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Portugal Rugby Youth Festival and Grammar International Student Pathways – 2025
During March, I travelled to Lisbon, Portugal to meet with the organisers of the annual Portugal Rugby Youth Festival. The festival brings together top youth rugby teams from around the world, and we are excited about the possibility of including this festival in our offerings for our Rugby students in the future. The visit was an important step in creating international pathways for our students and expanding opportunities for both our boys' and girls' rugby programs.
Looking ahead, we envision a tour of Portugal in 2026 and the opportunity to host European teams at our school in 2027, which aligns with the Rugby World Cup hosted in Australia.
As we prepare for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games, we recognise the importance of offering equivalent pathways for both boys and girls in individual and team sports. Building on our existing high-performance opportunities for female athletes in swimming, tennis, netball, basketball and football, the addition of a Girls’ Rugby 7s program aims to develop additional elite-level pathways.
Beyond team sports and a passion for rugby, Portugal and our Sunshine Coast region have other commonalities. Grammar sits in a designated UNESCO Biosphere, and we have committed to the values and purpose of the Biosphere through our Grammar Community and Service programs and raising awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and their alignment throughout our programs. With 12 designated Biospheres in Portugal, the most of any country, we are eager to create reciprocal partnerships with schools and young people within the Lisbon area and local Portuguese Biospheres. In addition to our sporting pathways, we are also establishing new connections with local Portuguese International and bilingual schools and establishing an exchange program for groups of students and individuals.
Outcomes
Planning is already well underway. In 2026, we are creating a proposal with a view to touring with an Open Boys and an Open Girls team. The festival is one of Europe’s premier youth rugby tournaments, attracting top teams from across the globe. The Portugal Rugby Youth Festival is a club-based competition and as such, we will be the first Southern Hemisphere school to register.
Looking forward and following the tour in 2026, we hope to welcome European teams to our school in 2027—coinciding with Australia hosting of the 2027 Rugby World Cup.
In addition to our sporting pathways, we have established connections with several local schools and commenced planning for exchange programs for groups of students and individuals.
Lastly, the Grammar community demonstrates a strong commitment to the values and purpose of the Man and Biosphere (MAB) project, and the Reservas da Biosfera de Portugal (Biosphere Reserves of Portugal) that are also strongly aligned with the offerings in schools in Lisbon. I am very grateful to the many staff and individuals who supported my experience and stepped in to assist in my absence. The future is bright.
Grammar Long Lunch
Time: 12:00 - 6:00pm
Location: Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Tickets: Purchase your ticket via Events Online
*Please note this is an 18+ event.
FROM THE P&F
Committee Meeting
Join us on Tuesday, 29 April from 6:00 - 7:00 pm for our general committee meeting. All members of our school community are encouraged to attend. We look forward to welcoming you.
Mother's Day Stall
The Grammar P&F will once again host its Mother's Day Stall on Tuesday, 6 May, for students to select the perfect gifts for their mothers. This year, gift token bundles are available for purchase in $10 and $20 amounts. Students will receive tokens in $5 increments, which they can use to buy a variety of gifts priced between $5 and $20.ELC students will have gifts delivered to the Centre for the children to choose from.
Tickets are now available via Events Online.
ANZAC Day Commemorative Service
This morning our school community came together for our annual ANZAC Day Commemorative Service. It was a powerful opportunity for us to pause and honour the courage, service and sacrifice of the men and women who have served and continue to service our country.
Thank you to our special guest speaker, Mr Andrew Skipper, who generously shared his personal experiences and reflections, and reminding us of the importance of courage, mateship and gratitude.
The service included performances from our talented Bel Canto Choir, moving readings, student-led tributes and the laying of wreaths. A special mention also goes to Mr Scott Mayall for performing The Last Post and Rouse and to our rugby players, who showed incredible respect and pride as they sang both the Australian and New Zealand National Anthems.
Thank you to our students, staff and community for joining us for our Commemorative Service.
We will remember them. Lest we forget.
Buderim ANZAC Day March
Grammar will again be participating in the Buderim community ANZAC Day march on Friday, 25 April 2025.
