Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2015

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Brisbane Girls Grammar School Board of Trustees Mr Andrew King, Ms Ann Harrap (1984), Mr Tony Young, Ms Elizabeth Jameson, (Chair, 1982), Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney AO, Professor Adam Shoemaker and Ms Diana Lohrisch (1989).

FROM THE CHAIR

These are responsibilities that have been passed down through the preceding ninety-four trustees to the current Board of seven, and can be seen in recent decisions such as the acquisition of Fig Tree Pocket and Bread House and the development of the Research Learning Centre. The courage to undertake such developments has been underpinned by careful review and analysis of the challenges and benefits, an essential feature of the good governance of any organisation. It is this considered planning and attention to detail that has led to the strong position of the School in 2015. The role of a trustee is certainly much more than the obligation prescribed under legislation — it is a role of stewardship and care and it requires a strong belief in the unique benefits of a Girls Grammar education. In our 140th year, a renewed Board remains as committed as ever to the tasks at hand. The wisdom and knowledge of reappointed trustees Emeritus Professor Mary Mahoney AO, Mr Tony Young and Ms Diana Lohrisch (1989) combined with the ideas and experience of new appointees, Ms Ann Harrap (1984), Professor Adam Shoemaker and Mr Andrew King will ensure the School continues to strengthen. With the support and involvement of the entire School community, the Board will guide and govern the School with as much vigilance as ever. I look forward to a celebratory year where we honour the progress and achievements of the staff, students, families and previous trustees who have all contributed to making Girls Grammar the extraordinary school it is today.

AUTHOR Ms Elizabeth Jameson Chair of the Board of Trustees (Head Girl, 1982)

Cherrell Hirst (1963), the first woman to be appointed as Chair of the Board of Trustees, remarked in her final address as Chair at Speech Day 2006 ‘It takes courage to steer the School in new directions and it also takes courage to follow a path different from the trends of the time’. This courage was evident in the foresight shown by our founders in requesting approval to establish a girls’ school at a time when girls’ education was not widely valued, laying the foundations for a School that would grow to be a leader in exceptional scholarship. It has been demonstrated time and time again by Grammar girls through their achievements at school and beyond. It is the Board’s role to govern in a way that not only preserves the School’s traditions but also embraces the opportunities of changing times and circumstances. AND INTEGRITY. THESE ARE ATTRIBUTES THAT ARE MODELLED THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL COMMUNITY, AND QUALITIES THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES IS EVER- MINDFUL OF DEMONSTRATING THROUGH ITS OWN LEADERSHIP OF THE SCHOOL. FOR 140 YEARS GIRLS GRAMMAR HAS OFFERED AN EDUCATION THAT PROVIDES GIRLS WITH THE SKILLS TO NAVIGATE THEIR WORLD WITH WISDOM, IMAGINATION

AUTUMN ISSUE / 2015