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A Recipe for Success: Prioritise Progress Over Perfection
I place great importance on the work I do. I enjoy my time with the students, staff, as well as spending time with other educators, principals and researchers. I take pride in the meaningful work I do here at Grammar, and appreciate working within a community that values collaboration, problem solving, creativity and excellence. I am always amazed when I read ‘research’ about the modern workforce – absenteeism, toxicity, the perceived slackness of younger generations, entitlement, and so on. I have neither experienced nor witnessed these issues among our students, and certainly not in our staff.
It brings me great joy to see our students and staff channelling their passions to achieve excellence. Last week, Year 12 students Harrison Chapman, Marley Reeves, and Taha Salman - under the extraordinary coaching of Mr Justin Pembroke and the management of Mrs Brenda Gahan - proudly represented Sunshine Coast Grammar School at the FIRST Tech Challenge Asia Pacific Open Championships. Competing against experienced teams from countries including China, India, South Korea, and the United States, they demonstrated exceptional skill and determination. Their robot remained undefeated throughout all qualification matches and maintained its strong performance through to the finals, ultimately securing first place in the overall robotics competition.
In addition to this outstanding achievement, the team was honoured with the prestigious FIRST Inspire Award. This award is the highest recognition within the competition, celebrating a team that exemplifies the values of FIRST. It acknowledges excellence not only in robot design and performance but also in teamwork, innovation, and the ability to clearly articulate the scientific, mathematical, and technical processes behind their engineering solutions.
This team of five representatives from Sunshine Coast Grammar epitomised the very essence of success. More importantly, their achievement was neither an overnight success nor an easy win. Their success resulted from careful planning, a strong mindset and dedicated mastery.
If I were to summarise and generalise the guidance in most books on striving for success, the following elements are essential: intentional professional and personal development, coachability, embracing vulnerability, valuing others and living through teamwork, mastering the basics, maintaining a proactive mindset, and cultivating consistent habits - all within the context of an incremental improvement system that drives outcomes toward a goal in service of a virtuous greater good.
Lastly, from start to finish, be brave before you are confident - prioritise progress over perfection. These young adults, along with Mr Pembroke and Mrs Gahan, devised a plan three years ago and this successful strategy has now come to exquisite fruition.
Good people doing the work they love – when passion meets purpose.
A very hearty and warm congratulations to Mr Justin Pembroke, Mrs Brenda Gahan, and, of course, to the students, Harrison, Marley, Taha and their proud families and friends.
Anna Owen
Principal
7 YEARS TO GROW
This week we proudly joined Sunshine Coast Council's '7 Years to Grow' campaign, marking seven years to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This initiative is about creating a greener and more sustainable region and celebrating the thousands of job opportunities for our young people.
To mark the occasion, students planted a tree on campus and then Years 3-6 gathered to form a giant number 7. We’re growing our community, our athletes and our environment, one tree at a time.
Thank you Sunshine Coast Council for inspiring our future Olympians and helping us celebrate this milestone in such a meaningful way. Thank you to all students and staff who were involved in the planning and coordination of this campaign.
GRAMMAR LONG LUNCH
Our highly anticipated Grammar Long Lunch will be back for its third year on Saturday, 11 October!
We are currently seeking sponsors to help make this event a success. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our sponsors in previous years, we have secured two co-curricular buses in 2023 and further funds in 2024, which have boosted student participation in sporting, cultural and service activities.
We invite businesses and individuals to partner with us in delivering an unforgettable Long Lunch. Contact our Events and Development Coordinator, Rachelle Synott, today to find out more about our sponsorship packages.
Email: marketing@scgs.qld.edu.au
Phone: (07) 5445 4444
Time: 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Location: Sunshine Coast Grammar School
Tickets: Purchase your ticket via Events Online
*Please note this is an 18+ event.
FROM THE P&F
Gift tokens for the Father's Day Stall are now available. For more information and to purchase, visit Events Online.
President
I recently had the pleasure of attending a few firsts – my first time on the Year 11 Leadership Camp and my first time attending the Year 12 Formal. Both events made me realise why I love teaching at Grammar. They reinforced how much staff care for and desire to see students reach their full potential. I was reminded of this powerful quote by Maya Angelou: “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” I pray that students will always feel valued and supported, always remembering that teachers are cheering them on.
