2014 School Magazine

ABOVE AND BEYOND WITH THE GRAMMAR BOND CLAUDIA GULBRANSEN-DIAZ (12L) AND SARVASHREE SINGH (12G)

FROM THE HEAD GIRLS

This year, BGGS truly embraced the motto: Above and beyond with the Grammar bond . We encouraged every girl to challenge herself and approach all facets of school life with dedication and enthusiasm, whether it be in sport, the arts, scholarship or service. We sought to instil the confidence to go beyond , an objective, when supported by the unique Grammar bond , that epitomises the strong sense of unity within the School. This bond creates an open and harmonious environment, one buzzing with activity. In our eyes, this connectedness sets Girls Grammar apart and thus, we aimed to foster cohesion between year levels and Houses and promote a stronger School community. Valentine’s Day saw girls from Years 8 to 12 decorating both themselves and the School in red and embracing the opportunity to fundraise as well as have fun on the dance floor. This first major event of the year was a testament to the togetherness and enthusiasm of the girls and it served as a tangible representation of the strength of the bond between Grammar girls. In addition, we were able to raise $661. Preceding the commencement of a fixtures season or a QGSSSA Core Sports event, or both, we celebrate Blue Days. These days involve fundraising, dressing up in blue and, of course, the dance floor. They serve the purpose of allowing the School to show their support for our athletes, fostering school spirit, and reinforcing a sense of unity and pride. These themed days not only epitomise the Grammar bond , but also function as significant fundraisers. This year, proceeds went to the School charity, which was focused on Indigenous health and education through a partnership with Carinity Education Southside. This partnership was particularly meaningful as it is an independent girls’ school aiming to nurture the intellectual, physical, social, emotional and ethical development of young women. These values resonate deeply with our School philosophy. As our funds support a Brisbane-based school, we are able to see our efforts making a tangible difference to the lives of these students. Our formal was one such opportunity, where $470 was donated to Carinity by the Year 12 cohort to fund a catered evening event for their senior class, something many of the students had not previously experienced. The Student Council’s third goal, along with integration and promotion of all things Girls Grammar, was to motivate the girls to become involved in the exciting opportunities a Girls Grammar education offers. We sought not only to encourage girls to try a new sport, but also to venture out and support their sisters on significant sporting days throughout the year. This year, the Student Council re-introduced Good Luck cards for major interschool sporting events, with a new twist of displaying the card so that all girls could contribute a personal message of support. These proved to be extremely successful in creating a united front and sending a strong

message of school support. For QGSSSA Swimming and Athletics, as well as Head of the River, the entire School’s involvement and excitement supported our athletes. Personally, we were able to experience the adrenaline rush brought on by the cheers of a record number of supporters during QGSSSA Cross Country, and their encouragement truly helped us through what seemed like a never-ending race! Another initiative of the Student Council in 2014 was the establishment of SAS events, led by the Sports, Arts and Service captains. Beginning in Term I for the Year 12s after a strenuous standdown, these events aimed to integrate these three components of co-curricular activities, through dramatic games followed by a sports-oriented film, all to raise money for the School charity. This unique occasion was so successful that various other year levels requested it, and we hope to see it become a long-lasting tradition. To all our Grammar sisters, we hope that the Student Council’s vision has inspired you to become the best person you can be and to face all situations with confidence, courage and resilience. We hope that this year has been one of new experiences, stronger friendships and personal success. Of course, to our fellow Year 12s, we sincerely thank you for trusting us with the privilege of being your Head Girls this year, for believing in us in the difficult times, and for celebrating our successes. We are beyond grateful for all the experiences and opportunities this role has afforded us and we have created precious memories. We hope you have had the best year of your lives, one you can look back upon with great fondness in the years to come. We know that we shall all make our unique contributions to the world, secure in the knowledge of our common Girls Grammar bond and the support of our sisters! ■

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