Celebrating 30 Years
HonouringOurPast,GrowingOurFuture
Geraldton Grammar School’s 30th Anniversary Assembly and CeremonialTreePlanting
3 0 A N N I V E R S A R Y T H F O R M A L A S S E M B L Y
As Principal of Geraldton Grammar School, it is both a privilege and a deeply meaningful responsibility to reflect on the significance of our recent 30th Anniversary Assembly and the accompanying ceremonial tree planting. These events were not simply moments of celebration; they were powerful expressions of who we are as a community honouringourpast,celebratingourpresent,andcommittingourselves toafutureofcontinuedgrowthandpurpose.
Our 30th Anniversary Assembly brought together students, staff, families, alumni, andpastleaders eachrepresentingavital threadin the fabric of our school’s story Over three decades, Geraldton Grammar School has grown from a bold vision into a thriving K–12 learning community grounded in strong values, deep relationships, andanunwaveringcommitmenttoholisticeducation.
What made this occasion particularly special was the presence of those who helped lay the foundations of our school. Welcoming back past Principals and long-standing members of our community reminded us that the strength of Geraldton Grammar School has always been built on the dedication, courage, and care of its people. Theirlegacylivesonnotonlyinourbuildingsandprograms,butinthe culturetheyhelpedshape onethatcontinuestoplacestudentsatthe centreofallwedo.
Our students themselves were exceptional throughout the assembly Their composure, pride, and engagement were a testament to the strength of our learning environment and the values we seek to instil. Whether through their leadership, their musical performances, or their quietrespectfortheoccasion,theyremindedusthatthefutureofour schoolisincapableandcompassionatehands.
Theceremonialtreeplantingthatfollowedofferedapowerfulandenduringsymbolofthismilestone Theplantingofthefirsteucalyptustreealongournortherncorridormarksthebeginningofwhatwill becomealivingavenue onethatwillgrow,mature,andstandasalastingrepresentationofour journey
Treesholddeepsymbolicmeaningineducation.Theyrepresentgrowth,renewal,andthepassage oftime Theyremindusthattheworkwedoeachday oftenunseenandgradual haslasting impact Theavenuewehavebegunwill,intime,provideshade,beauty,andasenseofarrivalforall whoenterourschool.Moreimportantly,itwillstandasalivingtributetothegenerationsofstudents, staff,andfamilieswhohavecontributedtoGeraldtonGrammarSchool’sstory.
Thismomentalsospeakstoourfuture.Aswelookahead,guidedbyourTowards2030StrategicPlan andourevolvingvisionforexperientiallearningweareintentionallycreatingenvironmentsthat extendbeyondtraditionalclassrooms Thenortherncorridorprecinct,anchoredbythistreeplanting, willbecomeadynamicspaceforlearning,reflection,andconnection bringingtogetherour commitmenttosustainability,outdooreducation,anddeeplearning.
Milestonessuchasa30thanniversaryinvitereflection,buttheyalsocallustoaction Theyaskusto carryforwardthevaluesthathavesustainedus respect,responsibility,perseveranceandinclusivity whilecontinuingtoinnovateandgrowinresponsetotheneedsofourstudentsandtheworldthey willinherit
Iextendmysinceregratitudetoallwhocontributedtomakingtheseeventssomemorable.Toour staff,whoseprofessionalismandcareunderpinnedeverydetail;toourstudents,whorepresented ourschoolwithpride;andtoourwidercommunity,whoseongoingsupportensuresourcontinued success thankyou.
Aswestandatthisimportantjuncture,wedosowithadeepsenseofprideinourpastandgreat confidenceinourfuture.Likethetreeswehaveplanted,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwillcontinueto grow strong,grounded,andreachingeverupward.
BradGill Principal
Friday1MaysawperfectconditionsforourannualCrossCountryCarnival,with studentsenjoyingadayofcompetition,teamwork,andhousespirit,supportedby manyGGSfamiliescheeringthemon
Thankyoutoourstaffforassistingaroundthecourse,andtoourYear12studentsfor theirencouragement,particularlysupportingourPre-PrimaryandYear1runners
CongratulationstoMurchison(PrimaryChampionHouse)andChapman(Secondary ChampionHouse),andtoIrwinforthePrimarySpiritAward SpecialmentiontoPippa LinandRileyFongasthefastestSecondaryrunners.
Welldonetoallindividualchampionsandparticipantsfortheireffortandhousepride
OnThursday,28May,ateamof24studentsfromGeraldtonGrammar SchooltravelledtoPerthtocompeteintheACCCrossCountryCarnival. Inthelead-uptotheevent,weatherforecastspredictedcoldandwet conditions,andpreparationsweremadeaccordingly Thedayprior broughtsteadyrain,withstudentsremainingindoorsengagingin Cubetownactivities,solvingphysicalagilitypuzzles.Fortunately,race daydeliveredidealconditions,withsunshineandclearskiesproviding perfectrunningweather.
ThecarnivalbroughttogetherschoolsfromacrossWesternAustralia, offeringourathletestheopportunitytotestthemselvesagainststrong andcompetitivefields Overademanding4-kilometrecourse,students demonstratedexceptionalperseverance,resilience,anddetermination, representingtheschoolwithprideandsportsmanship.
Thereweresomeoutstandingindividualresultsacrosstheteam.Inthe Under15division,BedeHalforddeliveredaremarkableperformanceto take1stplace,withEvieFongfinishing16thafterastrongand determinedrun IntheUnder19division,JamesTaylorplaced12thand PippaLinfinished21st,bothproducingcommittedeffortsagainsttough competition.
Beyondtheplacings,thedaywasmarkedbysignificantachievement acrossthewholeteam,withmanystudentsrecordingpersonalbest timesandothersshowingnotableimprovementonpreviousyears Theseresultsreflectedthededicationandpreparationofeachathlete inthelead-uptothecarnival.
