Embracing Renewal and Community Awareness this Easter Season

As we approach the Easter season, a time synonymous with renewal and rebirth, it is fitting to reflect on the changes and growth within our School Community. I am delighted to acknowledge that, this week, we have had Belle Deacon start with us as the Director of People and Culture. Our now-complete Leadership team is certainly a group dedicated to fostering a thriving School committed to the welfare and education of our students.

With this new Leadership comes an opportunity for us all to celebrate our past and our future and embrace a broad perspective, one that extends beyond individual considerations to encompass the interconnected systems that shape our community. System awareness refers to understanding the various systems, structures and relationships that influence our lives, from the local community to the global society. It involves recognising how our actions and decisions impact these systems and how they, in turn, affect us.

This Easter, we reflect not only on personal renewal but also on how we can collectively contribute to the wellbeing and progress of our School and our Community. By understanding the complexities of our system and our world, we can make more informed choices that benefit not just ourselves but also our community and the environment.

‘Our ability to reach unity in diversity will be the beauty and the test of our civilisation.’
- Mahatma Gandhi

Our hope is to continue to bring a wealth of experience and a commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and inclusivity. Together, we will work to ensure that every student receives the support and resources they need to thrive academically, emotionally and socially.

As we celebrate Easter, let us also consider how we can contribute to the greater good. Whether it's volunteering in our local community, advocating for positive change, or simply reaching out to those in need, there are countless ways we can make a difference. Embracing systems awareness can direct our actions and enhance their impact on the world around us. Together, we can continue to create an exciting and inclusive future for our school.

Wishing you and your families a joyful and rejuvenating Easter season

As we bid farewell to Term 1, it is with pride and gratitude that we reflect on our positive start to 2024. Over these past months, our focus has been clear: building connections, nurturing high expectations and fostering positive routines. Since our last newsletter, we have had the launch of the Gippsland Grammar Centenary year, which included the book launch being held at our St Anne’s campus. We have also had our parent/teacher interviews and NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5. In each classroom, teachers and students have been embedding their daily learning routines and aiming high.

Music enrichment
Early this term, St. Anne's School enjoyed a musical treat, with performances from The Percy Code Band and our own talented senior students. They provided a lovely showcase for our Years 2 to 6 students, offering a peek into the world of music that was both enjoyable and inspiring, especially for those in our Year 4 training band.

The day started with a lovely rendition of ‘Pure Imagination’ from Wonka, performed by our senior students and The Percy Code Band. It was a special moment to see our past Year 4 band members, who've grown so much musically over the years, perform with such confidence. Our current Year 4 training band students also got to play alongside the older students, a great learning opportunity that shows the value of peer guidance in music. The day wrapped up with these young musicians working with the St Anne’s Concert Band, an excellent step forward in their musical journey. The Moana medley was another highlight, bringing everyone in the school together in a shared musical moment. It's always beautiful to see music drawing our community closer.

The Strings workshop held on Thursday March 7, at our Garnsey campus was a harmonious highlight of the week. Students learning string instruments from across our three campuses came together collaboratively. Students immersed themselves in workshops throughout the day, honing their skills and deepening their understanding of their instruments. The evening's soiree beautifully showcased the day's efforts and enthusiasm. This event featured performances by all participants, displaying our students' impressive progress.

A big thanks to Katrina Chilcott, Brad Cruickshank, Laura Evans, Katie Germaine and all the music teachers and students involved in making today's event a success. It was a day that reminded us of the important role music plays at St Anne's, not just in developing skills but in fostering a sense of unity and creativity.

Swimming success
Over the past few weeks, we have had our St Anne’s swimming team compete in the Sale & District, Wellington and the Regional Swimming Carnivals. Firstly, congratulations to all students who represented Gippsland Grammar in these events. I am excited to share the splashing success of our 25 students representing Gippsland Grammar at the recent SSV Regional Swimming Carnival. Our poolside heroes have made waves, showcasing incredible talent, dedication and teamwork.

Two of our relay teams punched their tickets to the State Swimming Championships in Melbourne! A big cheer for the 9/10-year-old boys and 11-year-old boys teams. Furthermore, five out of our eight relay teams finished in the top three, a testament to our swimmers' hard work. Tom Williamson made waves with his performance in the 50m Backstroke for 11-year-olds. Henry Arnup soared through the 50m Butterfly and Backstroke for 9/10-year-olds, clinching victory in both events. We offer all the support and encouragement they deserve as they prepare to represent Gippsland Grammar at State level. Go, team!

Finally, a reminder that Term 1 finishes at 2.15 pm on Thursday March 28. We start back at school on Monday April 15. I hope all families have an enjoyable two-week break, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the start of Term 2. Please see below for more information about our upcoming key events.

Key Events
Monday March 25: Easter Service at St Paul’s Cathedral
Thursday March 28: Citizen of the Term
Monday April 15: start of Term 2
Wednesday April 24: House Cross Country at Garnsey Campus

THE Gippsland Grammar Foundation will host a ‘Giving Week’ early in Term 2 to raise funds for the School’s Building Fund. 

A current focus for the Building Fund is the new St Anne’s early years zone, which includes the campus’s ELC and Foundation classrooms as well as and other building improvements at our Bairnsdale and Garnsey campuses.

In recent years the Foundation has contributed $650,000 to Garnsey’s Art & Design Centre and significant funds to St Anne’s Years 3/4 Learning Centre known as ‘Kukun Kalak’, Garnsey’s Laurie Payne Sports Centre and updates to Blackwood House.

Donations for the 2024 Giving Week can be made in Week 2 of Term 2, which coincides with our Grandparents’ Day events.

More information will be shared with families in coming weeks.

Rehearsals are in full swing for ‘Catch Me If you Can’, the Garnsey production on stage in the Garnsey Hall for four shows from April 18-20 (Week 1 of next term). Book here: trybooking.com/COATP

Since our last newsletter we launched our Centenary celebrations over three days in February with more than 400 people attended four amazing events that included a gala hosted by the Gippsland Grammar Foundation, the launch of two books, a Centenary Eucharist and a reunion BBQ for the former students of Gippsland Grammar School.

Mrs Wakeham said the weekend was an incredible success that brought together Old Scholars with current students and families.

“It was amazing to see so many people with so many fond memories of their time at our school return for our celebrations,” Mrs Wakeham said. “Each of our events had its own distinct feel and was attended by a slightly different cohort of our Old Scholars and current families. My favourite part was watching old friends reconnect and listening to them reminisce. We can’t wait to continue celebrating with everyone throughout the year.”

Centenary merchandise:
- Next week is the last week families can purchase our special edition Centenary wine. Purchase here: https://gippslandgrammar.myshopify.com/
- Our two Centenary books Memories, stories from 100 years of Gippsland Grammar by Ann Andrew ($65) and the companion children’s book Wheelbarrow’s Birthday ($25) and now also available for sale. Purchase here: https://gippslandgrammar.myshopify.com/