From the Directors of Boarding
As the end of the year rapidly approaches, it is the perfect opportunity to reflect on the outstanding achievements and memorable events that have taken place within our boarding community.
Student Leadership
Chloe Climie has completed her tenure as Boarding Captain, having represented Great Southern Grammar with distinction. She has now passed the torch to Zane Cairns and Tilly Norrish, who have eagerly embraced the role. Their immediate impact has been as positive as ever, with many opportunities already to represent and be a voice for boarding. It is exciting to consider the journey ahead for these two and the culture they will continue to foster.
Christmas Dinner
On Sunday 23 November, the catering team treated the boarders and special guests to a magnificent Christmas dinner. The feast included festive favourites such as Christmas ham, turkey, prawns, devilled chicken wings, fish bites, squid bites, salads, roast vegetables and fresh fruit. Just when we thought we could not manage another bite, we were spoilt with meringues and cream served with berry sauce, alongside traditional Christmas puddings and sauce.
The evening also featured performances from each of the houses. While Eclipse’s attempt was somewhat questionable, they were certainly outshone by impressive group performances from Breaksea and Endeavour.
We were delighted to welcome back Mrs Di Franzinelli, who presented the winners of this year’s photo competition. Congratulations to Lilly Hall, Morgan Chatfield and Charlie Stone, who collected prizes for their submissions.
In the best-dressed category, Camdyn Tapscott and George Stone stole the show with their efforts. A special mention must also go to the entire boarding community, who donned green and red to make the evening one to remember.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the catering team, not only for their efforts on Sunday but for their dedication throughout the year in keeping everyone well fed. We would also like to extend our gratitude to the incredible supervision team that works here at Great Southern Grammar, whose support has been invaluable in caring for the boarders. Without you, none of this would be possible.
Join the GSG Boarding Parent Committee in 2026
We warmly invite all members of our community to consider joining the GSG Boarding Parent Committee. In 2026, we hope to have representation from every corner of our beautiful Great Southern region and beyond.
Our existing committee members hail from Kojaneerup South, Ongerup, Newdegate, Walpole, and Katanning. The committee aims to be a forum for discussion and collaboration, working towards the betterment of GSG Boarding. It also provides opportunities to create events and foster connections between boarding parents and the broader GSG community.
Meeting Schedule for 2026: The committee meets four times per year, on the eve of each long weekend:
- Term One: Friday 27 February – 1.30pm
- Term Two: Friday 29 May – 1.30pm
- Term Three: Friday 21 August – 1.30pm
Term Four: Thursday 5 November – 1.30pm
If you would like more information or wish to express your interest in joining the committee, please emailboarding@gsg.wa.edu.au or call us.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt thanks to three retiring committee members - Julieann Climie, Davina Hams, and Jane Cunningham - for their significant contributions over the years. Their commitment and passion have helped drive meaningful growth for GSG Boarding.
Gap Assistants
This year, like many others, we will say farewell to our gap assistants – Amy, Handre and Kyle. Their contribution has been invaluable, and many events and off-campus activities could not have gone ahead without their support. The assistance and mentorship our Gap students have provided during shifts, has also been outstanding and welcome. It is evident that all of these young people have grown from this experience and we look forward to staying in touch in the future.
Boarding Administration
Finally, a big thank you to Ms Caroline Hirt, who has stepped into the boarding administration role over the past two terms. Balancing this responsibility alongside a young family and other work commitments has been remarkable, and her contribution has been invaluable to boarding as a whole.
A message to students
As we conclude the year, we would like to echo the messages shared at day school: it is vital that we finish strongly. Boarding thrives when built on trust, proactivity, independence, and open communication. If these values slip, it impacts everyone. So, just as you have done all year, continue to support one another, follow your routines, and let’s finish the year well so we can all return on a positive note.
Mrs Nyree Mackenzie | Director of Boarding (Junior)
Mr Brodie Sarre | Director of Boarding (Senior)