On behalf of Gippsland Grammar, I would like to wish our friends and families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year. My thanks to every member of our School community for a fabulous 2018. 

What a week it has been! We began our final week of school for 2018 with our Prep Christmas Concert. Those in attendance witnessed a singing extravaganza from our youngest students.

This week has been full of excitement and anticipation as new students attended our school for the first time. Many were here as part of the Garnsey Campus rollover, with more than 100 students and their parents attending the Year 7 Orientation on Tuesday. 

Today was a day full of excitement as our students discovered their teacher, classmates and classroom for 2019. New and existing students spent the majority of the day with their 2019 class, experiencing what learning is going to be like next year.

In 2019 the incentive scheme for paying your fees in advance will be changing.  To help you understand the new scheme and how it may benefit you, the Business Manager is running a webinar.

Monday 10 December

• Prep Christmas Nativity, 9.00am

Tuesday 11 December

• Citizen of the Term Assembly, 9.00am

This week I felt a sense of new beginnings in the air as our Garnsey students started rollover and our Year 6 students eagerly and patiently prepared themselves for next week’s orientation. New beginnings mean new opportunities and a chance to start again, learning from past failures.

This morning our campus gathered for one of my favourite events of the year, the ELC Christmas Concert. Each year, our ELC students put together a Christmas Concert that includes wonderful costumes, songs and a great message.

Monday 3 December

• St Anne’s Christmas Service, 9.00am

Tuesday 4 December

• 2018 Year 6 at Orientation, Garnsey Campus
• ELC and Year 5 Buddies -Tabloid Sports Carnival, 9.00am

Monday 3 December

SRC Out of Uniform Day-Wear Christmas colours and bring a cash or gift card donation. 

It is with great pleasure that I announce the new staff who will be joining Gippsland Grammar in 2019. After a recruitment process that began in August, we can now share the following appointments:

We are entering the ‘pointy’ end of the school year with plenty going on between now and the last day of term on 13 December.

Monday 26 November

• Year 4 to Camp Rumbug
• Dulcie Holland Rehearsal

Tuesday 27 November

• Prep 2019 Transition Session 9.00-11.00am
• Prep Information Evening 6.00-7.00pm

After School Care at St Anne's ...latest Sherpa Kids newsletter.

We have now completed most of our assessments and curriculum for the year and our planning for Rollover at Garnsey Campus is well underway with a new timetable and classes being finalised.

The James Beard Hall was filled with song on Monday as each House performed enthusiastically in the House singing competition. An introduction solo by Aiden Rodriguez for Wellington Binks was a highlight, along with all Houses singing a campus favourite ‘1000 reasons’ in unison.

Monday 19 November

• Report Writing Day (Student Free)

Wednesday 21- Thursday 22 November

• Tertiary tours

Monday 19 November

• Report Writing Day, student free
• ELC Orientation Day

Friday 23 November

• Staff Professional Development Day, student free

Uniform survey

Our survey about the contemporary and inclusive nature of the School uniform has been well received by parents and will remain open for another week.

The week has moved very fast with the Melbourne Cup public holiday allowing for an enjoyable break on Tuesday. On Wednesday we welcomed Glen Dihood, Year 7 Co-ordinator at Garnsey Campus and Stewart Llewellyn, Head of Boarding, to our Bairnsdale Campus ...

The Year 12 end-of-year examinations are in full swing and many students sat the English exam last Wednesday. Both Literature and English Language will be examined next week, and we wish students of those subjects well in their preparations.

Digital devices during family time could exacerbate bad behavior

By Michael Hawton, Child Psychologist (MAPS) and Parentshop founder.

Monday 12 November

• Year 10 Exams Commence

Monday 12 November – Friday 16 November

• Year 9 Electives

Monday 12 November

Year 6 Pop up Shops

Tuesday 13 November

Year 6 Pop up Shops

There is no doubt that Gippsland Grammar students look smart, represent the School with pride and have a sense of connection when they wear our uniform.

Changes to Year Level Names

Last night we had the pleasure of hosting the parents of our 2019 Reception, Transition and Foundation students at our annual Information Evening.

Not every act of meanness is bullying

By Michael Hawton, Child Psychologist (MAPS) and Parentshop founder.

Tuesday 6 November

• Melbourne Cup – Public Holiday

Wednesday 7 November

• 8D participate in TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study) Session Assessment
• Premiers Reading Challenge – Luncheon

        Gippsland Dragon – 12:35pm

The Very Hungry Caterpillar at the Bairnsdale Library

The East Gippsland Shire Library will be hosting a special Saturday Storytime session during Social Inclusion Week aimed at children aged 3-10.

What a week it has been for Gippsland Grammar. We formally farewelled our Year 12s on Wednesday as they enjoyed their last official day as students.

I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with our Year 5 students at their Coonawarra camp this week: spending time in the outdoors, working with students on their leadership, problem solving, building resilience and reconnecting with nature.

