BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
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 VOLUME

                       BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019

IN THIS ISSUE
PAGE 10 /                   PAGE 12 /                PAGE 20 /             PAGE 24 /
CONFIDENCE IN ADOLESCENCE   GROWTH THROUGH SERVICE   YOUNG LEADERS FORUM   THE BAGGY BLUE
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
CONTENTS                                             LETTERS
PAGE 01 /                                             I would like to say thank you to each and every
FROM THE PRINCIPAL                                    person at BGGS, who have all contributed to a
by Ms Jacinda Euler                                   wonderful five years of not just schooling, but life
                                                      in general for my daughter.
PAGE 02 /
FROM THE CHAIR                                        TRACEY JACKSON (PAST PARENT)
by Ms Julie McKay

PAGE 04 /
APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW BOARD OF TRUSTEES              Thank you for hosting the Parent Information
                                                      Evening for the Year 7, 2022 enrolments. We
PAGE 06 /                                             thoroughly enjoyed the evening and found the
EXCEPTIONAL FUTURES: A NEW SCIENCE LEARNING           presentations to all be very informative and
CENTRE FOR GIRLS GRAMMAR                              comprehensive. We particularly enjoyed the
PAGE 08 /                                             presentation from the two Head Girls. They
OFFICIAL NAMING OF THE ELIZABETH JAMESON              certainly did themselves, their families and their
                                                      School proud.
RESEARCH LEARNING CENTRE
PAGE 09 /                                             MEGAN O’DWYER (FUTURE PARENT)
LOVE, GRATITUDE, SPIRIT
by Martina Marrama (12G) and Jessica McLeod (12M),
Head Girls 2019                                       On behalf of our patients, surgeons, breast care
PAGE 10 /                                             nurses and all Mater staff—thanks for your support
                                                      of the 2019 International Women’s Day Fun Run!
DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE IN ADOLESCENCE
by Mrs Anne Ingram                                    MATER GROUP
PAGE 12 /
STUDENT GROWTH THROUGH SERVICE
by Mrs Lynne Mungomery                                You inspired me and drove my lifelong love of the
PAGE 14 /                                             Arts, Donald Pincott. Thank you.
GAZETTE GALLERY                                       KIM SKUBRIS (1989)
PAGE 16 /
THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
CHRISTMAS CREEK BUS ACCIDENT
PAGE 18 /
RESEARCH AT GIRLS GRAMMAR:
IN SEARCH OF NEW KNOWLEDGE
PAGE 20 /
INTERNATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS FORUM
PAGE 21 /
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
PAGE 22 /
THE POWER OF CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC
by Mrs Emma Dron

PAGE 24 /
WEARERS OF THE BAGGY BLUE WITH
STRONG POTENTIAL
PAGE 26 /                                                              Front cover: Architect’s impression of
HOLOCAUST AND THE HUMANITIES                                           the Science Learning Centre, courtesy
by Ms Alison Dare                                                      of m3architecture.

PAGE 27 /
THE OLD GIRLS ASSOCIATION
by Mrs Julie Caton

PAGE 28 /
GRAMMAR WOMEN
by Ms Antonia Swindells

PAGE 30 /
COMMUNITY SPIRIT
PAGE 32 /
CREATING IMPACT
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 01

                                      FROM THE PRINCIPAL

                                                                  of a broad, liberal education. We are firm believers in the
                                                                  importance of a holistic environment—where there is
                                                                  rigour in learning, depth in the acquirement of knowledge
                                                                  and ever-increasing sophistication in the development
                                                                  of girls’ ability to think critically, creatively and
                          AUTHOR                                  collaboratively. To deliver this goal, we must constantly
                          Ms Jacinda Euler                        reflect upon and assess our teaching, our facilities and our
                          Principal                               approaches to caring for students.
                                                                  Ambitious projects, within schools or the wider world,
Since the dawn of time, humans have longed to                     are tangible representations of our commitment to the
predict the future. Certainly, a degree of educated               future. They reflect the yearning for knowledge beyond
anticipation has always been necessary, however, in               ourselves, the desire to learn and know that is central
the modern world, attempting to know the future has               to our humanity. It is this quest for knowledge that
become a seemingly empirical exercise. As a society,              underpins the School’s commitment to delivering a new
we obsess with mapping and monitoring trends to                   Science Learning Centre in 2021. Girls Grammar students
predict economic peaks and troughs, political situations,         maintain an inherent aptitude for, and interest in, Science.
climate fluctuations, and of course, changes in the               Contemporary laboratories and classrooms are essential to
job market.                                                       nurturing this interest, and to spark curiosity in the minds
                                                                  of Grammar girls.
As educators, our awareness of the future is constant—
                                                                  The new Science Learning Centre will transform Science
indeed, in every interaction with students, teachers help
                                                                  education at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Though its
shape the future by supporting girls to attain the skills,
                                                                  myriad benefits to students are as detailed and complex
knowledge and confidence that we anticipate will be
                                                                  as the work they will undertake, the impact of this
useful in their lives beyond school.
                                                                  building is simple: it will enable staff and students to
At the forefront of the minds of educators, policy-makers         explore, experiment and more effectively utilise modern
and businesses is the role of the ubiquitous disciplines          methods of teaching and learning. With a well-founded
of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.              enthusiasm for enquiry and life-long learning, we seek to
With their focus on rational enquiry, experimental study and      prepare Grammar girls for tertiary study and the world of
critical thinking, there is no doubt that these disciplines       work beyond that, but also to pursue meaningful lives and
will form an essential foundation for careers in a future that,   maintain an open-minded outlook.
by all predictions, will be increasingly complex.
                                                                  I hope that you enjoy reading more about the new building
The School is aware, however, that there is more to a Girls       on page four, and look forward to learning more about this
Grammar education than preparing a ‘workforce for the             exciting project and our commitment to inspiring curiosity
new economy’ and we proudly defend the proven value               and wonder in learning.