Students from Prep to Year 12 are invited to march with their teachers, wearing full formal uniforms including formal hats and blazers for secondary students. The assembly point for the march is the Buderim Woolworths car park at 8:00 am for an 8:30 am start. The march proceeds down the main street of Buderim and concludes at the Buderim State School oval.
Students are most welcome to wear their relatives’ service medals. If doing so, the correct protocol in this case is for the medals to be worn on the right side of the chest.
The Bel Canto Choir will also be performing at the Dawn Service in Mooloolaba, and our music students will also be providing music for the march, located at the Buderim Pizza Company.
Parents can collect children from the Buderim State School oval. After the march, families may, if they wish, choose to join the community ANZAC service that follows the march. This is located in the forest at the Buderim State School.
Grammar has a proud tradition of forming the largest cohort of students marching from any local school, and we look forward to again joining with our students to mark this significant occasion.
Kelly Somerville
Director of Operations
These words were shared as the devotion component of another powerful and poignant Grammar Anzac Day Assembly.
"There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” (John 15:13) This Bible verse is read, explained and upheld at many Anzac Services throughout Australia and New Zealand. Giving your life either literally or in service of others, applied in Biblical times, applied during times of war, still applies today and will always apply well into the future. This is, of course, because there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. That’s what our Anzacs did, and that’s what Jesus did at Easter by his own death and rising, so we can be at peace with God.
Let’s be reminded today to be people who love and serve others, people who promote peace, not war, and people who uphold our schools’ Christian values of compassion, honour, love, gratitude, forgiveness and humility as we each in our own unique way seek to display faith in action. And of course, to choose this greater love, the love of God for us and our sacrificial love for others in the spirit of the Anzacs.
Our Choir sang: “The tumult and the shouting dies; the captains and the kings depart; still stands Thine ancient sacrifice; a humble and a contrite heart; Lord God of hosts be with us yet; Lest we forget - lest we forget."
“God our Father, we thank you for the opportunity to remember those who have fought and died for the freedom of others, and to remember that your Son Jesus not only showed us how to live at peace with each other, but that he died for us and conquered death by rising again. We ask that you give us the courage to always choose to be peacemakers, both here in our school community and also in our families, in our state, in our nation and in our world. May we know what it means to trust in you, to follow you and to experience your peace. Through Jesus' name we pray, Amen.”
Jon Taylor
School Chaplain
Embracing Growth: The importance of risk-taking for your child's development
Let's explore an essential element in your child’s development — the value of taking risks. As parents, our instinct is to protect our children from harm. But it is equally important to recognise the benefits of allowing them to take age-appropriate risks within safe boundaries. These experiences help children grow into confident, capable, and resilient individuals.
What does risk-taking mean?
Risk-taking doesn’t mean being reckless — it means stepping out of your comfort zone, trying something new, and learning from the process. For primary school-aged children, age-appropriate risk-taking might look like this:
- Climbing on play structures
Using age-appropriate play equipment helps children build physical coordination, assess risk, and gain confidence in their abilities. - Exploring nature
Activities like climbing trees, balancing on logs, or hiking a new trail foster curiosity, problem-solving, and a sense of adventure. - Trying new foods
Encouraging children to try unfamiliar foods supports open-mindedness, cultural awareness, and adaptability. - Participating in team sports
Involvement in team sports teaches children how to navigate competition, build resilience, and collaborate with peers. - Public speaking or performance
Whether it’s a school play or a class presentation, these moments encourage children to face fears and build communication skills. - Riding a bike, scooter or skateboard
Learning to ride independently involves physical coordination, persistence, and a healthy dose of bravery. - Initiating friendships or resolving disagreements
Approaching someone new or addressing conflict involves emotional risk, but is key for developing social confidence and empathy. - Taking responsibility for a task
Managing a chore, packing their school bag, or preparing a simple meal helps children feel capable and trusted.
