2007 School Magazine

school magazine BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2007

Brisbane Girls Grammar School Gregory Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia

tel: +61 7 3332 1300 fax: + 61 7 3832 6097 admin@bggs.qld.edu.au www.bggs.qld.edu.au

school magazine BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2007

Brisbane Girls Grammar School Gregory Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia

tel: +61 7 3332 1300 fax: + 61 7 3832 6097 admin@bggs.qld.edu.au www.bggs.qld.edu.au

school magazine BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2007

contents

4 Editorial 5 From the Head Girls 6 From the Principal 7 Community 15 Faculties 35 Houses 63 Creations 73 Co-curriculum

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Visit the companion DVD to view additional images and related information.

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Editorial

From the Head Girls

Girls Grammar School. Whether it was your first year at Girls Grammar, your last or one in- between we should all feel privileged to have witnessed the changes undertaken by the School as it moves into a new period of creative learning and innovation. In the words of Harold V Melchert (1991) “Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the summit keeps the goal in mind, but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey.” Lauren Hurcum (12W) Publications Captain

spent doing things for others was counted. The campaign aimed to highlight the importance of putting a personal effort into service, rather than just throwing a dollar in a bucket. Calculations at the end of Term indicate that Grammar girls spent a whopping 12675 hours doing things for others — we think this is incredible! The Year 12s expressed an interest in leaving something from our year in the new building, so in keeping with our Grammartime campaign, we thought it would be fitting to donate a clock for the Barbara Fielding Room. 2007 has been a journey and a half, and we would like to thank the whole community for making the year what it was. The Student Council has done a truly spectacular job and this could never have happened without the tireless efforts of Ms McGarry. We would also like to acknowledge the unfailing support of Ms Bell, Mr Dale, Mrs McConaghy and Miss Williams. We are particularly grateful to all our teachers this year, who have put up with us, and have always given us invaluable help and advice. But finally thanks to all of the girls of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, you have all been amazing in the way you have supported us in all our endeavours this year. We hope that you enjoyed 2007 at Girls Grammar as much as we did. We have a world of respect for you, and wish you all the best in the future!

between the Year levels, we aimed to fill the Magazine and DVD with images of students and the School community displaying the passion, dedication, pride and immense enjoyment of a year that was filled with energy and inspiration. The highly anticipated opening of The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre brought much excitement to the Grammar community. The immense support shown by the students, parents and staff was consistently reflected across activities and events surrounding the opening of the building. Being involved in the production of this publication has been a valuable experience and we hope that every girl will find something within this publication that evokes for her special memories of the year. Special thanks must go to the journalists, photographers, digital designers and video editors for their dedicated contribution and the staff involved for their valuable assistance in creating the 2007 School Magazine.

In creating this year’s School Magazine and companion DVD, the aim of the Publications Team was to capture the many aspects of School life – from daily activities to special events and community involvement – that make Girls Grammar unique. Preparations began in April at the first team meeting, where we not only got to know one another better, but also discussed design possibilities and brainstormed ideas. When the School Executive announced the theme for the year to be “Create the Bonds in ‘007”, the Publications Team were inspired to reflect this theme throughout the Magazine. From the thoughtfulness of the design concept that copies the pastel- coloured swirls highlighted in The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre to the journalists’ skills in covering the huge variety of School activities and events, “Create the Bonds in ‘007” has been the driving force in the collaboration of these wonderful pages. Whether it was spirit and support on the sporting field or the strengthening of cohesive bonds

The Student Executive sat down for their very first meeting with excitement, to discuss the theme for 2007. It was agreed that unity

and spirit within the School, as well as connections with the community, were to form the

focus for the year. For 2 ‘007’ the inclusion of the word ‘bond’ to describe our focus was irresistible and combining this with the impact of the completion of The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre the theme “Create the Bonds” was born. To “Create the Bonds” we were looking to challenge the young women of Girls Grammar to enhance unity within the School in 2007 and create and strengthen connections in various areas. Term I saw the strengthening of bonds within each Year level. This progressed to bonding within the School, which, by Term III, we extended to forging bonds with the community. In Term IV we went global and encouraged the girls to be aware of the world around them and maintain perspective, creating bonds through respect. Throughout the year we held many celebrations and fundraisers, including a party to celebrate the last day of summer — the Summer Sausage Shindig to raise money for Rebecca Conrick (10W), who shaved her head for the Leukaemia Foundation. The ‘Thank God Grammar’s Here’ lunchtime event

Blue Days were also held, not only to decorate the School in blue, but to build support in the Grammar community before inter-school sporting events whilst raising money for charity. The athletes and the Student Executive sold many things “blue”, from blue sherbet to blue cupcakes, with all funds going towards the major School charity, Kummara. Kummara is an organisation based in West End run by a group of women, who aim to provide support and care for Indigenous families in Brisbane. One of the most significant and memorable events of the year was of course the opening of The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre, which saw Term II begin with a bang! The students celebrated with blue-iced donuts and dancing in the CLC during lunch in their first week of classes in the new building. We also created a material rainbow chain, each link representing a gold coin donation to charity. The chain stretched the entire six storeys of the new building, to signify the bonds created this year. Stop! Grammartime — a new initiative of the 2007 Executive, in which the time Grammar girls

