The Anchor

From the Principal

Welcome to Term Four

This term we will be graduating the Class of 2022.  Next Friday’s Valedictory events will be the culmination of the end of the students' schooling days.  For many students and parents, this will be an emotional time and an opportunity to reflect and give gratitude for those who have assisted our students to succeed.  As in previous years, all students and staff will be involved in farewelling our graduates.  

MND Interhouse Athletics Carnival

Tomorrow we will hold the MND Interhouse Athletics Carnival for Years Seven to Twelve. We welcome the opportunity for parents to attend for the first time in two years with no restrictions.  The carnival will commence at 9.00am at Great Southern Grammar.  Good luck to all athletes.

Introducing the Secondary Pastoral Team for 2023

As a follow up to last term’s announcement of the change to Secondary School, I am now delighted to announce the Secondary Pastoral Team including the new Heads of House and Head of Transition.

 

Or access video HERE.

Head of Junior School – Mr Ken Raven

Mr Ken Raven has resigned as Head of Junior School at the end of Term Four.  During Ken’s two years at Great Southern Grammar, he has initiated a number of curricular improvements and introduced the popular 'Horizons' after-school program.  Ken has been a calming influence during the COVID pandemic and has contributed significantly during his tenure.  Ken has accepted a position as Head of Junior School at Toowoomba Grammar School in Queensland, closer to Ken’s family.  Ken was born in Toowoomba and attended Toowoomba Grammar School as a Year Eight boarder.  Toowoomba Grammar School is one of the oldest and most well-established independent boys’ day and boarding schools in Australia.  We wish Ken and his family all the best for the future. 

Making a Difference: Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner

On Wednesday 21 September the School held the Volunteer Appreciation Sundowner to recognise and thank volunteers for their contribution to Great Southern Griffins.  I would like to acknowledge the following volunteers who were presented their five year and ten-year badges.

 

Five Year Recipients

  • Bonnie Dewar-O’Neill 
  • Brooke Pearson 
  • Geoff Hardey 
  • Geoff Sandilands 
  • Jayne Wholagan 
  • Julianne Dwyer-Adams 
  • Katrina Marmion 
  • Nyree Mackenzie 
  • Tristan Mackenzie 

 

Ten Year Recipients

  • Caroline Tompkin 
  • Jenny Cristinelli 
  • Nicole Spinks 
  • Stephen Berryman 

Guest Speaker

Experienced West Coast Eagles player, Elliot Yeo, spoke online to a number of football players this week.  He highlighted the less glamorous side of being an AFL footballer.  Elliot retold the personal sacrifices that he had endured during his schooling and early career.  One aspect that he stressed was the numerous occasions that he was overlooked for selection.  At these times, he felt a sense of failure.  Elliot related that failure means (first attempt), that is all experiences, including our failures provide an opportunity to learn.  The point is to try again and again, with maybe a different approach.  These real life stories are easily transferred to the classroom, sports field or social development.

 

Mr Mark Sawle | Principal