What do you see in this picture?

With this one question and a carefully chosen work of art, teacher of Art and Design at Gippsland Grammar, Ms Nadine Lineham, opens the door towards deeper learning.

Monday 29 October

• State Athletics, Melbourne.  Best of luck to Kael, Ashleigh and Zara
• Year 3 and 4 to Fairy Dell 10:00am-2:00pm

This week, our students treated us to a wonderful Spring Concert at The Wedge in Sale. Their commitment to their performances, combined with great talent, was amazing. 

Today we enjoyed a wonderful Fellowship, hosted by Miss Wheeler and our students from Year 3 Flynn. The focus, ‘Being grateful for what we have’, was an important message throughout.

We’re skipping through the term!

Jump Rope for Heart is well underway and it’s great to see so many children out in the playground skipping with smiles on their faces.   

Monday 22 October

• Wellington School Shoot - Longford

Tuesday 23 October

• Immunisations (Yr 7) (9:00am-10:00am)

Monday 22 October

• Pre-loved Book Sale, Library

Tuesday 23 October

• Year 5 depart for Coonawarra Camp
• Pre-loved Book Sale, Library

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome our students back for the final term of 2018. Term 4 is traditionally a very busy term, with many activities and functions.

Welcome back to an exciting term ahead. I hope you have all had a chance to refresh after a busy Term 3. This term promises to be full of great learning opportunities for our students.

Fifteen students from Years 9 – 11 went to Japan during the September holidays. We spent time at our Sister School, Hikarigaoka Girls' High School, for the first seven days.

Gippsland Grammar has two new national equestrian champions.

Siblings Alice and Will Murray both won their respective showjumping titles at the Australian Interschool Equestrian Championships last week.

Monday 15 October

• Art Show Open today 9:00am-4:00pm
• Silent Auction of Art Works finishes at 4:00pm today

Saturday 13 October

• VATE English Revision Lecture
• Monash University Caulfield (7:00am-6:00pm)

House Drama

We enjoyed another wonderful celebration of the Arts during our annual Drama festival. More than 70 students from Years 7 – 12 were involved in the House plays held on Thursday and performed again on Thursday night in Garnsey Hall to friends and family.

Last week included the official RUOK day, but it needs to be every day - at school, in the workplace and in the community. The message behind RUOK day is to simply have a conversation - check in on a friend, a colleague, a neighbour to show that you care.

Code Kids

Code Kids School Holiday Program:Thursday 27 September or Thursday 4 October (10am to 1pm) at the Bairnsdale Scout Hall.

Monday 8 October

• Term 4 commences

Tuesday 9 October

• Concert Band 2.45-3.30pm

Wednesday 10 October

Please click on the twilight basketball flyer for information and times.

This week Australians recognised and placed mental health and awareness on the national agenda as we participated in RUOK Day.

NAPLAN

All parents with children in Year 3 or Year 5 would have received their child’s NAPLAN results for 2018. Students were assessed on their Numeracy, Reading, Writing and Language Conventions. The evidence collected from NAPLAN provides the School, teachers, parents and students with a snapshot of student learning.

Canberra Trip- Year 11

Earlier this term the Year 11 Geography students travelled to Canberra to gather data about tourism within the nation’s capital.

Bairnsdale and District Agricultural Show 2018 - Wearable Recycled Art Fashion Parade

Open to All Grades 5 and 6 students.  Theme ~ Recycling Plastics

Aim: To create a piece of Wearable Fashion from Recycled Plastics.

Monday 17 September

• Wellness Week
• Victorian Bike Education Challenge
• ¾ Chemistry Revision – St Paul’s Grammar Warragul

Tuesday 18 September

• Wellness Week
• Year 7 Big Day Out
• Year 7 Outdoor Education Information Evening (6.00pm-8.00pm)

There has been a great feeling around the School this week as we experienced our first glimpse of spring - a small sample of the warmer weather to come.

Rock and Roll is alive and well at Gippsland Grammar. Last night’s Spring Concert was such a wonderful celebration of our students’ musical talent.

Maths Department News

Years 7-9 students, as well as some senior students, have recently completed the Australian Mathematics Competition. 

Monday 10 September

• Division Athletics at Howitt Park.  Good Luck Team!
• Uniform Shop at the Bairnsdale Campus for Summer Uniform Fittings 2.30-4.00pm
• Dulcie Holland Band rehearsal

I have recently been involved in discussions regarding proposed changes to the manner in which our funding from the Federal Government is calculated. As a member of the Victorian Ecumenical System of Schools (VESS), we have been concerned that the proposed changes may impact on our funding as a school. 

Today we celebrated Father’s Day across the school. The ELC held a morning breakfast for fathers and special friends, while our junior students took part in a wonderful Fellowship, run by our Student Representative Council. This was followed by a sausage sizzle and games around school with our fathers and special friends.

