Secondary School

The past fortnight in the Secondary School has been a busy and exciting one, with Swimming Carnivals and Camps taking place alongside our regular teaching and learning program. Thank you to our families and staff for supporting these valuable additions to our calendar.

Providing a holistic education is incredibly important to us. We want every student to have opportunities to pursue personal excellence and to experience new challenges both inside and outside the classroom. During my walkthroughs this week, I enjoyed stepping into a range of lessons: Year Nine English exploring Romeo and Juliet, Year Seven DigiTech, Year Twelve Contemporary Music and a Year Twelve Accounting class. It is wonderful to see the breadth and depth of learning happening across our school.

This week, our Year Seven and Year Nine students have also been preparing for NAPLAN to ensure they feel confident and ready for next week. I would also like to wish our Year Eight and Year Ten families all the very best as students prepare for camp.

On Monday, we look forward to holding a special whole‑school Assembly to celebrate International Women’s Day, followed by a parent morning tea. We warmly invite parents, especially our mums and grandmas, to join us from 10.15am to 11.15am in the Gym.

Mr Jordan Owenell | Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Year Seven Camp

In Week Four, our Year Seven students spent three rewarding days at Dare Adventures in Dwellingup, embracing this year’s camp theme of Challenge by Choice. The program encouraged students to move beyond their comfort zones at their own pace, building resilience, confidence and trust along the way.

Across the three days, students participated in a wide range of activities. Many conquered their fears on the abseiling tower and rock wall, while others soared through the trees on the flying fox. Kayaking and swimming at Lane Poole Reserve proved to be a highlight, combining teamwork with the natural beauty of the surroundings. Back at camp, students tested their aim in archery tag and pushed themselves through the commando course, demonstrating determination and strong House spirit.

One of the most memorable experiences was the night walk. Working in small teams, students activated their night vision and navigated through the forest back to camp, relying on communication, courage and collaboration.

Beyond the planned activities, the camp provided valuable opportunities for students to strengthen connections with staff and form new friendships. The reflections below were written during the Year Seven Camp Reflection session.

• “I didn’t think I could abseil, but I did it!”
• “The night walk was scary but fun.”
• “I made new friends.”
• “Kayaking was the best part.”

• “I felt proud of myself.”

   

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Bradbury, Miss Gunning, Ms Thomas, Mr Rose, Mr Bailey, Mr Murray and Lachie Steytler for their care, energy and commitment to making this camp such a positive and memorable experience.

Mrs Penni Berryman | Head of Wilson

Year Nine Camp

The Year Nine Camp in the Boranup Forest proved to be an unforgettable adventure filled with challenge, teamwork and discovery. Students set up camp at both Contos and Hamelin Bay, fully immersing themselves in the rugged beauty of the region. A major highlight for many was exploring Giants Cave, where scrambling through narrow passages and navigating dark limestone chambers pushed comfort zones in the best possible way.

Throughout the week, students cooked their own meals on trangias, developing valuable skills in organisation, independence and cooperation. These teamwork skills became even more essential during Wednesday’s demanding 20‑kilometre hike, a trek that tested endurance and willpower, but ultimately rewarded everyone with a strong sense of accomplishment.

Students also enjoyed an engaging Indigenous cultural experience, which offered insights into local traditions and deepened their connection to Country. Bike riding through the forest rounded out the adventure, blending challenge, learning and fun into a memorable experience for all.

Mr Bryce McLean | Head of Mokare

Years Ten to Twelve Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Standards + Action = Growth. Our school motto for this year and one that was unmistakably on display at our Year Ten to Twelve Swimming Carnival on Wednesday 4 March. While the deeper meaning of our motto extends far beyond a single statistic, this year’s carnival showcased exactly what can happen when students take action on the standards set before them. Their collective effort resulted in a 20% increase in participation in individual events compared with previous years. This surge not only boosted House spirit but may well shape how students view our Swimming Carnival for years to come.

I was genuinely in awe of our students. The House spirit, the mateship, the competitiveness and the ‘have a crack’ attitude were evident in every race and every moment of encouragement from the sidelines.

The competition itself was fiercely contested, with Mokare and Baudin breaking away from the pack in one of the tightest battles we have seen. Ultimately, it came down to the relays, where Mokare held on to secure victory, completing the Carnival Double for 2026.

Final Placings

• 1st – Mokare: 2,746 points
• 2nd – Baudin: 2,618 points
• 3rd – Wilson: 1,900 points

• 4th – Camfield: 1,624 points

   

I welcome thoughts and feedback from parents, whether positive reflections, suggestions, or areas for improvement. While not every idea can be implemented, hearing a range of perspectives is invaluable when planning future carnivals. If you would like to share feedback, please feel free to contact me at paul.donaldson@gsg.wa.edu.au.

Individual Champion, Runner-Up and Third Place awards will be presented at Assembly in Week Seven. Parents will receive an email if their child is receiving an award.

Mr Paul Donaldson | Acting Director of Sport and Head of Health and Physical Education

Paris Tour 2027

Plans for the Paris Tour in April 2027 are currently underway, and it promises to be a wonderful experience. This ten‑day tour will be based in Paris, exploring the City of Lights and all the magic and history it has to offer. Students will also enjoy four days visiting key sites outside of Paris. The tour will provide a rich cultural experience and an excellent introduction to European travel.

Dates

(To be confirmed upon release of the final itinerary)

The tour is scheduled to take place during the April Holidays in 2027, departing on 9 April and returning on 21 April.

The proposed itinerary includes a visit to Mont Saint‑Michel in Normandy, a Parisian cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge, a tour of the Catacombs, a boat cruise along the River Seine, and bike tours of both the Palace of Versailles and Monet’s Gardens. The opulence of the Louis Kings and Marie Antoinette will be on full display at the Palace of Versailles.

Students will also visit key galleries, including the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Picasso Museum and the Atelier des Lumières. Other highlights include visits to Sacré‑Cœur, the Eiffel Tower and Notre‑Dame, as well as a gourmet walking tour of Paris. The itinerary also features a market visit to the famous Marché des Enfants Rouges and a performance of The Lion King at the Mogador Theatre.

It promises to be an amazing tour filled with history, art and culture!

For further information and for the expression of interest please click link below.

2027 Paris Tour Expression of Interest

There will be an information session on Monday 16 March at 5.00pm in the school Library. (NB this can be attended via Teams). For any queries about the tour, please contact Ms Rachel Mordy by email, rachel.mordy@gsg.wa.edu.au 

Ms Rachel Mordy | Head of the Arts