As our most senior students embark on their final VCE exams over the coming weeks, I find myself reflecting on ambitions, motivations, and dreams.

I am fortunate to have been able to visit our Foundation classes at both St Anne’s and Bairnsdale over the course of this year and learn about the goals and dreams of our students who are nearer to the beginning of their school journey. This year we have talked about friendships, people we care about and what I want to be when I grow up. Likewise, I feel privileged each year to spend time with our senior students as I work through with them the plans for the next part in their journey beyond school. Our topics are not dissimilar to those discussions I have with the Foundation classes. We talk about friendships, people we care about and, what they want to be when they grow up.

The themes are very different and I put this down to not only individual growth and maturity, but to the opportunities that are afforded to Gippsland Grammar students across their journey at our school. Whether you are a student from ELC through until Year 12, or a student who arrived or departed along the way, the opportunities you have influence the people you become.

The ambitions, motivations and dreams that we, as parents, have for our children can often be about providing them with the opportunity to be the best person they can in an ever-changing world. Choosing Gippsland Grammar is a choice that is made by families in the steps towards achieving this.

Earlier this term, the Gippsland Grammar Old Scholars hosted the annual Decades Reunion. This year saw past students from 2013, 2003, 1993, 1983, 1973 and 1963 return to the Garnsey Campus for an afternoon inclusive of reminiscing about what was and learning what now is. About 80 guests attended with highlights including our recent additions including the extension to the Lauire Payne Sports Centre, the new Arts & Design Centre and - in possibly the biggest change over the decades - permission to walk on the ‘sacred grass’ in the quadrangle. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity for past students to maintain connection with our school and I personally take joy in hearing the stories from years gone by and learning about the changes and development of Gippsland Grammar over its time.

The timing of each of these events this year, has enabled me to consider the connection and relationship that people have with Gippsland Grammar and the contribution that a school can make to a person. From our younger students, through to our elder Old Scholars, that connection exists. Community is at the heart of a school and it is the people that build the community.

As we head towards the final month of this academic year, I encourage all of the students at our school to seek out the opportunities that are available to you and continue to be the very best version of yourself.

The Arts are alive and well at Gippsland Grammar. Over the past two weeks we have had our incredible Art exhibition and this week our students participated in our House Singing Competition. This involved each house practising over several weeks and performing this morning.

Art exhibition
Many within our campus community took the opportunity to visit our fantastic 2023 Art Exhibition ‘Imaginarium’ last week. The exhibition allowed all students to engage in various mediums to explore what their imagination could create. We were proud to host a school art exhibition that not only showcases the impressive artistic talent of our students but also provides a deeper insight into the creative process involved in making art. The exhibition encompasses artwork contributed by students ranging from Foundation to Year 6, with the theme of imagination resonating through the exhibition. Our Art teacher, Mrs Louise Hulls, has continued to raise the profile of the Arts at our campus. Not only through this exhibition, but through an Art House Competition, Art Enrichment lessons throughout the year and our Artist in Residence.

Artist in Residence Ray Thomas
Artist Ray Thomas participated in the Gippsland Grammar Foundation Lorna Sparrow Fellow in Residence program at St Anne's Campus for a week. During his residency, Ray created a mural on the Yr 5/6/Art building, highlighting elements of Gunnai country and culture. Students had the opportunity to observe his artistic process, witness his material choices, and gain insights into his artistic planning and refinements. They engaged in conversations with Ray about various topics, including the mural's subject matter, his preferred colours, his artistic beginnings, and his inaugural artwork.

Inside the Art room, Ray showcased his previous artworks, providing insights into the themes and narratives behind them. He also discussed the materials and techniques he employs in his creative endeavours. Ray offered a demonstration of airbrushing techniques, a prominent feature of his work, and painted bataluk (lizards) for students, allowing them to contribute their own designs to the artwork. Thank you to the Gippsland Grammar Foundation for their financial support, and to Mrs Hulls for organising this initiative.

School Camps
Earlier this term, our Year 5 and Year 6 students had a blast at their Coonawarra and Karoonda Park camps, respectively. These camps involved whitewater rafting, ziplines, hut building, horse riding and abseiling, to name a few. School camps play a significant role in the overall educational experience of students. They offer numerous benefits that extend beyond the classroom. Students are able to immerse themselves in experiential learning, social development, personal growth, foster independence, and team building. Our camps program begins in Year 3 and is held at residential camps within Gippsland.

Upcoming events:
Tonight: P&F Trivia Night. Please see VOS to book your tickets.
Wed November 1: Walk to School program and breakfast
Thu November 2: ELC/Foundation 2024 Welcome to Gippsland Grammar parent information evening
Mon November 6: student-free day
Wed-Fri November 8-10: Year 4 Camp Rumbug
Mon November 20: Year 7 transition week
Thu November 23: St Anne’s Soiree
Fri November 24: student-free day (staff PD day)
Fri December 1: 2024 orientation day
Thu December 7: Last day of Term 4 (3.15pm finish)
* A reminder, stay up-to-date with the full list of St Anne’s events via VOS news and calendar items.

The Term 3 edition of Veritas has been published and features articles on next year’s Centenary celebrations, some recent Leadership announcements and a celebration of our international program.

Our plans for next year’s Centenary are in full swing. One of the first ways for our community to engage with the celebrations is to buy the Gippsland Grammar Centenary 2024 A4 wall calendar, which features a selection of ‘then and now’ images from the past 100 years. The calendar also includes all of our Centenary events and term dates pre-written for each month. We think this calendar is perfect for all current families, but is also a lovely Christmas gift for any Old Scholars in your extended family.

Pre-orders for the Centenary calendar are now open and each calendar is $20/each, with all profits going towards next year’s key Centenary events. Current families can opt to have the calendar billed to your school account, and Old Scholars can opt to have the calendar delivered by post for an additional $4 per calendar.

Pre-order here: Centenary Calendar - pre-order now