Sunday 2 September

• Father’s Day

Monday 3 September

• National Literacy and Numeracy Week
• Student Support Group Meetings

Tuesday 4 September

• SRC Beyblades Competition

Thursday 6 September

Gippsland Grammar boys got off to a good start in the senior football as Berwick turned up to the wrong ground, which meant they were a little late and under prepared. This showed on the scoreboard as well, with Berwick not bothering the scorers too much in the first 10 minutes of the game.

Monday 3 September

• Soiree at St John’s 6:00pm
• No Dulcie Holland Band rehearsal today

As I write this newsletter, I remind myself that we are already more than half way through the term and our Year 12’s are quickly approaching their final days as students at Gippsland Grammar ...

We are officially half way through Term 3 and the year is flying past very quickly. Term 3 and 4 are when we regularly notice students making significant improvement in their academic, social and emotional development.

Physical Education and Health at Gippsland Grammar is more than just playing games. We aim to give our students the knowledge and positive experiences that will encourage them to be fit and healthy members of our community.

Tuesday 28 August

• Latrobe Valley Climate Justice Summit at Federation Uni

Wednesday 29 August

• Latrobe Valley Climate Justice Summit at Federation Uni

Thursday 30 August

• SEISA Winter Finals
• ISC Bookclub Excursion to Melbourne Writers Festival

Saturday 25 August

• Tournament of Minds Competition, Federation University, 12.30pm-4.00pm

Tuesday 28 August

• Sale and District Track and Field, Garnsey Campus for selected students
• Parent Teacher Interviews, Teachers and Specialists, 3:30pm – 6:00pm

Online Gaming Afternoon - Be Internet Awesome

Help us celebrate eSmart Week and enjoy an afternoon of fun and games at the library. A range of online games will be available for various ages to learn how to make smart decisions online.

• Collegians Cricket Club is currently taking registrations for U16, U14, U12, U11 and Milo Cricket
• Registration Night Wednesday 29th  August 4:30pm at College Ovals
• For more information email CollegiansCricketClub@gmail.com  or contact Anthony Callahan 0418 541 351

We farewelled the girls from Hikarigaoka Girls High School, Japan, at our assembly on Monday. The girls were each presented with a certificate and their Commemoration Day gift of “Is Emu off the Menu?” before performing a song and presenting a farewell speech to the assembly.

I am delighted to share the official results of last week’s House Athletics: while we were, at times, challenged by the weather, the day finished successfully with a win by Cranswick Dargo. 

Chamber Concert, Thursday 23 August

Chapel of St Anne, 6PM

All welcome! No cover charge.

Monday 20 August

• Book Week Assembly
• Banksia and Correa Geography Incursion
• Dulcie Holland Band rehearsal

Monday was Gippsland Grammar’s Commemoration Day, the day we celebrate the August 1970 decision of the councils of the Church of England Girls’ School and Gippsland Grammar Boys’ School to amalgamate.

House Athletics Carnival

The Crowded House song ‘Four Seasons in One Day’ crossed my mind after Tuesday’s House Athletics Carnival. Students, teachers, parents and carers battled the elements at Garnsey campus, with Wellington Binks victorious in a tight contest. 

Gippsland Grammar vs Newhaven

Senior Boys Football

Best on Ground: Ari Fleming

Coach’s Award: Harry Preston and Harrison Cook

Players Player: Ari Fleming

Score: Gippsland Grammar (162) vs Newhaven (69)

Term 3 continues to be a busy time for the Science Department. Our teachers have been working hard to ensure that students at all levels are developing a sound understanding of how the world around them functions.

Monday 13 August

• Science Week
• Bike Ed- Bike checks for those students using their own bikes
• Year 6 Virtual Learning Excursion through Melbourne Museum
• Wellington Division Basketball, Maffra

This week at Garnsey Assembly I felt a need to speak to the students regarding the value of education and the opportunities that they are presented with by attending Gippsland Grammar.

Campus Captain’s Leadership Day

Yesterday our Campus Captains and I ventured to Caulfield Grammar to take part in an action packed Student Leadership Day.

Many Faiths, One People: Y7 tour of places of worship in Greater Dandenong

This was one of those once in a lifetime experiences: visiting and listening in-depth to a Rabbi, Yakkov Glasman, at the synagogue of the Hebrew St Kilda Congregation; a personal assistant to the Sikh temple, Ms Gagandeep Kaur; a Buddhist abbot, the Venerable Muruthamru Pannaloka and an Imam, Professor Ismet Purdic at the Bosnia & Herzegovina Islamic Mosque.

_{Gippsland Grammar vs Beaconhills Pakenham}

Monday 6 August

• Commemoration Day-Year 5 and 6 and the Bairnsdale Singers to the Garnsey Campus
• Dulcie Holland Band rehearsal

Tuesday 7 August

• Prep 100 Days of School celebration at the All Abilities Playground
• Concert Band 2.45-3.30pm

Wednesday 8 August

This week we took the opportunity to induct new staff into our School, a process that we complete twice a year. While the induction has a compliance component around School policies and procedures, we also take the opportunity to ensure that new team members understand and commit to our School culture.

