Showcasing Gippy campuses

Gippsland Grammar's new deputy principal, Bo Power getting to know students. Mr Power is looking forward to the school's Open Days. Photo: Contributed

GIPPSLAND Grammar will host three Open Days later this month, offering families the opportunity to discover the advantages of the complete ELC-to-VCE education offered at the leading independent school’s three campuses.

It’s a seamless and boutique education for three-year-olds to emerging adults, and the upcoming Open Days will help locals discover its advantages, according to Principal, Michele Wakeham.

Gippsland Grammar’s Bairnsdale Campus includes an Early Learning Centre (ELC), with three and four-year-old kindergarten programs through to Year 6, and will be on show Saturday, March 16 from 9 to 11am.

In Sale, the school’s historic junior St Anne’s Campus – which also includes an ELC offering three and four-year-old kindergarten programs as well as a Foundation Year 6 – will host its Open Day on Saturday, March 23 from 9-11am.

The senior Garnsey Campus (Years 7-12) on the Princes Highway will open Saturday, March 23 from 11.30am-1.30pm.

While Gippsland Grammar is one school, each campus has its own personality that families can explore during the Open Day events.

Located on the banks of Clifton Creek, the Bairnsdale Campus is a growing community with a rural feel that includes campus chickens and a therapy dog.

St Anne’s Campus is the historic heart of the school and is known for its red brick buildings and rich history, while Garnsey Campus is dominated by a huge expanse of green open spaces and state-of-the-art facilities including the new Art & Design Centre.

Ms Wakeham will be joined by members of the School’s Leadership Team at the Open Days, which includes Deputy Principal, Bo Power, Director of Learning, Lori Field, Head of Bairnsdale Campus, Virginia Evans, Head of St Anne’s Campus, Jie Van Berkel and Head of Garnsey Campus, Rohan Jayatilake. Student leaders and teachers will also be on hand to share their expertise and first-hand experiences.

“At the heart of every organisation are the people who ‘learn, live and lead’ in the community,” Mrs Wakeham said.

“Come and meet our people: our students, our teachers and our leadership team.”

A highlight of the Bairnsdale and St Anne’s Campus Open Days will be the opportunity for families to explore the ELCs, which both offer a three-year-old ‘Reception’ program and a four-year-old ‘Transition’ program and are notable for their age-appropriate programs and both rated as ‘exceeding’ the National Quality Standard.

At Garnsey, all departments will be represented, including the school’s Rowing Program, Performing Arts Department, Year 9 program, and boarding house.

Gippsland Grammar has more than 1100 students enrolled across its three campuses in Sale and Bairnsdale and includes a boarding house with full-time and casual options and private daily bus options for students from Yarram district, East Gippsland and the Latrobe Valley.

Mrs Wakeham recommended that families attending the Garnsey Campus Open Day, time their visit around the ‘Leadership Presentations’ which will take place in the Lecture Theatre at 11.45am, and again at 12.45pm.

For further information, feel free to phone Jemma Horan on 5143 6388 or visit the school’s website.