2018 School Magazine

BOOKS 2 DEVOUR

In March, the Libellum Society hosted BOOKS2DEVOUR, and students brought in a book-themed cake to display in the library. This year was a huge hit with more than 50 entries, based on book titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Lorax, Peter Rabbit, Sailor Moon and Shaun the Sheep . The additional book-themed cupcake stall raised $300 for the Indigenous Literacy Foundation. Scarlett McLellan (8H) and Charlotte Picker (9M)

MINDFULNESS Mindfulness is generally described as ‘paying attention’ purposely, in a focused manner, in the present moment with an attitude of non-judgement. It may involve structured activities such as noticing breathing, moving with intention, sitting quietly or simply being more aware of day-to-day activities that we often do on autopilot. The School is in the third year of delivering the .b program to Year 8 students, which originated in the United Kingdom and designed by the Mindfulness in Schools Project (MiSP) with research links to Cambridge, Oxford and Exeter Universities. This year, a team of teachers including Mr Pincott, Dr Taraporwalla and Ms Jones attended Year Level Assemblies and Roll Calls to deliver activities which support and enhance the School’s Ethics Program. Mr Pincott regularly begins Head of House and Academic Director meetings with a mindfulness activity to bring focus and clarity at the start of their sessions. Other members of staff have undergone training or are in the process of training as .b teachers, including Mr Huppert and Ms O’Sullivan. Many students embraced the practices taught in the .b program and have given us feedback of their experiences: ‘ … the breathing technique using my fingers has really helped. When I was trying out to be in the drama production I was really nervous and slowed my breathing down using the .b program technique.’ [Year 7 student] The inclusion of Mindfulness in Girls Grammar’s pastoral program gives students skills to deal with the ebb and flow of our busy School community—whether it be Year 12 students sitting quietly before the QCS test to focus, Year 8 rowing and debating students calming themselves before competition or students simply sitting and reflecting on what is going well for them across

their day at School. Mr Donald Pincott HEAD OF VISUAL ART

038 | COMMUNITY | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2018