Dear Grammar Families,

As we prepare to commence Semester 2, we extend a warm welcome back and hope you have had an opportunity to enjoy a restful break with family and friends.

We are looking forward to a busy and rewarding second half of the year, filled with exciting opportunities for growth, learning and community connection.

We are thrilled to be kicking off the term with a visit from renowned online safety expert Susan McLean. Susan will work with students, staff and parents to share practical tools for navigating the digital world safely and confidently. We encourage all families to attend the parent session on Tuesday 15 July. Parents can register using the link below in this newsletter.

We are also pleased to announce the permanent appointment of Mr Paul Anderson as Dean of Primary Years 3–6, following his outstanding contribution in the acting role. We know he will continue to lead with care and a deep commitment to student wellbeing and school culture.

We recently welcomed home our students from the Timor Leste Service Tour, marking the 10th year of our partnership with the community of Maliana. The students returned with lasting memories, meaningful connections and a truly global perspective.

We have had incredible results in sport over the break. Congratulations to Addison Houslip for her outstanding achievements while competing in International Triathlons in Europe, winning two gold and one silver medal representing Australia. Congratulations also to our QISSN Netballers who competed in Bundaberg during the holidays. They put on a wonderful performance, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts. 

We’re also excited to share that our highly anticipated Grammar Long Lunch is less than 100 days away. The Long Lunch brings together our school community in a relaxed, elegant setting, and this year, we are inviting Table Captains to rally their networks and purchase a table of 10, making it the perfect opportunity to reconnect with friends, meet new families and celebrate all that makes our community special.

In readiness for the new term, we have refreshed our school website. The update enhances your experience, featuring a fresh look, streamlined structure and easier access to key resources. Core functionality, including access to Parent Lounge, GECO, term dates and event bookings, remain unchanged via the My Grammar navigation tab on the right-hand side of the home page. This refresh aligns with our new ORBIT Parent App rollout that is underway. If you have not yet downloaded the app, you can do so below.

As always, we are committed to continuous improvement and ensuring information is easy to access and up to date.

We look forward to an exciting semester and can’t wait to see the campus buzzing with excitement and energy next week as we welcome you to Term 3. (Note: Monday 14 July is a student free day. School resumes Tuesday 15 July.)

Anna Owen
Principal

Sports Scholarships 

Applications for our Sports Scholarships open Monday 14 July for students who demonstrate exceptional skill, determination and sportsmanship.

Whether it is on the track or field, court or pool, a Sunshine Coast Grammar School Sports Scholarship is designed to provide you with the opportunity to excel in your chosen sport while pursuing academic excellence.

Scholarships are open to students entering Years 7 – 11 in 2026. Applications close Friday 22 August. For more information and to apply, visit our website. 

 

Growth and Gratitude

As we begin Semester 2, we’re pleased to share that Stage 2 of our Primary building project remains on track, despite the wet weather experienced last term. This next phase of our development, designed to accommodate our growing Years 4–6 cohort, will further enhance the learning environment for our upper primary students.

As our campus expands, so too do the needs of our community. We are thrilled to see our Grammar buses being regularly and efficiently utilised, ferrying students to a wide range of co-curricular activities. The buses have quickly become a valuable asset, ensuring seamless participation in sport and enrichment programs, while supporting our continued growth in a practical and meaningful way.

Coming up early this term, we have a number of exciting events to look forward to including Bastille Day Assembly (18 July), the Year 12 Formal (25 July) and our Mother and Son Breakfast (30 July).

We also extend a heartfelt thank you to all families, alumni and community members who joined us to celebrate Foundation Day Assembly at the end of last term. It was a truly special occasion, marked by a strong sense of belonging and pride as we honoured our Life Long Learner students and long-serving staff.

We were particularly inspired by the words of our 2005 alumni guest speaker Karri Culph (Dares) who reminded us:

“Take with you whatever is most meaningful from this place for you and let it be a stepping stone toward not just knowledge, but a deeper understanding of yourself and the contribution you can make. Know that your stories are yours to write. That’s the beauty of life. We all have the opportunity to change our minds, learn from our challenges, and shape our own journeys.”

This reflection perfectly captured the spirit of the day. A celebration of past, present and future, and the ongoing story that each member of our Grammar community helps to write.

We look forward to keeping you informed as Stage 2 continues to take shape and thank you for your continued support as our school evolves.