Celebrating St Anne’s Day each year is an important tradition, not only for our current students, but also for an amazing group of past students known affectionately as Green Grubs.

Music Department Tuned In

Preparations are well underway for some exciting music events this term.

Monday 30 July

• Hooptime, Year 5 & Year 6

Tuesday 31 July

• ICAS English

Open Rehearsal

The East Gippsland Symphonia and East Gippsland Brass will hold an open rehearsal for anyone interested in joining.  Everyone welcome, bring your instrument.

When:            Sunday 29 July 2018

Time:              2.00-4.00pm

Venue:           Picnic Point Band Room, Cnr Drevermann and Bredt Street, Bairnsdale

Welcome back to Term 3. After an enjoyable three-week break, it has been wonderful to welcome back teachers, support staff and students this week.

Our return to school has been a smooth and happy one, with much laughter and chatter to be heard. We welcomed the Newstead family to our school community, with Josh commencing in Kurrajong and Tess in Correa.

McColl Club Friends of Rowing - AGM

When: Tuesday 7 August

Where: Meeting Room Garnsey Campus

Time: 7:30pm

Monday 23 July

• Year 9 Group 1 packing session

Tuesday 24 July

• Hikarigaoka Exchange students arrive
• Year 11 VCE Chemistry - (Federation University)
• Year 9 Alpine Program

Wednesday 25 July

East Gippsland Shire Library

Lego Club

Bookings are now being taken for the Library LEGO Club being held at the Bairnsdale Library on Wednesday, 8 August from 4:00pm – 5:00pm. 

I would like to take this opportunity to wish our families a safe and enjoyable midyear break. It has been pleasing to read our student reports and the majority of our students have worked very hard this semester to achieve some excellent results. I know that all of our students and families are looking forward to a well-earned break.

It has been a massive Term 2 for all involved in our school community. Our hugely successful Aladdin Jr musical, beginning of our new 3/4 Learning center, student reports, Eisteddfods, Winter Sports, Fellowships, Jo Lange parent information session, ELC Quality Assessment, Soirees and House Cross Country were some of our key events.

Courage to Care

During the last week of Term 2, three groups of students from Gippsland Grammar participated in sessions with Courage to Care.

Gippsland Grammar Vs Beaconhills Berwick (3-0)

Tom Wrigglesworth scoring two and Zaine Waixel scoring one.

Players Player: Aden Best

Coaches Award: Zoe Bolton and Jack McConachy

Best on Ground: Tom Wrigglesworth 

Let me introduce you to Dash the Seal and Squirt the Crocodile. Dash and Squirt are the practice pets who will be visiting our instrumental music students’ homes during the remainder of the year. They are coming to listen to your child practising and playing music and to encourage your child. They are looking forward to hearing all of the amazing music and instruments that our children play.

Monday 16 July

• Staff Professional Development Day (Student Free)

Tuesday 17 July

• Term 3 commences

Thursday 19 July

• SSV Cross Country State Championships, Bundoora
• SEISA Cross Country Newhaven, selected students only

Decorate an Apron

Join us for our mid-year school holiday program activity session. Listen to stories, play games, win prizes and decorate your own apron using special fabric paints and felt pens, stamps and found objects.  For ages 5 – 12. Bookings essential.

Bairnsdale Library, Tuesday 3 July (2:00pm–3:30 pm)

General Achievement Test (GAT)

All students studying a Unit 3/4 VCE VET subject sat the General Achievement Test (GAT) on Wednesday this week. The GAT is a test of general knowledge and skills in writing, numeracy and reasoning. 

Over the last few weeks, I have toured a number of potential families through our campus. While there is much information to share about our campus, I always commence our discussion with our statement of wellbeing.

Junior Mixed Hockey

Gippsland Grammar 10- Beaconhills Berwick 0

Players player: Zane Waixel

Coaches award: Austin Bauer

Best On Ground: Tom Wrigglesworth

Junior Netball A team

Gippsland Grammar 23 - Beaconhills Berwick 28

Monday 18 June

• Dulcie Holland rehearsal

Tuesday 19 June

• Bairnsdale Singers 2:45-3:30pm
• Tournament of Minds

Wednesday 20 June

I recently caught up with some school friends and we chatted about schools today and how different they are from when we went to school; my friends are all parents now, as am I, so it was interesting to exchange views on how we see schools and education, now that we have kids of school age.

Learning About Learning

For a few years now, Gippsland Grammar has had a strong focus on making our students’ learning and thinking more visible. If you walk into any classroom you will see a lesson’s learning intention, or the ‘big picture’, prominently displayed. 

Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is the Cancer Council’s most popular fundraising event and the largest, most successful event of its kind in Australia.

