Breaksea House News

The term began with a flurry of “last” events for the Year Twelve students. They enjoyed their final House meetings, water fight and breakfast with staff, Boarding Valedictory Dinner, valedictory chapel service and awards service. There were tears, hugs and enthusiastic congratulations. The ATAR exams have begun and we wish each student all the best. 

We have welcomed Dannielle Frost into our Breaksea community this term. She previously boarded at GSG and we are excited to have her back. Danni has seamlessly slid into the routines and has made a positive contribution to the house already.

At the Boarding Valedictory dinner, I spoke of legacy and the way in which they can leave a positive legacy. I thought I would share some of this speech below.

This term in both Senior houses we have been focused upon the concept of legacy. So often people consider legacy after a person has passed but what if we lived every day with an awareness of the legacy we are leaving. There are post-it notes up in both houses with words that reflect the legacy our seniors want to leave as they finish school. Taylor and I have been challenging each person to live that legacy now, to ensure it happens. There is a quote I love from John Wooden and it says, “There is a choice you make in everything you do. So, keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.” 

Tonight, I want to consider the legacy of the cohort of 2022 leavers and give you the three C’s for how you can step out beyond the doors of GSG boarding and live a life with a positive legacy. The three C’s I want you to remember from tonight are character, choices and connections.

Character – Let’s start with character. To leave a positive legacy your character should be shown through the moral example of the way in which you live your life.  It’s the integrity of a person that becomes the measure of their character. The integrity of a person, who can choose courage over comfort and pack the dishes in the dishwasher, even when nobody is looking. 

The second C is choices. Thinking clearly and making wise decisions are the sign of a person who makes choices knowing they want to leave a positive legacy. As Theodore Hesbrugh said “You don’t make decisions because they are easy; you don’t make decisions because they are cheap; you don’t make decisions because they’re popular; you make them because they’re right.” We have been so proud of all the young people who have been making great choices getting jobs at CBH after school, setting up GAP work in a boarding school, beginning an apprenticeship, applying for university, getting a position at the Kojonup Vet or the Manjimup Motorcyle store.

The third C is the connections we build with others, the relationships formed and the quality of these connections are what determines our legacy most. The connections that build the greatest legacy are those we choose deliberately. We receive the results of the seeds that we sow. We choose our connections, our relationships and these determine our legacy. “Those closest to you determine the level of your success.” Perhaps nothing is more predictive of your legacy than the quality of people surrounding you. So, keep choosing good connections. 

So, as I bring this reflection to an end this evening, I ask you to take away the importance of building a positive legacy. Remember your legacy will be forged through your character, choices and your connections. All the staff of Great Southern Grammar are so proud of each of you, and we look forward to hearing of all the wonderful things you will do in your futures. 

At the end of the Valedictory day, the new leaders for 2023 went on their leadership camp. Bethany Robertson and Ava Smith both represented the boarding community at this camp and arrived back on Saturday with stories, perception and insights to share. The Outdoor Education students, Chloe Roberts and Rhiannon Williams-Jolley have just returned from their three-day hike. Last week the Year Eleven students enjoyed their Mocktail party, with an op shop theme. Congratulations to Brianna Harris for creating an amazing, salted caramel espresso martini mocktail. 

On Friday night, 28 October, four Year Eleven girls accompanied me to one of the first TEDx Kinjarling women’s events in Albany. We were sponsored guests of our local member, Rebecca Stephens, and the girls were able to view recent TED talks and also hear from three inspiring local female leaders. 

Year Ten students have been busy preparing for their camp this week. There are three groups of students this year, either going to Rottnest Island for a fitness bootcamp, a sailing camp in Busselton or hiking Outward Bound through the Walpole wilderness. We wish them well. 

We are also looking forward to the upcoming performance of The Real Inspector Hound through Spectrum Theatre. Danni Frost, Lily Quick and Chelsea Evans have been involved in many rehearsals, set building days and we look forward to an amazing production. 

Birthdays

We send birthday wishes to Jasmine Bradshaw who celebrated at home in the school holidays.  This term we also wished Lysbeth Cunningham a very happy birthday.  Olivia Williss will also celebrate her birthday this weekend.  Best wishes to all.

Ms Vanessa Bromhead | Head of Breaksea House