Secondary School

Secondary School Awards Ceremony

What a year it has been! I was busy as normal, but I did not think that I would be Acting Head of Secondary School. It has provided me with great knowledge and insight into school operations. The year started with us having a new Principal, Mr Mathew Irving. He introduced a guiding mantra focused on developing Culture, Engagement, and Excellence. This helped inspire a renewed sense of purpose and strengthened the school community bonds.

We were also encouraged to have fun along the way, which we have tried to do. We reintroduced House dress-up days for fundraisers and combined them with friendly Year Twelve vs. Staff sports matches. The Staff won all games; good luck to this year’s Year Elevens. The staff will be looking to go back-to-back with their victories.

The VACS Program was another successful area where lots of fun and learning took place. It offered diverse activities to nurture talents, build friendships, and foster teamwork, highlighting collaboration and create positive cultural impact.

Mr Ian Robson, Head of Cocurricular and Teaching Staff Operations worked hard to develop and launch the Future Tours Program. It began with a student tour to Japan, where students engaged with cultural and linguistic understandings. This tour program sets the stage for future exciting opportunities for students and families.

Another great event was the annual Albany Show, where our wonderful Pipe Band and other students showcased some of their talents. Special thanks to Mrs Julia Bairstow for coordinating the GSG stand and Mrs Teresa McAllister and her team of Year Eleven Hospitality students, who served over 1,600 affogatos, making the GSG stand a popular destination. 

The Valedictory Assembly this year will be remembered by many for years to come. Our Head of Physical Education, Mr Paul Donaldson, performed an Opera goodbye song to the Year Twelves. I am sure we won’t forget it. 

At Country Week this year, we celebrated the girls' hockey team's third consecutive win, a testament to their dedication, skill, and a great record.

Looking ahead to 2025, we will welcome Mr Jordan Owenell as the new Deputy Principal - Head of Secondary, and I am confident that he will come with great purpose to the role. I will be returning to my role as Head of Baudin House. I would like to thank Mrs Gabbi Dowell, who has helped me in many ways in this Acting role. I would also like to thank my colleagues who have put up with me, and lastly, to the students, thank you for keeping me on my toes.

All award recipients will receive their photographs next week. A link will be emailed to those families of students who received an award during the ceremony.

Wishing all families a Merry Christmas, and I look forward to seeing you in 2025!

Mr Neil Ferreira | Acting Head of Secondary

Please see this year's award winners below

Academic Awards

News from the Careers Centre

Try-A-Trade Day

Over the past few weeks, two small groups of Year Nine students have had the opportunity to attend one of two three-day workshops at Southern Regional TAFE, exploring the many trade areas they have on offer. This is part of the CTF-funded Try-A-Trade program, an initiative developed to allow Year Nine students to explore trade pathways on offer at our local campus and experience life as a TAFE student for a few days. 

Students tried their hands at carpentry, building and construction, and engineering. It was so lovely to have the lecturer comment on how respectful and mature our GSG students were and how well they represented themselves and the school. Congratulations to the students who attended. It was such a fabulous experience!

Mrs Renae O'Donnell​​​​ | VET & Careers Coordinator