I shared a brief devotion at the Year 11 Camp based on the story of Esther in the Old Testament. It is the only book of the Bible that does not mention the word 'God', but instead, the author encourages readers to look for God’s purpose and activity behind the scenes. Esther was a young Jewish woman who became the Queen of Persia and risked her life to approach the King to save her people from destruction. Her bravery and wisdom revealed her trust in God and how one person's actions can bring significant change.
There were 3 takeaway thoughts from Esther’s actions:
1. Being a leader is about courage and doing what is right in the face of fear, even when it’s scary or unpopular;
2. Understanding who you are – your values, beliefs, and strengths – can help you make the most of opportunities; and
3. Actions can have a ripple effect far beyond the present, so consider your legacy. I encouraged students to put their faith and trust in God as they look to where their future may lead, showing faith in action and embracing every opportunity that arises.
Belinda Modlin
Acting School Chaplain
School Photo Day
Queensland School Photography will be onsite to conduct our yearly school photos. The photos will be set up at Grammar Hall and MPC area on the following days:
Tuesday 19 August – Sibling photos, Secondary individual photos (excluding Year 12).
Wednesday 20 August – Sibling photos, Primary individual photos, Primary Class Photos, Year 12 Students and Life Long Learners.
Key information
- Please collect the sibling envelope before photo day from the main reception.
- Sibling and individual photos will be taken in the Grammar Hall.
- Primary class/group photos will be taken in the MPC.
- Sibling envelopes are at the main reception – students are to collect, if required.
Requirements
Please ensure your child has the following uniform requirements:
- Full school uniform, including blazer
- School shoes cleaned and polished
- School colour hair ties and ribbons only
Ordering Process
For online orders, please visit QLD School Photography to order. If ordering online, you do not need to hand in the envelope. School online access key: 36R2A8MG
For cash orders, please complete the student details on the envelope. Please fill in one envelope for each student purchasing and enclose the correct payment, as change will not be given.
Late orders for individual and class photos can be placed online for one week after photo day.
Photo order envelopes (for cash orders) will be sent home in the coming days and must be returned to the class teacher on the day of the photos. There is no requirement to return the envelope if an online order is made.
Cyber Safety
A heartfelt thank you to all the parents and carers who attended Susan McLean’s cyber safety sessions at Sunshine Coast Grammar School. Your presence and engagement reflect our shared commitment to keeping children safe in the digital world. At the end of the sessions, many thoughtful questions were raised by parents, highlighting the importance of ongoing conversations around online safety. Susan’s expert insights provided practical tools and strategies that families can use right away.
Parent Questions and Responses from Susan
Q: Are there any effective IT blockers or parental control apps that families are using?
A: Yes! Many families have found success using the Microsoft Family Safety app, which allows parents to manage screen time, filter content, and track device usage.
Q: What are some effective ways we can involve the whole school community in promoting online safety and wellbeing?
A: We are committed to community education and continual communication. Through parent sessions, student workshops, and staff training, we aim to build a shared culture of digital responsibility and care.
Q: How can I tell if my child is being groomed or targeted online?
A: Look for signs such as secrecy around devices, sudden changes in mood, or reluctance to talk about online activity. Susan McLean recommends open conversations and regular check-ins as key prevention tools.
Q: What’s the best way to talk to my child about online risks without scaring them?
A: Use age-appropriate language and focus on building trust. Frame the conversation around safety, not punishment, and encourage your child to come to you if something feels wrong.
Q: How much screen time is too much?
A: There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but balance is key. Encourage screen-free time, especially before bed, and model healthy digital habits yourself.
In today's digital age, safeguarding a child's well-being must also include protecting their online life. This edition of SchoolTV can provide a better understanding of the digital landscape your child is navigating and offer practical strategies to help them stay safe, confident and in control online.
SchoolTV is a valuable tool available for families. Access to SchoolTV is available through GECO and includes easy-to-follow videos and evidence-based advice tailored for parents and carers.
To view the latest edition on cyber safety, click here.
Director of Operations
Kelly Somerville
As parents, we are hard-wired to want happiness for our kids. We often find ourselves going to great lengths to protect them from disappointment, frustration, loss, or distress. When they suffer, we suffer with them and it’s natural to want to make them happy again. But, what if chasing happiness at all costs can actually create more distress in the long run?
