Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2005

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

^t^.

grammargazette

^

IC ,

theg ra > COVER

A NOSTALGIC LOOK AT THE SCHOOL'S EVER-CHANGING UNIFORM .

^INSIDE T . Es .o ou. celebrating

NNi ' 'Y 130yeaFS , T1. 1875-2005

THE LEGACY OF SIR CHARLES 11LLEY

E CITl

E

P I^TN RSHIP

ITH Q

^ GRAMMAR GAZETTE AUTUMN 2005 EDITION

From the School Leaders From the Principal Celebrate in 2005 ....... Perspective on the past. . Community Grammar generations .. Antipodeans in Peru Staff Profiles

Farewell to 10hn Pietzner . Taking the initiative in teacher education Snapshots. .. International Women's day. Reunions

.. 02

.. 03

>

11

04

=

a r.

12

05

.= - a. o ;e 15: 01 _ 00 E a. ~ .O

13

06

14

.. 07

15

.. 08

in Focus .

051

09

go

>

LETTERS

FROM THE SCHOOL LEADERS

Congratulations on a wonderful I 30th Birthday celebration. The evening was superb, right down to the exquisite detail of the cake. Mrs Audrey Watson I greatly appreciated your kind invitation to lane and I to attend the recent I 30th Anniversary Dinner at the Convention Centre. it provided me with a wonderful opportunity to meet again with many friends, staff and girls (both present and former) proving to be a most affirming experience. The School as a community has a long and proud history and I extend all good wishes to the Board as it works with Ms Bell, the senior leadership team and the school community to ensure that so many young women of Queensland will continue to be given opportunities that will help them to 'dare to dream' and contribute to the future of our great country. Or Iudith Hancock congratulations! what a spining evening, it was wonderful and everyone I spoke to agreed. I ended up regretting that I hadn't been a 8665 girl! You must be rightly and extraordinarily proud. Dr Dale Spender This is just to say 'Sincere Congratulations' to you especially, and to all concerned with the wonderful occasion last night. it was a huge success and it was so evident that all present were enjoying themselves enormously. The room was simply filled with happy faces, and the girls performed with such confidence and flair. Again our congratulations. Cathryn and Margaret Mittelheuser

, . thed'f

C.

.

.

A birthday can be a time when we pause to reflect on our lives - on what we have accomplished so far and on where we a heading.

'what lies behind us, and hat

lies before us are tiny matters,

compared to what lie within us. '

With our School celebrating its 130th Anniversary this year, we wanted a theme that would inspire all members of the Grammar Community to both actively build on the achievements of those who have gone before us as well as seek new directions. With this in mind, we challenged each girl to forge new pathways and leave her comfort zone. We asked Grammar 2005 to 'Be the Difference' 'Be the Difference' is about each of us being prepared to accept the challenge of contributing positively to our community. We hope that 2005 will see each of us embrace the idea of stepping up and taking responsibility From this, we mapped a course for 2005 based on individuality, personal goals and spirit. 'Be the difference' is not about one

student, one teacher or one dream. We challenged each girl to make her own pathway and it is the diversity of those combined pathways that will give rise to a vibrant and exciting school community It has been said that women cannot hope to discover new oceans until they have the courage to lose sight of the shore. For Grammar 2005, each girl will make the difference, each girl will see the difference and each girl will 'Be the Difference'

Lydia Elsworthy and Georgina Horsburgh

02 grammargazette

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

I30yearanniversarydinner Birthdays conjure up all sorts of emotions for us.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

commemorates 130 years of

providing continuous educational

^.