TheGGSSeniorTeam(Under16andUnder19)wasalsoawardedthe ACCSeniorAggregateChampionShield(CrossCountry–sub500 students),recognisingthecollectivestrengthandconsistencyofthe group
BothMrsHalfordandMrJonesexpressedimmenseprideinthe students’performancesandthewaytheyrepresentedGeraldton GrammarSchool.Thecarnivalprovedtobearewardingand memorableexperience,highlightingteamwork,resilience,andschool spiritatitsbest
Congratulationstoall24studentswhocompeted,andthankyoutothe staffandsupporterswhocontributedtoasuccessfulandenjoyable event. A C C C R O S S C O U N T R Y C A R N I V A L
AUSTRALIA’S BIGGEST MORNING TEA OnWednesday,20May,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolhelditsannualBiggestMorningTeatoraise fundsfortheCancerCouncil.TheYear8cohortorganisedandcoordinatedtheeventaspartofthe School’sServiceLearningProgramme.
AllYear8studentswereaskedtobringaplateoffoodtoshareandwereactivelyinvolvedinthe eventthroughouttheday.Theyorganisedandranavarietyoffundraisingactivities,helpingto createawonderfulatmospherefortheschoolcommunitytoenjoy.
AspecialthankyoutoMrStevensandtheschoolbandforprovidingexcellentmusical entertainment.Thankstothegenerosityofourcommunity,atotalof$2,452wasraised.
ThankyoutoallYear8parents,studentsandstaff—particularlytheYear8PDPteachers—who contributedtothesuccessoftheevent,aswellasthemanycommunitymemberswhocamealong toshowtheirsupport.
MrGreenaway Year7,8&9Coordinator
This term, our Pre-Primary to Year 6 students participated in our annual House Poetry Competition. Students entertained audiences with a wonderful range of poems, showcasing expression, fluency, and impressivememorisationskills.
For many children, standing up and performing in front of their peers is noeasyfeat.Ittakescouragetostepontothestageandreciteapoem frommemory.Experiencessuchastheseareincrediblyvaluable,helping children build confidence, develop resilience, and discover that they are capableofdoinghardthings.
As students were predominantly responsible for learning and practising their poems at home, we would also like to acknowledge their commitment, dedication, and responsibility throughout the process The effortandperseverancedemonstratedbyourstudentswasoutstanding andistobecommended
Every student who performed also contributed valuable points towards their House, reinforcing the importance of participation and teamwork Congratulations to Greenough House, who were crowned the overall winnersofthisyear'scompetition
Well done to all students who participated You should all be incredibly proudofyoureffortsandthecourageyoudemonstratedonstage
OnTuesday,May12,theJuniorKindyand4-Year-OldKindyclasseshosted aMother'sDayAfternoonTeatohelpcelebratetheirspecialMumsand Grandmothers.
Thestudentsandtheirfamilymembersspenttheafternoonenjoying someyummytreatstogether Itwasabeautifulafternoon,andtheKindy studentscherishedsharingsomespecialtimewiththeirlovedones K I N D Y M O T H E R S D A Y A F T E R N O O N T E A
C O R A L B A Y T R I P Y E A R 1 1 O U T D O O R E D
Year11OutdoorEd-KalbarriAbseiling DayTrip OurYear11OutdoorEducationclassessetoffearlyinthemorning, excitedforabigdayaheadasweboardedthebustoKalbarri NationalPark.Afterarriving,wecompletedashort10-minutewalk downtotheiconicZBend,whereweweregreetedbyourinstructor, Col,fromKalbarriAbseil Colimmediatelysetapositivetonewithhis relaxedattitudeandgreatsenseofhumour,helpingtocalmnerves beforewebegan
Afterasafetybriefing,itwastimetogetstarted.Formanyofus, standingattheedgeofthecliffwasachallengeinitself,butwith Col’sencouragement,eventhosewhowerenervousmanagedto takethatfirststepovertheedge
Ourfirstdescentof25metreswasslowandcarefulaseveryonebuilt confidenceandgotusedtotheequipmentandtechnique However, itdidn’ttakelongbeforewebecamemorecomfortable,completing anotherdescentatthesameheightandthenpushingourselves furtherwithtwomoreat35metres.
Theexperiencewasmadeevenmorememorablebythe breathtakingsurroundings,thestrikingorangerockfacescontrasted withthewhiterivergumscreatedanincrediblebackdrop Bytheend ofthesession,everyonehadnotonlyimprovedtheirskillsbutalso achievedsomethingtheycouldbeproudof.Afterpackingup,we stoppedbytheKalbarribakeryforawell-deservedlatelunchbefore headingbackhome,tiredbuthappyafteranunforgettableday.
MIDWESTNETBALL PRIMARYSCHOOLCARNIVAL OnFriday12June,GeraldtonGrammarSchoolprimarystudentsattendedtheannualMidwestNetball HighSchoolCarnival Twoteamsproudlyrepresentedourschool,demonstratingexcellentnetball skills,teamworkandsportsmanshipthroughouttheday
Abigthankyoutoourcoaches,NarissaValenti,EveBellandMiriamBeckett,fortheirsupportand dedication Wealsothankourstudentumpires,ElleDinesandGraceJolly,forvolunteeringthroughout theday AspecialmentiontoZaraCrofts,CordeliaOldroyd,GraceWixted,ShayeStoneandMilly Reynolds,whogenerouslygavetheirtimetoumpiregamesforotherschools
GeraldtonGrammar1werecompetitivethroughouttheday winningthreeoftheirfourgames Their onlylosswasacloselycontestedone-pointmatchagain
GeraldtonGrammar2showedimpressivespiritanddete
Theteamdisplayedexcellentresilience,teamworkanden Itwasawonderfuldayofsportsmanship,teamworkand
WelldonetoallstudentsforrepresentingGeraldtonGram
YEAR6FOOTBALLSUCCESS TheYear6studentsalsoenjoyedafantasticdayatGBSCSportsPark,playingthreeshortenedgames offootball.Theirenthusiasmonthefieldwasevident,withtheteamdemonstratingexcellent teamworkanddeterminationthroughouttheday.Everyplayercontributedtothreeimpressivewins. Thefinalgamewasahard-foughtcontest,withLukeIbbotsonkickingthewinninggoalafterthesiren tosecurevictoryfortheteam.
