaped playground. 

In the afternoon, the group headed to the Fremantle Arts Centre, choosing from three hands‑on workshops: silver jewellery making, ceramics, or botanical drawing. Each workshop was delivered in beautifully equipped studios, and students left with artworks they were proud of, including several bespoke handmade silver rings. 

That evening, students relaxed under the trees at the Somerville Auditorium, enjoying pizzas, deckchairs and an outdoor screening presented by Perth Festival. The Spanish film Deaf offered a moving and honest exploration of life for those who cannot hear. 

On Saturday, the group took the train into the city to visit the Perth Institute of Contemporary Arts (PICA) and the Art Gallery of WA. A highlight was the breathtaking exhibition of Western Australian ceramicist Pippin Drysdale. 

Students returned to Albany inspired and energised to bring these experiences into their own creative work. Excitement was also building for the weekend’s Lighting of the Sound, a major installation by Finnish artist Kari Kola, co‑designed with Menang Elders, which will transform the coastline with immersive, meditative light across the next three weekends. 

Ms Rachel Mordy | Head of Arts 

Year Seven Wellbeing Program: Connection and Belonging 

This week during VACS, our Year Seven students launched their 2026 Wellbeing Program, gathering in their House groups for the first workshop of the year. The focus of this session, Connection and Belonging, was especially meaningful as our newest secondary students continue to find their place within the GSG community. 

Throughout the workshop, students explored the many ways they connect with others: within their friendship circles, classes, co‑curricular activities and of course, their House. They discussed why belonging matters, how it contributes to wellbeing and the important role each of them plays in helping peers feel valued and included. 

Through guided activities, students strengthened social skills that support both themselves and others in building strong, healthy relationships. They also took time to reflect on their transition to secondary school so far, considering how they can continue nurturing positive connections throughout the year. 

It was especially heart‑warming to see all Year Seven students spending meaningful time with the House staff who supported them during Year Seven Camp. This sense of continuity reinforced the central message of the day: belonging is built intentionally and every student has a place both in their House and within our wider school community. 

The Wellbeing Program will continue across Term One, offering further opportunities for reflection, growth and connection as our Year Seven students settle confidently into their secondary journey. 

Paris Tour 2027

Plans for the Paris Tour in April 2027 are currently underway, and it promises to be a wonderful experience. This ten‑day tour will be based in Paris, exploring the City of Lights and all the magic and history it has to offer. Students will also enjoy four days visiting key sites outside of Paris. The tour will provide a rich cultural experience and an excellent introduction to European travel.

Dates

(To be confirmed upon release of the final itinerary)

The tour is scheduled to take place during the April Holidays in 2027, departing on 9 April and returning on 21 April.

The proposed itinerary includes a visit to Mont Saint‑Michel in Normandy, a Parisian cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, a tour of the Catacombs, a boat cruise along the River Seine, and bike tours of both the Palace of Versailles and Monet’s Gardens. The opulence of the Louis Kings and Marie Antoinette will be on full display at the Palace of Versailles.

Students will also visit key galleries, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Picasso Museum and the Atelier des Lumières. Other highlights include visits to Sacré‑Cœur, the Eiffel Tower and Notre‑Dame, as well as a gourmet walking tour of Paris. The itinerary also features a market visit to the famous Marché des Enfants Rouges and a performance of The Lion King at the Mogador Theatre.

It promises to be an amazing tour filled with history, art and culture!

For further information and for the expression of interest please click link below.

2027 Paris Tour Expression of Interest

There will be an information session on Monday 16 March at 5.00pm in the school Library. (NB this can be attended via Teams). For any queries about the tour, please contact Ms Rachel Mordy by email, rachel.mordy@gsg.wa.edu.au 

Ms Rachel Mordy | Head of the Arts