Middle School News

From the Head of Middle School

As we all prepare for the start of the school year, I am sure there is excitement as well as a few nerves.

At GSG, we put a lot of thought into classes to achieve a good balance in every class. We consider gender, behaviour, academic capacity, teaching styles and friendship groups. The Heads of Year, Year Six Teachers, Learning Support Coordinator and Homeroom Teachers all have input into classes. 'Who is in my class?' and 'What teachers do I have?' are always the first questions students ask.

Whatever class your child is in, please know that they have the ability to build friendship groups and forge their own way. They also have the resilience to get through any doubts. The one thing we see at school every day is the ability for children to adapt, change, develop and grow in new situations. The sooner they can settle in to class and get familiar with their new classmates and teachers, the greater the success. There will always be some nerves, but when students get into a good routine, they feel more comfortable, empowered and optimistic.

Staff have spent the past week at school preparing classes and the curriculum, reflecting on what was taught last year and how we can improve and take on board new initiatives for 2021.

In the first week of term, teachers and support staff will spend time explaining procedures and requirements for school. New students will have an in-service when they get their new laptop to show them all the skills needed to get the most out of their shiny new machine. Year Seven students, in particular, will have a modified timetable in the first week to assist with their introduction into Middle School education. There will be an emphasis on organisational skills and how to best set up for their different classes. They will also be going on an excursion to the Fish Traps in the first week so they have a better understanding about the land of the Menang people on which our school sits. 

All Middle School year groups are going on camp in Week Four of this term, so all families will receive information over the next few weeks.

Welcome to the start of the new year — one full of optimism, purpose, new experiences and learning. Let the journey begin.

Mr Adam Scott | Head of Middle School