                                                      AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 02

                                          FROM THE CHAIR

                         AUTHOR                                Firstly, I believe that the best way to help girls navigate
                         Ms Julie McKay                        an uncertain and changing world is to do what the
                         Chair of the Board of Trustees        School has always done. For the past 144 years,
                                                               Brisbane Girls Grammar School has prided itself on
I am delighted to be writing in the Gazette for the            equipping young women not just with the skills they
first time as Chair of the School’s Board of Trustees.         need to navigate the world around them, but with the
It is a privilege to be taking over the role at such           tools to thrive in a changing world and uncertain future.
an exciting time in the life of the School and to be           Secondly, the School is putting at its very core the
following in the footsteps of Ms Elizabeth Jameson,            quest for knowledge and the sense of wonder and awe
a woman whom I feel very honoured to call a                    that can come with this. We are helping girls to become
colleague and friend.                                          excited by the possibility of the unknown, to look into
                                                               space, to ask big questions and to challenge how we
From 1996 to 2000 I was a student at the School and I          understand the world works—from its molecular to its
am conscious of how the School has helped shape me,            political structures. We have seen this with the opening
my values, my outlook on life and my friendships.              of the Dorothy Hill Observatory in 2017, which has
                                                               given our students the unique experience of being able
I have spent the majority of my career working to              to explore their universe in a whole new way.
advance gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Many aspects of this work remind me constantly that            We will continue this journey through the construction
we live in a world where systemic barriers to women’s          of the Science Learning Centre this year, which will
leadership, their independent economic security and at         act as a hub for the pursuit of scientific knowledge,
times their safety, remain.                                    supporting girls’ educational development by evoking
                                                               questions and analytical thinking, while inspiring
However, whenever I visit the School, I always feel            wonder and awe.
more optimistic. This is partly because the School
                                                               The new building is one component of the School’s
radiates an almost infectious sense of enthusiasm—
                                                               Master Plan, and throughout 2019 Girls Grammar will
there is an energy and excitement from being
                                                               continue to plan for and implement other initiatives to
surrounded by hundreds of girls enjoying themselves,
                                                               maintain our position as one of Australia’s leading girls’
pushing themselves, supporting each other and
                                                               schools.
fulfilling their potential.
                                                               This planning is underpinned by the Strategic
More importantly, it is because I know the world in
                                                               Design, which outlines the guiding principles that
which students will live and work will be very different
                                                               determine the strategic priorities of the School. This
from the past and even from today. Gender inequality
                                                               year, the Board looks forward to working with the
won’t disappear overnight but we will live in a world          School community to develop the next iteration of
that increasingly values different attributes and places       this important document (2020-2022). A thoughtful,
greater emphasis on achievement, expertise and                 measured and consistent approach to a Girls Grammar
knowledge.                                                     education relies upon good governance, strong
It is almost impossible to predict how the world will          leadership and a dedicated staff committed to a common
unfold over the next decade—we are at the start of a           purpose.
technological revolution that will see us conquer new          As a student, alumna, Trustee and now Chair of the
frontiers of artificial intelligence, medical research         Board of Trustees of this School, I have seen firsthand
and scientific innovation. This in turn will unleash           this commitment from all within the School community.
new forms of artistic expression, new entrepreneurial
opportunities and new moral challenges for us to               Past chair, Ms Elizabeth Jameson, demonstrated this
navigate.                                                      throughout her time on the Board of Trustees, her
                                                               affection and respect for the School evident in her
This prospect of change can pose some fundamental              unwavering commitment as a significant ‘custodian
questions about the purpose of schools. It is growing          of the School’s cultural flame’. This commitment
increasingly clear that schools will fail students if they     was honoured last month with the School officially
try to equip them only for the world and the vocational        naming the Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning
opportunities that exist today. Instead, we need to help       Centre, acknowledging Ms Jameson’s extraordinary
prepare young minds for a less certain, more varied            contribution to Girls Grammar and her important role in
environment.                                                   the history of the School.
I am confident—and deeply excited—by the fact that             I feel privileged to be in a position to contribute to the
Girls Grammar is uniquely well placed to do this.              next chapter in Girls Grammar’s history—to protect

                                                    GRAMMAR GAZETTE
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 03

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ms Julie McKay (2000), with Head Girls Jessica McLeod (12M) and Martina Marrama (12G).

the School’s commitment to offer the best possible                             from our alumnae about where their education
opportunities for our young women so they may                                  took them.
contribute to the world in meaningful, relevant and
                                                                               In recent weeks, many of you may have read about
varied ways.
                                                                               NASA being unable to complete its planned first
As Chair of the Board of Trustees of Brisbane Girls                            all-female spacewalk, owing to not having the right
Grammar School I look forward to continuing the                                sized equipment. It is unfortunate that today we
Board’s great work, engaging more deeply with                                  still live in a world where women can be held back
our students and broader School community and                                  by organisations and structures not being ready
celebrating the achievements of students, staff and                            and suited for them. However, I am very confident
alumnae. Most importantly, I look forward to seeing                            that Brisbane Girls Grammar School will ensure
the wonder in our students’ eyes as they experience                            our girls will always be ready for the structures and
all that a Girls Grammar education offers and hearing                          organisations they confront tomorrow.

                                                                 AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 04

                         APPOINTMENT OF THE NEW
                            BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s new Board of Trustees was appointed by the Queensland Minister for
Education and Minister for Industrial Relations in February 2019.

Ms Julie McKay, Mr Andrew King, Ms Kerryn Newton, Dr James Nicklin, Professor Adam Shoemaker and
Mr Tony Young were reappointed to the Board of Trustees; Ms Sophie Moore was newly appointed and
Ms Diana Lohrisch returned to the Board of Trustees, having previously served from 2013 to 2016. Under the
provisions of the Grammar Schools Act 2016, the Board members will serve in their roles for a four-year term.
Ms Julie McKay was elected Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ms Kerryn Newton is Deputy Chair and Ms Sophie
Moore is Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee, while Mr Tony Young retains the role of Chair
of the Capital Assets Committee.
The School is confident that the strong governance and stewardship of the School will continue during the
next four-year term, building on the significant work of the previous Board of Trustees.

                           MS JULIE McKAY (2000)
                           BA, BBusMan, Fellow in Ethical Leadership, EMBA, MPP
                           Chair of the Board of Trustees; Chair of the Development and Philanthropy
                           Committee
                           Trustee since 2017
                           Ms McKay is a Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at PwC and serves as
                           Gender Advisor to the Chief of the Australian Defence Force. Ms McKay was Executive
                           Director of the Australian National Committee for UN Women for nearly a decade and
                           was named Young Australian of the Year in 2013.

                           MS KERRYN NEWTON
                           LLM, MBA, MA, Grad Dip (Applied Finance and Investment), FAICD, FGIA, FIML
                           Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees
                           Trustee since 2018
                           Ms Newton is currently Managing Director at Directors Australia, a national board
                           consulting and non-executive director recruitment firm. Ms Newton has served on the
                           boards of private, public and not-for-profit companies across aged care, education,
                           childcare, energy, property and housing. She is currently a Non-executive Director
                           of Energy Queensland Ltd.

                           MS SOPHIE MOORE (1991)
                           BBus, CA, FFin
                           Chair of the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee
                           Trustee since 2019
                           Ms Moore is Chief Financial Officer and Executive Director at A. P. Eagers Limited.
                           Ms Moore has previously held the positions of General Manager (Global Corporate
                           Finance) at Flight Centre and Associate Director (Advisory/Transaction Services)
                           at PwC.

