2005 School Magazine

Brisbane Girls Grammar School School Magazine 2005

Contents

Editorial

Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 From the Head Girls . . . . 4 From the Principal . . . . . 5 Student Leaders. . . . . . . . 6 COMMUNITY . . . . . . . . . . 7 FACULTIES . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Academic Staff. . . . . . . . 52 HOUSES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 SPORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 CO-CURRICULUM . . . . 113 CREATIONS . . . . . . . . . 127 Index . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 154

Publications Team

Back Row (L-R): Eloise King-Smith (12E), Anna McGahan (12L), Raje Manickam (11O) Front Row (L-R): Irvin Lie (11R), Melinda Ranson (11R), Jien-Li Tan (11H), Arooke Kahawita (12R)

“Education is simply the soul of a society as it passes from one generation to another.” G. K. Chesterton (1924). As this year draws to an end, we should pause to reflect on how our cherished memories, growth in knowledge, and perhaps even some regrets for missed opportunities or actions have helped us to develop as young women and members of society. Regardless of when we leave Brisbane Girls Grammar School, we will move on to create lives for ourselves, each day discovering more about who we are to become. But our School - this eminent educational institution - will continue to teach long after we have departed, not only to educate girls in academia, but also to nurture them into young women with dreams, ambitions, expectations and purposes, as they have been doing so well for 130 years. That time span, in my eyes, is incredible, and our School’s year-long celebrations of this milestone are well justified. Now at the end of my schooling and my five years here as a student, I have tried to select one of the most important lessons I have learned. It is not necessarily a certain equation or literary theory, or even historical event that has had most impact upon me, but a moral lesson for personal development and self-fulfilment. It is the value of our ‘emotional commitment’ to every aspect of our lives, whether in relationships, the events we experience or the projects we undertake. It is the wholeheartedness we give to the completion of the task and to each other, for if we are giving both our body and soul to the cause, then we are truly ‘involved’. If there is no spirit at a sporting event or sincere care in a friendship, then what will any of us gain from the experience?

Absent: Lu Richards (11H)

2005 has been a remarkable year for our students making a positive difference to the wider community and it is the observation of such frequent examples of emotional generosity that has inspired me to focus on this topic. It has been amazing to watch the care, thought and spirit applied to all areas of students’ lives, from sport, co-curricular and Interhouse events, and even during exams. Students from Years 8 to 12 are frequently seen demonstrating resilience, compassion and humour - traits so necessary to excel in our education and our lives. The spirited atmosphere and the emotional contribution from so many people have completed and guided us through each occasion. It is incredible to observe the kind of young women we have been growing into, thanks to guidance from our parents, teachers and the School community. Giving and expressing care for each other and life are what binds us and creates a sense of fulfilment for us all. Emotional commitment – the offering of your soul to a cause - fulfils us as young people and creates a society (both locally and even globally) that can depend on, find peace with and relate to one another. Anna McGahan (12L) PUBLICATIONS CAPTAIN Reference: Chesterton, G. K. (1924). In Collins (2003), Dictionary of Quotations. Glasgow, UK: Harper Collins Publishers.

Cover photograph by Greg Gardner We also acknowledge photographs taken by Greg Gardner that have been used throughout

this publication. ISSN. 1449-0447

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School Magazine 2005

From the Head Girls

From the Principal

The 2005 edition of the School Magazine documents the many ways our girls make a difference, value the opportunities available to them and make the most of their ability to contribute to the School and the wider community. I commend Anna McGahan, this year’s student editor and the Publications Team, on an excellent outcome. It is a difficult responsibility to manage the final year of schooling and edit a major publication. It involves

Today, schools are expected to provide many things for the benefit and development of their students including excellent teaching, dedicated pastoral care, wide-ranging co-curricular activities, sound personal growth, confidence, social awareness, integrity and leadership opportunities. So much is written about leadership theory, models and styles in management publications that we can often overlook the core ingredient of successful leadership - positive and inspiring human interaction. Student leadership opportunities at Brisbane Girls Grammar begin in Year 8 House Groups and incrementally develop through to the senior years where positions take on a whole school responsibility. The Year 12 leaders tend to work in pairs, collaborating, sharing and encouraging each other. Together, working as a team, these girls feel confident to confront large audiences with their ideas, take on challenges, solve difficult issues, learn about delegation and ultimately achieve full school support and worthwhile outcomes. This year the Student Executive has included the new roles of Service Captains. Charity work, community service and a sincere awareness of global aid requirements informed the need for the establishment of these new positions to lead the School in these critically important endeavours. The achievements this year by the Service Captains have built upon the endeavours of last year’s student leaders and have complemented those of the 2005 Head Girls and Student Executive, improving the overall momentum and profile of service in the School. This year’s student theme of “Be the Difference” reinforces these sentiments. The Head Girls and their Student Executive have encouraged every girl in the School to be part of their initiatives – to great success. We have seen this leadership also underpin the genuine support of each other in co- curricular activities and service projects. Leadership is about communicating the vision and encouraging others to commit to its realisation. This year, our student leaders have successfully imparted the message to “Be the Difference” and achieved new levels of awareness and change. I especially thank the Head Girls, Lydia Elsworthy and Georgina Horsbourgh, for their ideas, commitment and work throughout the year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1924) stated that “What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us”. It was with these words that we introduced ourselves to the School community in February. Little did we realise how these words would resonate throughout the year. 2005 was never going to be a year that could be easily themed and packaged. It was the year we celebrated the School’s 130th Anniversary and the year we challenged each girl to “Be the Difference” - to invoke daring, passion and commitment in her pursuit of individual and collective goals. The focus of Term I was on turning words into actions. The Student Executive’s first Blue Day saw a celebration of all things Grammar with the School festooned in blue streamers and balloons, swimmers wearing flippers and live karaoke. Coinciding with QGSSSA Swimming and Cricket finals, the day’s success culminated in a significant improvement in numbers of supporters at the swimming. The Term’s afternoon leadership forum that included Years 8, 9 and 10 House Prefects in conjunction with the Student Executive, was the vehicle for lively discussion and goal setting for the year. This began the development of a stronger student voice during a term in which the excitement of the 130th celebrations balanced commitment with fun. “Get Out of Your Comfort Zone” was the message for Term II. The inaugural Grammar Idol uncovered some extraordinary talents with Shiraz Tilley (12R) earning her place in Grammar history as our first winner. The Executive’s Random Act of Kindness Golden Ticket Scheme, led by outstanding Service Captains, Madeleine Cameron (12L) and Meera Srinivasan (12W), reminded us to “Be the Difference”. Term II also saw the first Retro Formal Fashion Parade, in which our model Year 12s took to the catwalk in the glorious gowns of yesteryear – those worn by our teachers at their formals in years gone by! Another successful Blue Day was held – this time with our Cross Country Runners, Future Problem Solvers, Musicians and Artistic Gymnasts in mind.