As this year ends we should pause and reflect on our experiences at Brisbane

Melchert, H.V. (1991). Great Quotations, Inc. Retrieved October 24, 2007, from http://oregonstate.edu/instruct/ans100/ans100syl.htm

L – R – Kathryn Talbot (11M), Jacinta Livingstone (11R), Kyla Bridge (12B) and Man-Lok Kwan (11B)

Sarah Cowley (12G) and Sally Fry (12H) Head Girls

was held to raise funds for Michelle Lin (10H) who also shaved her head in aid of Leukaemia research.

Publications Captain – Lauren Hurcum (12W)

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From the Principal

community

The Year 12 theme for 2007, led by Head Girls Sarah Cowley and Sally Fry, was “Create the Bonds in ‘007.” Their clever play on words, with a conscious link to The realisation of The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre, has ensured a vibrant and enthusiastic approach to student activities throughout the year. Their focus on student bonding through active school spirit has been augmented by creating bonds between the School and community organisations with an emphasis on ‘time’. While fundraising for charities is a standard expectation, it is more challenging to donate time and the Head Girls have fostered a focus amongst the students to concentrate on giving time as well as material contributions. Our young people are often criticised in the media for being self-centred, fixated on the latest electronic technologies and, in the case of girls, for having an unhealthy obsession with their appearance and the lives of Hollywood starlets. I believe this stereotyping is not only unfair but insidiously untrue. With over 1,100 young women at Brisbane Girls Grammar I have the opportunity to observe them daily: they are happy, energetic, involved and interested. They can be difficult and challenging, but in ways that are rightly expected of teenaged girls. It is their time to ask questions, push boundaries, strain

the ties with home and authority as they move towards adulthood. If they cannot challenge, we cannot assist them to move forward. By creating our own bonds with the students, we can guide them, teach them, provide them with insight and knowledge, and give them confidence to make informed choices for the future. In short, the stronger the bonds between school and student, the more secure and successful the educational experience is for them. The School Magazine, and other significant traditions like it, reinforces the strong bonds between each Year 12 cohort and the exceptional School history they are part of; it becomes the tangible expression of their final year, imbued with permanency and memory. Images capturing formal

moments, offset by snapshots of the spontaneous excitement of informal occasions, have become part of the sea of colour and pattern that makes the Magazine so appealing for the reader — and the School so endearing to its departing young women. Congratulations and thank you to this year’s Publications Captain, Lauren Hurcum, and the team Magazine — a dynamic print and digital survey reflecting the energy, breadth and depth of creativity and educational achievements that this wonderful School has facilitated for its students with such intent and intensity. Ms Amanda Bell members for producing yet another impressive School

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Creative Learning Centre Opening

After 18 months of construction and three years’ planning Brisbane Girls Grammar School opened The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre on its Gregory Terrace campus in May. The complex was named for Dr Cherrell Hirst AO , in recognition of her extensive contribution to Brisbane Girls Grammar School Thursday 17 May 2007 NEW INSPIRATIONS

and her aspirational commitment to women’s education and health. Dr Hirst is a past Grammar girl, immediate past Chair of the Board and leading role model for our young women. The School invited parents, alumni, friends and the wider community to join with students and staff in The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre to tour the new facility. Over one thousand visitors enjoyed the experience, and many commented on the intelligent design, generous spaces and wonderful learning environments.

The building has been embraced by staff and

students alike, with the entire School community benefiting from increased space and optimum teaching and learning facilities.

Open Day

Friday 3 August 2007

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STUDENT CLC PARTY AND BLUE DOUGHNUT DAY

On Tuesday 17 April, the Student Council organised a student celebration for the opening of The Creative

As our theme this year was “Create the Bonds”, a special activity reflecting this

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Learning Centre. To begin the festivities, every student in the

was organised. For a gold coin donation, students were

real bonds formed that

given a coloured strip of material and each girl

day were between the students. During the lunch hour, girls were dancing and enjoying themselves in the new spaces, and the war cry that followed the dropping of the chain generated a great atmosphere of unity and ‘bonds’ throughout the School. Sarah Cowley (12G) and Sally Fry(12H)

wrote her name, or a message, on her ribbon. A number of Year 12

students worked throughout lunch to tie the

School enjoyed a blue

ribbons together, similar to a paper chain, to create the bonds in the chain. The aim was to create a chain that would reach from the top level of the CLC all the way to the bottom. Bonds were created, and the chain did reach, but the

iced doughnut for morning tea, kindly provided by the School. At lunchtime, a sausage sizzle was held to raise money for Kummara, an Indigenous women’s organisation based in West End.

