From the Principal

Reconciliation Week

This week’s assembly focused on Reconciliation Week which is held every year from 27 May to 3 June. Students spoke passionately about the 2023 theme ‘To Be a Voice for Generations’. This theme urges all Australians to use their words and actions to create a better, more just Australia for all. The start and end of Reconciliation Week marked two milestones in the Reconciliation movement. On 27 May 1967, Australia recorded its most successful yes vote in a referendum. More than 90% of voters supported the changing of the Constitution to recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within the Australian census, giving them voting rights. On 3 June 1992, the High Court handed its decision in the case of Eddie Mabo, which recognised indigenous Australians' rights to the land leading to the native title Act. There are considerable issues that need to be reconciled in the future and this week provides an opportunity for us to reflect on how we restore the conflicts of the past. The most powerful message we can give our young people is when indigenous and non-indigenous people come together to heal and believe in unity and care for each other. It is these moments that generate the spirit of reconciliation.  

The GSG Reconciliation Statement prepared by the former Chaplain, Rev Rodney Marsh and Year Twelve students was presented to the Noongar Elders in the 20th anniversary year of the school and reads:

“We, as young people living in the Great Southern, acknowledge that the Noongar peoples, past and present are the traditional owners of the Wagyl Kaip region of the Great Southern. We respect the local Noongar Elders, past and present, for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of local Noongar people. We realise that Noongars have shared and cared for Wagyl Kaip from time immemorial.

We recall that during the foundation ceremony of Great Southern Grammar in 1998, Elder Aden Eades reminded us of the importance to you of the land between the King and Kalgan Rivers. He said, “The school grounds are of special significance to local Noongars, with the Kalgan and King rivers meeting close by.  Never forget that this is Noongar land but you are welcome to use it, especially for the use of something like education.” We are thankful that you have so generously shared your heritage with us. We recognise the significant cultural history of the nearby Fish Traps as traditional gathering and ceremonial grounds for Menang, Goreng and Bibbulmun families. We promise to recall and respect the meaning of this special place to Noongar people. We promise to remind students regularly about the cultural importance of this place.

As young people living in Great Southern, we are sorry for all the wrongs done knowingly and unknowingly to your people. We seek your understanding and acceptance. We will continue to listen and open our hearts to value you and your culture and we ask you to help us to discover ways to share a common future with you in Wagyl Kaip.”

25th Anniversary Celebrations

Our celebrations are approaching fast, and we are excitedly placing the final touches on the Foundation Day Assembly to which we are welcoming many special guests.  One of our Founders, Dr Peter Pratten; inaugural Principal Reverend Stephen Lee; former staff and students are attending, and we are looking forward to welcoming their return.  Parents and friends of Grammar are welcome to attend the Assembly which is on Friday 9 June commencing at 1.00pm followed by the Running of the Flags.  On Saturday afternoon, 10 June, the Music Department is gathering alumni and current musicians for a Saturday Sesh and Pipe Band Shindig.

On Saturday evening the 25th Anniversary Cocktail Party and Foundation Launch is being held at the Princess Royal Sailing Club. A few tickets are still available for purchase until Monday, book your tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/CHCHS. At this event, there will be a raffle and an auction, with prizes including a beef pack prepared by Dandanup Butchers, 12 bottles of Grammar Grown wine from 2020-2022 vintages and 'The Last Supper', a dinner for six guests with myself and wife Louise at Garrison!  

We are eagerly counting down the days until we can come together, celebrate the school’s accomplishments and set our sights on an even brighter future.

Mr Mark Sawle | Principal