THE BEACON
DECEMBER2025
Aletterfrom thePrincipal
DearGeraldtonGrammarSchoolCommunity,
Asweclosethechapteron2025,Iamfilledwithimmense prideandgratitudefortheextraordinaryyearwe’vesharedat GeraldtonGrammarSchool.Thisyearhasbeenatestament tothestrengthofourcommunity,thededicationofourstaff, andtheboundlesspotentialofourstudents.
FromKindergartenthroughtoYear12,ouryoungpeoplehaveembracedabreadthofopportunitiesto grow,lead,andexcel Whetherthroughacademicachievement,creativeexpression,sportingtriumphs,or servicetoothers,ourstudentshavedemonstratedresilience,curiosity,andcompassion
Aswehonourourdepartingseniors,wecelebratenotonlytheiraccomplishmentsbutthecharacter they’veshownthroughouttheirjourney.Theyleaveusasconfident,capable,andthoughtfulindividuals, readytomaketheirmarkontheworld.Wethankthemforthelegacytheyleavebehindandwishthem everysuccessintheexcitingpathsahead
Asweturnthepageto2026,wepreparetocelebratearemarkablemilestone GeraldtonGrammar School’s30thAnniversary.Thisspecialyearwillbeatimetohonourourrichhistory,reflectonthevalues thathaveshapedourjourney,andcelebratethevibrantcommunitythatcontinuestogrowandthrive. Throughouttheyear,wewillmarkthisoccasionwithevents,stories,andinitiativesthatpaytributetothe pastwhileinspiringaboldandexcitingfutureforourstudents,staff,families,andalumni Itpromisestobe ayearofconnection,pride,andcelebration
Toourentireschoolcommunity students,families,staff,andsupporters thankyouformaking2025a yeartoremember.Maythespiritofgrowthandconnectioncontinuetoguideusintothenewyear.
Warmregards,
BradGill Principal
WithamixtureofjoyandsadnesswefarewelledourClassof2025witha numberofeventsculminatingwithaguardofhonourasthestudentswalked outofourfrontgatestothreecheersfromthecommunity.
AftertheATARstudentscompletedtheirschoolexaminations,weinvitedthe GeneralstudentsbacktojoinusforashortretreatcampatBackBeach wheretheyallcompletedalegacyartprojectandenjoyedeachother’s companyinbeautifulweather
Perhapsweshouldhaveensuredtheyhadmoreopportunitytopractisetheir footballskillsasthefollowingThursdayafternoontheYear12sweretotally schooledbytheirmoreexperiencedteachers Tobefairtothestudents, however,theyhadorganisedandrunthetraditionalBataviaGamesjust beforehand
Thursdayevening’sValedictoryChurchServicesawourgraduatingclass donacademicgownsandtheirsashestohighlightthismomentoustimein theirlives.
Fridaysawthestudentarriveearlyforabreakfastcookedbytheirteachers, afinalfarewelltotheirHomegroupsandtheValedictoryAssemblywherewe acknowledgedtheirachievementsbeforesendingthemontheirwayoutinto theirpostschoollives. Y E A R 1 2 V A L E D I C T O R Y
Valedictory Awards YEAR 12
2025 John Royce Dux Medal: Lorena Sansone
AMPOL All-Rounder: Nicole Chamberlain
Long Tan Leadership & Teamwork Award: Freya Bergen
ADF Future Innovators Award: Jack Ward
Sheila Flanagan Award: Freya Bergen
Kurt Hahn Round Square Award for Service: Millie Grazziadelli
Sportsman of the Year Award: Ben McGowan
Sportswoman of the Year Award: Nicole Chamberlain
Instrumental Music Program Award: Taylor Penney
Geraldton Grammar School Concert Band - Life Member Award: Taylor Penney, Ruby Lin and Emma Cruickshank
ATAR Academic Endeavour Award: Roaa Elgamal
General Academic Endeavour Award: Macy Riemer
Courtesy & Cooperation Award: Jack Ward
ATAR English Award: Lorena Sansone
General English Award: Lara Mincherton
ATAR Mathematics Application Award: Sarah Price-Walkley
ATAR Mathematics Methods Award: Jack Ward
ATAR Mathematics Specialist Award: Jack Ward
General Mathematics Essentials Award: Declan Argent
ATAR Chemistry Award: Phoebe Teakle
ATAR Physics Award: Lorena Sansone
ATAR Biology Award: Taylor Penney
ATAR Human Biolgy Award: Lorena Sansone
General Science in Practice Award: Declan Argent
ATAR Health Studies Award: Millie Grazziadelli
ATAR Psychology Award: Phoebe Teakle
ATAR Philosophy and Ethics: Freya Bergen
ATAR Geography Award: Millie Grazziadelli
General Physical Education Studies Award: Ben McGowan
General Outdoor Education Award: Lorelie Dalle
General Materials Design and Technology: Arwa Ahmed
Congratulations to our 2026 School Leaders! We are excited to introduce the students who will lead and represent our school community in 2026 Their dedication and enthusiasm shine through, and we know they willinspireothersthroughouttheyear
HarrisonBergen SchoolCaptain
EmilyCanny SchoolCaptain
LukeRoden AcademicCaptain
FinnPreston SportCaptain CharlotteMcCabe ChapmanCaptain MaxCreasy GreenoughCaptain
GusChadbourne ArtsCaptain
ChloeCruickshank ServiceCaptain
WilBurgess IrwinCaptain EveBroad MurchisonCaptain
2026YEAR6LEADERSHIPGROUP
JonathanLeigh-Firbank SchoolCaptain
DigbyHearman ChapmanCaptain Semester1
AvaWilson SchoolCaptain
LukeIbbotson GreenoughCaptain Semester1
OdinFalconer IrwinCaptain Semester1
MayaClarkson MurchisonCaptain Semester1
OnThursday,20November,ourYear6studentscelebratedtheirGraduation inaheartfeltandmemorableserviceattendedbyproudfamilies,friends, andstaff Theceremonyprovidedaspecialopportunitytoreflectontheir primaryschooljourney ajourneyfilledwithgrowth,resilience,and countlessachievements.