Thestudentsworkedtogetherbrilliantlyandcelebratedeachother'ssuccessesthroughouttheday, reflectingthestrongteamcultureandsportsmanshipdisplayedbythegroup.
ThissuccessfuldaywouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutthesupportandguidanceofcoachesMr BarhamandMrsMundy.ThankyoualsotoBedeHalford,JamesTaylor,SpencerSojanandSethMills fortheirvaluablecontributionsinumpiringthroughouttheday.
Finally,thankyoutoMrsOpalinskiforhelpingcoordinateourvolunteerstudentsandcontributingto thesuccessofthecarnivalbytakingtimeoutofherdaytosupportourumpires
TheYear6studentsarenoweagerlylookingforwardtoparticipatingintheEaglesCupinTerm3 Well donetoallinvolvedonafantasticachievement
SECONDAYEAGLESCUP FOOTBALLCARNIVAL OnFriday,5June,morethan70Year7–10boystravelledtoGBSCSportsParktocompeteinthe annualEaglesCupInterschoolFootballCarnival
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolwasproudlyrepresentedbyfourteams,withoneteamcompetingin eachyeargroup Throughouttheday,theboysdisplayedgreatdetermination,teamworkand sportsmanshipagainststrongoppositionfromNagleCatholicCollege,ChampionBaySeniorHigh SchoolandGeraldtonSeniorHighSchool
AspecialmentiongoestotheYear8team,whoplayedanoutstandingmatchagainstNagle, narrowlygoingdownbyjustafewpoints
ThankyoutothestaffwhoattendedascoachesandtoourfourYear11studentumpiresfortheir supportthroughouttheday.WealsoextendourappreciationtotheP&Fforgenerouslyprovidingour newfootballjumpers.
MrGreenaway Year7,8&9Coordinator
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolentered9teamsintheWestCoastFeverMidwestGascoyneSecondary NetballCarnivalonFriday5June,Theweatherwasgloriousandourstudentsdisplayedamazing skillsandsportsmanshiponandoffthecourt.
Amassivethankyoutoourstaffandstudentumpires,coachesandscorersforallyourefforts throughouttheday.Aswellasoursupportiveparents–ReneeOlsen,HelenTeakleandShereeDines forcoachingandscoring.
CongratulationstoourYear9/10teamwhowontheirdivision,whatCHAPMIONS!!!!!
MrsOpalinski
HeadofHealth,PhysicalandOutdoorEducation
OEDDONGARA DuringTerm1,theYear11OutdoorEducationclasstravelledtotheIrwinRiverinDongaraforanexcitingday ofoutdoorlearningandadventure.Theexcursiongavestudentstheopportunitytoapplythepracticalskills theyhadbeendevelopingthroughoutthetermwhileexperiencingthenaturalenvironmentfirsthand.
Thedaywasagreatsuccess,withstudentsstrengtheningtheirOutdoorEducationskills,building confidence,andcreatinglastingmemorieswiththeirclassmates.Experiencessuchastheseplayan importantroleinpreparingstudentsforfutureexpeditionswhilereinforcingthevalueofhands-onlearning beyondtheclassroom.
3X3BASKETBALL DuringTerm2,studentsfromYears7to10proudlyrepresentedtheSchoolattheMidwest3v3Basketball Carnival,competingagainstschoolsfromacrosstheregion Thecarnivalprovidedanexcellentopportunity forstudentstoshowcasetheirbasketballskills,teamworkandsportsmanshipinafunyetcompetitive environment
Thedaywasatremendoussuccess,withGeraldtonGrammarSchoolclaimingboththeYear7/8andYear 9/10divisiontitles Theseoutstandingresultsareatestamenttothestudents'dedication,commitmentand hardworkindevelopingtheirskillsthroughtrainingandcompetition Congratulationstoallplayersonan exceptionalperformanceandforrepresentingtheSchoolwithpride
YEAR9TAFETESTERS OurYear9studentshaveexperiencedsomewonderfultertiaryandtradeexperiencesatthe GeraldtonTAFEcampusinthefieldsofaviation,buildingandconstruction-carpentry,engineeringmetalfabrication,earlychildhoodeducation,paramedicine,maritimetourismandanimalcare. Theseopportunitieshaveprovidedthestudentswithsomeinsightandhandsonexperiencesfor futurecareers,coursesandfuturestudies.
TherewillbemoreTAFETastersnextsemesterincludinghairdressing,bricklaying,nursing, aquaculture,hospitality,commercialcooking,electrical,business,automotive,beauty,plumbing, visualartsandmusicandmedia.
MrsOpalinski HeadofHealth,PhysicalandOutdoorEducation
OnWednesday,24June,thewholeschoolcametogethertocelebrate MeaganPlummerArtsDay–avibrantcelebrationofcreativity,with cultureatitsheart.
Thedaywasfilledwithcolour,imaginationandfun,featuringstudent performances,cosplaycharacters,astaffperformance,andawide rangeofengagingactivitiesenjoyedbystudentsfromPre-Primary throughtoYear12.
M E A G A N P L U M M E R A R T S D A Y
ArtsDayisanopportunitytorecognisethattheartsandcultureare theheartbeatofhumanity.Throughmusic,dance,drama,visualarts andcreativeexpression,wecelebratetheuniquerhythm,colourand voicethateveryindividualbringstoourcommunity.Itisadayto honourourroots,embracediversity,andexpressourselveswithjoy, passionandcreativity
Asincerethankyougoestoallstaffwhocontributedtomakingthe daysuchasuccess.SpecialthankstoourArtsstudentleaders–Gus, ArmaanandZoey–fortheirenthusiasmandleadership,MrGilland theSchoolAdministrationteamfortheirsupport,theP&Ffortheir generousassistance,andMrsEliott-Lockhartforcoordinatingthe wonderfulPrimaryprogram Thankyoualsotoourcanteenstafffor bakingdeliciousthemedbiscuitsthataddedaspecialtouchtothe celebrations
Mostimportantly,thankyoutoourstudentsforembracingthespiritof thedaywithsuchcreativity,enthusiasmandrespect Wehope MeaganPlummerArtsDay2026isrememberedwithlaughter,colour andinspiration
MrsFelipe HeadofArtsandTechnologies
ARTSANDTECHNOLOGIES Year10StudentsBringCulturetoLifeThroughCreativeBook-Making Thissemester,ourYear10studentsembarkedonanengagingprojectthatcombinedcreativity, research,andculturalexplorationbycreatingtheirownbooksinspiredbyculturesfromaroundthe world.
