THE BEACON
Aletterfrom thePrincipal
GeraldtonGrammarSchool–30thAnniversaryYear
ItismygreatpleasuretowelcomeyoutothefirsteditionofThe Beaconfor2026 ayearoftremendoussignificanceforGeraldton GrammarSchoolaswecelebrateour30thAnniversary
Forthreedecades,ourschoolhasstoodproudlyasaplaceoflearning,character,andcommunity.Sinceopeningour doorsin1996,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolhasgrownfromaboldvisionintoathrivingK–12schoolthatcontinuesto honouritsfoundingvalueswhileconfidentlyembracingthefuture Thismilestoneinvitesusnotonlytoreflectonthe achievementsofthosewhoshapedourstory,butalsotorecognisetheenergy,optimism,andinnovationthatdefine ournextchapter
Alreadythisyear,ourstudentsandstaffhavereturnedwithenthusiasm,purpose,andastrongsenseof connectedness Acrossthecampus,fromKindergartentoYear12,thereisasharedexcitementforthelearning, leadership,creativity,andopportunitiesthatlieahead Ourongoingcommitmenttoholisticeducationmeansthat academicsuccess,wellbeing,culture,andcharacterremainattheheartofeverythingwedo
Inthis30thAnniversaryYear,wewillalsoshinealightonthepeople pastandpresent whocontributetotherich fabricofourschool Therewillbemomentsthroughout2026togather,tocelebrate,tosharestories,andtohonourthe legacybuiltbyourcommunityoverthreedecades Justasimportantly,wewillcontinuetolookforward,strengthening theprogramsandpartnershipsthatsupportourstudentstothriveinanever-changingworld
Aswecelebrateour30thAnniversary,2026alsomarksthelaunchofournewStrategicPlan–Towards2030 Thisforward-lookingroadmapsetsaclearvisionforthenextstageofGeraldtonGrammarSchool’sevolution, strengtheningourcommitmenttoexceptionalteachingandlearning,deepcommunityconnections,andaculture whereeverystudentcanthrive.Groundedinourvaluesandshapedthroughthevoicesofstudents,staff,families,and ourwidercommunity,Towards2030outlinestheprioritiesthatwillguideourschooloverthecomingyears enhancingwellbeing,enrichingcurriculumpathways,investinginsustainableandfuturefocusedenvironments,and ensuringGeraldtonGrammarSchoolremainsaplaceofopportunity,aspiration,andbelongingforgenerationsto come.
Iwishtothankourfamilies,alumni,staff,Board,andfriendsoftheschoolfortheongoingtrustandsupportthatallows GeraldtonGrammarSchooltobetheuniqueandvibrantplaceitistoday.Maythisanniversaryyearinspireusallto continuebuildingaschoolthatempowersyoungpeopletolearn,grow,andleadwithintegrity.
IhopeyouenjoythiseditionofTheBeacon,andIlookforwardtosharingamemorableandmeaningfulyeartogether aswecelebrate30yearsofGeraldtonGrammarSchool
BradGill Principal
U N D A T I O N D A Y 3 0 A N N I V E R S A R Y T H C E L E B R A T I O N S
ThecommunitythathasshapedGeraldtonGrammarSchoolcametogether lastmonthtomarkits30thanniversary
Families,paststudentsandstaffunitedonSaturday,31January,fora celebrationthatprovidedfunandreflectioninequalmeasure Heldinthe School’sBataviaHallGardens,therelaxedeventwelcomedhundredsof attendeeswhoreconnected,reminiscedandrecognisedtheSchool’srich historyandbrightfuture.
Therewassomethingforeveryone,includingminigolf,abouncycastle,an inflatableobstaclecourse,waterslide,dunktank,balloonanimals,ponyrides, facepainting,andartsandcrafts.Attendeesalsoenjoyedalibrarybooksale, anniversarymerchandise,andacake-cuttingceremony LocalfoodvendorsWickedWaffles,JBCuisine,OMGDonutsandRogueTapas, alongwiththeSchool’sP&Fsausagesizzle,keptthecrowdsatisfiedthroughout theafternoon.
PrincipalBradGillsaidtheeventwasapowerfulreflectionoftheSchool’s enduringvaluesandstrongcommunityspirit.
“Celebrating30yearsofGeraldtonGrammarSchoolisaboutmorethan markingtime it’saboutrecognisingthegenerationsofstudents,families, staffandsupporterswhohavehelpedshapeourschoolintowhatitistoday,” hesaid.
