2014 School Magazine

ClubsandActivities

ANTIPODEANS ABROAD SARA BURKE (12E) On 3 December, thirty-four Girls Grammar students and six staff members will travel to Borneo for eighteen days as part of the Antipodeans Abroad programme. The expedition, which has a strong emphasis on service and trekking, aims to foster the girls’ leadership skills, independence and cultural awareness. The first Antipodeans fundraiser of the year occurred in Term I. Students and staff gathered in the McCrae Grassie

Sports Centre to witness the Senior A teams from Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School debate the topic ‘It’s Time to Scrap Facebook’. Both sides presented a respectable argument, with the conclusive winner being Borneo as the recipient of all funds. Total proceeds raised from the sausage sizzle and donations came to $1295. This was an excellent result which, combined with the money raised from other fundraisers throughout the year, will go towards funding the community project in Borneo. ■

DUKE OF EDINBURGH MICHAELA GEORGE (10E) On the first day of the Term I holidays, a number of Year 10, 11 and 12 students departed from school en route to the Gold Coast Hinterland to begin the year’s first Duke of Edinburgh expedition as part of their commitment to achieving their Duke of Edinburgh awards. There was no denying the excitement in the air, as everyone was able to forget about the stress and rush of Term I, and enjoy what was set to be the most rewarding, memorable and fun three days of the year yet. We were accompanied by four teachers and shared with them what all agree was such an amazing experience. We had the chance to rock hop, swim under waterfalls, star gaze and climb some of the most beautiful mountains to be rewarded with breath-taking views. Not only that, but we also got to enjoy five star meals which we made on the Trangia stove, and sleep in first-class tent accommodation accompanied by many unforgettable memories and lots of laughter! This whole trip was made all the more rewarding knowing that we were carrying all the things we needed to survive for those three days on our backs and that it was possible to be completely self-sufficient in the outdoors and live without the temptations of modern-day life. The Duke of Edinburgh programme at Girls Grammar inspires every single girl to believe that all things are possible, and that anything can be achieved. It shapes

individuals, allowing them to find their boundaries and push their limits. This expedition allowed all involved to see this effect of the award first hand. The Dukes programme is a very unique opportunity that we have access to — it isn’t every day you are able to go out and enjoy what the outdoors has to offer with a group of your closest friends! There are many

things in life that cannot be learnt in a classroom. Everyone learnt so much more about themselves, the people around them and the outdoors, and that is irreplaceable. ■

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