2023 School Magazine

CLUBS & ACTIVITIES

ANIME

The goal of Anime Club is to create a safe and comfortable space for fellow anime enjoyers to watch anime, read manga, and talk about upcoming anime. Although a simple thing, having a space to watch anime in a larger group not only allows for broader discussion about the shows, but also creates a space for people with similar interests, allowing students to make friends who enjoy the same hobby. Both captains are passionate about anime, feeling drawn to the art styles and compelling narratives in each show. Our current coordinator, Mr Laur, is also an anime enthusiast. This year we’ve watched Spy X Family , a sweet slice of life show about the elite spy Twilight, who has been tasked with protecting the peace of his country, and must pretend to have a family to do so. Later this year we’ll be watching K-On , another slice of life show about the clumsy Yui Hirasawa who finds purpose as the lead guitarist of her school’s Light Music Club. Anime Club can be a place to explore a new genre, watch fun shows with your friends, or take a break from

school while you watch silly anime shenanigans play out. Elise Gianduzzo (12W) and Zoe Harding-Smith (12M) Anime Captains

APOLLO CLUB

The Apollo Club meets fortnightly to engage in discussions of a chosen text, facilitated by our coordinator, Mr Rawson. In 2023, we’ve explored the polarised landscapes of 1990 Sri Lanka in Shehan Karunatilaka’s The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida , braved oppressive post-apocalyptic rule in Hugh Howey’s Wool , and explored second chances at love, alongside Anne Elliot, in Jane Austen’s Persuasion . It remains a special privilege to spend time with characters whose lives are different from our own—offering a rare insight into other worlds, and perhaps more importantly, other ways of viewing our world. A group favourite this year, The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune, follows solitary government case-worker Linus Baker. A highly classified assignment leads him to an orphanage on the enchanting island of Marsyas, where six potentially perilous magical children reside with their caretaker, Arthur. As Linus’ cold heart begins to thaw and he grows closer to Arthur and the six uniquely charming children, he struggles between his duty at the Department in charge of Magical Youth and his yearning to embrace the warmth of family. We too fell in love with the characters and were able to reflect on our own group of unique and diverse perspectives. Though we may lack supernatural abilities, the dynamic and synergy we harness in Apollo is truly like magic. Linus holds a postcard, a blue sky and a shimmering cerulean sea, which reads, ‘Don’t you wish you were here?’ In Apollo, we don’t have to wish—we are already there. After meetings involving animated discussion, lively debate, and shared laughter, we all leave with warmth in our hearts having re-created our own special kind of literary paradise. Sophia Caposecco (12H)

90 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2023