Term 4 Begins: A Season of Change, Connection, and Celebration

Welcome to Term 4, and the final chapter of our school year. I hope the recent break offered your family a chance to rest, reset, and reconnect with the people and experiences that matter most.

As we begin this term, I’d like to share some important staffing updates and reflections on the term ahead.

At the end of Term 3, I shared the news that Ms Sammy Cobon has made the decision to resign from her position as Deputy Principal – Students during her year of maternity leave. We thank Sammy for her dedication and the care she brought to Girls Grammar, and we wish her all the very best in this next chapter.

Following this announcement, I’m pleased to officially confirm that Mrs Kathy King, who has been acting in the Deputy Principal – Students role throughout 2025, will continue in this position in a permanent capacity from 2026. Kathy’s impact on our school has been both positive and profound. Her genuine care for students, her thoughtful leadership, and her ability to connect meaningfully with staff, parents, and caregivers have enriched our community. Whether she’s supporting students through challenges, leading with clarity and compassion, or bringing joy to school events with her performing prowess, Kathy embodies the values we hold dear at Girls Grammar. Her presence has strengthened our culture of care, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her continuing in this role.

We also extend a warm welcome to Ms Amita Kapur, who joins us this week as Acting Head of Boarding for Term 4. Amita brings extensive experience in boarding education and pastoral care, and we look forward to the warmth, wisdom, and professionalism she will bring to our boarding community.

Additionally, we acknowledge the resignation of Ms Kaitlyn Graham, our Marketing and Events Manager, who is concluding her time with us after almost two years of dedicated service. Kaitlyn brought strategic oversight, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose to our communications and marketing efforts. We thank her sincerely for her contributions and wish her well in her future endeavours. This role has now been filled, and we look forward to introducing our incoming Marketing and Events Manager, commencing at the start of November in the coming weeks.

This term also brings a special moment of celebration and connection. Just this week, we received a newly published children’s book titled The Lorikeet from up the Street, written by Nanny Crickets, a creative collaboration between Rockhampton locals Melissa Hill and her daughter Courtney Hill, a proud Girls Grammar alumna.

Courtney graduated in 2004 and has gone on to achieve incredible things as a professional cricketer, international rugby league player, sprinter and PE teacher. Courtney personally signed and delivered the book to our school, and her photo proudly hangs above the trophy cabinet in Reception as a reminder of the inspiring paths our alumni continue to take.

The story of The Lorikeet from up the Street centres around a lorikeet who loves to keep things neat and tidy, but in doing so, forgets to spend time with her friends. It’s a gentle and important reminder that while organisation is valuable, connection and friendship matter most. This message resonates deeply with our school values, and I was proud to share the story with our younger students during assembly this week.

As we enter this final term, we are reminded of the significance of the weeks ahead, particularly for our Year 12 students, who are experiencing many 'lasts': last classes, last assessments, last time wearing the uniform on a regular school day. These moments are deeply meaningful, and I encourage all students to be present, to appreciate the small things, and to take pride in their efforts.

But this message isn’t just for Year 12 students, it’s for all of us. Often, we don’t realise a moment is the 'last' until it’s already passed. So, no matter the year level, I urge students to be present, to notice the small things, and to take pride in their efforts. It’s never too late to make a change, try something new, or be proud of who they’re becoming.

While we’re heading toward the end of the year, we’re not there yet. There’s still time to learn, grow, make memories, and make a difference. I encourage students to prioritise Term 4 as a time of connection, appreciation, celebration, and gratitude and I look forward to sharing in the moments of recognition and celebration across our end of year events across the coming weeks.

Kara Krehlik

Principal