Senior School

From the Head of Senior School 

I have been thinking about Service this week. Emma Taylor (Communication Captain) and I attended the Nurses’ Memorial Service last Sunday, where Emma lay a wreath on behalf of Great Southern Grammar. I think this is an important memorial to acknowledge – the work of nursing and medical staff in wars is most admirable; under dangerous and incredibly trying conditions these people generally act with great selflessness and compassion, sometimes involved on the front line of war itself. Their commitment and generosity of spirit deserves to be acknowledged each year.

Here at the School, the Year Twelve ATAR students are confronting their greatest challenge – the ATAR exams. I have been very pleased by the attitude and approach of our students – they have taken the exams seriously, with a clear intention of achieving their best. I like to tell the students there is no such things as a hard exam, it all comes down to how prepared you are. A little flippant perhaps, but there is obviously no new material in an examination; so how well do they know it? An exam can be seen as a chance to show what you know, and it’s been good to see them basically calm and confident this week going into the exams.

Finally, the 2022 Prefect team is heading off to Karribank this weekend for their Prefects’ Camp. This is always an enjoyable camp; we pack a lot in, while getting to know each other and building our team. We have a committed and enthusiastic group of leaders for 2022, whom, I believe, understand and embrace the concept of Service leadership. 

Max Fleming - Year Twelve

Max Fleming in Year Twelve was invited to sit the ICQ International Chemistry Quiz in third term along with another 2,500 participants. He scored in the top 1% of all the students who chose to complete the quiz and was awarded a High Distinction with an Award of Excellence for outstanding performance. Congratulations to Max on this prestigious achievement.

Photos from Valedictory

A photo gallery of the Valedictory Week images can be found on the Senior School page of MyGSG or click here. 

Mr Mark Bonnin | Head of Senior School 

Hospitality 

In Year Ten, students considered the versatility of cream cheese in savoury and sweet dishes. They produced a pizza cob loaf dip, then baked mini cheesecakes.  Students designed and created a berry and a chocolate topping to present their cheesecakes as a signature dish.  We discussed what could be produced at the end of the week when the fridge and pantry are full, but there is nothing to eat!  Instead of the easy option of Friday night takeaway, the students made their own taco mix using an array of common spices, created a protein-based filling using meat, fish, or chicken, or plant-based products like beans, lentils, and peas, and utilised left-over vegetables, soft wraps, and dairy products to create a taco grazing board for two.  

Year Eleven VET Hospitality students were incredibly busy, participating in three functions in the past three weeks to cover various competencies across several units. The emphasis training the Certificate II Hospitality students this year has been the importance of effective teamwork, why it makes a difference, and how it is effective towards achieving a common goal.  

The group have embraced this notion, delivering high-quality service, while going above and beyond. Service of appetisers and a formal dinner at the Year Twelve Boarders Valedictory Dinner provided an opportunity for the group to work together seamlessly.  Their involvement providing hospitality to guests at the Year Twelve Valedictory Carnival, proved they were helpful, professional and went over and above to help make the day a great success. 

Planning the annual Mocktail Party gave students an insight into how run sheets are necessary and are a vital tool to ensure functions flow well. Designing, costing, and ordering supplies to make mocktails for guests gave students a vision into the work required for a successful service of beverages with limited wastage.  In addition, the students decorated the Hospitality classroom with their black and orange theme to host the Year Eleven cohort for an evening of delicious mocktails, fun, and games. 

Mrs Teresa McAllister | Hospitality Teacher

Year Eleven Outdoor Education 

Grey skies and muddy footings greeted us for the start of our 2021 OED camp on the Bibbulmun Track. Planning for the expedition started way back at the beginning of Term Two and there was a sense of relief, excitement and apprehension before we began our hike. We got off to a questionable start, nearly walking past our first turn off, but after that it was smooth sailing as the group became accustomed to walking with the extra weight in an unknown environment. 

The scenery was amazing, walking from the dense forest landscape, into the coastal plains that would accompany us for the rest of the trip. The way in which students helped one another, worked together and organised themselves to create a successful and enriching expedition was impressive. We had some challenges along the way including low water supplies, a canoe crossing and some encounters with the dangerous wildlife in the area. The students were fantastic, and can look back on their performance with pride.

Mr Paul Donaldson | Head of Health and Physical Education