Eachstudentselectedaculturetoinvestigateindepth,exploringtraditions,cuisine,clothing,festivals, art,andstorytelling.Drawingontheirresearch,studentsdesignedoriginalbooksthatcelebratedthe values,history,andheritageoftheirchosenculture.Someproducedbeautifullyillustratedbooks, whileotherscreatedimaginativevisualnarratives.
Theprojectencouragedstudentstodeveloptheirresearch,writing,anddesignskillswhilefosteringa deeperunderstandingofculturaldiversityandrepresentation.Throughthisprocess,studentsgained valuableinsightsintothewayscultureshapesidentityandconnectscommunitiesacrosstheglobe. ItwaswonderfultoseeourYear10studentsexpresstheircreativitywhilesharingwhatculturemeans tothemanddiscoveringhowstoriescontinuetobringpeopletogether
MrsFelipe HeadofArtsandTechnologies
ARTSANDTECHNOLOGIES Lookwhat’shatching! Thissemester,ourYear8andYear9ceramicsstudentsexploredsculpturethroughprojectsthat combinedimagination,storytelling,andtechnicalproblem-solving.Whileeachyearlevel approachedadifferentbrief,bothfocusedontransformingclayintodynamic,three-dimensional artworks
Year8studentscreatedsculpturalpiecesbuiltaroundtheideaofcontrastandbalance Eachwork featuresadetailedbaseenvironmentwithanobjectsuspendedorhoveringaboveit,resultingin visuallyengagingcompositionsthatdrawtheviewer’seyeupward.Withthefreedomtochoosetheir ownthemes,studentsproducedawidevarietyofresponses fromnaturalsettingsandunderwater scenestosurrealorabstractdesigns Akeychallengewasthetechnicalaspectofsupportingand balancingthesuspendedforms
Meanwhile,Year9studentsexploredtheconceptoftransformationthroughtheir“hatchingeggs” project.Eachstudentdesignedandsculptedaceramiceggintheprocessofbreakingopen, revealingacreatureemergingfromwithin.Theresultsrangedfromrealisticanimalstoimaginative, hybridcreations,showcasingindividualityandcreativerisk-taking.Studentsrefinedtheirhandbuildingskills,developedsurfacetexture,andusedglazingtechniquestoenhancethesenseoflife andmovementwithintheirpieces Thisprojectalsoencouragedstudentstothinkaboutnarrative, capturingtheexactmomentacreatureenterstheworldandhintingatthestorybehindit Theseprojectscelebrateourstudents’abilitytoturnsimpleideasintoimaginativeandwell-crafted sculptures,reflectingboththeirartisticdevelopmentandtheirwillingnesstotakeonnewchallenges.
MsBiggins SecondaryTeacher
DesignforReconcilation Geraldton Grammar School student Esther Rosa recently participated in a Creative Design Competition organised by the Justice and Community Network Committee as part of National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOCWeekcelebrations.
Studentswerechallengedtocreateadesignthatrepresentedwhatreconciliationmeanstothem Thewinning artwork would be featured on vests worn by members of the Justice and Community Network Committee throughouttheregion.
WeareproudtoannouncethatEstherwasselectedasthewinnerwithherpowerfuldesign,“WeAreAllMadethe Same”Inherartiststatement,Estherexplained:
"Itisunfairhowpeopletreateachotherwhenweareallthesame Mydesignrepresentsunityinsociety,and reconciliationisneededforallpeoplessharingthisland."
CommitteerepresentativesToniPoland,GavinMallardandStevenKellyvisitedGeraldtonGrammarSchoolto presentEstherwithhercertificateanddiscusstheinspirationbehindherartwork.Theysharedwhyherdesign resonatedsostronglywiththecommitteeandembodiedthespiritofreconciliation
Aspartofthisrecognition,Esther,KerrianneJefferiesandIwereinvitedtoattendthe2026NationalReconciliation Week Walk, Wanarayimanha, meaning “walking together in a group or mob” During the event, Esther was introduced to the community, her artwork was proudly displayed, and committee members wore vests featuring her winning design She was also interviewed by the local news team, providing an opportunity to sharethemeaningbehindherartworkwiththewiderregion
Theexperiencewasbothemotionalandinspiring,givingEstheraprofoundsenseofbelongingandprideasshe sawhermessageofunityembracedbythecommunity
The2026NationalReconciliationWeektheme,“AllIn,”callsonallAustralianstocommittoreconciliationevery day.Esther’sartworkbeautifullyreflectsthismessage,remindingusthatrespect,understandingandunityareat theheartofreconciliation.
Congratulations,Esther,onthisoutstandingachievement.
MrsFelipe HeadofArtsandTechnologies
PERFORMANCE DATES FRIDAY 7 AUGUST 6:30PM
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 12:30PM (FAMILY FRIENDLY)
SATURDAY 8 AUGUST 6:30PM
It’sbeenanotherbigterminIndonesian.PakAndihasarrivedand settledintohisroleasthePrimaryLanguagesTeacherverywell.There isalottolearnwhenstartingatanewschool,andhehasbeen puttinginmanyhourstofamiliarisehimselfwiththeschool'ssystems andcurriculum,whilealsodevelopingresourcesandbuilding relationshipswithstudents
Ithasbeenverypleasingtoseethesignificantimprovementinthe Year6studentswhostartedlearningwithmelastyear Somehave comealongwayinarelativelyshortperiodoftime Asmallgroupof Year5/6studentsalsotookpartinourfirstvideocallwithourBRIDGE partnerschoolinBantul,Jogjakarta Ourstudentswerealittleshy whenmeetingtheirIndonesiancounterparts,buttheirconfidencewill growovertime
ThereisabigdifferencebetweenlearningEnglishinIndonesiaand learningIndonesianinAustralia InIndonesia,English-languagefilms areshownontelevision,andEnglishis"intheair" InAustralia,itis muchrarertoencounterIndonesianoutsidetheclassroom,with limitedopportunitiestowatchIndonesianfilmsorhearthelanguage ineverydaylife.