                                              GRAMMAR GAZETTE
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 05

MR TONY YOUNG
BBus (Acct), FCA, CPA, FTIA, GAICD
Chair of the Capital Assets Committee
Trustee since 2006
Mr Young is a Business Services Partner with BDO. With more than 30 years’
experience as a Chartered Accountant, Mr Young advises a diverse selection of clients
with a focus on significant family-owned enterprises across a range of industries.

MS DIANA LOHRISCH (1989)
BComm, BLLB, FGIA
Trustee 2013 to 2016; 2019
Ms Lohrisch is a corporate and commercial partner at leading independent law firm
McCullough Robertson. She has more than 20 years’ legal experience advising on
commercial transactions, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, and corporate
governance across multiple market sectors.

PROFESSOR ADAM SHOEMAKER
BA Hons, PHD
Trustee since 2014
Professor Shoemaker is Vice-Chancellor and President of Southern Cross University.
He has previously held the roles of Academic Provost at Griffith University, Deputy
Vice-Chancellor of Monash University and Dean of Arts at Australian National University.

MR ANDREW KING
Trustee since 2014
Mr King possesses more than 30 years’ experience in the Australian corporate real
estate market and holds specialist skills in negotiating, building high-performance
teams and businesses, funds management and development.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR JAMES NICKLIN
MBBS, FRANZCOG, CGO
Trustee since 2018
Dr Nicklin is the Director of Gynaecologic Oncology at Royal Brisbane and Women’s
Hospital (RBWH) and a Visiting Medical Officer at Wesley Hospital. Dr Nicklin is an
Associate Professor of Gynaecologic Oncology at The University of Queensland, and has
previously served as Chairman, Australian Society of Gynaecologic Oncologists.

                   AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 06

 EXCEPTIONAL FUTURES: A NEW SCIENCE LEARNING
          CENTRE FOR GIRLS GRAMMAR
Science is a cornerstone of Brisbane Girls Grammar        of jobs in the fastest growing industries will
School’s broad, liberal approach to education. In the     require competencies in science, technology,
world of science, our alumnae have often forged a         engineering and maths. Only 16 per cent of
path where few women have been before. To ensure          Australia’s current STEM workforce are women,
Girls Grammar continues to be a leader in science         yet to secure Australia’s health and economy
education, the School will commence construction on       in the years ahead, the talents of women in
a new Science Learning Centre to open in 2021.            science will be essential. Regardless of career
                                                          choice, well-developed scientific literacy and
The new Science Learning Centre will transform            higher-order critical-thinking skills will be
science education at Girls Grammar, ensuring our          valued globally.
girls are well prepared for the world in which they       Constructed over seven levels, the Centre will
will live and work. It will facilitate the delivery       significantly increase the number of laboratories
of the School’s exemplary Science curriculum,             and general learning areas available at Girls
creating a professional scientific atmosphere             Grammar. Flexible spaces will support diverse
where students can develop academic maturity              learning experiences and be adaptable to
and independence under the guidance of dedicated          accommodate pedagogical, curricular and
teachers.                                                 technological changes.
Grammar girls maintain an inherent aptitude for,
and interest in, science. Student participation in
scientific study is well above state and national
averages—more than 90 per cent of Girls Grammar                This significant project is a powerful
students choose to study a Science subject after               expression of our commitment to the
Year 10 and, in 2017, 60 per cent of Year 12
                                                               education of girls and our deep belief in their
students went on to undertake a science-based
university degree.                                             potential to become tomorrow’s scientific
                                                               leaders.
Research from the Office of the Chief Scientist
indicates that over the next decade, 75 per cent                                       Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler

                                               GRAMMAR GAZETTE
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 07

On the upper levels, spacious, well-equipped                       On the ground level, the covered recreation area will
laboratories will open onto outdoor breakout zones                 offer a shaded space for Sport and Health and Physical
with views of Victoria Park and beyond. A large multi-             Education activities, while the landscaped plaza will
functional space on level one will provide a gathering             create additional gathering space for students.
place for whole-year group activities, examinations and
                                                                   Today’s classrooms are places of passionate debate,
community events.
                                                                   experiential learning and focussed discussion. The
A central void will be as practical as it is spectacular.          Science Learning Centre will act as a hub for the pursuit
Enabling the Centre to take advantage of natural light,            of scientific knowledge, supporting girls’ educational
the void will also allow effective cross-ventilation to            development by evoking questions and analytical
reduce reliance on air-conditioning.                               thinking while inspiring wonder and awe.

   FEATURES INCLUDE:
                                                                   •	three science preparation labs
   •	multi-functional space for up to 250 people
      (seated) or 600 (standing)                                   •	three meeting rooms
   •	four Junior Science laboratories                             •	a science staffroom
   •	four Chemistry teaching laboratories                         •	outdoor breakout zones for students on
                                                                      two levels
   •	four Biology teaching laboratories
                                                                   •	outdoor plaza and covered recreation area
   •	four Physics teaching laboratories
                                                                        for Sport and Health and Physical Education.
   •	five general learning classrooms

   The Science Learning Centre is the School’s most substantial building project to date. It will only become
   possible with strong financial support from the School community—a partnership between the School,
   parents past and present, alumnae and friends, who will together help us to meet our philanthropic goal.
   We will be working closely with our community throughout 2019 and 2020 to seek support for this important project.
   For more information, please contact Director of Development, Ms Georgina Anthonisz, via 07 3332 1383
   or ganthonisz@bggs.qld.edu.au.

                                                    AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL / AUTUMN 2019 - IN THIS ISSUE
/ 08

           OFFICIAL NAMING OF THE
ELIZABETH JAMESON RESEARCH LEARNING CENTRE
In honour of the extraordinary contribution of Brisbane
Girls Grammar School’s former Chair of the Board of
Trustees, Ms Elizabeth Jameson, the School has officially
named the Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning
Centre.