t. :. ~ . ~

I^** '~ .,.. ^

leadership for young women

I ,' ~, a^ , Q. /- ' ', ,45 . I , ^;,. ,.:*

,.,. , e>, r , ,,

For young children birthdays are keenly anticipated weeks in advance of the special day and CUIminate in parties For adults, birthdays are imbued with memories and are often times of nostalgic reflection; as time goes on they may also be strategically avoided! Whatever our age though, birthdays are significant annual events worthy of celebration because they provide a special reason to remember and to renew our family connections. When a school celebrates a birthday, or foundation day, our community connections are collectively celebrated - especially when a great milestone is reached. As Brisbane Girls Grammar School commemorates 130 years of providing continuous educational leadership for young women, it is time for everyone to stop and reflect upon the significance of the event. Not only has this School enjoyed an uninterrupted academic focus since 1875, it has also been led exclusively by women. unlike many other girls' schools in Australia, we have continuous history of female role models as Principals for 130 years' These women successfully juggled their commitment to girls' education, personal careers and family responsibilities - a balancing act which women today still grapple with, but which was the absolute exception in those early years of the School's development! The first 'Lady Principal', Mrsjanet O'Connoi; travelled from Ballarat with her husband and five children to forge a foundation for Girls Grammar. She was a confident woman, not prepared to accept second best for the

,

,

.

.

,,

I

,.

, L ,

.

Ms Am anda Bell with past Principals Drjudith Hancock and Miss Nancy Shaw

girls in her care nor subservient to outside intervention or interference. While it was the vision of the boys' Grammar School Trustees to establish a branch to educate girls, it was lanet O'Connor who laid the female foundation' for the School The Australian College of Educators sponsored a research project last year on measuring values in education. ' The report stated that: ... significant to values education is the cultural heritage of the school community and those myths, heroes, symbols and traditions that characterise its history and impact on its future. Girls Grammar is proud of its history. We incorporate it in our teaching, we protect it through our archives, we encourage further knowledge through our Staff Research Grants and we enjoy a close association with the Old Girls Association and our alumni. This School actively promotes the value of our history. To celebrate 130 years, Girls Grammar hosted a dinner at the Brisbane Convention Centre in the presence of Her Excellency the Governor of Queensland, Ms Quentin Bryce. Past and present Trustees, staff, students, parents and friends in attendance created a truly diverse cross section of the School community. it was very special

to welcome past Principals, Miss Nancy Shaw and Dr Iudith Hancock to the event; together they represent 31 years of leadership! it is most important and right to acknowledge their contributions to the school's growth and development, both forming a significant part of our living heritage. perhaps the essence of how we reconnect, reflect and review our past is summarised in these words by Margaret At wood: All history is written backwards. .. We choose a significant event and examine its causes and consequences, but who decides whether the event is significant? We do, and we are here; and it and its participants are there. They are long gone; at the same time, they are in our hands. z I am extremely privileged to be the 15th Principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar. I feel inspired by the women who have led this School before me, supported by the women I work with and greatly encouraged for the future by the young women we educate. Ms Am anda Bell I Measuring Values in Education: Developing Tools for the Renewal of School Culture, 2004, Australia College of Educators, Qld z Atwood, M 1994, The Robber Bride, Virago Press, London

grammargazette 03

130 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

V The spectacular

birthday cake created by Kaleen Higgs

< The Grammar Girl

11zabethjameson

,,?I

... ~

V Class of 1948

^

v Ms Bell, Her Excellency, Ms Biyce and Dr Hiist

cele . ra

2005

.- ^-^

.

V Mallse MCConaghy with Vanessa Watson and Eininie Will 15 Head Girls 2004

Gieg, Inn and En\!'ria Wanth. p

V Alumni Big Band

V Cathiyn and Margaret Mittelheuser

v Sirens of Song

.

04 grammargazette

^ REFLECTIONS

pe spect'v. . nthepast Dean of Students, Mrs Marise MCConaghy, reviews the legacy of Sir Charles Lille

Some women see things the way

they are and ask 'why'. we see

things the way they could be and

ask 'why not'.

ET George be Friarcl Sitar. --!