InTerm2,wehostedanIndonesianlanguageteachernetwork meeting,attendedbyteachersfromGeraldtonPrimarySchool, ChampionBayPrimarySchool,DongaraDistrictHighSchooland WaggrakinePrimarySchool.Wetooktheopportunitytomoderatea rangeofstudentworksamplesinpreparationforreporting.
OnFriday,26June,wehostedavisitfromtheIndonesianConsulate. StaffpresentedthreeworkshopsforourYear3and4students, featuringcooking,playingtheangklung(atraditionalbamboo instrumentfromWestJava),anddance.Itwasawonderfulcultural learningexperience TheincursionwasfollowedonSaturdaybythe screeningoftwoIndonesianfilmsattheGeraldtonMultipurpose Centre
ThisyearmarkedthesecondyearofGeraldtonGrammarSchoolhostingthe revivedGeraldtonMusicFestival,withallourensemblesparticipating,anda numberofourstudentsperformingintheSoloandSmallEnsemblecategories, newforthisyear The2026FestivalwasadjudicatedbyRebeccaGuy, professionalflautistandadjudicatorfromPerth,andlocalmusicianandmusic teacherAlyceBrook
KickingthingsoffontheeveningofThursdayJune26werethecategoriesfor ConcertBands,JazzBands,andPrimarySchoolEnsembles Featuring performancesfromGeraldtonGrammarSchool’sPrimaryChoir,JazzBand, JuniorConcertBand,andSeniorConcertBand,eachgroupperformed excellently:allbeingawardedadistinction,exceptfortheJazzBand,who cameawaywithahighdistinction.
E R A L D T O N M U S I C F E S T I V A L
FridaynighthostedactsintheContemporaryEnsemblecategory,adiverselist ofgroupsincludingourGuitarEnsembleandRockBand,performingunderthe name“StrivingForWhatever”.Strongperformancesfrombothgroupsearned themadistinctionandhighdistinctionrespectively.WrappinguptheFestival onSaturdayweretheSoloandSmallEnsembleperformances.SixGGS studentsenteredtheSolocategoryaspianists:AbigailHolden,RheaPoligadu, ArchyMcKay,ZahraHolden,LennieBuck,andJessicaHolden.Eachofthem wereawardedadistinctionwithAbigailearningherselfahighdistinction.
Eachactstrivestoberecognisedforthebestperformanceintheircategory andpresentedwithatrophy Afterthreedaysofverystiffcompetition,the SeniorConcertBand,JazzBand,andRockBand(/StrivingForWhatever?)were allthrilledtocomeawaywithtrophiesintheirrespectivecategories A recognitionofthehardworkthatthestudentshaveputinallyear,andthe conclusiontoaperfectredemptionarcfromlastyear,thestudentsshouldall beveryproudoftheirperformances,asIam Ahugecongratulationstothe membersofthosethreeensembles,thePrimaryChoir,GuitarEnsemble,Junior ConcertBand,andeachofoursoloists,andabigthankyoutoeachoftheGGS staffwhovolunteeredtomaketheGeraldtonMusicFestivalsuchagreat success
MrStevens DirectorofMusic
Aftersettlingintoournewmusicroom,2026beganwitharangeof excitingmusicandmovementactivitiesdesignedtobuildenthusiasm andengagement.StudentsparticularlyenjoyedtheMusicalTreasure HuntandRhythmWhispersgames,whichencouragedteamworkand developedrhythmskills
Year5&6Composition ThroughoutTerm1,Year5and6studentsexploredcompositionafter learningabassaccompaniment.Workingcollaboratively,theycreated theirownbasslinesbeforeaddingimprovisedmelodies,showcasing theirgrowingcreativityandconfidence
Years3&4Music WithYears3and4nowtaughtseparately,studentshavebenefitedfrom moretargetedlearning.Year3studentshavemadeexcellentprogress onrecorderandfoundationalmusicskills,whileYear4studentshave consolidatedtheirrecordertechniquesbeforemovingontotheirNUVO instruments ThishasalsoremovedtheneedforaseparateWindstars Bandthisyear
WholeSchoolSinging TheSingEveryDayinitiative,introducedin2025,hascontinuedto strengthenourschoolcommunityandsupportstudentwellbeing. Regularclassroomsinginghaspreparedstudentsforwhole-school performancesatassemblies,whiletheannualHouseSinging Competitiononceagainbroughtenthusiasm,confidenceandcreativity toArtsDay
Ithasbeenespeciallypleasingtoseesomanyofourboysembrace singingwithconfidence CongratulationstoMurchisonHouseforwinning thisyear'scompetition.
