Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2018

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FOUNDATION DAY 2018: PRESSING FOR PROGRESS Sir Charles Lilley, foundation Trustee of Brisbane Grammar School from 1868, believed that girls deserved the same educational opportunities as their brothers. It was his influence which led to the opening of a girls’ branch of Brisbane Grammar School. But then I look out at all of you today and I am buoyed all over again, buoyed by your energy and your spirit, by your youth and your intelligence. You are empowered by the gift of your education. You will be an important part of this change, a change this is quickening, gathering an exhilarating new wave of momentum.

I believe that female education in this colony, indeed in every country in the world, has been seriously neglected. We know that so far as any real knowledge is concerned the great mass of women have been left in complete darkness … (Lilley, 1868) Although Charles Lilley’s vision was brought to fruition more than 143 years ago, and women in Australia have had the right to vote in Federal elections for more than 118 years, there are still marked imbalances in many areas of society—in the way that women are portrayed in the media; in the pay gap in the arts and other industries; in representation in the boardroom, in scientific research and in politics. In 2018, the School’s Foundation Day was celebrated close to International Women’s Day, offering the opportunity to reflect on the School’s history in the context of the International Women’s Day theme, #PressforProgress. As Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, remarked in her Foundation Day Assembly speech, the push for women’s equality needs to remain strong if women are to attain the same opportunities as men. There has been progress, but it is slow. Too slow. We are hopeful that the rate of change is accelerating, that pressure is mounting, that we are a step closer to equality. Of course, things are still woefully imbalanced.

In 2018 the Girls Grammar Service Captains will lead the school in supporting the Smith Family, a local charity, and the Malala Fund, an international organisation, both of which help children to access education. The Smith Family provides learning support and mentoring programs to help children affected by poverty to fit in at school, keep up with their peers and build their aspirations. The Malala Fund works around the world to ensure every girl can learn and lead without fear, focusing on empowering girls in disadvantaged countries to gain 12 years of free, safe, quality education. Through service, Girls Grammar students have the chance to harness the benefits that they have gained from education to empower other girls around the world.

Annabelle Hill (9B) and Eva Mei (9B) at Foundation Day celebrations

Head Girls Harper McIlroy (12W) and Annabel Ryan (12E) with Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, at 2018 Foundation Day celebrations

AUTUMN ISSUE / 2018