THE BEACON
Aletterfrom thePrincipal
WelcometothefirsteditionofTheBeaconfortheyear!Asthe newPrincipal,Iamthrilledtosharemyreflectionsonwhat hasbeenanincrediblyfast-pacedandexcitingfirstterm
FromthemomentIjoinedGeraldtonGrammarSchool,Ihave beenimpressedbythewarmthandenthusiasmofour students,staff,andfamilies
Thisterm,wehaveseenourstudentsexcelinacademics,sports,andthearts,showcasingtheir talentsandhardwork Ourteachershavebeenunwaveringintheircommitmenttoprovidinga high-qualityeducation,andIhavebeeninspiredbytheirinnovativeapproachestoteachingand learning.
Ourfacilitiesandgroundsaresecondtonone,largelybecauseofthecommitmentdisplayedby ourcolleagueswhoworktirelesslybehindthescenes,oftenbeforewearriveandlongafterwe departfortheday Talkingofbehindthescenes,ourITteamensurethatover700devicesconnect wirelesslytoanetworkthatencompassesourwholecampuswhilstalsohavingtoeducate dinosaurslikeme.Wehaveafrontofhousetoo,aschoolreceptionbuildingthatcatersforthe needsof740ishstudentsandover100adults Ourfinance,humanresource,payroll,admissions, marketing,academicservicesandgeneraladministrationteamsareexceptional
Thisterm,myfirstatGrammar,hascontinuallyreaffirmedmycommitmenttoourschool.How coulditnotwhenIgetworkwithsuchpassionateprofessionalsallofwhomareheretomakea differencetothelivesofthestudentsentrustedtoourcare.
Aswemoveforward,Iamexcitedabouttheopportunitiesthatlieahead Together,wewillcontinue tobuildonoursuccesses,embracenewchallenges,andcreateanurturingenvironmentwhere everystudentcanthrive.
ThankyouforwelcomingmeintotheGeraldtonGrammarSchoolfamily Ilookforwardtosharing moreupdatesandcelebratingourachievementsintheupcomingeditionsofTheBeacon
Warmregards,
Year12Induction
TheYear12InductionServiceservedasaformalintroductionofourYear12cohorttotheschool community.
ItmarkedthebeginningofaparticularlysignificantyearforourYear12students.Thestudents wererecognisedindividuallyandhandedtheirbadges FreyaBergen,SchoolCaptain,shared thefollowingwords:
ThisMonday,ourYear12classof2025facedthebittersweettruththatthiswouldbeourlastfirst dayofhighschool.Tome,andIamsuremanyofmyclassmatesfeelthesame,itdoesnot seemrealthatinjust9months,wewillbeuphereagain,sayingourfinalgoodbyesaswe graduate.Thisyearwillbefilledwithbothfirstsandlasts ourlastsportscarnivals,ourlast schoolformal,andourlastlunchtimelaughs Butitwillalsobeayearofnewexperiences, challenges,andmemorieswe’llcarrywithuslongafterweleavetheseschoolgrounds Itis bothexcitingandoverwhelmingthattheendissonear PeoplekeepsayingthatYear12fliesby, andIplantomakethemostofeverymoment fromthestressofexamstothejoyof celebrations becausethisisatimeinourliveswecannevergetback.
TheInductionServicewasalsoanopportunetimetoacknowledgethecommitmentofthose familieswhosechildrenhavebeenhereforthewholeoftheirschooling Thefollowingstudents werepresentedwiththeir “OneSchoolForLife”badges:
SofiaBurrows
NicoleChamberlain
AbbieHagan
DrewMurdoch
JamesonNolan
SarahPrice-Walkley
LilyScrimgeour
HamishSojan
AmaraStarling
PhoebeTeakle
RemiWheatley
90'SATARCLUB
CongratulationstotheGGSClassof2024!WeareincrediblyproudoftherecentATARresults, whichreflectthededicationandhardworkofourstudents AspecialmentiontoShanaya Gronow,our2024SusanShawMedalistandtopATARstudent,alongwithJoeGeorge-Kennedy andGeorgeGoforth,whoearnedaplaceintheprestigious90’sClub
WACE RESULTS AND AWARDS 2024
Geraldton Grammar School is extremely proud of the 2024 graduates for their hard work and commitment to their studies, reflected in their outstanding achievements. Congratulations to all students on achieving the WACE
ACADEMIC SNAP SHOT 98.35 HIGHEST ATAR ACHIEVED
28% OF STUDENTS RECEIVED AN ATAR OF 88 AND ABOVE 100% COMPLETED WACE
59% OF OUR STUDENTS COMPLETED THE ATAR PATHWAY
72% OF ATAR STUDENTS GOT THEIR FIRST PREFERENCE TO UNIVERSITY
Thursday,February20,broughtbeautifulweatherandacompetitive, friendlyspiritfromallstudents.TheYear3-6studentsenjoyedadayfilled withfiercecompetition,butalsosomefunfillednoveltyrelaysthroughout theday.Itwasfantastictoseesomanystudentsgivingittheirbesteffort, nomattertheirability
AnenormousthankyoutoAnnaKoschandtheGeraldtonAmateurSwim Clubfortheirinvaluablesupportwithmarshallingsheets,timingand scoringfacilitiesaswellasMarkWhiteforstartingtheraces.Wealso extendourthankstotheGeraldtonAquarena–theirlatestfacilitiesmade foragreatday Anotherbigthankyoutoallstaffwhopitchintomake surethedayrunssmoothlyandallowstudentstoenjoythemselves.
