From the Head of Boarding

As we reflect on our year in boarding, it's inspiring to see how our boarding program has embraced a truly remarkable journey, reconnecting with our extended community and strengthening the bonds that define us. From bustling Field Days to meet-and-greets in regional towns, it’s been a year of deep connection and growth for students, staff, and our boarding families alike.

Strengthening Connections Across Our Regional Communities

Our regional visits have been one of the highlights for me this year, allowing us to connect with current and prospective families in their communities, where they live. We have travelled around our Great Southern region to places close to the heart of many of our boarders, attending events and shows like the Wagin Woolorama, Newdegate Machinery Field Days, and enjoyed hearing about what makes your town tick at Mount Barker, Katanning, Lake King and Bremer Bay. These occasions brought us closer to the communities that send us their wonderful boarders, and each interaction reinforced the strong ties that sustain and allow us to continue to improve our boarding program.

Community events like the Esperance, Katanning and Kojonup Shows, gave us the chance to connect in meaningful ways beyond the usual school setting. Through these meet-and-greets, we celebrated the unique character and resilience of each community, deepening our understanding of the values and environments that shape our boarders.

Recreational Adventures and Exploration Within Our Region

Boarding life is about shaping the whole person not just academics; it’s about creating an enriching experience that balances study with exploration. This year, we’ve continued to listen and improve our point of difference with our recreational opportunities that allow students to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of our region. Ms Carter Wight has been transforming how this looks for your child from beach outings to local nature hikes, weekend excursions have become a treasured part of our boarding calendar, allowing students to unwind, bond, and appreciate the landscapes that many call home.

The range of activities provided something for everyone, from those seeking adventure to those who prefer quiet, reflective settings. These experiences help foster a sense of independence and resilience, while also allowing students to make lasting memories with friends.

Staff Professional Development: Learning and Growing Together

Our staff’s commitment to providing a high-quality boarding experience has been further enhanced this year through targeted professional development opportunities. By connecting with other boarding schools and attending PD sessions, our team has been able to exchange ideas and experiences with colleagues in similar roles, gaining new insights and perspectives that will enrich our own practices.

Learning from others has allowed our staff to explore "the other side of the fence," understanding how different schools manage their programs and support their students. These sessions, whether through collaborative workshops or school visits, have not only informed our best practices but have also fueled a shared commitment to continuous improvement. We are dedicated to creating a nurturing and safe environment where our boarders can thrive, and the knowledge gained through PD has been invaluable in achieving that goal.

Looking Forward

The year has truly been a testament to our collective dedication to making boarding not only a place to live but a second home. As we look to the future, we are excited about how boarding at Great Southern Grammar is reflective of our community climate and we will continue to build these connections, providing new and varied experiences, and supporting the professional growth of our staff. Thank you to everyone in our community—students, families, and staff—for making this an extraordinary year. We look forward to all the adventures and connections the next year will bring!

Thank you for your support of boarding at GSG and I wish all families a successful remainder of the term here with us and, to our farming community, a smooth run into and through your harvest season.

Mr Ashley Keatch | Head of Boarding