Much of the focus of Term III was on laying the foundation for the revival of the Student Representative Council. Comprising elected members from each Year level, the Council aims to channel the opinions of 1100 students to effect positive change in the School. The Year 12s returned after the September holidays with just 40 school days remaining. We realised that we had to make the most of this time and aptly dedicated Term IV to Making the Most of It. The commencement of the Student Representative Council, the continuation of Blue Day and Grammar Idol and Live Aid with Brisbane Grammar School were all opportunities to live the term’s theme. As the year comes to an end and the class of 2005 prepares to depart, we would like to acknowledge the efforts of all staff and volunteers who have supported us since our arrival in 2001. We particularly appreciate Ms Bell’s leadership and guidance while Mrs McConaghy has seen us at our best and our worst, has stood by us and always been there with words of wisdom and encouragement. Our senior year would not have been as memorable without the enthusiasm and hard work of Ms McGarry. We are also very grateful to Mr Dale, Mr Seaha, the Heads of House and our wonderful House Group teachers. We know that we won’t be the first Head Girls to have said this – but we believe that we are part of an amazing group of girls whose journey through the School has seen us grow together in spirit and actions. The footprints we will leave have been borrowed from those who have gone before us, but are inscribed with the individual hopes of every Year 12 girl. A colourful, energetic and diverse group, we will say our goodbyes and take with us, forever, the common bond of being Grammar girls; these are ties that will bind us across borders and through time. How fortunate we are.

liaison with many teachers and students, developing a thematic approach to the creative elements and ensuring the end result is a comprehensive, consistent entity that does justice to Year 12, the student body as a whole and the traditions and innovations of the entire School. Brisbane Girls Grammar School has celebrated this year the education of so many young women over 130 years. While the archives will record 2005 as a special year because of its anniversary, we should also see the year as a moment in the time continuum – a slice of our heritage that says so much about student, staff and school leadership in ways that matter. Ms A Bell

Georgina Horsburgh (12O) & Lydia Elsworthy (12E)

School Magazine 2005 Be the Difference 5

Reference: Emerson, R. W. (1924). In M. Pinkney (Ed.), Pocket Positives (1996), Victoria, Australia: The Five Mile Press.

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Student Leaders

Senior Executive

Community

getting involved!

Back Row (L-R): Back Row (L-R): M. Booker, M. Cameron, A. Rae, E. Manning, L. Humphrey, A. Kahawita, C. Drennan, A. Cruse, K. Applegarth, E. Talbot, S. Tilley. Second Row (L-R): M. Maguire, J. Hutch, D. Davidson, N. Scott, T. Giarola, M. Brady, E. Challen, L. Elsworthy, R. Pyatt, G. Horsburgh, K. Ferris, S. Smith. Front Row (L-R): M. Srinivasan, O. Tunnell, S. Mewing, E. Cowley, Mr A. Dale, Ms A. Bell, Ms S. McGarry, S. Wills, I. Hayes, A-K. Vann, E. Connor.

Prefects

Back Row (L-R): F. Cox, S. Gray, L. McConaghy, J. Murray, L. Rathie, R. Ellis, S. Hately, P. Bishop, A. Graves, A. Merritt, C. Pearce, L. Wright, L. Bendeich. Second Row: (L-R): F. Johnson, K. Fraser, S. Lowe, T. Kefford, E. Philogene, M. Logan, A. Humphreys, J. Marks, B. Lipton, E. O’Donoghue, L. Hedlefs, M. Douglas, T. Taylor, L. Delaney. Third Row (L-R): S. Woodside, T. Hossain, M. Rayner, R. King, S. Early, E. Meyers, C. Robinson, J. Jeavons, S. Turner, E. Leitch, S. Jones, A. Sawyer, F. Bauer, S. Chai, H. McMahon. Front Row (L-R): A. Acharya, M. Ma, M. Cherian, N. Davidson, S. Engineer, Mr A. Dale, Ms A. Bell, Mrs M. McConaghy, J. Holmes, C. Mackenzie, K. Inglis, E. McGill, D. Jak.

Absent: M. Seville, N.Ong.

