1 July 2025

Principal’s Report

Kaya marmen, yorga wer koolanga.
(Translated from Noongar to English)
Hello men, women and children.

As we wrap up a productive Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on the exciting progress we’ve made and share some key highlights with you.

We began the term with the third instalment of our Berry Street Model professional learning. With the final session scheduled for early Term 3, we’re moving closer to embedding a trauma-informed, strengths-based learning environment—one built on relationships, resilience, and accountability.

Our 2025–2028 Business Plan will be ready to print next term, setting a clear direction for the years ahead.

On a personal note, I recently completed a 360-degree feedback process. While seeking feedback can be confronting, I’m grateful for the honest reflections and proud of the positive results—though I remain committed to ongoing growth.

Our school continues to prioritise student engagement and community connection. We hosted Primary School workshops and a Prospective Parent Evening, showcasing our programs and facilities. School tours—both in person and via our new virtual platform—are helping to build enrolment interest for 2026.

A standout event this term was our Careers Expo, where students explored diverse post-school pathways thanks to 15 external exhibitors including universities, the ADF, and TAFE.

Behaviourally, we’ve focused on three key areas: mobile phone use, winter uniform compliance, and punctuality. These, along with classroom conduct, remain high priorities to maintain the standards we’ve worked so hard to establish.

Our Aboriginal dancers proudly represented the school at the Indigenous ANZAC Ceremony in Kings Park and will perform again during Cyril Jackson’s NAIDOC celebrations in Term 3. We are also thrilled to partner with KOYA Aboriginal Corporation and Dr John Goldsmith (author, exhibition curator, researcher, project developer and astrophotographer) on Australia’s Cultural Night Sky, an exciting project exploring Indigenous astronomy and culture—culminating in a camp at Lake Ballard in late August.

We also again held our much-loved GOVO4GOOD Quiz Night, led by our fantastic Student Councillors. It was a night full of fun, community, and laughter.

Staffing updates - We welcomed Clare Ferguson to the Student Services team and farewelled Monique Willis (now Deputy Principal at Gilmore College). We also say farewell to Mark Parker (HPE) as he moves to Ireland, and Phoebe Adams (Science/HASS) as she completes her studies in Semester two. Most notably, we said goodbye to a much beloved staff member, Jules Zaffino, as we celebrated his retirement after 41 years of teaching (35yrs at Govo). Many of the old, retired crew were in attendance and Jules regaled some wonderful stories.  Best wishes Jules!

A reminder - School holidays run from Saturday 5 July to Monday 21 July, with students returning Tuesday 22 July.

Wishing all students and families a restful and joyful break. Thank you for your continued support—it’s what makes our community strong.

Leo Surjan
Principal

Promoting the School for 2026 and Beyond

This term, our Marketing Coordinator has been working hard to promote the school in alignment with our goal of strengthening community engagement and increasing enrolments. One of the key initiatives has been the launch of our new Principal’s Tours. Prospective families can now book a guided tour of the school led by our very own Principal, Mr Surjan, directly through our website.

These tours have been met with great enthusiasm, with sessions scheduled once per term. They offer families a first-hand look at our vibrant learning environment and strong school culture. We encourage anyone considering enrolment to visit our website for tour dates and booking details.

In addition to the tours, students recently took part in a series of professional photo and video shoots aimed at enhancing our promotional materials and social media presence. It was a fantastic day for all involved—our students were exceptional, and the energy in the classrooms was evident as a professional photographer captured dynamic, in-class learning moments.

Mr Surjan and students become stars in local school promotional campaign.

A reminder that new general enrolments for 2026 close on 25 July 2025.

Pupil Free Day

Pupil-Free Day – Monday 21 July

Please note that Monday 21 July is a pupil-free day.

Throughout the year, schools allocate several pupil-free days to allow staff to participate in professional development. This helps ensure our teachers and staff stay up to date with best practices in education.

For Term 3, the pupil-free day will be on Monday 21 July. Students will return to school on Tuesday 22 July.

Thank you for your understanding.

Subject Selections for Year 10 Students

Following several weeks of information gathering, all Year 10 students are now required to finalise their Year 11 subject selections by circling their selections on the supplied grid, as per the provided instructions. Students must choose six subjects and submit their selections to the front office by 23rd July 2025 (Wednesday, Week 1, Term 3).

Subject selection interviews will follow, providing students the opportunity to discuss their choices and future pathways. During these interviews, staff may recommend changes where necessary.

If your child is having trouble finalising their selections, please contact Ms Bunch or Mr Davini at the beginning of Term 3.

Final subject confirmation and payment are due by Friday, 22 August 2025. Please note that high-cost and specialised subjects require a 50% deposit at the time of selection.

