Reflecting the passion and eagerness of our students, Garnsey Campus kicks off the term with our senior production of ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Having started auditions and rehearsals in Term 4 of last year, our production crew and staff have since dedicated evenings and weekends to produce this wonderful show. Students in Year 6, Year 7 and Year 8 were lucky enough to be the audience for the production preview on Wednesday. Not only did the students get to enjoy the first experience of the show, but this also served as an important step in the transition process of our current Year 6 students as they prepare for life at Garnsey next year. Congratulations and thanks are to be extended to all students and staff who have been involved in ‘Catch Me If You Can’ and we extend that thanks to the parents and families of these students who have supported them throughout this journey.

Transition remains an important experience for our Year 6 students. On Wednesday April 16 we hosted our first ever transitional ‘Tour & Tea’ event for our Year 6 students and families from our Bairnsdale Campus. This was an opportunity for those students and families to learn more about Garnsey Campus, the subjects and programs we offer and to meet some of our amazing teachers. It also provided us with a unique opportunity to really connect with these students and understand more about who they are as individuals and what they hope to achieve in the future. We look forward to welcoming our Year 6 students and families from St Anne’s later this term.

In Week 2, we will host our first ever Grandparent’s Day service as part of our Centenary calendar of events. We are very much looking forward to welcoming grandparents and special friends to the campus to join with our students and staff as we acknowledge our School’s history and as we present the new ‘Generations Badge’, which will be given to all students who have a parent or grandparent who also attended our school.

On Wednesday April 24 we will also be hosting our ANZAC Day service where will be acknowledging the former men and women who served our country so bravely. Though we continue to move forward as a country, we value the importance of reflection, and remembering the significant historical events that have shaped our country.

Our Year 9 students are only a few weeks away from one of the most significant experiences a student has at Gippsland Grammar … the Year 9 Melbourne Experience. Ms Goggin and our Year 9 team have been supporting students in preparing for two weeks in Melbourne, where they will learn more about the history and culture of Melbourne. Furthermore, they will learn valuable life skills including increased independence, responsibility, organisation, time management and self-regulation. The Year 9 trip remains a key opportunity for our students, providing them with a readiness for the future.

In addition to the activities mentioned above, Garnsey Campus will host a number of other events this term including (but not limited to) the Year 8 Outdoor Education Camp, Garnsey Soiree and Bands Concert, Year 10 and Year 11 Examinations, a lockdown evacuation drill and our House Cross Country. Regardless of your year level, there are always opportunities for engagement and integration at Garnsey Campus.

Finally, I wanted to share with you that Gippsland Grammar has partnered with other local schools and the Wellington Shire Council to be part of Live4Life. This important community initiative is bringing together rural and regional communities to improve youth mental health and wellbeing. Live4Life communities deliver Teen and accredited Youth Mental Health First Aid training in schools and the wider community, create local partnerships to lead conversations about mental health that reduce stigma, and promote young leaders as mental health ambassadors. We have confirmed six students from Year 9 who have formed our school’s ‘Crew’ and following their training over the coming weeks, will be responsible for driving teen mental health strategies within the school.

Congratulations to Year 12 student Ella Gerrand and Year 11 Scarlett Tavasci who were selected by Rowing Victoria in this year's 'Rowing Pathway State Team and competed in the Interstate Pathways Regatta in Sydney last week. Excitingly, Old Scholar Ailish McGrath (Class of 2019) was the team coach!