FROM THE HEAD OF SCHOOL

It is always a privilege to introduce CGS Outlook, but it is a particular pleasure to present this edition that so spectacularly captures the life of our School rebounding in exuberance after the constraints of the pandemic years.

Every edition of CGS Outlook since COVID-19 first emerged in early 2020 has been a tribute to the resilience and optimism of our community, but this volume is testament to a collective spirit unsuppressed; to the energy and optimism of our students; to the unstinting dedication of our staff; and to the passionate support of families and alumni just waiting to burst back in full expression.

It’s hard to believe that recovery could be so swift, or that a year could be so distinctly divided. Despite its many achievements, the first half of the year was dominated by the gruelling impact of widespread illness and absence as the pandemic wave that spread around the world finally swamped the School. Yet, second semester, as featured in this edition, has been a remarkable story of celebration and the return of exciting normality in all dimensions of School life far more quickly and fully than any dared hope.

Our winter sports recaptured the momentum so suddenly curtailed by last year’s lockdown to end the season in record finals. After two years of cancellation and frustration, outdoor education returned in full force with no less than eleven camps in three months that saw hundreds of students expanding their horizons again at last from the mountains to the coast.

Families returned en masse to the campus to enjoy countless community events, from joyous Pre-School Christmas Concerts to the inspiring Year 6 Exhibition and the formal graduation of Year 12. Having celebrated in style in the refurbished Quadrangle, our leaving students then capped the tribulations of their senior years with triumphant IBDP and HSC results, confirming their own determination and outstanding leadership, and affirming once again the strength and trajectory of our academic culture.

Amidst it all, the long-awaited opening of the Snow Concert Hall and new CGS Music Centre brought excitement and more music back to the daily experience of the School than we’ve heard in years. As a magnificent venue for Primary and Senior School assemblies, for the wonderful Yumalundi Concert Series that ran throughout Term 4, and for a delightful array of Christmas celebrations and culmination ceremonies, the Snow Concert Hall gave us the opportunity to enjoy and attest our togetherness when we needed it most.

The return of Presentation Night did the same, drawing the year and a hard chapter of our history to a close in music and song and dance, in the accolades of our award winners, in the eloquent aspirations of our Primary and Senior student leaders, and in the company of a thriving community looking forward to all the opportunities that lie ahead.

Thank you to all who make that the reality of our School. I hope you enjoy reading this record of its spirit as much as I have.

– Justin Garrick, Head of School

Canberra Grammar School proudly announces the launch of “CGS100”, an outline of strategic aspirations to guide the School towards its 100th anniversary in 2029.

Follow the QR code to learn more about the School’s Strategic Plan.