The benefits of risk-taking
Encouraging risk-taking supports your child’s development in meaningful ways. It helps build resilience, as children learn to bounce back and persevere through challenges and setbacks. Risk-taking also enhances problem-solving skills, requiring them to think creatively and make decisions, which stimulates cognitive growth. Each small success boosts self-esteem and confidence, reinforcing their belief in their own capabilities. It fosters independence by encouraging children to rely on themselves, take initiative, and feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. Socially, risk-taking supports the development of communication and collaboration skills, particularly when children step out of their comfort zones to speak up or join in. Importantly, it also helps children learn to establish healthy boundaries, as they begin to assess situations, recognise limits, and understand when to seek help.
Practical tips for encouraging safe risk-taking
- Supervise without micromanaging
Be present but give your child space to explore and make choices. - Encourage curiosity
Offer opportunities for discovery through hands-on activities, outdoor play, or creative projects. - Celebrate effort, not just success
Acknowledge bravery and persistence, even when things don’t go perfectly. - Keep the conversation open
Talk about experiences—what felt challenging, what went well, and what could be tried next time.
By embracing risk-taking as a natural and necessary part of growing up, we give our children the tools to navigate life’s uncertainties with courage and flexibility. It is not about avoiding failure — it’s about learning, adapting, and growing stronger through every step.
School Psychologist
FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY
Welcome back to Term 2. I hope everyone had a wonderful break. For those travelling, it is great to have you back safe and sound, and for those who remained on the Coast, it was fantastic to see some sunshine.
It was tremendous to see our new playground equipment in action on our first day back. It is an excellent addition to our playground and the students loved the opportunity to explore, slide and climb.
Whilst it is only a short first week back, we have had plenty of activity on campus with our Anzac Day Assembly and Year 3-6 Cross Country Carnival both taking place this week.
Thank you all for your cooperation with regards to parking and pick up, and drop off. This week has started really well. A special thanks to our Grounds and Maintenance team for all their work over the holidays. It is also heartening to see the progress in the new building for the next stage of the Primary School.
Staffing
From Monday 12 May to Friday 20 June 2025, Mrs Rachelle Brutnell, Dean of Primary Prep to Year 2, is taking long service leave.
Mrs Jessica Richards is replacing Mrs Brutnell for this period of leave. Replacing Mrs Richards is Mrs Elisha Curry. Mrs Curry is an excellent teacher who is a regular Supply Teacher at Grammar and is highly regarded by staff and students.
We congratulate Mrs Richards on this acting appointment as Dean of Primary Prep to Year 2, and welcome Mrs Curry back to Grammar.
We wish Mrs Brutnell all the best for her leave.
KIMOCHIS Parent Session
Mr Fraser Landreth (School Psychologist) and Mrs Rachelle Brutnell (Dean of Primary P-2) will be presenting a parent session on Kimochis. This is a social-emotional learning program that supports our students in Prep to Year 2. Developing a common language between home and school can assist in supporting children’s social and emotional development. This presentation is free but requires registration.
Please click the link to register for the Kimochis for Parents on 29 April from 1:30 – 2:30 pm, at the Grammar Function Centre.
Craig Angel
Head of Primary School
FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY
A warm welcome back to Term 2, I trust the holiday break has been an opportunity for families to spend some time together and enjoy the wonderful weather we had over Easter. Term 2 is very busy and only nine weeks long, which is also impacted by several public holidays.
At the end of Term 1, we announced the departure of Dr Shane Weir as Dean of Curriculum. Along with this announcement, Mr Philip Bessell has also taken leave in preparation for the birth of his second child. These announcements have meant that over the break, much work has been done to cater for these departures.
The following positional changes will also take effect from week 2:
- Mr Dan Robotham will step into the Acting Dean of Students role.
- Scott Mayall will move across to oversee elements of the Dean of Teaching and Dean of Curriculum in support of Mr Chris Straughan and myself.
- Mrs Melissa Barber will also step into the Acting Head of Year Ten position.
To accommodate staff movements, some classes will be impacted, resulting in changes to their class teachers. Our aim is to minimise any further disruption.