Junior Mixed Hockey

Gippsland Grammar 6- Beaconhills Berwick 0

Players player: Brooke Marshall

Coaches award: Austin Bauer and Eloise West

Best On Ground: Tom Wrigglesworth

Junior Netball A team

Term 2 is an exciting and busy time in Year 9 at Gippsland Grammar. At the beginning of May the first group of Year 9s started their Melbourne Experience with a sense of eagerness and apprehension; not quite sure what to expect for their two weeks in the city, but ready for anything.

Monday 11 June

• Queen’s Birthday (Student Free)

Wednesday 13 June

• ICAS Spelling

Wednesday 14 June

• ICAS Writing
• Gippsland Region Cross Country, Lardner Park

Friday 15 June

GAT (General Achievement Test)

FOR YEAR 11 AND 12 STUDENTS

Semester 2 starts soon

There have been very few events on which to report this week, as students and their teachers have been focused on completion of courses for Semester 1 and the subsequent assessments that accompany the end of semester.

Reconciliation Week for our campus commenced last Friday with Blackwood’s Fellowship. We have flown the Aboriginal flag this week as a sign of respect and acknowledgement for this significant event.

NEURODAY: Victorian Student Neuroscience Conference, Saturday 21 July, MLC

This event is open to all secondary students across Victoria. Students may be registered by their families or through their school.

Monday 4 June

Year 6 Excursion to Glenmaggie Weir

Wednesday 6 June

Day 2 School Photos – School Leaders, Choirs, Instrumental Ensembles, Mawson Class Photo, Staff Photo

Many of you will have noticed that our building works at St Anne’s have begun and that structures are emerging from the rubble of the old houses originally situated on this site.

At Gippsland Grammar, we provide a range of opportunities for our students to develop and showcase their learning and talents.

An information session for next year’s International Schools Choral Music Society (ISCMS) trip to Shanghai Feb 16 -25, 2019 will be held in the Lecture Theatre on Wednesday 6 June at 6:00pm.

It has been a very busy autumn for the Outdoor Education team. Our Year 9 students have completed the Lake Tali Karng bush walk and Year 8 has completed the Mitchell River adventure program.

Monday 28 May

• Aladdin Jr Musical Rehearsal

Tuesday 29 May

• ICAS Science
• No Swimming Program today
• Aladdin Jr Musical Full Dress Rehearsal
• Aladdin Jr Opening Performance, 6:00pm at the Wedge

Wednesday 30 May

Sisterhood: She is…Strong

A session to build your strength, in every way. All women welcome! $2 entry donation, light supper provided. RSVP/Qs to Von Dubbeld (0400 321 670).

Date:               Monday 28 May

Time:              6:00pm-7:30pm

Venue:           St John’s Church Hall.

Notification of important bus and traffic management changes from Monday 21 May

The School has been working with Wellington Shire, Public Transport Victoria and the Wellington Bus Network to determine a safer solution for all students, including pedestrians and bike riders  ... 

After a very busy first four weeks of term, this week has seemed comparatively quiet. That is, until I look back today at the week’s activities!

A reminder the School photographer, Lisa Baker, has put the Year 11 Ball photos online. They are ready for viewing and ordering now. Please go to lbphotos.com.au.

Thank you

Events Co-ordinator 

Gerardene Caldwell

Inter House Cross Country Report

The Gippsland Grammar Inter House cross country was run on 16 May on a pleasant autumn day.

Monday 21 May

Wellington Division Cross Country, Yarram

Wednesday 23 May

School Photos

Come and Try Year 7 Night

I recently caught up with another Principal from our region regarding general education issues and leadership of Schools. Towards the end of our chat, he turned to me and asked if I enjoy my job. My answer was an emphatic yes.

Mother’s Day is such an important day. It provides a chance for everyone to acknowledge and to thank their mums for all they do for us. My own mother has played a huge part in my life.

Performing Arts

Through active participation in the performing arts, students come in to contact with other cultures and traditions, while learning much about each other and themselves. This semester, Gippsland Grammar students have had many opportunities to engage with the arts.

Monday 14 May

• Tuckshop
• Regional Golf Competition at Bairnsdale Golf Club.  Good luck Xander, Oscar and Lochlan!
• Green Team propagating incursion
• Dulcie Holland rehearsal today

Last week the School’s Association and the Board of Directors conducted their AGM at Garnsey Campus. Those in attendance at the Association AGM heard presentations from the Chair of the Gippsland Grammar Board- Mr Bill Jones, the Chair of the Board’s Audit Committee- Mr Brendan Shepherd, our Business Manager and Company Secretary- Mr Chris Beckman, and myself. Discussion included minor changes to the Constitution to create a more gender friendly document.

Chisholm presented a wonderful Fellowship this morning, with a particular focus on one of our CLERR values - compassion. The students spoke about Mrs Caroline Chisholm who played a key role in improving the life of women and children in the 1800’s, in Australia and across the world.

