Michaelmas House

This term in boarding was certainly unusual. Return to boarding was staggered, so the Year Seven students got together to touch base via Teams with boys who hadn't yet returned at the re-opening of boarding. They really enjoyed being able to catch up with one another again, even from a distance.

With the change in routines and no sport, the feeling within the House has been different. My Covid-19 checklist questions each morning are, after all these weeks, just receiving a thumbs up or an OK, before updated details are entered into the school system. We all know that there is no chance that there has been overseas travel involved since yesterday! 

The boys have kept themselves busy with walks, bike riding, gym sessions and kicking the footy around, while most of the girls were happy to chill together and take things quietly.  However, the good news is that with sport training commencing, the House has returned to a hive of activity, with students arriving back from school, getting changed into sport gear, having a quick bite of afternoon tea and onto the bus into town to their respective drop-off points. By the time they arrive back at the House, the rush commences, with showers, dinner, prep and a well-earned night of good, sound sleep. 

Ms Penny Simpson, Head of Year Seven, visits us for prep on Tuesday nights to work with the Year Seven students. It's so nice to have her in the House and her assistance is much appreciated.

We farewell Miss Lea Von Graberg, fondly known as Miss G. Lea has been with us in Michaelmas House since July last year. During that time, she has been like a big sister, guiding  and supporting the boarders. 

I want to take this opportunity to thank Lea for her friendship and support over the past 12 months. I know that she has really enjoyed her wonderful GSG journey and will take many treasured memories with her. We wish her well as she embarks on her chosen career of Architecture at a university in Germany.  Farewell and thank you, Lea. Love from us all in Michaelmas House.

Mrs Jenny Colgate | Head of Michaelmas House

Paper Planes

On Wednesday night, Hayden Leo, Ryan Hams, Finn Alvarez de Toledo, Austin Brown and myself made paper planes. Then, on Thursday night after returning from footy training, we had a competition about whose plane went the furthest. I am happy to say that it was me, and I won a block of chocolate!

Tom Hams | Year Seven

Farewell, Lea

This year in Albany has been the most exciting, challenging and incredible experience I have ever had! I can’t believe it is already over. How can time go by so fast? I still see myself at the airport in Germany saying goodbye to my parents and boarding the plane, so excited to make new friends and to go on a big adventure Down Under!

All I can say now is that I had the best time ever at GSG! Working with children has been amazing and it is very hard to say goodbye to everyone in Michaelmas House after living together for a year. I will miss playing games, watching movies and going to the beach together. I am so happy that we became such good friends and that I could be like a big sister for everyone. It really feels like saying goodbye to my siblings.

This experience has given me so much and I am so grateful for the opportunity and for all the amazing people I met and who made my gap year even better! I have learnt so much about Australia and its culture, seen so many beautiful places while travelling, made new friends and learnt a lot about myself. I will miss Albany and Great Southern Grammar a lot! Thanks to everyone and for all the great memories I will never forget!

Miss Lea von Graberg | Gap Assistant

Leaders' Report

After coming back to school following quarantine, Michaelmas House has done well to get back into routine. Since we returned, the more exciting things that happened included a beach day, movies, and recreation activities. Sport has just commenced again, with most people getting back into training. Everyone is getting excited for games to begin again, with many playing hockey, netball and AFL. 

School is also getting back to normal, with the Year Nine group having lots of assessments and tests. Unfortunately, Miss G will be leaving us at the end of the term, and we will all miss her so much. On Monday night, we threw her a going away-party, with cake and hot chocolate. She has been a great helping hand and friend in the boarding house, and we wish her all the best. 

Eliza Sprigg | Year Nine