From the Principal

UWA Changes

Last week, the University of Western Australia announced a program for entry into a number of undergraduate degrees that did not require an ATAR. This initiative has been labelled Experience-based Entrywhich recognises the many ways a student exhibits potential to succeed at university. UWA will take into consideration a range of circumstances when assessing applications. Eligibility will be assessed by considering students' experience in academic study, as well as cocurricular activities, community engagement, sport, volunteering, and work experience. Students build up a portfolio of experiences that are connected to a point system. It is clear from the initial reading that the point system will be easy to follow and allow goal setting by students. It is heartening that UWA has opened this pathway for those students who are not gifted in exam writing, while possessing other academic skills and talents. At this week’s student assembly, I encouraged students to reflect upon their own life experience where they are not compared with or ranked against a peer, as in the ATAR rankings. As part of this change, UWA will be launching a Starter Program in schools next year. Great Southern Grammar has been selected as a pilot school to offer a number of micro-credentials for students beginning in Term Two. This is another exciting opportunity for our students to experience a tertiary-style curriculum along with gaining accreditation prior to starting university. 

Finishing Well 

As the term draws to a close, I have this week reminded students of the importance of finishing well. As I have regularly mentioned, finishing is more difficult than starting. With the excitement of school holidays, Christmas, and the start of warmer weather, some students can become a little disengaged. With this in mind, we wish all students well for their closing days of 2022.

Term Dates for 2023

Term One commences Wednesday 1 February

Boarders closed weekend Saturday 4 March to Monday 6 March

Labour Day Public Holiday Monday 6 March

Term One ends Thursday 6 April

Term Two commences Wednesday 26 April

Boarders closed weekend Saturday 3 June to Monday 5 June

WA Day public holiday Monday 5 June

Term Two ends Friday 30 June

Term Three commences Tuesday 18 July

Boarders closed weekend Saturday 19 August to Monday 21 August

Pupil free day Monday 21 August

Term Three ends Friday 22 September

Term Four commences Tuesday 10 October

ATAR examinations Monday 30 October to Friday 17 November

Albany Show Day pupil free day Friday 10 November

End of Term Four for Year Eleven students Friday 1 December

End of Term Four for Primary School Tuesday 5 December

End of Term Four for Years Seven to Year Ten students Wednesday 6 December

Mr Mark Sawle | Principal