Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2012

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In an address to US university students, Ronald Reagan declared, ‘There are no such things as limits to growth, because there are no limits to the human capacity for intelligence, imagination, and wonder’ (1983). This quotation encapsulates the motto chosen by the Student Council for 2012. There will be no limits to learning about ourselves, our School and our world. This year, every Grammar girl will be challenged to push her boundaries, reach her potential, exceed her expectations and make her dreams happen. This motto is only limited by one’s imagination, because it will mean something different to every student. Our vision is to motivate each girl to approach all aspects of her school life with courage, optimism and resilience. The motto for this year will no doubt accommodate the Brisbane Girls Grammar School aspiration, to be a leader in exceptional scholarship. At the start of this year, the School introduced a new Year 8 subject, Philosophy of Learning. It will make Year 8s more aware of their learning capacity and kick-start their first year at our School. The girls can also benefit from use of the School’s learning management system to access extensive academic resources. As the Student Council discovered on its leadership camp, this system is also a great way to connect students by publicising forthcoming events and building school spirit. Equipped with this sense of unity, the Year 12s will be well on their way to ‘owning QCS’ in September—which is truly a ‘team sport’ with every Brisbane Girls Grammar senior a player on the field. There are limitless opportunities on offer at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and this year students are encouraged to immerse themselves within the School community with passion and an open mind. Home to dedicated, spirited and supportive sisters, the Brisbane Girls Grammar experience is unique. Whether this is witnessed within the thunderous

cheers from our supporting crowds at QGSSSA events or at annual fundraising occasions, an infectious level of energy is always generated by our student body. On Valentine’s Day this year, the School was decked in red and radiated enthusiasm to raise money for a worthy cause. This mentality encourages our Grammar girls to contribute to the world with wisdom, imagination and integrity. Every Grammar girl’s journey is only complete with the friendship of her Grammar sisters. This year, there will be no limits to friendship. We believe that relationships are an integral part of the beauty of school life. It is important for our girls to establish a support network of honest friends with whom they can share the diverse experiences of secondary school. This friendship extends to Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s multicultural community both here and abroad. Girls are able to attend summer school programmes, venture with Antipodeans, or stay with host families at sister schools, as we both did last September. Sitting around a French dinner table among chaotic conversation or climbing the Eiffel Tower alongside your Girls Grammar sisters, truly are once in a lifetime experiences. We are looking forward to welcoming students from our international affiliate schools to Australia throughout the year. This will bring the world to Girls Grammar as well as take our School to the world. Individually, there are no limits for our girls to be themselves, strike a balance, serve others and stay true to their values. This will ensure that as a team, we will be running faster, pushing further, singing louder and debating longer. Phoebe Tronc and Tanvi Karnik Head Girls

Grammar Gazette Autumn 2012 2