Secondary School

Radio Active

On Friday evening, our Years Eleven and Twelve students delivered a remarkable performance in front of a sold-out audience at the Albany Entertainment Centre. Their outstanding display of talent left a lasting impression, showcasing the incredible musical abilities of students from Great Southern Grammar and the surrounding region.

Despite limited rehearsal time, our students seamlessly collaborated with WAAPA students in several joint performances, demonstrating both skill and adaptability. The experience of performing alongside WAAPA students in a world-class auditorium was an exciting and rewarding opportunity for our students, who thrived in the spotlight.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms Emma Luxton and Mr Joe Fowler for their unwavering dedication to our music program and their exceptional coordination of such a successful event. Their efforts ensured that the evening was not only a triumph but also a memorable experience for everyone involved.

Year Ten Work Experience

The Work Experience program is a vital component of the Year Ten Careers curriculum, helping students gain a better understanding of the world beyond the classroom. This week, our Year Ten students have been sharing stories and reflections from their recent work experience, filling the hallways with their excitement and insights.

The program provides students with hands-on exposure to real-world scenarios, deepening their understanding of their chosen areas of interest. It also promotes personal growth, enhancing their communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and critical thinking.

This year, students were placed in locations ranging far and wide. Some boarders even chose placements closer to their homes. As always, our Year Tens had the opportunity to explore a diverse array of industries, reflecting a wide range of career interests.

Students gained experience in fields such as agriculture, tourism, real estate, marine conservation, trades, allied health, veterinary nursing, hospitality, education, and aged care, among others. Hearing students reflect on the skills they've learned, the insights they've gained, the challenges they've overcome, and the connections they've made is always a highlight of the program.

Years Seven and Eight Soccer and Sport Carnival

On Tuesday 27 August, our Years Seven and Eight students participated in a Soccer Carnival at the North Road ovals, competing against other local schools. The event featured two boys' teams and two girls' teams, each playing with determination and enthusiasm despite the challenging conditions throughout the day.

The results were mixed, with our girls' teams finishing in 3rd and 4th place, while the boys' teams secured 4th and 6th place overall. Despite the varying outcomes, the students demonstrated great enjoyment and showcased impressive skill levels on the field.

A special mention goes to our Years Eleven and Twelve students who served as coaches and umpires. Their leadership and commitment were phenomenal, providing invaluable support and guidance to the younger students. Their involvement not only contributed to the smooth running of the event but also set a positive example of sportsmanship and teamwork.

Overall, it was a day of spirited competition, skillful play, and strong camaraderie, reflecting the school's commitment to both athletic excellence and community spirit.

Technologies Showcase

On Wednesday evening the Technologies Showcase was held in the library between 6.00pm and 8.00pm.

Students and families came to see displays of work by the Secondary School students and teachers of Computer Science, DigiTech, Sustainable Production, Woodwork, and Hospitality. This year's Grammar Grown wine vintage was launched, and we heard from Chef Silas Masih, from Pepper & Salt restaurant in Denmark, who was the Keynote Speaker.

Delicious appetisers, espresso coffee, hot chocolates, and chai lattes were served by our talented Year Twelve Hospitality students.

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary

Years Seven to Nine Social

Last Wednesday the Great Southern Grammar Hall was transformed into the ultimate Australian setting with all things Aussie for the Years Seven to Nine Social. The event was an influx of creative costumes with everything from green and gold to tradies and surf life savers. The night featured fun and games for all with best-dressed competitions and an extremely competitive round of limbo which had all the teachers joining in.

A huge thank you to Year Eleven student Colin, who had everyone up on their feet singing and dancing with a spectacular playlist that put the Olympic opening ceremony to shame. Also, thanks go to the evening’s amazing MC, Liesel, who made the night so much fun!

The music had staff member Mr McLean showing not only spectacular dance moves, but also his future as the lead singer of One Direction, giving a phenomenal karaoke-style sing-along to "What Makes You Beautiful".

A final thanks to everyone who supported the event and the Student Council for rising to the occasion to organise a fantastic night.

The Student Council

Great Southern Grammar Shines at blustery Hockey Carnival

On Tuesday 27 August, the highly anticipated Years Seven and Eight hockey carnival took place at the ALAC hockey turf and grass fields. Despite the blustery conditions, the three Great Southern Grammar teams were determined to give their best performance.

The girls’ team had a challenging start, suffering a 2-1 defeat to Esperance. However, they bounced back after their bye, securing three consecutive wins to finish the day in second place. A standout performance came from Indi Pieper, whose impressive goal-scoring ability was a highlight of the day.

The boys’ game of the day was the 12.15pm fixture between the two GSG boys’ teams. This match was crucial in deciding the champion team for the day. The game began with both teams trading early attempts at scoring. Notable runs from Samuel Osborne and Leo Cunningham kept the match exciting. Tensions rose just before halftime, but the teams regrouped during the break, receiving calming advice from their coaches.

The second half saw both teams firing on all cylinders, going goal for goal. Ultimately, GSG1 clinched the victory with a final score of 3-2, securing the honours for the boys’ side of the competition.

A big thank you goes out to the organisers, student helpers who acted as coaches and umpires, and the players for their contributions and engagement throughout the day. The carnival was a testament to the spirit and sportsmanship of the Great Southern Grammar community.

Mr Brodie Sarre | Health and Physical Education Teacher

VACS Fishing

Well, well, well..

Finally, some beautiful weather for our fisho's and it was nice to see some smiling, sun-kissed faces on the rocks of Emu Point for another ‘longest total length of fish’ competition.

It was a manic start with Wilson ‘skip’ Pete Darmody reeling in a sizeable leather jacket, only to throw it back before the chief adjudicator had the chance to measure. Was this ignorance, or arrogance? Or was this a line in the sand moment for Wilson where Darmody made a statement, that he can-not, and will-not do this on his own anymore!?

It proved to be a masterstroke. The strong selection protocols and hard-nosed nature of the Wilson team were rewarded in spades. They had been put on notice, decisions had been made at the selection table and there was a distinct aura of focus and commitment surrounding the team who up to this point, apart from Darmody, had shown very little in the tournament. Three of Wilson's members responded well with Bockman, Thomas and Beaton all working hard for their House. While Thomas and Darmody both produced nice fish, it was last week's inclusion George Bockman who proved the difference, revelling in the opportunity and confidence instilled in him by his skipper to produce two beautiful fish. The biggest of these was the fish of the tournament so far - a 31cm Leather Jacket with electric blue markings that nearly broke the measuring ruler and sent this author into a frenzy! I suspect Darmody will not be satisfied and there may be some tough conversations between him and the final member of the Wilson team, Liam Pretorius, this week.

Other Houses are starting to get on board with this hard-nosed approach. Mokare has been full of heart and effort each week however Head of House Mr McLean has taken it upon himself to insert his input into the competition. Seeing the results from afar, Mr McLean has been bubbling away at the lacklustre performances of his House and promised some strong decisions of his own this week. Surely the skipper Riley Bessen is safe? Or is he?

Baudin didn’t fire a shot this week and Camfield’s luck seems to have finally run out after a promising two weeks.

Oh, and Mr Steytler caught a fish.

Wilson with the only five fish caught of the day add four points to their total, closing the gap on Camfield and announcing themselves in the competition.

Ladder after Round 4

Camfield - 8 points

Wilson - 7 points

Baudin - 5 points

Mokare - 3 points

Mr Paul Donaldson | Teacher

From the Careers Centre

UWA Albany Open Day

Murdoch University Events

Mrs Renae O'Donnell | VET & Careers Coordinator