SingstarsChoir SingstarsChoirhasmaintainedstrongnumbersthissemester,including anencouragingnumberofboys Thechoirperformedattheschool's 30thAnniversaryAssemblyandlaterachievedaDistinctionatthe GeraldtonMusicFestival awonderfulrewardfortheirdedicationand hardwork
GGSTrainingBand Term2sawtheintroductionoftheGGSTrainingBandforYear5and6 IMPstudentspreparingforJuniorBand.Thegrouphasmadeexcellent progressandhasrecentlybegunrehearsingitsfirstfullband arrangement,withperformancesapossibilitynextsemester MrsMcGrath
INTERNATIONALMUSIC PROGRAMDAY Term2beganwithourfirstannualSecondaryIMPDay Allsecondarystudentsinthemusicprogram wereinvitedtocometogetherforadayofintensiverehearsalsandfunmusicalactivities
Thedaybeganwithstudentsseparatingintotheirinstrumentfamilies,eachworkingonrehearsingand perfectingapiecefromamoviesoundtrack,tailoredfortheirinstruments Flutesformedafellowshipto play"ConcerningHobbits"fromTheLordoftheRings,ClarinetsandSaxophonesrodearollercoasterof emotionswith“MarriedLife"fromUp,Brasstrainedwith“GonnaFlyNow"fromRocky,GuitarsandBasses putontheircowboyhatsforthethemefromTheGood,theBadandtheUgly,andpercussion assembledtoplayTheAvengerstheme Afterrehearsing,thestudentsweretreatedtoaperformance andquestion-and-answersessionwithlocalmusicheroAlexiaParenzee Stoppingbybeforetakingoff toPortHeadland,Alexiadebutsomenewarrangementsofhertunesandansweredthestudents' questionsaboutlifeasamusicianinAustralia
Laterthestudentsformedonelargeensemble,theSecondaryIMPBand,toprepareColdplay’sVivaLa Vida,whichwassuccessfullydebutedattheArtsDayassemblyattheendofterm Finally,eachofthe instrumentfamiliesperformedtheirmovietunearrangementstotherestofthegroup,each recognisableenoughfortheaudiencetoidentifythemovie;quiteanachievementforonlyanhourof student-ledrehearsals.Afterpackingupfortheday,thegroupfinishedoffwithsomeshortmusical quizzesandgames.Asuccessfuldayall-roundandIlookforwardtogatheringtheprimarymusic studentsfortheirownIMPDayinSemesterTwo.
JEANSFORGENESDAY JeansforGenesDaysupportstheChildren'sMedicalResearchInstitutetohelpfindtreatmentsand curesforchildren’sgeneticdiseases
LeadbyourServiceCaptain,ChloeCruickshank,GeraldtonGrammarjoinedtogethertohelpraise moneyforthisimportantwork,wearingjeansforthedayandraisingatotalof$100385 Thankstothestudentsandstaffwhosupportedoureffortsandforyourgenerosity
YOUNGWRITERS OurYear6,7and8YoungWritersrecentlyenjoyedinspiringworkshopswithacclaimedauthorKate Emery,authorofseveralpopularbooks,withherlatestnovel,AMurderisGoingDown,recently shortlistedforanABIAAward.Duringthesessions,studentsexploredthefascinatingworldofcrime andmurdermysterywriting,gainingvaluableinsightsintocreatingsuspense,developingintriguing charactersandcraftingcompellingplots.
Studentsalsohadtheopportunitytoworkshoptheirownwriting,askquestions,discusstheircreative projects,andreceivevaluableadvicefromaprofessionalauthor.Weareincrediblygratefulto welcomeKatetoGeraldtonGrammarSchoolandknowthatourbuddingwritersleftfeelinginspired, motivatedandfullofnewideasfortheirownstorie
ENGLISHDEPARTMENT EnglishDepartment‘CrimeScene’ DuringWeek9,studentsweregreetedbyanimmersivecrimescenecompletewithmysteriousclues, evidence, surveillance photographs and unanswered questions. Designed as a creative writing stimulus in preparation for the Randolph Stow Young Writers Award, the interactive installation challenged students to become detectives, piecing together evidence and developing their own theoriesaboutwhathadhappened
The experience encouraged students to think critically, collaborate with their peers and, most importantly,unleashtheircreativitythroughwriting Inspiredbythecrimescene studentscrafteda rangeofimaginativestories,fromsuspensefulcrimethrillerstotales
raline’ Congratulations to Year 9 English students on their outstanding work inspired by their study of Coraline Studentsdemonstratedbothcreativityandinsightastheywroteimaginativediaryentries fromtheperspectivesofcharactersinthefilm,capturingkeyevents,emotionsandthemes
To complement their writing, students designed mood boards as the diary cover featuring motifs such as keys, buttons, doors and mirrors These thoughtful designs reflected deeper ideas about identity,courageandbelonging,showcasingstudents'abilitytothinkcriticallyandcreatively.
Thequalityoftheworkproducedwasexceptional,andstudentsshouldbeproudoftheimagination, effortandliteraryunderstandingdisplayedthroughouttheproject.
READINGRECOMMENDATIONS StudentsfromYears7-12andstaffweresurveyedtodiscoverthebestbooksof2026. Herearesomeofthetoppicks…perfecttimingfortheschoolholidays. A D U L T S Y E A R S 91 2 Y E A R S 79
HAVESUMFUNMATHEMATICS COMPETITION2026 TheHaveSumFunMathematicsCompetitionhostedbytheMathematicsAssociationofWestern AustraliawashostedinGeraldtonforthethirdconsecutiveyear.Over15teamsfromschoolsinthe Geraldtonarearaceagainsttheclocktosolvefourintenseroundsofeightchallengingproblems.The student'sresilienceandperseverancewasonfulldisplaywiththeyear7/8teamsachieving1 and2 placeandtheyear9/10achieving2 and4 place.Congratulationstoallstudentswhotookpartin theevent.
Studentswhoparticipated:
Year7:HafsaAung,EliBoonzaaier,JoelAntony,SamaraPenney,VioletAndrews,FreyaTeakle Year8:KeandraRamaish,KaiBassett-Scarfe,CraigMiller,CodenSpencer,HallieGamble,KhalidSaleh Year9:BlakeWills,WesleyBrown,JasminNicholson,LubaNdiweni,AlexanderVidzhay,JackWang Year10:JamesTaylor,FelixAndrews,HannahAntony,ReubenBergen,JessicaHoldenandAdrian Hofmeyr
WearelookingforwardtotwoteamsfromYear5and6competinginWeek11ofthisterm,theyhave beenpreparingeachweek,workingwithoursecondaryMathsteachers.
Thistermwehad3secondarystudentschallengethemselvesbycompletingtheJuniorScience OlympiadExam.Thisisa2hourmultiplechoiceexamacrossallSciencetopics.Welookforwardto seeingtheirresultslaterintheyear.ThestudentsareKeandraRamaish(Year8),EmilyWeightman (Year9)andJessicaHolden(Year10).
