2016 School Magazine

NETBALL The 2016 Girls Grammar Netball season has proven to be an extremely enjoyable one. Right back at the start of the season, we had over 300 girls trial, which resulted in the formation of 20 teams. These girls trained conscientiously throughout Term II in preparation for the games which began in Term III. In terms of results, this has been one of the most successful seasons in recent memory. Seventeen of our twenty teams finished in a podium position with six teams winning premierships. Congratulations to the Senior C, Cii, 10 C, 9 A and B and 7C for winning premiership pennants. Notably, the Open team finished in third place; the first Opens team to finish in the top three since 2011. These results are incredible, and a testament to the dedication of the girls and their coaches throughout the season. Thank you to the girls and coaches for being such enthusiastic and hard-working members of the netball family. In the end though, it’s not the results that made our season so enjoyable. There were a series of events and experiences which really gave the season its character. For one, at the start of the season, we were fortunate to have Laura Geitz, Captain of the Australian Diamonds, coach a defensive clinic for a select group of seniors and juniors. Laura is a huge role model for many of the squad members, and it was a privilege to get to meet her and be coached by her. Some of our favourite memories from the season took place at our home ground, Downey Park. Each home round was characterised by a welcoming and happy atmosphere. We loved our big morning teas which were celebrated in our decked out blue tent. It was great to see so many girls staying to watch their friends play after the conclusion of their own games.

One of the most touching moments from the season took place when the Senior Cs and Ciis opposed each other at our last home game. They were equal on the table, so it was a high stakes match for them both. It was a high intensity and quality game of netball to watch, but it was their sportsmanship that that really took our breaths away. At the conclusion of their game, both teams joined together to perform the school war cry as one massive Girls Grammar group. This act was truly inspiring and was a clear example of how the netball squad has fostered #blunity this year. Finally, we’d like to extend a huge thank you to our manager, Miss Kempe and our indefatigable Coordinator, Ms Cathy Rees. Miss Kempe and Ms Rees both invested so much of their time into our season, and we are really grateful for the support they provided us with. The success of the whole squad was due in no small part to their unwavering devotion. We are especially thankful to Ms Rees who was an invaluable mentor — due to her position as BGGS Netball Captain in 1980 she was able to teach us the ropes and mother us through our captaincy. We couldn’t be more proud of all of our Grammar netball girls and the effort they put in to the 2016 netball season. It has been an honour to captain such a spirited squad of girls and we have thoroughly enjoyed our last season of Girls Grammar netball. MADELEINE BROWN (12R) AND ANNA WHIP (12H) CAPTAINS Each of the girls trained tirelessly with early morning trainings throughout the term and holiday training taking place in the June/July holidays. Holiday training was a great success with all of the teams achieving a dramatic improvement in their performances while also working on apparatus handling technique and learning new skills. The practice competition was held a week before QG day where all of the Year 7s had the opportunity to experience the competition atmosphere for the first time which definitely paid off with the Year 7 teams taking third, fourth and fifth place on the day. The competition day was very successful with all of the girls enjoying themselves as well as achieving pleasing results across the division with B Grade placing fifth and A grade placing seventh. Special congratulations to the Open Pairs and Group Teams who placed third in their respective divisions against tough competition from Brisbane State High School and Moreton Bay College. I am so proud of all the girls and I am so appreciative to have captained such a great team this year. Also thanks to all the coaches, and especially Ms Fukushima who coordinated all of girls in such a busy and stressful time and allowed for the smooth running of the 2016 Rhythmic Gymnastics season.

RYTHMIC GYMNASTICS

The Rhythmic Gymnastics season drew to a close in August with the QG competition being held at Moreton Bay College. Trials were held in early Term II and with the teams being selected across all of the divisions, all of the girls worked hard to learn their routines in preparation for the competition. It was amazing to see many new faces in the sport particularly as BGGS hosted one of the largest Year 7 teams seen from all of the schools.

REBECCA EMMETT (12H) CAPTAIN

138 / SPORT