For matters pertaining to the Dean of Curriculum, please use the following email address: curriculum@scgs.qld.edu.au
Parent Teacher Interviews
Our parent-teacher interviews will be conducted over the next two Tuesday evenings - 2 April and 6 May. I strongly urge our students to attend the parent-teacher interviews to receive personal feedback from their teachers. This occasion should be seen as an opportunity to further develop and build upon the relationship between the student, teacher and parent. The venue for the interviews will be the upstairs mathematics rooms in the Aquatic Centre.
Mr Darren MacLeod-Paterson
Head of Secondary
FROM PATHWAYS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Our Work Experience Checkpoints tool is designed to help you take the necessary steps for securing a successful work experience placement during the school holidays. This handy PDF graphic is packed with essential GECO links to all the forms you need and details about the Work Experience Preparation (WEP) Program, ensuring you stay on track as you prepare for your placement.
Parents and Guardians: This tool is an excellent way to support your child as they navigate the work experience process. It will help them meet deadlines, stay on top of requirements, and gain the valuable experience they need to develop key skills for their future career.
Have questions or need support with your career planning? The Pathways Team is here to help! Wanda Hayes and Lauren Soden offer individual meetings to discuss career pathways, help with work experience placements, and guide students through their options post-school. Don’t wait – book a Pathways meeting today through the Pathways Booking Form.
FROM THE DEAN OF CO-CURRICULUM
Over the Easter holidays, our Humanities students embarked on an extraordinary educational journey across Italy, immersing themselves in the rich history, culture, and environment of the country.
This immersive tour has provided our students with unforgettable experiences and invaluable knowledge, enriching their understanding of Italy's diverse heritage. Students were excellent ambassadors for our school, showing great engagement and teamwork, as they consistently demonstrated collaboration, curiosity and resilience.
A special thanks to Elliot Cowan and De Rashleigh for your supervision, involvement and support throughout the tour.
Read more about our adventure in the article below:
Gemma Cardillo
Head of Humanities
FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT
The Secondary Cross Country 12-year-old to Open Carnival took place on Tuesday, 22 April. In glorious sunshine, students represented their house with pride and demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship through the support they offered their peers, and importantly, how they recognised the effort and achievements of students in other houses too.
After some exuberant war cries and a stirring rendition of our National Anthem performed by Year 9 Lawson Hawk Cedar F, our carnival commenced. Some amazing performances from our girls and boys, notably the 12-year-old girls who competed in a combined race with the 13-year-old girls, and achieved the top 5 placings.
The results were close, and we congratulate our Sturt Leopards as the Champion House for 2025, winning the trophy for the first time since 2013. We also commend our Bradman Bulldogs for winning the House Spirit Trophy.
|
PLACE |
POINTS |
CHAMPION HOUSE |
HOUSE SPIRIT |
|
1st |
3002 |
Sturt Leopards |
Bradman Bulldogs |
|
2nd |
2778 |
Lawson Hawks |
Sturt Leopards |
|
3rd |
2671 |
Bradman Bulldogs |
Chisholm Chargers |
|
4th |
2451 |
Chisholm Chargers |
Lawson Hawks |
Congratulations to our Age Champion and Runner-Up who will be presented with their trophy at an upcoming assembly. Some extraordinary young athletes are listed below.
|
AGE |
AGE CHAMPION |
RUNNER-UP |
|
12 YEARS GIRLS |
Nellie P |
Alice A |
|
12 YEARS BOYS |
Harvey H |
Aiden H |
|
13 YEARS GIRLS |
Matilda W |
Liberty H |
|
13 YEARS BOYS |
Oscar K |
Flynn S |
|
14 YEARS GIRLS |
Heidi W |
Poppy W |
|
14 YEARS BOYS |
Wes N |
Ollie P |
|
15 YEARS GIRLS |
Makayla N |
Mae C |
|
15 YEARS BOYS |
Darcy R |
Sam W |
|
16 YEARS GIRLS |
Addison H |
Josie A |
|
16 YEARS BOYS |
Jude B |
Tom A |
|
OPEN GIRLS |
Grace B |
Claire C |
|
OPEN BOYS |
Jack T |
Jake H |
The Primary 8-12 years carnival took place today, and we will provide a full report in the next newsletter.