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School Magazine 2005

Community

Community

CONTRIBUTING TO THE COMMUNITY

As teenage girls, opportunities for us to perform grand gestures of charity with far-reaching impact on the world are rare. However small acts should not be overlooked and we have embraced Lois McMaster Bujold’s idea, “If you can’t do what you want, do what you can”.

YEAR 10 SERVICE

STUDENT REPORT: During the Easter break, Nicole Rowles (10E), Genevieve Molloy (10E) and I conducted our community service at Moorooka State School. Located near the Red Cross, this school has become the first port of call for many children of refugee status or who have migrated from war-

Live Aid

The Service framework this year has given every girl and even staff members the opportunity to “Be the Difference”. Years 8 and 9 House Groups organised their own fundraising activities for their chosen charities. Year 10 girls engaged in twelve hours of community service outside of School. Years 11 and 12 co-ordinated service groups within the School and had the opportunity to participate in 25 hours of voluntary community service outside of School. As well, the School’s various service groups were busy fundraising and promoting their causes to the School community. Hopefully the importance of community-mindedness, compassion and generosity instilled in Grammar girls will continue throughout their lives so that they might make a more significant difference to the community. This year the School community raised over $40,000 for various charities. More importantly, a record number of girls joined service groups and participated in community service. Commitment to a good cause is a great investment when you give your time, energy and most importantly, your heart to something. What you learn, the great experiences you have and the appreciation you receive are the best dividends you could ever hope for.

affected countries. The immigrant population of Moorooka State School today is predominantly African and Middle Eastern. The school currently has the largest enrolment of English as a Second Language (ESL) students of any primary school in Queensland. Our job was to assist the ESL teacher in tutoring small groups of newly-arrived African children. We often worked one-to-one with the students on an oral language programme designed to improve their English vocabulary. We also worked in the Grade 5 classrooms, helping individual African students to complete written project work and helping them with their computer skills. While at the school we really became part of these students’ school life, helping out with art lessons, organising a lunchtime dance group for African girls and spending time with them in the playground.

While we were able to be of service to Moorooka State School and its students, we also gained an enormous amount from our experience. We were constantly amazed by the warmth and generosity of children who had so little and who had been through so much. They never complained or felt sorry for themselves; in fact, they were always positive and happy, finding something good about everyone and everything. This was a lesson for us all. Our community service at Moorooka State School was both a memorable and an extremely valuable life experience for us and we will never forget it. Stephanie Carter (10E)

Live Aid

All Year 10 students were required to make a contribution to the community this year. The girls negotiated their own placement and gave twelve hours of their time to help someone else, either after school or during the holidays. Many girls worked with children. A particularly challenging yet rewarding choice was offered through the Smith Family - girls acted as phone buddies helping younger children to improve their reading. Other girls helped in aged care facilities or organisations such as Oxfam and the Red Cross. Mrs A Stubbington CO-ORDINATOR i T

Madeleine Cameron (12L) & Meera Srinivasan (12W) SERVICE CAPTAINS

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School Magazine 2005

Community

Community

In June at the Open Day held at the School’s Outdoor Education Centre, the Principal, Ms Bell, announced its renaming as Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre. Unique to Girls Grammar and recognisable to every Grammar girl, past andpresent, “Marrapatta” is a word from the School’s war cry. With this strong connection to the School and reflection of the Grammar spirit, Marrapatta is an obvious and popular addition to the Centre’s name.

MARRAPATTA Memorial Outdoor Education Centre

OPEN DAY 2005

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* © James F Phillip 2005 all rights reserved

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School Magazine 2005

Community

Community

SECOND CHANCE

Though it may seem surprising, there are currently thousands of homeless women in our so-called lucky country that simply go unnoticed. It is these women who often receive the least government funding and social support. In an attempt to assist these women, a Second Chance Committee has been established within the School under the umbrella of the Second Chance Programme Fundraising Group. As young women, the issue of homelessness among women is one we are acutely sensitive to. Our primary goal is to raise awareness for an issue which should no longer be hidden from public view and consciousness. Our long term vision is to establish a firm foundation within the School to address and help this worthy cause. Having recently designed our own logo and inducted new girls to leadership positions, one of our most important actions this year has been the collection of toiletries to create ‘Care Packages’ for the Anglican Women’s Hostel. In conjunction with this, we are investigating the viability of sponsoring the Gap Programme, which enables homeless women to begin regaining their health, a home and employment. We appreciate that an important part of our education is learning to be global citizens, who are especially aware of the important social issues within our own community. We feel privileged to be associated with the Second Chance Programme and hope that our efforts will contribute to a heightened awareness and understanding of the problems surrounding homeless women. Alison Rae (12O) & Laura Hedlefs (12E)

ANTIPODEANS IN PERU

For 26 adventurous girls the opportunity to travel to Peru with staff members Mr Seaha, Miss Axelsen, Miss Barrett and Mrs McIntosh was the opportunity of a lifetime. The expedition was founded around three basic constructs - community service, leadership, and personal challenge. Preparation was year-long and students remained mindful of their upcoming journey by keeping fit, learning Spanish and raising money for the community project there. The group began its community project in Larapa, a small village in the Andean foothills. The objective of the project was to improve community hygiene standards by providing basic facilities and a means of teaching hygiene through the school. In just eight days the girls built a shower block for the village. They mastered bricklaying, plastering, plumbing, roofing and rendering and even painted a decorative mural on the outside! It was an amazing accomplishment and a most satisfying Grammar legacy to leave behind for a very needy community. Mr J Seaha & Madeleine Cameron (12R)

Have you ever looked into A homeless woman’s eyes? And seen the pain Caused by years of torture? And the fear

Of loss that awaits her Around every corner? Have you seen the loneliness That burns in her eyes Knowing that she’s all alone In this vast world? The lack of hope continues to grow With each passing day And thickens the dark cloud Hovering just above her head Have you ever wondered What she might be thinking Or how wise she may really be? Did you even stop to care?

