COMMUNITY
Senior School Liaison Parents – bringing the community together
At the start of each school year the call goes out around the Senior School for parents in each year level to put their hand up and take on the role of a Liaison Parent . Fortunately , once someone has signed on as a Liaison Parent they tend to continue on in the role throughout their son ’ s time at the School . We see this as a good sign , and affirms their enjoyment of the role and the chance to become more involved in school life . I am often asked what it is that a Liaison Parent does . The main roles of a Senior School Liaison Parent are :
• To be an ambassador of goodwill and a social facilitator of events for parents and children
• To help at Senior School events when required , for example at the Senior School Dads ’ Breakfast
• To be a point of contact for parents if they have a question or ask where they should direct a query
• Encourage a strong school community spirit by organising one social event each term for parents and / or boys
As a group we meet once a term to discuss year group events that have been successful
and those that perhaps haven ’ t been so successful . Obviously as the boys grow their needs change , so it is often helpful to hear what worked for that year group in previous years . It seems that one event for the boys , one event for the parents , and one event for both boys and parents seems to work well .
The Year 9 Liaison Parents started off the year in Term 1 with a very successful afternoon at Bounce in Cannington . We took advantage of the mid-term break and had 45 boys enjoying the chance to get together with their friends away from the school environment . It was also a great opportunity for parents to stay and have a coffee and a chat .
The Year 12 parents have a whole different set of circumstances . The boys are very busy with sport , study and social lives outside of school . The events these Liaison Parents organise are generally less about the boys and more about the very real need for parents of Year 12 boys to come together for support and to chat during what can be a very stressful period in a parent ’ s life . The night of the Year 12 Ball was a perfect opportunity for parents to get together for a meal . They met at the Rose and Crown
for a meal while their boys had a great time dancing the night away at Mandoon Estate .
The Year 8 parents took on the brave challenge of inviting Year 8 girls from Perth College to the social event at Morley Bowling . This was obviously a well received idea , as 100 Year 8 boys and girls took up the offer to attend . A great time was had by all , with lots of noise and socialising taking place . This sort of event obviously needs a lot of parents to supervise , and the Liaison Parents always appreciate parents giving up their time to stay for a chat while helping to supervise the event . It is also a wonderful way to meet other parents or just catch up with friends .
Becoming a Liaison Parent is a very simple way to stay connected to your son ’ s year group and to the greater school community . If you are new to the Senior School it is a wonderful way to meet others in your son ’ s year group , as we all know how difficult this can be when you say goodbye to primary school . If you are already very established in the Senior School but are yet to join us as a Liaison Parent , now is the time . In the blink of an eye your time with the School will be over , so seize the opportunity while you can !
Mrs Lisa Derrick Senior School Liaison Parent Coordinator
Friends of the Senior School ( FOSS )
Friends of the Senior School has grown to become a successful and integral part of the Guildford Grammar School community . The driving force behind our committee is to support and serve our students , families and staff .
I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge Ruth Warden , our long standing president and driving force for many years . Ruth has left big shoes to fill , but fortunately , I have been left with an amazing and vibrant committee .
I would also like to acknowledge and welcome our new Liaison Parent Coordinator for 2016 , Lisa Derrick . Liaison Parents play such an important role within each year group , offering support , advice and opportunities for families to get to know one another . I would also like to thank another extraordinary lady , Jennifer Handz for her leadership over the years , as the previous Liaison Coordinator .
FOSS ’ first function , the Nancy Durack Morning Tea , was a huge success and sold out early . It was wonderful to see so many MOGS ( Mothers of Old Guildfordians ), and current parents there . It set the standard for our other next big event , the Combined Mothers ’ Luncheon at Mandoon Estate .
Mrs Jennifer Handz , Mrs Nada Edwards and Mrs Danielle Norrish .
Remember , jump at the opportunity to volunteer and attend the functions and discover how amazing our community is !
Mrs Nada Edwards Chairperson , Friends of the Senior School ( FOSS )
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