My thanks to all staff who supported our carnivals, the parents who offered their support, our Logistics, Maintenance, Grounds, ICT and Catering teams who provided support across the days and to Mr Talbot and Tanya Hoffman for their leadership and organisation to ensure this event runs smoothly. Lastly, to our amazing students, particularly those in Year 12 who had their final House Cross Country Carnival, who demonstrated through their effort, actions and house warcries, just how special this school community is.
Independent District Carnival
Teams of 6 runners for each age and gender will be selected and announced early next week. There were a number of students with exemptions for our carnivals, and these will be taken into consideration when selecting our strongest team for the Independent District Carnival on Tuesday, 13 May at Fisherman’s Road. Our Year 12 Cross Country Captains, Grace B and Jake H, are looking forward to leading our team.
EquestrianDuring the holidays, we had a number of our riders competing at different events around the country. Congratulations to Ivy, who competed at the Robina State High School Interschool Show Jumping Event and was Reserve Champion in the 1.10m.
Georgia, Charles and Spencer competed at the Show Horse Council Australasia Grand Nationals, which were held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre. Georgia was awarded top 10 and overall 6th place for riders aged 9 – 12. Charles was a finalist in the Show Hunter Leading Rein, and Spencer was a finalist in the Tiny Tots under 6 years rider class.
Georgia also competed at the Toowoomba Royal Show and was awarded Champion Pony under 12.2hh in Show Horse.
Congratulations to all our riders on their wonderful achievements.
Grammar Run Club
Olympian Juan Van Deventer leads the Grammar Run Club on Monday mornings on the training oval at the top of the school from 7:00 - 7:45 am.
It was so great to see so many new students and parents at the Grammar Run Club. These sessions are open to all staff, students P-12 and their parents. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with members of the Grammar community, get fit and have fun in a supportive environment. All abilities are welcome!
In addition, Level 3 Sprint Coach and parent Lee Batchler, is delivering speed sessions for interested students. There is a focus on field and court athletes. This will run alongside the regular fitness session, so runners have a choice!
Rowing
We recognise Year 11 student Katie H for her recent achievements at the Australian Rowing Championships in Tasmania at the end of last term. Katie represented the Maroochy River Rowing Club and our broader rowing community with an outstanding performance across three events.
Katie competed in three Composite Events with Rockhampton Fitzroy River Rowing Club in the U19 Women’s Double Scull (2x), the U21 Women’s Quad (4x), and the Open Women’s Sprint Quad (OW4xSprint).
Their results were impressive:
- 18th in the U19W2x Under 19 Women's Double Scull 2000m
- 8th in the U21W4x Under 21 Women's Quad Scull 2000m
- 8th in the OW4xSprint Open Women's Quad 500m Sprint
That places her and her crews among the very top rowing athletes in the country – a remarkable achievement, particularly given that in two of those events, Katie was racing against adult women, not just her teenage peers.
Surf Lifesaving
At the end of last term, Grammar had a large number of students competing in the Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships on the Gold Coast. Unsurprisingly, there were some top-level performances with a selection of achievements outlined below.
- Amelie G (Met Caloundra) – 1st and National Champion Beach Flags and 4th in Beach Sprint
- Eva L (Alexandra Headland) - Finalist in the Board Race and semi-final in the Surf Race.
- Finn G (Met Caloundra) – 12th place Beach Flags
- Lochlan G (Alexandra Headland) – 1st u15 male relay, 3rd in the u14 Cameron, and individually semi-final Beach Sprints.
- Jack W (Alexandra Headland) – 1st in the men’s 17U Taplin and 1st in 17U Mens Ski, 4th in 19U Double Ski men’s final and finalist in 17U Ski men’s division.
In the weeks leading up to Aussies, Amelie G and Lochlan G were selected to represent the Qld team "The Queensland Cyclones" in the Interstate Championships. The competition took place on Tuesday, where they helped the team to secure a silver medal. Amelie again took out first place in the Beach Flags and improved on her Beach Sprints to finish in third. Lochlan achieved 4th place in the Beach Sprint and 4th in the Beach Relay.
