2023 School Magazine

SERVICE REPORT Our motto for the year, Kindle Compassion , is a representation of what service means to both of us as Service Captains. To kindle— both igniting and inspiring—reflects how we perceive service: a solid base from which other things grow. The kindling being the Service opportunities we offer at Girls Grammar, igniting our reach to support others in our community, while our compassion as individuals is what continues to drive the success of our Service program. With this motto in mind, we want to continue to kindle this compassion and make the program stronger for future years. This year, the BGGS community supported Hummingbird House as our charity. Hummingbird House, Queensland’s only children’s hospice, provides specialised paediatric palliative care to children with a life-limiting condition. After donating $1000 to the Sponsor a-Nurse appeal, a further $2562.35 was raised to support Hummingbird House. In addition to this, at certain events, the floral arrangements from BGGS’ events were delivered to families and nurses at Hummingbird House by the Communications team and parent volunteers, as a show of our support. A key focus area for the School in 2023 was the launch of the BGGS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), as well as encouraging us all to think and act more sustainably as we care for the country and future practices of our School. The Uralla Club and RAP Working Group received the generous funding of $1000 from the Parents & Friends Association, which allowed for this year’s Reconciliation Day and launch of BGGS’ RAP to be a great success. Mr Marlin Riley, a Kuku Yalanji person, performed an Acknowledgement of Country, Smoking Ceremony, and Yarning Circle where teachers and students had the opportunity to ask questions and engage in conversation about reconciliation. The Uralla Club, Libellum Society, and Year 11 cupcake display, created an inclusive atmosphere where we learnt about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. The Grammar Environmental and Conservation Organisation (GECO) and Sustainability Champions continued progressing BGGS’ sustainability and net zero goals. A grant of $800 was also provided to GECO from the Parents & Friends Association which the committee plans to put towards increasing the green spaces within the school. We would like to thank the House Service Captains for their overwhelming support throughout the year in organising the Blue Day fundraisers, bringing in ingredients, and helping us with the stall at lunchtimes. They have played a significant role in helping us to kindle compassion across the School in 2023. We would also like to thank the Service Group Leaders for their organisation throughout the year and contributions to meetings. Additionally, thank you Ms Mungomery, Director of Service, for your guidance throughout this year, and the staff coordinators of the Service and Charity groups for all your support. Avalon Blundell (12E), and Tung-Hi Ma (12H) Service Captains SAVE THE CHILDREN This year, the Save the Children Club has been proactive in raising critical funds for vulnerable children in war-torn areas. As the global stage is gripped by recent conflict, it has been more imperative than ever that children and their families receive comfort, support, and vital supplies. Because of this, the club organised numerous fundraisers including a handball competition at lunch in Term 1, which saw the Sports Centre filled with eager students (and teachers!) playing to win an elaborate Easter pamper raffle. Moving into Term 2, we hosted a sweets and ice cream stall, which was very well received, raising an incredible $453.50! As per tradition, the club hosted its annual Big Bear Raffle, selling tickets throughout the beginning of Term 3 for a chance to win a 1.8 m cuddly teddy bear. We sold a record number of tickets on Open Day, which boosted sales to an unprecedented $376. To round off Term 3, the club diligently prepared ‘survival’ stand-down packs, comprising essential supplies from stationery to sugary hits, to tissue packets and teabags, all bundled together and decorated with affirmation stickers. The study packs were a great success, particularly amongst our senior students as they approached a busy assessment period. It’s fair to say that Save the Children has had its busiest year yet, working both behind the scenes in our fortnightly Friday lunch meetings, and engaging actively with the School community through our optimistic and high-spirited philanthropic endeavours! We hope to see many new members joining the fun of Save the Children next year, especially our younger Grammar sisters. Natasha Miric (12O) and Sophia Manique (11H)

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