As the end of the school year draws near, I find myself reflecting on the past weeks with a mixture of pride, joy, and bittersweet emotions. Watching our Year 12 girls celebrate the culmination of their school journey has been a deeply moving experience. From their final day on campus to their Graduation Ceremony and Speech Night, their resilience, growth, and achievements have shone brightly. Knowing I won’t be here to celebrate with next year’s cohort as they take their turn crossing the stage is a bittersweet thought, but one I carry with immense pride in all that they will accomplish.
This year has been a remarkable one for Rockhampton Girls Grammar School. Our Year of Kindness and Respect has not only met its goals but surpassed them, bringing a renewed sense of community and connection to our school. The initiatives we introduced have strengthened the bonds between students, staff, and families, fostering a culture where empathy, collaboration, and respect take centre stage. Seeing our girls embody these values every day has been one of my greatest joys.
This year also marked the successful implementation of the Brainwise School Program, a key addition to our pastoral care curriculum from Prep to Year 12. Specifically designed to cater to the unique learning needs of our girls, this program has empowered students with valuable insights into how their brains work. By understanding the connection between brain function, learning, and emotional self-regulation, our girls have developed tools to enhance their academic outcomes and better manage their emotions. It has been wonderful to see the program making a tangible difference in their confidence, resilience, and overall wellbeing. This initiative is a testament to our commitment to equipping our students with lifelong skills that will support them in all aspects of their lives.
Speech Night was a highlight of the year, not just for the awards presented but for the stories behind those achievements. Our students have excelled across academic, sporting and cultural domains, and it has been a privilege to cheer them on every step of the way. Their hard work, determination, and grace inspire me daily, and I know they will continue to achieve excellence in their fields in 2025 and beyond.
As I prepare to step away for the coming year to embrace the next chapter of my life, I want you to know how much I will miss being part of the everyday buzz of Girls Grammar life. Though I won’t be here in person, I will be watching from afar, celebrating the successes and milestones that lie ahead for each of our girls and for our school as a whole.
I am delighted to welcome Mrs Kathy King into the role of Acting Deputy Principal - Students for the next 12 months. Kathy brings a wealth of experience, passion, and dedication to this position, and I am confident she will lead with the same care and commitment that makes our community so special. Please join me in supporting her as she takes on this exciting role.
To our girls, families, and staff - thank you for making this year unforgettable. Your kindness, resilience, and determination are what make our Girls Grammar spirit so unique. I look forward to returning in 2026 and hearing about all the wonderful accomplishments that have taken place in my absence.
Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday season and a bright start to the new year.
Please enjoy a selection of pictures and memories from throughout 2024:
Sammy Cobon
Deputy Principal - Students
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