Opened in March 2015 by His Excellency, the Honourable
Paul de Jersey AC, the Research Learning Centre is a
building of unique and inspiring architecture, and is much
loved by Grammar girls. Housing the Beanland Memorial
Library—offering more than 55 000 resources—the building
recognises and affirms Ms Jameson’s enduring legacy of
service, contribution and dedication to the School, and her
commitment to deep learning and research.
Ms Jameson’s relationship with Brisbane Girls Grammar               Ms Elizabeth Jameson at the opening of the Research Learning Centre, 2015
School began as a student, following in the footsteps of her
grandmother who had also attended the School. During                experiences provided by Girls Grammar helped to form
her time at the School, Ms Jameson excelled in debating,            the platform on which she built her career in governance
public speaking and Japanese, and held the position of              consulting and many passionate interests in life.
Head Girl and Head of Gibson House in 1982. Ms Jameson
                                                                    In 1994, Ms Jameson became a member of the Board of
has spoken of her belief that the education and broader
                                                                    Trustees, eventually becoming Chair in 2006. Her extensive
                                                                    term of service on the Board exemplifies her strong
                                                                    commitment to volunteerism and contributing positively to
                                                                    the community—qualities she developed during her time as
                                                                    a student at the School.
                                                                    During her tenure on the Board of Trustees, Ms Jameson’s
                                                                    many significant projects were realised including: the
                                                                    opening of the Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre
                                                                    in 2007; the purchase of Rangakarra Recreational and
                                                                    Environmental Education Centre in 2013; the introduction
                                                                    of Year 7 and the opening of the Research Learning Centre
                                                                    in 2015; and the awarding of the first Brisbane Girls
                                                                    Grammar School Bursary in 2017—an initiative particularly
                                                                    dear to Ms Jameson’s heart.
                                                                    Ms Jameson’s thoughtful, steadfast and progressive
                                                                    leadership and dedicated service to the School leave a
                                                                    profound and enduring legacy. The Research Learning
Brisbane Girls Grammar School House Group Captains, 1982            Centre was officially named the Elizabeth Jameson
Ms Elizabeth Jameson (back row, far right)                          Research Learning Centre at a ceremony on 30 April 2019.

                                                           GRAMMAR GAZETTE
/ 09

                                  LOVE, GRATITUDE, SPIRIT

AUTHORS                                                             to challenge me at each and every training session, but
Jessica McLeod (12M) and Martina Marrama (12G)                      it is so worth the 5 am starts, 8km sessions and muddy
Head Girls 2019                                                     shoes. There is such a strong sense of spirit and support
                                                                    in sport at the School, and it has taught me the value of
Brisbane Girls Grammar School strives to provide girls              community.
with a platform from which to contribute confidently                Above all others, there are three key lessons that have left
to our world. As Head Girls in 2018, we are honoured                a lasting impact on us during our time at Girls Grammar.
to share how Girls Grammar has allowed us to                        When the Student Council came together at our planning
explore our core values of love, gratitude and spirit.              retreat prior to Term 1, we discussed our strengths, our
                                                                    goals and our beliefs. While everyone is unique and
One thing the School has ingrained in us is that the key            different, and can bring different qualities to the table, we
to getting the most out of anything, and to feeling happy           have many things in common. These shared values are
and fulfilled, is to be involved. This is not a difficult feat      encapsulated in our motto for the year: Our spirit is true,
at our wonderful school, where opportunities present                our heart is blue.
themselves at every turn. We have an incredible co-
                                                                    This motto supports three main themes for 2019: love;
curricular program, which includes activities in sport,
                                                                    spirit; and gratitude. We encourage girls to continue to
the arts and service. At a school like ours, it is rare for
                                                                    spread the love: to their peers and, most importantly, to
someone not to be involved in at least one activity;
                                                                    themselves. Building on this, we endeavour to engender a
whether you are an enthusiastic champion water polo
                                                                    strong sense of spirit. We will do this by urging girls to go
player, a keen oboe player, a young philanthropist, or a
                                                                    above and beyond expectations, because when we have
talented mathematician, all interests are celebrated and
                                                                    the support, the drive, and the spirit, great things can
encouraged.
                                                                    be accomplished. Our final theme is gratitude. We both
This School has taught me, Martina, the importance of               appreciate how privileged we are to attend this incredible
giving back to the community. I chose to join the Kirsten           School, where we receive an education of the highest
Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee as I am passionate                quality and have myriad opportunities waiting for us to
about raising awareness for cancer research. It has been            grasp. Therefore, we want everyone to appreciate what
beneficial to work with girls from all year levels who share        this School has given us and encourage everyone to give
the same passion and love for service. Getting to know              back when they can.
each other while working on fundraising projects has
                                                                    When we say ‘our heart is blue’ we not only emphasise the
been a highlight, as it has allowed me to see how each of
                                                                    love we have for the School, but also recognise that Girls
our unique skills can benefit others.
                                                                    Grammar is a part of us—it is a common thread that links
For me, Jess, the School’s excellent Sport program has              us all. We therefore want girls to keep spirit in their hearts,
played a major role in my development at Girls Grammar.             to be strong, but also to be kind. We are excited about
I grew up with a love for sport, and I became involved in           2019, and look forward to leading the School in a year that
Cross Country in Year 8. This is a sport that continues             we hope will be characterised by love, spirit and gratitude.

                                                       AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
/ 10

         DEVELOPING CONFIDENCE IN ADOLESCENCE

                                                                  Grammar School, the results concluded, favourably, that
                                                                  significant differences did not exist between the social
                                                                  self-efficacy of girls and boys at any age (Fitzsimmons,
                                                                  Yates and Callan, 2018). The study also highlighted
                                                                  the key experiences and activities that resulted in the
                         AUTHOR                                   greatest levels of self-confidence amongst adolescents,
                         Mrs Anne Ingram                          and found that both girls and boys derive comparable
                         Deputy Principal                         degrees of confidence from similar activities. Many of
                                                                  these activities are valued deeply at Girls Grammar,
There remains in Australia measurable differences in              and provided in abundance to our girls.
the number of women in leadership positions across                Interestingly, travel was found to be the greatest
the various sectors.                                              predictor of self-confidence—particularly local and
                                                                  interstate travel, as opposed to international travel
In 2018, women held only 25.8 per cent of directorships           (Fitzsimmons et al., 2018). The effect increased when
and 17 per cent of CEO roles. More than 35 per cent               travel was unsupervised or minimally supervised.
of boards and governing bodies were lacking female                Seemingly small actions, such as catching the bus to
directors, but in stark contrast, only 0.9 per cent of boards     school, or negotiating public transport options on the
and governing bodies had no male representation as                weekend, have a significant impact on students’ self-
directors (“Gender workplace statistics”, 2019). Many             efficacy.
factors are at play in determining a young woman’s
                                                                  Other unsupervised or low-supervision activities also
progression to a role such as CEO or Director—these
                                                                  had this effect: ‘those who did have a part-time job
include differences in access to developmental pathways,
                                                                  showed significantly greater levels of self confidence
levels of individual self-efficacy, mentoring opportunities
                                                                  than those without’ (Fitzsimmons et al., 2018, p. 7-8).
and levels of female representation in particular industries.
                                                                  Similarly, adolescents who maintain the responsibility
Passionate about the education of adolescent girls,               for a range of household chores, have increased levels
Brisbane Girls Grammar School strives to support and              of self-confidence (Fitzsimmons et al., 2018).
promote research into the formative years of childhood
                                                                  The second greatest predictor of self-confidence was
and adolescence to seek to determine exactly how various
                                                                  found to be participation in team sport (Fitzsimmons
activities and influences can impact the wellbeing, career
                                                                  et al., 2018). Proudly, Girls Grammar has historically
outcomes and success of women into adulthood.
                                                                  sought to provide girls with a wide range of sporting
Early in 2017, the School was approached to contribute            opportunities, and even traditionally individual events
to research instigated by the Australian Gender Equality          such as swimming or cross country are structured to
Council, and conducted by The University of Queensland            ensure that the girls’ results contribute to the School
AIBE Centre for Gender Equality in the Workplace, which           team as a whole. The School’s extensive co-curricular
sought to uncover any differences in the confidence               program allows girls not only to strive for and achieve
levels between boys and girls in single-sex schools in            deeply edifying goals of personal success, but to feel
Queensland. Through surveys conducted with 10 076                 the support and sense of shared pride that comes with
students at single-sex schools, including Brisbane Girls          contributing to a group goal.

