The Anchor

From the Deputy Principal

Kindness Culture

Kindness Culture.  It sounds like a pretty good way to conduct ourselves, doesn’t it? And, whilst we encourage this approach to life in our students, it’s often easier said than done, and sometimes we need a reminder about what kindness looks like in our day to day lives. This Friday is Bullying? No Way! Day and, over coming days, we will be reminding students what bullying is (and isn’t), how to take action against bullying and how to get help.  Of course, this isn’t a once off event; education about pro-social behaviours is part of the day to day work here at GSG, and Bullying? No Way! Day gives us an opportunity to focus in on this important area. In order to help children understand what bullying is, so they can take action against it, this video provides useful advice.  I encourage you to take the time to discuss with your children what constitutes bullying and ways they can take action against it.   

2022 West Australian of the Year comes to GSG – virtually

Paul Litherland, 2022 West Australian of the Year, will be coming to GSG (virtually) on Wednesday 23 March.  Paul is a cyber safety expert whose mission is to keep kids safe online.  His presentations have been described by parents as ‘brilliant, engaging, inspiring’.  

 

Paul is coming to GSG (online) in a once-off presentation to parents.  Join us online on Wednesday 23 March at 7.00pm to let Paul share his wisdom with you. Follow the link HERE to join this special presentation.  

 

Testimonials from parents about Paul's presentations include: “I have an 8 year old daughter and it was so great to get this information before it's too late. I really appreciate your informative and witty delivery, as well as your thorough research and amazing life experience and bravery for working in this area.’  

 

Paul’s background gives him both the expertise and experience to make a difference for young people and provide expert advice to parents. He describes his journey:  I was a WA Police Officer for 20 years, working in a wide range of areas. From 2009 to 2014, I was working within the Technology Crime Investigation Unit, which at the time was internationally recognised as one of the leading technology crime divisions in the world. I was involved in criminal investigations including hacking, online sales fraud and romance scams, to cases involving international syndicates.

 

I was also working specifically with children (and their families) who were either the victims of online crime, or the offenders themselves. I dealt personally with the victims of cyber bullying, grooming and predatory behaviour as well as the perpetrators. I came to know all too well the heartbreak parents were going through, as well as how frustrated they were with how little care the online world seems to show our kids. I felt driven to make change.

 

During the day on Wednesday, Paul will be presenting to students in Years Six to Twelve, with student presentations tailored for each age group.  One student from another school who has seen his presentation had this to say: “He was so so so good! Not only me, but all my friends loved listening to him. Paul made it enjoyable and not just a scary or over used topic. Unlike some presenters that just try to "fit in" or say things that they think will be relevant to us, Paul actually understood because he's been through it and he knows what it's like. He constantly assured us and made sure we knew what it was all about and the effect it had and what we could do about it. I was genuinely interested and I was listening the whole time, wanting to take in everything. I am super excited to have him come in again."

 

Entry road upgrade starting Week 10, Term One

As you know, we have commenced a road upgrade at the main entrance to the school.  Phase 2 of this project includes widening the main entrance, changing the layout of the road slightly and improving the functionality of the road.  In order to ensure that this work is complete for the start of Term Two, we will be commencing these works in the last week of this term. 

 

The main entrance road will be closed for Week 10, Term One.  This will require changes to the way we access the campus.  Please use the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex (Gym) entrance.  The changes are as follows:

  • The Gym carpark (usually a set down and pick up and parking zone) will be used for bus pick up and drop off only.  This area will be closed to cars.   
  • Parking for ECC parents will be in the existing staff parking adjacent to the Middle School play area with the climbing ‘spider’ and the bridge/leaf deck. 
  • Parking for all other parents will be in the existing student parking area. 
  • Student parking will be moved and students advised of the new area.
  • Signage will be installed to indicate these changes.

It is vital we all adhere to the instructions about set down and pick up zones and ensuring access ways are kept clear.  We want to accommodate all drivers and need your support and patience to ensure safe drop off and pick up for students.  More information will be provided in coming weeks.

 

Mrs Emma Franklin | Deputy Principal