Afteralltheswimmingwasdone,itwasMurchisonwhoreclaimedthetitle astheChampionHousefor2025!CongratulationsMurch!
Friday14February,wastheannualInterhouseswimmingcarnivalfor GeraldtonGrammarSchool.ItwasafantasticdayattheAquarenain theoutdoorpool,especiallyforourYear12studentswhohadthe privilegeofswimmingalldayonourunicorninflatables
AbigthankyoutotheGeraldtonAmateurSwimClubforassistingwith timing,marshallingandcompilingthestudents’resultsAndthankyou toalltheGGSstaff,students,andfamiliesforsupportingthecarnival. Yourattendanceandpositivityarealwaysappreciated.
CongratulationstoMurchisonforwinningtheoverallChampion House.
Congratulationstothefollowingstudents:
CHAMPION RUNNERUP
YEAR7 TayteAckland KadenJeffery
YEAR8 OliverWhite GeorgeGiudice
YEAR9 JetPlunkett SpencerSojan
YEAR10 LeviBeckett IsaacGamble
Year11 CallumSojan RileyFong
Year12 HamishSojan TomSorgiovanni
YEAR7 HallieGamble HannahMacDonald
YEAR8 MollyEvans LuellaMackin
YEAR9 GraceJohnson CordeliaOldroyd
YEAR10 MacyHalford EvaMellow
Year11 EmilyCanny AuroraMilnes
Year12 NicoleChamberlain AbbieHagan
Specialmentiontothefollowingstudentswhohavebrokenrecords thisyear:
50mFreestyleGraceJohnson31.35sec 50mFreestyleCallumSojan2686sec 50mBreaststrokeMollyEvans40.88sec 50mBreaststrokeCallumSojan3787sec 50mButterflyGraceJohnson3572
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolhad45studentsrepresentourschoolat theACCSwimmingCarnivalinPerthonFriday21March.
ThestudentsenjoyedafewhoursatOutbackSplashonthewayinto PerthandthencompetedattheHighPerformanceStadiumthe followingday.Theeventswere100mfreestyle,50mfreestyle,50m breaststroke,50mbackstrokeand50mbutterflyaswellasthe4x50m medleyrelayand4x50mfreestylerelay
ThisyearGGSwonthejuniorgirlsshield,placedsecondinthesenior girls,wontheoverallgirlsshieldandourschoolwontheoverallF divisioncarnival.
AbigthankyoutoMrsHalford,MrGreenawayandMrGillforattending thiscampandfortheiramazingsupportatthecarnival A C C S W I M M I N G C A R N I V A L
Congratulationstoallofourswimmers Weareallsoproudofourswim teamandcannotwaittowatchthemcompeteinEdivisionin2026.
OnFriday,4April,ourprimarystudentsdidusproudbytakingoutfirstplaceat thisyear’sInterschoolSwimmingCarnival Aspecialcongratulationstoall individualawardwinners you’veshownincredibledeterminationandskill.
AheartfeltthankyoualsogoestoStJohn’sforhostingandorganisingsucha fantasticevent,andtoalltheparticipatingschoolsforagreatdayoffriendly competition P R I M A R Y I N T E R S C H O O L S W I M M I N G C A R N I V A L
HudsonKennedy-Year4ChampionBoy
LylaEvans-Year5ChampionGirl
JulianGiudice-Year5ChampionBoy
OliverNelson-Year6RunnerupChampionBoy
Thankyoutoallstudentswhoparticipatedandcheeredontheirteamwith suchenthusiasm,andtoouramazingteachers,staff,andparentsforyour ongoingsupport
KindyTeddy Bear’sPicnic
OnWednesdayFebruary5,wehostedourannualKindyTeddyBear’sPicnic FamiliesfromtheJunior KindyandKindy4classescametogetherandspenttheafternoongettingtoknowoneanotherbefore thestartoftheschoolyear TheKindystudentsspenttheafternoonplayingwiththeirfriends,cuddling theirteddybears,readingstoriesanddancingtosometeddybearsongs Lotsofnewfriendshipswere madewhilsteveryoneenjoyedsomeyummypicnictreats.
SplashDay
OnThursday,20February,thePre-Primary,YearOneandYearTwostudentsthoroughlyenjoyedafabulous morningofSplashDayfun Thechildrenparticipatedinsixtwenty-minuterotationsofwateractivities, includingaslipandslide,bubbles,asharkandwatergame,awaterballoonandspoonraceandface painting.AfavouriteactivitywaseitherdodgingMrsBrennanandMrsMannwiththehoseorstandingfora completesoakingwhileplayinginthewoodenplayground!
P&FDisco
ThePrimarySchoolDisco,withthefunthemeof"WhenIGrowUp,"wasahugehitandverywellattended Thestudentshadafantastictimedancingnonstop,showcasingawiderangeofdress-ups,from policemenandtradiestodancers,farmers,vetsandnurses.
ParentsalsoenjoyedtheMeet&Mingle,withmanygatheringonpicnicblanketstosoakupthebeautiful summerevening Thenewprincipal,BradGill,tooktheopportunitytoconnectwithparents,making everyonefeelwelcome
AspecialthankstoLocalworksforgenerouslysponsoringthelollybarandtoparentsfortheiryummy cupcakeanddrinkdonations.AlsoabigthankyoutotheP&Fvolunteersandteachersforalltheirhard workinmakingthiseventsuchasuccess!
