Junior School 

From the Head of Junior School

Over the next two weeks we are exploring the value of citizenship across GSG, which can take on many forms depending on someone’s age/stage in the school, and their general interests. Finding a connection is the key, a sense of belonging where we feel part of something that’s bigger than ourselves. A story I enjoy sharing with students that captures many values, but in this instance citizenship, comes from the most wonderful source, a student.  

Some time ago now, a colleague of mine (Director of Rowing) asked if I could join him in a meeting with the student Captain of Rowing as he had some news to share with her that was going to be disappointing to hear and I think he wanted another person there to support them both through a challenging conversation. The Captain of Rowing is typically one of the strongest rowers in the team and a core member of the First VIII boat which is the premier squad in the team. This year's captain was a strong rower and a highly regarded leader in the squad, but other rowers from the year level below had been developing more quickly and were starting to surpass her in training. The Head of the River regatta (Grand Final) was in six weeks and the Director of Rowing could see that elevating another rower to the First VIII boat could result in a stronger performance at the regatta. There was no guarantee though, the increased training requirements to prepare for a big event could easily be too much for a new member of the First VIII. Still, he thought it was worth asking if the captain would consider stepping down from the boat and allow a new member to take her place. This was a big ask, rowing in the First VIII holds a great deal of significance and particularly to a team captain. We were expecting the conversation to be very emotional, and in a way it was… the Captain paused briefly to consider what she had heard, then said very comfortably, “Whatever makes the boat go faster, let’s do it”. We were stunned by the purity of her thought, and her resoluteness for the best interests of the team. I often repeat her phrase to myself when considering what might be the best approach when working towards something aspirational – ‘whatever makes the boat go faster’. 

She did step down from the First VIII, but still lead the team at every training and socially connected the VIII together by mentoring the new member into the team comfortably. It was a truly remarkable gesture of citizenship to the rowing group, with those meaningful contributions elevating the First VIII to their very best performance. At this point of the story the results from the Head of the River seems irrelevant to me, but just for interest sake there was a fairy tale ending too, the First VIII won the regatta.        

Citizenship can certainly take on many forms. In a school setting though I feel its best exemplified when students feel a sense of belonging to something special, and I sincerely wish for everyone to enjoy this feeling in their lives as well. Be involved, and have a positive impact.

Interschool Cross-Country Team

A squad of 24 students from Years Three to Six travelled to Bunbury for the South-West Interschool Cross-Country championships. This was the culminating event after months of training, House and Albany Interschool carnivals to be selected from. The students thoroughly enjoyed the experience of travelling into another region to represent themselves and their school, another great example of citizenship. 

On route, the team stopped at Manjimup for a run around and play at their amazing playground before completing the final stint of the journey and arriving at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School who was hosting the carnival. 

The team stretched their legs with a walk around the campus, before joining their Boarders for dinner in the Dining Hall. 

The following morning, the Cross Country team held a light training session in the morning before the event commenced. All runners did exceptionally well, many performing their personal best. 

For our Year Threes it was their first regional carnival with a larger field of runners, which was an experience in itself. Congratulations to the whole squad for their efforts. 

Sincere thanks to Miss Jasmine Butterworth and Mrs Donna Diletti for travelling with the team and supporting the students over the carnival. A special thanks to Mr Stephen Berryman for his training and preparations with the squad. Regrettably Mr Berryman wasn’t able to attend the tour himself, but his sincere best wishes were captured in a short video he prepared for the squad to view on the morning of the event, another wonderful example of citizenship even when you can’t be there in person. 

Junior School BBQ

This Friday 29 July, as a welcome back to the term, we will host a BBQ after school in the ECC playground starting at 3.00pm and finishing around 4.00pm. This is open to all families in the Junior School. Younger students can play in the ECC playground whilst the older ones can play on the basketball courts which are in clear view of the ECC playground. We held our first of these informal BBQs last term as a way for families to catch-up whilst the children play together and it was a lovely way for us to connect easily in a place the students are very comfortable in. The BBQ will be a basic sausage sizzle in a roll, no RSVP, required just come along if you’re able. We will host another one of these early in Term Four also. 

Greatest Shave and Crazy Hair Day

This Friday 29 July, Mokare House is supporting the Leukemia Foundation World’s Greatest Shave and Crazy Hair Day charity. Students are welcome to create some fancy designs with their hair and donate a gold coin for the privilege.  

Our very own Mr Geoff Hardey, Year Three teacher, will be shaving off his long locks for charity at 1.15pm on Friday. The Junior School students will attend in support to cheer him on. This will be a lovely moment to share together. Our students deeply respect Mr Hardey and understand his gesture of support for the Leukemia Foundation is truly valued. Another face of citizenship, demonstrating support for another. 

If you are able to support Mr Hardey by offering a donation that would be greatly appreciated. 

With warmest regards and appreciation, 

Mr Ken Raven | Head of Junior School