2002 School Magazine

from the editor

On 14 January 2002. Mrs Amanda Bell officially began in her role as Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Originally an art historian. Mrs Bell has had a varied career. working in a senior position in curriculum delivery with the Western Australian Department of Education. as the curator of the National Trust's S. H. Ervin Gallery in Sydney. and in many different schools throughout Australia. most recently as a Deputy Principal at the co-educational SCECGS Redlands in Sydney. Being the principal of a school has been a career-long goal for Mrs Bell. who had envisaged taking up such a position after her own children had left school. However. Mrs Bell enthusiastically accepted the challenge when the opportunity to lead a school with such a strong reputation for excellence arose Mrs Bell has very positive memories of her first impressions of Grammar. recalling how the girls were so friendly and enthusiastic. Now, after nearly a Year at the head of the School. she believes that the spirit of Brisbane Girls Grammar School is exceptional. Particularly, she says, the School stands out due to its powerful sense of community. Unlike many schools. the teachers, students and parents here are all involved in every aspect of school life. and this is something that is unique and special This sense of Grammar extends beyond the physical boundaries of the campus. The school hat, notoriously often missing from its rightful place on a student's head, is one symbol of the spirit that the school exudes, and Mrs Bell notes that future students of the School "can't wait to wear the hat, .. as it symbolises that they are a part of the SchoollThe other end of the spectrum is the Year 125. coming to the end of their time at the School and beginning to realisejust how much they have gained from the experience. it is at this time when School spirit becomes particularly important The education of Young women is something that Mrs Bell - like everyone involved with the School - is passionate about. She believes the education of girls has changed marked IY in the past few decades. and this can be seen in her own educational experience. After attending a selective girls' high school in Sydney, where the focus was entirely on academic subjects with little opportunity given for co- curricular activities, the current educational environment which favours a wide, liberal based education is a positive step towards creating well-rounded secondary school graduates. in the big picture, she notes how incredibly fortunate the students are to be attending school at all, let alone one such as this, which will provide them with opportunities for challenge, excellent tertiary preparation, and a global outlook

Mrs Bell. with Choir of the Boord of Trustees. Dr Chef, all Hitst

Mrs Bell has taught in a wide range of school environments all boys, all girls, co-educational, Catholic, Anglican, non-denominational; and she brings a broad perspective on the education of both boys and girls. She observed that the pendulum has swung from favouring boys, to the inclusion of more "feminine" ways of learning, and back again to the current trend of pouring resources into boys' education. Her belief is that programs should be geared to benefit boys and girls equally, while not being complacent about the progress made by women in education thus far. Such advancement can all too easily be taken away in many ways, she sees that girls still have a long way to go to achieve gender equity, especially in terms of juggling career and family decisions. but the only way to change things in the long term is at the "Youth level'I This is where boys and girls must learn to understand their differences and similarities and have the opportunity to work together. The increased opportunities for co-operation between the girls' and boys' schools this Year is testament to this belief Mrs Bell 15 passionate about many things beside education: family; the need for an Individual to have personal space, reading. art. the surf. The support of her own family, and the School family, gives her encouragement and solidarity. She is inspired by her parents and. after becoming a parent herself, she realises retrospectiveIY what they have taught her and done for her. She believes in a person's need to take time out to reflect and refine their ideas in peace and quiet She often reads three books at once: always one on art history, a novel for relaxation, and a "good English literature" text The sea is high on her lists of priorities. There is nothing quite like those warm summer days with the salt water. I don't like still water. I like the actual surf when You're moving and the ocean is moving. " Grammar's new principal is also inspired by the Youth of today who have such a different view of the world with such exciting ideas and wonderfulIy varied opportunities. She hopes to help maintain and develop the outstanding traditions of this School, to encourage students to grow and participate. and to provide for them the best staff and the most inspiring environment that will be a model for other schools

~.,

Philippo Do vie

it-in: Frances 801'n. Mrs A. Bell und Alexondro Arithony {Heod Girls)