Onthe8March,weheldourSeniorFormalrighthereatourschool.TheBataviaHallwascompletelytransformedintoa stunningballroomwithbeautifulAtlantis-themeddecorations.Itwasamazingtoseeeveryonedressedup,havingfun andfillingthenightwithmusic,dancingandlaughter Wecapturedsomanygreatphotos,andit’sdefinitelyanightwe’ll allrememberformanyyearstocome
I'dliketotakethisopportunitytoexpressourgratitudetosomeveryspecialpeoplewhohelpedmakethenightsucha success
Firstly,ahugethankyoutotheparentswhogaveuptheirtimetohelpsetuptheBataviaHall-yourhardwork transformedthespaceandbroughttheAtlantisthemetolife.AspecialthankstoMrsRoutledgeforcapturingsomany incrediblephotosonthenight
I’dalsoliketothankthefrontofficestafffortheirclericalandfinancialassistanceandtotheYear10helperswhokeptus refreshedwithdrinksandfood-theydidanamazingjob!ToalltheteacherswhogaveuptheirSaturdayevening,thank you-wereallyappreciatedyoursupport,anditwasgreattohaveyouthere,especiallyforthosememorableclass photoswe’lltreasureforyearstocome
Finally,ahugethankyoutoourBallCommitteeforalltheireffortandplanning–thehardworkdefinitelypaidoff.And,of course,aspecialthankstoMrAngelatosforleadingandsupportingtheCommitteethroughitall
Thanksagaintoeveryonewhomadeitsuchaspecialnight,andwehopetheupcomingformalsarejustasspecial. Thankyou!
WrittenbyRoaaElgamal(BallCommitteeRepresentative)
Year10GeographyExcursion
TheYear10'sexploredthechangingcoastlineof GeraldtonaspartofaYear10Geographyexcursion toanalysetheprocessesandforcesthatchangeour coastline.
TheycreatedsketchmapsofMidalia'sBeachand identifiedthechangesmadebyerosionand depositioninthisareabeforemovingontothe BataviaCoastMarina
Studentslookedatpollutionissuesintheareaand someoftheworksbeingdonetomanageand improvethisspaceforboaters,beforemovingtothe laststopattheGeraldtonforeshoretodeterminethe directionoflongshoredrift
Itwasgreatweatherforanexcursionwithlotsof othergroupsoutenjoyingthenaturalandbuilt environment ThankstotheYear10teachersfor organisingandcomingalongwiththeclasses.
Year11OutdoorEd
Inweek6,theyear11Outdoor Educationclassestravelledto Dongaraforadaytripspent canoeingontheIrwinRiver.
Thecalmconditionsand enthusiasticstudentsmadefora greatday
Cookingupatastylunchonthe trangiaswasahighlightalong withsomecanoeingchallenges. Thestudentsshowedexemplary teamworkthroughouttheday whichwasgreattosee
Year12OutdoorEd
Theyear12outdooreducationclasshadanearlystartonMondayweek9,packingthebusandleavingfor Rottnest AfterfivelonghourswearrivedatHillary’s,wherewepackedourluggagecratesandboardedthe ferry,readyforasmoothtripacross.
Onarrivalweweregreetedbyourfurryquokkafriendsasweheadedtoourcampsite Thateveningwe experiencedastunningsunsetwhileenjoyingourfirstswimonRottnestIsland,alongwithplayinga competitivegameofduck,duck,goose Thefirstdaywegotupbrightandearly,headingoffonourbikes aroundtheisland WecycledallthewayouttoWestEndtovisittheLong-NosedFurSealsandenjoyedour morningteawiththeentertainmentofasealpupplayingonthereef.WethenrodeourbikesalongtheSouth sideoftheislandandstoppedforaswimatSalmonBay,beforeheadingbacktothecampsiteforlunchand later,asnorkelattheBasin.
Laterthatarvo,weplayed18holesofminigolf,andweparticipatedinaserioussandcastlecompetition,which wewonwithoursculpturedoctopus.Wethenheadedbacktothecampsitefordinner,showers,andbedafter ahugedayofcycling,snorkellingandswimming OnWednesday,wecycledtoOliverHillandcheckedoutthe hugegunusedinWorldWarIIandthenwentforasnorkelatLittleSalmonBayalongwithmorningtea We headedbacktocampforlunchandanotherswimbeforestartingthecompasschallenge.Afterthiswewent backtothebeachandenjoyedabarbequedinner
Followingdinner,weplayedtennis,forty-fourhomesandourendofcampdebrief.Thursdaysawanextremely earlystartwiththeluggagecratesbeingpackedtobepickedupby7am WerodeintoRottnestSettlement,to enjoybreakfastfromthebakerybeforeboardingtheferrytogohome.Wehadanamazingtimeonwhatwas oneofourlastschoolcampsandaresothankfulforMsCinanniandMsBassett-Scarfefororganisingsucha funandsuccessfulcamp ThanksalsotoMrMurrayandMrAngelatosforaccompanyingusonthecamp
WrittenbyRubyandLorelie
Ride2SchoolDay
‘YourMove’Program-newtoGGS!
RidetoSchoolDaywasasuccessfuleventheldinWeek7andhelpeduslaunchthisnewprogram,with69 studentschoosingactivetraveloptions
Itwasanopportunityforstudents,parentsandteacherstotryriding,walking,skatingorscooteringtoschool,as wellascelebratingalltheregularwalkersandriders.Onthesedays,weaimtonormalisewalkingandridingto school,andhopefullyhelpourfamiliescreateanewhabit Thedayisachancetocelebratewalkingandriding onalargescaleandtoproveitcanbedone
WearenowaYourMoveSchool!