Year 12 Dates for Your Calendar

Important Dates for Year 12 Parents and Students to Remember:

Formal communication regarding these events will be shared with both parents and students via Connect next term.

Online Literacy and Numeracy Testing (OLNA)

Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 should have finished Round one OLNA testing this semester. (Note - Only Year 10s who were absent during the Year 9 term 4 testing last year, and who still need to meet the requirements, sat the test this semester. All other Year 10s who still need to pass OLNA will have an opportunity next semester).

OLNA is an online literacy and numeracy assessment. It is designed to enable students to successfully meet the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) requirement of demonstrating the minimum standard of literacy and numeracy.

To successfully meet the literacy and numeracy requirement, students must demonstrate the skills regarded as essential to meet the demands of everyday life and work in a knowledge-based economy. These skills are described in Level 3 of the Australian Core Skills Framework.

These skills must be demonstrated in: Literacy (reading and writing) and Numeracy.

Students may prequalify through the reading, writing and numeracy tests of the Year 9 National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN).

There will be two rounds of testing in Term 3:

• Year 11/12 students who have not attained one or more components of the Reading, Writing or Numeracy standards will get another test attempt from 28–29 July for Writing and 28 July–8 August for Numeracy and Reading in Term 3.  Students will be advised of the detailed timetable for the testing closer to the date.
• Any Year 10s and any Year 11/12s who missed the Round 1 test or still need to meet the requirement will have the opportunity from 8-9 September for Writing and 8-19 September for Numeracy and Reading.

Year 9 students who have not pre-qualified through NAPLAN, and any Year 10 students who missed the Term 3 test will have the opportunity to sit the tests in Term 4. Writing is from 27-28 October and Reading and Numeracy from 27 October to 7 November.

Additional information about OLNA testing, including practice tasks can be found at  https://senior-secondary.scsa.wa.edu.au/assessment/olna.

ASP Road Show 2025

Our Year 7 Transitional Coordinator, Ms Ferguson, along with our Approved Specialist Program (ASP) Coordinators, Ms Sippl and Mr Scuderi, have been working tirelessly this term. Together, they’ve visited over 13 primary schools—both within our catchment area and beyond—to promote the outstanding programs our school offers.

We’re also pleased to welcome Ms Sippl as our new Artsmedia Coordinator, taking over from Ms Foyle, and Mr Ewing, who will be leading the AFL Specialist Program from Term 3. Both staff members bring extensive knowledge and hands-on experience in their respective fields—Ms Sippl in the Arts and Mr Ewing as a current West Coast Eagles WAFL team representative. We know our students are fortunate to learn from such passionate and industry-leading educators.

A highlight of the term was our Parent Information Evening, held on Thursday 19th June, with around 100 prospective families in attendance. Families had the opportunity to learn more about our teaching and learning programs and tour our impressive facilities.

Congratulations to all involved for their dedication to promoting and growing these valuable programs.

Round 2 applications are now open and close Friday, 15 August 2025.

ASP Artsmedia and Engineering Coordinators promoting the ASP Programs on a primary school road show tour along with Program Coordinator, Ms Ferguson.

School Reports

Reports for all years will be available on CONNECT to parents from 4pm, Friday 4 July 2025.

Parent-Teacher Interviews Term 3

Parents can make an appointment to speak with teachers during our Parent-Teacher interviews scheduled for Term 3, Thursday 31 July. All appointments can be made through our school app, SOBS, located on the school website; https://sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=1049.

Parents will be notified via Connect when bookings open and close. Interviews on the day start from 2pm and conclude at 6pm.

A reminder that this date will also be a half day for all students.

GAT Students Excel in Statewide Economics Competition

Congratulations to the outstanding efforts of our lower school GAT students, who recently took part in the Economics Multiple Choice Competition run by the Economics Teachers Association of WA (ETAWA).

Over the past few weeks, students were challenged to apply their economic understanding in a high-pressure environment, answering 20 multiple choice questions in just 20 minutes under test conditions. The questions were based on real-world economic events, impacts, and core concepts. This year saw a record-breaking 5,000+ students from schools across Western Australia participate in the competition.

We are proud to announce that three of our Year 8 GAT students – Stella Jensen, Caleb Donovan, and Xavier Spinks – qualified for the second round, placing in the top 10% of the state.

In an incredible achievement, Caleb Donovan and Xavier Spinks both scored a perfect 20/20 in the second round, joining only 30 other students from some of WA’s most elite and high-performing schools. Their exceptional performance has earned them a place in the final tiebreaker round, which will be held this week. The top three students in the final round will take home prizes of up to $200.