“Seeingpaststudentsreconnect,familiescometogether,andourcommunity celebratingsidebysidewasincrediblyspecial.Itreinforcesthestrongsenseof belongingthatdefinesGeraldtonGrammarSchoolandgivesusgreat excitementforthefuture”
SeveralVIPsgracedthecelebration,includingSheilaFlanagan,whowasa drivingforceinestablishingtheSchoolmorethan30yearsago,andSusan Shaw,theSchool’sfirstandlongest-servingprincipal
MsShawfollowedinthefootstepsoftheSchool’sfirstheadmaster,Tony Brooker
MsFlanaganandMsShawcutthe30thanniversarybirthdaycakealongside otherswhowerepresentontheSchool’sfirstdayin1996.Whileofferingthe chanceforpaststudentsandstafftoreconnect,thecelebrationwasalsoan opportunitytowelcomecurrentfamiliesbacktoschoolfortheyearahead
TheSchoolwillcontinuecelebratingits30thanniversarythroughout2026.
Y E A R 1 2 I N D U C T I O N
Our school year began with an induction of our Class of 2026 56 Year 12 students received their Class of 2026 badges and 10 of these students were formally recognised for their leadership roles that they began in Term42025:
ChapmanCaptain:CharlotteMcCabe
GreenoughCaptain:MaxCreasy
IrwinCaptain:WilBurgess
MurchisonCaptain:EveBroad
AcademicCaptain: LukeRoden
ArtsCaptain:GusChadbourne
ServiceCaptain:ChloeCruickshank
SportCaptain:FinnPreston
SchoolCaptain:HarrisonBergen
SchoolCaptain:EmilyCanny
Students and our School were blessed by Reverend Mal Walker, and our SchoolCaptainsaddressedtheassembly
Furthertothis,studentsfromtheClassof2025whoachievedanATARof 90orgreaterwerewelcomedtothe“90sClub”andourhighestachieving ATARstudent,LilyScrimgeour,waspresentedwiththeSusanShawMedal
R I M A R Y S W I M M I N G
S E C O N D A R Y S W I M M I N G
Ourseniorstudentsrecentlysteppedintoa“timelessnightofgoldenlights”attheirGoldenGatsby–themed SeniorFormal
TheBallCommitteebroughtincrediblevisionandteamworktolife,deliveringatrulymemorableevening onethatreflectedthecareandeffortstudentsputintopresentingthemselvessobeautifully.
AstandoutmomentwastheelegantformaldanceperformedbyourYear12students,openingtheevening instyleandsettingthetonebeforethecelebrationsflowedintomorecontemporary(and,tobefair, energetic!)dancing.
TheBallCommitteewouldliketoextendtheirsincerethankstoeveryonewhohelpedmakethenightsucha success:ourmaintenanceandcleaningstaffforgoingaboveandbeyondtocreateastunningandpolished setting;ourfinanceteamformanagingforms,ticketingandpayments;andourdedicatedteachingstafffor theirsupportthroughouttheevening.
SpecialthanksalsotoTimandCherithMilnesfortheirdancetuition,Larissaforhertirelessworkcapturingthe night,theteamatSkeetasfortheirexceptionalcatering,CathyfromLet’sPartyforbringingthethemetolife, andourenthusiasticYear10helpersfortheirassistancewithtableserviceandcleaning
KindyTeddy Bear’sPicnic
OnWednesdayFebruary4,wehostedourannualKindyTeddyBear’sPicnic FamiliesfromtheJunior KindyandKindy4classescametogetherandspenttheafternoongettingtoknowoneanotherbefore thestartoftheschoolyear TheKindystudentsspenttheafternoonplayingwiththeirfriends,cuddling theirteddybears,readingstoriesanddancingtosometeddybearsongs Lotsofnewfriendshipswere madewhilsteveryoneenjoyedsomeyummypicnictreats.
YoungWriters
Year6studentsrecentlyattendedtheGeraldtonYoung Writersworkshop,facilitatedbyKristyNitaBrown,heldin ourBataviaHall.
TheworkshopfocusedonScriptandStoryboard, providingstudentswiththeopportunitytoexplorehow ideascanbeclearlycommunicatedthroughvisual andwrittensequencing.Aspartofthesession,students designedandconstructedakazoo-styleinstrument, andthendevelopedastoryboardtorepresentthe process.Studentsalsohadtheopportunitytofilmand presenttheirownvideos,bringingtheirideastolife throughacreativeandengagingmedium.
Thisexperiencesupportedthedevelopmentofstudents’planning,sequencing,communicationand presentationskills,andprovidedameaningfulcontextforapplyingtheirwritinginapracticalandengaging way
OurYear6YoungWritersarenowverymuchlookingforwardtothenextworkshopinTerm2
Year12OutdoorEd
TheadventurebeganwithanearlydepartureandscenicbusjourneytoPerth,followedbyaferryrideacross sparklingwaterstotheiconicRottnestIsland.StudentssetupcampatashadysitenearPinky'sBeach,which quicklybecamehomebaseforaweekofchallenge,teamworkandunforgettablememories
AcrossTuesdayandWednesday,studentscycledfromoneendoftheislandtotheother,tacklingsteephills, strongcoastalwindsandlongdistanceswithdeterminationandresilience.Theireffortswererewardedwith refreshingswimsatthecrystal-clearBigSalmonBayandsnorkellingadventuresatTheBasin,wherevibrant marinelifeprovidedahighlightofthetrip.
