From the Principal
Welcome to 2021!
Welcome to the 2021 school year at Great Southern Grammar. I look forward to seeing you on Day One on Monday 1 February. As part of our learning community, I wish you and your family a year of fulfilment, growth and inspiration.
Staff have been busy learning and growing at this year's staff conference, GSG Connects, with a wealth of speakers and experts joining us virtually and in-person to help us grow, improve, upskill, learn and be curious.
A new year enables a re-setting of our priorities going forward and a recommitment to our educational values, which are integrity, respect, commitment and compassion. We reinforce the foundational nature of these principles each year, as well as our belief in the integrity of learning.
ATAR results
Please see below the Class of 2020 ATAR & VET results. Congratulations to all students on their results in what was a challenging year.
Great Southern Griffins Sporting Club
Work is ongoing in regards to the establishment of the Great Southern Griffins sporting club. We are working closely with Albany-based sporting associations and governing bodies with regards to the rollout and will update you as progress develops.
New Staff
A very warm welcome to the following new and returning staff.
Head of Junior School
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Ken Raven as Head of Junior School. Formerly Director of Student Life (Kindergarten to Year Six) and Acting Deputy Head of Primary for Canberra Grammar School, Ken oversaw student care and operations across two campuses for 950 primary students. Ken holds a Bachelor of Science, Postgraduate Diploma of Education, Master of Education (Leadership and Management) and is currently studying an Executive Master of Business Administration. Ken previously held the positions of Junior School Sports Master, Assistant Head of Junior School, and Director of Sport at Townsville Grammar from 2008 to 2015 before relocating to Canberra Grammar School where he commenced as the Director of Junior School (Years Three to Six). Ken graduated from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. His wife, Fiona, is from Albany and has family here. Ken has two daughters, Sophie aged seven and Paige aged five, who will be attending GSG.
Humanities Teacher
Ms Theresa Youngs-Lachmund will teach Humanities in 2021 while Gavin Riches is on long service leave. Theresa possesses a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Political Science and International Relations, and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education, majoring in Humanities (specifically Politics and Law). Theresa has been working at Canning Community College and volunteers at the Adult Migrant English Program teaching English. She was the founder of the Vincent Community Kitchen and Coordinator of the Little Free Library Project.
Head of Boarding House
Ms Anne Robertson has been appointed Head of Boarding House from 1 January 2021. Formerly a Boarding Supervisor at GSG, Anne has an extensive background as Education Support Teacher and was boarding supervisor at Albany Residential College for over 12 months before joining GSG. Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts, Primary Education and Bachelor of Education, majoring in children with special needs.
English Teacher (Term One, 2021)
Ms Sam Olson has been appointed to cover Jem Ruggera’s long service leave. Sam has worked for several years in the UK and Germany and recently at Cecil Andrews College prior to her relocation to Albany. Sam has the proven ability to engage with students at educational risk and improve their attendance and performance. She holds a Bachelor of Education and Certificate IV in Human Services – Youth Residential.
Science Teacher
Mr Taylor Colton has been appointed part-time teacher for Marine Science classes. Taylor was employed at Guildford Grammar School and has recently relocated to Albany. An energetic, passionate and creative individual looking for a new phase of adventure, learning and personal development, Taylor holds a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Health, Physical Education and Outdoor Education.
Science Teacher (Terms One to Three, 2021)
Mrs Janine Terry has been appointed Science Teacher to cover Bea Pritchard while she is on maternity leave. Janine is an experienced Science Teacher and has worked for St Joseph’s College, Albany, Ignatius Park College, Townsville, Bunbury Catholic College, and in the UK and Scotland. Janine holds a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (Hons) and a Graduate Diploma in Secondary Education.
Acting Heads of Boarding
Ms Vanessa Bromhead and Mrs Tara Ball have been appointed Acting Heads of Boarding for 2021. Vanessa assumes responsibility for the Senior Houses, and Tara for the Junior.
Returning Staff
Welcome back to returning staff, Mrs Teresa McAllister, Mrs Renae O'Donnell and Mrs Hayley Ranger.
Campus Improvements
Thank you to the Facilities staff for the significant works and improvements undertaken over the holiday break. The new roadworks to the Multi-Purpose Sport Complex are scheduled to be completed by Week One, however, lines won't be marked for a few weeks, so please take care when entering or exiting via this road.
Ten Years of Service
This week, we recognised staff who have each provided 10 years of service to the school. Thank you to Peter Colgate, Jenny Colgate, Grant Taylor, Penny Leiper and Emma Poole for your commitment to working with the young people of GSG.
Mr Mark Sawle | Principal