                                                    GRAMMAR GAZETTE
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                                                                While providing many actionable learnings about
                                                                developing confidence in adolescence, the study raised
                                                                several potential areas for improvement and questions
                                                                for further research. While outdoor and sporting activities
                                                                were found to boost confidence in adolescents, indoor,
                                                                screen-based activities such as computer gaming and
                                                                social media usage were identified as the ‘greatest
                                                                detractors’ from the development of self-confidence
                                                                (p.7). Further study in this area would be advantageous,
                                                                to identify more specifically which activities were
                                                                detrimental, and to what extent students should limit
                                                                their involvement in them.
                                                                The study also identified a decline in both girls’ and boys’
                                                                confidence as they become older which is an effect that
                                                                has been identified in previous studies (Fitzsimmons et
                                                                al., 2018). Perhaps this is a natural and necessary part
                                                                of progressing through adolescence. Again, more study
                                                                is required to explore exactly why and how this decline
                                                                occurs.
                                                                However, as educators and supporters of young women,
                                                                by supporting them in developing their independence,
                                                                promoting their engagement in team sports and by
                                                                honing their leadership and mentoring skills, we can
                                                                support them to maintain a well-founded confidence
                                                                that remains with them as they leave school and
                                                                enter university, the workplace and the boardroom or
                                                                contribute in their families and communities.
Team sports, among other initiatives, create opportunities
for the study’s third greatest predictor of self-confidence:
participation in leadership roles and leadership
development (Fitzsimmons et al., 2018). At Brisbane Girls
Grammar School, leadership opportunities for students           REFERENCES
are many and varied, and available to students from Year
                                                                Hari, R., Henriksson,L., Malinen, S. and Parkkonen, L. (2015). Centrality of
7 through to Year 12. Whether through leadership of their       Fitzsimmons, T.W., Yates, M. S., & Callan, V. (2018). Hands Up for Gender
House Group, as coordinators of Service activities, as          Equality: A Major Study into Confidence and Career Intentions of Adolescent
                                                                Girls and Boys. Brisbane, Qld: AIBE Centre for Gender Equality in the
captains of sporting teams, or as student mentors in roles      Workplace – The University of Queensland
of House Prefect or Study Buddies, girls are encouraged to
                                                                Gender workplace statistics at a glance 2017-18 | wgea. (2019). Retrieved
see themselves as capable and authentic leaders, and to         from https://www.wgea.gov.au/data/fact-sheets/gender-workplace-statistics-
value their own thoughts, opinions and plans for the future.    at-a-glance-2017-18

                                                    AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
/ 12

                 STUDENT GROWTH THROUGH SERVICE

                                                             The School’s Cross Country team and coaches at the RACQ International
                                                                          Women’s Day Fun Run, in support of the Mater Foundation

                         AUTHOR
                         Mrs Lynne Mungomery
                                                                at ‘Grammar Goes Green’, planting native shrubs at the
                         Director of Service
                                                                School’s Rangakarra Recreational and Environmental
                                                                Education Centre.
Educational institutions play a crucial role in
informing and contributing to social change. Girls              The School community has also fundraised for flood
Grammar has a proud and strong service culture                  and drought-affected farmers, and the Second Chance
that provides students with opportunities to become             Programme—a charity supporting women experiencing
young philanthropists determined to fight for a more            homelessness. While Girls Grammar is one of the
                                                                largest school charity contributors in Queensland, the
just and fair world.
                                                                School’s Service program is intended to be more than
                                                                transactional.
Students are encouraged to become active citizens and
adopt responsibilities in the School’s Service program          Its core aim is to support students in learning the
from Year 7. By participating in a wide range of clubs,         importance of giving back, and inspiring them to
activities and service committees, supporting their             contribute to society in significant ways. The value of the
House Charity, or participating in the Year 10 Community        Service Program is also measured through the reflection
Service program, Grammar girls are encouraged to create         process. Girls share their thoughts, conversations and
meaningful links with the wider community as they raise         emotions following the time spent in the service of others.
funds for charities and help create awareness about             This is a transformative experience as they express how
issues on a local and global scale.                             service has created a shift in their thinking and they
                                                                realise they can actually contribute to a better world, be it
This year, Service Captains, Gemma Grattan (12O) and            on a large or small scale.
Victoria Hogan (12W), devised the motto, ‘Service starts
with you, share the royal blue’, to encapsulate the nature      Structured reflection in service learning not only acts as
of service and the role of Grammar girls in inspiring           a reward, but also makes students more likely to apply
positive change through empathy, inclusiveness and              critical thinking and develop particular 21st century
empowerment.                                                    skills (Butin, 2003). Service learning, such as the Year 10
                                                                Community Service Program, is seen to enhance student
In an address at a School Assembly earlier this year, the       outcomes, foster more active citizenry, support a more
girls said, ‘we aim to shift the perspective on Service;        equitable society and reconnect schools with their local
your actions can inspire change and should never be             communities (Butin, 2003).
considered too small or too worthless. Instead, they
                                                                Service also enhances girls’ sense of purpose and
should be celebrated and encouraged.’
                                                                gratitude, and contributes to their personal, social and
Already, students have participated in the International        emotional development. Through volunteering, students
Women’s Day Fun Run and Pink Stumps Day in support              are able to develop empathic, personal ways to interact,
of women with breast cancer, collected goods for the            including genuine collaboration, effective communication
Ecumenical Coffee Brigade Food Drive and volunteered            and disciplined self-regulation (BBC, 2019).

