2019 School Magazine

ASTRONOMY CLUB E ach fortnight, the Astronomy Club has filled our Thursday afternoons with excitement. We have learned a lot from our Astronomy teacher, Ms Bernard, including what stars are the brightest in the night sky, how to find specific stars and how to use the programs, Cartes du Ciel and Stellarium , to discover which constellations and planets are in the night sky. We have also learned about the constellations of the zodiac and the different types of stars on the Hertzsprung-Russell diagram. We viewed galaxies remotely through the Dorothy Hill Observatory telescopes at the School’s Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre. Recently, our most rewarding work has been learning how to process images captured using the telescopes and then enhancing the brightness and colour to producing a final image of a nebula, star cluster or galaxy. Claire Agnew (7L) and Grace Agnew (7L)

NGC3372 Grace Agnew (7L)

NGC6523 Mikaela Chen (10E)

ATHENE N amed after the Greek goddess of wisdom, Athene comprises Year 11 and 12 students from Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School, who meet over the course of the year to discuss thought-provoking topics of interest. Girls are invited to participate in Athene based on a democratic process of nominations from their Year 10 teachers. Meetings are typically held in the evening and alternate between campuses. This year, topics of discussion ranged from the societal role of artificial intelligence, to the morality and practicality of China’s social credit system, and the impact of the organic food industry. During each meeting, three Year 12 Athenians delivered a research paper on a topic of their choosing. Technological innovations, political correctness, the influence of consumerism and the ethics of climate change were all explored. These papers acted as stimuli for a half-hour topical exploration through scintillating, challenging, but (mostly) light-hearted debate. Athene provides a forum for students to express their ideas and convictions, while also taking time to consider the perspectives of others before drawing their own conclusions. Lillian Geffen (12O)

CALLIGRAPHY T he venerable art of Japanese calligraphy has been cultivated since the invention of hiragana. Its principles and techniques are summarised in four fundamental words—balance, harmony, conscientiousness and ki (spirit). The principles of balance and harmony are present in calligraphy through the thoughtful variation of brushstroke thickness. Conscientiousness is emphasised through the calligrapher’s tenacity in completing works; a calligrapher must finish their work, flaws and all, to represent the imperfection of human nature. The subtlety of ki is demonstrated through the other principles of calligraphy. In Calligraphy Club, students study under the direction of ninth-dan calligraphers Kojima- sensei and Fumiko-sensei, using quality brushes, ink, and rice paper. Once complete, they can take their artworks home. Students from all Year levels are welcome, regardless of experience. There is also an opportunity to enter the Exhibition of International Sumi-e Association’s brush painting competition each year for senior students. Sumi-e is another Japanese art that uses gradation and careful techniques to convey the beauty and intricacy of nature. Jessica Siong (11R) and Molly Tjelder (11O) CAPTAINS

BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2019 | 091