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Paris, Je T’aime

Year 12 Formal

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The Combined Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Grammar Schools Careers Evening this year was attended by more than 700 students who participated in a choice of twenty-seven half-hour sessions provided by a wide variety of guest speakers. The event provided an excellent opportunity for senior girls to explore career pathways thereby helping to strengthen post secondary decision making through hearing “the real deal” from guests who included Grammar parents and past students of both Schools. The speakers’ generosity and community orientation in giving back to the Schools and the next generation of professionals by sharing their time, expertise and experience with current students, is recognised and highly valued by all members of the Grammar community. Career Ideas

Talent Quest for Charity

Father and Daughter Dinner

Based on a popular Channel Ten comedy, “Thank God Grammar’s Here” was a lunchtime event held in Term II. A gold coin entry was in support of Michelle Lin (10H), who shaved her head this year to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. This worthwhile addition to Girls Grammar fundraising proved wildly popular and highly entertaining for performers and audience members alike. Jacinta Livingstone (11R) Thank God Grammar’s Here!

In Term I, girls from each House took to the stage of the Gehrmann Theatre to prove, once and for all, that Grammar really has “Got Talent.” During the lunchtime concert, brave girls sang, danced and entertained their way into 2007 Girls Grammar history in order to raise funds for Brisbane- based charity Kummara. The audience agreed that all performers were outstanding, making the concert one of the most memorable of the year. Jacinta Livingstone (11R) It’s blue, it’s big and it’s uniquely Girls Grammar. Blue Day, when our School is bedecked in balloons, bunting and streamers and spontaneous outbursts of school spirit. There are odd combinations of blue garments to be seen, lunchtime dance-squares to show off your talent and, of course, a rousing war cry on the stage lawn. Introduced in 2005, Blue Days have celebrated the stellar Respect – A Musical Journey Blue Day

A wonderful evening was enjoyed by more than 300 Girls

Grammar fathers and their daughters at Hillstone, St Lucia for the annual Father and Daughter Dinner. Entertainment was provided by vocal trio Julia Colwill (12G), Stephanie Lloyd (12H) and Susannah Plant (12E) who won the 2007 Vocal Ensemble section of the Gillies Ensemble Prize. The guest speaker Professor Sandra Harding, Vice Chancellor of James Cook University gave an interesting and entertaining address contributing to a very successful evening and it was a special opportunity for the girls and their fathers to celebrate Father’s Day. Mother and Daughter Dinner and Debate

To celebrate Mother’s Day, more than 300 Girls Grammar mothers and daughters enjoyed a wonderful evening at the annual Mother and Daughter Dinner. The feature debate between current and past students, “That girls and technology don’t mix”, was highly interesting and entertaining. The affirmative team comprised of past students, Jemima Cowderoy (2005), Georgina Horsburgh (2005) and Elizabeth Talbot

(2005). Sally Fry (12H), Leah Winterton (12M) and Antonnia Morris (12W) argued the negative. The contest was strong and the current students held their position well, however it was the past students who were declared the winners. The event was certainly a special way to celebrate Mother’s Day.

achievements and built support of Grammar girls participating in co-curricular events ranging from Debating and Fencing, to Waterpolo and Theatresports. The days build support for the

girls carrying our hopes in QGSSSA Swimming,

Athletics, Cross Country, Head of the River or even in the Chemistry Titration, not to mention countless

Grandparents Visit the School

other co-curricular events. Jacinta Livingstone (11R)

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The School was pleased to welcome nearly 200 grandparents to its Grandparents’ Morning on Tuesday 19 June. This was an

overseas to enjoy campus tours and entertainment provided by the School’s String Quartet and the Years 8 and 9 Choir. Guests were greeted by the Chair of the Board of Trustees, Ms Elizabeth Jameson, the Principal and the Head Girls, and enjoyed morning tea in the Barbara Fielding Room of The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre. Girls Grammar believes that our grandparents play a very important role in their

granddaughters’ lives. They ensure the girls feel connected to family, history and tradition; we value their wisdom, their time and their interest. A dedicated band of student volunteers ensured that all the visitors were well hosted.

Nearly 300 members of the Girls Grammar community attended the fundraiser performance of Respect – A Musical Journey held at Twelfth Night Theatre. It was a wonderful evening of entertainment that took the audience on a journey of women’s lives told through familiar Top 40 songs. Student volunteers sold tickets in a raffle of which the proceeds, combined with theatre ticket sales, raised more than $8,000 towards the School’s Capital Appeal for the Creative Learning Centre.

opportunity to showcase the

School to valued members of the Girls Grammar community, and grandparents came from interstate and

Alice Nicklin (12W) with her Grandmother, Mrs Nicklin

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Retro Night — Year 11 Combined Schools’ Social 2007

faculties

The Combined Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School Year 11 Social was held on Saturday 11 August at Hillstone, St Lucia. The Retro evening (Time warp, baby), not only raised money for charity but provided a fun filled evening that sent the two cohorts back to an era of fluorescent colours, psychedelic patterns and groovy times. Early in Term II, the Combined Schools Social Committee started preparations for this exciting event. In the weekly meetings, issues such as food, theme, decorations and music were debated. The fundraising began on the last day of term when the Year 11 girls mixed with the Brisbane Grammar School boys at a joint BBQ, showcasing musical and vocal talents.