We also recognise Lochlan G, who, over the Nutri-Grain Queensland three beach series, achieved numerous individual and team medals, culminating in being awarded the QLD U14 Age Champion.
RUGBY
Ballymore cup
April 4-6 Southpine Sports Complex, Brendale, Brisbane
- U14 Boys had a fantastic weekend, finishing top of pool A, and 4th overall.
- Players of the Tournament - Max R and Kellen D
- U18 Boys – A challenging tournament for the young squad consisting of 8 under-16 players. The team finished off in style, defeating Brisbane Boys Grammar and Rockhampton Grammar.
- Player of the Tournament - Rohan N
A huge thank you to the coaches, managers and parents for their support of the team. A special mention to Hosea Gear, Ryan Papahatzis, Troy Atkins and Jason King for driving the buses and staying at Nudgee College with the U18s for the weekend.
Armidale Tournament
April 11-13 – The Armidale School
Teams – U12 Boys, and U14 and U16 Girls 7s teams
Over the course of the weekend, the teams competed in five games plus finals. The U12 Boys showcased their talent, playing great footy and achieving two wins, a draw, and two losses. Elijah L emerged as the standout player, earning the title of U12 Player of the Tournament.
The Girls U14 and U16 faced challenging opposition from clubs and schools across Australia. Despite the tough competition, both teams displayed excellent skills and determination. The U14 Player of the Tournament was Mia R, while Zahra P earned the accolade for the U16.
A huge thank you to Katie Livock, Hollie Smith, Ryan Papahatzis, Hosea Gear, Troy Atkins, Declan and Hunter Ryan and Stef Jones for giving up their holidays to support the teams.
Jeans & Jersey NightWear your favourite jeans and jersey, and enjoy a night of fun and Grammar spirit. There will be raffles and prizes on the night, with all proceeds going directly to Grammar Rugby.
Time: 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Venue: Rice Boi, The Wharf Mooloolaba
Cost: $65 (18+ event)
Tickets: Book via Events Online
Principal's Cup
Join us for our inaugural Principal's Cup on Saturday, 10 May, for a day of rugby and school spirit.
The excitement builds as our U16 and First XV take on Brisbane Boys College from 1:00 pm. Bring your school colours and Grammar pride as we cheer on our teams to victory!
The canteen will be stocked and open all day for refreshments and snacks, thanks to the Rugby Support Group.
Troy Atkins
Head of Rugby
SWIMMING
Over the holidays and during this week, Grammar Swimming have had a number of swimmers competing in the Australian Open and Age Championships. We recognise all swimmers for their outstanding achievements and also our coaches for all that they do to prepare and support our swimmers during the week.
A full report will follow in our next newsletter.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Queensland Indoor Rowing Championships
The 2025 QLD Indoor Rowing Championships will be held on Sunday, 8th June at O2 Performance at the Sports Hub at Bokarina.
There are 5 events, 100, 500, 1000 and 2000 m and the 1 minute. The age groups go from under 10 to 95+. There are adaptive categories in every age group and event.
The Champion School section has competitors from a number of Sunshine Coast schools and other parts of Queensland competing. Sunshine Coast Grammar School has been one of the most successful teams in recent years, winning three years in a row. A school team consists of 4 students, 2 boys and 2 girls from any of the age groups. Students with a disability can definitely be part of a school team.
For further information, please go to the website.
2025 Sunshine Coast Stratogen Inter-School Dinghy Regatta
We’re excited to announce the return of the Sunshine Coast Stratogen Accounting Inter-School Dinghy Regatta.
The Regatta is open to:
- Primary division up to and including Year 7,
- Secondary division Year 7 -12.
Schools are invited to register teams of 2 students (helm and crew) enrolled at the same school in the Sunshine Coast Region. Schools are welcome to submit more than one entry, but the number of entries may be limited at the discretion of the Race Committee.
For more information, please email the sailing office.
We look forward to your participation in the 2025 Sunshine Coast Stratogen Accounting Inter-School Dinghy Regatta.
Please email Mr Abrahams if you would like to enter.
District and Regional Trials
District and Sunshine Coast Regional commence next week for some sports. It is important that students monitor announcements closely, taking note of closing dates as these are strictly adhered to.