Camplifeoffereditsownvaluablelessons Studentspreparedmanyoftheirownmeals,developing independence,teamworkandpracticaloutdoorskills whilequicklylearningtheimportanceofkeepingfood securefromtheisland’sfamouslycleverquokkas,whoprovedremarkablyskilledatunzippingbagsand findingsnacks!
Throughoutthecamp,itwasinspiringtoseenewfriendshipsform,perseveranceshineduringchallenging moments,andunwaveringencouragementsharedamongthegroup.Experienceslikethisbuildconfidence, resilienceandlifelongmemories
AheartfeltthankyoutoMrJonesandMrLangefortheirenthusiasm,supportandwillingnesstoshareinthe adventure.
P A R E N T S & F R I E N D S
OurWelcomeBackCoffee,Cake&Chateventswereawonderfulwayto starttheschoolyear,bringingfamiliesfromacrosstheschooltogether, alongwithaspecialsessionforourKindyparents.Itwaslovelytowelcome newfamiliesintothecommunitywhilereconnectingwithfamiliarfacesin arelaxedandfriendlysetting.Conversationsflowedeasilyovercoffeeand anincrediblespreadofhomemadetreatspreparedbyourdedicatedP&F members.Thankyoutoeveryonewhoattendedandhelpedcreatesucha warmandwelcomingstarttotheyear.
NeonDisco–ANighttoGlow!
OurNeonDiscowasabrightandenergetichighlightoftheterm, transformingtheschoolintoaglowingwonderlandofUVlights,vibrant coloursandmusic Studentsarrivedintheirbrightestoutfits,readyto danceandcelebratewithfriends,andthedancefloorstayedfullall evening Eventslikethisprovidevaluableopportunitiesforstudentsto connect,havefunandbuildfriendshipsoutsidetheclassroom Aheartfelt thankyoutotheparentsandprimarystaffwhosupportedtheevent throughset-up,supervisionandpack-down
ColouringCompetition–CreativityAcrossOurCommunity
TheannualP&FColouringCompetitiononceagainbroughtourwhole communitytogether,withentriesfromKindythroughtoYear12,aswellas staffandparents Thecreativity,colourandindividualityondisplaywere outstanding,anditwaswonderfultoseesuchenthusiasmandpridein everysubmission Thankyoutoeveryonewhoparticipatedandsupported thecompetition,andcongratulationstoourwell-deservedwinners.
LookingAheadwithP&F
TheP&Fisexcitedforthebusymonthsahead,withsportscarnivals, secondarydiscosandseveralneweventsalreadyintheplanningstages. Ourfocusremainsoncreatingopportunitiesthatbringourcommunity togetherandsupportourstudentsandschool.Wewarmlywelcomenew volunteersandencouragefamiliestoattendP&Fmeetingsandget involvedintheyearahead.
SolarModelCarChallenge
SynergySchoolsSolarModelCarChallenge
ThisyearwehadthreeteamsparticipateintheSolarModelCarChallenge ThisSTEMchallengeinvolvesteams ofupto4studentsbuildingamodelsolarcarundertimedconditionsandthenparticipatinginaseriesof eliminationraces
Thisyearthedaystartedwithcloudyskiessotheteamshadtowireinabatterypack“justincase”butluckilythe cloudspartedandwewereabletomakeuseofthesun Theteamsdisplayedexcellentteamwork,creativity, problemsolvingandresiliencethroughouttheday Whilewewerenotwinnersonthedaytheteamsallbuilt successfulcarsandshouldbeproudofthewaytheyrepresentedourschool.Welldonetoallofthestudents involved!