Maths Department News

A group of enthusiastic students across Years 7-10 have been working on their submissions for the Australian Mathematics Trust’s, Mathematics Challenge for Young Australians. They have been completing problem-solving tasks designed to challenge and extend motivated mathematics students. They have recently submitted their work for the challenge stage and students will have the opportunity to go on to the enrichment stage later this term.

Monday 7 May

• Bairnsdale Campus Open Week
• Tuckshop
• Pie day orders due
• Dulcie Holland rehearsal today

It was wonderful to welcome the Breathe Project’s Kat and Bodhi to Garnsey campus on Monday and Tuesday. All Year 7 – 12 students had the opportunity to engage in a one hour session introducing a breathing routine and talking about when it might be useful and why.

As the Bairnsdale community gathered at the cenotaph on ANZAC day to remember those who fought for their country, I stood beside our Gippsland Grammar students with pride.

Monday 30 April

• Tuckshop
• Dulcie Holland rehearsal today

This week we welcomed from Rwanda the Principal of Gahini Secondary School, Luke Karemangingo, and Bishop Manaseh. Luke and Manaseh will be spending the next three weeks visiting our School, St Paul’s in Warragul and Traralgon, as well as many congregations within the Gippsland Diocese. It is an absolute honour to welcome these ‘old friends’ back to our School.

I would like to welcome everyone back for Term 2. This term will be full of Musical preparations, challenges and wonderful learning experiences. We have three new students beginning this term: Olivia (Mackellar), Hanielle (Cuthbert) and Abigail (Chisholm). On behalf of Gippsland Grammar, I would like to welcome these students and their families to our school community.

Coding For Kids 

Starting in Term 2, on Saturday mornings in Bairnsdale.

9:00am-10:00am- Kilobytes (beginners)

10.00am-11.00am- Megabites and Gigabytes (intermediate)

Please contact Sharen Cameron for more information on 0408 501 399

Monday 23 April

• Jo Lange Parenting Presentation, 6:00pm, Lorna Sparrow Hall

Tuesday 24 April

• Inter-House Cross Country, Catholic College Ovals, 9:00am
• No Swimming Program today

Wednesday 25 April

• ANZAC Day (Student free)

As the term comes to a close it is appropriate that we take the time to reflect on the many exciting activities that have taken place during Term One and also to acknowledge the great work of our students and staff during the previous eight weeks.

As we near the end of Term 1, we have an opportunity to reflect and reaffirm what is important to our school. It has been a huge term full of amazing community events, such as STAGGFAIR, Welcome Picnic, THRASS Parent Information Session, Grandparents and Special Friends Day, Fellowships and much more.

History

On 20 February, Ms Michaela O’Connor, Ms Sam Gladman and I accompanied our Year 10 History students to Melbourne to visit the Jewish Holocaust Centre in Elsternwick.

Thursday 29 March

Term 1 concludes

Friday 30 March

Good Friday 

Friday 13 April -  Sunday 22 April

Under Age and Para Trials - Rowing (Sydney)

Monday 16 April

Term 2 commences

Tuesday 17 April

Friday 30 March

Good Friday (Student Free)

Monday 16 April

Term 2 Commences

Wednesday 18 April

State Swimming Championships for selected students, MSAC

Friday 20 April

ANZAC Day Fellowship

Monday 23 April

Community involvement was well and truly ‘on show’ last week at STAGGFAIR. While the weather dampened the event, it was still a successful day with many families attending and members of our community assisting in lots of different ways.

Our biennial STAGGFAIR last weekend was a wonderful example of community engagement. Teams of Gippsland Grammar parents, friends, students and teachers worked together to organise and run a range of stalls, rides and entertainment.

Monday 26 March

Crazy Hair & Casual Clothes Day

Tuesday 27 March

Year 1 Excursion to Old Gippstown

SEISA Athletics Trials for selected students

Drama for Kids

After School “Drama for Kids” classes in Bairnsdale and Lakes Entrance will be commencing in Term 2, brought to you by the people who brought you Peter Pan and Aladdin. Develop character, learn improvisation, boost confidence, explore emotions, enhance literacy skills, improve teamwork and social skills and have loads of fun!

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

It was important that in our busy STAGGFAIR preparation we pause to stand together on Friday 16 March to acknowledge the important message of the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence.

This morning our school community came together for St Anne’s biggest celebration of the year, our Grandparents and Special Friends Fellowship. Our guest speaker was Mrs Elizabeth Board.  Liz is not only a Grandparent, but also a past Head of St Anne’s Campus. She spoke about the special connection and bond between Grandparents and Grandchildren.

