From the Counsellor

Update on the Pilot Course on Prosocial Behaviours with Yr 8B: Awesome Skills for Taking Care of Yourself and Being a Good Friend

I vehemently believe that this course offers crucial, mental health enhancing, information for our young people. That we are not born with this knowledge, or even these skills, and the ever changing shape of the family, points to the need for such lifeskills to be embedded into curriculum. Brain development, boundary setting, relationship cultivation and maintenance, rupture and repair process, assertive communication, conflict resolution, self-advocacy, perspective taking, values clarification and such like are not developed via osmosis.

The relentless influence and impact of social media and 24/7 access to instant needs gratification is unique to this generation. “If you’re not online, you don’t exist” paraphrases Michelle Mitchell (tweens and teen guru – google her!) – young people are deeply and emotionally connected to and reliant on technology as they form their identities. Those aforementioned skills are not foregrounded or even acknowledged or considered by the ubiquitous influencers and algorithm wizards who control the cyber spaces our children exist in for up to 10 hours per day.

When I introduced the topic of Relational Aggression to the class, they all – every single one of them – recognised and knew this cruel and isolating dynamic. Relational Aggression is about establishing power in the “friendship” hierarchy, controlling the “bystanders” and the target. It is essentially cruel bullying as one day you think you are a valued friend and the next, you’re excluded. This form of social Darwinism is deeply troubling, as the bystanders tend not to intervene, as they know they could be next. Nice kids can do very cruel behaviours, if their social status/hierarchy is threatened.

I certainly enjoyed the challenge of writing and delivering the course, and thank Miss Claire St Jack and her Canva skills which rendered a funky booklet. I am considering how to offer these learnings to our community as this content is rich and necessary, an ethical foil to the ever cascading volumes of media manipulation which our young people are exposed to.

Celebrate Pride Month this June

Every person has the same human rights irrespective of sexuality, gender identity or intersexuality. Great Southern Grammar recognises that all people are unique and personal circumstances change over time. June marks the celebration of the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer community – Pride Month.

I’ve been informed that GSG is one of the safest places in Albany for young people who identify as LGBTIQA+ which is encouraging; however, there is so much more we can do. See below for some information around how we can hone our allying qualities and actions in our support of our LGBTIQA+ community members.

According to the National LGBTIQ+ Health Alliance, LGBTIQ individuals in Australia are twice as likely to be diagnosed and treated for mental health disorders compared to the general population.

A staggering 57.2% of transgender and gender diverse people aged 18 and over have been diagnosed with depression in their lifetime.

ALBANY PRIDE is a local group offering support and peer networking for people in Albany (and surrounding regions) who identify as LGBTQIA+ and their families and friends. Albany Pride aims to provide a voice for LGBTQIA+ people in the Great Southern and to foster local support, acceptance and celebration of minority sexualities and gender identities in our community. ALBANY PRIDE is the only acknowledged local service, support or network for LGBTQIA+ people.

Albany Pride holds various events throughout the year that cater to our local LGBTQIA+ community and their families and friends, as well as for LGBTQIA+ visitors to the region. Since 2016, we have also held an annual Pride Festival, which brings people from all over the state (and beyond) to experience the wonderful surrounding beauty and our vibrant LGBTQIA+ community.

Outreach | Albany Pride PFLAG, Social Support and Spectrum

Welcome | Albany Pride

Ms Sheryl Moncur | Counsellor

GATE holiday opportunities

These school holidays there are a number of extension opportunities available in Perth. If you happen to be taking a road trip, they could be very worthwhile for academic extension, and a chance to meet like minded peers.

Curtin STEM Outreach: There are a number of events happening at Curtin University over the holidays. Bookings are essential, and there are costs involved. Further information and booking options can be found via their webpage. Programs and events - STEM Outreach - Engage | Curtin University

Holiday STEM Program: A three-day-program (12 to 14 July) aimed at those in Years Nine and Ten who have an interest in Science and Engineering.
Robo Academy: A two-day program (11-12, or 14-15 July) for 8 to15 year olds that are catered to experience levels; beginner, intermediate and advanced.

Eurekamp Oz!: Organised by PEiPL (Philosophical Engagement in Public Life) and in collaboration with UWA, there are a number of short camps on offer during the holidays. Costs and specific details regarding ages, locations and camp activities, along with registrations, can be found at their website Eurekamp Oz! Adventures in ideas for curious children (peipl.net)

Ms Angelina Ross | Learning Enrichment Coordinator (Gifted and Talented Education)

The Uniform Shop will be closed on the last Friday of Term Two, 1 July.

Apologies in advance for any inconvenience.

Mrs Tristine Smargiassi | Uniform Shop Manager

Canteen News

Week Nine Specials

Daily Specials