I am delighted to extend a warm welcome to the celebration of our School's Centenary year!

I enjoyed catching up with colleagues during our professional growth and preparation days prior to the start of term and I am filled with gratitude for their unwavering commitment, our wonderful building, grounds and programs that create a nurturing environment as the School has once again filled with our amazing students. I look forward to sharing this year with you and reflecting on the 100 years that has shaped Gippsland Grammar.

To mark this significant occasion, we have a series of exciting events and activities planned throughout the year. These events will not only celebrate our past but also look forward to the future with a renewed sense of purpose and vision. From next weekend’s launch weekend to reunions and the return of STAGGfair in Term 4, we invite each member of our extended Gippsland Grammar family to keep a keen eye on our communications for announcements and invitations.

There are still tickets available for the Gala event next Friday (February 23) and this is an event that we hope will bring our current families and our Old Scholars together to celebrate both the Gippsland Grammar Foundation and this amazing year in our School’s history. So I encourage you to gather those you may chat with at the school gate and embrace this opportunity to socialise together out-of-hours with a drink in hand and the live music of teacher (and singer extraordinaire) Cara Schaefer as our evening’s soundtrack. A return bus from Sale and Bairnsdale is also included in the ticket price, which you can buy here: https://www.trybooking.com/eve...

In tandem with our Centenary celebrations, I am thrilled to reiterate that we will soon be launching our School's Strategic Plan. This comprehensive roadmap outlines our vision for the next five years and charts a course for continued excellence in education. It encompasses key initiatives focuses on five strategic pillars:
- Purposeful Learning
- Culture of Trust and Growth
- Integrated Wellbeing
- Financial Sustainability
- Operational Effectiveness

As we communicate this document, I encourage you to engage with the plan, provide feedback, and join us in realising the collective aspirations we have set forth.

In the spirit of inclusivity and reconciliation, we are also establishing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) team. This team will play a pivotal role in promoting understanding, respect, and collaboration between our School and Indigenous communities. We are calling upon passionate individuals within our Community – parents, students and community members - to volunteer for this important initiative. Your involvement will contribute significantly to building meaningful connections and fostering a culture of reconciliation within our School. Please email info@gippslandgrammar.au if you are interested in participating.

As we stand at the beginning of this year, I am filled with gratitude for the unwavering support and commitment of our Community. Together, let us embrace our past, celebrate our present and shape an inspiring future for Gippsland Grammar.

Warm regards,
Michele Wakeham
Principal

Hello and welcome to the Early Learning Centre. Over the past three weeks, we have welcomed many excited children and families to our ELCs, many of whom are beginning their association with the Gippsland Grammar Community. Our team of educators have been busy preparing beautiful and stimulating environments for your children to learn in. Though there were a few tears, the children quickly settled in and couldn't wait to begin painting, pasting and exploring our lovely natural play spaces. We are excited to have them with us and look forward to a year of growth, fun and excitement as they begin their educational journey.

Families often ask what they can do to help their child settle into the ELC. It's important to remember that entering a new setting is a big transition for little ones. Be prepared for them to be tired or to revert to less desirable behaviours. Please don't be concerned. Just maintain your normal, firm and loving boundaries. Please ensure they arrive well rested and with all they need each day. If you refer to our centre Handbook, you will find lots of good advice about what to expect. You are also always most welcome to speak to your child's teacher. Our educators are experts in managing children's development and behaviour, and they will be happy to work with you to support your child in feeling happy, safe and secure in this new place. As we say at the ELC … there's no such thing as a silly question! If it is upsetting or worrying you, speak to us so that we can work together.

One of the wonderful things about beginning your child's education at Gippsland Grammar is the opportunity to meet other families – many lifelong friendships will be formed as you travel through your children's education journey together. This sense of Community is what makes our school a very special place. Over the coming month we will hold 'Stay and Play' evenings at both campuses to foster this. I would urge you to take advantage of this opportunity to spend time with your child at the ELC and let them show you their learning spaces. If you are a busy working family then this allows you time to play with your child and learn more about what experiences they are having at school. You will also have the chance to meet teachers and educators, get to know other families/carers and build relationships with them.

Once again, I warmly welcome you and I Iook forward to a wonderful year together.

‘Stay and Play’ at the ELC
St Anne’s (Sale) Campus
Transition White Swans group: Tuesday March 5, 5.30-6.30pm
Transition Black Swans group: Wednesday March 6, 5.30 6.30pm
Reception Yellow and Green Cygnets group: Wednesday March 13, 5-6pm

Bairnsdale Campus
Transition Roos group and Reception Joeys group: Thursday March 7, 5-6.30pm