Grammar principal reflects on his time

Great Southern Grammar has come a long way since a dreary winter’s day nine years ago when Stuart Marquardt began as principal.

Gravel roads and carparks and a mere 46 boarding students greeted Mr Marquardt, but now the K-12 school has grown to encompass 141 boarders, with a third travelling from outside the Great Southern.

“If I’m honest, my first thought was there is a lot of work to be done,” he said.

“(Now) I think the school is at a really good stage, but like any principal there is more I’d like to have done.

“It has been a great joy to be part of the community and to work with the families.”

Although Mr Marquardt has witnessed many events and changes during his time, two pivotal moments for the principal were when GSG hosted the 2014 Australian Cross Country Championships and when the students performed in the Stirling Terrace mess hall as part of the 2014 Anzac commemorations.

“There has been lots of defining moments, but there have been a couple of really special ones,” he said.

“It was really important to show our respect to those who served, who suffered and lost lives and departed from our shores, that it was done well, and it was.

“(And) to host a national cross country championship and the national all schools cross country championship was an incredibly special moment for our school community.”

Mr Marquardt will be moving to Lindisfarne Anglican Grammar School in Tweed Heads to reconnect with his extended family after his final day on Monday.