As guests arrived they received glow sticks to set the retro mood and colourful theme throughout the room. The bright and vibrant decorations sent everyone back in time — giant glass vases overflowing with yummy lollies, lava lamps and glitter. Groovy, baby! The dance floor was electric, drawing out some of the most unlikely groovers. The food was delicious, the music was pumping and everyone looked fantastic. The Year 11 students from each School selected their own charities, nominating Shiloh and Youngcare. Funds were raised from the BBQ and ticket sales for the Social. Sarah Pragnell (11E) and Lilian Zhou (11R)

The night itself was unbelievable and any previous scepticism about the retro theme was put to rest the moment the doors opened.

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Creative Arts

CLASSROOM MUSIC

fifty orchestral and choral performers. The final result bristled with spectacular energy in a Friday evening Concert Performance for fellow students, parents and friends to enjoy. To augment student learning, girls were invited to a Tertiary Options workshops in Term IV where a visiting musicologist, composer, performer and music therapist provided information about career options in music.

In 2007 the Creative Arts Faculty moved into The Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre, a specifically designed learning community precinct. The building’s flexible design enables individuals, small groups and large groups to work independently or together. This flexibility extends to a network of people beyond the immediate School community into the extensive global community of learners and participants inside and outside the conventional School day. Mrs Jacqueline Colwill Director

to participate in Moving Opera , a series

of combined workshops with Opera Queensland and culminating with a showcase concert. The Creative Learning Centre has inspired change in the delivery of Music curriculum. Senior students have commenced working with Sibelius scoring software and Pro Tools hardware and software for professional quality recording and scoring. Mr Andrew Pennay Head of Classroom Music

Composer in Residence

The highlight for Music students in 2007 was working with Mr Paul Jarman, our Composer in Residence. In addition to Mr Jarman’s extensive rehearsals with the School’s choral groups, he shared his

DRAMA

Students attended a performance by Doch Gypsy Orchestra and also collaborated with Brisbane Grammar School

experiences, stories and music with Year 10 Music girls. Mr Jarman worked with the combined Senior classes to improvise a piece for

It has been an eventful year in the dramatic life of the School. With the opening of The Creative Learning Centre, the Faculty has experienced huge growth, with more projects than ever on the go!

outcomes. The Senior girls worked incredibly hard to formulate a whole-class performance in its entirety.

Open Day was another highlight for the girls — roving performances

Year 8 performance nights each semester, a Year

and displays in the Creative Learning Centre attracted great attention from past, present, and future Grammar girls, as well as parents and the wider community. Leah Winterton (12M) Drama Captain

9 evening, Year 10 Greek Night, and the Year 12 Extended Study Course Productions are this year’s

Photo: Rob Maccoll, courtesy of Opera Queensland

MOVING OPERA

Twenty students from Brisbane Girls Grammar and Brisbane Grammar Schools were involved with Moving Opera for four days in February this year. The programme involved a series of music theatre workshops with a team of five professional artists who are part of the education arm of Opera Queensland. The team including a Director, also associated with Backbone Youth Arts, a Music Director, and three singers worked with the students from Years 9, 11 and 12. The students came from a range of music and drama backgrounds and forgave their normal classes to participate in activities that explored theatre, opera repertoire and techniques, vocal and choral

techniques, performance skills — including stage craft, character exploration

and development, improvisation and scene devising. The Moving Opera team were impressed with the level of enthusiasm, co-operation, ability and participation demonstrated by the participants. The students

VISUAL ART

The Visual Art Department in conjunction with Classroom Music held its first Year 8 Art and Music Evening this year. The Level 6 classrooms of the Creative Learning Centre showcased bold, colourful artwork including digital

photographs, paintings, prints and mixed media works. A food-as-art competition stimulated students to work with edible media. Everyone

a tremendous four days and definitely worth the time I spent catching up on schoolwork, I have expanded my musical repertoire, the way I sing, acting and performance techniques and the art of team work and working comfortably in a group.”

enjoyed the results! Mr Donald Pincott Head of Visual Art

found the experience to be challenging but also very rewarding and parents who

attended the performance enjoyed sharing the enriching experiences provided by the programme. Amber Evans (9G) can’t wait to participate again next year, “It was

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English

SHAKESPEARE ON STAGE

Combining the Creative, the Critical and the Aesthetic

In April, Year 12 students who studied William Shakespeare’s Hamlet attended a production of the play at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre. This afforded students not only an opportunity to see Shakespeare’s most noted play come alive in performance but also provided insights into the effects that theatrical production and direction have on the interpretation and staging of a play text.

