From the Deputy Principal
We are blessed at GSG to have such a strong community, which is built on the back of kind-hearted, hard-working volunteers. It is important that we, as a school, promote this service mindset to our students.
Our P&F is an excellent example of people helping build connections within our school community and creating space for everyone to feel included and enthusiastic about being a part of GSG. Parents from almost every age group are helping coordinate events, whether it be our Dads and Kids campout last weekend, or a meet and greet with our new Year Five teachers, managing WhatsApp groups to ensure people feel well informed and included, or organising funds to be available for our staff to apply for a grant to build or create amazing experiences for our students. There are so many things that go on in the background to help this school be more than just a place of learning; it’s a place of belonging.
Similarly, on weekends, I see countless parents and staff volunteers helping coach and manage local sporting teams so our students can have fantastic experiences to learn and grow. This is such fantastic role modelling for our students, to start seeing themselves as part of a community that is greater than their personal goals and aspirations. I see it translating to our students as there are Grammar students umpiring and assistant coaching.
This community service is happening beyond the sporting fields as well. In fostering a service mindset amongst our students, it is also our job to turn community service activities and events into moments of reflection and learning. Our service learning program at GSG needs to go beyond fundraising events. In Primary School, service learning is part of our inquiry cycle. In the ECC, experiences are teacher-led, in the early Primary years it is a collaborative class experience, and in Year Six it culminates with a personal project where students take the lead in planning, undertaking, and reflecting upon their service learning. In Secondary School, we participate in service learning through VaCS on Wednesdays in Term Two, and we also have service learning experiences embedded within our camps.
Furthermore, as the students get older, they become well-versed in initiating and planning experiences for the whole school. I was lucky enough to participate recently in the MSWA swim for the GSG team, an event almost entirely planned by a Year Twelve student. This term, we are participating in the World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds for Motor Neurone Disease, and we also have Mokare Day next week, raising money and awareness for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. It is great to see our students get so involved in planning and driving these initiatives, and sometimes, as teachers, our biggest job is keeping all that enthusiasm under control, so that it remains manageable.
I thank our parents and staff for their positive role modelling and all the work they volunteer to keep our community as strong as it is.
Mr Jordan Owenell | Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary
Foundation Day Photographs
📸 Photo Credit: Lee Griffith - Photographer
The great GSG Regional Roadshow Sundowners continue in Term Two, with the first hosted at Galafrey Wines. We would love to see all families and any friends they wish to invite. See details below to RSVP for this event.
Mount Barker Regional Roadshow Sundowner
Date: Friday 16 May
Time: 5.00pm to 7.00pm
Venue: Galafrey Wines
(432 Quangellup Road, Mount Barker)
We look forward to connecting with past, current, and prospective families at our Regional Roadshow Sundowner.
Light refreshments provided.
Register here.
________________________________________________________________________________