YourMoveisaDepartmentofTransportprogramthatencouragesstudentsandtheirfamiliestogetactiveby walking,ridingandscooteringtoschoolorcatchingpublictransport,moreoften
Makingasmallbehaviouralchangeafewtimesaweekcanresultinhugebenefitsforyourchildandthe community,including:
reducedcongestion,traveltimesandparkingproblemsaroundschools; improvedsafetyforeveryoneatdrop-offandpick-uptimes; reducedcarbondioxideemissionsaroundtheschool; lifelongimprovedhealthandemotionalwell-beingduetoinstillingpositiveexercisehabitsatayoungage; improvedconcentrationandacademicperformance;and moresustainableandcost-effectivetransportoutcomes,suchasreducingtheneedforinvestmentin parkingthatmayonlybeutilisedforashortperiodeachday,andreducedroadinfrastructuremaintenance costs
WeearnYourMovepointsbypostingstoriesandphotosofouractivetransportadventuresonthewebsite; thesecantranslateintograntstofundactivetransportfacilitiesandactivitiesfortheschoolandotherrewards. AgroupofourYear6studentswillbeleadingthisprogramalongwithMrsBuckly,MsMartinandMrsAngelatos
InWeek4ofthistermanumberofoursecondarystudentswereselectedtoattendtheStargirlsSTEM Camp.Thiswasa2-dayimmersiverunbytheInternationalCentreforRadioAstronomyResearch (ICRAR)atCurtinUniversity,hostedbytheGeraldtonUniversitiesCentre.Theaimofthecampisto inspirefemalestudentsintoSTEM-relatedsubjectsandcareers,especiallyspaceandastronomy sciences Thestudentswereabletomeetandhearfrominspiringmentorsandparticipateinhands-on activitiessuchascontrollingresearchscaletelescopes.
AttheMidwestStargirlsSTEMCamp,wehadtheopportunitytomeetandtalkwithengineers, astronomers,radioastronomers,andmanyotheramazingprofessionalswhoworkwithorganizations likeSKAO,ICRAR,andCSIRO Welearnedhowtosetupandusetelescopes,andwewereevengiven accountstocaptureimagesusingtheSPIRITTelescopes,locatedfurthersouthnearbyPerth.Itwasan incredibleexperience,andIwouldabsolutelylovetoattendagainifgiventhechance.-PeytonTeale, Year8
FollowingonfromtheStargirlsSTEMCamp,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwasofferedthechanceforthe RadioAstronomersfromthatcamptovisittheschoolandrunsomeworkshops.Theyworkedwith studentsfromYear3throughtoYear12answeringsomeofthebigquestionsregardingourSolar Systems,GalaxyandtheUniverse ItwassogreattonotonlyhearabouttheamazingSciencebutto hearthethought-provokingquestionsprovidedbystudentsateverylevelandtohavethepresenters alsosharealittleabouttheirjourneyintoRadioastronomyandScienceCommunicationaswellas somegreatScienceFictionrecommendations!
SolarModelCarChallenge
OnThursday27MarchGeraldtonGrammar Schoolhad2teamsparticipateintheSynergy SolarModelCarChallenge.
OurteamsfromYear6andYear8competed againststudentsfromotherschoolstobuild, modifyandraceSolarModelCars Theteams havebeenpreparingforthisinPrimarySTEM ClubandDaltonthroughoutthisterm.
Itwasafantasticday,withagreatatmosphere andlotsofexcitement.Ourteamsshowedgreat teamwork,communication,problemsolvingand apositiveattitude.Eachracewasfilledwith healthycompetitionandgreatsportsmanship fromallteams
Congratulationstothefollowingteammembers.
ArtsandTechnologies
ConsideringthesuddenupheavalfromFblock,studentshavemanagedtotransitionwellintothenewArtsCentre andarecurrentlyworkinghardtoproducefantasticworkexploringarangeofthemesThelowerschoolstudentsare exploringtheirnaturalenvironmentlookingcloselyatwhatsurroundsusandhowweinteractwiththeecosystem. Theyhaveobservedandpaintedelementsfromtheenvironment,plantsandinsects,becomingawareofthelittle thingsthatmakeupoursurroundings
StudentsarealsoexploringelementsofnatureinJewelleryanddevelopingskillsthatwillequipthemtocreatemore complexdesignsinthefuture
ArtsandTechnologiescaterforcreativethought,includingoriginality,problemsolving,theunderstandingofcomplex issuesArtmakingisapowerfulwaytoexpressourselvesanditcanholdstrongemotionswhichareoftenhardto communicatewithwords.Thereisanemphasisonculturalunderstandings,recycling,environmentalissuesand insightsoftheselfandothersStudentshavetheopportunitytousetechnologytocreatetheirartworkanduse elementsofnaturetohelpcreatefinalmixedmediadesigns
WelookforwardtotheendoftheTermtoadmirecompletedworks
WrittenbyMsFelipeandMsBiggins
DesignandTechnology
Thisterm,ourDesign&Technologystudentshavetakenonaninspiringsustainabilitychallenge,addressinga criticalneedinourenvironment Decadesoflandclearinghaveleftmanynativebirdspecies rangingfromtiny parrotsandboobookowlstotheendangeredCarnaby’sCockatoos strugglingtofindsuitablenestinghollows InpartnershipwithBirdLifeMidwest,thestudentshavebeencraftingcustom-designednestingboxesinvarious sizestosupporttheseincrediblebirds Usingrecycledmaterials,they’vebuiltsturdy,eco-friendlyboxes equippedwithinternalladdersanddurablehardwoodentrances Eachboxiscarefullyfinishedtoblend seamlesslyintothenaturalsurroundings,ensuringtheyarenotonlyfunctionalbutalsolong-lasting.
