Secondary School

Country Week Report  - By Tilly Bradshaw

Year Eleven student, Tilly Bradshaw (Camfield), has taken on the role of Media Officer for Country Week. Tilly has been providing us with daily highlights, including scores and a fantastic collection of photographs from each day's events. She has done an outstanding job.

Congratulations, Tilly!

 

 

Sunday- Day Zero

Country Week began with an early wake-up, as we had to arrive at Grammar for a 7.30am departure. With four buses transporting 122 students from Years Eight to Twelve, it was very hectic. It was a long trip to Perth, but we made it! Going straight to Optus Stadium, we had the chance to watch the Dockers versus St Kilda, with the Dockers triumphing 81 to 69, resulting in both cheers of excitement and disappointment from students and teachers alike.

We then made our way to our accommodation at Curtin University, where we wrapped up the first day with team meetings and electing who the "Gammo’s" would go to. The Gammo’s are toy monkeys that we give to people who made mistakes that day, using it as a way to ‘get the monkey off your back’ the next day. They must keep the Gammo visible on them for the entire time they have it. The Gammo’s on the first day went to Ulrich Kriek, Ingrid Cherry and Molly O’Malley.

Monday - Day One

Country Week Kickoff

Monday marked the official start of Country Week with the opening ceremony beginning at 8.30am. GSG had the privilege of Zane Cairns delivering the Welcome to Country, to kick off the ceremony. Emmeline Cunningham then handed back the girls' hockey trophy from last year.

Once the formalities were over, the sports began. With only 11 games in total, it was our smallest day of the week. We ended the day on a high note as everyone who was not playing in a game went to watch the girls’ volleyball match against Denmark Senior High School. The enthusiastic cheers and celebrations filled the air as our team won 3-0.

After returning from UWA, where Country Week is held, we elected the recipients of the Gammo’s. Ulrich Kriek received it for the second day in a row and Sophie Panizza was also awarded one.

Tuesday - Day Two

Tuesday was a day of excitement as we got into the rhythm of boarding the bus, playing and watching sports. Despite some light rain, it was a quick and fun-filled day that seemed to end too soon when it was time to return to our apartments.

In the evening, we prepared for the team dinner, which many students saw as an opportunity to dress up in fancy clothes. To promote inclusion and friendships between students who might not usually interact, everyone had to take a partner of a different year and gender. Although a few were reluctant at first, the dinner turned out to be a joyous affair, except for the disappointment of not receiving the promised dessert.

At the end of the dinner, it was time to give out the Gammo’s. Ulrich Kriek received his for the third time and Sophie Panizza was awarded hers for the second time this trip.

Wednesday - Day Three

Wednesday brought an early start for the majority of the teams, as they had to leave at 7.00am to get to UWA in time for their fixtures, particularly netball, which many other teams watched.

Wednesday also showcased another exciting aspect of Country Week, as Fraser Syme and I performed our Composition speeches. Fraser's speech focused on the intersection of AFL and public speaking, while mine addressed gender stereotypes in our society.

The end of the day's fixtures brought excitement as we headed to UWA College Trinity for a quiz night and dinner, attended by some other schools. The dinner was the best yet, featuring a buffet with various options and dessert. The quiz night was a highlight, with the GSG team taking first place to great excitement.

Although it was very late when we returned to our accommodations, we still had to decide on who would receive the Gammo’s. For the first time during the 2025 Country Week, Ulrich did not receive the Gammo. Instead, it went to Archie Simmonds, while Poet Smargiassi received the other.

Thursday - Day Four

As I write this report in time for the Anchor to be published, today's games have not yet finished. So far, it has been a day of anticipation, as the games will decide who goes to the finals tomorrow. With teams experiencing both losses and wins, there has been considerable chatter about how specific teams could secure a win or even third place.

 

You can stay up to date with all the game results on the SSWA website: 

https://www.schoolsportwa.com.au/senior-high-schools/

and do not miss out on the fun and excitement on our Country Week Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/gsg_country_week/

 

 

Miss Tilly Bradshaw | Country Week - Media Officer


Humanities - Castle Making

This week, our Year Eight students have been channelling their creativity and historical knowledge into an exciting project: building castles from cardboard! 

Under the guidance of their Humanities teacher, Mrs Jill Bascombe, students have been busy designing and constructing some truly exceptional castles. This hands-on project not only allows them to explore medieval architecture and history but also encourages teamwork, problem-solving and artistic skills.

From towering turrets to drawbridges, each castle is a unique reflection of the students' imagination and hard work. The attention to detail and the effort put into these creations are truly commendable.

Secondary School

Mrs Jillian Bascombe | Humanities Teacher


Aliwah Bardinar - Breaksea Youth Ensemble

I would like to acknowledge two Great Southern Grammar students in their involvement of being part of the Breaksea Youth Ensemble and for representing the school in the first ever performance of Aliwah Bardinar (Lookout Rosella!) written by award winning writers Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse.

Sofia Bird (Year Nine) and Isla MacNeil (Year Seven) would meet every week with other students from NASHS, ASHS, Mount Barker Community Collge and St Joseph's College to learn and practice the songs for the production. They also learnt many words in Noongar to add to their vocabulary.

The performances were held last Friday and Saturday at the Albany Entertainment Centre. The production was a hit with audiences both young and old.

Sofia and Isla need to be recognised for their achievements. Gina and Guy were incredibly impressed by their efforts.

Ms Rachael Colmer | Arts and Cultural Consultant

All photographs courtesy of Nic Duncan | Photography