2015 School Magazine

LORD MAYOR’S YOUTH ADVISORY COUNCIL HILARY BUI (10E) The Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC) is held annually to discuss issues that will impact Brisbane, particularly the youth, in the future. It comprises one representative from almost every school in the Greater Brisbane region. This year, I was fortunate to represent Girls Grammar. With meetings running every term, I have been able to diversify my connections with other school students of the same age and interests, as well as provide valuable contributions and ideas to the Council for discussion. For example, to unite the youth across Brisbane, my delegates and I proposed a MasterChef and Amazing Race competition where all teenagers were invited to participate. I also had the privilege of being invited to, and attending, various ceremonies and events, such as the Australian National Flag Day Ceremony, held on 3 September. Attending these types of events has enabled me to show my appreciation and make a small contribution to the wider Brisbane community. In terms of giving back to our School, I have initiated and spread awareness about various events the council holds, for example, World Refugee Day and the Love Young Adults Festival. The Council has also provided me with plentiful opportunities to improve my leadership skills. They have offered for me to attend their leadership workshops as well as Halogen’s National Young Leaders Week. STUDENTENVIRONMENT LEADERSHIP NETWORK ALICIA TONIO (10O) Earlier this year, Girls Grammar announced it would select two Year 10 students to represent the school in the Student Environmental Leadership Network (SELN) organisation run by Brisbane City Council each year. I was selected along with Xuan-Nghi Pham (10O) to fill these roles. As I was new to the School, I was very eager to get involved with this service opportunity; however, I never expected to learn so much from my experience. In SELN we were required to attend numerous meetings across the year with more than fifty other students across Brisbane. The programme aims to support students as they brainstorm, develop and implement action plans to improve the school community environmentally. We were given numerous volunteer opportunities over the year including Homeless Connect, Youth Week and The Lord Mayors 100+ Afternoon Tea. Xuan-Nghi and I have proposed an efficient lighting scheme which includes the installation of LED lights within school buildings and we are eagerly waiting confirmation of the plan. Not only have I met like-minded people and made new friends, but I’ve also obtained leadership skills and been inspired to continue contributing to

From a leadership perspective, I have benefitted in countless ways. The supportive atmosphere of staff and students alike has offered myriad opportunities to share and benefit from one another. I have also improved my public speaking skills and increased my initiative in group projects. LMYAC has developed my interest in leadership and inspired me to strive for excellence in leadership. I have certainly appreciated the privilege of participating in the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council and owe a debt of gratitude to the School for this wonderful opportunity.

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the community through service. Overall it has been a rewarding experience and I highly recommend the position for any students aspiring to make a positive change in our school.

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