Studentswereacknowledgedfortheiracademic,andsportingcontributions, aswellastheleadership,kindness,andcharactertheyhaveshown throughouttheirtimeinPrimarySchool Theoccasionalsoallowedthemto expressgratitudetotheteachers,supportstaff,andpeerswhohaveguided, encouraged,andinspiredthemalongtheway
Followingtheformalities,thecelebrationscontinuedwithabeautiful GraduationDinnerattheLavenderFarm.Surroundedbyarelaxedand festiveatmosphere,thestudentsenjoyedanafternoonofsharedstories, laughter,andthejoyofsimplybeingtogether Itwasawonderfulchanceto celebratefriendships,reflectontheyearthathasbeen,andcreatelasting memoriesbeforesteppingintothenextchapter
WeextendourwarmestcongratulationstotheYear6Classof2025. Wearesoproudofallyouhaveachievedandlookforwardtowatchingyou continuetogrow,thrive,andshineasyoubeginyourexcitingjourneyinto SecondarySchool! Y E A R 6 G R A D U A T I O N
D I S T R I C T H I G H S C H O O L
C O U N T R Y W E E K
InlateSeptember,79studentsand11stafftravelledtoPerthfortheDistrict HighSchoolCountryWeek,bravingahotweekfilledwithcompetition, camaraderie,andfun LedbyourdedicatedSchoolTeamCaptains,Abi MarslandandJamesTaylor,theteamsdisplayedexceptional sportsmanshipanddetermination.AspecialcongratulationstoLuella Mackin,recipientoftheActiveAchieverAward!
Ourstudentscompetedacrossbasketball,netball,badminton,andhockey, achievinggreatresults:
BoysBasketball:
Team1ADivision–4thplaceandSportsmanshipAward Year9Team(CDivision)–4thplace Year8Team(DDivision)–3rdplace
GirlsBasketball: ChampionsandSportsmanshipAward
Netball:
Team1(A/BDivision)–5thplaceandSportsmanshipAward Team2(DDivision)–3rdplace Team3(EDivision)–5thplace
Badminton: MixedTeam–3rdplaceandSportsmanshipAward
Hockey:
Team1–3rdplace Team2–2ndplace
Beyondthecourtsandfields,studentsenjoyedmemorableactivities:TenpinbowlingonMonday,amovienightwatchingTheBadGuysonTuesdayat thecinema,arelaxingswimandrestnightatPointWalteronWednesday, andlate-nightshoppingatGardenCityonThursday.
CountryWeekismorethansport,it’saboutbuildingfriendshipsandcreating lifelongmemories CongratulationstoallforrepresentingGeraldton GrammarSchoolwithprideandsportsmanship!
TheBataviaGamesareamuch-lovedGrammartradition avibrant celebrationofteamwork,laughter,andHousespirit,proudlyorganisedandled eachyearbyourgraduatingclass.Establishedin2007,theinauguralGames marked382yearssincetherescueofsurvivorsfromtheinfamousBatavia shipwreckofftheAbrolhosIslands,givingtheeventitsfittingnameandsense ofhistory
Thisyear’sGameswerenoexception,asourswashbucklingYear12students embracedtheirrolesasspiritedcaptains,leadingtheyoungercrewsthrough aseriesoflegendary,water-basedchallenges.Fromdaringrelaysto mischievoussplashes,thedaywasfilledwithenergy,camaraderie,andplenty ofgood-naturedchaos allinthenameoffun,teamwork,andcelebrating theenduringGrammarspirit
B A T A V I A G A M E S
D A Y
G R A N D P A R E N T S
Grandparents&“Grandfriends”Day
TheendofTerm3sawawonderfulturn-outforourannualGrandparentsDay WewelcomedGrandparents,parents,familyandfriendsfromfarandwide,with manytakingtheopportunitytotraveltoGeraldtonespeciallyfortheevent.
Classroomswereopenforvisitors,withstudentseagerlysharingtheirlearning andengaginginactivitieswithfamilymembers.Grandparentsenjoyed swappingstoriesaboutwhatschoolwaslikeforthemaschildrenandmany newmemorieswerecreated
TheconcertinBataviaHallshowcasedourtalentedstudents,including performancesfromtheJuniorConcertBand,3/4Lukonrecorderandthe PrimaryChoir,ledbyMrsMcGrath.Wealsoenjoyedhearingaselectionof entertainingpoetryrecitalsfromsomeofourPrePrimarytoYear6students.
Followingtheconcert,guestsenjoyedamorningteainthefoyerofBataviaHall Someluckystudentswerethen“signedout”forthedaytoenjoytimewiththeir specialvisitors
ThankstoeveryonewhojoinedustocelebrateGrandparents(&“Grandfriends”) Daythisyear.
P & F P R I M A R Y D I S C O
‘YOURCELEBRATION’
Ourrecentschooldiscowasafantasticnightoffunanddancing The theme“YourCelebration”inspiredanamazingvarietyofdress-ups-our studentsreallyembracedthespiritofthenight.
Theteacherswiththehelpofsomeyear6studentsrangamesand activitiesforthejuniorprimarysessionwhichwasenjoyedbystudents andparentsalike Theyoungerstudentsalsoenjoyedsomelivelycircle dancingledbyourmusicteacher,MareeMcGrath,addingevenmorefun totheevening
Thesausagesizzle,lollybar,activitesandraffleswereabighitwith everyone,andwe’dliketosendahugethankyoutooursponsors, Localworks,TaylorMechanical,Pharmacy194,Qube,KidzCornerand Intersport Ouryear3/4parentsgenerouslysuppliedthedelicious cupcakeswhichdisappearedinnotime
Thankyoutoallthefamiliesandstaffwhohelpedmakethediscosucha wonderfulsuccess itwasatruecelebrationofourschoolcommunity! ThemoneyraisedwillgotowardscreatingactivityareasforPrimaryand HighSchoolstudents
Studentsinyears9and11leftbrightandearlyon13Octoberto headtotheWalpoleregionfortheannualOutwardBoundcamp returningonThursday23November.Theprogramisdesignedto buildresilience,communicationandcollaborationskills, interpersonalskills,asenseofrespectandresponsibilityto themselvesandothersandanadventurousspirit.
O U T W A R D B O U N D
Boththeyear9and11studentscompletecoursesthatinvolvean expedition,rafting,ropescourses,serviceandsolotimeinan environmentthatisbothstunningandchallenging.Thereare quitebigdifferencesintheexperientiallearningsineachgroup andthefeedbackfrombothstudentsandparentshasbeenvery positive.
Weareincrediblyluckytohavesuchsupportiveparentsand broadercommunitywithvolunteersmakingupthebulkofthe accompanyingadults.AhugethankstoPaulPatience,JadePope, ClaireTutton,TimMilnes,NicChadbourneandLaurieDineswho gaveuptheirtimetosupportus BigshoutouttostaffGrace HiggsandEwanStevenswhoattended.
OutwardBoundAustraliaarecelebratingtheir70thbirthdayin Australianextyearandasaschoolweareproudtopartnerwith themtohelpensureourstudentsarereadyforthechallenges thattheyfacebothatschoolandthroughlife.
DerekLange
MentalHealthWeek–ThePowerofSleep
Each year, our Primary School recognises Western Australia’s Mental HealthWeekwithactivitiesthatpromotesocialandemotionalwellbeing. This year, our focus was on sleep and its vital role in supporting mental health.
M E N T A L H E A L T H W E E K
“Sleepisthesinglemosteffectivethingwecandotoresetourbrainand bodyhealtheachday”–MatthewWalker
Despite its importance, up to 42% of Australian children aged 5–17 experience sleep problems, and our own wellbeing data shows around 25%ofstudentsreportlackofsleepasapersonalconcern
To address this, our Sleepy Summer Project encouraged students to explore healthy sleep habits In the lead-up, classes took part in lessons about the importance of sleep, while our Inspire leaders ran fun lunchtimeactivitiespromotinggoodroutines
On Thursday, 30 November, students embraced the theme by wearing their favourite pyjamas for the project launch The day included House activities, the creation of sleep masks, and a lively “Sleep is our Superpower”assemblybyclasses3/4KLandTL.
Students then completed a two-week sleep diary, tracking their sleep patternsandreflectingonwaystoimprovetheirsleephealth.
A heartfelt thank you to all staff, students, and parents for your enthusiastic support and participation throughout the project. Your involvementhelpedmakeSleepySummerameaningfulandmemorable celebrationofwellbeing.
RidetoSchoolBreakfastforWABikeMonth
WehadgloriousweatherforourRidetoSchoolBreakfastto celebrateWABikeMonth.Itwasawonderfulcommunityevent, withoveronehundredstaff,studentsandfamiliesfromacross thewholeschoolridingtheirbikesorscooters.
R I D E T O S C H O O L D A Y
EveryonegatheredonthelawnoutsideBataviaHall,withour fantasticParents&Friendsvolunteersservingahealthy breakfastfromtheFoodTechnologyRoomtorefresheveryone aftertheircommutetoschool.OurDeputyPrincipal,MrLange, wasalsokeptbusyservingcoffeesfortheadults!
Allstudentswhopre-registeredforthebreakfastwentinthe drawforaspotprize–congratulationstothestudentswhose namesweredrawn Forthebest-decoratedbike,itwasaclose competitionbetweentwo,withAinsliePopetakingouttheprize. ThankstoRevolutionsfortheirgenerousdonationofprizesfor thegreatestdistanceridden–ahugewelldonetotheGould andNelsonfamilies,whorodefromWhitePeak!Thisisan amazingeffort!
ManythankstotheDepartmentofTransport&Major Infrastructure,theRACandWABikeMonthforfundingand supportingourevent–weweretheluckyrecipientsofa$750 schoolgrant(promotionalpackageandfunding)forour breakfast.
Welookforwardtoseeingourschoolcommunitychooseactive traveloptionsonamoreregularbasistogetaroundGeraldton.
E A R T S
C E L E B R A T I N G T H
CelebratingArtsandStudentWork2025
ParticipatingintheArtshelpsstudentsbecomemoreconfident,creative, andempatheticindividuals Celebratingtheirworkshowsthemthattheir ideasandeffortshavevalueandthattheiruniquecontributionsmatter TheArtshavealwaysplayedavitalroleinhumanculture,communication, andexpression.WhenstudentsengageintheArtsandtheirworkis celebrated,itnurturescreativity,confidence,community,andadeeper understandingofthemselvesandtheworldaroundthem
Throughartisticexpression,studentslearnmoreaboutwhotheyareand whatmatterstothem Additionally,theArtsfosterimportantlifeskillssuch ascreativity,problem-solving,andcriticalthinking skillsthatextendfar beyondtheclassroomandarehighlyvaluableinanycareerpath. Studentsarechallengedtotakerisks,exploredifferentperspectives,and thinkoutsidethebox
Whenwerecognisestudentworkthroughexhibitions,performances,or publications,itsendsapowerfulmessage:theirvoicesmatter Publicly acknowledgingstudentcreativityboostsself-esteemandvalidatestheir efforts.Italsocreatesasenseofprideandaccomplishment,encouraging studentstocontinuedevelopingtheirtalents.
Celebratingstudentworkbringspeopletogether families,teachers,and peers creatingasharedappreciationforthediversityofthoughtand expressionamongyoungpeople.AtGrammar,aswehonourstudent voices,webuildaricher,moreinclusive,andmoreinspiredfuturefor everyone
�������������� isanexhibitionthatcelebratestheartworkofstudentsfrom Midwestsecondaryschools OrganisedbytheGeraldtonRegionalArt Gallery,thiseventallowsstudentstoshowcasetheirworkinaprofessional settingandprovidesthecommunitywithaccesstoviewtheircreativity.
ThisexhibitionfeaturedaselectionofartworksfromYears7–12, showcasingourstudents’skillsandperspectivesoftheworldaroundthem Nineteenartworkswereselectedfromourschoolfordisplay,andwewould liketocongratulatethefollowingstudents:
•Year9–Overall&HighlyCommendedBellaPumpa •Year10–Overall&HighlyCommendedCamilleAtkinsondeGaris •Year12–Overall&HighlyCommendedRobynSluka
GRAMMARJEWELLERSSHINE
Thisyear,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwasinvitedforthefirsttimetotakepartintheLatitudeGalleryYoung JewellersAwardsonMarineTerrace Parents,students,teachers,andPrincipalMrBradGillattendedthe eventonFriday,28Novembertoviewstudent-madejewelleryfromGGSandGeraldtonSeniorCollege
AstheinauguralyearoftheJewelleryprogramatGGS,studentsshowcasedtheirdevelopingskillsthrough apendantprojectguidedbyArtTeacherNickiBigginsandDesign&TechnologyTeacherRussellJones. Throughouttheproject,studentslearnedfoundationaltechniquesincludingsawing,filing,sanding, texturing,polishing,drilling,andsolderingasettingtoholdacubiczirconia.
Twostudentswhoworkedahead PippaLinandXavierShiosaki werealsogiventheopportunitytoselect aLatitudeGallerypearlanddesignanadditionalpendant
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolcollectedfourprizesonthenight
•XavierShiosakiwonYoungJewelleroftheYear2025andtheCraftsmanshipAwardforhispiece GuardianoftheEgg,praisedforitsoriginalityandcleverdesign.
•PippaLinreceivedthePrincipal’sChoiceAwardforRaindroponKoru,withMrGillnotinghercreativity, dedication,andpatience.
•EvaMellowearnedtheEncouragementAwardforZendayaSwings,whichjudgessaidcapturedthe circusthemebeautifully
AllstudentsreceivedLatitudeGallerygiftvouchers,andXavierhasbeeninvitedtospendadayonthe jewellerybenchwithaLatitudeGalleryjeweller.
ThePeople’sChoiceAwardwillbeannouncedonFriday,5December.
WeareincrediblyproudofourstudentsandlookforwardtotheJewelleryprogramexpandingnextyearto includeYears9,10and11 Staytunedformoreexcitingworkfromourtalentedyoungjewellers
XavierShiosaki
XavierShiosaki
PippaLin
KylaLewis
JessicaHolden “Stargazer”
PippaLin
AbbieCook
AngeliqueBairamus
EvaMellow
CLASSOF2000TIMECAPSULEOPENING
On23October,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwelcomedstaffandgraduatingstudentsfromtheClassof 2000toretrieveandopenthetimecapsuletheyburied25yearsago
Fourpaststudents JasonSeppala,KatieSluka,MelissaAylingandSarahMcKay returnedtoassistwith theunveiling Inside,theyrediscoveredarangeofmemorabiliafromtheirfinalyear,including:
Astudentdiary
The2000Archway
CopiesofTheBeacon2000
AblueGGScap
AGGSprospectusandstatementoffees
ASchoolCaptainpin
AYear12SchoolBallinvitation
AYear12Graduationsash
ACD-ROMcontainingphotopresentationsfromtheClassof2000
Themorningconcludedwithamorningtea,wherepaststudentsandstaffenjoyedreminiscingand sharingmemories.
SpecialthankstoourGroundsteamforexcavatingthecapsule withaparticularmentiontoMrRoycefor carryingoutthedigging andtoMrsJefferiesandMrsNanningaforthehistoricaldisplayintheBatavia Hallfoyer.
YEAR4TENNISCARNIVAL
OnThursdaythe27ofNovember,allYear4studentsattendedGeraldtonTennisClubto competeinthe‘RedBall’TennisCarnival GeraldtonGrammarentered6teamsintothe carnival,winningbothdivisions
Year4studentscompletedatennisunitoflearninginTerm4,demonstratingstrongskillsanda soundunderstandingoftherulesoftennis AbigthankyoutoYear10studentsMacyHalford andPippaLinforeachmanagingateamfortheday,alongwithMrsOpalinskiassistingprimary staff
YEAR6CRICKETCARNIVAL
OnFriday31ofOctober,allyear6studentsattendedtheWoolworthsCricketBlastSchoolCup GeraldtonGrammarentered2teamsintheboy'sdivisionand3inthegirl'sdivision Allteams wongamesacrossthedayandbegantoenjoythesportdespitemanystudentsbeinghesitant inthebeginning
Theformatofgamesmeantallplayerswereabletobatandbowl,receivingequalopportunity ThankstoTeganKingforvolunteeringhertimeasaparenthelper,aswellasYear9students HenryBurtonandSpencerSojanforcoachingateam
INTERSCHOOLATHLETICS
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwasproudlyrepresentedbyourYear1–6studentsacrosstwodays ofTerm3athletics
OnWednesday,17September,studentscompetedinthejumpsandthrows,withmany achievingimpressiveresultsandmultiplepodiumfinishes
OnFriday,19September,60studentsheadedtoLittleAthleticstotakepartinsprintsandteam events
Aftertwodaysofstrongcompetition,ourschoolfinished2ndoverall justasmallmargin behindthewinners
AhugecongratulationstoTomvanderMerweandFreyaTeakle,whowerebothawarded individualmedalsfortheiroutstandingperformances
BADMINTON
Asmallgroupofoursecondarystudentsproudlyrepresentedtheschoolattherecent InterschoolBadmintonTournament.Theydemonstratedexcellentsportsmanship,teamwork, anddeterminationthroughouttheday,competingagainststrongopponentsfromschools acrosstheMidwest
Itwasfantastictoseetheirskillsandenthusiasmondisplay.Thestudentsshowedresilience, supportedoneanother,andrepresentedourschoolwithpride.
Congratulationstoallparticipantsfortheireffortandsportsmanship!
SPELLINGBEE
CongratulationstoGreenoughHouseforwinningthe2025PrimarySchoolSpellingBee!Every studentwhotookpartcontributedapointtotheirHouse,makingthecompetitionevenmore exciting
Aspecialrecognitiongoestothestudentslistedbelow,whocorrectlyspelledmorewords thananyotherstudentintheiryearleveltoearnthetitleof2025SpellingBeeChampion:
WISECAMP
WomeninSTEMRegionalExpo-MurdochUniversity’sWomeninSTEM(WISE)RegionalExpoisanoutreach initiativeaimedatinspiringfemalestudentsfromregionalWesternAustraliatoexplorecareersinscience, technology,engineering,andmathematics Theeventfeatureskeynotespeakers,interactivedisplays,and hands-onactivitiesshowcasingdiverseSTEMpathways AgroupofourYear9girlsattendedtheexpo wheretheyparticipatedinactivitiesfromforensicbiology,monitoringwhalesusingdrones,entomology andprisondesign Itwashighlyinspiringwithrolemodelssharingpersonalcareerjourneys,breaking stereotypesandhighlightingopportunitiesinSTEM
NEXTGENERATIONEXPO
TheNextGenerationSchoolsProject,ledbyEnergyClubWA,connectsYear8–10studentswithcareersin theenergyindustrythroughinteractivelearningandmentorship.ItsMidwestRegionalExpo,heldatthe IrwinRecreationCentreinDongara,broughttogetherover140studentsfromschoolsacrosstheregion, includingGeraldton,Carnamah,JurienBay,andMorawa.Exhibitorsformtheenergyandeducation sectorsshowcasedrenewableenergy,projectlifecycles,andcareerpathways.OurYear10students engagedinhands-onactivities,networking,andcompetitions,makingtheeventadynamicplatformfor inspiringthefutureworkforceinWesternAustralia’senergysector.
SKAO
SquareKilometreArrayObservatoryChiefScientistVisit
TheSquareKilometreArrayObservatory(SKAO)isaninternationalprojectbuildingtheworld’slargest radiotelescopearraysinAustraliaandSouthAfrica Designedtoprobecosmicorigins,darkmatter,and thepossibilityoflifebeyondEarth,SKAOwilltransformastronomyanddatascienceanditisrighthereon outdoorstepintheMurchison InarecenttalkhostedbyGeraldtonGrammarSchool,ProfessorNaomi McClure,SKAO’sChiefScientist,emphasizedhowtheobservatorywillnotonlyanswerfundamental questionsabouttheuniversebutalsodriveinnovationincomputingandsustainabilityandtheexciting prospectsthisbringstoourregionandyoungpeople Followingthistalkwearehopingtohavesome studentsparticipateinsomeongoingscientificresearchalongsideSKAOscientists
CHEMISTRYCOMPETITIONS
AttheendofeachyearourseniorChemistrystudentsputtheirskillstothetest TheYear12Chemistry studentsparticipateintheannualtitrationchallengewheretheyhavetousealloftheiraccumulated practicalskills,accuracy,precisionandcalculationsskills Thewinnersofourprestigioustrophythisyear wereNicoleChamberlainandPhoebeTeakle TheYear11Chemistrystudentsparticipateinaforensic chemistrychallengewheretheyhave1hourtousetheirchemistryknowledgetoidentify3unknownwhite powders Studentsworkindividuallyandhavedifferenttestsubstancetotheirclassmatesputtingnotonly theirchemistryskillstothetestbuttheirresilienceandproblemsolving Thisyear’swinnerwasCaleb Richardson Welldonetoourfuturechemists!
MATHSPROBLEMSOLVING
PROGRAM
MathsProblemSolvingProgram
TheMathematicalAssociationofWA’sProblemSolvingProgram(PSP)isalong-running initiativedesignedformathematicallytalentedstudentsaged10–15 PSPaimstonurturea passionformathematicsandpreparestudentsforhigher-levelcompetitionsandSTEM pathways
Theprogramchallengesparticipantstodevelopadvancedproblem-solvingskills,logical reasoning,andclearsolutionpresentation Eachyear,over400studentsengageinthisvery rigorousandchallengingprogram ThisyearJamesTaylor(Y9)andLeviBeckett(Y10)have beenparticipatingremotelywiththehelpofMrDaSilva,alongwithanumberofotherstudents whohavetackledanumberofthechallengesduringDaltonfosteringcomplexproblemsolving skillsaswellasaloveformathematics.
CURIOUSMINDS-GIRLSIN STEM
CuriousMindsisaneight-monthprogramdesignedtoinspireandempowerhigh-achieving girlsinScience,Technology,Engineering,andMathematics Itcombineshands-onlearning, mentoring,andtwocamps:anin-personSummerCamp(8–13December2025)andanonline WinterCamp(6–10July2026) MiriamBeckettinYear9hasbeeninvitedtoparticipateinthis programasatopperformerinnationalscienceandmathematicscompetitions CongratulationsMiriam,wecan’twaittohearallaboutit!
INDONESIAN
Selamatberlibur!(HappyHolidays!)
Ithasbeenaverybusyyearforstudentsandforme!Yourchildrenhavecomealongwayinquitea shorttime Iamintheprocessoffinalisingreports,andIamverypleasedwiththegeneralstandard of achievement There are some exceptional students at Geraldton Grammar, and on occasion, I havebeentakenabackbywhatsomecanproducefromthelimitedinputtheyhavehad.
