2016 School Magazine

VALUED PERSPECTIVES For girls to be leaders in a modern world they must have the confidence and willingness to speak up, challenge the status quo and take direct action against injustice and seek to exert positive change in the world. Encouraged to appreciate diverse views, girls enjoy the passionate, intellectual exchange that characterises the broad liberal approach to education at Girls Grammar. Girls are educated to engage in informed scholarly dialogue on ethical, social, political and philosophical issues. They understand that their arguments may be challenged, their logic questioned and their opinions tested, but always within a civil and respectful setting. Grammar girls learn to critically evaluate ideas and views expressed by others, responding with thoughtful and reasoned argument. They are encouraged to think for themselves, challenge assumptions and become comfortable with uncertainty in the pursuit of wisdom. As the wise woman George Eliot (1819-1880) wrote: ‘It is a narrow mind which cannot look at a subject from various points of view.’ The voices of our girls and young women matter, and as teachers and leaders it is our responsibility to ensure they are heard. I hope that you enjoy reading the girls’ Perspectives . Full articles are available at www.bggs.qld.edu.au/perspectives

MS JACINDA EULER PRINCIPAL

A MOTE OF DUST Rose Cavdarski (12W) artfully contrasts our mere ‘eighty or so allocated years of life’ against the eons of our earth, sun and seemingly infinite universe to show how each person’s life is indeed of vital significance.

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN Using other people’s stories as well as her own, winner of the 2016 Junior Merle Weaver Public Speaking Competition, Amrutha Murali (10B), encourages readers to strive (and strive again) to pursue their dreams.

A REFLECTION ON GENDER BIAS IN TODAY’S SOCIETY

A CALL TO UNITE THE BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY Claire Fidler (9R) believes that it is our responsibility to stand against violence towards women and girls and calls for united Girls Grammar community action, including the men and boys in our lives.

Caitlin Wilson (12H) presents startling facts and figures around societal bias against women, which remains particularly prevalent in workplaces and is a stark contrast to the support provided at Girls Grammar.

THE SOARING ASSASSIN Winner of the 2016 Senior Merle Weaver Public Speaking Competition, Caitlin O’Meara (12R) speaks of the ‘morally reprehensible’ impact of unmanned drone warfare and urges her audience to consider Australia’s involvement in its practice.

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