NEWSLETTER

From Mr Ball: Head of Secondary
Hello,
This has been a busy year with a lot of positive movement in the school. We have
continued to develop a stronger awareness of the environment at GIS. The recycling
banks have further developed, along with the Eco-Awesomeness course studied by
students in Years 7, 8 and 9 who do not take Thai Language. What is wonderful about
these is that the students take ownership of the recycling and the money reclaimed is
invested in developing the ‘garden’ side of the school. The ‘reuse, reduce, recycle’ garden
developed by Mr Hambling is outside ICT 1 and is a great testament to the continued
commitment by the school to recycling.
The building has continued to move from strength to strength in terms of its development.
Last year saw the Main Hall have a complete metamorphosis. This year next to the Main
Hall a purpose-built Drama area is being finished. The Secondary building is due for a lot
of paint over the summer and I am looking forward to returning to see how grand it looks.
Secondary reports went out on Tuesday and we hope that you are pleased with the effort
that your child has put in to his or her school work over the year. The school website has
an explanation of what the grades mean and can be located by going to
www.gardenrayong.com/curriculum.html.
The Secondary Parents’ Evening on Wednesday was opened by Nupur from Year 7 and
also the Year 7 band. It is great to see such young talent having the confidence to
showcase itself. There was a lot of discussion between staff and teachers about how
students can move forwards and a lot of positive advice and support was passed on.
No doubt the IB1 students will have been pleased to have been able to pass over the
drafts of their 4,000-word Extended Essays to their supervisors. The supervisors will read
these and then offer feedback at the beginning of Term 1 in the next academic year.
At this time of year we have to say some sad goodbyes to students and staff. This is
always a sad time as people we like and respect leave us. This year we say goodbye and
wish the best of luck to Mr Turnbull (Business Studies), Ms Cooper (English), Ms
Tincombe (English), Ms Lenz (ELS), Ms O’Brien (Information Communication
Technology), Mr Chesters (Head of Mathematics), Ms Chesters (Thai Language) and Mr
Coleman (Head of Science). Whilst it is sad to see staff leave it is also an exciting time as
new staff arrive and we say hello to Mr Whittaker (Business Studies), Mr Doman (ELS), Ms
Bradley (English), Ms Ellicot (English), Mr Pennant (Information Communication
Technology), Mr Turagaiviu (Mathematics), and Ms Woodburn (Physics).
Sage Ball
Head of Secondary
headsec@gardenrayong.com