Congratulations to all the students who took part, and a special shout-out to Caleb and Xavier for their remarkable efforts and commitment to excellence in economics. We wish them the best of luck in the finals!

Maali News

Case Study: Jorja Sheppard – Year 12 Student, Governor Stirling SHS

Jorja Sheppard is a proud Year 12 student at Governor Stirling Senior High School and a dedicated participant in the Follow the Dream program. Throughout her high school journey, Jorja has demonstrated resilience, leadership, and a strong commitment to academic and personal growth. Her story highlights the transformative impact of tailored support, mentoring, and cultural connection provided through the Follow the Dream program. This case study explores Jorja's achievements, aspirations, and the role the program has played in empowering her to stay focused, thrive in her studies, and work confidently toward her future goals.

ANZAC - Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service

A group of proud Aboriginal dancers from Governor Stirling Senior High School had the honour of performing at the Indigenous Veterans Commemorative Service held at Kings Park. Guided by Neil Coyne and his family, the students danced with pride and strength in front of hundreds of people, paying tribute to the service and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander veterans. Their performance was a powerful representation of culture, respect, and pride, showcasing not only the spirit of our school community but also the enduring strength of their heritage.

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Visions of the Cosmos

Fourteen of our Aboriginal students are lucky enough to be invited to attend a camp at Lake Ballard later in Term 3 as part of ‘Australia’s Cultural Night Sky’, a joint project between Koya Aboriginal Corporation and Dr John Goldsmith, an author, exhibition curator, researcher and astrophotographer. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for Aboriginal students at our school to experience the dark sky site of Lake Ballard and the cultural stories that are significant to the people of the area. Students will be staying at Morapoi Station, near Kookynie, experiencing the rich heritage and Dreaming stories with local Elders and participating in cultural and learning activities ranging from bushfood and wildlife encounters. They will be guided to use specialist equipment provided by Dr Goldsmith to fully appreciate the wonders of a dark sky at a time when the heart of the milky way, or dark emu, is directly overhead.

Dr John Goldsmith has generously donated his latest astrophotography publication to the school library, which features a photograph taken at Lake Ballard.

NAIDOC Week Assembly – Celebrating "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy"

On Wednesday 2 July, our school will proudly host a special NAIDOC Week Assembly during Period 4 to honour the 2025 theme: "The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy."

This year's theme highlights the powerful legacy of First Nations leaders and celebrates the strength and vision of the next generation. It is a time to reflect on the achievements of the past while recognising and empowering young leaders who are shaping the future.

Our assembly will include meaningful reflections on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, culture, and achievements. Following the assembly, students will enjoy a series of special performances arranged by the Maali Team, showcasing the vibrant culture, creativity, and spirit of our First Nations communities.

We invite all students and staff to join us in this important celebration and to show their respect and support for the oldest continuing culture on Earth.

Student Council Quiz Night

On Thursday, the 29 of May, the GSSHS Student Council hosted its annual GOVO4GOOD Quiz Night – and what a night it was!

With a fantastic 90’s theme and over 80 community members in attendance, the event was a vibrant, fun-filled evening aimed at raising much-needed funds for mental health support – and it did not disappoint!

The winning team of the night was the Teachers’ Science Table, hosted by Mr Thomson, with the major prize going to our very own Science teacher, Mrs Mucciarone.

And let’s not forget our principal, Mr Sujan, who didn’t walk away empty-handed – proudly claiming 5th Best Dressed for the evening… an achievement he holds close!

A huge thank you to everyone who came along, supported, and made the night such a memorable one. The Student Council is incredibly proud to be part of a community that gives back.

The Govo4Good Fundraising Quiz Night.

Careers and Vocational Education (CaVE) – Term 2 Highlights

As Term 2 comes to a close, the CaVE team are thrilled to reflect on what has been an action-packed and inspiring term for our students. From hands-on industry experiences to future-focused planning, this term has been all about exploration, growth, and opportunity.

Diving into Real-World Experiences

We kicked off with a trio of Career Taster Programs that gave students a taste of life beyond the classroom. Whether they were orchestrating events in Event Management, experimenting with science in Laboratory Skills, or getting creative with Fabrication, students embraced each opportunity with enthusiasm and curiosity. These tasters aren’t just about learning skills – they’re about discovering passions and imagining new possibilities.

Students also took part in a three day Try-A-Trade experience in Civil Construction & Concreting, where they rolled up their sleeves and got a feel for the tools, machinery, teamwork, and tenacity that drive the industry. It was a powerful reminder that learning can be loud, messy, and incredibly rewarding.

Students receive their Certificate of Completion.

