The Anchor

Senior School

From the Head of Senior School

Class of 2022

Farewelling the Year Twelve cohort on Friday was an emotional but joyful affair.  Every one of the students were present which added weight to the message about the cohesiveness of the group that was raised by several of the speakers. Some students have already started work or apprenticeships and many families travelled some distance to be with us to celebrate the Valedictory events; I thank everyone for their time and trouble, having you all there made the occasion particularly special.

 

I reflected this week on the Year Twelve students, their last two weeks of school and the impressive group they have become. As we ran around with water pistols on Thursday morning, the sense of fun was magical. 

At rehearsals for the Valedictory events, the students were focused, engaged and keen to make sure the events ran smoothly and with class. The atmosphere and team spirit at the Athletics Carnival sparkled. Thanks to the enthusiasm and participation of the students, and despite the weather cutting the event short, we still managed to raise over $580 for MND.

Then we had Valedictory Day itself where the Year Twelves shone; they showed the depth of their connection to each other, their families and the school but also excitement about the future. 

 

Special thanks to other Senior School students who helped set up for Valedictory Day.

I wish the Class of 2022 all the best as they move on, confident that they know how to engage with life and make meaningful connections; how to have fun, how to be serious and where the line between the two lies!

 

Please click here to view a selection of valedictory photos on our Facebook page.

Leadership Camp

Last weekend, we took our new student leadership group away to Karribank with a program of activities designed to help the group get to know each other and each other’s strengths better, develop their leadership skills, and plan for 2023.  The group performed exceptionally well and connected strongly; I am excited about some of their big ideas for 2023.

 

School Captain, Pierce Newman, reflected:

Last weekend, the 2023 leadership team along with Mrs Turnor, Mr Ferreira, Ms Smith and Mrs Stone made the short journey out to the Karribank Country Retreat for our leadership camp. Due to the weather, the climb to the top of Castle Rock was called off. Although disappointed, we all managed to keep ourselves entertained by doing several team building exercises including a name guessing game and learning a number of dances. After dinner, we were joined by Richard Pengelly who spoke to us about his life story and gave us some amazing advice about leadership. Saturday morning consisted of some morning meditation before we got into making plans for the year ahead. We came up with some great ideas and whilst doing so got to know one another better. Mr Sawle then gave us some scenarios that he has had to deal with in the past and we discussed as a team how we would deal with these issues. To keep it short, the weekend was a great success, we all had a great time and got so much advice and knowledge that we can take and use in the year ahead.

 

Fellow School Captain, Stella Boyce, had the following to say:

At 2.00pm on the afternoon of the Valedictory assembly, the 2023 leaders set off for camp overnight in the Porongurups. The bus trip up was filled with many excited conversations and nerves to begin the camp. Upon arrival, we piled out of the bus into the cold air and awaited the arrival of our keys, desperate to huddle next to the heaters in our rooms. Whilst waiting, we enjoyed throwing a frisbee and catching each other up on the events of Valedictory. 
 
We were all extremely excited to venture up Castle Rock but unfortunately, due to weather, we were unable to do so. Instead, we spent the afternoon dancing and preparing for dinner. Whilst eagerly awaiting the potatoes to cook for dinner, many hungry leaders sat down together and wrote our warm fuzzies; small, positive affirmations about each other, which would be presented to us upon arriving back at school the next afternoon. 
 
Following dinner, we were introduced to the incredible Richard Pengelly, who was set to stay with us for the weekend and teach us about the different types of leadership. He shared many stories, including one about a young girl that cared more about her younger brother than herself. This particular story has stuck with me and really inspired me to lead the way this young girl did. 
 
We began Saturday with a short walk to stretch our legs and chose a stick, rock and leaf which we later used as a part of a meditation session with Richard. The rest of the day was filled with tips and tricks from Mr Sawle, Mrs Franklin, Mr Ferreira and Mrs Bradbury. 
 
I would like to say a huge thank you to Mrs Turnor for helping us through this camp and allowing plenty of time for any unexpected changes, like the late keys; the new Heads of House; Mrs Franklin; Mr Sawle; Miss Smith; Richard; Mrs Bradbury; and Mr Robson for all coming and helping us through the very first step of our leadership journeys at GSG. 
 
Coming away from the camp, I feel extremely privileged to be a part of this leadership group and can’t wait to see the amazing things we can contribute to our school!

Australian National University Visit

Last Thursday lunchtime, ANU visited Great Southern Grammar.  They were keen to visit the school which had managed to have its students progress to the final stages of the famous Tuckwell Scholarship program in the past two consecutive years. Their message to the attending students was strong about the need for high academic results coupled with their cocurricular or service requirement. The skills being looked for are:

  • Community and engagement
  •  Inclusion and awareness of diversity
  •  Communication
  •  Leadership
  •  Personal responsibility
  •  Teamwork
  •  Creative and critical thinking

The range of courses and types of degree on offer was impressive and the students seemed excited about the opportunities available. We look forward to continuing our connection with ANU.

 

Mrs Victoria Turnor | Head of Senior School

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