Throughouttheproject,thestudentshavedivedinwithenthusiasm,masteringvaluableskillssuchasreading workingdrawings,precisemeasuringandmarking,safeuseofpowertools,andassemblytechniques
CongratulationstoourDesign&Technologyclassesfortheircreativity,dedication,andcontributiontoa healthierecosystem!Keepupthefantasticwork
FoodTechnology
Year8sEarnTheirLicencetoCook!
BuildingontheskillstheydevelopedinYear7throughtheOzHarvestFEASTprogram,ourYear8students areonceagainsteppingintotheFoodTechnologyroom thistimefortheLicencetoCookprogram!
Eachweek,studentsrefinetheirpracticalkitchenskillswhilealsodivingdeeperintonutritioneducation. TheyexploretheAustralianGovernment’sEatwellGuidelines,learninghowtomakeinformedfoodchoices forthemselves Fromdecodingfoodlabelstomodifyingrecipesforbetternutrition,studentsare developingtheskillstocreatebalanced,healthymeals.
Thisweek,studentshaveputtheirlearningtothetestinanassessedpracticaltasktoearntheirLicenceto Cookcertificate Demonstratingtheirsafetyawareness,technicalskills,andpresentationtechniques, they’veshowcasedjusthowmuchthey’vegrownasconfidentandcapableyoungcooks.
SchoolProduction
TermOneHasSoaredIntoActionwithaTouchof MagicinDrama!
We’rethrilledtoannouncethatauditionsforthisyear’s schoolmusical,PeterPan,haveofficiallykickedoff–and whatanincrediblestartit’sbeen!Witharecord-breaking numberofstudentseagertotakepart,theenergyaround thisproductionisabsolutelybuzzing
RehearsalswillbegininWeek6,andbothstudentsandstaff areexcitedtobringthismagicalstorytolife.
TheperformanceissetforearlyinTerm3,andwecan’twait tosharemoreupdatesaswecontinueourjourneyto Neverland.Staytunedforbehind-the-scenessneakpeeks andexcitingnewsleadinguptothebigshow!
WrittenbyMsClarkson
Year7STEPDay
ThefirstYear7STEPDay(SevenTowardsEightProgram)washeldonFriday,28March
Thisprogramwilltakeplacethreetimesthroughouttheyear,witheachdayfocusedonreinforcingtheschool's fourcorevalues:Inclusivity,Respect,Perseverance,andResponsibility TheseSTEPINdaysalsoprovidestudents withtheopportunitytoworkingender-basedgroupings,helpingthemdevelopsocial,emotional,andageappropriateresilienceskills
ThedaybeganwithahikealongtheGreenoughRiverTrail,settingthetoneforanactiveandengaging experience Afterrecess,studentsparticipatedinastudyskillsworkshop,ledbyReneeOlsenfromtheGeraldton UniversitiesCentre,wheretheylearnedhowtostudyeffectivelyandutilisetheDaltonPlan
ToconcludestudentswereengagedbyMrRoycegettingabetterunderstandingofthehistoryofGeraldton Grammar
Thestudentshadagreatday,andImustcommendalltheyear7sonagreatstarttotheyear!Welldone.
MrChadGreenaway
Year7and8Coordinator
YoungWriters
Thisterm,ourtalentedyoungwritersfromYears6,7,and8hadtheexcitingopportunitytoparticipatein creativewritingworkshopswithrenownedFremantle-basedauthorDebFitzpatrick Knownforwriting booksfor‘adventurouskidswithbighearts,’Debhasauthored11booksforreadersofallages,someof whichhavereceivedawardsinAustralia,beenpublishedintheUS,andevenoptionedforfilm.Her forthcomingnovel,TawnyTrouble(2025),followsKelpieChaos(2024).
WithaMasterofArtsinCreativeWritingfromUWA,Debregularlyteacheswritingtobothchildrenand adults,drawinginspirationfromreal-lifestoriestosparkcreativityandimagination Hervisitleftstudents engagedandinspiredtocontinuehoningtheirstorytellingskills,eagerlyanticipatingtheirnextauthor workshop.
AspecialthankyoutoTheLiteratureCentreinPerthfororganisingthesewonderfulexperiencesforour students!
HaveSumFun
TheHaveSumFunMathematicsCompetitionhostedbytheMathematicsAssociationofWesternAustralia washostedinGeraldtonforthesecondconsecutiveyear.TeamsfromschoolsintheGeraldtonarearace againsttheclocktosolvefourintenseroundsofeightchallengingproblems Thestudent'sresilienceand perseverancewasonfulldisplaywiththeyear7/8teamsachieving1 and4 placeandtheyear9/10 achieving1 and2 place.Congratulationstoallstudentswhotookpartintheevent.
Studentswhoparticipated:
Year7:ArianKamer,KeandraRamaish,KaiBassett-Scarfe,BeswinBiju,IsabelTaylor,CodenSpencer.
