The Anchor

Secondary School

From the Head of Secondary 

This week, we have had fewer events and more focus on academic time in the Secondary School. With many students sitting assessments at this time of the term, I have noticed a change in the flavour of conversations as students gather before school and during their breaks. Conversations about concepts from class, attendance at Academic Support sessions and debriefs following an assessment have been far more common than in previous weeks. Effective study groups and support from peers can often be underestimated as valuable learning tools; a simple chat after class has been proven to cement ideas and deepen understanding. Having your child explain something they have learned at the end of the day can have a similar impact. Asking about the most interesting thing learned today, or the most surprising thing learned today can ignite many unexpected conversations at the end of a day. Feeling free to discuss matters from class is a valuable part of our culture at GSG and one that benefits us all!

 

As NAPLAN draws to a close this week, I would like to thank all families for their support of this national programme. I anticipate that all Secondary students will complete their suite of assessments which is quite an achievement. The snapshot that the NAPLAN results will provide will be comprehensive and give us useful information as we move forward from the COVID-19 years.

 

Progress reports are in the process of being finalised and will be released over the coming weeks, depending on your child’s year level. Parent-Teacher interviews follow and I encourage you to make the most of this opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers, online or face-to-face. Meeting teachers helps build a picture of the different classrooms your child engages with, and helps teachers develop a deeper understanding of your child. Improving these understandings has a positive impact on students’ learning and very often student engagement, too. 

 

Elevate

We’re excited to announce that Elevate Education's next free webinar will be taking place on Wednesday 29 March, focusing on 'Memory'. 

 

Elevate Education works with our students, delivering high impact workshops on study skills, motivation, wellbeing, and exam preparation. By tuning into their webinar series you will learn how you can help better support your children at home through reinforcing the skills they learn at school.   

 

Wednesday 29 March at 6.30pm (AEDT) How to Help Improve Your Child's Memory

 

Click here to register for free

 

Here’s what will be covered on the night:  

  • How memory actually works (and how it has nothing to do with brain capacity) 
  • The most effective environments to assist in memorisation 
  • 3 techniques you can implement overnight to improve revision 

Mrs Victoria Turnor | Head of Secondary

The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad 2023

Congratulations to Year Eight students Grace Eckersley, Max Cruse, Adalyn Sharpe, Lauren Buis, Flora Rogers, Riley Jenkins, and Menari Deegan for their achievements in The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO). The contest challenges students to develop their own strategies in teams to solve complex problems about fascinating real languages. These exceptional students have been nationally awarded Bronze for their achievements. 

Max writes:

We decided to participate in the OzCLO competition because we thought that it would be a new exciting and fun experience to enjoy with friends. Overall, it was quite a nice time in the Library although I was very worn out by the end. If you are interested in learning different languages, then I think that this would be a great competition for you to participate in next year.

 

Mr Kyal Rose | Learning Enrichment Coordinator (GATE)

Defence Force Visit  

Students at Great Southern Grammar who may be interested in pursuing a career in the Defence Force were invited to attend an information session earlier this week, presented by Officer Petrea and Officer Jarod, representing the Australian Navy and Air Force.

 

Valuable information was shared about their own personal experiences and the various entry pathways into each of the Defence Forces. Any students who missed this session or would like information about the presentation are welcome to speak with Mrs O’Donnell. 

Mrs Renae O'Donnell | VET & Careers Coordinator

Year Eleven and Twelve Engineering Showcase at ECU’s School of Engineering

All Years Eleven and Twelve students and their parents are invited to attend the engineering courses and careers showcase event at ECU’s School of Engineering on one the following dates:

  • Wednesday 26 April 2023
  • Thursday 8 June 2023
  • Friday 8 September 2023

The purpose of the event is to provide information on engineering studies and to showcase why the engineering profession is a rewarding and exciting choice of career. ECU's alumni speakers will share their experiences of transitioning into industry roles, and current students will be present to speak and answer questions about their study and learning experiences at ECU. Additionally, information will be provided on the wide range of engineering course offerings, entry requirements, scholarships, and student support services. A tour of the industry grade engineering laboratories will also be offered. Years Eleven and Twelve students and parents will have the opportunity to chat with academics, alumni, and current engineering students over light refreshments.

 

By attending this event, Years Eleven and Twelve students will be able to gain more information about engineering study options and career pathways, as they get ready to make important decisions about the next stage of their learning journey.