In his book The Happiness Trap, Dr Russ Harris explores this idea: the modern fixation with being happy all the time can lead us to become trapped by our own thoughts and emotions. Instead of helping us thrive, it can leave us feeling more anxious, disconnected, and discouraged — especially when life inevitably throws up challenges (it’s a great book, if you’re looking for a new read).
The alternative? One of the greatest indicators of mental well-being is psychological flexibility. We can learn to feel what we feel, notice our thoughts without being ruled by them, and still take meaningful action towards the kind of life we want to live.
As a parent, it means our job isn't to shield our kids from every negative emotion or uncomfortable moment. It’s to equip them to handle life’s ups and downs with resilience, courage, and self-awareness.
It’s not about raising kids who are always happy. It’s about raising kids who are confident, competent, and able to handle whatever life throws at them.
Here are three powerful shifts inspired by The Happiness Trap that we can make as parents:
- Normalise ALL feelings, not just happy ones.
Instead of trying to "fix" sad, angry, or anxious feelings, help your child name and notice them. Say things like:
“It makes sense that you’re feeling disappointed. That was really important to you.”
When we validate emotions, we teach children that feelings come and go, and they don’t have to control their actions.
- Teach them to observe their thoughts, not be trapped by them.
Kids often believe every thought that pops into their head: “I’m dumb,” “No one likes me,” “I can’t do this.”
Try gently helping them step back:
“That sounds like a mean thought. Can we take a look at it together?” or “That sounds like your thoughts are telling you things that aren’t true”.
This helps children develop distance from unhelpful thoughts, rather than being driven by them.
- Focus on values and action, not comfort.
Rather than asking, “How can I make this better?” try asking:
“What kind of person do you want to be in this situation?”
Helping kids connect to their values, including kindness, courage and curiosity, gives them an anchor when emotions are stormy. It also teaches them that their feelings and behaviour are two separate things; I can feel angry and still behave appropriately.
In the long run, by nurturing psychological flexibility, we’re helping our children grow into adults who don’t panic when life gets hard, can stay true to themselves, and are ready for the full, rich, messy beauty of life.
Which hopefully, brings them a LOT of happiness.
Fiona Harris
School Psychologist | Clinical Psychologist
FROM THE HEAD OF PRIMARY
Friendship Week
Today, our Primary School students gathered for our annual Friendship Week Assembly, celebrating the gift of friendship.
As part of our Friendship Day celebrations, Primary students have been learning how to be a Friendship Ninja with help from our partners at URSTRONG.
Students are learning about the meaning of friendships, the importance of trust and respect, and how to recognise healthy relationships.
As a school that partners with URSTRONG, we take pride in empowering your children with friendship skills.
It was an honour to welcome the Dawes family back this year who have been great supporters of our Friendship Day assembly and Friendship Chair, which was donated in loving memory of their son, Joshua.
Thank you to the parents who were able to attend the assembly.
Year 5 Camp
The Year 5 Camp at Maranatha was a wonderful experience for our students, filled with numerous opportunities to embrace challenges outside their comfort zone, demonstrate independence and explore new activities beyond their usual routine.
Congratulations to our Term 3 Class Captains
Our Year 3-6 Class Captains received their badges at the Friendship Assembly today. It was a wonderful opportunity to wish them well for the term ahead. Congratulations to all Term 3 Class Captains.
Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod
We wish our Glen Strings students all the best as they compete in the Eisteddfod on Monday, 4 August.
NAPLAN
During Term 1, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participated in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). This test is designed to assess the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum, and it allows parents and carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards. Every student who participated in NAPLAN will receive an individual report of their results.
Your child’s 2025 NAPLAN Individual Student Report (ISR) was provided to them in a sealed envelope by their Class Teacher this week. There is also an electronic copy on Parent Lounge, which parents can access.
If you have any questions about this year’s NAPLAN process or your child’s report, please contact your child’s Class Teacher or Dean of Teaching and Learning, Kathryn Wilkinson, to arrange a time to discuss further.
Craig Angel
Head of Primary School
FROM THE ACTING HEAD OF SECONDARY
At last week’s Year 12 School Formal, students shared their hopes and aspirations for the future. It was heartening to hear how many of our senior students see a world full of possibilities and are optimistic about their future careers. Their confidence and enthusiasm are a testament to the support they’ve received from both home and school throughout their educational journey.
For our younger students, the first steps toward shaping their own futures begin with their 2026 elective subject choices. These decisions play a vital role in helping students explore their interests, develop new skills, and begin to consider potential career pathways.