Year8:AngusHarrop,BlakeWills,WesleyBrown,RawleyDuperouzel,JasminNicholson,LubaNdiweni
Year9:AaravSinghDhillon,AlexMcAlpine,JamesTaylor,FelixAndrews,MiriamBeckett,HannahAntony
Year10:IsaacGamble,LeviBeckett,SaharChowdhury,EvaMellow,XavierShiosaki,PippaLin
ZonesofRegulation
Forthelastthreeweeks,studentsinYears7and8PDP classeshaveparticipatedinacrashcourseinthe ZonesofRegulation.Thisprogramisaimedat allowingstudentstoidentifyhowtheyarefeelingand toacknowledgewhenthefeelingstheyare experiencingmaynotbegoodfortheirwellbeing
Theyhavelookedatthefourzonesandthefeelings associatedwitheachzone:blue,green,yellowand red.WhileALLfeelingsarevalid,theyunderstandthat itisnotgoodforustobeinaparticularzonefortoo longaperiodoftime
Theyidentifiedandcategorisedamyriadofdifferentfeelingsandconsideredscenariosandtriggers whichmayinvolvethesefeelings.
Eachstudentnowhasapersonaltoolkitthattheycanlooktowhentheirfeelingsareout-of-sortswhich canhelpthemfeelwellmoreofthetime Someoftheseincludeopeninguplinesofcommunicationwith apeerorsomeonewhocansupportorlistentotheirthoughts,takingawalk,eatinghealthyfood,taking adrink,etc.
Studentsarenowmoreconfidenttoopenupabouttheirfeelingsandsupporteachotherinwayswhich helptheiroverallwell-being
2024VolunteeroftheYearAwards
Inlate2024,ourYear11and12studentswerenominatedfor twoawardsattheCentacare2024VolunteeroftheYear AwardsfortheirvolunteeringeffortsduringCampsWeek Asapartoftheirservicecomponentofcampsweekthe studentsattendedtheGreenoughMuseumandGardens for2daystodogardeningandmaintenancework
OnThursday5December,afterSpeechDay,5ofour studentleadersattendedtheawardsceremonyonbehalf oftheschoolwheretheywerecommendedfortheirworkin thecategoriesof:
-Youth-involvingOrganisationoftheyear -Volunteer-involvingOrganisationoftheyear
ThankyoutoFreyaBergen,JackWard,MillieGrazziadelli, RoaaElgamalandJamesonNolanforattendingthis specialeventwhereanumberoflocalcommunity organisationsandpeoplewererecognisedfortheirefforts. Thestudentswereabletomakecontactsandconsider otheropportunitiestoprovideaservicetotheircommunity. Welldonetoallinvolved.
Term1intheLibrary
AswewrappedupTerm1,thelibrarywasabuzzwithactivity FromNationalWomen'sWeek celebrationstoEastertraditions,andfromgenretoexampreparation,itwasabusyandproductive starttotheyear
Asthetermprogressed,studentssettledintoroutines,andthelibrarybecameahubofactivityduring lunch Withmanystudentsusingthistimetostudy,workonprojects,orsimplyrelaxwithabook,the librarywasahiveofproductivityandfocus
NationalWomen'sWeekCelebrations
TocommemorateNationalWomen'sWeek,weshowcasedbooksandresourceshighlightingthe achievementsandcontributionsofwomeninvariousfields.Studentsexploredthestoriesof trailblazingwomenwhopavedthewayforfuturegenerations,andweencourageddiscussions abouttheimportanceofequalityandempowerment.
EasterandTraditions
AsEasterapproached,wewelcomedtheseasonwithfestivedecorationsandactivities Students enjoyedtraditionalEaster-themedstories,andwesharedstoriesabouttheculturalsignificanceof Easterindifferentpartsoftheworld
Genre
StudentsdoveintotheworldofAustraliangenre,exploringtheuniquecharacteristicsofAustralian settingsandanimals.WetalkedaboutthewaysinwhichAustraliangenresreflectthecountry's diverseculture,history,andlandscapes.
AuthorSpotlights:AlisonLesterandGraemeBase
WealsohighlightedtheworksoftworenownedAustralianauthors:AlisonLesterandGraemeBase. StudentslearnedaboutLester'sbelovedcharacters,suchasBridgetandCamilla,andexploredthe imaginativeworldscreatedbyBaseinhispicturebooks
LotsofStudyHappening
Throughouttheterm,thelibrarybecameapopularspotforstudentstostudyandprepare Thelibrary offersaquietandsupportiveenvironment,andmanystudentstookadvantageoftheresourcesand studyspaces
AHiveDuringLunch
Duringlunch,thelibrarywasbustlingwithstudentsplayingchess,reading,orsimplysocialisingwith friends.Itwasgreattoseestudentsmakingthemostoftheirtimeandusingthelibraryasahubfor bothacademicandsocialactivities.
