Breaksea House News

A Busy and Successful Term

As the term draws to a close, I couldn’t be more pleased with how our students have settled into life at Breaksea. Their independence is evident in how they manage their time across their studies, sports, music, and various commitments. Breaksea staff have been consistently impressed with how well the girls have adjusted, with routines firmly in place and a strong sense of organisation shining through. 

It has certainly been a packed end to the term! Our Yalari students, Rif McNeil-Hanna, Azriel Bin Omar, and Mackirra Williams, attended camps in Brisbane. Esther Barrett-Lennard also attended Year Eleven and Twelve Biology and Geography camp in Dryandra. 

Last week was particularly eventful. Monday started with immunisations, but we quickly turned our frowns upside down with school photos. Fenella O'Neill and Evita Rumble proudly represented GSG at the Interschool Swimming Carnival, contributing to the school’s winning success. 

The girls also dressed in pink to support Baudin Pink Day, raising money for the McGrath Foundation. Recreation opportunities have been in full swing, with many girls supporting our players at Friday night footy. There have also been many shopping trips, walks, and milkshakes at Emu Point, making for some great moments of relaxation and fun. 

I was fortunate to attend the VET Music show, which was nothing short of extraordinary. Esther Barrett-Lennard, Emmeline Cunningham, Rif McNeil-Hanna, and Sophie Harris all performed brilliantly, and I was incredibly proud of their achievements. This week, our Year Twelve VET Music students are heading to Perth to perform at Mojo’s, and I can’t wait to hear all about their experience upon their return.  

Looking ahead, we had our Easter Service and the Year Eleven Outdoor Ed Snorkelling Camp this week. Of course, the main event is the Whole School Interhouse Cross Country, and we aim for 100% attendance. I look forward to seeing you all give it your best shot! 

We celebrated the birthdays of Sassie Doohan and Maddison Fidler - wishing them many happy returns on their special day! 

We created a collage of all the places we call home, with most of the space filled with gorgeous farm shots and sunsets. Sassie's photo from China offered a striking contrast, as did the photos from our Gap students in South Africa. It was a beautiful reminder of the diversity in our boarding community and the many different places that have shaped who we are.  We are very proud of this collage and have made it the cover of this issue of the Boarding Buzz.

One of the standout moments this term was one of Boarding’s biggest events, MasterChef. Chloe Climie, Mariella Somerscales, and Amy Medway took the lead in organising and facilitating an incredible community event that brought everyone together. A huge thanks must go to Chef James McNeil and Nick Harvey for all their hard work behind the scenes—none of it would have been possible without their support and enthusiasm. Paul, who had the honour of being one of the judges, said the food was nothing short of delectable (although to be fair, he only has my cooking to compare it to). 

A huge well done to everyone—not only for attending the event but for getting involved, showing initiative, and being fantastic leaders and role models for our younger students. 

To all our students and families, I wish you a well-earned holiday and a happy, safe Easter. Please take care on the busy roads, and I look forward to seeing you all refreshed for another exciting term ahead. 

Thank You & Farewell to Ash Keatch

Ash

I just wanted to say a big thank you for everything you’ve done for boarding, not just within our village but across the whole school. Your passion and advocacy have made such a difference, and it’s been inspiring to work alongside you.

I’ve really appreciated your support, encouragement, and the way you’ve always had our backs. You’ve made my role so much easier with the systems and routines you've aligned us all to have in our houses.

Wishing you and Lisa all the very best for whatever comes next. You both deserve every bit of joy, rest, and adventure that’s coming your way.

Ms Liz Stewart | Head of Breaksea House