(SEISA) Match Summary Sheet

Round 5 results (all teams played Beaconhills Berwick)

Team: Tennis A Boys
Players Player: Charlie Harrison
Coaches Award: Kai McDonald
Best on Ground: Will Runciman

Score: GG defeated by BCB

Monday 19 March

Tuckshop

Soiree at St John’s 6.00pm

Tuesday 20 March

GRIN 8.10am

Icy pole sales at recess $1.00

Bairnsdale Singers 2.45pm-3.30pm

Parent Teacher Interviews 3.45pm-5.30pm (Classroom teachers only)

Wednesday 21 March

Tuckshop

Cross Country training will be running before school on Thursday's from 8:30am-8:50am and Tuesday recess from 10:10am-10:30am.  Any students interested bring along runners and meet Mrs Laverty out the front of the hall.   Netball training will commence for year 3/4 students playing in the Saturday competition on Thursday lunchtimes please meet Mrs Laverty @ 12:40pm in the hall with runners.

I would like to wish all of our families a happy and well-deserved long weekend. It has been a very busy term and the students have been incredibly active and involved in the life of our School.

I am frequently amazed with the thinking and learning our students demonstrate. This was highlighted again this week during my weekly F.I.E lesson with our Year 3 students.

Art & Design at Gippsland Grammar Flourishing

Once again Gippsland Art Gallery have opened their “Flourish” VCE Art Exhibition at the Maffra Exhibition space.

Sisterhood of East Gippsland- She is…Practical

Brought to you by the Sisterhood of East Gippsland, a place for women to enjoy themselves, discover the beautiful Truth of who they are and band together with their Sisters to make a difference in our world.

Monday 5 March

• Yr 12 Outdoor Education Sea Kayaking 
• Yr 8 Meals on Wheels
• Yr 9 Group 2 Packing Session

Tuesday 6 March

One of the strengths of Gippsland Grammar is the commitment to professional growth and development for our staff. We know that our teachers are our most valuable resource in achieving our desired student outcomes. This week there has been great evidence of this belief and practice.

(SEISA) Match Summary 

Round Two

The following information has been completed by the staff member in charge of the Gippsland Grammar sporting team.

Team: Intermediate Cricket

G.G.S vs. St Pauls Traralgon

Overall Score:

GGS: 2/195

Monday 5 March

Preps begin fulltime

Tuesday 6 March

Wellington Division Swimming Carnival, selected students

Thursday 8 March

ELC Working Parents Night, 6.00pm – 7.00pm

Friday 9 March

Fellowship: House Singing Competition, 9.00am

Monday 5 March

• Tuckshop
• Dulcie Holland Band Practice, Garnsey Campus

Wellington Youth Summit

A group of Gippsland Grammar students joined young people from across the Wellington Shire at the Wellington Youth Summit, held at the wonderful new Wellington Centre on Thursday.

It was with great pride that I heard of the successful day our swimmers had at the District Swimming competition. While they all returned adorned with ribbons, it was the report of the wonderful Gippsland Grammar spirit and sportsmanship displayed that really made me smile.

Looking for host families in Term 3 (4 weeks)

Each year we are delighted to welcome a group of female Year 11 students from our Sister School in Japan, Hikarigaoka Girls High School, to Gippsland Grammar. The exchange program is an important program in the School and a valuable aspect of the School experience for our students.

Monday 26 February

Parent Teacher Interviews (Freeman only), 3.30pm – 5.00pm

At Gippsland Grammar, we value the community connectedness that has been a positive aspect of our School for so many years. Many of our parents, grandparents and guardians are actively involved in the ‘life of our school’ through volunteering, assisting with the many and varied opportunities we offer our students.

We began this morning with a wonderful Fellowship from Year 6 Goolagong, our first classroom Fellowship for the year. The focus was the endless opportunities we have to start over again. The beginning of the year tends to be the time when we attempt to turn over a new leaf, making resolutions to make fresh starts.

Information Services Centre

What is a library in 2018 and why is it a unique whole School facility and library media centre? Students and teachers use our beautiful library for many reasons: during class, researching, studying, revising. At recess and lunch students are either reading, using it as a 'hangout' space, playing games like chess and others, doing 'the' puzzle, or just reading in a quiet nook.

Monday 19 February

• Tuckshop
• Open Water Swimming program, Paynesville Foreshore-Year 6 students
• Dulcie Holland Concert Band Rehearsal, Garnsey Campus

Tuesday 20 February

• Bairnsdale Singers 2.45-3.30pm

Wednesday 21 February

As many of our families would already be aware, Gippsland Grammar is a member of the South Eastern Independent Schools Association (SEISA). This organisation provides our competition and participation for Sport and cultural events throughout the year.

We officially inducted our Campus and House Captains for 2018 at this morning’s Fellowship. Principal, Mr David Baker, Deputy Principal, Ms Jan Henry and House Captains from Garnsey Campus added to the sense of occasion.

From the Boatshed

Term 1 is an exciting time for the rowers at Gippsland Grammar as the season builds to its climax in March. Returning from the summer holidays, our student athletes were thrown straight in to active training at camp in Johnsonville on the Tambo River.

