The Beacon, December 2025

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

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