2024 School Magazine

Kirsten Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee

Kirsten Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee (KJMLC) is an integral BGGS Service group established in 1978 in memory of Kirsten Jack, a past student who sadly passed away from leukaemia in 1977. We aim to raise awareness of issues relating to cancer by participating in School-based fundraising campaigns and local initiatives to raise money for cancer research. In addition, the Committee focuses on charities to aid children and young people facing cancer, such as the Kid’s Cancer Project, Childhood Cancer Support, and Can-Teen.

The key events on the KJMLC calendar always leave us with something to look forward to: the KJ Formal Fashion Parade; selling our famous rocky road at Open Day; Daffodil Day; and Bandanna Day. This year, the group decided to incorporate new initiatives like our fun UV bead bracelets, writing messages of hope for kids with terminal illness, and bringing light to Kirsten Jack’s story. A huge thank you to Ms Natalie Holden and Ms Madeleine Nielsen for all they have done to coordinate KJ and make this year possible! We really appreciate the School’s consistent commitment to service and giving back. Olivia Banh (11E) Sameera Prasad (11W)

Second Chance Committee

The Second Chance Committee is a senior Service Club for Year 10, 11, and 12 students to support The Second Chance Programme. The Second Chance Programme was established in 2001 by Marjorie Morton and Dr Dale Spender to raise funds and awareness for women and children facing homelessness in Australia. Our year started with a reception at Government House to recognise the inspirational work of the Late Dr Dale Spender AM FRSA and the International Women’s Day Booklover’s High Tea. In Term 2, Laura Watson spoke to us about how Brisbane Youth Services support homeless youth, and we donated 60+ sleeping bags, and then experienced our first-ever Sleep-Out. This experience initiated thoughtful discussions regarding how everyday activities, opportunities, and struggles are affected by sleeping rough. While it was just one night and we did not have school the following day it was a deeply impactful experience for all those who attended, especially with the lights not turning off and a surprising number of insects.

In Homelessness Awareness Week we ran a hot chocolate stall which raised $437.10, and in Term 4 collected hundreds of gifts during the Christmas Gift Giving Tree initiative for the Bahloo Women’s Youth Shelter, Zig-Zag Young Women’s Resource Centre, and Cherished Home for Young Mums. We extend our sincere appreciation to our beloved coordinators—Ms Hannah Holt, Mrs Chrissy Goldshtein, and Ms Catrin Huxtable—for their invaluable contribution and support throughout this year. We also thank all our Second Chancers for their unwavering enthusiasm and generosity, and for the enduring support from our extended BGGS community. Evie Kolff van Oosterwijk (12M), Alyssa Godhino (12B), Sunnie Lin (11M) and Chelsea Chern (11O)

066 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2024