The 2018 school year has come around very quickly. I hope our School families are just as excited about the year ahead as I am.

Stratford Pony Club Interschool Equestrian Challenge

Primary & Secondary School

Wednesday 21st February 2018

Sale Showgrounds, SALE 3850

Enquiries Phone: Kalinda Wade 0407 439 077 or Kylie Gault 0438 322 944

Bairnsdale Calendar Dates

Monday 5 February

•  Tuckshop

Wednesday 7 February

• Tuckshop
• Prep Testing Interviews.  No School for Prep students today.

STOP PRESS

Dear parents and members of our School community,

I am thrilled to pass on a summary of our VCE results for 2017. These are a very pleasing set of results and I am extremely happy for our students.

A Christmas Message from Rev'd Rich ...

Sociologists suggest that—even though we are more ‘connected’ by social media and other forms of technology than at any other time in history—we feel more disconnected from others than ever before.

Our final week of the year has been one of celebration for all. The sound of rhythmic drumming could be heard across the river as the Year 6 students presented their final performance for DRUMBEAT.

Friday 15 December

Staff Day

Wednesday 20 December

School Office closes for 2017

What a great time of year it is, particularly at Gippsland Grammar. Our final weeks of the School year are full of exciting and energising events that celebrate our year, congratulate those who are moving on to the next stage of their education and share the joy of Christmas.

Classes For 2018

Today was a day full of excitement as our students found out their teacher, classmates and classroom for 2018. New and existing students spent the majority of the day with their 2018 class, experiencing what learning is going to be like next year.

Information Services Centre (ISC)

It has been exciting to welcome the new Year 7s into the School this week. They have all completed orientation programs in the library (Information Services Centre, or ISC) and most have borrowed books to read over the holidays. 

Christmas Cakes and Puddings

The Rotary Club of Bairnsdale Sunrise are selling Christmas puddings and cakes as a fundraiser to support the numerous projects both locally and internationally that the club supports.

Monday 11 December

Double swimming lesson, including ‘Survival Experience’ for Banksia and Melaleuca.  Please bring winter pyjamas to swim in.

ELC Reception Christmas party

Celebrating Respect

We acknowledged White Ribbon Day at Garnsey Campus this week. Initiated by 8 Ries as their Service Learning project, and building on the Respectful Relationships Initiative we have introduced, the day was acknowledged in Chapel services. 

I begin this newsletter with heartfelt thanks to the students, teachers and parents who made our Twilight School such a success. The response to the night was overwhelming with parents, teachers and students all engaged in learning. 

Monday 4 December 

Christmas Service & Dressing of Christmas Tree, 10.30am 

Tuesday 5 December 

Year 6 Orientation at Garnsey Campus commences 

Summer Reading Club

A Summer Reading Club will take place at East Gippsland Shire Library these summer holidays.

Last year the Summer Reading Club was a huge success!

The end of our 2017 academic year has arrived and we are now “rolling over” to a new academic year on Monday. It has always been important to us to mark these milestones and celebrate the connections made throughout the year.

This week has been one of reflection. It began with a holiday for our students while teachers worked diligently on report writing. Student report writing provides an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate growth in our students, both personally and academically.

My Year in Prep Mawson … 

When I started School I was a bit nervous because I didn’t know anyone. My teacher’s name is Mrs Tayler. 

Wednesday 29 November 

Instrumental Soiree, Chapel of St Anne, 6.00pm 

Thursday 30 November 

Year 5 Bug Blitz Excursion, 9.00am – 12.30pm 

Friday 1 December 

Fellowship: ELC Christmas Concert 9.00am  

ELC & Year 5 Christmas Picnic, Sale Botanic Gardens 

Monday 20 November

Student Free Day - Report Writing Day

Monday 20 November 

• Report Writing Day-No School today 
• No ELC Reception session today 
• 2018 ELC Orientation Day for Reception (9.00am-10.00am) and Pre-Prep (10.30am-12.00pm) 
• Bairnsdale Singers 3.30pm-4.15pm 

Plant the right seed and great things will grow… 

This morning, students in Year 3/4 Flynn presented a meaningful Fellowship with a focus on our school motto ‘Plant the right seed and great things will grow.’

Monday 20 November 

• Report Writing Day (Student Free) 
• ELC Orientation Day 
• Camp Australia Closure Day Program, 8.30am – 5.00pm 

Free Community Fun Day  -  Sale Baptist Church

The annual FREE Community Fun Day is on Sunday 3th December, 10am to 3pm.

Ms Henry and I were delighted to attend the ACEL Awards Celebration this week. ACEL is the Australian Council for Educational Leaders, a national organisation dedicated to the support and development of leaders in educational settings.  

On Monday the children participated in a very informative first aid session delivered by St. John Ambulance member Natalie Carroll. Year 6 student Abi Carr shared her reflection of the day.