The value that the School, and in particular the Faculty of English, places on literary accomplishment is evident in both classroom practice and the co-curricular opportunities afforded

the girls throughout the year. Those who enjoy expressing their creativity in writing also pursue their interests in a co-curricular setting as members of the Gwen Harwood Society, named in honour of one of Australia’s foremost twentieth century poets who was a past student of the School. In 2007 the inaugural Junior Writers’ Camp was held at Marrapatta, with young writers in Years 8, 9 and 10 engaging in a series of intensive writing workshops conducted by Ms Anita Bell, an award-winning author of novels, short stories, poems and non-fiction, who, over the four day period, led the girls in a series of informative, entertaining and practical activities on topics ranging from developing characters and fictional worlds to the pragmatics of getting published. Each evening an hour of silence was devoted to writing and by Sunday afternoon the budding writers were simultaneously energised and exhausted. The Camp was a stimulating experience in a beautiful setting and the Faculty anticipates this becoming a highlight of the year for our talented young writers. Twenty-five girls in Years 11 and 12 took two days out of classes in the first week of Term III to participate in the Senior Writer in Residence Programme with this year’s Doris Waraker Townsend Memorial Writer in Residence, Dr Venero Armanno, Head of Creative Writing at the University of Queensland where he obtained a University award for Excellence in Teaching. Dr Armanno

Photo : QPAC

WILDE AND WONDERFUL

Sometimes the girls have opportunities to enter the fictional worlds of the texts they study in a more physical sense. As an extension of their study of Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest, students in Year 9 classes enjoyed a traditional Victorian High Tea. Taking their inspiration from Wilde’s comedy of manners, the girls assumed roles and social positions, enacting these in the historical ambience of the Annie Mackay Room, thereby recreating the setting of a genteel afternoon tea. The girls entered wholeheartedly into the spirit of the roleplay, making and wearing

costumes, providing authentic food, and assuming

has also won numerous literary awards for his novels and short stories. During the Residency, students participated in Master Classes on aspects of the writer’s craft. Dr Armanno spoke highly of the talents and abilities of the students with whom he worked and the active community of writers within the School. Dr Robyn Colwill Director

the requisite manners and

affectations of the period. Needless to say, they

enjoyed themselves immensely. This kind of enrichment activity not only enhances the girls’ aesthetic appreciation of literature, but also translates the formal academic study of a text into an entertaining communal and creative activity.

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Information Services

Does the Google generation feel more at home in cyberspace than library space? We ask some library users if the library is still MySpace.

A New Approach to Information

ASSESSMENT – STRESS – AFTERNOON – LIBRARY

That’s generally the thought process that goes on in everyone’s mind when you hit Year 12. It is the place you can go to collapse, to read, to relax, or to just continue studying. Friday afternoons cease to be a time for socialising but rather one for furious typing and calculator bashing. Then, of course, there are the people with spares who find themselves in the library at least four times a week. That is, before

you add the number of times you somehow just find yourself in there, hunting for that book on feminism or asking Mrs Cooke for reading recommendations. You might go there to study in the stillness of the silent area or to gossip in the far corners of the fiction section, but either way, it would appear that you just can’t avoid spending half your life in the library. Sarida McLeod (12L)

The establishment of the Faculty of Information Services in 2007 has highlighted the significance and role of information in the lives of twenty-first century students. This new faculty has launched into its role with a lofty and serious intent… …to develop and communicate relevant, effective and innovative information skills that will foster an individual’s proficiency in the purposeful use and creation of information and knowledge.

This is a rather formal statement but it has focused the efforts of those in the Beanland Memorial

Library and the School Archives on the personal component in the information age. Looking for

information is an activity in which all members of the School actively engage. The opportunity to search and the volume of information are not difficulties; however, we want to give our users the skills to stop looking and start finding. From the consultation with staff about student tasks and activities, to surveying users’ opinions and requests, from developing a detailed catalogue responsive to curriculum needs to working in classes with students on specific research assignments — information staff members are at the forefront in the modern battle to turn the swamp of information into digitally literate knowledge.

MusicSPACE

My string quartet played in the inaugural library lunchtime concert. They occurred almost every second Friday in an area with overhead

The opportunity to perform for ourselves, our peers and our teachers in a familiar, warm and non-threatening space was welcomed. It gives us a reason to rehearse and practise for the time we shall perform on a bigger stage. Ellen Harrison (10R)

lighting to create an intimate stage. The small audience

was very supportive, and even my father turned up in his lunch break.

In an age when technology makes it so easy to be virtually connected and ear- plug isolated, the staff of the Faculty of Information Services aims to assist, teach, collaborate, and communicate with real people. Even though the reality is the opposite, to our minds, “services” comes before “information”. Mrs Kristine Cooke Director

MEETING YEVGENY

When I was a

on the lower level. I loved reading and if I did not have a book in my hand, I felt bereft. There was also a librarian who understood my addiction. Mrs Needham had a personality to match her haphazard red hairstyling but she knew what I liked to read. I clearly remember one day she called me over to produce a new book she had hidden at her desk. It was a thin paperback of the poems of Yevgeny Yevtushenko.

