2024 School Magazine

ANZAC Day

At Brisbane Girls Grammar School, one of the ways we acknowledge those who served for Australia and New Zealand, is by participating in the ANZAC Day Student Commemoration Ceremony at Brisbane’s ANZAC Square. Community members, military leaders and other prominent figures come together to commemorate those that sacrificed their lives for our country. The schools attending contribute by laying a wreath—the BGGS wreath was placed by Service Captains, Sophia Bizzell (12R) and Levi Gao (12G). ANZAC Day is also commemorated at Girls Grammar through the sale of ANZAC ribbons— raising money for the Ashgrove ANZAC Day Commemoration Committee. The committee's goal is to honour and respect the Australian and New Zealand troops who served in the first World War and educate people of the important role the ANZACs had during wartime.

Jacqueline Loh (11E) was one of seven Queensland students to receive the Premier’s ANZAC Prize in 2024. Jacqueline participated in several activities: a two-day research workshop; a white-gloves experience at the State Library; raising awareness and funds for Mates4Mates; and presenting to a primary school about her research and the ANZAC spirit. Jacqueline travelled to London, France, and Belgium to visit memorial sites and gain a deeper understanding of the ANZAC spirit. Most notably, she attended a dawn service at the Australian National Memorial at Villers-Bretonneux. The achievements of students and the School’s contribution to this day of commemoration highlights the deep understanding BGGS has of the historical significance of ANZAC Day. Thalia Kovacevic (10L), Anne Barnes (10W) and Lucy Wille (10R)

World Vision Child Sponsorship & Gift Program

Girls Grammar supports World Vision by sponsoring two children, communicating with the sponsor children, and supporting the World Vision gift program. For each of the children and their communities we enable access to clean, safe drinking water, provide new classrooms and school supplies, contribute to education programs on preventing HIV and other diseases, and help assist improvements to local healthcare facilities. The support from the School, especially Years 8 and 9, demonstrates the outstanding commitment to making a difference and awareness amongst students. Peterson, our sponsor child from the community Mweiga, explained the impact of our support: ‘Because of you we continue to witness transformations in children lives. Farmers are improving soil and water conservation on their land.’ This year, several events and activities were conducted to support the sponsor children, including bake stalls and an ice cream spider stall. All of these stalls, along with other fun and engaging activities, attracted a large crowd and were central to raising funds. In total, we exceed our fundraising goal, and all of the funds will be directed towards the sponsor children and the gift program. This amount will provide essential support and joy to the children, ensuring they continue to receive the help they need, as well as thoughtful gifts that brighten their lives during the year. The success of these events shows the power of community-driven initiatives. Isabella Shaw (8E) and Eloise Knight (8E)

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