2005 School Magazine

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