Year6teams:
ElliePlace,EvieTurner,JemimaNolan
CooperCampbell,ThomasBrown,HarryMouchemore
Year8team:
KaiBassett-Scarfe,KhalidSaleh,CodenSpencer,AryanParmar
HolidayScienceExperiences
MurdochUniversityTasterProgram–LauraPadmanandJessicaHolden
InDecemberweattendedMurdochUniversityforacoupleofdaysofcourses.Theseactivitiesrangedfrom usingChemistrylabequipmentinacompetitiontofindthepercentageofsugarinadrink,torunningaround MurdochUniversitywithournewfriendsinascavengerhunt Welearnedwhatdifferentcourseshavetooffer, expandingourhorizonsandguidingusonwhatwemightwanttodointhefuture Allofthementorsand professorswerefriendlyandinteresting,answeringallofourquestionswithpassionandenthusiasm We wouldgiveit10/10andwouldabsolutelygoagain
Moreinformationabouttheseprogramscanbefoundatwwwmurdocheduau
CuriousMinds–MiriamBeckett
TheCuriousMindsAdelaideSTEMcamp,heldintheDecembercamp,broughttogetherlikemindedYear8–9 girlsfromacrossAustraliatoexploresciencethroughhandsonworkshopsandactivities,someincluding makingfiveminuteicecream,coding,buildingandracingrobots,exploringVRspacesimulations,and solderingtheirowngamingBITdevices.Throughouttheweek,studentsvisitedtheUniversityofSouthAustralia, theUniversityofAdelaide,andlocalattractionsincludingthemuseum,botanicalgardens,sciencelabs,and theplanetarium.
Attheendoftheweek,eachparticipantwasalsopairedwithafemaleSTEMmentorwhowillguidethemas theydeveloptheirexplorationprojectsoverthenext6monthstopresentattheJulycamp.Thisprogram fosteredcuriosity,confidence,andlastingconnectionswhileopeningstudents’eyestoexcitingfutureSTEM pathways,andisaverymemorableandworthwhileexperienceforanyyounggirlinterestedinSTEM.
HighachievingstudentsareinvitedtojointhisprogrambasedontheirachievementinNationalMathsand Sciencecompetitions
SchoolProduction
ExcitementisbuildingatGeraldtonGrammarSchoolfollowingabusyandhighlyanticipatedaudition periodforourSecondarystudents.Wewerethrilledwiththeincredibleresponse,showcasingthedepth oftalent,enthusiasm,anddedicationacrossourschoolcommunity.
Aftercarefulconsideration,wearedelightedtoannouncethestudentsselectedforkeyrolesinthis year’sproductionofBeautyandtheBeast.Rehearsalsarealreadyunderway,andwecan’twaittosee thisbelovedstorycometolifeonstage.
Besuretosavethedateforwhatpromisestobeaspectacularevent!Performanceswilltakeplaceon Friday7AugustandSaturday8August,withthreeshowsintotal includingtwoeveningperformances andaspecialSaturdaymatineedesignedespeciallyforyoungeraudiences
Furtherdetails,includingticketsales,willbereleasedinTerm2 Staytuned thisisoneproductionyou won’twanttomiss!
Wewouldalsowarmlywelcomesupportfromourschoolcommunity Ifyouhaveskillsinset construction,costumemaking,orhairandmake-up,pleaseemailkatie.clarkson@gegs.wa.edu.au
Congratulationstothefollowingstudentswhohavebeencastthefollowingroles:
Belle:AuroraMilnes
Beast:RawleyDuperouzel
Gaston:LeviBeckett
Lumiere:AngusChadbourne
Cogsworth:MiriamBeckett
MrsPotts:ChloeCruickshank
Chip:AmeliaCoaker
Maurice:ConnorJones
Babette:MatildaCanny
MadamedelaGrandeBouche:OliveDavidson
Lefou:MichaBeckett
MonsieurD’Arque:OscarRingwood
Bookseller:CraigMiller
LesFillesDeLaVille: MilaKing,HallieGamble,CordeliaOldroyd&KobyPrice
Narrator:RheaPoligadu
YoungPrince:GarethTaylor
OldBeggarWoman/Enchantress:SynnoveDhillon VillagersChorus: PoppyParsons,CraigMiller,StellaRedbond,TedJolly,LilyMouchemore,AllieWynne,GarethTaylor,Hafsa Aung, Josie Mackin, Rhea Poligadu, Isabel Taylor, Peyton Teale, Harriet Davies, Sahar Chowdhury, Eva Mellow,CadenceGuilford,JaneForrester,ZoeReynolds,MasonEdwards,IsabellaPurslow&GraceJolly. Wolves:
ZahraHolden,VioletAndrews,LilyWilks,AlizaMitchell&TillieRingwood
CastleChorus:
Scarlett Singleton, Imogen Teakle, Elizabeth Hoang, Lexi Barron, Neve Reynolds, Madi Hunt, Evie Bristow, Lenya Stellmach, Grace Thurkle, Zoe Doncon, Ainslie Pope, Shelby Bennett, Lennie Buck, Rachel Whitmarsh,FreyaTeakle,LolaGould,KaleyOwens,ChloeBlackmore,CharlotteDalton,RileyDennis,Kara Pothan,FrancescaPlace&AliceMcAuliffe.
