From the Principal
Compassion from within
This week, our gospel value of compassion has been front and centre of assembly, activities, and fundraising.
Our student school leaders have spoken passionately about the need for all community members to act with kindness, humility, affection, and empathy. Our leaders shared their own experience of hope and opportunity shaped by peers through phrases like, 'How might I support you?', 'Are you OK?', and 'You've got this!'
They spoke of our community response and heartfelt expectation to love those around us and seek compassion before judgment - 'You don't know what is in someone's backpack, particularly when they are struggling with their mental health.'
On Tuesday, GSG welcomed the riders of the annual Youth Focus Hawaiian Ride for Youth, raising funds and awareness for youth suicide prevention. In partnership with Headspace, all Secondary students participated in a special gathering and formed a guard of honour, led by the Pipe and Drums, to farewell the peloton on their 700km ride to Perth.
Since its inception in 2003, the Ride has raised over $31 million, significantly contributing to mental health services for young people in Western Australia.
As often happens, the presentation shared in this gathering was a meaningful message about the potential rocks of emotions and hardship someone might be carrying in their backpack. When revealed and shared one rock at a time, significant friends and adults are critical support functions to journey with when you are doing it tough. A great life lesson.
Ten riders and the City of Albany Mayor spoke to me after the gathering, saying they were profoundly moved by our students' engagement, gentleness, and warmth. I was filled with joy.
Today, we celebrate Baudin House Day. Though a celebration, it is our school's annual Pink Day, fundraising for the important work of the McGrath Foundation. These days are important in the life of our school: educationally, culturally, and spiritually. Furthermore, they ground our deep sense of calling to compassion in our community.
May we live this day with a compassionate heart, be clear of work and
Most gracious in awareness,
May we be courageous in thought and generous in love.
- Adapted from J. O'Donohue
Celebrations
da Vinci Decathlon
Last night, our Year Six and Year Eight teams returned from a successful da Vinci Decathlon competition in Bunbury. This is a new regional format, and our students competed with determination and distinction. The results were as follows:
Year Six - 3rd overall
1st - Creative Producers
2nd - Art and poetry
2nd - Cartography
2nd - Code Breaking
Year Eight - 2nd overall
1st - English
1st - Science
1st - Ideation
2nd - Cartography
We wish the Year Ten team every success today!
Upcoming Events
Friday 28 March - Coffee Morning with the Principal
All current families are welcome to join Mr Mathew Irving at 10.30am at Dylan’s to ask questions, chat about how the start of the year has been, and hear about our new strategic plan.
Parent Teacher Interviews
Tuesday 1 April - Secondary School (Baudin and Camfield families)
Thursday 3 April - Primary School
Tuesday 8 April – Secondary School (Mokare and Wilson families)
School Photos
Thursday 3 April and Friday 4 April - Schedule can be found on the Subschool pages of MyGSG here.
Frankland River Regional Roadshow Sundowner (5.00pm to 7.00pm)
Friday 4 April - At Alkoomi Wines. All past, present and future families are welcome to join us.
P&F Afternoon on the Knoll
Sunday 6 April - P&F Afternoon on the Knoll (at GSG) from 2.00pm to 5.00pm. Music and games provided, please BYO picnic.
Tree Planting
Come along, join in the fun and make memories for the future at our tree planting on Thursday 10 April at 3.30pm. Please meet at the front (Nanarup Road side) of Anchorage House. A sausage sizzle will be provided and all families and community members are welcome.
Mr Mathew Irving | Principal
12 Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, 13 bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
Colossians 3:12-13