Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2016

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SUPPORT FOR SPORT

Parents and girls make up the support crew providing important encouragement at water polo games.

WITH 18 COMPETITIVE SPORTS ON OFFER AT GIRLS GRAMMAR, THE ROLE PARENTS CAN PLAY EXTENDS FAR BEYOND THAT OF TAXI DRIVER AND CHEERLEADER. ROWING AND WATER POLO ARE TWO SPORTS THAT OFFER OPPORTUNITIES FOR PARENTS TO GET INVOLVED VIA THE SUPPORT GROUPS THAT WORK BEHIND THE SCENES.

Both groups are active in their work organising logistics and supporting girls and coaches. As President of the Rowing Support Group (RSG) Mrs Madonna Hockings says ‘its main objective is to support the School’s rowing programme by providing “parent power”’ and to raise funds to purchase much needed rowing equipment suitable for girls’. Girls Grammar joined the Brisbane Schoolgirls Rowing Association (BSRA) in 1991 and there are now 145 girls making up 26 crews this year. Water Polo Support Group (WPSG) President Mrs Salliann Powell says the WPSG, which was initially formed by two fathers in 1975, has a similar aim which is ‘to support the club by providing assistance when and where required’. This tradition continues even more strongly today with support now needed for more than 200 players in 17 teams. Activities that parents may be involved in through sporting support groups include helping on regatta or game days and at training camps, communication between coaches, managers and parents and fundraising activities to assist in the purchase of equipment and other items to support the programmes. Support Groups are also instrumental in organising social functions for both parents and girls, including information evenings, the annual Brisbane Girls Grammar School Rowing Cocktail Party and the celebrations at the start and end of the season. The RSG also prepares breakfast for rowers and coaches during the training and regatta season. The extensive menu has been developed in consultation with an accredited sports dietician to ensure girls have a substantial breakfast after training. Parents really enjoy helping in the kitchen and being a part of their daughters’ rowing journey.

5.20 am: an Early Morning Breakfast team of rowers’ parents ready to prepare breakfast for up to 70 girls.

‘On regatta days, the RSG has its own marquees, which provide a wonderful location for Girls Grammar supporters to gather and enjoy the regatta atmosphere. The Early Morning Establishment Teams (EMETs) are an extremely dedicated band of supporters, fathers and mothers who drop their daughters at the bus, then head for the regatta venue to pitch tents, tie ropes and prepare for the girls’ arrival. It is an incredibly rewarding activity with lots of camaraderie and a sense of excitement as the regatta day unfolds’, said Madonna. Both Madonna and Salliann agree that being involved through a support group is a great way to become part of the School community. ‘More than 300 people attended this year’s Finals Fever End of Season Celebration. I have formed strong friendships through my time on the WPSG and I will miss it when we leave Girls Grammar, however I know some of the water polo friendships we have made will last a lifetime’, said Salliann.

AUTUMN ISSUE / 2016