Second Chance Committee

Emma O’Donoghue (12E) Alison Rae (12O) Nicola Scott (12E) Annie-Kate Vann (12M)

Aditi Acharya (12H) Ashanti Graves (12E) Laura Hedlefs (12E) Laura McConaghy (12L)

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

130 Year Anniversary

130 Year Anniversary

CELEBRATIONS

On 15 March 1875, Brisbane Girls Grammar School opened for lessons in a two-storey house in George Street with just 50 students. Since then many thousands of girls have passed through the gates. The School celebrated Foundation Day with a special assembly and morning tea for the girls, followed by a gala dinner at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre in the presence of Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce. The School was one of the first to offer girls the same opportunities as their brothers when Sir Charles Lilley championed a different approach to educating women. Among the School’s current students are descendents of Sir Charles Lilley and the founding students of 1875, with some families represented by five generations of women.

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School Magazine 2005

Community

Community

To celebrate IWD, a very successful Mother- Daughter breakfast was held at the School with the fascinating Dr Dale Spender as Guest Speaker. 2005 signifies a century since the majority of Queensland women were given the right to vote, an enormous achievement by the suffragettes. Dr Spender spoke inspirationally to her eager female audience of our foremothers’ fight for the right to vote and the INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

conditions they endured. Anna McGahan (12L)

CAREERS MENTORING BREAKFAST

MOTHER-DAUGHTER DEBATE

The Friends of Girls Grammar hosted another successful Careers Mentoring Breakfast for our senior girls in 2005. Over fifty mentors accepted the invitation to share their career experiences with the girls. Past student and journalist, Marie- Louise Theile was guest speaker and offered valuable insights into creating career pathways by sharing her own fascinating journey. This popular event provides the girls with the opportunity to ask questions and participate in conversations with professionals from a variety of fields in a relaxed and informal setting.

A fun event with dinner and a light-hearted debate between a team of mothers

and a team of Grammar girls, on the topic “That Mother Knows Best”. The winning girls’ team consisted of Elizabeth Talbot (12R), Olivia Tunnell (12W) and Nicola Scott (12E). The adjudicator for the event was past student and Dux of 2001, Ms Caitlin Goss.

CAREERS EVENING

A wonderful night was enjoyed by the 250 fathers and daughters who attended the Dinner at the Carlton Crest Hotel. The highlight of the evening was the address by Ms Withnall, Partner with Minter Ellison, lawyers, who entertained guests with her advice for young women. FATHER -DAUGHTER DINNER

The 2005 Annual Combined Grammar Schools Careers Evening was held on Tuesday evening, 10 May and, by all accounts, it was a great success. Over 700 students and parents, 24 speakers and innumerable support staff from both Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School combined to provide a valuable opportunity for Years 11 and 12 students to hear real world stories of career challenges, changes and successes. The evening featured many passionate and inspiring speakers spanning a diverse range of professions including architecture, law, journalism, marketing, science and multi-media. One of the things that make these Schools so great is the willingness of the extended School community to contribute to the next generation of learners. Mr J Seaha TERTIARY PROGRAMMES & CAREERS ADVISOR

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School Magazine 2005

Generations

Generations

Granddaughters of Old Girls

Daughters of Old Girls Years 8–10

Back Row (L-R): G. Avenia (9), S. Hateley (12), B. O’Sullivan (12), J. Murray (12), N. Rowles (10). Fourth Row (L-R): S. Fielding (9), C. White (11), E. Whitton (11), A. Beebe (9) , L. Winterton (10), A. Bullock (12), K. Belford (12), P. Vann (10), E. Smith (11), B. Winders (9). Third Row (L-R): S. Luck (9), S. Elliott (8), M. Nicholson (8), K. Pattison (12), C. Winterton (12), K. Nielsen (9), L. Hedlefs (12), L. Christian (9), S. Early (12), M. Rowles (12), P. Murray (8), S. Pattison (8), E. Early (8). Second Row (L-R): C. Mackenzie (12), S. Brandon (10), C. Meyers (9), S. Meixner (9), M. Radosevic (9), A. Slater (9), C. Saxton (8), A. Spender (9), L. Dark (11), R. Phillips (8), K. Davis (10), C. Martin (10), A. Canavan (10), R. Ward (8). Front Row (L-R): B. Kieseker (8), A. Pascoe (9), Z. Wood (8), V. Harrison (8), H. Collyer (8), M. Farmer (11), A.Jacobson (12), J. Belford (11), A. Kelly (10), S. Martin (8), L. McGregor(10), D. Cavaye (8), S. Cockburn (9).