“You’ll like this,” she said — and I did. To this day, these poems have stayed with me. I still feel I belong in the library and, if I can reach out to my students and support their love of literature and reading, I shall feel my roles as teacher and librarian have been worthwhile. Mrs Kristine Cooke Director

student at Brisbane Girls Grammar

School in the 1960s (in one way, it seems so long ago; and yet, with my 40th reunion this year, only yesterday), the library was my favourite place. In those days, it was a smaller two- storey affair with a serious-looking reference library on the top level and a fiction area with a 1950s laminex, boomerang-shaped bench

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International Studies

A passion for the Classics is still the sine qua non for any sucessful Latin student, whether scanning dactyllic hexameters or enjoying the fun of a cena togata as part of our Imperium Romanum

Exploring Cultures

Competition, as one Year 8 student remarked, “Latin is very educational and it’s almost as if I am taking a double subject because you do history and language all in one. The Roman feast was a great learning experience not to mention extremely delicious.”

The International Studies Faculty once again this year has worked towards integrating languages into the lives of our students and the School community with a variety of language activities and occasions in and out of the classroom. Ongoing opportunities for students to enhance their language skills and cultural appreciation beyond classroom learning are provided through our Native Speaker Language Tutor programme, interaction with students at Brisbane Grammar School through restaurant visits and language days, and visits out into the community in the target language.

“On Wednesday 20 June the Year 10 Chinese cohort set off to

the Chung Tien Temple, the biggest Buddhist Temple in

Brisbane. At the temple we had the chance to experience several Chinese activities, such as tai chi, calligraphy and Buddhist meditation. We had lots of fun, especially ringing the giant bell.” Yr 10 student of Chinese

These visits have included, among others, the Chinese Temple with an introduction to Buddhist practices and to Tai Chi, a morning of traditional Japanese music at Mt Coot-tha

Botanical Gardens, a viewing at the German Film Festival and visits to the Queensland Art Gallery. In addition, the many students who visit and spend time with the School across the year from our International Affiliate Schools give another important dimension to our language learning and cultural appreciation. Ms Lorraine Thornquist Director

“Learning another language is an exciting part of school life at Girls Grammar and is one of the lessons I always look forward to. It is a great way to expand your knowledge of different places and cultures whilst having fun.” Year 8 student

INTERNATIONAL AFFILIATE SCHOOL PROGRAMME

Northern hemisphere summer school holidays beginning in late June, marks the beginning of our welcome to students and staff from our International Affiliate Schools who visit us for periods from two up to eight weeks: Maria-Wächtler Gymnasium in Essen, our schools in Japan, Mie Junior and Senior High School in Matsusaka and Seirinkan High School near Nagoya, and this year Shanghai No 3 Girls High School visited us on their biennial timetable. It’s clear that the French students enjoy the summer experience here as February has become the annual visit schedule for Lycée Saint Paul group to experience a different school and home life for almost three weeks at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Every one of these visits enlivens our campus and confirms our commitment to ensuring our students can experience communication with their peers

“The highlight of my final year here at Brisbane Girls Grammar School was the opportunity to host a student from our Chinese Affiliate School, Shanghai No. 3 Girls School. It allowed me to build a friendship with and learn about the culture of a girl my own age who lives a very different life.” Year 12 student “One highlight from this year has been the cultural exchanges from Mie and Seirinkan High School, which allowed us to enhance our knowledge of Japanese society. Reciprocal exchanges at the end of the year are anticipated with great enthusiasm.” Year 11 student “I wish I could stay here for ever as I’ve loved being a Grammar girl and I’ve had a fantastic and precious time.” Mami Asano, Seirinkan High School, Affiliate School in Japan.

from the wider

French seems intent on including fashion and food into the language learning and this year there were the Girls Grammar versions of the Paris fashion shows as well as the menu à prix fixe at Le Classic restaurant. Bastille Day was again celebrated with Brisbane Grammar School – an occasion that made us work together and think about what we

“I really enjoyed the trip to the Japanese restaurant. The food was really interesting and it was fun making it ourselves. Ordering and paying for the drinks in Japanese was also very enjoyable and there were a lot of laughs and

world. Already an

extended network of friendships has developed between students and families over the many years of the programme. Repeat visits are not uncommon particularly with students from the French Affiliate school. In return, a number of Grammar girls ventured to France, Germany and Japan at the end of 2007 as part of

questions to each other about the correct phrase. It was also nice socialising with everyone outside of

were actually celebrating. Year 9 student of French

school but in a way that is unusual (in Japanese)” Year 10 student of Japanese

Study Tours which visited Affiliate School families and classes. Ms Lorraine Thornquist Director

“It is the moments in which there is meaningful communication that provide the “a-ha” experiences for learners and our 2007 German classes have experienced that in many ways. From the ease of listening to and, more importantly, understanding the German news to unexpected exchanges in the streets of Brisbane, in which directions have been given in the language or assistance provided to German speaking tourists.” Year 11 student of German

