Issuu

Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

WELCOME TO GREAT SOUTHERN GRAMMAR Great Southern Grammar is an independent, Christian, coeducational residential and day school for students from Kindergarten to Year Twelve, located on waterfront land between the King and Kalgan Rivers in Albany, Western Australia. We honour and acknowledge the school founders who established GSG on Minang land in 1998, “to provide the young people of the Great Southern region and beyond with a world-class school.”

OUR VISION To be a learning community in which students develop confidence, wellbeing and a sense of belonging, enabling them to achieve their goals and enhance our local and global communities.

OUR MISSION To provide a first-class education built on the principles of the Christian faith and led by highly committed staff.

OUR VALUES Integrity, Respect, Compassion, Commitment

GSG has grown and developed into a successful day and boarding school underpinned by the school’s values: integrity, respect, compassion and commitment. In 2018, we redefined the school’s mission and vision as we plan for an ever-changing world. Having just celebrated GSG’s first 20 years, it is therefore timely to present the Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024. This plan embraces Great Southern Grammar’s Christian history and maintains the vision of the school founders. It consists of five goals and target objectives, each delivering a number of exciting initiatives benefitting students and graduates. The plan signposts the school’s future and has been drawn from an extensive process; conversations, educational research and local community consultation. The school acknowledges the input from staff, parents, Executive and the School Council. It activates and determines Great Southern Grammar’s future direction. It will generate school stability and improvement, extensively reaching into areas of school operations. It is the role of the School Council and Executive to ensure annual reviews, appropriate adjustments and delivery. Regular measurement and reporting to the school community on progress are essential elements for cyclic accountability. We are confident this Strategic Plan will provide for growth and prepare our students for the changing world that lies ahead.

Mrs Audrey Jackson | Chair of School Council

GOAL 1 STUDENT LEARNING AND ENGAGEMENT Deliver a range of educational programmes that engage individual students and prepare them for life, further education and careers in a changing world. Provide innovative, relevant and engaging teaching to optimise student learning. Use contemporary learning technologies in education programmes. Provide differentiated programmes to cater for a diverse range of students, improving academic excellence and focusing on STEAM. Redefine the scope, range and purpose of the cocurricular programme. Continue to enhance and develop GSG’s Arts programme. Promote environmental sustainability through educational programmes and experiences.

GSG Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

GOAL 2

GOAL 3

STUDENT AND COMMUNITY WELLBEING

COLLABORATIVE PARTNERSHIPS

Provide a safe, healthy environment and a positive culture for students, their families and staff.

Establish mutually beneficial and sustainable partnerships to enhance student learning and experience.

Contribute to implementing the ten National Principles for Child Safe Organisations.

Develop local and regional partnerships with schools, colleges, universities and institutions to extend educational opportunities for students.

Build on and enhance the pastoral care programme with an emphasis on personal and social capability, and service learning. Understand, respect and celebrate the values and Christian faith that underpin GSG. Provide a range of transition programmes to support students, parents and families through different stages of education. Support parents to be actively involved in their child’s education and experience at GSG, and to be a valued part of our school community.

Develop relationships and partnerships with organisations overseas and in other parts of Australia to enable students to learn in a global context. Examine external sport partnerships with local sporting associations and review student offerings. Provide opportunities for students and enhance our contribution to the City, local Indigenous groups and the Great Southern region through partnerships. Establish partnerships to build creative and performing arts at GSG and its contribution to the community. Explore relationships and models with industry and community groups to build the Agricultural programme.

GSG Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

GOAL 4

GOAL 5

PROFESSIONAL STAFF TEAM

SUSTAINABLE GOVERNANCE

Attract, develop and value a team of highly skilled, professional staff.

Effective school governance and leadership, and sustainable decision making.

Develop an inclusive and collaborative staff with a commitment to achieving a shared vision and goals through change and ongoing learning.

Clarify and ensure understanding of GSG’s structure and processes for governance, leadership and management.

Define and encourage staff leadership expectations and competencies through coaching. Develop a performance reflection and planning process that encourages personal excellence and supports the growth and development of each staff member. Continually update the recruitment and selection process to ensure we attract the best people. Promote staff wellbeing.

GSG Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

Ensure ongoing financial viability and long-term security supported by sound financial and risk management policy and procedures. Plan sustainable development of the campus to improve infrastructure and facilities to meet the changing needs of education and the environment. Assess opportunities to expand the school’s enrolment base into new geographical areas, community sectors and population groups. Revise the marketing plan and develop strategies.

GSG Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

WHY WE LOVE GSG ...

“All the teachers believe in you,” Chelsea. “GSG is such a tight-knit, caring community always buzzing with positive activity,” Abigail. “I love Great Southern Grammar because of the many opportunities the school offers students. And I love the school’s special connection to the King and Kalgan Rivers,” Stephanie. “The teachers will always be there for you, should something happen,” happen,” Elijah. Elijah. “Everyone gets along really well and you never feel left out,” out,” Elijah. “There’s something here for everyone, and lots of opportunities to choose from,” Toby. Toby. “The teachers show great care for students and the students show respect toward one another,” Abbey. “The best thing about Great Southern Grammar is the Music education. A lot of schools don’t bother, but it’s the little things that count!” Bianca. “GSG has the most amazing sport facility and there are so many opportunities to do the things you love. Grammar is so exhilarating!” Kaia. “Great Southern Grammar is fair for all students,” students,” Harry. “I love the school’s sense of belonging,” Abbey.

GSG Strategic Plan 2019 - 2024

Great Southern Grammar 244 Nanarup Road, Albany, Western Australia PO Box 1151, Albany WA 6331 T: +61 8 9844 0300 | F: +61 8 9844 0380 E: reception@gsg.wa.edu.au gsg.wa.edu.au