Through their fundraising activities, the Friends of Middle School are able to provide financial support within Middle School areas which would not normally be covered by the annual budget.
In the past, through FoMS assistance, new bicycles have been purchased for the GGS fleet to be used on the Great Victorian Bike Ride. This allowed some of the older bikes to be retired or used as spares. Similarly, new iPads have been purchased for the use of students in the Middle School Panckridge Library, and these have proven to be very popular among all year levels. A computer-controlled vinyl cutter has been purchased for the Design and Technology Department where students use the machine for model making and sign writing. Other fundraising projects have included an improvement of the indigenous garden, funding a new basketball ring, outdoor table tennis tables and Lego robotic kits. This last purchase has enabled the robotics programme to grow and flourish, particularly in Years 5 and 6, with students representing GGS at the annual Lego League Space Challenge Competition in Melbourne – all due to this generous donation.
Most recently, the FoMS have funded various author visits and prizes for Middle School art exhibitions. The Committee runs a coffee stall on Saturday mornings for parents at the Biddlecombe Oval. This has proven a great success, with enthusiastic feedback also from visiting parents, all due to the committee members who give of their time to prepare and serve coffee and welcome all who come on the day, thus further developing the FoMS’ aim of connecting the community.
A FoMS initiative in 2019 was to organise and fund a morning tea each term for Middle School children, encouraging day and boarding students to spend time together. FoMS were also delighted to organise a purchase of four Optimist boats to compliment the Middle School Year 5 and 6 Sailing Programme.