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Technology Studies

SELLING TECHNOLOGY

During Term II, Year 9 Computers and Information Processing classes designed and

program was easy to use and there were unexpected and undiscovered effects that made experimentation exciting. The challenge was to choose one of the dynamic effects and to use it to create a striking design. The task really increased my knowledge of the features of the program and, in the future, I will definitely use it in other design work. Helena Obermair (9G)

created covers for magazines with a

technology focus. Using Adobe Photoshop, we experimented with a range of possibilities and produced a cover that we felt would appeal to the market. It was very enjoyable because the

FROM E-LEARNING TO M-LEARNING

Girls Grammar students develop real products for real clients. Thus they need to recognise the possibilities presented by new delivery modes. Portable technologies provide innovative

and exciting ways to make learning more accessible and appropriate. New generations of technologies with increased multimedia capabilities mean that Information Technology Systems students can now produce video, interactive

games and learning objects designed for use on mobile phones, iPods and iPAQs.

DVD

MODELLING URBAN ARCHITECTURE

When Year 9 Innovative Design students were given the brief to design and construct a scale model of a bus shelter it proved to be an interesting new topic. We had to address issues such as community and architecture while maintaining the exciting, youthful culture of the Roma Street Parklands. We learned about spatial design, urban architecture seating, inclement weather, sustainability, the existing

and sustainability in our community. Working in pairs students had to create a design and draw the concept to scale. After landscaping our bus stop, we put our designs into Computer Aided Design software that allowed the design to be

BRIGHT IDEAS IN DIGITAL DESIGN

highly topical design brief. Each student undertook a specified challenge, within a time limit of three hours, typical of a real project in the design industry. Students were judged on how they articulated and communicated their ideas based upon industry expectations and requirements. The International Digital Design Challenge recognised more than just the amazing design achievements of students. The high level of technological competency displayed by entrant schools clearly demonstrated the strong presence of ICTs as part of the current curriculum.

Every year Griffith University hosts an International Digital Design Challenge for students. This year over 140 schools competed and Brisbane Girls Grammar was awarded sixth place overall. Lauren Hurcum (12W), achieved a highly commended fifth place in Open Web Design; the team of Ekta Paw (11G) and Claire Stevenson (11L) also achieved a highly commended fifth place in Open Graphic Design, and in

Open Animation Sherlyn Hii (12W) achieved first place.

The competition tests students’ knowledge of specialist computer design skills within a specified time frame using advanced industry software. Students are asked to develop web design, 3D architecture and animation designed around a set theme. The Grammar girls competed in junior and senior categories of animation, graphic and web page design. The theme was water conservation, a pertinent and

created in a 3D digital model form. Finally, we built a scaled 3D model out of compressed cardboard. It

was amazing to see the vast display of models created by the Year 9 cohort. Brittany Ruffin (9L)

Designs by Sherlyn Hii (12W)

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Health Studies

Your Life, Your Health, Your Future

RED ALERT – GO RED FOR WOMEN JUMP ROPE FOR HEART FOUNDATION

At the beginning of this year, the Health, Physical Education and Sport Faculty underwent a name change. The Faculty’s new nomenclature is Health Studies. In all, three subjects come under the umbrella

Students this year participated in a wide range of activities, both theoretical and performance

based. Whether learning about Nutrition in Year 8, being Party Safe and First Aid conscious in Years 9 and 10, developing Leadership skills in Year 11, participating in new sports such as Golf, Sport Aerobics, Rock Climbing and Lifesaving

One of the more important events on the Health Studies Faculty calendar for Year 8 students is the annual Jump Rope for Heart activity day. According to the Heart Foundation, heart disease claims the life of more than one Australian woman every hour and kills more then four times as many Australian women as breast cancer. Girls Grammar has been a conscientious supporter of the Foundation and its Jump Rope for Heart Day for more than fifteen years. This year the activity day was held on 15 June coinciding

with a new national initiative designed to raise vital funds for research and education into women and heart

of Health Studies: Health Science and

disease – Go Red for Women Day. All of Year 8, representing their Houses in a sea of colour, skipped, danced and participated in other physical activities designed to promote cardio- vascular fitness. As Happy Heart (the Foundation mascot) cheered them on, more than $7000 was raised for the Heart Foundation.

Movement Studies is a core subject for students

or developing a pre-tertiary understanding of Exercise Science, Biomechanics and Sport Sociology in Senior Physical Education, Grammar girls have a better understanding of health issues as a result of their studies. Ms Gwynfa Johnston Director

in Years 8 to 10; Health and Movement Studies is mandatory for Year 11 students and at the end of Year 10, students may elect to study Physical Education as a senior, QSA subject that will contribute to their OP and subsequent tertiary entrance. Even though these subjects have different foci, they are linked by a common thread; they seek to educate students in, about and through physical activity so that they are empowered to make intelligent decisions about their health and well-being.

