2015 School Magazine

Principal Ms Euler with Elizabeth Cox (12R), Elizabeth Trusler (12E), Gabriella Pagano (12B), Natalie Saltisui (12O) and Jamila Cox (12R) at the unveiling of a painting by old girl Jan Jorgensen (Goeldner, 1960) commissioned to celebrate Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s 140th anniversary.

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FROM THE PRINCIPAL MS JACINDA EULER, PRINCIPAL Reflecting on the events of 2015, I feel very proud of the remarkable achievements of our School. It was a year that allowed us to add to the weave in the rich tapestry of our 140-year history, through the exuberant energy and colour of life at Girls Grammar. This year’s Magazine is a particularly special one. It records much more than just the accomplishments of 2015; it captures the spirit, vitality and strength of our exceptional School and community, in a year when many major milestones were honoured and proudly celebrated. From the very first day we were charting a significant new direction in our history as we welcomed a double cohort of new students — our special and last Year 8 intake girls, and our first Year 7 students. Dressed impeccably in Grammar blue and white, they were eager to begin their lives as Grammar girls. Our physical spaces needed to grow and adapt to the changing shape of our student body, and we were thrilled that the Research Learning Centre — an impressive and stunningly beautiful new library and learning space — was ready for the first day of the academic year. The strong Year 12 student leadership body provided a wonderful foundation for the year ahead with the announcement of the 2015 motto: ‘Inspire your sisters old

and new, 140 years in royal blue.’ This inspiring motto was evident on many occasions throughout the year, at special events such as the official naming of the Rangakarra Recreational and Environmental Education Centre at Fig Tree Pocket, in the spontaneous applause for the soloists at the Interhouse Choral Competition — no matter what House the girl was performing for — or in the quiet moments where girls were forming friendships that will last far beyond their time at School. Staff and students continued to strive to achieve their very best in 2015, across all areas of academic and co-curricular pursuit. It was rewarding to affirm our foundations and honour those who have brought us thus far, including: Sir Charles Lilley’s vision to provide the finest education for girls; the outstanding women who have provided strong and inspired leadership throughout the years; the extraordinary teachers who have always understood exceptional scholarship and how to deliver it; and the remarkable girls who have embraced all that Girls Grammar has to offer and then venture out into the world inspired to put their fine education to good use. For the graduating class of 2015, it has been a truly unforgettable year. When you leave Girls Grammar I hope that you take with you the dedication and joy embodied in the pages of this Magazine , and go with confidence to make your mark upon the world.