WearealsolookingforwardtoanumberofstudentsparticipatingintheAustralianMathematics CompetitionandInternationalChemistryQuizearlynextterm.
JUNIORSCIENCEOLYMPIADAND OTHERCOMPETITIONS GIRLSINPHYSICS OnTuesdayofWeek10,ninestudentsfromY8–10attendedtheSTAWAGirlsinPhysicsbrunch.The aimofthedaywastoinspiregirlstopursueadvancedstudiesinphysicsandmathematicsby introducingmodernphysicsconceptsandcareeropportunities.
ThiseventcombinedexperttalkswithinteractiveactivitiestomotivateparticipantstowardSTEM careers.Oneofthehighlightswasthekeynotespeaker,AngelaTeale,Grammarparentandan aerospaceengineerandco-founderofStarsite,whosharedherjourneyandinsightsonengineering careers.Participantsalsoengagedinhands-onquantumscienceactivitiesanddiscussionsabout futureSTEMopportunities.
GERALDTONREGIONAL CAREERSEXPO OurYear10studentshadtheexcitingopportunitytovisittheGeraldtonUniversitiesCentreand exploreawiderangeofcareerpathways,tradesandapprenticeshipopportunities Studentsmetwith industryprofessionalsandapprenticeshipproviderstolearnaboutfuturestudyandemployment options
Exhibitorsrepresentedadiverserangeofindustries,includingtheAustralianFederalPolice,Australian DefenceForce,heavydieselmechanics,nursing,surveying,mining,resourcesandenergy(GMA), buildingandconstruction(includingbricklaying),emergencyservices,governmentandregional services(CityofGreaterGeraldton),health,communityandeducation(includingCentacareand UWANursing),retailandhospitality,businessandfinance,transport(Nexus,QUBE,MainRoadsand theMidWestPortsAuthority),logisticsandinfrastructure,andagricultureandtheenvironment.
Itwasavaluableandengagingexperienceforourstudents,andwehopeitwillassisttheminmaking informedpathwayandsubjectselectionsfor2027.
INCLUSIVEEDUCATION SpotlightonIntervention–Sounds-Write! HereatGeraldtonGrammarSchoolwearecommittedtoprovidingqualityinterventionprogramsto supportourlearnerswhoneedalittlemorethanwhatcanbeprovidedinaclassroomsituation This Tier2and3learningisveryimportanttohelpfillgapsinspellingandreadingknowledgewhichcan thensupporttheirlearningacrossallothersubjects.
OneoftheprogramsweofferistheSounds-Writeprogram.Sounds-Writeisanevidence-based, systematicsyntheticphonicsprogramdesignedtoteachchildrenhowtoreadandspell
Thisprogramisdeliveredonceortwiceaweekdependingonindividualneedandfacilitatedbyour wonderfulMrsOdetteLuk Odettehasbeenteachingatourschoolforthelast9yearsandis dedicatedtoherstudents,forminggreatworkingrelationshipswiththemandprovidinganurturing one-on-oneenvironmentinherroominthelibrarywheretheyarecomfortableandsafetolearn.
Thestudentsrangefromyears5–9andappreciatetheextrasupporttheyreceivefromMrsLuk.
Quote:“IlikehowMrsLukdoesn’tjusthaveussittingaroundallthetime Shegetsusupdoingstuffat theboardandweuseherlittlebasketballhoop.”FreddieBoys,yr7
Quote:IfeelthattheSounds-Writelessonshelpmewithmyspellingandreadinginotherclassesand myvocabularyinEnglish.”CraigMiller,yr8
Quote:“MrsLukisreallygoodatteaching Sheletsmetakemytimeanddoesn’trushme Sheisvery supportive.”PippaFish,yr7
Quote:“MrsLukisfun,funnyandkind.”LexiBarron,yr7
Lunchtimereading! Staffarealreadyimmersedinreadingthroughouttheday andnowthere’sevenmoretoexplore duringlunch!
Inboththeprimarysharedlearningspaceandthesecondarystaffroom,engagingandinformative materialsarepromptingdeeperunderstandingofwhatitcanbeliketoexperiencelearning difficulties DisplaysfocusingonExecutiveFunctioningDeficits,aswellasinsightsintoSpecific LearningDisorders,anxiety,andASD,areencouragingreflectionalongsidepracticalstrategiesto bettersupportstudentsinbreakingdownbarrierstolearning
Theseresourcesaresparkingmeaningfulconversations,furtherstrengtheningoursharedknowledge andcollectiveexpertiseacrossteams.
Thankyoutoourteachersforyourongoingcommitmenttolearning,collaboration,andthegenerous sharingofexperienceandpractice
R A R Y Term2hasbeenanotherbusyandrewardingtermintheSheila FlanaganLibrary,withstudentscontinuingtoembracereading,research, creativityandcuriosity.
Classborrowingremainsahighlight,withstudentseagerlyexploringnew titles,discoveringfavouriteauthorsandsharingrecommendationswith theirpeers
Ourfictioncollectioncontinuestobehighlypopular,particularly adventure,fantasy,mystery,graphicnovelsandseriesfiction Students havealsoshowngrowinginterestinnon-fictiontopicsincludinganimals, history,sport,science,technology,weatherandspace,demonstratinga loveofreadingforbothenjoymentandlearning.
T E R M 2I N T H E L I B
StudentsandfamiliesareincreasinglymakinguseoftheOliverLibrary systemthroughSEQTA,allowingthemtosearchthecatalogue,view borrowinghistory,placerequestsandreceivepersonalisedbook recommendationsfromhomeorschool
Thelibrarycontinuestoprovideawelcomingspaceforreading,research, games,puzzlesandlunchtimeactivities Ourpuzzletableremainsa favourite,encouragingcollaboration,problem-solvingandconnection amongstudents
Throughouttheterm,avarietyofdisplayshavesparkedcuriosityand celebratedlearning StudentsexploredlocalheritagethroughtheShared History,SharedFuturedisplay,learnedabouttheBataviaArchand Geraldton'shistory,travelledtheworldthroughbooks,investigated weatherandnaturaldisasters,exploredanimalhabitats,solved mysteriesandcelebratedpoetrythroughourinteractivePoet-tree display
ThelibraryalsosupportedNationalReconciliationWeekwithresources anddisplaysthatencouragedstudentstolearnaboutAboriginaland TorresStraitIslanderhistories,culturesandcontributions,promoting understanding,respectandmeaningfulconversations.