VisualArts
YEAR12VISUALARTSSTUDENTSAREGOING“INCOGNITO”
OurYear12VisualArtsstudentswillparticipateinthisyear’s“IncognitoArtShow”.Thisanot-for-profit organisationsupportingAustralianartists,andthebiggestandmostinclusiveartshow.EveryA5 artwork,regardlessofartist,issoldforjust$100
Sowhat’sThetwist?
Theidentityoftheartistremainsanonymousatalltimes Onlyonceanartworkisbought,willthe artist’snameberevealedtothebuyeronthebackoftheartwork
Profitsraisedgotowardsfundingprogramsthatsupportartistslivingwithdisability
Theshow’suniquemodelprovidesgreateraccesstoart-buyingforthosewithouttheusualmeansto doso,andpeoplebuywhattheytrulylove,notabigname
Incognito’sthreekeyimpactgoalsare:
1Tofinanciallysupportartsorganisationswiththedonationofprofits
2Toprovideemergingartiststheopportunitytobecomeprofessionalartists
3.Toinspireanddevelopanewgenerationofartcollectorsandsupporters
Checkitout!
https://www.incognitoartshow.com
JewelleryDesign
“Snakey”–ACreativeCommission
Asanintroductiontothe2026JewelleryDesigncourse,studentsweresetanimaginativeandhighly engagingchallenge:todesignabespokepieceforaveryparticularclient someonewithapassion forbold,one-of-a-kindjewellery.
Thebriefcamewithtwonon-negotiablerequirements.First,thepiecehadtobecraftedfroma treasuredlengthof2mmroundsilverwire,carefullypreservedbytheclientovermanyyears.Second, thedesignneededtoincorporateasnake anenduringandmuch-lovedmotif.
Whilestudentsweregivencreativefreedominhowtheyinterpretedthesnake’sform,movement,and finish,theywerealsorequiredtoworkwithinareal-worlddesignprocess.Theclientrequestedto reviewinitialconceptsbeforeapprovingafinaldirection,encouragingstudentstothoughtfullypresent andjustifytheirideas.
Thisprojectchallengedstudentstobalancecreativitywithconstraint honouringtheclient’svision whileexploringtheirownartisticvoice Theresultwasadiversecollectionofinnovativeandexpressive designs,eachbringingthissymbolicreptiletolifeinauniqueandstrikingway
“Snakey”notonlyintroducedstudentstothefundamentalsofjewellerydesignbutalsoprovided valuableinsightintoclient-basedcommissions,wherecommunication,adaptability,andcreativity arekey
MiaRothwell
KylaLewis
IslaSatie
PhotographyinFocus
Thissemester,we’vebeenexcitedtoexploreabrand-newsubject Photography.Eventhoughweare onlyinTerm1,wehavealreadylearnedagreatdeal.MissWalkerhasintroducedustoarangeofskills, fromcameratechniquestostudyinginfluentialphotographers.
Forourassessment,wearecapturingourownphotographsandthenaddingacreativetouchtoour favouriteimage,allowingustoexpressourindividualstyleandperspective
Hands-OnLearningin Woodwork
ThisterminWoodwork,wehavebeenbusycreatingpencilboxesandbenchpresses Thebench presseshavebeenespeciallyusefulinhelpingusmakeourpencilboxes,whichwecannowusefor storageathome.
Weusedthebenchpressestokeepthewoodsteadywhilecuttingwithatenonsaw,allowingusto achievestraight,accuratelines.Theseprojectshavebeenbotheducationalandpractical we learnedalotandhadagreattimealongtheway.
Year7STEPINDay
InclusiveEducation Department
2026markstheintroductionofanewchapteratGeraldtonGrammarSchoolwiththelaunchofthe InclusiveEducationDepartment.
Whiletheschoolhasalwaysplacedastrongemphasisoninclusiveeducation,thisyearadedicated departmenthasbeenestablishedtoconsolidateandstrengthentheschool’sapproachtosupporting studentswithadditionalneeds.
ThecreationoftheInclusiveEducationDepartmentbringstogetheraspecialisedteamfocusedon ensuringeverystudentissupportedtolearn,growandthrivewithintheGeraldtonGrammarSchool community.
Meettheteam:
DonnaHope HeadofInclusive EducationP-12
KimLuk InclusiveEducation CoordinatorP-6
JoannaHealy InclusiveEducation Coordinator7-12
Donna,HeadofInclusiveEducation,overseestheschool-wideimplementationofInclusiveEducationat GeraldtonGrammarSchool Inthisrole,shesupportstheadministrationteamwithaspectssuchas funding,enrolments,studentapplicationsanddatacollection Shealsoworkscloselywithteachers, assistingwithdocumentation,updatedstudentinformationandprofessionallearning,whilesupporting familiesthroughtheassessmentprocessandliaisingbetweenstaffandfamiliestoensurestudents receivethesupporttheyneed.