Please contact Mrs Hoffman (Secondary) or Mrs Halloran (Primary) if you have any questions.
Students 10-12 years https://scissa.asn.au/trial-info-primary/
Students 13-19 years https://scissa.asn.au/trial-info-secondary/
Grammar Fitness Centre
Attention, all secondary students and athletes
Improve your physical and mental health by exercising regularly, using the Grammar Fitness Centre, free of charge.
The school gym is located in the Aquatic Centre and is available for use by students in years 7-12 on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons between 3:15 - 5:00 pm. All you need to bring is a towel, water bottle, covered shoes and a positive attitude. These sessions are supervised and led by a qualified personal trainer who can help create a training program for you.
We value our students and would like to celebrate success through sport. Please email news articles and a maximum of 3 photos to Mr Withers - awithers@scgs.qld.edu.au (Primary) and Mr Abrahams - jabrahams@scgs.qld.edu.au (Secondary), and we will try to include them in our fortnightly newsletters. It is important that we include all Grammar students involved in an event, so please try to mention the names of all participants in your article.
Mr Justin Abrahams Mr Andrew Withers
Director of Sport (P-12) Assistant Director of Sport - Primary
FROM THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT
Japanese Children’s Day celebration
On Friday, 2 May, our school community will come together to celebrate Japanese Children’s Day. Our senior Japanese students have been working hard behind the scenes to prepare an exciting lineup of hands-on activities, cultural games, and festive fun for students from Prep to Year 12.
Activities will take place during lunchtime across the school campus, offering a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience and enjoy Japanese culture. We can’t wait to celebrate!
Year 8 French Restaurant excursion
In Week 10, our Year 8 French students had a delightful experience at Flo’s Crêperie, where they put their language skills to the test by ordering their meals in French. The authentic French staff added to the excitement as students chose from a menu featuring galettes (savoury crêpes made with buckwheat flour) and dessert crêpes.
This excursion was a perfect complement to our Year 8 curriculum, which focuses on practical language skills essential for navigating life in France, including mealtime conversations, food preferences, and restaurant etiquette. The outing served as an enjoyable and practical use of the skills they had developed for assessment, giving students a taste of real-world French usage.
Bravo to all our students for their impressive efforts and enthusiasm!
Welcome to our French exchange student from Aurillac
This term, we are delighted to welcome Fanny (a French exchange student from our sister school in Aurillac) to our Grammar family. This week, Fanny has been busy getting to know her host family and experiencing school life in Year 9 for the first time—there has certainly been a lot to take in since her arrival over the Easter weekend! A special thanks to all our hosting families for their support.
Having international students on campus enriches the lives of all our students, not just those hosting. It also provides a wonderful opportunity for our visitors to engage in a wide range of activities and gain a broader experience of life in Australia. We are looking forward to welcoming a larger group of students from Aurillac in Term 3 as well as sending two of our current Year 10 students over to Aurillac at the end of the year.
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
This week, the Symphonic Band and Bel Canto Choir have been busy preparing music items for multiple ANZAC services – the Mooloolaba Surf Club Dawn Service, the Buderim Street Parade and our own school community event.
We have a full calendar of activities and performances in the Music Department throughout Term Two that will certainly keep our ensembles busy. Highlights not to be missed include the Large Ensemble Showcase on May 30 and the Grammar ROX! Rock Band Showcase on June 12, both held on-site. You can check out our GECO calendar for other concert dates, including some at Coolum Civic Centre featuring our Grammar musicians who will be performing alongside local artists!
I encourage our Grammar Music community to join us in the Music Hangar on Thursday, May 1, for our Music Support Group Meeting from 6:45 pm. Your support and participation are invaluable to us.
Let's come together to celebrate and support our talented musicians as they share their passion and hard work with us all. We look forward to seeing you at these exciting events!