                                                   GRAMMAR GAZETTE
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Students planting trees and shrubs at the Grammar Goes Green event

Year 12 supporters at Pink Stumps Day 2019, held in support of the McGrath Foundation

Students are able to apply these skills through the                            health, development and wellbeing in schools in the
Service program’s distributed leadership model where                           Northern Territory, Victoria and Queensland.
girls from all Year levels hold leadership roles in some
                                                                               However, the relationship between the School and charity
capacity, including volunteering at the Service Expo,
                                                                               often extends beyond a single year. Girls Grammar
presenting at assemblies, writing for the School’s
                                                                               maintains a connection with the organisation, whether
publications, or leading a club, activity or service
                                                                               it be through the House Charities system or other
committee.
                                                                               fundraising and awareness campaigns, to demonstrate
The ultimate goal, however, is the development of                              the importance of commitment. Such relationships also
a philanthropic mindset within students with the                               allow girls to develop authentic connections with service
intention of continuing to give back. Each year, Girls                         groups in hope that they continue to participate in
Grammar elects a School Charity to be the recipient                            service long after their time at Girls Grammar.
of the Student Council’s fundraising efforts.
                                                                               REFERENCES
The 2019 School Charity is the Stars Foundation—
an organisation focused on supporting and enabling                             References
                                                                               BBC. (2019). From hard facts to soft skills. Retrieved from
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander girls and young                          http://www.bbc.com/storyworks/future/generation-connect-education-
women to make active choices in order to achieve their                         leaders/from-hard-facts-to-soft-skills
full potential. The organisation aims to close the gap                         Butin, D. (2003). Of What Use Is It? Multiple Conceptualizations of Service
in health, education and unemployment by promoting                             Learning with Education. Teachers College Record, 105, 1647-1692.

                                                                 AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
/ 14

                                        GAZETTE GALLERY
The Visual Art program at Brisbane Girls Grammar School provides girls with the opportunity not only to master
creative skills, but to collaborate, to think laterally and imaginatively, and to engage with the philosophical
underpinnings of the discipline.

Students in Years 7 to 10 work with their Visual Art teachers to build technical skills that will allow them to develop
their own creative styles and interests, and explore more unconventional, experimental art forms as they mature.
During Years 11 and 12, Girls Grammar students are given increased opportunities to choose and interpret their
subject matter, resulting in works that are more diverse in form and concept.
This edition of the Gazette Gallery showcases work created by students during Semester 2 2018.

Leaf Drawing, Marley Seipel-Hong (8L)                                               No More Junk Mail, Theresa Catchpole (10W)

Precious, Lucianna Yu (9E)                                     Precious, Madeleine Khoo (9E)

                                                   GRAMMAR GAZETTE
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Hypnosis, Emma Gawne (11L)—inspired by Son of Man, Rene Magritte (1964)   Chandelier of False Promises, Francesca Lenti (12E)

Seed Pod, Grace Paschkewitz (8O)

                                                             AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
/ 16

                       THE 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE
                      CHRISTMAS CREEK BUS ACCIDENT
On Friday 20 April 1979, Brisbane Girls Grammar School           Board of the Trustees, officially opened the Memorial
acknowledged Easter with a service at St John’s Cathedral.       Outdoor Education Centre. Forty years later, the Centre
                                                                 remains a permanent living memorial to the lives of John
At the conclusion of the service, a group of staff and
                                                                 and Janelle Stamford, Helen Gahan and Jillian Skaines.
students embarked on an expedition to Christmas Creek,
50 kilometres south of Beaudesert in the foothills of the        Girls Grammar remains committed to honouring the
McPherson Ranges. Led by Outdoor Education Teacher,              memory of those who died, acknowledging the survivors
Mr John Stamford, and his wife Janelle, the group camped         of that day and recognising the strength and courage
for the night and the following morning boarded a bus,           that followed.
driven by John, destined for the entry to a local walking
track.                                                           Last month, the School held a service at St John’s
                                                                 Cathedral, the same venue which those involved in this
Approximately five miles into the journey, the bus               terrible accident attended the day prior. The service
negotiated a left-hand curve in the road, proceeding slowly      contained some familiar elements from the 1979 service.
down a slight grade. The bus then moved to the edge of           An intimate gathering for those very closely connected
the roadway to avoid a spoon drain when the earth under          to the tragedy was also held at Imbil.
the passenger rear wheel gave way, causing the bus to roll
down a slope several times and eventually come to rest on        The development of the Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor
the banks of Christmas Creek.                                    Education Centre in the years following the Christmas
                                                                 Creek bus accident would not have been possible
This terrible accident of 21 April 1979 claimed the lives of     without significant support from the Girls Grammar
Outdoor Education teacher, Mr John Stamford, his wife            community. The School acknowledges and thanks the
Mrs Janelle Stamford, and two Year 10 students, Helen            staff of the 1970s who advocated for greater outdoor and
Gahan and Jillian Skaines. Many other girls were hurt,           experiential learning opportunities for Grammar girls,
some suffering serious injuries. Girls, parents, teachers        the School’s visionary Board of Trustees, the Parents and
and the broader community of the School were deeply              Friends Association, the Fathers Group, Girls Grammar
and profoundly affected by the tragedy.                          staff and, most importantly, the several thousand
Testament to the strength and character of Brisbane Girls        Grammar girls who have embraced Marrapatta’s unique
Grammar School, led by Principal, Mrs Judith Hancock,            and challenging learning environment since 1987.
and the Board of Trustees at the time, the School did not
                                                                 And, in 2019, the 40th anniversary of the Christmas Creek
retreat from challenge and adventure for girls, but rather
                                                                 bus accident, the School purchased approximately 46
embraced it through the establishment of a Memorial
                                                                 hectares of additional land at Imbil, signalling a renewed
Outdoor Education Centre at Imbil.
                                                                 commitment to the importance of Outdoor Education in a
On Sunday 9 August 1987, eight years after the Christmas         Girls Grammar education and the enduring legacy of the
Creek bus accident, Dr August S Gehrmann, Chair of the           Memorial Outdoor Education Centre.

                  THE SCHOOL RESPECTFULLY ACKNOWLEDGES THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS OCCASION
                            IN THE HISTORY OF BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL.

                                                    GRAMMAR GAZETTE
/ 17

‘There are some events and experiences in life that change decisively, profoundly, dramatically
and permanently everything that comes after them. The Christmas Creek accident was one of
those experiences.’
                                                                           Mr Alan Dale, former Dean of School

                                                             Stained glass at St John’s Cathedral. Photo by Chris Hall

                                       AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
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                       RESEARCH AT GIRLS GRAMMAR:
                       IN SEARCH OF NEW KNOWLEDGE

Research underpins knowledge acquisition,                        with former Head of Chemistry, Dr Keith Treschman,
strengthens understanding of issues and informs                  captured a confirmation image of this discovery and
change for the betterment of society.                            submitted it to ASASSN to support the project.
                                                                 Those who contribute confirmation images are credited
Brisbane Girls Grammar School collaborates with many             in the Astronomer’s Telegram, an Internet service used
professional organisations on research projects, and seeks       to efficiently disseminate information about transient
opportunities to connect students, parents, alumnae              astronomical events. Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s
and other members of the community to research of                Dorothy Hill Observatory is acknowledged in this telegram.
impact and benefit. Cognisant of our position as a
leader in exceptional scholarship, the School’s research         The ASASSN have indicated they would like to maintain a
partnerships aim to inform educational reform, contribute        partnership with Girls Grammar. This would allow students
to knowledge, develop the expertise of staff and provide         to contribute to global astronomical research as early as
students opportunities to support real-world research.           this year, as they continue to expand on their use of this
                                                                 exceptional learning resource.

