Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

Year Eleven students took full advantage of the arrival of summer this week!  As they arrived at Stirling Range Retreat for their camp, spirits were buoyed by blue skies and sunshine and the students tackled their challenges with enthusiasm. 

In my experience, the secret to a positive Year Twelve is a cohesive cohort of students who function well in their House groups and as a whole. The activities at camp give students the opportunity to build on students’ relationships with each other and their Heads of House. This year have the added challenge of leading the new pastoral restructure at Great Southern Grammar next year; their legacy will be significant. The students impressed me with their excitement for leading the change and their creative ideas for making a positive impact on all younger students from the very first day of 2023. In House groups, the students performed an item for the rest of the group which included some beautiful singing and inspiring choreography. I loved watching the fun and laughter each group experienced while putting their items together. 

After lunch and a swim, students worked with their Heads of House on the new Homeroom structure for 2023.  This was a focused and engaging session that involved the students reflecting on their own experiences as they have moved through the school and using these experiences to inform them on how to lead their Homerooms effectively next year. After a walk and dinner, the students worked in random groups to complete some fun challenges, building on connections with students outside of friendship groups.

On Wednesday, students rose early to climb Bluff Knoll before the promised heat and thunderstorms struck. Throughout the camp, I enjoyed watching the students care for each other, whether that be reminders to apply sunscreen or encouragement on the Bluff Knoll climb. 

I would like to thank the students and staff for a successful camp.  The cohort is in a strong position to lead the student body in 2023.

Meanwhile, the Year Ten students became the most senior students at school for a couple of days as they launched into their second round of examinations.  I have noticed the impressive levels of student attendance at school in the lead-up to these assessments and congratulate this year group on their overall endeavour and general determination to perform well. While not all students sat all examinations, they all seem focused on finishing the year well and making sure their pathways for 2023 are ready and the best fit for their aspirations.

Mrs Victoria Turnor | Head of Senior School

Lifeguard Course at ALAC