Orbit - the new Grammar Parent App is now live! 

We’re pleased to announce the launch of Parent Orbit — a new mobile app designed to enhance communication between our School and your family. This app provides quick and convenient access to Parent Lounge and GECO, all from your mobile phone. 

Join us for a walk-through on Thursday 17 July from 8:00 - 8:30 am or 2:00 - 2:30 pm. Register your attendance via Events Online.

For more information about how to get started and download the app, read the latest GECO announcement. Thank you for helping us enhance your parent experience.

Parent Information Session with Susan McLean - Cyber Safety Expert

We are thrilled to announce that the parent information session with renowned cyber safety expert, Susan McLean, has been rescheduled for Tuesday 15 July. 

Susan is a leading Australian expert and is internationally renowned for her knowledge of all things cyber safety and young people. Her extensive qualifications and knowledge include a comprehensive understanding of the Law (Criminal and Civil).

Parents and carers are invited to attend Susan McLean's informative and empowering session, where she will discuss the challenges of growing up online. This FREE event is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights and is not to be missed.

Additionally, students from Years 5 - 12 will have the chance to hear from Susan on Tuesday during school hours. These sessions will provide important information and guidance on navigating the digital world safely.

Register for this FREE event via Events Online.

Kelly Somerville
Director of Operations

We are delighted to announce that Mr Paul Anderson has officially been appointed to the role of Dean of Primary (Years 3–6). Mr Anderson has provided steady leadership in the acting role and brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to student learning and wellbeing. We also warmly welcome back Mrs Rachelle Brutnell, who returns from Long Service Leave to resume her role as Dean of Primary (Prep–2). We extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Jessica Richards, who led with care and professionalism while acting in this position for the final six weeks of Term 2. Mrs Richards will return to her classroom in 1JR from the beginning of Term 3, and we thank Mrs Elisha Curry for her valuable contribution while teaching the class in her absence.

We also acknowledge Mrs Deb Batchelor for stepping in to cover Mr Rob Cordiner throughout Term 2. We thank Mrs Batchelor for her support and warmly welcome Rob back to campus for Term 3. We are grateful to Ms Kathryn Wilkinson and Mrs Louise Volp, who will continue to provide important support to students across both learning and wellbeing. Finally, we are pleased to welcome back Mrs Stephanie Parbery, who rejoins the Grammar community for the commencement of Term 3. Thank you to Mrs Sally Woolman for covering Mrs Parbery while she has been on leave.

Prep Pick-Up and Drop-Off Reminder

We are excited to see our youngest students growing in confidence and independence. The Prep Pick-Up and Drop-Off area at the Tear Drop (in front of the Administration Building) will continue to operate throughout this Semester. This dedicated space allows our Prep students the time and support they need to enter and exit vehicles safely and confidently.

To support this important stage of development, families with students in Years 1 - 12 are kindly asked to continue using the Chapel area or Kiss and Go zones for pick-up and drop-off. Additional signage will be on campus to remind parents when other year levels can access the Tear Drop area.

Thank you for helping us create a safe, smooth and supportive experience for all our students.

Craig Angel
Head of Primary School 

As we begin Semester 2, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism of our staff who have stepped into acting roles across the Secondary School. Their willingness to lead, adapt and support others reflects the very best of our Grammar culture—one centred on unity, shared purpose and our ongoing commitment to “We Not Me.”

Please be reminded of the following staffing changes for Semester 2, as we welcome back Fiona Roush as Dean of Teaching and Learning and wish Darren MacLeod-Paterson well on his Long Service Leave:

• Jenni Haywood – Acting Head of Science
• Dan Robotham – Acting Dean of Students
• Mel Barber – Acting Head of Year 10
• Scott Mayall – Acting Head of Secondary
• Chris Straughan – Acting Dean of Curriculum
• Brad Doughan – Acting House Coordinator, Bradman House.

At Grammar, “We Not Me” is more than a phrase—it’s a mindset we strive to live out each day. It speaks to the power of collective effort and the belief that our strength lies in how we support one another. Whether in the classroom, on the sporting field, in leadership or behind the scenes, every contribution matters—and every role, no matter how temporary, is an opportunity to grow and serve.

To all those who have stepped up, thank you for the example you have set. We are proud of the culture we continue to build together.

Mr Scott Mayall
Acting Head of Secondary