ReadingStatistics
BytheendofWeek9,studentshadborrowedanimpressive4260booksintotal Thisisatestamentto thestudents'loveofreadingandthelibrary'sroleinsupportingtheiracademicandrecreational readinghabits
Overall,Term1inthelibrarywasabusyandproductivestarttotheyear,witharangeofactivitiesand eventsthatsupportedstudentlearningandengagement We'relookingforwardtoanequally excitingandproductiveTerm2
Indonesian-StudentSpotlight
Year3/4havebeenworkingondescribingpeoplebylearningthepartsoftheface,colours,adjectives, andsomeaccessories.Forthetranslatingassessment,studentswereaskedtousetheirmemoryfor thehighfrequencylanguageandthecontexttodeterminethemeaningofthetextbeforeusingatwolanguagedictionarytocompletethetask
Year5/6havebeenworkingonamappingunitthatconsistsofformsoftransport,directions, landmarks,andinfrastructure Forthetranslatingassessment,studentswereaskedtousetheir memoryforthehighfrequencylanguageandthecontexttodeterminethemeaningofthetextbefore usingatwo-languagedictionarytocompletethetask
Mandarin
As a part of the cultural study outcome for the Chinese classes, the students researched different Chinese cultural festivals. Some of these included the Ghost Festival, The Dragon Festival and Chinese New Year A lot of effort went in to putting these together and the students enjoyed creating visual presentationsandpresentingthemtotheclasses.
PrimaryMusic
OurmostexcitingnewsinMusicintheprimaryschoolistheemergingsuccessofoursinginginitiative. MsMcGrath,withfantasticsupportfromclassroomteachers,istriallingtheconceptof‘singeveryday’.A songisselectedtobeperformedateachnextassemblyandstudentsgettohaveabriefsinging sessioneachdaywiththeirclassteachers,andintheirmusiclessonsbeforeitisthenperformedin communityatthenextassembly Theprogramisdesignedtosupportnotonlyconfidenceinsingingfor boysandgirlsequally,butalsogoodsocialemotionalwellbeing
SINGSTARS(CHOIR)
Choirnumbershaveincreasedthisyearandconfidencelevelsarehigh.Thesestudentsareworkingon breathcontrolandarticulationskillsaswellasbuildingarepertoire.Lookforthemononeofnextterms assembliesandattheGeraldtonMusicFestival.Weareparticularlypleasedtoseethatanumberof boyshavejoinedusthisyear.Newmembersarestillwelcome.RehearsalsareonWednesdaymornings 7:50–8:30am.
WINDSTARSBAND
AsyoucanseefromthephotothisgroupisVERYpopularthisyear Asthisgoestoprint,Iamgetting readytosendtheseinstrumentshomewiththestudentssotheycanreallytaketheirlearningtothe nextlevel Ihavebeensoimpressedwiththechildren'slevelofcommitment Manyhaveturnedupfor severallunchtimelessonseachweekearlyoninthetermsotheycouldlearnmorenotesandproduce amusicalsound.Wehavehadtoborrowmusicstandsfromthehighschooltocaterforournumbers, andthegroupiscertainlylearningsometeamworkskillswhilewelearnhowtomanageinstruments, chairsandmusicstandsforourrehearsals. ThisgroupwillalsoperformintheGeraldtonMusicFestival laterintheyearalongwiththehighschoolgroups.
SeniorMusic
TheInstrumentalMusicProgramhashadagreatstartin2025.Thenewlessonscheduleinthe secondaryschoolhasbeenwelcomedbythestudents,andtheensemblesarehardatwork,perfecting theirrepertoire.Thelevelofmusicianshipacrosstheprogramcontinuestoimproveeachyear, particularlywiththenewyear5students:aclearresultofthesuccessfulWindstarsBandinthePrimary School.Ournewestband,theGuitarEnsemble,ismakinggreatprogressandwewillsoonbeableto relaunchtheRockBandmadeupofourstrongestvocalists,guitarists,bassists,pianists,anddrummers. Thestudentsarealreadypreparingfortheirfirstmajorperformanceoftheyear:theGeraldtonMusic Festival,whichwillbehostedatGeraldtonGrammarSchoolonthe26and27ofJune.
Beginningin2025,studentsinoneoftheschool’sseniorensemblesareawardedamusicbadgeto displayontheiruniform.Thisbadgeacknowledgesthecommitmenttotheirinstrumentandthequality ofmusicianshipthatthestudentsmustdemonstrateinordertobechosenfortheSeniorConcertBand, JazzBand,orRockBand.Eachoftheseensembleswillalsobeledbyacaptainwhohasdemonstrated thecapacitytodirectotherstudentsintheirplaying,professionalism,andorganisation The2025 ensemblecaptainsareTaylorPenney–SeniorConcertBand,andLeviBeckett–JazzBand.
SeniorConcertBand
MusicBadge,Awardedtothe Seniortheseniorensembles.
TaylorPenney-SeniorConcertCaptain andLeviBeckett-JazzBandCaptain
NetballIncursion
OnWednesday,2April,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolhostedQuinnsBaptistCollege,GeraldtonChristianCollege, ChampionBaySeniorHighSchoolandGeraldtonSeniorHighSchoolforanafternoonofNetballgames GGS hadtwoYear8teams,twoYear9/10teamsandoneYear11/12teamwhocompetedwithexcellent sportsmanshipandskills
Abigthankyoutothefollowingstudentswhovolunteeredtoumpireandscorethroughouttheday:Samantha Scott,IslaQuirke,TannaParker,GraceEarl,MatildaMcCabeandMollySheerer.
AnotherbigthankyoutoouramazingstaffMrsJefferies,MissKnight,MrsHalford,MissMillsandMrsOpalinskifor coachingandumpiringourstudentsintheveryhotconditions.
WearealllookingforwardtocompetingintheMidwestNetballCarnivalinTerm2
StudentNews
MakingaSplashattheJuniorStateChampionships!