Recent Events
The Bel Fine Choir delivered a beautiful and moving performance at the Secondary Easter Assembly on the final day of Term 1. Their heartfelt renditions of Were You There and How Great His Love? were a powerful reminder of the meaning behind the Easter season. This small, auditioned group of talented singers from Years 8- 12 is accompanied by Mr Denis Feletto and directed by Mrs Kirsten Bowman, and rehearses each Monday morning, learning to create rich and refined four-part harmonies to present to the school and the Sunshine Coast community. The choir continues to go from strength to strength, and we’re proud to announce they will be representing the school at the upcoming ‘Sunshine Coast Purely Vocal’ community choir concert on Friday, 9th May at the Coolum Civic Centre. We look forward to seeing them inspire a wider audience with their beautiful sound once again.
Mia captivated everyone with her incredible busking performance at the end of last term. The energy in the air was electric as she poured her heart into her music, drawing a crowd that couldn't help but stop and listen.
Weekly Instrumental Music Specialist focus - Michelle Bull (Vocal)
Ms. Bull has dazzled audiences in some truly unique locations! From the inviting atmosphere of venues such as the Brisbane Powerhouse and Caloundra Events Centre to energetic cabaret shows in a boxing ring, belting show tunes from the back of a convertible on Cronulla beach, and even an enchanting opera in the heart of the Abu Dhabi desert, her versatility is simply remarkable!
If you wish to begin singing lessons, please complete this enrolment form.
Upcoming Performances
Look out for notices regarding our Morning Melodies concert series. Many ensembles will perform at the Rainforest Café from 8:00 - 8:20 am throughout the term. Coffee and Music — what a wonderful way to start your day!
- Wednesday 7 & Thursday 8 May at 8:30am, our Jazz Quartet and Dolce Choir perform in Grammar Hall to welcome students and teachers from all over Queensland, as Grammar hosts the Da Vinci Decathlon.
- Friday 9 May from 6:30 - 8:30 pm Bel Fine Choir performs at Coolum Civic Centre for the 'Purely Vocal' Concert.
- Sunday, 18 May at 4:30 pm - Family Chapel Service. Our annual Primary School Family Chapel Service takes place with the Dolce Choir performing. All are welcome.
- Tuesday 20 May from 3:30 - 4:00 pm - Masterclass. A session in the Music Hangar for younger students who would like to improve their performance skills.
- Thursday 22 May - Live @ The Hangar concert from 3:30-4:30 pm
- Tuesday 27 May - Live @ The Hangar concert from 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Thursday 29th May - Live @ The Hangar concert from 3:30 - 4:30 pm
- Friday 30th May - Large Ensemble Showcase from 4:00 - 6:30 pm, Grammar Hall
- Tuesday 3 June - Year 5 Band Immersion Open Rehearsal. The families of Year 5 students are welcome to sit in for a rehearsal to see progress in action!
- Friday 6 June - Year 3 Strings Immersion Open Rehearsal. The families of Year 3 students are welcome to sit in for a rehearsal to see progress in action!
- Wednesday 11 June - Grandparents Day Assembly at 8:45 am. Dolce & Da Capo Choir perform.
- Thursday, 12 June - Grammar Rox from 4:00 - 5:30 pm. A performance in the Rainforest Cafeteria to showcase our Rock Bands
- Friday, 20 June - Foundation Day Assembly at 8:45 am. To include: Symphonic Band, Forest Strings, Bel Canto, Dolce and Da Capo.
Victoria Bradbury
Director of Music Performance
The Centre was full of fun during the holidays with our Special Holiday Program chosen by the children. We enjoyed a fun Dinosaur Day and a Dress Up Party Day, showing off our best costumes. We also celebrated World Art Day, where everyone’s creativity was on show.
We wrapped up the holiday program with a joyful Easter Egg Hunt and our much-anticipated Easter Bonnet Parade! Throughout the week, the children, alongside their dedicated educators and supportive families, put in so much effort to create the most delightful Easter bonnets. From bunnies and eggs to bursts of colour and creativity, the results were truly magical. The day ended with plenty of dancing, laughter, and celebration. A heartfelt thank you to all our families for your wonderful support and for making the parade so special.
We are pleased to welcome Miss Lillian and Miss Brodie to our educator team. They will be working throughout the Centre, so please say hello if you see them around.
Nicole Turner
Assistant Director