Back Row (L-R): A. Beebe (9), E. Johnston (9), G. Avenia (9), S. Bailey (9), K. Nielsen (9). Fourth Row (L-R): K. Lee (9), G. Kelly (9), L. Christian (9), K. Roberts (10), E. Burke (9), A. Piotrowski (9), K. Hughes (10), K. Priddle (10), L. Ellison (8), R. Williams (9). Third Row (L-R): S. Meixner (9), J. Bellet (8), C. Saxton (8), T. Bourne (10), R. Starr-Thomas (10), K. Davis (10), C. Martin (10), D. Bray (10), M. Nicholson (8), G. Chumbley (9), A. Hood (9). Second Row (L-R): G. Campbell (9), M. Winterflood (8), G. Starr-Thomas (8), S. Elliott (8), S. Wilson (10), D. Bray (10), C. McGrath (9), A. Canavan (10), C. Lee (10), E. Harrison (8), G. Usasz (8), R. Ward (8). Front Row (L-R): J. Sawyer (9), J. Burton (8), B. Kieseker (8), H. Collyer (8), B. Huth (8), C. Jeavons (9), R. Toppenberg (9), H. O’Rourke (8), Z. Wood (8), T. Huth (8), R. Weir (8), S. Cockburn (9), B. Johnston (8), S. Tuffley (8).

Great Granddaughters of Old Girls

Back Row (L-R): H. Douglas (10), S. Hateley (12), A. Bullock (11), H. Shepherd (10). Second Row: (L-R): J. Douglas (8), M. Douglas (12), S. Fielding (9), E. Capell (12), S. Early (12). Front Row (L-R): J. Burton (8), P. Pullen (11), A. Capell (8), C. Saxton (8), H. Collyer (11), J. McMahon (12), E. Early(8).

Daughters of Old Girls Years 11–12

Back Row (L-R): J. Barker (11), A. Bullock (12), B. O’Sullivan (12), L. Humphrey (12), M. Booker (12). Second Row (L-R): H. Walters (12), R. Williams (12), L. Elsworthy (12), E. Smith (11), J. Jeavons (12), S. Greatorex (12), A. Shannon (11).

Great-Great Granddaughters of Old Girls (L-R): Heather Douglas (10), Madeline Douglas (12), Julia Douglas (8)

Front Row (L-R): M. Cherian (12), K. Pattison (12), L. Dark (11), S. Farquhar (11), A. Sawyer (12), L. Grice (12), E. Aroney (11).

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School Magazine 2005

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 Formal

Wonderland 2005

Keep Me...

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School Magazine 2005

Year 11 Charity Evening

Faculties

The Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School Combined Charity Evening transported students to four famous streets of the world. A Social Committee of twenty students from both Schools, in liaison with Year 11 Co- ordinators, Mrs Carroll and Mrs Chakravorty, chose the charity, themed, decorated and prepared for the event. The evening raised $1000 for Rosie’s, a not- for-profit organisation that provides Outreach Services, friendship and hope to marginalised homeless people. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Sofitel Brisbane, the destinations of France, New York, Hawaii and China provided a TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

The Social Committee went to great lengths to decorate the room authentically while maintaining the chaotic atmosphere that is associated with travel and a sense of ‘taking it to the streets’. Our male counterparts were most co-operative in the planning stage of the event and were very productive in organising the activities leading up to the evening and the BBQ where BGGS and BGS bands played. Thanks must also

be expressed to Mrs Carroll and Mrs Chakravorty for their invaluable assistance. Hannah Statham (11O)

Brisbane Girls Grammar School Student Timetable - Semester 2

Period 7

Period 6

Period 5

Period 4

Period 3

Period 2

H&PE

Period 1

Arts

SES

T&L

Science

Maths

SES

MON (1) English

Maths

English

H&PE

Arts

LOTE

Arts

colourful backdrop for a wonderful evening. The food was themed accordingly and soft drink and punch were served from the Tiki Bar in ‘Hawaii’.

TUES (1) Science

LOTE

Science

SES

Maths

English

T&L

WED (1) H&PE

Science

Maths

English

H&PE

Arts

Science

THUR (1) SES

Maths

English

H&PE

Arts

LOTE

T&L

H&PE

FRI (1)

Arts

SES

T&L

Science

Maths

T&L

MON (2) English

Science

LOTE

Maths

English

H&PE

English

TUES (2) Arts

H&PE

T&L

Arts

LOTE

Science

T&L

WED (2) Maths

Science

Maths

English

H&PE

Arts

Science

THUR (2) SES

Maths

English

H&PE

Arts

SES

T&L

FRI(2)

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School Magazine 2005

Creative Arts

Creative Arts

Drama

In September 2005, the senior Drama cohort had the chance to demonstrate their experience and skills as they neared the endof their twoyear coursebydevising and performing a class production as part of their Extended Study Unit.

Arts experiences are all about creativity, innovation and communication - but isn’t everything? YES! The arts are relevant to everyone. The qualities crucial to success in the arts are those crucial to success for everyone in all areas of life. The Creative Arts Faculty this year has worked with m3architecture in the formulation of the vision and strategies behind the development of the design of the new Creative Learning Centre due to begin construction at the end of 2005. The fact that members of the School community using this space would be involved in the arts through both social and academic interactions assisted us in thinking about flexible space design suitable for the separate disciplines of Drama, Music, Visual Art and Design.

TheExtendedStudyperformance represented an amalgamation of five years of study, combined with a focus on a particular theatre style, as determined by the class. 12.1 chose Tragedy and Comedy and 12.2 chose to further explore the style of Absurd Theatre. After initial input from our teachers each class was

Consideration was given to multiple audiences as well as individual needs. The intention was for a building that made a positive difference in the future learning environment for our students and was not an impediment. The building needed to be a framework for learning but also allow the students to move, grow and create their own outcomes. This is where we have been this year ... Mrs J Colwill DIRECTOR

responsible for organising, rehearsing and performing their production. This was an enriching experience that further developed the close relationships between class mates. Amelia Cruse (12B) said, “I have seen so many different skills and rich personalities of people I didn’t know before!” The students exercised leadership and teamwork skills, but the most observable characteristic of this unit was the opportunity to exercise their creative ideas and perform at an advanced level. During the process it became clear to every student how the curriculum had helped them to develop as actors, directors, students and great friends. Alison Rae (12O) pointed out, “The whole production was basically created by the class and the success of the show is a credit to everyone.”

