Secondary School

Celebrating Our Year Twelve Graduates

Last week, we celebrated a major milestone with our Year Twelve students as they concluded their formal schooling journey. The celebrations began on Thursday with a series of cherished traditions that brought students and staff together to reflect, connect and celebrate. To close the morning, students attended their final House meetings, an intimate moment for farewells and reflection within their House communities. In the evening the Year Twelve boarders celebrated with their families, sharing a very special meal with their loved ones and staff in Michaelmas House.

The morning started with a shared breakfast between Year Twelves and staff, a relaxed and joyful moment to look back on their time at GSG. This was followed by the ever-popular water fight, which once again brought laughter and energy to the day, enjoyed by both students and staff alike.

On Friday, the cohort gathered for a special Chapel Service focused on gratitude and reflection. It was a meaningful opportunity to pause and acknowledge the journey they have taken. Immediately after, we held the formal Valedictory Assembly, honouring the achievements and contributions of our graduating class.

These events not only marked the end of formal schooling but also celebrated the friendships, memories and growth that have shaped their time at GSG.

It was a day filled with pride, emotion and celebration, and a fitting send-off for a remarkable group of young people.

I include here a heartfelt speech by Amy Medway (Year Twelve, School Captain)

Growing up, we had a saying that I’m sure many of the parents in the audience will be familiar with. “I do on own”.

The proclamation of many an overconfident two-year-old that has decided to be “independent” and put their shoes on them self, peel the banana, or in my case, climb up into the Ute after watching my older brother do it himself.

The beauty of “I do on own” was that no matter how I might have proclaimed independence, I always knew there would be someone waiting to catch if I fell. My dad would watch on as many parents do, with, support, patience, love, and a little bit of sarcasm. But on Boxing Day last year, everything changed. My dad and I were involved in a car accident and in an instant, the person who had always caught me, guided me, and believed in me—was gone. For the first time, it felt like my brother, and I were really going to have to do this “on own.”

Yet, in the days and weeks and months that followed, something incredible happened. Everyone around us, from Mr Irving to the farmers back in Newdegate, came together to rebuild the foundation of support. It wasn’t just sympathy; it was love in action. It was community. And as I stand here today, I cannot believe I’m lucky enough to be supported by such an incredible school, boarding community and most importantly my amazing year 12 cohort. I’ve known some of you since you were 12, and, for the better or worse, we are all here for each other. We made it through Covid, Camps, Exams. We’ve conquered Mr T’s push ups for character building, Mr Ruggurra’s interrogation after we would accidentally “fall” into the harbour, and Dr Mitrovski’s Year 9 science class. We’ve made it through it all. With the help of all our teachers, family and friends. We’ve made it.

It would be remiss of me to stand here today and not say thank you to those who have supported us along this journey. To our teachers and staff – thank you for your patience, your encouragement, and for answering every question, no matter how off-topic it was. To the leadership team – for your guidance and trust. To my brother, my friends, and the boarding community – thank you for your loyalty, laughter, and love. It’s only because of the role you’ve all played that each and every one of us has grown into the incredible young adults standing here today. We are forever grateful for the support you’ve shown us.

In the end, I realised ‘doing it on my own’ never really meant doing it alone. So, while graduating may feel our next big step into independence, the next chapter in life with so many unknowns, as we go out into the big world to “do on own” just know that these people, this place, will always be here to catch you.

Amy Medway, Year Twelve, School Captain 2025

Class of 2025 “Go out into the world and do well. But more importantly, go out into the world and do good.” — Minor Myers Jr.

📸Krysta Guille Photography

ATAR Exams Begin

This week marks the beginning of ATAR examinations for our Year Twelve students. Exams will commence on Thursday 30 October and continue through to Tuesday 18 November (Week Six), taking place in the Pratten Centre.

We wish all our students the very best as they begin this important chapter. Your hard work and preparation have brought you to this moment. Good luck!

Mr Jordan Owenell | Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary

Year Eleven Outdoor Education - Bibbulmun Track Expedition

Earlier this week, our Year Eleven Outdoor Education students took part in a multi-day hiking expedition along the Bibbulmun Track, travelling from Pemberton to Northcliffe. The journey offered a unique opportunity to experience one of Western Australia’s most iconic trails, set in the heart of the Great Southern.

Students carried all their gear, navigated through diverse terrain and camped in remote bush settings, fully immersed in nature. The expedition challenged them physically and mentally, while building resilience, leadership and teamwork.

The photos captured along the way tell a powerful story of adventure, connection and personal growth. It was a memorable experience that truly reflects the spirit of Outdoor Education at GSG.

A big shoutout to all the staff who were involved. Your support and guidance made this experience possible and deeply impactful for our students.

Mr Nathan Symonds | Director of Sport

Careers Taster

This week, our Year Nine students participated in a Careers Taster event, part of the Career Taster Programme (CTP) sponsored by the State Government. The programme offered students the chance to explore hands-on activities across a variety of industries that sparked their interest, including Tourism and Ecosystem Management, Trades, Hospitality, Healthcare and Beauty.

It was a fantastic day filled with learning, teamwork and fun, giving students a valuable glimpse into potential future career pathways.

A big thank you to Rustlers Steakhouse & Grill and South Regional TAFE for coordinating such an engaging and meaningful experience for our students!

Mrs Renae O'Donnell | VET and Careers Coordinator

Year Eleven Human Biology – Exploring the Miracle of Birth

This term, our Year Eleven Human Biology students have been exploring the fascinating and at times confronting topic of childbirth. A highlight was a visit from Ms Jude Hartzel, a midwife from Albany Health Campus, who brought the subject to life with a hands-on demonstration.

Jude showed students how a baby’s heartbeat is detected in the womb, answered a wide range of thoughtful questions and used a mannequin to illustrate the stages of labour. She also passed around a life-like newborn model, designed to replicate the weight and texture of a baby immediately after birth.

Students even had the chance to practise “catching” the baby during a simulated delivery, learning proper technique (and how not to drop it!). It was a fun, eye-opening and memorable experience that deepened our understanding of human biology in a real-world context.

If you are considering Human Biology next year, we highly recommend it!

Venja Ruggera | Year Eleven student

Melbourne Media and Digital Technologies Tour 2026 - Expressions of Interest

We are excited to once again offer our Melbourne Media and Digital Technologies Tour as part of our interstate tour opportunities.

This tour presents an excellent opportunity for students interested in digital technologies, computer science, media studies, filmmaking and creative industries. Among visits to tertiary institutions, meeting with industry experts, and attending PAX AUS, there will be many opportunities for sightseeing and immersion in Melbourne city life.

An information letter and tour overview is available on MyGSG under Secondary Information in the Trips and Tours folder.

Mr Kieran Bailey | Head of IT and Innovation