Workplace Learning – Learning by Doing

Nearly 40 students ventured into the workforce this term through our Workplace Learning Program, gaining firsthand experience in a wide variety of industries. From administration desks to construction sites, electrical workshops to hospitality kitchens, our students stepped into the real world with confidence and curiosity. These placements not only build practical skills but also help students forge valuable connections and clarify their career goals.

Pathway Planning with Purpose

Year 10 students took their first big steps toward shaping their futures through a series of engaging lessons on pathway planning and decision-making. A standout moment was the interactive ‘Find U Kingdom’ quiz, delivered in partnership with Curtin University, which helped students reflect on their strengths, interests, and aspirations in a fun and meaningful way.

Not to be outdone, our Year 11 and 12 students also took charge of their futures with 60 of them joining an inspiring excursion to the Perth Careers Expo. The atmosphere was buzzing with opportunity as students explored a vast array of exhibitors — from industry leaders and employers to tertiary institutions and training providers. It was a day packed with meaningful conversations, eye-opening insights, and exciting discoveries. The expo proved to be a powerful reminder that the future is full of possibilities—and it’s theirs to shape.

University Connections and Guidance

With University applications opening this term, we welcomed representatives from several institutions to meet one-on-one with our Years 10 to 12 students. These personalised sessions provided clarity, encouragement, and practical advice for students considering tertiary study.

Meanwhile, ECU hosted a special Lunch-and-Learn for our UniPrep students, walking them through the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre application process and answering all their burning questions about university life.

Career Expo – A Celebration of Possibility

The crown jewel of the term was undoubtedly our Career Expo, a vibrant and bustling event that brought together 15 incredible exhibitors under one roof.

From Universities and TAFEs to Registered Training Organisations like Stanley College and Skill Hire, and major players in mining, construction, rail, and the ADF, the Expo was a showcase of opportunity.

All Year 10, 11, and 12 students had the chance to explore, ask questions, and connect with these industry professionals. The energy was electric, the conversations were meaningful, and the feedback from exhibitors was glowing – many praised our students for their engagement, curiosity, and professionalism. The event opened to parents and the wider community from 3pm, creating a wonderful atmosphere of shared discovery.

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Looking Ahead

As we look toward Term 3, we’re excited to:

• Finalise Year 10 subject selections so students can head in the right direction for Year 11.
• Offer more exciting excursions and industry incursions.
• Support our Year 12s as they prepare for their next big steps.

It’s been a term full of momentum, inspiration, and meaningful progress. We are keen to see what the next chapter brings as we move into Semester 2 of 2025!

The CaVE Team: Naomi Bunch, Pathways & Transitions Coordinator; Debbie Bennett, Workplace Learning Coordinator, and Heather Philip, Administration Assistant.

Physical Education News & Achievements

ASP AFL Program – State Representation Success!

It is with great pleasure that we share some fantastic achievements by several of our students in the AFL Approved Specilist Program. With all WA State AFL teams now announced for the upcoming National Championships, we are proud to congratulate the following students who will represent Western Australia on the national stage in the coming months:

Year 12 – Garrion Kenh (WA 18s Boys)
Year 12 – Ava Stewart (WA 18s Girls)
Year 10 – Layla Hagerstrom (WA 16s Girls)
Year 9 – Zailee Robson (WA 15s Girls)
Year 7 – Summer Wirth (WA 12s Girls)

We would also like to acknowledge:

Year 9 – Travis Blair, who has been selected as an umpire for the AFL 12s Boys Championships – a fantastic achievement in officiating at a national level.

These selections are an incredible recognition of the students' dedication, talent, and commitment to their football journeys. We are extremely proud of their efforts and wish them the very best as they prepare to compete at the National Championships.

Individual Sporting Achievements

Beyond AFL, our students continue to shine in other sporting arenas. Congratulations to:

John Aryang (Year 11) for his selection in the WA State 16s Basketball Team. John is also off to China as part of the u17s National Squad, representing Australia. This is a fantastic achievement, and we look forward to following John's continued success in basketball.

Southwest Netball Tour 2025

This term the Year 8 and 9 netball students visited the southwest for a netball tour. The students played 2 netball games against local schools. They also visited the Busselton jetty underwater observatory and tested their skills in climbing the trees at Dwellingup Treetop Adventures and mini golf and ice cream tasting at Simmos. It was such a fun (and chilly) three days, and all students represented the school excellently. 

Netball students head to the Southwest.