The way in which Drama can be distinguished from other subjects is summarised by Jemima Cowderoy (12E) “Incorporating a rich cultural education, invaluable experiences in group work and unmatched opportunities for self-development and creativity, Drama has given me a holistic education that I could expect from no other subject.” Elizabeth Talbot (12G) DRAMA CAPTAIN

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School Magazine 2005

Creative Arts

Creative Arts

Classroom Music

2005 has been a stimulating year for Classroom Music students. Our curriculum encourages girls to develop their musicianship through aural-based learning in order to “think in sound”. This year, students have enhanced these skills by participating in performances and workshops at School and in the wider community. All elective Music students attended Year Level Days at The University of Queensland’s School of Music. Girls interacted with Music students from other schools and appreciated working in a university environment. Visiting musicians have invigorated learning in 2005. Ms Ruth Bonetti presented workshops to encourage Music Extension students to develop effective practice habits and strategies to manage performance anxiety. The University of Queensland Brass Sextet and two finalists from the Queensland Conservatorium’s Lev Vlassenko Piano Competition provided students with the opportunity to see music performed at a very high standard. All Music students have attended concerts to broaden their experience. Year 11 and Year 12 girls attended Puccini’s opera La Bohème . Year 8s were treated to a performance by Wala, a group from Ghana. Year 9s attended an open rehearsal of The Queensland Orchestra at their Ferry Road studios and Year 10s enjoyed an Australian Chamber Orchestra concert comprised of works studied in class at the Queensland Performing Arts Complex.

The Medusa

Containment

Nicola explains that her mixed media on canvas piece Containment “explores and questions the structures we impose on the world in an attempt to make meaning from our surroundings.” Nicola is conscious of the transience and fluidity of the meaning of the work itself and believes “the only certainty it reflects is that the slippery search for ‘meaning’ in itself confirms the inevitable chaos lying just below the surface of our carefully constructed world.” The girls were invited to attend a series of workshops held at Queensland College of Art and Queensland University of Technology. Students were given the opportunity to participate in experimental and extension programmes run by guest artists and visit Brisbane galleries. Alison and Nicola extended their skills, gained insight into the Queensland Arts scene and particularly enjoyed meeting and collaborating with other talented art students from around the state. Angela Leggett (12H) CAPTAIN

The Classroom Music Department hosted tertiary options workshops in Term IV. Lecturers represented different professions within the music industry including musicology, music therapy, composition and performance. The performance session was led by Miss Patrick (1991) who is now a member of the group Stringmansassy. These workshops provided an opportunity for students to explore pathways to careers in music. Nadia Myers (12M)

Visual Art

The Visual Art Department submits student entries every year to the prestigious Minister’s Art Awards. After a grueling selection process the best Year 12 works across the state are chosen for the travelling exhibition, shown in galleries throughout Queensland culminating at the Queensland Art Gallery in Brisbane early 2006. This year two Grammar girls, Alison Rae (12O) and Nicola Scott (12E), were recipients of the Award. This outstanding achievement is testament to the strength of the School’s Visual Art programme.

Alison’s installation piece The Medusa comprising forty-eight hanging sand- filled stockings is a metaphor for restrictive notions of femininity imposed on contemporary women, moulding what Alison calls “the natural essence of women” to produce a stifling uniformity.

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

English

English

The 2005 Doris Waraker Townsend Memorial Writer in Residence

Twenty students from Years 11 and 12, and members of the Gwen Harwood Society, joined our Writer in Residence, Kim Wilkins, for a series of workshops held at the School over three consecutive days in July. Kim Wilkins holds postgraduate degrees in English Literature and Creative Writing and is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Queensland. She has published eleven novels, two of which have won literary awards.

The girls who participated in the programme not only benefited from her expertise and insights into thewriting process but also enjoyed the entertaining and interactive sessions. Kim regarded the students with whom she worked during her residency as being some of the very best and brightest that she has ever had the pleasure of teaching, and she encouraged them to pursue their creative writing talents in the future with the enthusiasm and energy that they displayed during the residency.

Kim Wilkins

Pleasure, Passion, Provocation

The Faculty of English provides not only a stimulating, challenging and eclectic curriculum at all levels in the School but also regular opportunities for students to engage in a range of curricular and extracurricular extension and enrichment activities. In the classroom context these include Wide Reading programmes, a diverse range of Electives that enable students to explore focal topics and

creative and theoretical understandings in a course characterised by student autonomy – self-selected texts, self-formulated tasks and self-focused learning – which provides an excellent basis for the transition to their tertiary studies. This year also saw the inauguration of the Gwen Harwood Society, a co-curricular activity designed to nurture and to foster student creative writing endeavours, and named in honour of one of our most prestigious past students.

texts of particular interest to them, and the English Extension (Literature) subject that is both extremely popular and extremely successful, enabling Year 12 students to develop complex

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

English

Health & Physical Education

Take a breath for life

Paul Jennings

Health & Physical Education staff breathe easier each day knowing that students have gained knowledge and developed skills that could ‘Save a Life’ – their own or somebody else’s.