Studentshavealsobeeninvitedtoparticipateinthe2026RandolphStow YoungWritersAward,providinganexcitingopportunityforyoungwriters acrossYears3–12toshowcasetheircreativitythroughpoetryandprose
Asthecoolermonthsarrive,thelibrarycontinuestobeavibranthub wherestudentscanread,learn,createandconnect Thankyoutoour staff,studentsandfamiliesfortheirongoingsupport.Welookforwardto anotherexcitingtermoflearninganddiscovery
MrsJefferies
LibraryManager
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolRidersShineatInterschoolEquestrianChampionships
GeraldtonGrammarSchoolridersproudlyrepresentedtheSchoolattheInterschoolEquestrianChampionshipsin Perth,achievingexcellentresultsacrossmultipledisciplines
AshleeBlake&THIACANDONANDRA
3rdPlace–80cmCombinedTraining
5thPlace–80cmShowJumping
BronteButt&THEBUFFALOSOLDIER
5thPlace–95cmCombinedTraining
6thPlace–90cmShowJumping
6thPlace–Preliminary1.2Dressage
HeidiButt&TRAPALANDADOWNSPETERPAN
2ndPlace–Prep2DressageTest(66%)
3rdPlace–Prep3DressageTest
3rdPlace–ShowHorseRiderClass
2ndPlace–ShowHorseRiddenClass
3rdPlace–ShowHorseLedClass
3rdOverallShowHorseParticipant
MasonShootstoSuccess
Year10studentMasonDennisdeliveredanoutstandingperformanceat theEchidnaParkWADaySportingClaysevent,winningtheOverall HandicapHighGuntitleagainst64competitors
Afterrecordingapersonalbestscoreof72/100towintheSub-Junior division,Masontiedfortheoveralltitleandsecuredvictoryinatense shoot-off HealsoplacedsecondintheSub-JuniordivisiononSunday
MasoncurrentlyleadstheStateSeriesSub-Juniorstandingsandis preparingtodefendhisStateTitleinSeptember
SuccessinWaterPoloandSurfing Inthemostrecentwaterpoloseason,CallumSojanachievedoutstandingsuccess,earningMen’sA GradeRunner-UpFairestandBestandHighestGoalScorer,aswellasMen’sBGradeFairestand BestandHighestGoalScorerfortheassociation.HehelpedbothhisAGradeandBGradeteams securepremiershipvictoriesandalsocoachedaCGradeteamtoapremiership Callumfurther representedGeraldtonattheCountryChampionships
Insurfing,CallumisamemberoftheMWASSurfSportsGroupandregularlycompetesinGeraldton BoardRidersevents HerecentlytravelledtoPerthtocompeteintheUnder18divisionattheState RoundheldatTriggBeach,gainingvaluableexperienceatstatelevel
CongratulationstoCallumonhisoutstandingsportingachievements.
LucySelectedforStateNetballSquad
Congratulations to Lucy McCartney on being selected in the 12/U School Sport WA State Netball Squad for the 2026 National ChampionshipsinDarwin
Lucy was selected from almost 400 girls who trialled from across Western Australia, with only 12 athletes earning a place in the squad. This is an incredible achievement and reflects Lucy's hard work,commitment,andtalentonthecourt.
We are so proud of Lucy and wish her all the very best as she prepares to represent Western Australia at the National ChampionshipsinDarwin
RegionalVolunteeroftheYear CongratulationstoKerriJefferies,whowasrecentlynamedRegional VolunteeroftheYearattheSoftballWAAwards.
AdedicatedmemberoftheGeraldtonSoftballAssociation,Kerrihas madeanoutstandingcontributiontothesportthroughher leadership,volunteerwork,andcommitmenttodevelopingplayers andprograms.Havingservedasacommitteemember,Secretary, andnowViceChairperson,shecontinuestoplayavitalrolebothon andoffthefield.
Thiswell-deservedrecognitioncelebratesKerri’spassion,dedication, andlastingimpactonthesoftballcommunity
Congratulations,Kerri!
TOWARDS2030STRATEGICPLAN At Geraldton Grammar School, we stand proudly on 30 years of history shaped by vision, courage, and a deep commitment to the education of young people in our region As we honour that past, we are equally compelled to look forward to consider the world our students are entering, and the responsibility we hold in preparing them not just to succeed withinit,buttomeaningfullyshapeit.
Towards2030representsaclearandconfidentexpressionofthatresponsibility Itisastrategic plangroundedinourvalues,informedbyourcommunity,anddrivenbyabeliefinthelimitless potentialofeverystudent.Itreflectswhoweareasaschool,whilealsochallengingustogrow, evolveandinnovateinresponsetoarapidlychangingworld.
Thisplanisnotsimplyadocumenttoberead itisacommitmenttoaction Itsetsadirection that strengthens our foundations in teaching and learning, deepens our focus on student wellbeing,andexpandsopportunitiesforauthentic,connectedandexperientiallearningthatis uniquelyGeraldtonGrammar.Itpositionsustoembraceinnovation,buildstrongpartnerships, andensurethatourstudentsgraduatewiththeskills,characterandconfidencetothrive.
Importantly, Towards 2030 has been shaped through the collective voice of our community whose insights, aspirations and shared belief in this school have helped define both our prioritiesandourpathwayforward.
AsPrincipal,Iamproudtopresentthisplannotonlyasaroadmapforthenextfiveyears,but asastatementofintent Together,wewillcontinuetohonourourlegacywhileshapingafuture thatisbold,inclusiveandfullofpossibilityforeverylearnerwhowalksthroughourgates
BradGill Principal–GeraldtonGrammarSchool
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