Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2004

From the Principal Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other. 1 Leadership is the theme for this edition of the Grammar Gazette . Brisbane Girls Grammar School has been a leader in the education of young women since 1875 when Mrs Janet O ’ Connor was appointed as the first Lady Principal and a curriculum was devised that reflected a rigorous academic programme rather than genteel pursuits. Today the School still adheres to its proven academic model, founded on extensive curricular and co-curricular options, including an exceptional outdoor education facility unique to girls schools in Queensland and a technological infrastructure acknowledged by industry as one of the best in this state. The Year 12 results from 2003 reflect our consistency in achieving educational outcomes that allow our young graduates to pursue further study in their chosen field of interest. In the Queensland Core Skills Test, 84% of the girls received an ‘ A ’ or ‘ B ’ grade compared with 42% across the state. The Overall Position results, that determine university course entry, were outstanding; 20% received an OP 1 or 2, compared with 5% of the state. However, in our view, a true indicator of success is the number of girls who achieve tertiary placement and, in line with previous cohorts, 97% of the 2003 Year 12 girls accepted places in tertiary institutions with 52% receiving their first choice and 84% offered their first, second or third choice. This is tangible evidence of the girls ’ positive commitment to learning, combined with the excellent teaching and careers advice they receive throughout their time at Girls Grammar. Part of the responsibility of leading a great school like Girls Grammar, is to ensure that it connects with our community. Inspirational education is not just about teaching

our current students, it is about creating a continuous culture of learning. This means actively and intentionally extending educational opportunities to parents, past students and the wider grammar world. Consequently, our initiatives such as the Philosophy Caf é , ‘ Alumni & Art ’ events and co-hosting the International Young Physicists ’ Tournament with Brisbane Grammar School, allow the School to reinforce the enjoyment and relevance of engaging in learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom.

Ms Amanda Bell

1 John F. Kennedy (1917 - 1963), speech prepared for delivery in Dallas the day of his assassination, November 22, 1963

International Women’s Day

The School was involved in various events to celebrate International Women ’ s Day (IWD) on Monday 8 March. Brisbane Girls Grammar was very fortunate to host Her Excellency, Governor of Queensland, at the Australian Institute of Management IWD lunch, along with Board members, staff, past students, parents and special guests. It was an opportunity for the School to bring together a wide range of people who support the School and the celebration of women ’ s accomplishments. Consideration of our own issues relating to women in Australia pales in contrast to women ’ s health, living and working conditions in third world countries. We constantly remind our students to place their own access to quality education and general circumstances in a global context.

International Women ’ s Day is not just a celebration of women ’ s achievements, it is a day to reflect on those men, women and children, who do not enjoy the same living standards and basic human rights that we do in this country.

Her Excellency, Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce,AO; Dr Cherrell Hirst, AO, Chair of the Board of Trustees; Ms Amanda Bell.

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