The Dean of Curriculum has been emailing students with links to the subject selection portal for next year. We encourage all parents and carers to actively engage in conversations with their children about these choices. Your guidance and interest can make a significant difference in helping them make informed and thoughtful decisions.
We aspire to be a learning environment where every student feels empowered to dream big and take confident steps toward their future.
Camps Week
Our annual camps week saw students from Year 7 - 9 and Year 11 step beyond the classroom to build confidence, resilience and leadership skills in diverse and inspiring settings.
Year 7 - 9 students embraced a range of outdoor challenges, from beach games and snow slopes to archery, catapults and team-building activities. Whether students were canoeing or debating in mock parliament settings in Canberra, they showed remarkable resilience, enthusiasm and camaraderie.
Year 11 students took part in a dedicated leadership camp, with workshops led by YLead. Students reflected on their strengths, built deeper connections and developed practical skills for life beyond the Grammar Gates. The week concluded with a celebratory dinner and dance, marking a memorable milestone in their leadership journey.
Well done to all students for embracing the week's opportunities with curiosity, enthusiasm and passion. Thank you to our staff for their vision, planning and dedication in bringing these programs to life. 
Mr Scott Mayall
Acting Head of Secondary
FROM PATHWAYS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Last week, our Year 10 students were pioneers in a brand new program, unique to Grammar: World of Work (WoW) Week.
WoW Week started with a visit to the Sunshine Coast Careers and Employment Expo, to investigate university pathways and local job opportunities.
The main part of the week consisted of full-day activities, including tours to workplaces and universities to get a close-up view of career pathways and courses in a range of industry sectors. Students had the opportunity to select two different activities from a diverse list of options, including Entrepreneurship, Manufacturing, Finance, Law / Psychology / International Relations, Entertainment, Professional Sport, Town Planning, Engineering / Technology and the Not for Profit Sector.
For some, their activities confirmed their interest in that industry or sector; for others, the experience opened their eyes to opportunities they were not aware of; and for others, their activities showed them enough to know that industry or sector is not for them. All of these are positive outcomes, informing their exploration of future options over the next few years.
The students were positively engaged throughout the week, and many of our hosts for the various tours commented on how impressed they were by the students they met. Students’ feedback on the week was resoundingly positive, and they enjoyed their afternoon barbecue and relaxation time at the end of the week.
Thanks to all our hosts - some of whom are Grammar families - and to all the Grammar Staff who accompanied tours and activities. Your contribution to our students’ career development is very much appreciated.
Head of Pathways and Partnerships
FROM THE DEAN OF CO-CURRICULUM
Join us on 7 August as we hear from two industry leaders as they discuss emerging opportunities in innovation and sustainability.
We are excited to hear from Justin Annesley, Co-Founder of Converged Cloud and Fien van Den Steen, Sustainability Strategy Manager at Carbon Asset Solutions.
This inspiring event is free to all Grammar students, staff and parents. For more information and to register, refer to Events Online.
Well done to all students who braved the stage and auditioned for our upcoming musical. We were blown away by your talent and can't wait to begin this exciting journey together.
For more information about the musical, visit our GECO page.
Best of luck to all students, staff and families participating in the Sunshine Coast Marathon this weekend. Whether you are running with the masses or hydrating the athletes, thank you for assisting us and representing Grammar with pride.
Mark Henricks
Dean of Co-Curriculum
Scholastic Book Fair
The Scholastic Book Fair was in full swing this week, and it was a fantastic success! Both students and parents thoroughly enjoyed browsing the wide selection of books and discovering new favourites.
Every purchase made at the fair earns reward points for our school, which we use to buy exciting new resources for the Library. Thank you for your support in helping us grow our collection and foster a love of reading in our school community!
Marcia Fisher
Director of Library Information Services
FROM THE SPORTS DEPARTMENT
Basketball
We are thrilled to announce our intermediate Girls Basketball team has won the Grand Final in the Rip City Club Competition, capping off an incredible season of hard work, dedication, and team spirit.
After finishing the regular season at the top of the ladder, the girls showcased determination and composure throughout the finals, carrying their momentum into a hard-fought Grand Final. In a closely contested match, the Grammar team came away with an impressive 8-point victory to claim the championship title.
A special congratulations to Jada B, who was named Finals MVP for her outstanding performance on the court.
This win reflects the continued growth of Grammar’s basketball program, which has been strengthened through participation in club competitions like Rip City. These opportunities provide valuable game experience and development for our players, helping prepare our teams for the Sunshine Coast School competition and State Schools Championships.
We are incredibly proud of our U16 Girls and look forward to seeing all our school teams achieve success on the court in the Sunshine Coast Schools competition in Terms 3 and 4.
Equestrian
We were very excited to hear that Amelia Bobyreff has also been named as part of the team to represent Queensland at the 2025 Australian Interschool Championships in Sydney in September. She will be competing in Eventing and joining Mia, Charlotte, Birdie and hopefully Jorja.
In another fabulous achievement, Birdie came sixth in the EVA65 among a large group of senior and junior riders and was awarded the highest scoring young rider in her class.
Congratulations to Amelia and Birdie on their wonderful achievements.
Oztag
Over the weekend, two enthusiastic Year 6 teams proudly represented Grammar at the All Schools Oztag Carnival. Despite some tough competition and the wet and rainy conditions, both teams showed incredible resilience and spirit, playing with determination and heart.
Throughout the carnival, the students demonstrated excellent teamwork and displayed outstanding sportsmanship, not only supporting their own teammates but also showing respect towards their opponents. It was a fun-filled day with lots of smiles, muddy jerseys and unforgettable moments.
A big thank you to Farrago, our generous sponsor, for purchasing the playing shirts for both teams – your support helped make the day even more special. We’re proud of our Year 6 players and the lasting memories they’ve created together.
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 is fantastic 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!
School Sport Australia
We had a number of students competing at the School Sport Australia competition across a range of different sports this week. We are incredibly proud of the dedication they have shown and look forward to celebrating their achievements!
Water Polo
Following the recent recruitment process, we are excited to confirm the appointment of Sophia Zamoyski in the role of Head Coach – Water Polo, commencing next week. The Head Coach – Water Polo role will coordinate the direction of Grammar Water Polo and work alongside Paul Cross to oversee the delivery of an engaging and high-quality program.
Sophia has a degree from Stanford University in Psychology and Human Rights and brings with her a wealth of experience as an athlete and leader, having won the NCAA Division 1 Championships with Stanford. A dedicated and passionate Water Polo Coach, Sophia has extensive experience coaching from grassroots to high performance, having recently led school, regional and state teams since arriving in Australia. Through these many roles, she has been instrumental in developing a strong culture, developing player confidence, and growing player numbers through her compassionate and player-centred approach. Sophia will also oversee a new alliance with Buderim Water Polo. Buderim will train twice per week in our amazing Aquatic Centre, sharing coaches and resources and providing extended learning opportunities for our players and coaches. A powerful leader of young athletes, Sophia will be an outstanding role model within our community, and we know she will make a wonderful addition to the Water Polo program at Grammar
Further good news for Water Polo at Grammar is that Paul Cross will continue administering and coaching across our programs. Collaboratively, Paul and Sophia will combine their knowledge and skill sets to increase participation, provide personal growth opportunities for our students, and see our program thrive.
NETBALL
Grammar v St Margaret's Anglican Girls School
This week, our Grammar netballers travelled to Brisbane for an exciting match opportunity against St Margaret’s. This was a great opportunity for our netballers to connect and challenge their skills against new opposition. It was especially memorable as our UK exchange students, Lily and Kitty, joined the Grammar squad on court, strengthening international friendships and showcasing the spirit of netball.
Club Netball
Our Grammar Netball Club teams are fast approaching the end of the regular season rounds before heading into finals. Best of luck to all teams competing, as we have several teams playing to secure a position in the top 4 ahead of the finals. Support our Grammar teams on Saturdays at the Sunshine Coast Netball Association Courts.
Thunder Netball
Congratulations to Josie A (Year 10) for her selection into the 16/U State Titles Squad with Sunshine Coast Thunder. Netball Queensland’s annual State Titles competition showcases the rising talent of Queensland Netballers in a high-performance environment, where athletes compete for selection in the Queensland 17U and 19U Squads for the National Netball Championships in the following year.
The final Thunder Ruby and Sapphire home games are Saturday, 3 August, and Sunday, 10 August at Chancellor College. Support our Director of Netball, Shannon Eagland as she competes in the Sapphire team, and Head Coach, Layla Bahgat as she coaches the Ruby team.