InWeek5,IhadameetingwithSophieHowlettandIbuFahrafromtheAsiaEducationDepartmentat theUniversityofMelbourne,andIbuUtamiandIbuIrmafromBantulPrimarySchool1intheregionof Jogjakarta Asaresult,wenowhaveaBRIDGEpartnerschoolinanarearichinculture,history,andart Hopefullyinthefuture,wecantakestudentsforatour,andsomefamilieswillholidayinthearea The BRIDGEprogramisfundedbytheDepartmentofForeignAffairsandTrade
In Pre-Primary, we have started playing some games using the language we have learnt and continuedwiththeELLAprogram.InYear1and2,studentshavecreatedanddescribedacreature, madeandflownalayang-layang(kite),andplayedsomegamesinIndonesian Years3and4havelearntallaboutschoolplacesandsubjects,createdaPowerPoint,andgivena presentationaboutthemselvesinIndonesian
Years5and6learntaboutfoodandeatinginIndonesiaandalsocreatedaPowerPointandgavea presentationaboutthemselvesusingthecontenttheyhadlearnt,elaboratingwithdescriptionsand reasonsfortheirchoices.SomestudentsalsoparticipatedinaGlobalFriendshipExchangewiththe SequiaSchoolinBandung,whichwasunfortunatelyaffectedbysometechnicalproblems
Lastly,wewillbejoinedbyPakAndifromMakassarinSulawesiaswemoveIndonesianintothehigh school
TheyearhasbeenFULLONandFRUITFUL.
Iamlookingforwardtoanotherfruitfulyearnextyear
PakJohn
SecondaryMusic
Term4sawthefirstannualIMPRecitalDaywhereallstudentsinthe InstrumentalMusicProgrampreparedandperformedapiecetotheir peers.TheRecitalsfeaturedahugenumberofactsrangingfromsolo performers,allthewayuptoeveryYear5/6woodwindstudentonstage atonce OurfirstsessioninvolvedallofourYear5sand6s,who performedawideselectionofpop,classical,andChristmassongs Next theYear7sand8stooktothestage.Amuchloudersessionthankstothe guitaristsanddrummersshowingofftheirrockskills.Finally,ourYear9s, 10s,and11sarrivedtoimpresstheirfriends,mostlyconsistingofsongs fromfilms,videogames,andmusicaltheatre Therewereafewnerves, theoccasionalwrongnote,andmanylaughsacrossthesessions.A greattimewashadbyall.
Theserecitalsessionsweredesignedtogiveourstudentsthe opportunitytoplayforandwiththeirfriendsandgetsomeperformance experienceinalowstakesenvironment.Greatpreparationfor2026 whenwewillhostaRecitalEveningsofamilyandfriendscanjointhe audience
E R M 4M U S I
PrimaryMusic
MusicinthePrimarySchoolhasbeenasvibrantandenergeticasever thisterm,withstudentseagerlyembracingweeklySingstarsChoir rehearsals,WindstarsBandsessionsandtheongoingpreparationof songsforassemblies TheMusicRoomhasbeenbuzzingwithactivityas bothgroupsrefinetheirpiecesandbuildconfidenceaheadoftheir performancesatPrimaryPresentationNight,wheretheyaresuretobea highlight.
Apopularnewinitiativethistermwastheintroductionofafamilyfolk danceattherecentschooldisco.Students,siblingsandparentsall joinedin,fillingthedancefloorwithsmiles,laughterandplentyof enthusiasticmoves Itwaswonderfultoseefamiliesconnectingthrough music,andwehopetocontinuethisideaatfutureevents
B R A R Y
T E R M 4I N T H E L I
It’sbeenanotherwonderfulyearofreadingadventureshereatthe SheilaFlanaganLibrary andcanyoubelieveit?We’vehadover14,000 booksborrowedin2025.That’salotofstoriestravellinghomeinschool bags,gettingcomfyunderpillows,andhidinginallsortsofsecret readingspots
AswewrapupTerm4,thelibraryshelvesaregettingreadyfortheir summerrest butfirst,they’dlovetowelcomealltheirbookshome Soifyouhappentospotalibrarybookonyourbookshelf,underthebed, inthecar,orevenhangingoutinthetoybox…senditbackourwaysoit canjoinitsfriendsfortheholidays.
BookFairSuccess
AhugethankyoutoeveryonewhosupportedourScholasticBookFair thisterm.Yourpurchaseshelpusfillthelibrarywithbrand-newbooks readyfornextyear’sreaders andwhatabuzzofexcitementitwasall weeklong
Aspecialshout-outtoouramazingvolunteers,especiallyourYear5/6 studentswhogavetheirtimetohelp Yourenergyandsmilesmadethe fairarealhighlightoftheterm
ABigThankYoutoMsChuiLinNg
Anextra-specialthankyougoestoMsChuiLinNg,whogenerously volunteeredeverydayattheBookFair andalsogiveshertimeeach week,spendingtwohalf-daysinthelibraryreshelvingandhelping students.Lin,you’vebeenincredible fromassistingstudentsin choosingtheirbooks,settingupdisplays,tohelpingkeepthelibrary runningsmoothlyYourkindness,organisation,andenthusiasmmadea worldofdifference,andwe’resogratefultohaveyouaspartofour libraryteam
CelebrationsintheLibrary
Thistermourlibraryhasbeenshiningwithdisplaysabouthowdifferent culturescelebratearoundtheworld fromChristmastoDiwali, Hanukkah,andmanymore Studentshaveexploredbothfictionand non-fictionbooksthatsharethejoy,colour,andtraditionsof celebrationsacrosscultures.
