Middle School 

From the Head of Middle School

This week we celebrated NAIDOC Week. At the assembly Year Seven student, Azriel Bin Omar bravely stood up in front of 500 people and shared her story with us.

Hi my name is Azriel Bin Omar and I am here to share about who I am and where I am from. Naji Wah da gee in Djugun means how are you everyone? I'm from the Kimberley Region which is in the North West of Western Australia. I was born in Broome. My family are spread throughout the Kimberley from the East Kimberley, the Gajerrong, Gija and Jaru people. From the West Kimberley, the Nyikina Djugun, and Gura Judi people. Also the Bard People from the Dampier Peninsula.  

I am blessed to be from the Kimberley and going home always makes me Lyain, my inner being- my inner spirit feel good. Going out bush on country is healing. Being able to fish, hunt, listen to old stories and learning about bush foods, makes me feel happy and more connected to the country I am from. Also being able to laugh and have fun with my family. This years NAIDOC theme is GET UP, STAND UP, SHOW UP and to me is like me being here at GSG and having the opportunity to come here for my education. 

I feel privileged to be able to represent my mob. I was told by my dad that education is power, so going through the homesick times, missing my family, feeling sad and alone is the sacrifice that I make. Once I finish school and graduate I will be able to make change and become a future leader for my mob.

Throughout my journey as a teacher I have had some memorable moments connecting with young Aboriginal people. I have hiked through the Kalbarri Gorges with Outdoor Education students. We had an Aboriginal Education officer who came with us and his insight helped me learn and wonder about Aboriginal culture. He showed the group how to find bush tucker. Finding yams from spindly plants that you wouldn’t really notice and eating berries that no one would really look for. We camped out in the open and I managed to find some constellations in the sky that had a different meaning to my upbringing, although I still have trouble finding the big emu. I also was lucky to go on a sailing camp through the Dampier Archipelago with a group of students. They showed me the art of fishing in that area. We caught and ate clams, bald chin groper and watched turtles laying eggs on the beach. They showed me ancient rock art and explained what the pictures meant. To me, these were memorable learning experiences and the stories had been handed down and I was lucky to share in them. The students were in their element being on country and they had great pride in telling their stories. 

Our Indigenous students at school enrich all our lives and we constantly learn from them. This week was a way to show our respect and celebrate the diversity we have at our school. 

Parent Teacher Interviews

On Monday we held our final round of Parent Teacher interviews and I thank families who came into school or met online. It would be great to see more parents connect with the school. When a teacher ticks the box in a report requesting an interview it is to work with families to support our students. This can only be done in collaboration. Parents can find out tips and ideas on how to help with a child’s studies, while staff get a better insight into home life and any challenges that need to be taken into consideration. If you missed interviews you are still welcome, and encouraged, to contact teachers. It is always best to pick things up early and make changes rather than after the end of year report comes home. 

Mr Adam Scott | Head of Middle School

Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships

Year Seven student, Amelia McDonald, has been selected to complete in the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships in Sydney in September.  Amelia and her pony Chanel competed at the WA Interschool Championships in April and was selected to represent WA in Preliminary Dressage and 60cm Combined Training.  

Congratulations Amelia and Chanel!