From the Principal

A Christian School

In a recent survey, ‘Australian Schools and the Common Good’, results revealed that Christian school students were more likely than students in other sectors to agree that their schools emphasised: ”finding a sense of meaning and purpose and direction in life”, “dealing with the problems of life,” and “dealing with personal relationships.” This research reflects an actualisation of the desire of Christian schools to shape students into people who benefit their neighbours and the community. A key focus of the Christian school is to foster a strong community that instils value and purpose in students’ lives. Nurture in the Christian faith is seen as vital to a student forming committed values.  These characteristics did not appear to come at the detriment of academic performance with 75% of students from Christian schools reporting that they felt prepared for academic success at university, TAFE or employment which was the highest result of all school sectors surveyed.

At Great Southern Grammar, our aim is to create an environment and educational journey for our students which shapes them into young adults who feel equipped to enter a world beyond school with the tools and characteristics which will help them to thrive in every area of their life; a desire to raise students who will find success in their chosen pathway beyond school whether that be further study or vocation, but also in their relationships and their sense of purpose and meaning in all that they choose to do.

New Member of School Council

At the last School Council meeting, Mr Rowan Gilbert was elected as the new Alumni member. Rowan was Head Boy and graduated from GSG in 2005. Rowan is a Senior Architect at H&H Architects and has 11 years of experience in the design and delivery of complex projects across multiple sectors and regions. Rowan holds a Bachelor of Environmental Design and a Master of Architecture. We welcome Rowan to his first Council meeting on 27 March. It is wonderful that an Alumni is joining the School Council.  

Camps

At this week’s assembly, it was enlightening to hear from students who attended the Art Camp in Perth. Students visited numerous sights around the city and participated in art workshops. Last week our Year Eight students were also experiencing a variety of activities at Camp Quanarup. Students hiked the Bald Head walk and visited a local nursing home. These contrasting activities provided an opportunity for students to have real-life experiences outside the classroom.

Leeuwin Adventure

Our Year Ten students could choose between sailing on the Leeuwin or canoeing the Blackwood River for their camp experience. It was wonderful to see Laura Smit, Class of 2022, crewing the Leeuwin.  This is her eleventh voyage, with her first voyage being four years ago as a Year Ten GSG student. Her Year Ten experience provided an opportunity for her to launch her passion for sailing. With all camps, I look forward to hearing about students' experiences upon their return next week. I wish to acknowledge  Mr Ian Robson, Head of Cocurricular and Teaching Staff Operations who, in his first year in the role, has reinvigorated a number of the camp programs.  Already this year, we have completed camps in Years Eight, Nine and Ten, along with the Art Camp. These camps could not have been experienced by our students if it was not for the generosity of staff who have attended. Our staff have generously given up their personal time to be involved in these overnight adventures.  

Mr Mark Sawle | Principal