JoannaandKimworkdirectlywithstudents,staffandfamiliesacrosstheirrespectiveyearlevels, providingday-to-daysupportwithintheInclusiveEducationframework.TheyassisttheHeadof InclusiveEducationbydevelopingadeeperunderstandingofindividualstudentneedsandsupporting teachersinimplementingappropriateaccommodationsandcurriculumdifferentiationtoensureall studentscanengagemeaningfullyintheirlearning.
TheInclusiveEducationteamisexcitedtobere-imaginingwhatinclusivelearninglookslikeat GeraldtonGrammarSchool.Thisapproachprovidesanopportunitytocreatepositiveandlasting changewhileadvocatingforstudentswhomayrequiresupportacademically,socially,emotionally,or throughpositivebehaviourstrategies.
FamiliesareencouragedtoconnectwiththeInclusiveEducationteamiftheywouldliketolearnmoreor haveanyquestionsabouttheirchild’slearningexperience
T E R M 1I N D O N E S I A N
Ithasbeenaverybusystarttotheyear,asusual Wenowhave Indonesianrunninginthehighschool,andithasbeenwonderfulto seeourYear7studentssettlingintoanewenvironment.Ihavealso beenimpressedwithourYear8students,someofwhomaretrying Indonesianforthefirsttime.
WhilewelookforwardtowelcomingPakAndiuponhisarrivalfrom Indonesia,wehavethepleasureofhavingMissBailey(Monday)and MrsThuijs(Tuesday–Friday)joinusintheinterim.BothMissBailey andMrsThuijsareprovidingexcellentcontinuityintheroleandare supportingtheclassuntilhisarrival.
PartnerSchoolNews
Duringtheholidays,IspenttwoweeksinIndonesiawiththeBuilding RelationshipsthroughInterculturalDialogueandGrowing Engagement(BRIDGE)program,aspartofagroupofnineteachers fromaroundAustralia Wecompletedthreedaysofprofessional developmentinJakartabeforeheadingoffindifferentdirectionsto establishpartnerschoolrelationshipswithschoolsacrossIndonesia
OurnewpartnerschoolisSDN1BantulinYogyakarta,ontheislandof Java IrequestedaschoolinYogyakartabecausetheareaisa centreofeducation,art,andculture,withafascinatinghistory Itis alsoaneasyplacetovisit,andIhopesomefamiliesmaychooseto travelthereandexplorebeyondBali
Ispentfivedaysattheschoolworkingwithourpartnerteachers,Ibu UtamiandIbuIpoet,whowerewonderfulhosts Iwaswelcomedwith alavishceremonythatincludedtheschoolband,anangklungband, andmaleandfemaledanceperformances Duringmyvisit,Itaught severalEnglishlessons,participatedinotherclasses,anddelivereda presentationtoaroundfortyteachersandtenprincipalsonthe Australianeducationsystem.
Ilookforwardtodevelopingthispartnershipfurtherthroughoutthe year.
PakJohn IndonesianTeacher
I B R A R Y
T E R M 1I N T H E L
The Sheila Flanagan Library remains a vibrant and welcoming hub at the heart of Geraldton Grammar School, where curiosity, creativity and a love ofreadingareencouragedacrossallyearlevels.
Aswebegin2026,thelibrarycontinuestosupportstudentsfromPrimaryto Secondaryasacalmspaceforreading,research,studyandconnection
AStrongReadingCulture
Our focus remains on building confident, connected readers by encouraging students to choose books based on interest and ability With thousands of loans recorded each year, reading is thriving at GGS, supported by a collection that is regularly updated to reflect student interests,curriculumneedsandcontemporaryliterature.
LearningBeyondBooks
The library supports information literacy and research skills, digital resources, study support and lunchtime activities that foster connection. Studentsalsoenjoycreativeandwellbeingopportunities,includingpuzzles, quietgamesandthemeddisplays
ACommunitySpace
More than a place for books, the library is a shared community space where students respect resources and support one another Student volunteers play an important role assisting with shelving, displays and lunchtimeactivitieswhiledevelopingleadershipskills.
LookingAhead
In 2026 we look forward to reading initiatives, literacy events, Book Week celebrations, continued collaboration with teachers and expanding studentvoiceinlibraryprograms.
