2015 School Magazine

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY AT GOVERNMENT HOUSE GHISLAINE ASHLEY (12W)

On 8 March, I attended an event at Government House with Ms Euler, celebrating International Women’s Day alongside a number of very important people. Upon my arrival I met a group of women who helped preserve documents in the State Archives, a navy officer, and the principals and student representatives from Somerville House, All Hallows’ School and Indooroopilly State High School. Once we all entered Government House, a gong was sounded and Queensland Governor His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC entered with his wife, Kaye, and gave a short speech. He talked about the importance of women in everyday life, the role we play in society, and the struggles that we have

yet to overcome. Most importantly, he spoke about the need for equality for women in the workplace, given the alarming statistic that despite the number being an all-time high, the percentage of women CEOs is still only 4.8 per cent. After this food for thought, the guests, most of whom were prominent and important women from all around Queensland, were free to chat and mingle. Despite the room being quite noisy, I managed to meet a state defence lawyer, and former member of the Australian Cricket Team, and current member of the Queensland Cricket Team, Jodie Fields. I had a wonderful time, and it was such an amazing experience to meet so many inspirational women.

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY BREAKFAST FREYA JENSEN (12G)

I was honoured to attend the International Women’s Day Breakfast. I thoroughly enjoyed the morning, particularly the panel discussion on ‘Let’s not wait another twenty years to achieve gender equality’. I was intrigued by the comments regarding the role men have in advocating gender equality, and was pleasantly surprised by the large number of men that attended. As a member of the younger generation, the idea of modern platforms such as social media and advertising gimmicks being used to promote equality strongly resonated with me.

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FOUNDATION DAY PHOEBE KECK (11M) Every year, Brisbane Girls Grammar School celebrates its birthday on 15 March. However, due to it falling on a Sunday this year, it was celebrated on the previous Friday, 13 March. The celebration this year was particularly special as it was combined with the opening of the Research Learning Centre (RLC) and Year 7 area, as part of the School’s 140th anniversary. The day began with a ceremony outside the RLC with many special quests in attendance, including Queensland Governor His Excellency the Honourable Paul de Jersey AC, the Chair of the Board of Trustees Ms Jameson (Head Girl, 1982) and Principal Ms Euler. Following this was a formal assembly, continuing the celebrations. The symphonic winds band and percussion ensemble presented some wonderful performances, which were widely enjoyed. After assembly, the whole school gathered to receive their 140 Years commemoration badge. This was a fabulous way to end one era and start a new one. To finish off the celebrations, the annual blue and white cake was handed out to students. Overall, this was a very momentous occasion that will go down in the history of the School.

COMMUNITY