Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2010

From the principal

A timeless challenge – 135 years and beyond

These lines were written in 1872 by Janet O’Connor in a book of verse dedicated to Edward VII and titled Ich Dien 2 . A few years later in 1875, O’Connor was appointed the first Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. In celebrating the School’s 135th Anniversary, it is salient to reflect on her prophetic words and, while our eyes are set firmly on educating our students for the future, there is much to be gained in reflecting on the past — on the vision of Sir Charles Lilley in imagining and establishing the first girls’ grammar school in Queensland; on the challenges faced by the new ‘Lady Principal’ designing the first curriculum for the students; and on the courage of the parents, choosing to educate their daughters in an era when this was not customary practice. Janet O’Connor, was born in Cornwell, England in 1827 and her father, a doctor in the Royal Navy, probably organised her education at Bath Military College. She married Daniel O’Connor in 1852, and emigrated to Australia, settling in Victoria. By 1860 Janet had five children — two boys and three girls — and, in conjunction with being a mother, ran schools for children and girls in and around Ballarat for ten years. Remember that thou stand’st midway between The past and future, by the present linked In one eternal chain... ...Read the past with reverent care, as it recorded is In things material surrounding thee; 1

The School’s theme for this year is centred on Challenge and Imagination .To assist us to advance our core values and these critical components of high order thinking embodied in our theme, we are fortunate to have secured the expertise and insight of Professor Erica McWilliam for 2010. As an education futurist operating as a scholar in residence, our staff, students and parents are benefitting from her profound insights, knowledge and understanding

On commencement at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, O’Connor quickly established the School’s reputation in terms of teaching excellence. Reportedly she was highly principledwith a strong capacity for leadership and known for role modelling good character and standards. She wished her students to be imbued with a love of learning.

a liberal education, ethical behaviour, strong minds, high expectations, and physical and emotional well-being are still at the foundation of our School today

O’Connor was tenacious in providing the best for her students academically and in campus conditions. She valued a broad curriculum, and Girls Grammar was reportedly the first girls’ school in Australia to teach Science. O’Connor also knew the importance of music, art and exercise for girls and maintained high expectations of student behaviour. She did not compromise and was not afraid to use the power of the press as an open forum in a democratic environment and very much considered herself the equal of men. Brisbane Girls Grammar School has significantly advanced the education of girls in myriad ways since 1875, but the core values of a liberal education, ethical behaviour, strong minds, high expectations, and physical and emotional well-being are still at the foundation of our School today.

of what constitutes a rich learning environment. Professor McWilliam is also focused on encouraging our conceptualisation of what might lie beyond the known education horizon, without losing sight of the sound principles of deep teaching and learning methodology we know to be successful from past practice. In this way, we hope to mark our 135th year of educating young women with a celebration of positive developments which spring from a professionally challenging environment where imagination for what we could do to improve twenty–first century pedagogy is galvanised into reality. Dr Amanda Bell

References 1 O’Connor, J 1872 Ich Dien , p.7. George Robertson, Melbourne. Copy held in the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Archive, Box 4/2/2 2 Translated as I Serve and the motto of the Prince of Wales.

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grammar gazette AUTUMN 2010