Artsmedia News

Ghosts Tour

Early in Term 2, GSSHS Artsmedia Approved Specialist Program (ASP) students had the special opportunity to visit a working film set for the celebrated BBC TV program Production series 'Ghosts' Australia. Students were lucky to visit the external location for the series, watching the production teamwork like a well-oiled machine and spotting their favourite ghost characters. More familiar faces were spotted, including GSSHS alumni Adriana Begovich of Anarchy PR - yet another former Govo student excelling in creative industries.

Before leaving their tour of the set, Artsmedia students were lucky enough to have private Q&A sessions with team members such as the script supervisor, producer, onset stills photographer as well as visiting the costume department - many thought-provoking questions were asked and great insight about working in film & television was shared.

We'd like to express our gratitude to the entire 'Ghosts' team for accommodating our students and staff on set, and for making time to share their insider knowledge with our ASP students who continue to build industry connections and experiences.

Cultural Tour

On Friday 4^th April, the entire ASP Artsmedia cohort (Years 7-10) had the opportunity to go on a day-long bus tour to three different stops of cultural interest.

The day started with a visit to Gomboc Gallery & Sculpture Park in Middle Swan. Built and established by sculptor Ron Gomboc, the gallery is home to a beautiful collection of paintings by iconic Australian artists including Robert Juniper, Margaret Woodward, Andrew Kay, Bjorn Dolva, Mary Knott, Nigel Hewitt, Ian Hill and more. Outdoors, students explored the huge sculpture park featuring works by Australian and International sculptors – this was a rich opportunity to explore 3D artforms outdoors, despite the windy conditions!

After exploring the park and reflecting on the artworks inside and out, the students travelled to Isaia Corner in East Victoria Park to see a public work in situ: Everything Must Go! by Perth artist Siahne Rogers is on display as part of the Town of Victoria Park’s Arts Season, after a successful season at last year’s Sculptures by the Sea event. Students reflected on the double-meaning of the work, which appropriates the language of commercials, reframing it to analyse feelings of grief, loss, and the value of fleeting moments in our lives. This stop on the tour reinforced for students the differences between private galleries and collections, versus public artworks and installations – including how they are funded, developed and maintained.

The final stop for the day was at WA Museum Boola Bardip (Many Stories) in Perth. After a lunch break, students explored all floors of the Museum, where they experienced artforms, exhibits and displays relevant to their studies. For Years 7 & 8 students this included ochre and WA’s Murujuga Rock Art, as well as Australian artists Shaun Tan and Christopher Pease. Years 9 & 10 were able to see stop-motion film and media in action, as well as a range of displays around WA’s film, television and entertainment industries.

There were many highlights from the Museum and the day overall, which was a great way to build and maintain connections between Artsmedia students in different year groups. The students produced some excellent work and were exposed to unique creative industries and opportunities, both close to home and further afield.

ASP Artsmedia Students’ Cultural Tour.

New Waste Bins

New Recycling Bins Help Make Our School Greener!

The Green committee is excited to announce the introduction of two new types of waste bins around the school—designed to make it easier for all of us to reduce waste and care for our environment.

Containers for Change Bins

These bins are for eligible bottles and cans that can be recycled through the Containers for Change program. Every item students recycle helps reduce landfill waste and supports sustainable recycling efforts.

Paper & Cardboard Only Bins

Bins marked with blue thumbs-up posters are for clean paper and cardboard only. No food scraps, tissues, or plastics—just recyclable paper products.

Why Does Sorting Your Waste Matter?

When we separate our rubbish correctly:

• We reduce landfill waste.
• More materials can be recycled and reused.
• We help protect wildlife and the environment.
• Our school stays a cleaner, greener place to learn.

Got a Bright Idea?

Have a suggestion to make our school’s waste management even better? We’d love to hear from you! Chat with:

Ms Russo in the Library.
Ms Nguyen in Room 4.11 (HASS top floor).

Thank you for being part of the solution—and for helping our school lead the way in sustainability!

Alumni News

On Saturday 28 June, in a truly inspiring moment at the Crown Ballroom, Governor Stirling Senior High School alumni Cheroke Ugle was crowned Miss NAIDOC 2025.

Cheroke’s powerful acceptance speech paid tribute to her roots, proudly giving a heartfelt shoutout to Governor Stirling SHS, the Maali Centre, and the Follow the Dream program—key parts of her personal journey. Her words reflected deep gratitude and highlighted the strong foundation these programs provided during her formative years.

Her official biography tells the story of a remarkable young woman who has overcome significant adversity and now dedicates herself to uplifting and giving back to her community. As Miss NAIDOC 2025, Cheroke is poised to be a strong voice and role model, and we’re confident she will use this platform to inspire others.

We look forward to welcoming her back to Govo in the near future, where she will no doubt have a powerful message to share with our current students.

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