DOROTHY HILL OBSERVATORY
Since its inception, the Dorothy Hill Observatory was
designed to be a platform for Grammar girls to contribute to
professional astronomy research. Already, the Observatory
has supported the All-Sky Automated Survey for
Supernovae project (ASASSN).
Based at Ohio State University, this project uses a global
network of survey telescopes to search for supernovae.
The project leaders rely on collaborating astronomers to
confirm their discoveries.
After detecting Supernova ASASSN-17oc in Hawaii on
2 November 2017, Girls Grammar parent, Dr David Trappett,

                                                   GRAMMAR GAZETTE
/ 19

TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE/
MATER SPARQed PROGRAM
In 2018, four Year 11 students were invited to
participate in the Mater SPARQed Immersion
Program at Brisbane’s Translational Research
Institute (TRI). Nina Hadzivukovic (11H), Ella Ng (11L),
Shevani Pothugunta (11O) and Elisha Yin (11W),
worked alongside research scientists over a period
of eight weeks, before presenting their findings to
an audience of other researchers at the Institute.
Students collected and analysed data used in two of
the Institute’s projects—‘Bone marrow macrophage
responses to immune challenge’ and ‘Investigation
of epigenetic changes driven by a novel anti-cancer
agent in melanoma’.
The program was an extraordinary opportunity for
students to develop and enrich their own skills, while
contributing to medical advances and discoveries.
Ella and Elisha presented some of their findings at
the International Science Youth Forum (ISYF), held
in Singapore in January 2019.

Ella Ng (12L) and Elisha Yin (12W) presenting the findings of their Mater
SPARQed Immersion Program research at ISYF

RAISING CONFIDENT GIRLS
In 2018, Girls Grammar collaborated with Victoria University on Raising Confident Girls, an Australian-first
research project aimed at supporting positive body image.
The research, conducted by Director of Counselling, Mrs Jody Forbes, involved more than 120 Year 8 mothers
from the School community, and 500 Year 8 students from Girls Grammar and two other Brisbane schools.
Extending on the School’s implementation of the classroom-based Dove Confident Me program, Raising
Confident Girls invited mothers to attend three seminars to assist them in empowering their daughters to
develop a strong and positive sense of self.
Initial findings reinforced the role of mothers in developing their daughters’ self-confidence and body image
as pivotal; Year 8 mothers who attended the seminars reported significantly greater knowledge, skills and
confidence in their parenting and role-modelling abilities.
While the majority of existing school-based programs that address positive body image do not include parental
engagement, Girls Grammar has committed to continuing Raising Confident Girls on an ongoing basis, and in
2019 will also deliver a seminar targeted to fathers within the School community.

STAFF RESEARCH
Academic and professional staff at Brisbane Girls Grammar School demonstrate the School’s commitment to
life-wide learning. Almost 30 per cent of academic staff hold a Master’s Degree, and 10 per cent of academic
staff (and five per cent of professional staff) have been awarded a Doctorate.
The areas of staff research are diverse, and include topics that contribute to educational research such as:
analysis of contemporary principal practice; insights into the practice of learning support teachers; the
transformational environment of secondary schools; and shaping a digital learning culture. Other topics include
those specific to areas of subject expertise, such as Mathematics, Science and History.

                                                               AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
/ 20

                 INTERNATIONAL YOUNG LEADERS FORUM
In November 2018, Brisbane Girls Grammar School
hosted the 10th, and final, International Young
Leaders Forum (IYLF). The School welcomed
Principals and delegates from Indonesia, South Korea,
Singapore, China and Brisbane to the Forum, the
theme of which was Shared Futures.

Founded in 2008, the one-week Forum encouraged
student leaders to discuss relevant global issues
prominent throughout the world, and to interact, work
and develop new networks with delegates from other
schools in the Asia-Pacific region.
Girls Grammar’s delegates—Matisse Black (11H), Fiona
Brown (11G), Gia Cayas (11G), Abbey Grice (11E), Claire                  Origami cranes featuring the IYLF 2018 logo
Saggers (11O), Matina Samios (11W), Saee Sane (11O)
and Isabella Sneddon (11E)— researched and shared                        Ms Caterina Sullivan, Founder of the Global Goals
their perspectives on sustainability, health and equality,               Australia Campaign and Chief Executive Officer of
presenting strategies and solutions on how to achieve a                  Strategic Sustainability Consultants, shared with
fairer future by 2030.                                                   students her experience of entrepreneurship and
All delegates enjoyed a week of collaboration, deep-                     working to improve economic, social and environmental
thinking and cultural exploration, using the Design                      sustainability. Ms Sullivan worked with students to
Thinking process to deepen their understanding of the                    develop their passion for creating positive change by
Forum’s theme. With a focus on creating a sustainable                    establishing a structured plan to realise their vision.
future, students learned and reflected on changes of rapid               The Forum also offered a unique and memorable learning
regional transformation, the influence of technology on                  opportunity for delegates, who fostered new friendships
creating a healthier and more sustainable future, and the                as they undertook and reflected upon presentations and
shared responsibility of creating a better future.                       explored Brisbane’s educational and cultural attractions.
                                                                         Girls Grammar delegate, Gia Cayas (11G), said the
                                                                         highlight of the Forum was being able to interact, work
                                                                         with and learn from a group of intelligent, forward-
                                                                         thinking and creative students from around the world.
                                                                         ‘Working with students from different backgrounds, with
                                                                         different perspectives, I learned that people’s views on
                                                                         global issues are strongly affected by their culture and
                                                                         working with the other students thoroughly helped in the
                                                                         development of my leadership skills,’ she said.
                                                                         IYLF 2019 would not have been possible without
                                                                         the significant contributions of staff, students and
                                                                         volunteers. Thank you to all who supported the Forum.
IYLF Delegates, Gia Cayas (11G) and Matisse Black (11H) at the Forum

All delegates to the IYLF 2018, principals and staff

                                                                GRAMMAR GAZETTE
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                           AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The School’s students, alumnae and staff                                Amreen Kahlon (8B) represented
excel across myriad areas of study, career and                          Queensland in the National Cricket
community. The following individuals are to be                          Championships in Bunbury (WA)
congratulated for their extraordinary efforts                           from 12-19 December 2018, placing
which have been recognised by a range of                                second overall.
independent organisations.