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UNIVERSITY ACCOUNTING IN YEAR 12

Mathematics

A first year Queensland University of Technology Accounting Course was available to Year 12 students to study again this year. With such good reports last year seven Grammar girls, Sarah Brandon (12L), Sally Carter (12R), Courtney McMah (12O), Rachael Palmer (12H), Kathleen Smith (12R), Kelsie Smith (12M) and Sarah Wilson (12B) snapped up the opportunity to get involved. We experienced a taste of the “uni lifestyle” by attending lectures, completing tutorials and even

completing the exams and different forms of assessment at the University campus. We got together every month during lunch to look over the tasks to be completed and also for pizza! All classes and work had to be done outside of normal class time, however it wasn’t ever a large burden as the work was similar to Senior accounting at School. It has been a great experience, to be able to slowly integrate into university life at the same time as completing Year 12.

A large number of Years 8, 9 and 10 students registered for the annual nationwide Maths Challenge. The event provided a great opportunity for students to MATHS CHALLENGE FOR YOUNG AUSTRALIANS

Embracing Maths

MATHS TEAMS CHALLENGE

Year 12 students with their QUT lecturer Ms Ros Kent (centre)

Thirty Girls Grammar students competed in the annual Mathematics Teams Challenge against other schools across the State. The competition involved two parts — the Team Challenge and the Relay Challenge where team members compete against the clock to answer as many questions as they can. This year, fifty schools participated and Girls Grammar entered six teams — two Year 8 teams, two Years 9 and 10 teams and two Senior teams. One of the Senior teams, comprising of Kathryn Zealand (11R), Georgina Roberts (11L), Jemima Connolly (12M), Julia

Just to have had the experience of sitting exams in a university was a worthwhile experience. It is re- assuring to know that when we begin university study next year, we have already completed one subject! Kathleen Smith (12R)

engage in some really interesting, exciting and challenging problem solving activities. Students attempted to answer six questions over a three week period across April and May. The great advantage of participating in the Challenge is that students are introduced to mathematical concepts and processes that are often outside the “regular” day-to-day classroom syllabus yet which can be extremely valuable sources of knowledge and procedures in a range

Wills (12M) and Claire Robinson (12W) achieved a very commendable third place.

A VISIT TO ONE OF THE “BIG FOUR”

But the crowning glory was the outstanding win by our Junior team comprising Ruby Ramachandran (8W), Eliza Weder (8G), Cody Allen (8E), Laura Burr (8M) and Sally Wark (8M). This is the first time the School has had a winning Year 8 team and these girls are to be congratulated on their outstanding team effort.

Years 11 and 12 Accounting students attended an evening seminar held at Ernst & Young’s Eagle Street offices where young Ernst & Young staff presented on ‘a day in the life of a young accountant’. Courtney McMah (12O), Catherine Heales (12W), Sarah Wilson (12B), Claire Veritz (12O), Sally Carter

listened to senior consultants, consultants, trainees and recent graduates from Transaction Advisory Services, Tax, and Strategic Growth Markets highlight the range of careers at Ernst & Young both nationally and internationally. It was eye-opening to see the life of a working accountant in a lavish modern-day corporate office in Brisbane’s inner city. Courtney McMah (12O) and Catherine Heales (12W)

of applications. All students will receive an official certificate for their efforts,

with special recognition to girls achieving at the level of Credit, Distinction and High Distinction.

MATHS C ADVENTURES

(12R), Lani Bajracharya (12B), Rhiannon Star- Thomas (12E) and Aishlin Greig (11B)

The Year 12 Mathematics C cohort embarked on their

analysis formed the basis for their Alternative Assessment item in Semester 2. It is indeed rewarding to see the spark of insight in the eyes of the students when they recognise that the huge forces controlling the rides are mathematically predictable and controlled by engineering design. The students witnessed a concert of Mathematics and Physics and the fact that the ‘excitement factor’ experienced is related to acceptable ‘probabilistically determined’ outcomes makes the day a real-world experience that can be related to the many facets of their lives.

excursion to Dreamworld this year armed with knowledge and skills but unsure of how they would use them. Their target was to deconstruct the all embracing mathematical platform that underpins the development of rides. Our students used calculator based laboratory sensors jackets, which housed their graphics calculators to pick up and record data relating to acceleration along three mutually perpendicular axes as well as atmospheric pressure variations. This data was then downloaded to laptops and transported back to Brisbane for further analysis. The resulting

ACCOUNTING STUDENTS ENGAGE IN BUSINESS AT UQ

University of Queensland’s Engaging Business Conference 2007 once again lived up to expectations as a good introduction to University life (albeit one day!) and gave nine Accounting students an interesting and worthwhile experience. As guests of the UQ Business School the students lived the life of

university students and experienced lectures, problem solving and competitions with other students. With all the competitions and concentration, re-fuelling was necessary and a pizza lunch was most appreciated giving the students a chance to refresh, mingle and to look over the University’s facilities at

Ipswich. Overall it was an enriching and positive experience for the Girls Grammar “EB Team” — Sally Carter (12R), Connie Huang (12W), Kathleen Smith (12R), Claire Vieritz (12O), Sarah Wilson (12B), Catherine Heales (12W), Everleigh Gee (12R) and Lisa Marshall (12M).

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