2006 School Magazine

PhysicalPursuits

PhysicalPursuits

Grammar Rowing Squad win Head of the River

competitive environment. Participation in the scheme helps students develop a sense of pride

and gives them a greater determination to succeed.

Congratulations go to the following studentswhohaveachievedAwards this year: Bronze: Charmaine Lee (11H), Jane Sawyer (10E) Silver: Rachel Ferris (12R), Antonia Morris (11W), Julia Wills (11M) Gold: Breana Cohen (12O), Maya Cherian (12R, 2005), Briony Lipton (12R, 2005), Alison Rae (12O, 2005), Alyce Frew (12E, 2003), Tegan Davey (12B, 2000), Katy Gibson (12E, 1998)

Duke of Edinburgh surges ahead The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme at Brisbane Girls Grammar Schoolhasexperiencedaresurgence in 2006, with more than one hundred students now involved. Forty-four new participants joined this year, many of whom completed Adventurous Journeys at Girraween and Fraser Island National Parks. The Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme allows participants to achieve a Bronze, Silver or Gold Award. Each level consists of four sections, with higher levels requiring a greater time commitment. Participants progress through the sections and levels at their own pace, and are encouraged to choose activities that are challenging and enjoyable. The Servicecomponentdevelopsasense of community service and responsibility to others. The Skills section aims to encourage development of personal interests and social and practical skills. The Physical Recreation section emphasises participation and improved performance. The Adventurous Journey section encourages a spirit of adventure and discovery in an unfamiliar environment. Involvement in the scheme allows young people to experience the challenges and rewards of new activities and experiences. The focus is on individual improvement and achievement in a non-

Rowing Winding it up

Ms M Axelsen Co-ordinator

Building on a tradition of brilliance, the 2006 Girls Grammar Rowing season has been one that truly left the other nine schools in the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA) competition in awe. After a slow start for many, training was in full swing by April. Over 140 Girls Grammar Rowers, the largest squad we have had, displayed much enthusiasm and success in Learn to Row sessions and grueling trials. The July holidays brought with it training camps for all rowers, with the senior rowers heading to Maroochydore and the junior rowers on the Brisbane River. Stepping into the regatta season, many were anxious and excited about the six weeks that followed. For the first time Girls Grammar entered crews in every division of each year level. This included our first Third VIII crew and nine Year 8 crews. At each regatta hearts raced as an increasing number of crews placed in the top three. Each crew grew stronger and more determined with reports each week of Girls Grammar repeatedly gaining the most top three placings of the ten BSRA schools. Head of the River, on Saturday 2 September, was a special day in Girls Grammar Rowing history. All crews performed above expectations and at the conclusion of the regatta we had achieved nineteen top three places. The First VIII came an incredibly close third, 0.5sec behind St Margaret’s. The last time Girls Grammar was in the top three was in 1993. The day was made even more special when Brisbane Girls Grammar School was named winner of the BSRA Head of the River Aggregate Trophy for 2006. This is the first time Girls Grammar has achieved this feat, and it makes us only the fourth school to do so. The spirit and camaraderie of each rower and supporter making up the sea of blue on the sideline helped guide each crew across the finish line.

This year, our QGSSSA home matches were played on a Friday night at our new home venue, Nudgee College. This venue proved highly successful, as all teams were able to play side-by-side, fostering team spirit, and, of course, the accumulation of delectable afternoon teas. Although some

matcheswereabandoneddue to wet weather, the majority of matches were completed, with successful outcomes.

Teamwork in tennis. While some argue Tennis is a monotonoussport,theGrammarteamsprovedthistheory wrong displaying commitment, compassion and co- operationtowardsteammembersandcoachesduringthe 2006 QGSSSA season.

Tennis is a game for life. For those of us who are leaving this year, this love of tennis which has been developed in our five years at Grammar should hold us in good stead for the future. The talent displayed this season by the younger grades augurs well for the future of Girls Grammar tennis.

Tennis: A Game for Life The 2006 Grammar tennis season saw the culmination of team spirit, fun, food, fitness and success, a result of an eager, enthusiastic and talented group of girls. Grammar fielded 9 teams this season, all of which demonstrated outstanding commitment at both training and matches. We were able to field two extra teams in the place of other QGSSSA schools unable to compete in these divisions. These teams provided extra places for the outstanding number of girls who trialled for QGSSSA and consisted of girls fromYears 8, 9 and 10 competing together in matches that would otherwise have been byes. It is refreshing and encouraging to know that the popularity of tennis at Grammar is constantly growing.

Rebecca Lobb and Sophie Reed

DVD

Katherine Darch (12B) and Kristine McKenzie (12M) Captains

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Br isbane Gir ls Grammar School

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