Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2015

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REFLECTIONS

EACH YEAR, OUR NEW STUDENTS LEARN ABOUT THE HISTORY OF GIRLS GRAMMAR THROUGH THEIR HUMANITIES STUDIES. IN THIS HISTORIC 140TH YEAR, WHERE WE NOT ONLY WELCOMED OUR NEW YEAR 8 STUDENTS, BUT ALSO OUR FIRST YEAR 7 COHORT, THIS TASK HAS TAKEN ON EVEN GREATER SIGNIFICANCE. Girls explore the Main Building, the first to be built on the Spring Hill campus, and examine the collection of archival photos and information, providing them with a sense of how the School has changed over the years but, just as importantly, how the spirit and philosophies have stayed the same. Following this activity, girls were asked to write reflections as Grammar girls in the past and present. A selection is printed below. After my first week at this school in Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill I feel honoured to be one of the first females educated in Queensland. Also, I am feeling perplexed as it is rather peculiar I am getting an education like my three older brothers. I have worn my favourite summer vest all week as well as riding my horse Antoinette to and from school. Everyone at this school is lovely and as there are not many pupils it feels like a second home. The concept of having a school just for women is a rather foreign subject in my family. I was going to follow in mother , s footsteps by doing all the household chores for the family but now, since I am getting an education, I do not know what my future will bring me. Elizabeth Contessa-Watkins After having my first week at Girls Grammar I feel well settled in and ready for the six years ahead. When I walked through the white gates for the first time in my new uniform I was showered with a sense of importance and belonging. I was collected by my Year 11 buddy who dropped me off to the Gehrmann Theatre for my first Year 7 assembly. My first week was a blur of meeting new girls, meeting teachers and getting used to the routine. I was exposed to multiple clubs, orchestras, groups and services. It was an interesting experience to see how many activities there are in the School and, more importantly, how I can get involved. So this year it is my goal to try participating in school activities as much as I can and occasionally step out of my comfort zone and try things that I may not be good at. I mean, what’s the worst that can happen? Bridgette Watkins (7R)

Anyone can learn, despite his or her ethnicity, religion, disability or gender. Gender is a major distinguishing characteristic in this century. Luckily, things are changing. The first ever girls , ’ school in Queensland has opened. Brisbane Girls Grammar School is history changing, modifying, creating. Equality is evident. A new beginning, a new start for many women. Finally women are being provided with the prosperous future they always deserved. This means that it’s the start of my beginning too. I attend Brisbane Girls Grammar School on George St, not far from my four brother’s school, Brisbane Grammar School. My brothers don’t have anything to use against me now, for I am being guided towards a successful future, akin to them.

The School is wonderful. It may be Mr Harlin , s former house, but it is now our school. Mrs O’Connor is just lovely, she combines diligence and enthusiasm, as well as great determination. I am absolutely delighted to be attending a school with such hope and pure commitment to the education of women. I cannot wait for tomorrow. Catherine Winsley 16 March 1875

GRAMMAR GAZETTE