TheSheilaFlanaganLibrarycontinuestobeaplacefordiscovery,learning andconnection
KerrianneJefferies LibraryManager
T E R M 1M U S I C
TheInstrumentalMusicProgramhasmadeanoutstandingstartto2026, withmorelessonsandensemblesrunningthaneverbefore Thisgrowth reflectsthestrongengagementandenthusiasmacrosstheprogram, creatingwhatisoftenreferredtointheindustryasa“goodproblem”to have
Wearedelightedtowelcomeournewguitartutor,PaulMcDonald,who joinsusonFridaystoteachbothacousticandelectricguitar.With decadesofmusicalexperience,Paulbringsawealthofknowledgeand passiontoourstudents,andwearefortunatetohavehimaspartofthe team.Withlessonsnowrunningacrosstheentireweek,theprogram continuestoexpandinbothscopeandopportunity.
Ithasbeenparticularlypleasingtoseethecontinuedriseinmusicianship acrossallyearlevels,especiallyamongouryoungerstudents.Their dedicationandprogressarelayingastrongfoundationforthefuture, andwelookforwardtoseeingthesestudentsdevelopintoconfident performersandcontributetoincreasinglyhigh-qualityensemblesinthe yearsahead
Rehearsalsarenowwellunderwayasstudentspreparefortheirfirst majorperformanceoftheyearattheGeraldtonMusicFestivalattheend ofTerm2 Thisyear,weareexcitedtointroducetwonewensembles the PercussionEnsembleandTrainingBand whilealsowelcomingbackthe RockBand
ThePercussionEnsembleprovidesadedicatedenvironmentforstudents toexplorethefullrangeofpercussioninstrumentsavailableattheSchool, extendingbeyonddrumkitlessons Thisexperiencesupportsthe developmentofbothindividualtechniqueandensembleawareness, equippingstudentswiththeversatilityneededtotransitionintoother groups,particularlytheconcertbands
TheTrainingBand,ledbyMareeMcGrath,offersanexcellentopportunity forourbeginnerYear5studentstoacceleratetheirmusicaldevelopment andprogressmorequicklyintotheJuniorConcertBand.
MrEwanStevens
DirectorofMusic
StudentNews
SurfLifeSavingSuccessattheCountry Championships
CongratulationstomembersoftheNicholson, KennedyandTaylorfamilieswhocompetedatthe SurfLifeSavingCountryChampionshipsand CountryCarnivalinAlbanyovertheAustraliaDay longweekend,representingtheGeraldtonSurfLife SavingClub.
Theteamreturnedhomewithsomefantastic medalsandanunforgettableexperience.
RileyFong-RisingThroughtheRanks
Riley’sdedicationanddeterminationcontinuetoshine,withhisrecentachievementsmarkinganexciting chapterinhisbasketballjourney.
HavingtrainedwiththeBuccaneersprogramforthepasttwoyears,Riley’shardworkandconsistency havebeenrewardedwiththeopportunitytosignwiththeGeraldtonBuccaneers
Hisselectioncomesoffthebackofanimpressiverunofform,includingbeingnamedintheWAState CountryUnder18Boysteamfor2026.ThesquadwilltraveltoBrisbanethisApriltocompete,withRiley demonstratingremarkablecommitment travellingtoPerthfortnightlyfortrainingandgames. AttherecentUnder18CountryChampionshipsinPerth,Rileyplayedakeyroleinleadinghisteamtoa championshipvictory anachievementyearsinthemaking andwasdeservedlynamedGrandFinal MVP
Closertohome,RileyhasalsobeenastandoutperformerforPumasintheGeraldtonAmateurBasketball Association.HewaspartoftheMen’s1PremiershipteamandclaimedoverallMVPhonoursforMen’s2, highlightinghisimpactacrossmultiplelevelsofcompetition.
RileyrecentlymadehisBuccsdebutinapre-seasonclashagainstBinar,impressingteammatesand spectatorsalike Followingthegame,teammateLiamHuntpraisedhisperformance,saying,“Didn’tlook outofplaceSaturday!WelldeservedFongy,” astrongendorsementfromarespectedveteran Withabrightfutureahead,Rileyiscertainlyonetowatch
StudentNews
StateChampionships
OliverWhiteandMollyEvansqualifiedforandcompetedat the2025WAAgeandOpenChampionships,heldatthe PerthHighPerformanceCentrefrom19–22December
Oliver(13yrs)achievedpersonalbestsinallfiveeventshe competedin,makingfinalsinallfreestyleraces Heplaced 8thinthe50mfreestyle,6thinthe100mand400m freestyle.Hewonbronzeinthe200mfreestyle,also achievinghissecondnationalqualifyingtimewiththis swim.
Molly(13yrs)achievedpersonalbestsandmadefinalsinall threebreaststrokeevents Sheearnedsilverinthe50m breaststrokeandbronzeinboththe100mand200m events
MollyandOliverarenowfinishingtheirfinaltraining preparationsforthe2026AustralianAgeChampionships, heldinAprilontheGoldCoast Oliverwillcompetein100m and200mfreestyleandMollywillcompetein50m,100m and200mbreaststroke.
