From the Deputy Principal

Connection

There is no doubt that GSG is a place of deep connection and as the school year has commenced we have seen connections, new and old, blossoming.  In just the same way that blossoming in nature doesn’t just happen by magic, these connections in our school don’t happen by magic.  Connection is created by clear communication, a kind word, honest feedback, time spent together and a strong sense of place, amongst other things.

Over the past few weeks we have had so many chances to connect and there are more coming.  As the year progresses you will see GSG out and about at Field Days and Ag Shows, Coffee Mornings and Roadshow events which will see GSG coming to an area near you! Please keep an eye out for invitations to these events and come along to share your stories as it is these connections which make us.

Thank you to our families who came along on Friday night to the Parent Information Evening, followed by the P&F Sundowner; it was good to see families connecting and to have your feedback.  The crowd was buzzing and hopefully new friends were made.  I encourage all our Year Seven families to join the P&F Meet and Mingle this Sunday at the Gym from 3.00pm to 5.00pm, a big thank you to our P&F for making these events come to life. And, we have a Tour Morning on Thursday 27 February, with an opportunity to show families all that is great about GSG.    

One of the key features of GSG is the very beautiful land on which we find ourselves.  Our connections are based on a deep connection to the land we educate our children on, and we are fortunate that GSG is located on Menang Noongar boodja, (Menang land) in a very beautiful and naturally abundant corner of the world.  This connection to land came up again and again as we developed our strategic plan, which we will share information about soon.   As I was reflecting on connection to place, and came across the words of Professor Mick Dodson, which can be found on the Reconciliation Australia website and they reminded me how important connection is, in all its various forms as it informs not only a sense of place but also identity.  In Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, the meaning of Country is more than just ownership or connection to land, as Professor Mick Dodson explains:  

When we talk about traditional ‘Country’…we mean something beyond the dictionary definition of the word. …we might mean homeland, or tribal or clan area and we might mean more than just a place on the map. For us, Country is a word for all the values, places, resources, stories and cultural obligations associated with that area and its features. It describes the entirety of our ancestral domains. While they may all no longer necessarily be the title-holders to land, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are still connected to the Country of their ancestors and most consider themselves the custodians or caretakers of their land.

Keep connected, keep sharing your stories, keep in touch.

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal - Head of Teaching and Learning