Meeting the Authors

The Core Course and QSA senior subject Lifesaving, Fitness, First Aid and Personal Safety units are all designed to improve quality of life and save lives. The capacity to save a life is one that can be cherished for a lifetime. Students from Years 8 to 12 receive awards from the Royal Lifesaving Society of Queensland. Brisbane Girls Grammar School has an outstanding history of excelling in Lifesaving

During the year, a range of successful and well-regarded authors presented a series of lively and informative sessions to students. These sessions enhanced student learning, both creatively and analytically, and gave students opportunities to engage with and question the authors. Year 8 students joined students from Brisbane Grammar School to meet with and listen to Paul Jennings who spoke of his sources of inspiration and the real-life events that inspired his novels, as well as the difficulties that he faced when his texts were transposed into the award- winning ABC Television series Around the Twist . Randa Abdel-Fattah, a lawyer and author of young adult fiction, captivated an audience of Year 8 and Year 9 students with her warm, moving and vibrant account of her teenage experiences growing up in Melbourne. Students availed themselves of the opportunity to question Randa about stereotypical myths and misconceptions associated with Australian Muslim women and demonstrated a keen interest in her witty, insightful observations which equipped them well for future reading and study of her novel Does My Head Look Big in This?

The St John Senior First Aid Certificate in Year 10 Core Physical Education is an excellent adjunct to the Bronze Star Lifesaving award that students achieve. The course develops in students the capacity, amongst other things, to care for victims of burns, those with circulatory problems and those in need of resuscitation. Fitness in Years 8, 9 and 10 and the study of Exercise Physiology in Years 11 and 12 are all designed to make those breaths we take count. Not only will they allow us to train more effectively to achieve athletic goals, but also to ensure a healthy quality of life and extended time with family and friends. With an increasing number of children suffering from obesity, the transfer of knowledge related to health and fitness will benefit generations of Brisbane Girls Grammar School families. Take care to enjoy life and maintain general health that will enable you to have energy through every part of the day. With guidance, the desire and ability to maintain good health will become as natural as drawing a breath. Ms G Johnston DIRECTOR

performances throughout Queensland and indeed, throughout Australia. This success has come about for two reasons. Firstly, the ongoing dedication and enthusiasm of our staff, who all recognise the vital importance of Lifesaving skills. In some cases, this recognition has come about through first-hand rescue experience. Success also comes from the girls. From them we see a realisation that the programme is relevant and useful. At the completion of Year 12, the girls can rightly lay claim to being confident in their ability to effect a rescue. Pleasingly, this confidence seems then to extend to other parts of their lives. The physical activity of Lifesaving studied through Years 8 to 12 sees the School held in high regard, as only a minority of schools maintain such a relevant focus – a focus that is so important in a country which holds its water-based lifestyle so very dear and wears its island continent status as a badge of nationhood.

Venero Armanno

All Year 11 students attended sessions on writing short fiction conducted by Dr Venero Armanno, author of award-winning adult novels and short stories, and Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Queensland. Dr Armanno’s lively and informative presentations provided students with invaluable practical advice designed both to stimulate and to assist their own literary endeavours in their creation of their own short stories with an Australian context and setting. Dr R Colwill DIRECTOR

Randa Abdel-Fattah

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

Health & Physical Education

Health & Physical Education

Sport Achievers

Felicity O’Connor Surf Life Saving

Zarah Walker Rhythmic Gymnast

Felicity O’Connor (12M), along with Surf Life Saving partner Patrick Lafferty, competed at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Kurrawa Beach on the Gold Coast, representing Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club and winning the U17 and U19 First Aid events. A team of two competitors enters an arena and must assess, prioritise and treat up to four patients in an unknown scenario for a period of 12 minutes. Judges award points based on incidentmanagement, presentation, diagnosis, triage and treatment of casualties. Felicity has now won Surf Life Saving Australia First Aid titles for three successive years, bringing her total medal count to five.

In October 2004, Zarah Walker (9B) was selected to represent Australia in Rhythmic Gymnastics at the Australian Youth Olympic Festival held in Sydney from 19-23 January 2005. This was an excellent result for a Year 8 student, as Zarah was last year. Zarah placed second in Junior Elite division in rhythmic gymnastics in the 2005 State Gymnastics Titles.

Amanda Lee See Rhythmic Gymnast

Kathryn Lee Tennis

Amanda Lee See (12L), rhythmic gymnast, is the State Champion in the Senior Elite category. She is now training for selection in the Commonwealth Rhythmic Gymnastics team for Melbourne in 2006.

Kathryn Lee (9H) was chosen in the Queensland State Secondary School Team for Tennis. She qualified as number three player and competed in the National Contest for the Pizzey Cup in Taralgan against six other states from 8-13 May. Kathryn qualified for the Australian Team for Secondary School Tennis. This is a merit team of which only ten players were chosen.

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

Health & Physical Education

International Studies

Creating Ginger Bread Houses in the German classes

This year the Junior French classes have established a network of penfriends through which many of our students correspond regularly with teenagers in France by letters, emails and msn. These students now have friends in the Affiliate School, Lycée Saint-Paul, in Angoulême and the Collège Baujoin in Thourotte, near Paris. This valuable and authentic linguistic activity helps to prepare our students for future visits to France. The students find that the penfriend exchange is an enjoyable and stimulating encounter with the French, their language and their culture. Other activities in the Junior French classes in Term III included the making of videos on the topic of Health and Fitness, with Year 10 students writing scripts, filming and viewing their presentations with their class mates, and the Years 9 and 10 students, as part of their topic of leisure activities, learning how to play Pétanque in Victoria Park. Some Years 9 and 10 classes were also fortunate to attend excellent presentations by former Brisbane Girls Grammar School student, Miss Rohani Mitchell (2003) and her French friend, Noémie, on the value of learning French at school and participating in a student exchange programme such as our International Affiliate School Programme.

