Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2004

On the 21 November last, the School community packed the City Hall to mark the annual Speech Day and celebrate that vital connection between personal and common interest and the commitment to implementing imaginative responses to new concepts and circumstances, which across 128 years have made Girls Grammar a consistent leader in the education of young women. The Principal, Ms Amanda Bell addressed these aims in outlining the new Strategic Design ’ s plans for future directions as both affirming and building on all that is good, essential and valuable in the Grammar tradition. “ To be respected internationally as a leader in the education of young women and professional teaching practice. Proud of our Grammar tradition we are a secondary School that establishes the educational platform for young women to contribute confidently to their world with wisdom, imagination and integrity. ” Speech Day Nil Sine Labore! Set your goals and strive; Dare to let your dreams take wing and soar.

Every minute of the afternoon, encapsulated the realization of these goals. From the spectacular processional performed by the Symphonic Winds Ensemble, through the inspiring Occasional Address delivered by distinguished former Head Girl and Rhodes Scholar Dr Elsina Wainwright, to the sustained applause which recognized the outstanding achievements of so many girls in so many fields, what Dr Cherrell Hirst, Chair of the Board of Trustees, described as “ the seemingly bottomless pit of creative energy … which pervades every aspect of the life of the School ” was fully in evidence. That the best qualities of leadership in community must be exercised and modelled at every level and in every sector of School life was the unifying focus of Speech Day 2003. In her address, the Principal developed the theme that with privilege and opportunity comes the responsibility to look beyond ourselves. “ Brisbane Girls Grammar School community is vibrant, supportive, inclusive and diverse. Our sense of community involves caring about each other. ” Similarly Dr Wainwright urged every member of the school to strive to change things for the better. “ So why don ’ t you lead the charge? Each of us can make a difference in this world … There is still enormous scope to improve other people ’ s lives, and I believe it is one ’ s responsibility to try to do so … There is a lot that can be done to make a better world, and I believe there is a part for all of us to play. ” It would have been difficult to avoid being caught up in the unique spirit of what it means to be Girls Grammar. It shone through the words of the Head Girls as they spoke for the last time as leaders of the School. It was shouted in the last thunderous War Cry in the square. But nowhere was it more evident than in the thoughts and memories of a grandmother and Old Girl, Mrs Florence Buckley, who having just recently become computer literate herself, dedicated a new prize to encourage Grammar girls to take up the technological challenge of the future. Speech Day is more than an occasion for recognition and prize giving. It is more than another opportunity to put the School on well-deserved display. It is pre-eminently that one day of the year on which the whole Girls Grammar community comes together in all its many generations, roles and relationships to identify with a great and ongoing tradition of achievement and contribution to the life of our state and nation and to look forward with confidence and expectation to all that is to come. Jocelyn Knight and Kate Hogarth were the proud recipients of the Old Girls ’ Prizes. On receiving her Prize, Jocelyn wrote, “ Throughout my five years at Grammar, I have not only enjoyed my English studies, but have also appreciated the considerable contribution that the Old Girls ’ Association makes to the present and future life of the School. Having now left Grammar myself, it is clear to me why so many former students of the School would feel compelled to retain a tie with the school, and seek to be positively involved in helping succeeding generations to enjoy and benefit from their Grammar experience. ”

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