Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2013

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AUTHOR

MRS JANINE SCHMIDT (NEE HOGG 1964) OGA PRESIDENT

ARTICLE

Giving Back

SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY is part of the DNA of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. The School prides itself on promoting exceptional scholarship — and exceptional service. Girls are encouraged while at the School to engage with the wider community through assisting various causes, fundraising, supporting local charities, and advancing international understanding. Dedication and commitment to service continue when girls leave the School and, like a web, the efforts of Grammar girls are woven into the fabric of the whole community. Last

(2000), Executive Director UN Women Australia, has been raising awareness of the work of the United Nations to improve the lives of millions of women across the world who struggle daily to deal with poverty, discrimination and violence. Julie’s work has done much to raise awareness in the Australian community of the plight of women in many parts of the world and also raised funds to assist in the provision of health care and a safe and secure environment. She mentors young women and was selected to be part of the TED Talks global thought

All girls continue to give. The contributions of many are unknown and unheralded but much appreciated by those who gain from their service.

leadership forum. Julie presented the Address at the Valedictory Dinner in 2012 and encouraged the girls to demonstrate leadership, courage, a passion for learning and kindness — the importance of caring for others and making a difference to their lives. President of the Old Girls Association and former member of the Board of Trustees, Janine Schmidt (nee Hogg 1964) also featured in the Australia Day Honours this year, with a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for outstanding service to the community in promoting library services and information science, particularly through the development of electronic access initiatives. Janine has held executive positions at The University of Queensland and McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Since returning to Brisbane in 2010, she has established an advisory service and undertaken voluntary contributions to her profession and the community. Continuing the OGA’s commitment to service, we are proud to announce that the Young Women’s Forum, a combined activity of the National Council of Women of Queensland and the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Old Girls Association, will be held on Wednesday, 15 May at 4.30pm in the Barbara Fielding Room. The forum, organised by Stephanie Carter, Girls Grammar Service Captain 2007, will focus on the service contributions of young women and promises to be both interesting and inspirational.

year’s Year 12 Assembly saw a panel of four, Christine Purvis (nee Steindl 1965), Barbara Alexander (nee Harris 1967), Margaret Huth (nee Marriott 1971) and Annie Brock (2010) talk about their work with the Royal Life Saving Society and the life lessons learnt at Girls Grammar, particularly the concept of giving back to the community. They told their stories of the pleasure they had gained through their involvement. All girls continue to give. The contributions of many are unknown and unheralded but much appreciated by those who gain from their service. Some receive special recognition. This year’s Australia Day Honours saw several old girls recognised. Professor Adele Green AC was nominated as Queensland Australian of the Year 2013. Adele, head of cancer and population studies at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, has been investigating for twenty years the impact of environmental and genetic factors in the cause and prognosis of melanoma. Adele has demonstrated great passion and commitment to the health improvement of thousands of Australians. It was her work that led to the use of sunscreen as a preventative measure. Adele has shown herself to be an outstanding mentor to early career researchers, has contributed to improved indigenous health and has made a strong leadership contribution in the wider scientific community. A Grammar girl distinguished herself as the ACT National Finalist Young Australian of the Year 2013. Julie McKay

GRAMMAR GAZETTE