Breaksea House News

This term has brought an impressive blend of hard work, resilience, and joy to Breaksea, showcasing the very best of our boarding community.

We began by supporting our Year Twelves as they powered through their ATAR exams. Their commitment and work ethic were truly inspiring. As we bid them farewell, we felt both proud and a little emotional. Following closely behind, the Year Elevens tackled their own exams with the same determination, setting a strong example for the younger students.

Our Year Tens are currently in the midst of their assessment period, and I couldn’t be

 prouder. They are following beautifully in the footsteps of the seniors, attending academic support sessions, making the most of our tutors, and showing real maturity in their study approaches. Just last week, I walked into Breaksea to find 17 eager Year Ten students from Eclipse and Breaksea engaged in a “super study session” with Mr Hughes. The atmosphere was focused, motivated, and exemplified, just what thriving learning communities should look like.

We were also very excited to welcome the Year Sevens and Eights into Breaksea last week. This was a wonderful opportunity for them to get to know the older students and experience what life in Breaksea is like on a day-to-day basis. With so many impressive role models in the house, they are truly blessed with abundant support and mentorship.

Among the celebrations this term, we marked Caitlin Hooper’s 16th birthday, which brought plenty of joy to the house. And of course, the main event, the Boarding Christmas Dinner, it was nothing short of spectacular. Our chefs outdid themselves, creating a festive feast that everyone raved about. The Breaksea girls embraced the festive spirit wholeheartedly, dressing up and performing Mariah Carey’s classic "All I Want for Christmas Is You," beautifully accompanied by Anne Fitz Gibbon and Esther Barrett-Lennard on guitar.

A special shout-out goes to Camdyn, who stole the show and won Best Dressed as Santa, an absolute crowd favorite!

Additionally, well done to Morgan Chatfield and Lily Hall, who took 3rd and 2nd place respectively in the Boarding Photo Competition, an excellent achievement amidst a strong pool of entries.

Congratulations also go out to Anne Fitz Gibbon and Matilda for their remarkable performance at the music rehearsal.

As we wrap up the term, it’s time to say goodbye to our brilliant Gappy, Amy. From the day she joined Breaksea, Amy brought kindness, compassion, maturity, and an incredible ability to learn quickly. Nothing slips past her; she doesn’t miss a beat. Her attention to detail, intuition, and strong moral compass have profoundly impressed us all. Amy has been reliable, warm, and endlessly willing to step up whenever needed. She has been a genuinely lovely addition to our community, and we are so grateful for everything she has contributed. We know she will thrive in whatever she sets her heart on, and we wish her all the very best for the exciting journey ahead. You will be missed enormously. 

Breaksea finishes the term with pride, connection, and festive cheer. Well done to all our students on an incredible effort and thank you to every member of the boarding community who has supported me and our Breaksea girls throughout the year. Here’s to the holidays! 

Ms Liz Stewart | Head of Breaksea House

Reflections from 2025 GAP Assistants

I'm leaving GSG with a heart full of gratitude, memories, and love. This year has been so much more than I ever could have imagined. I've learnt, cried, laughed and experienced things I will hold close to my heart forever.

It's been a privilege to have lived in both Breaksea and Endeavour House. 

I'll miss Bailey's shrieks down the passage, Camdyn's morning debriefs and arvo strolls down to the fish traps with Matt, Isla and the rest of the crew.  From beach recs, rainy afternoons on the couch, Just Dance competitions and chaotic rec-shed cricket; being a part of boarding at Grammar has truly been such a blessing.

Over the past few weeks, I've had to hold back tears every time someone brought up the topic of me going back home, because a part of me has built a family here in boarding. The other Gap Students have become siblings and the Heads of House like second parents. A pillar in this family of ours has been Liz Stewart. 

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Liz for everything she has helped and guided me with throughout this year.

Liz, you have truly been a second mom to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your love, support and kindness towards me throughout this year. Thank you for always being there and listening to me, your care and selflessness is so inspiring, and I could not be more appreciative. Breaksea is beyond lucky to have you. I could not have done and achieved everything I have this year without your support. I am so incredibly grateful to have had you in my life, thank you!

I'd also like to thank all the boarding staff I've spent a year building relationships with. I've learnt something from all of you, and you've all inspired me in different ways. I hope our GSG community knows how caring and dedicated you all are.

I am unbelievably sad to be leaving, but I know that the hard goodbyes only mean the time has been well spent. I will miss the loud Endeavour House and hearing about everyones days at school or weekends. But mostly I will miss the beautiful people who have surrounded me this year. 

I could not feel more fulfilled and grateful for everything that Grammar has given me the opportunity to experience. 

Thank you and I wish you all a happy holiday :)

 Amy van der Merwe | 2025 GAP Assistant