                   Elizabeth Moss (11E) won her                         Girls Grammar alumna and
                   fourth national high jump title                      Australian Dolphins team member,
                   when she placed first in the U18                     Minna Atherton (2017), secured
                   High Jump event at the Australian                    Bronze in the 100m Backstroke at
                   All Schools Championships, held                      the FINA World Championships in
                   in Cairns.                                           December 2018.

                   Georgia De Stefani (11W) was                         Abby Andrews (2017) has signed
                   named as part of the 16 and Under                    a contract with the University of
                   Australian Female Water Polo                         Michigan Wolverines water polo
                   training squad, playing in the                       team for 2019.
                   Australian Schoolgirls Team in
                   Manchester during December 2018.

                   Lucy Klose (11E) competed                            Proxime Accessit to the Dux
                   in the National Sailing Titles in                    of the School in 2018, Georgia
                   Perth, from 28 December 2018 to                      Perry (2018), was recognised as a
                   4 January 2019, competing in the                     Distinguished Academic Achiever
                   Heron class and placing second for                   in the Queensland Certificate of
                   junior skipper and crew.                             Education Awards.

                   Mia Williams (12R) and alumnae,                      Brisbane Heat player, Josie Dooley
                   Chloe Williams (2017), Eliza                         (2017), was selected in Australia’s
                   Smyth (2015) and Emma                                Under 19 team, which toured to
                   Greensill (2015), were selected                      New Zealand in March 2019. Josie,
                   for the 2018/2019 Synchronized                       along with Girls Grammar alumna
                   Skating competitive season with                      and Brisbane Heat Captain, Kirby
                   Team Nova Australia, competing                       Short (2003), also played a key role
                   in the Australian Figure Skating                     in helping the Brisbane Heat claim
Photo coutesy of   Championships 2018. They went
Skate Synchro                                                           their maiden Women’s Big Bash
                   on to represent Australia at the ISU                 League title.
Photo
                   Mozart Cup in Salzburg, Austria,
                   and for the ISU Leon Lurje Trophy
                   in Goteborg, Sweden.

                                                  AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
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       THE POWER OF CONNECTING THROUGH MUSIC

                                                                vinyl records have made a comeback (Leimkuehler, M., 2019),
                                                                as have Polaroid cameras (“Fujifilm sales increased”, 2018),
                                                                and despite the immediacy and accessibility of online music
                                                                streaming, last year more than 18 million tickets to live music
                                                                concerts were sold in Australia—the highest sales in the past
                         AUTHOR                                 10 years.
                         Mrs Emma Dron
                         Director of Instrumental Music         At the heart of these real-world experiences lies the
                                                                importance of human connection, not just with objects,
                                                                but most importantly, with each other. These special
The future is often predicted to be a world in which            connections and relationships undoubtedly lie at the heart
science, technology and innovation will lead to the             of Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s Instrumental Music
automation and possible elimination of many tasks               Program. The School’s Music environment creates a culture
which, until now, have been delivered by humans.
                                                                of respect and trust, setting the stage for students to
                                                                experience empathy and develop a heightened sense of
Many question, somewhat fearfully, what will happen             our shared humanity.
to the values and relationships that have shaped our
modern world. And yet, despite the proliferation of             This year promises to provide rich opportunities for
screens and social media, or in fact perhaps because of         connection for Instrumental Music students at Girls Grammar,
this, many young people are seeking out more tactile,           with many workshops, masterclasses, camps and tours
tangible and physical experiences in this ultra-high            supplementing regular specialised teaching and learning.
definition, three-dimensional environment we call the           Already this year, the Instrumental Music Department
‘real’ world.                                                   has hosted the second annual International Women’s Day
The physical, material nature of objects—their colour,          Concert held on Friday 8 March, where students premiered
texture, shape, size, weight and smell—engage our               three newly commissioned works in a stunning concert that
senses in ways that digital products cannot. It is              celebrated and paid homage to women in music. Female
fascinating to see younger generations rediscovering            composers and artists throughout history and from around
and resurrecting older analogue technologies. Printed           the world were represented in a musical showcase spread
book sales are on the rise (“The market down under”, 2018),     across multiple venues within the School grounds.

                                                  GRAMMAR GAZETTE
/ 23

Principal Harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic, Ms Marie-Pierre Langlamet, with Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, and harpists
Aily Chang (7E), Lisa Chang (11E) and Remi Hirayama (9L)

The following week, the first of initiative within the                             Preparations are also underway for the Chamber Strings
School’s 2019 Education Partnership with Queensland                                to welcome the mentorship of QSO’s concertmaster,
Symphony Orchestra was launched when internationally                               Mr Warwick Adeney. Mr Adeney will work with the
renowned musician Marie-Pierre Langlamet, the Principal                            students to prepare stunning repertoire to be presented
Harpist of the Berlin Philharmonic, visited the School to                          at the annual Cathedral Concert on Wednesday 29 May
work exclusively with three budding harpists. Students                             at St Stephen’s Cathedral.
Aily Chang (7E), Lisa Chang (11E) and Remi Hirayama (9L),
                                                                                   Staff and students eagerly look forward to another year
shared some of their repertoire with Ms Langlamet as she
                                                                                   in partnership with Queensland Symphony Orchestra,
mentored them in a masterclass session.
                                                                                   where students who demonstrate strong musical talent
                                                                                   will have the remarkable opportunity to perform with the
                                                                                   Orchestra under the baton of Music Director, Alondra de
                                                                                   la Parra.
                                                                                   We look forward to continuing to share the fruits of
                                                                                   these rich, broad and varied musical experiences with
                                                                                   the whole Brisbane Girls Grammar School community
                                                                                   throughout 2019.

                                                                                   REFERENCES
                                                                                   The market down under | books+publishing. (2018). Retrieved from
                                                                                   https://www.booksandpublishing.com.au/articles/2018/10/02/116464/the-
                                                                                   market-down-under-2/

                                                                                   Leimkuehler, M. (2019). Vinyl sales continued to grow in 2018, report says.
                                                                                   Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthewleimkuehler/
                                                                                   2019/01/07/vinyl-sales-grow-2018-buzzangle-beatles-kendrick-lamar-queen-
                                                                                   album-sales/#1eefc368775a

                                                                                   Djudjic, D. (2018). Fujifilm sales increased thanks to instant film cameras,
The combined Chamber and Vivaldi Strings ensemble, performing                      not digital. Retrieved from https://www.diyphotography.net/fujifilm-sales-
Hildegard’s Daughters at the School’s International Women’s Day concert            increased-thanks-instant-film-cameras-not-digital/

                                                                    AUTUMN ISSUE / 2019
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