P&F News
Great Southern Gathering with guest speaker Amy Coombe
The school and the P&F were thrilled to co-host guest speaker Amy Coombe last Wednesday.
A great crowd of parents joined us for a pre-talk Sundowner. Thanks to Community Relations Manager, Mrs Julia Bairstow for her pre-event organisation, P&F Vice President, Mr Jason Pages, for his planning and expert barkeeping skills and also to Hospitality teacher, Mrs Teresa McAllister, Chef James and the lovely Hospitality students for preparing and delivering some delicious finger food.
It was fantastic seeing new bonds being formed and old ones being strengthened as we prepared to listen to Amy.
The presentation resonated with the audience; Amy’s natural, down-to-earth style and willingness to admit that "none of us know it all" and "working on yourself is as important as trying to help your children on their journey" seemed to hit home for most.
She referenced some of the things she had covered with the students earlier in the day, allowing all of us the opportunity to use some shared ideas and language with our own kids going forward.
Some parent reflections:
It was a very real, down-to-earth presentation about the pressures our kids go through. I loved that we had a version of what she presented to the kids throughout the day and we have used the concepts she introduced and it has already been useful with our family. Very worthwhile evening and so glad I braved the rain to attend.
and
Amy’s story was incredibly inspiring. She was so down-to earth, reassuring and easy to listen to. I walked away with a number of simple yet effective strategies for helping our kids in today’s world!
and
I really enjoyed Amy’s presentation - and Samuel was quite surprised when I talked to him about being “in the yellow.” It was also a good chance to catch up with a few parents/friends and meet some new parents. I really enjoyed the evening… it was good for my own mental health as well as being good for me as a mother!
Our next Sundowner/speaker event is planned for the last week of term. We would love to see these events continue to grow as a valuable (and fun!) way of building the GSG community. Watch out for more details later in the term.
Jim, Jason and all the P&F
Dads in the Great Southern (DIGS)
Important Dates
Wednesday 7 June - Regular meeting for fathers and father figures with children at Great Southern Grammar. These meetings are held on the first Wednesday of each month during term time. Upstairs at the Premier Hotel from 6.30pm.
The DIGS is now on Facebook
Don't forget to join our private Facebook group "DIGS at GSG" to keep up to date with upcoming events and activities. Mums are welcome to join too!
Contacts
Luke Murnane - DIGS President
0417 944 789
David Marshall - DIGS Coordinator
0418 924 176