Imogen Taylor Diving

Imogen Taylor (8M) competed as the Queensland Junior Diving T National Championships. She com peted with partner Caitlin Lyons (Moreton Ba y College) to win the Synchronised 3 Metre Spri ngboard and finished fifth in the 1 Metre a nd 3 Metre Individual Springboard and eig hth in the Individual 5 Metre Platform events . a member of eam at the

The combined German choir sings at the Neilson Retirement Home.

Emily Young Water Polo

Water Polo player, Emily Young (11G), was named in the Australian Youth Team that travelled to the USA from June 14 to 26, 2005. Emily is one of fifteen who played in an Under 18 tournament in California before contesting an international competition featuring two USA youth squads, the world champion USA Junior Women’s team and the New Zealand youth team.

A context of culture The focus of the International Studies Faculty is all about exploring ways of learning to understand each other in our world today. What to say, how to say it, when to say it and why are key features of language learning in a context of culture. Students are encouraged to see this learning and practice as part of their lives both now and potentially in their futures. Language learning extends beyond the classroom and at times involves combined activities with Brisbane Grammar School. These include restaurant visits, Calligraphy classes, German Winter Ice Skating and the German choir singing at the Neilson Retirement Home in Chelmer.

Health Promoting Schools Committee

Karri Hartley (12M) and Jennifer Radford (12W) enjoy their Latin classes

Back Row (L-R): S. Tjoeng (12), A. Mullins (12), A. Huynh (11), A. Graves (12), S. Hateley (12), J. Carmichael (11), L. Hedlefs (12), M. Booker (12), E. Ko (12). Second Row (L-R): E. Chai (12), I. Hayes (12), S. Sherritt (11), C. Lui (12), T. Yuen (12), S. Lowe (12), S. Cheng (12), L. Vu (12), G. Chandrasheka (11), S. Jones (12), Ms G. Johnston. Front Row (L-R): H. Lu (11), J. Stalewski (8), C. Poon (12), N. Ong (12), S. Chai (12), A. Kahawita (12), J. Seeto (12), C. Au (12), V. Hii (12), A. Tong (11), S. Hii (10), P. Lau (12).

One of the Penfriends of our students. Pauline is from Collège Baujoin in Thourotte, near Paris

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Felicity Martin (9O), correspondant of Pauline in France

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005

International Studies

International Studies

On visit in Germany

Visiting Saintes in France. April 2005.

International Affiliate School Programme

Claire is a former student of our French Affiliate School. She and her Brisbane Girls Grammar School host family have continued their relationship since her first visit in 1998. This year she worked as a Language Tutor for several months in the French Department while on visit.

The Affiliate School Programme plays an ongoing role in the International Studies Faculty and indeed in the life of the School. Our visitors this year came from all our Affiliate Schools in France, Germany, Japan and China. Families from across the School community become involved in hosting students during the academic year and visiting students spend time in classes as well as on excursion. For our students who travel to our Affiliate Schools or host visiting students, the experience often becomes one of an ongoing relationship beyond the time of the visits between schools. There are examples in the School community where this relationship has extended to the families in each country and a friendship has developed where homes and ways of life are opened up and shared, underlining the value and sometimes unexpected dimensions of these personal cultural contacts through our International Affiliate Schools Programme. Mrs L Thornquist DIRECTOR

French Trip

Students from Shanghai No 3 Girls High School in China with some of their Girls Grammar host sisters. August 2005.

During the Easter holidays, a group of twelve senior Grammar girls ventured halfway across the world à la France. We were accompanied by Madame Parkinson and Mrs Bryant. We had our first French speaking experience when we arrived in Singapore and chatted excitedly to a group of elderly Parisiens who were returning to France after a holiday. We listened intently to accounts of French culture, cuisine and, in particular, Angoulême – a pretty little town in the south of France where we were to spend the majority of our stay with host families. Experiencing the culture first hand, we participated in French family life and attended the school of Lycée Saint-Paul. We explored many historical towns and villages in surrounding areas and thoroughly enjoyed discovering local châteaux, landmarks and monuments in places such as Saintes, La Rochelle and Brantôme. We relished mingling with the locals around the town markets and tasting locally made cheeses and foie gras. We visited a World Heritage listed church in Périgueux and the Abbey of Bassac, constructed in 1000. The pièce de résistance of our trip was a three-

Our trip to France was an incredible experience which we will all remember forever! Our host sisters and brothers and their families became our friends. Our time there was invaluable in improving our understanding of the French language and providing us with a deeper knowledge of the culture, and lifestyle, as well as enabling us to sample the flavoursome delicacies of authentic French cuisine in an exciting French atmosphere. Rebecca Ellis (12M) & Melanie Blenkin (12O)

Students from Mie High School in Japan studying in special English classes with Mrs Lazar.

night stop over in Paris. We immersed ourselves in the famous works of art at the Musée D’Orsay and the Louvre. We cruised down the River Seine and visited Sacré Coeur, l’Arc de Triomphe and la Tour Eiffel. We particularly enjoyed indulging in refreshments in a café on the Champs Elysées.

Students from our Affiliate School, Lycée Saint-Paul in France, with their host sisters. An ongoing exchange between the girls.

Our students at Lycée Saint-Paul in France. April 2005.

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School

School Magazine 2005