2015 School Magazine

ROCK CLIMBING ANNALISE VARGHESE (2009)

WATER POLO OLIVIA MCDONALD (12G) AND CLAUDIA RUFFIN (12L), CAPTAINS

I was instantly captivated by the overwhelming presence of the school’s rock climbing wall. From that moment, I knew that I had to climb it. I went to my first session, with thirty other nervously excited students, and waited for Mr Greatorex’s twenty minute safety speech to end. Finally, I was all strapped in, figure-of-8-knot tied, safety checks done, and approaching the wall. Next, I was climbing, gradually working my way up the wall, testing its texture with my hands, exploring my very first climb, and trying not to look down. Then, I was there! I had made it! And, I was addicted. Five years later, I was sorry to graduate and leave my long time climbing group, and our friendship. I was also sad to leave the wall. We had forged a bond together; my literal blood, sweat and tears were on that wall. Fortunately, I was invited back to the School to coach and teach new flocks of enthusiastic novices. And now, after six years of coaching, I am again sorry to leave; relinquishing my much lauded title, and leaving my little group of climbers again. I will also miss my fellow coach of two years Caitlin Mattner (2013), for her commitment and never ending support, as well as Mr Greatorex, who has now put up with my antics for eleven years. From here, I can look back on a very exciting year of climbing. It has been a bit disrupted by storm damage and other school events, but this has not deterred the ambitious from climbing every week. All the climbers are passionate about mastering each climb, finding new routes, improving their technique, and trying new things, such as prussicking and bouldering through obstacle courses. It is not just the climbing that brings the girls together, it is the exciting, collective environment that we foster, and will hopefully continue once I have left. Good luck to future students! I hope that like me, somewhat beyond your control, you too get roped into climbing during your time at BGGS.

The 2015 water polo season was a very successful one for the girls: eleven out of sixteen teams made it into the semi-finals; four competed in the grand final and the U16A team earned the gold medal. In late 2014, Girls Grammar selected an U16 team to compete in the U16 National Water Polo Tournament in Canberra. All players gained invaluable experience as they developed their skills throughout each game, placing eleventh overall. The girls improved immensely and brought their new skills to club games the following season.

Also in late 2014, the Open team competed at the U18 State Titles where they deservedly earned first place. Gabriella Palm (12L) and Olivia McDonald (12G) earned Most Valuable Goalie and Most Valuable Player respectively. Two BGGS U14 teams also played in the U14 State Titles — the U14 Blue team narrowly missed the playoffs for the finals and eventually finished sixth; the U14 White team finished fifteenth. From this tournament, Aimee Boulton (9E), Freya Davis (9R), Sally Finch (9H), Eliza King (9E), Camille Levy (9L) and Jasmin Riksen (9L) were selected in the U14 Queensland squad to play in the East Coast Challenge Cup. At the Queensland U16 Water Polo State Titles in April, of the two teams entered, the Grammar ‘Blue’ team received the silver medal, defeating the bronze medal team in a penalty shoot-out, and winning the silver in the final against All Hallows’ 3-7. The ‘White’ development team achieved eleventh place, and Lydia Pascoe (11G) was awarded the Most Valuable Goalie of the tournament. Many senior water polo players were recognised throughout the season for their skill and determination. Abby Andrews (10W), Sarah Lawlor (11B), Phoebe Ogilvie (11E), Lydia Pascoe (11O) and Emily Powell (11E) were selected for the U16 Queensland State Squad to compete in the Trans-Tasman Tournament against New Zealand. Open players Olivia McDonald (12G) and Gabriella Palm (12L) competed in the U18 Club National Tournament in April, and were selected to participate in the Australian Talent Camp for their age group. Gabriella More than 200 girls play water polo for BGGS and we have enjoyed a fun and fulfilling season. The players are fortunate to have such excellent coaches, under the guidance of head coach, Mrs McCarthy. We are also appreciative of the support from dedicated parents who volunteer as managers, and our newly appointed school manager, Ms Christopherson. was subsequently selected to compete with the Australian Team, travelling to Europe in June.

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