RUGBY
U12 - QLD State School Championships
Four of our Year 6 students, Harvey H, Beau R, Tom H and Raph C, recently represented Sunshine Coast Grammar in the Queensland All Schools State Rugby Championships held at Nudgee College in Brisbane (24-27 July). The Sunshine Coast team performed exceptionally well, finishing in third place overall.
Both Harvey and Beau were recognised with ‘Man of the Match’ awards across different games, which was a lovely reflection of their efforts on the field. Harvey also had the honour of captaining the team throughout the tournament and was presented with the Queensland Rugby Life Member Award. This award is given to a player who consistently demonstrates commitment, integrity, leadership, and team spirit – qualities that the late Darren Kayrooz, whom the award honours, was known for. There’s no further representative pathway for this age group, so this marks the pinnacle of their U12 rugby journey – a fantastic achievement for all involved.
U15 - QLD State School Championships
Congratulations to Max R and Callum H, who represented our school at the Championships last week. It was an outstanding carnival, offering a fantastic environment and valuable experience for the boys. The team secured some great wins, with a hard-fought quarter-final ending in a draw.
U15 – Wide Bay Championships
Well done also to Kellen D and Darcy R for their strong performances at the Wide Bay Championships. Their commitment and sportsmanship were a credit to our school.
Head of Rugby
SWIMMING
Sunshine Coast Grammar Swimming Club made a splash over the weekend at the Wide Bay Short Course Championships, held at St Andrew’s Anglican College. With 54 swimmers representing the club, the team delivered an outstanding performance, bringing home a total of 132 medals, including 57 Gold, 35 Silver and 40 Bronze.
Among the standout achievements, three swimmers were crowned age champions and four celebrated breaking six Wide Bay records.
|
Swimmer |
Age Group |
Achievement |
|
Oliver I |
11 Years |
Age Champion |
|
Lola S |
15 Years |
Age Champion + Record (200m Breaststroke) |
|
Grace M |
11 Years |
Record (50m & 200m Breaststroke, 400m Freestyle) |
|
Chase S |
12 Years |
Record (200m Breaststroke) |
Luke Stafford
Director of Swimming & Head Coach
UPCOMING EVENTS
District and Regional Trials
District and Sunshine Coast Regional Trials commence next week for some sports. It is important that students monitor announcements closely, taking note of the strict closing dates.
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 Monday 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 mention all Grammar students involved in an event, so please include 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
Friday of Week 1 was a busy day as we celebrated all things French for “le quatorze juillet”. Our Year 10, 11 and 12 French students stepped up into their leadership roles to host a range of activities across the school and raise a significant amount for The Library Project, Vanuatu. A huge thank you to the Senior French students for helping out on the day and of course to our French Language Ambassadors, Ruby and Lily. There were plenty of fun photos and the video below gives an overview of our celebrations.
Welcome to our partner school from Aurillac, France!
Over the weekend, we welcomed 24 French exchange students from Aurillac (through our sister school organization ELO) and their two accompanying French teachers, Jérôme and Fréd. They have had a busy weekend, are already settling in well, and already know a few familiar faces around school. They will be with us for a further two weeks, so if you see them around school, make sure you say “Bonjour!”
LTQ Speech Competition Tutorials – French and Japanese:
We have been overwhelmed by the number of students who have registered their interest in the upcoming Language Speech Competition. To assist students with preparation for this competition, the following tutorial sessions will be offered, commencing Week 4 (04/08/25).
|
Division |
When |
Where |
|
Primary French |
Tuesday lunchtime |
In front of the Primary library |
|
Year 5 Japanese |
Friday lunch |
In front of the Primary library |
|
Year 6 Japanese |
Thursday lunch |
In front of the Primary library |
|
Secondary French |
Tuesday lunchtime |
S8 (EGI) |
|
Secondary French |
Thursday before school |
S7 (GRI) |
|
Secondary French |
Monday lunchtime |
S12 (NRO |
|
Secondary Japanese |
Tuesday lunchtime |
S9 |
The tutorial sessions will be facilitated by a Language teacher, Language Ambassadors and Senior Language students. They will be designed to assist students in completing and learning their speech, fine-tuning their pronunciation and assisting in responding to questions about their speech in the target language. With only three weeks until the big day, attendance at these sessions is essential to ensure students feel confident and comfortable. Should you have any further questions or inquiries, please do not hesitate to contact either Mme Richardson (European languages) grichardson@scgs.qld.edu.au or Di Pietra Sensei (Asian languages) tdipietra@scgs.qld.edu.au
FROM THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT
As we move through Term 3, there’s a lot happening in the Music Department and we’re excited to share some key updates with you all.
