Senior School

From the Head of Senior School 

Examination Season has started in Senior School and there is a sense of anticipation in the air.  Year Twelve students sitting exams were focused and alert; peers not sitting exams were respectful and quiet.  Years Ten and Eleven students are watchful, awaiting their turn.  Middle School students seem almost to be in awe as they stay away from the hub of exams and find their relocated classes.  I love it! On the whole, students have worked hard and are ready for this moment, ready to share all that they know. 

COVID is playing an unfortunate role this year.  I acknowledge the stress it is causing but encourage students to do the best they can. We pride ourselves on knowing our students and already have a sense of all that they are capable of.  One examination performance will not change our opinion of where students are in their academic journey, regardless of whether they are in Years Ten, Eleven or Twelve.  The experience of sitting these exams, even if feeling under-prepared, is still valuable and informative.  Please reassure your young people and urge them to persevere and do the best they can.

Over the next few weeks, I would like to showcase some of the pathways we offer here at Great Southern Grammar by introducing you to some of our students.

Levi Masih is a Year Eleven student who is on a VET/General pathway.  Levi attends TAFE on Thursday where he is working through a Certificate II in Heavy Metal Fabrication and Engineering which is a pre-apprenticeship course.  On a Friday, Levi attends an associated workplace with Denmark Mobile Welding.  

Levi says, "I like school a lot more this year, I have a lot of independence.  I also like the mix of academic and practical courses I get to do.”

When I asked him about the key to success on this pathway, he told me, "You have to keep on top of everything.  Don’t just forget about school and push it aside so you can concentrate on TAFE. You have to get the balance right.”

Balancing is something Levi has become very good at.  A keen soccer player and committed member of our pipe band, Levi travels into Albany on Thursday for TAFE, heads out to school for Pipe Band rehearsal at 3.30 pm, and then back into Albany for soccer training with his Griffins team. Levi is a fine example of someone who is making the most of his pathway and the opportunities presented to him at Great Southern Grammar.

Mrs Victoria Turnor | Head of Senior School