Secondary School

Leadership Team Announcement 

The school is excited to announce the formation of its new student leadership team! This year, nearly half of the Year Eleven cohort nominated themselves for leadership positions, which is a promising sign for 2025. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by so many students demonstrate a bright future for the school community.

Recently, the aspiring leaders participated in a leadership workshop, where they collaborated, shared ideas, and discussed both what they value about the school and the areas they hope to improve. The engagement and passion by these students indicate that the school is in very good hands.

In the coming weeks, the new leadership team will go through a period of induction to prepare them for their roles. They will officially assume their responsibilities in Week Three of the next term, following the Valedictory celebrations. The school looks forward to the fresh perspectives and positive energy they will bring to their roles.

Everyone is encouraged to congratulate and support the new student leaders as they embark on this exciting journey!

Year Twelve Exams

Exams are fast approaching for our Year Twelve students, with the first starting Monday. These exams mark their final set of school assessments before they undertake their ATAR exams later this year. We want to extend our best wishes to all Year Twelve students as they enter this important phase of their academic journey.

We are aware that many of our students have been diligently preparing by revising their coursework, attending extra study sessions, and practicing past exam papers. Their commitment to their studies and perseverance during this time is commendable, and we are confident that their hard work will pay off.

A special thank you goes out to all the Year Twelve teachers who have gone above and beyond in supporting their students. From offering extra guidance and feedback to creating a positive and motivating classroom environment, their dedication has been invaluable in helping our students feel prepared and confident.

We encourage everyone in our school community to join us in wishing our Year Twelve students the best of luck in their exams. We are proud of their efforts and know they will approach this challenge with determination and resilience.

Tips for Parents to Help Their Children Manage Exam Stress

Helping your child face the challenges of final exams with confidence and resilience. Here are ten practical ways to provide that support:

• Recognize Signs of Stress: Keep an eye out for signs of anxiety, fatigue, isolation, or other behaviours that indicate your child may be feeling overwhelmed.
• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe, non-judgmental space for your child to share their thoughts and feelings. Listen actively and empathetically, without jumping in with solutions.
• Set Realistic Goals: Work together to establish achievable goals and help your child focus on their personal best rather than perfection.
• Redefine What Success Means: Remind your child that success is about personal growth, effort, and the learning journey—not just exam results.
• Explore Alternative Pathways: Encourage your child to explore the many opportunities available beyond Year Twelve, reminding them that the ATAR is just one of many pathways to a successful future.
• Discourage Comparisons: Help your child focus on their own progress and goals rather than comparing themselves to others.
• Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage a balanced routine with nutritious meals, adequate sleep, regular exercise, and breaks to prevent burnout.
• Make Time for Family Bonding: Engage in enjoyable family activities to offer emotional support and keep spirits high.
• Offer Subtle Support: Small gestures like preparing a favourite meal or ensuring a quiet study environment can significantly reduce stress.
• Provide Daily Encouragement: Reassure your child of your love and support, regardless of their academic outcomes.

By creating a positive and supportive environment, you can help your child build the resilience they need to approach their exams with a sense of calm, confidence, and optimism.

House Dinners

Year Twelve House Farewell Dinners are a cherished tradition at this time of year, marking the beginning of the "long goodbye" to our graduating Year Twelve students. These dinners provide a unique opportunity for families, students, and staff to come together and celebrate the journey each student has undertaken during their time at Great Southern Grammar.

These gatherings are more than just a meal; they are a moment to reflect on the growth, achievements, and friendships that have shaped the students' experience over the years. Parents, guardians, and siblings join their Year Twelve student to share stories, express gratitude, and acknowledge the effort and dedication that has gone into reaching this important milestone.

The Farewell Dinners also offer a time for students to connect with their peers and Head of House, sharing memories and celebrating the sense of community that defines Great Southern Grammar. As we begin to bid farewell to our current Year Twelve students, these dinners serve as a heartfelt reminder of the lasting bonds and cherished memories created during their time at our school.

Indoor Cricket Champions

The Great Southern Grammar Indoor Cricket Team has achieved an outstanding victory, winning the 2024 Albany Men's Indoor Cricket Competition! This triumph is a testament to the incredible teamwork, dedication, and determination of these talented young players.

Throughout the winter, the team played regularly, honing their skills and building strong team dynamics. Their commitment paid off when they proudly represented the school at Country Week, where they earned an impressive second-place finish. However, they weren't done yet!

On Monday night, the team played with unwavering focus and determination, playing two intense games. Demonstrating exceptional skill, strategy, and camaraderie, they won both matches, securing the championship title as the 2024 Albany Men's Indoor Cricket Champions.

This remarkable achievement is a result of the hard work and dedication of every team member, who played their part in making this victory possible. Congratulations to the Team for their incredible season.

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary

Year Twelve Outdoor Ed Excursion

Student Reflection

Both of the Year Twelve Outdoor Ed classes have been preparing all term for a mountain biking camp to Margaret River. Over most of Term Two and all of Term Three we have learnt new mountain biking skills and improved our current technique. Mr Symonds took both classes all over Albany preparing us for riding on different terrains and trails of different difficulties. 

In small groups we contacted the RAC Margret River campsite to book a site each, bought food on a budget, and organised equipment we needed for a three-day expedition.

We all left for Margaret River on the 26 August and as soon as we arrived at camp, we set up our swags and tents before the weather came in and we got our bikes out ready. 

The first day we all rode on the fluid (green) and thumper (blue) trails, and despite our preparedness and planning, no amount of wet weather gear stopped us from sliding off our bikes on the wet tracks. 

The Trangia’s made a reappearance from outward bound camps for dinner, and we had the company of some Bethel Year Eleven students while we cooked (and for the rest of the camp). 

We woke up the next day tired and wet from the down pour of wind and rain the night before. We had the day to explore the tracks in our groups, and the sun helped dry the trails. After a special birthday lunch for Tyla, most people tried their best to make it down the harder trails, with a few falls along the way but a good effort all round. 

On the way back to Albany we stopped at Nannup and walked from the top of the double black track – called ‘Mannup’.  After slipping the whole way down, most of us decided doing it on our bikes might be a step too far. 

Despite a few scrapes and stacks, the camp was an amazing experience and prepared us for all sorts of adventures in the future. I would definitely recommend taking up outdoor ed in Year Eleven and Twelve.

A big thank you to Mr Symonds and the whole sports department for organising the camp and making our last Year Twelve camp so memorable. 

Also, thank you to Mr Donaldson, Mia and Lachy for joining us on the camp and riding with us. 

Georgia Williams | Year Twelve student

Camfield Homeroom Teacher Newspaper Dress-Up Day

Tuesday morning marked the completion of the annual Camfield Homeroom Teacher Newspaper Dress-Up Day. This fun-filled event gives students the chance to decorate their homeroom teachers with newspapers in any way they choose.

Special mention goes to Camfield One and Two for their strong efforts despite some questionable execution. A big shout-out to Camfield Three and Five for their creative flair, transforming their homeroom teachers into a king and queen within the ten-minute time frame.

The event was filled with laughter and camaraderie. Well done to all involved!

Mr Brodie Sarre | Acting Head of Camfield/Teacher