CongratulationstoourGeraldtonGrammarSchoolstudentswhorepresentedtheSchoolatthe2025 WesternAustralianJuniorStateChampionshipheldinPerthovertheweekend.Pictured(lefttoright) areLylaEvans,OliverWhite,MollyEvans,andGeorgeGiudice,alongsidetheircoachMaryLynas Allfour swimmersdeliveredoutstandingperformancesandachievednewpersonalbestsacrosstheirevents Lylacompetedinthegirls9yrs50mand100mfreestyle,and50mand100mbackstroke;Oliverinthe boys12yrs50m,100m,and200mfreestyle;andGeorgeintheboys13yrs50m,100m,200m,and400m freestyle.Mollyhadanimpressiveweekendinthegirls12yrsdivision,competinginseveneventsand earningsilvermedalsinboththe50mand200mbreaststroke Welldonetoallontheirachievements andforproudlyrepresentingGeraldtonGrammarSchool.
ShootingforSuccess!
JasmineScoresBiginBasketballandSurfLifeSaving
CongratulationstoJasmineBreeseinYear4 forherrecent sportingachievementsoutsideofschool Atherend-of-season presentationsinMarch,JasminewasawardedtheCoaches AwardfortheUnder12'sRocketsteamintheDongara BasketballAssociation.
ShewasalsonamedChampionfortheUnder9'sinthe 2024/25WoodsideNippersprogramattheDongaraDenison SurfLifesavingClub.Welldone,Jasmine,onyourdedication andsuccessacrossmultiplesports!
CongratulationstoJemimaBeagleyandLucy McCartneyforrecentlyrepresentingthe BuccaneersintheUnder12’sBasketballState Championships.Theirteamhadafantasticseason, finishingasrunners-upattheStateChampionships andtakingoutthewinattheCountry Championships
AspecialmentiontoLucy,whowasalsonamedthe runner-upleadingpointscorerfortheBuccaneers attheStateChampionships.Welldonetobothgirls ontheiroutstandingachievements!
StudentNews
LukeRepresentsGeraldtonatStateTeeballChampionships
TheStateTeeballChampionshipshavebeenrunningsince1974andisheldeverylongweekendin MarchinPerth.Itattractsmorethan80representativeteamsofbothboysandgirls,representing about30clubsfrommetropolitanandcountryregionsacrossWA,in5agegroupsandmany divisions.LukewasselectedbytheGeraldtonSoftballAssociationtorepresentGeraldtonintheU11’s team.Theteamplayed5gamesofTeeballovertheMarchlongweekend,andfinished3 overall whichwasafantasticeffort
MakingWavesOnandOfftheBeach!
CallumMakeswavesinKalbarri
OvertheweekendofApril5–6,Callum SojantookontheKalbarriJettySurf FrothinFoolssurfcomp, atwo-dayeventthatdrawssurfersfrom alloverthestate
Competinginthe18&Underdivision, Callumheldhisownagainstsometough talentandcameawaywithanimpressive 3rdplacefinish!
Awesomework,Callum!
AbigcongratulationstothemanyGeraldtonGrammarSchool studentswhowererecognisedattherecentGeraldtonSurfLife SavingClubseasonwind-up.AwardwinnersincludedHallie Gamble,IsaacGamble,MatteyaHasnain,OliverNelson,Quinlan Nelson,LilliaNelson,LankeshJayakody,SamaraPenney,Mason Kennedy,HudsonKennedy,AriaKennedy,EliBrook,ZiggyGould, VioletTaylor,AidenNicholson,andTomvanderMerwe
WhileSurfLifeSavinginvolvescompetition,itisprimarilyfocused oncommunityservice,withanemphasisonvoluntarybeach patrolsandteachingyoungpeopleessentialskillsinbeachsafety andhelpingothers Welldonetoallstudentsfortheircommitment andcontributionsbothinandoutofthewater
StudentNews
Congratulations–AerinScatenaJuniorGirlGeraldtonSoftball AssociationMVP
Aerinhasbeenthetalkofthecompetitionthisseason,impressingnot onlyherownclubbutalsootherclubswithherexceptionalskillsand sportsmanship.Herpassion,dedication,andcommitmenttothesport havebeenevidentineverygame
Playinginallthreegrades(Juniors,Div1&2)thisseasonandtravelling toPerthtoplayintheJuniorChampionships,everyoneisexcitedtosee wherehersoftballjourneytakeshernext
StudentSpotlight:NicoleChamberlain
We’reproudtocheeronNicoleChamberlain,whoissettocompeteinthe 2025AustralianOpenandU20AthleticsChampionshipsnextweek!
Nicolewillbetakingonthe3000mSteeplechase,ademandingeventthat testsendurance,strength,anddetermination
Thisisanincredibleachievement,andwewishNicolealltheverybest
SaddlingUpforSuccess:GGSEquestrianTeamHeadstoCompetition
BestoflucktoourInterschoolEquestrianTeam,whowillbecompetingattheStateChampionships inPerthfromApril13-16!
Weareincrediblyproudofourtalentedriders–AerinScatena,AshleeBlake,BronteButt,and IsabelleDewar–whowillberepresentingGeraldtonGrammarSchoolwithskilland sportsmanship
GoteamGGS!
Havesomethingtoshare?
Welovecelebratingourstudents'successes!Whetherthey'veexcelledacademically,creatively,orin extracurricularactivities,we'dlovetohearaboutit Pleasesendabriefdescriptionandaphotooftheir achievementtoggs@gegs.wa.edu.ausowecancelebratetheiraccomplishmentswithourcommunity
Respect Responsibility