Thankyouforanotheryearofcuriosity,laughter,andreading adventures!Wishingeveryoneahappy,restful,andstory-filledholiday
MerryChristmasFrom,
MrsKerriJefferies-LibraryManager
MrsAnitaMann–LibraryTechnician
PICTUREBOOKSWITHPURPOSE
Our Year 8 students have been refining their English skills through a series of creative tasks, culminatingintheproductionoftheirownoriginalpicturebooks Eachstudentcarefullycraftedtheir story to suit a specific audience, selecting particular primary year groups to write for As a special conclusion to the project, the Year 8s visited primary classes and proudly shared their stories, delightingnumerousstudentsacrosstheschool.
STUDENTNEWS
GGSrepresentsBataviaCoastinWAJuniorGymnasticsChampionships
FollowingthesuccessofmanygymnasticcompetitionsinPerththroughouttheyearand qualifyingtocompeteagainstWA’stopclubsmanystudentsfromGGStravelledtoPerthon8 and9NovembertocompeteintheWAJuniorGymnasticsChampionships
Year4studentZaraNanningaandYear5studentsBaileeThomasandWenRuiWongachieved outstandingsuccesstoworktogethertocome1 outof24teamsintheirStateLevel4division Individuallythestudentscompletedagainst121competitorsandachievedthefollowingresults:
st Zara–3 overallinherdivisionwithanoverallscoreof3585 rd WenRui–4 overallinherdivisionwithanoverallscoreof3565 th BaileeThomas–7 overallinherdivisionwithanoverallscoreof3500 th
Congratulationsonallyourhardworkanddeterminationgirls.
Sailingintoleadership:Congratulationsto AinsliePope,our2025/2026JuniorSailing Captain!
AinsliePopewasvotedinbyherpeersasthe GeraldtonJuniorSailingCaptainforthe 2025/2026sailingseason,alongsidefellow classmatemateFreddieBoys.
AinslieshowedGeraldtonMayor,JerryClune,the fleetaspartoftheOpeningDayCeremonyon12 Octoberofthisyear.Followingtheceremony, Ainslieandfellowjuniorsailorstook40keen newbiesforasailaspartof“ComeTrySailing Day”
Currentlythereare30Juniorswhoregularlysail eachweek AinsliewillpartakeintheJunior PelicanStateTitles,January2026,inPerth
STUDENTNEWS
Congratulations,Grace!
Geraldton Grammar School is incredibly proud of Grace Butcher, who graduated this year and was recently recognised at the TAFE VETDSS AwardsastheStudentoftheYear
Grace completed a Certificate II in Business through her TAFE studies while finishing Year 12 an outstanding achievement that reflects her dedication,perseverance,andcommitmenttoexcellence.
We would also like to acknowledge our other nominated students for their hard work and success throughout their VETDSS programs. Their efforts highlight the value of diverse learning pathways and the many opportunitiesavailabletostudentsatGeraldtonGrammarSchool.
Leilani’sSuccessatthe2025StateDressageChampionships
Leilanideliveredanoutstandingperformanceatthe2025State Dressage Championships, earning Reserve Champion in Pony Elementary and placing across multiple Young Rider events, including1stinPonyNovice22,1stinPonyNovice23,and2ndin bothPonyElementary32and33
Following the Championships, Leilani stayed on at the State Equestrian Centre to attend the final Junior State Equestrian DevelopmentSquadTrainingClinicfortheyear
This year, Leilani and her horse will also be awarded the Equestrian Australia Silver Dressage Performance Medal for excellenceinNovice aremarkableachievement
STAFFNEWS
MACACancer200RideforResearch
TheMACACancer200RideforResearchisAustralia’s largest charity bike ride, held annually in Perth to support the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research This year, nearly 2,000 riders cycled 200 km over two days from Optus Stadium to Mandurah and back, raising a record-breaking $103 million for vitalcancerresearch
We are incredibly proud of our own Russell Jones, Secondary Design and Technology Teacher, who joined a team riding in honour of friends and family affected by cancer Their team raised more than $45,000, contributing to lifesaving research and demonstratingtruecommunityspirit.
Congratulations to Russell Jones and all who took partinthisinspiringevent.
ack bathers - byo picnic blanket all welcome past & present students,families,staff & alumni
