Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2018

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INTO THE BLUE: SWIMMING AT GIRLS GRAMMAR

AUTHOR Miss Ellena Papas Dean of Co-curriculum

The atmosphere at Girls Grammar swimming events will never cease to amaze and inspire me— anticipation hangs in the air with the faint smell of chlorine, and it’s nearly impossible to avoid getting caught up in the excitement of impressive physical feats and the unstoppable team spirit of the girls. Throughout the 2017/18 Swimming Season, we celebrated not only the exceptional performances of students at the Interhouse Swimming Carnival and individual meets, but also the 110th anniversary of the Queensland Girls Secondary Schools Sports Association (QGSSSA). The School’s Interhouse Swimming Carnival was held on Friday 23 February at Chandler Aquatic Centre. Competition was fierce, and the mood in the stadium was one of a united front; girls encouraged each other to give their best, celebrated successes, and commiserated over results that did not go their way.

Sophia Rothwell (9G) and Lauren Spiller (9B) after their 50m Freestyle race

It is this sense of camaraderie—encapsulated in myriad ways at the School, including in the 2018 School motto, Add your slice —that I am privileged to witness every day at Girls Grammar. Many Grammar girls have represented the School in QGSSSA Swimming during the past 110 years, and 2018 was no exception; 71 girls competed in this event, held on Wednesday 7 March. The School placed third overall in the Mollie Gould Championship Cup and second in the Senior Brockway Relay Cup. Two swimmers also enjoyed significant individual success: Claudia Kelso (7L) set a new record in the 12 Years and Under 50m Freestyle, and Niamh Bedggood (8O) became the new record-holder in the 13 Years 50m Breaststroke.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE