From the Principal
Richness of Community
One of the unique features of a regional city is the opportunities our students, staff and families have to build meaningful and impactful relationships in the community.
The ability to form positive partnerships in arts and sports, and alongside industry and community organisations, is unlike anything I have witnessed in my career. Admittedly, mine has been one confined and limited to large cities.
Not only do partnerships strengthen the cultural fabric of our region, but they also provide the environment to build on learning in school and offer students enriching experiences that broaden skills, deepen understanding, and shape character.
Community Production of School of Rock
I was fortunate to attend ALOTCO's (Albany Light Opera and Theatre Company) production of School of Rock in recent weeks. This was an outstanding performance and I was thrilled to support:
- Lead actor, our very own Mr Geoff Hardy
- Musical Director and parent, Mrs Kathryn MacNeil
- Guitar Player and parent, Dr David McCutcheon
- Keyboard Player and parent, Dr Jennifer Graham-Taylor
- Piano Player and student, Evie Swann, Year Ten
- Actor and Alumni Miss Nicola Bairstow
- Actor and parent, Mrs Priya Moodie and the wonderful cast of exceptional GSG students:
- Ginney Dobson, Year Eight
- River Duggan, Year Eight
- Isla MacNeil, Year Eight
- Maddie McCutcheon, Year Eight
- Elora Moodie, Year Seven
- Milla Rutter, Year Eight
- Ruth Toomey, Year Eight
- Neve Underwood, Year Eight
- Jai West, Year Seven
The School of Rock was an exemplary example of a regional community at its best.
World's Greatest Shave
Another example of community partnership this week was the World's Greatest Shave, raising awareness of Leukemia and helping fund life-changing blood cancer support and research.
Led by our Community and Service Captains, Charlie Hill and Nyomi Johnson, our Year Twelve cohort and their supporters raised over $23,000. Working with Charlie and Nyomi, we decided that raising $10,000 would be the goal for me to take part and shave my head. Needless to say, the community nailed it and nailed me, all for a great cause. (More photographs can be viewed in the Secondary School section of this newsletter.)
Celebrating Our Region with the Albany Kinjarling Monopoly Edition
GSG has been a member of ACCI (Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry) for a number of years. As part of a unique partnership, it was a wonderful honour to be invited to contribute to the limited edition Albany Kinjarling Monopoly Edition, which celebrates the places, businesses and landmarks that make our region so unique.
I am delighted to share that our school features in this special edition, with our logo proudly appearing on Park Lane. This collector’s edition is a fantastic way to celebrate and explore our region as a family, and I encourage our school community to take a look.
They are available to purchase from ACCI (Albany Chamber of Commerce and Industry) here.
Cultural Strength
Last evening, I was privileged to attend a special event hosted by J&S Castlehow Electrical Services, with guest speakers boxer Danny Green and former SAS team commander and now psychologist Harry Moffit.
Motivated by giving back to the community and enhancing the cultural fabric of our region, Brett Sutton of Castlehow gave us the opportunity to be inspired and be reminded of what is important for our families and colleagues.
May we all be encouraged to build long-lasting, positive partnerships in our communities and workplaces, so we may clarify our purpose, strengthen cohesion, and uphold the spirit of our region.
Go well.
Mr Mathew Irving | Principal
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25