Firstly, preparations are well underway for Forest Fest on Friday, October 24, which promises to be a vibrant evening of music and art under the stars. To help make this event a success, we’re seeking parent volunteers to assist with food and drink stalls (including BBQ, bar, snacks and drinks), as well as set-up and pack-down. Whether you’re available for a short time or the whole evening, your support would be greatly appreciated. If you’re able to help, please contact Diana and Aleta from the Music Support Group at msggrammar@gmail.com.
We’re also collecting donations of clean 20-litre buckets (pails) for Year 7 drumming activities. These buckets don’t need to be new and may have previously held items such as animal feed or paint (lids are not required). Donations can be delivered to the Music Department or left at Parent Reception for Victoria Bradbury.
In addition to Forest Fest preparations, we’re looking forward to the upcoming Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, where many of our String Groups and Choirs will be performing over the next two weeks. We wish all our students the very best and know they’ll represent Grammar with pride.
Event Details
- Location: Sunshine Coast Junior Eisteddfod, Matthew Flinders & Immanuel Lutheran College
- Dates: Performances begin next week (check SCJE website for full schedule)
- Admission: Open to the public, with tickets available at the door or online
Finally, Musical Auditions for High School Musical 2026 begin this week and I’m thrilled to be part of the audition panel. I can’t wait to see the incredible talent our students bring to the stage.
Victoria Bradbury
Director of Music Performance
High School Musical 2026
We are excited to announce that Grammar will perform Disney’s High School Musical at the Nambour Cinema from 30 April – 2 May 2026. Over 120 students in Year 6-11 have signed up for Musical auditions this week with rehearsals starting in Week 5 this term.
A large team of teachers are involved with the creative process, including:
- Ms Lisa Jacobs – Creative Director
- Mrs Meg Dunstan – Assistant Creative Director
- Ms Victoria Bradbury – Musical Director
- Mrs Kirsten Bowman and Mr Simon Eastwood – Vocal Coaches
- Ms Brittany Ward-Pankhurst – Choreographer
The Musical will bring together secondary students from all year levels and will include Year 6 students who will be in Year 7 next year. The band will be made up of Music teachers and invited students. It will be very exciting to see the show progressing over the next few months and into next year. The cast list will be announced when auditions and call-backs are completed. For more information, visit our GECO page.
Ms Miranda Myers
Assistant Producer
Instrumental Music Specialist Focus - Jo Ramsey (Strings)
Jo Ramsey grew up in North Queensland’s vibrant music scene and began performing professionally at 12 years old. She has taught strings throughout Western Australia and Queensland, before settling on the Sunshine Coast in 2005.This year marks Jo’s tenth year with Grammar Music, where she’s helped grow the string program from one small ensemble to five thriving groups. She currently conducts Glen Strings and Forest Strings and works with the Year 3 Strings Immersion Team alongside Simon Eastwood and Julia Janiszewski.
Jo also teaches at Immanuel Lutheran College and conducts the Sinfonia String Ensemble for the Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra. Passionate about joyful learning, she supports students from beginner to advanced, preparing them for performances, exams and a lifelong love of music.
To enrol with Jo, please click here.
It has been another busy week at GELC as we continue to discover and learn about the world around us.
Christmas in July
We kicked off the week with a festive spirit, celebrating Christmas in July by donning our favourite Christmas outfits. The Nursery children got into the seasonal fun with sensory play, enjoying the warm, comforting scents of cinnamon and allspice in their Christmassy playdough creations.
National Pyjama Day
Friday was all about comfort as we embraced National Pyjama Day in style! Everyone wore their comfiest PJs to support a meaningful cause—raising funds to help foster children across Australia. Thank you to all who participated and contributed.
National Tree Day
Our Nursery children also took part in National Tree Day, continuing their journey of learning about and caring for our beautiful native gardens. It’s wonderful to see their growing appreciation for nature and sustainability.
Welcome, Miss Teigan!
We’re excited to welcome Miss Teigan to our Nursery team. Be sure to say hello and give her a warm welcome when you see her around the centre.
Nicole Turner
Assistant Director