CountryChampionships
2025-2026SwimmingWACountryChampionshipswereheldon2-4thJanuarybringingtogetherthebest regionalWAswimmers
EighteenGGSswimmersqualifiedforthiseventandeightattended.Theycompetedinacombined38individual swimsovertheweekendand31pb’s.LylaEvans,MollyEvansandOliverWhitealsobroughthomemedals.
Thereweresomehugepb’srecordedovertheweekendincluding,HudsonKennedyinthe200mfreestyle dropping18.15secsandEliBrookinthe50mbackstrokedropping8.05secs.Allcompetitorsshouldbeproudof theirefforts
Swimmerswhocompeted
AvaWilson ChloeWilson
EliBrook HudsonKennedy
LylaEvans MasonKennedy
MollyEvans OliverWhite
Qualifiedbutdidnotcompete
AbigailHolden BohdiOnn
EvaMellow ZekeDaSilva
JasminNicholson JulianGiudice
OliverNelson QuinlanNelson
ThisagaAbeysekara ZahraHolden
Student&StaffNews
StudentSpotlight:BedeShinesatStateChampionships
CongratulationstoBedeonhisstrongperformanceattheStateAthletics Championshipson7March.CompetingintheUnder15Boys800m,hewonbronze andrecordedanationalqualifyingtimeof2:11.
BedehasnowbeenselectedtorepresentWesternAustraliaattheAustralian AthleticsJuniorChampionshipsinBrisbanethisApril.Welookforwardtocheering himonatthenationallevel.
RisingStar:RhysShinesinStandoutCricket Season
Rhyshasenjoyedanoutstandingcricketseason, reachingimpressivemilestonesthatreflecthis talentanddedication
HewasselectedasareserveintheUnder15 CricketDevelopmentTalentSquadfromplayers acrossalltrialteams anincredibleachievement, andhewastheonlyplayerchosenfromthe Midwestregion.
RhyswasalsonamedRunner-UpChampion PlayerintheUnder12scompetition,recognisinghis consistentperformancethroughouttheseason. Afantasticyearandanexcitingfutureahead well done,Rhys!
GrandFinalGloryforOurSoftballStars
CongratulationstostudentAerinScatenaandstaffmembersSueMundy, KerrianneJefferiesandJamieWilliamson,whoseDivision2Women’s SuicideBulldogsSoftballteamclaimedanexcitingGrandFinalvictory
Thisfantasticachievementreflectstheirdedication,teamworkand commitmentthroughouttheseason Weareincrediblyproudtocelebrate theirsuccessbothonandoffthefield
AlumniNews
HallofFameHonourforHarryTaylor
CongratulationstoformerstudentHarryTayloronhis inductionintotheWAFootballHallofFame.
Harryplayed280AFLgameswiththeGeelong FootballClub,winningpremiershipsin2009and2011 andearningAll-Australianhonoursin2010and2013 intheAustralianFootballLeague
AproudmomentfortheGeraldtonGrammarSchool community.
Raise a Glass to 30 Years of Geraldton Grammar School!
To mark Geraldton Grammar School’s 30th Anniversary, the school has partnered with local craft distillery 30 Knots to create a limited-edition commemorative gin This special release celebrates three decades of community, learning, and local pride
Available in a 700ml bottle, the gin can also be purchased in a beautifully designed commemorative case – perfect for gifting to alumni, families, and friends. Each bottle reflects the spirit of Geraldton Grammar School and the craftsmanship of a locally made product
Pricing:
700ml Bottle: $70
700ml Bottle in Commemorative Case: $90
Orders are now open and can be placed directly with the school’s Finance Team via finance@gegs.wa.edu.au or by calling (08) 9965 7803.
This product is available to persons aged 18 years and over. Please consume responsibly.
Celebrate 30 years of Geraldton Grammar School with a toast to the past, present, and future – in every sip of this commemorative gin.
Salt in your hair. Sand between your toes. This one’s for the ocean lovers Refreshing and invigorating like a dip at Back Beach, Sea Spray is our Navy Strength Gin. Bold juniper notes are perfectly balanced with traditional botanicals and native Ruby Saltbush. Subtly salty, warming, and perfect with tonic.
TASTING NOTES
Ruby Saltbush, Salt water, Juniper, Coriander, Desert Lime
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
Pairs well with Capi Tonic, garnish with a sprig of Rosemary
AWARDS
Australian Gin Awards 2025 - Gold Best Bottle |
Australian Gin Awards 2025 - Silver |
International Wine & Spirit Competition 2025Gold Outstanding | Perth Distilled Spirits Awards 2024 - Silver
30 Knots Spirits are gluten-free and made without artificial flavours.
ABV 40%