2000 School Magazine

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JAN 5100LE

The staff at Brisbane Girls Grammar School is sad to farewell one of its longest serving members. Jan Siddle retires at the end of this year after 26 years at the school. She will be particularly missed by the Science Faculty, where she has worked since 1974. When Jan was first employed she shared a job with Lin Fairlie. Job's haring was a very novel concept in those days, a concept which probably spread so quickly due to the positive attributes exhibited by both Lin and Jan and the positive outcomes experienced by the students in their care. Lin and Jan shared a single position until 1985 after which both became full-time members of staff. Jan was always involved in all aspects of school life and supported the students in so many of their extra- and co-curricular activities. In 1992, Jan's compassion and sense of fairness was recognised with her appointment as Head of Hirschfeld house, a position she held until illness forced her to take things a little more easily. Jan continued on in Science In a part-time capacity. Vim came to Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1974 as the Head of the Biology Department. In the time since, she has created an innovativ work program that has fulfilled Board requirements yet is up to date and interesting. The School's Biology program is unique, and has been changing every year as advance are made in knowledge, understanding, and technology. As a teacher of Biology, Vim has expected a high standard of effort from her students, and has encouraged input of ideas through discussions in the classroom. The girls have become good thinkers, well versed in appropriateIy sorting information. The girls and staff appreciate the great depth of Vim's knowledge, and the fact that she was always so supportive, approachable and available for explanations and consultations. This inspired a certain devotion on the part of many of the students, and a deep respect from staff. Vim has also taught Junior Science and Chemistry at various stages of her time at BGGS. VIM SHARMA

Ask a science teacher what he or she learned from Jan Siddle and many will comment on her ability to see the other side of any situation. They and many other members of staff know Jan as a rock-solid type of person always ready with unfailing support. The meticulousness with which she works and her intellectual rigour will also be remembered by her colleagues. Ask a student what she most admired about Mrs Siddle and she will probably recall Jan's willingness to share her knowledge and expertise. Jan is patient and caring, with an acute sense of justice and a sense of humour that will be greatly missed. However, Jan has a lot to look forward to in retirement and it is this we celebrate with her. She already has three delightful grandchildren to keep her active and the probability of more to come. Jan has our best wishes for the future and we celebrate our good fortune in knowing her.

Each yearVim spent many, many hours training our top students for the Biology Olympiads, and often this has resulted in our girls being Queensland representatives at the Australian National Competition in Canberra. On several occasions one of these girls has represented Australia overseas. During her time at BGGS Vim has provided compassionate support for her students both within and outside the classroom. She was, for a number of years' school coordinator of Interact to Rotary support group) and acted as Head of Lilley House for a short time. As a teacher in this School for twenty-seven years, Vim has been deeply committed to the School and its ideals and has imparted a love of Biology in so many girls

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