The Both anniversary of Brisbane Girls Grammar School is an opportunity to celebrate all that unites us with those who have traversed the halls and hurried from class to class here for well over a hundred years. We also acknowledge how much everything has changed since the year the School was founded. As now, the world in 1875 was characterised by developments both positive and fateful. Eduard Adolf Strasburger and Walther F1emming used dyes to study the mechanism of cellular division and the associated motions of the chromosomes. Today we have the human genome project and the thrilling opportunities presented by DNA research. A1fred Nobel developed blasting gelatin, a combination of nitroglycerin and nitrocellulose. Today we have Weapons of Mass Destruction George R Carey proposed a form of 'television system' in which a transmitter consisting of lightsensitive selenium cells could switch an array of electric lights on or off as an object moves in front of the cells, thus reproducing a moving image over distance. Today we watch events

taking place on the other side of the globe in real time. And in the same year, 1875, Alexander Ginham Bell transmitted the first sounds over electric cables. Today we have mobile phone bills and text messaging In Brisbane, another man - sir charles Lilley - had a vision he acted on in 1875: to establish a School that would provide girls with an education equal to that given to boys. No doubt this inspired decision went unreported in the great broadsheets of the world but in its own way it was as revolutionary as TNT. in those days girls were widely thought to require little more than a rudimentary education. As future wives and mothers they needed to be industrious, attractive, maternal and prefersbly charming. in a colony as rough-hewn, masculine and primitive as erstwhile Queensland, Sir charles's initiative represented a praiseworthy leap of both faith and imagination. Our School originated as a branch of the all boys Brisbane Grammar

School. Of necessity, some of what those early generations of aspiration al Queensland women built was derived in the same way from existing all male institutions. in modern times, however, the Adam's Rib approach to innovation is over. Educated and inspired by Brisbane Girls Grammar School, generations of big-thinking women have built their own institutions, made their own discoveries and pioneered their own changes in the worlds they inhabit From the outset, then, equality of opportunity has been a hallowed principle at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. it informs our reading of the culture within which we live and teach, as also the human diversity within our own ranks One of the bedrock requirements of a truly pastoral reciprocity between staff and students is the recognition that all of the girls matter to us equally. it would be 00 exaggeration to say there are two elements to this School's culture - both of which derive ultimately from the

continued page 06 >

grammargazette 05

COMMUNITY

afoundationstuderit remembered

Bertha Marie Burdorff was born in Queensland in 1861, and attended

.J

.

.

Brisbane Girls Grammar School from 1875 to 1878. Her younger sister Matilda also attended Gills Grammar

< continued from page 05 ^

circumstances of the School's foundation 130 years ago: the desire for excellence and the desire to facilitate opportunity for all. Intertwined like the strands of a steel cable, these noble ambitions live on in the everyday life of the School and give its mission strength and flexibility. Girls with all kinds of gifts and abilities may change the world - even just their own - for the better. I remember seeing news coverage of a speech Bathara Bush gave to a women's college in the United States several years ago. She closed by saying 'someone in this very theatre may one day become spouse to a future President of the United States. ' Oh dear, a faux pas? Then the denouement: '... and I'd like to take the opportunity of wishing him the best of luck. ' Of course, this brought the house down The culture in this School is about excellence, equality and opportunity - there is 00 doubt about this now in 2005, and our girls are still very industrious and mostly charming. I am not sure what Sir Charles Lilley would make of such comments as those made by Barbara Bush or what he would make of our girls if he were to wander through the grounds at lunch time or visit classrooms in action. 11 does not really matter. What does matter is that by understanding the principles by which this School was founded, our young women will use their education and appreciation of human diversity to imagine how things can be different as well as the faith and courage to make it happen. I've changed the gender specificity of the original quotation but George Bernard Shaw might have been describing our ethos when he wrote these words: "Some women see things the way they are and ask 'why'. We see things the way they could be and ask 'why not'"

Bertha was the first w man to be awarded the Fairfax Prize from the University of Sydney. This prize is given to the student who obtained the highes aggregate marks. in 1880 Bertha became an assistant mistress at Girls Grammar and in 1883 left the School to travel to Europe, to attend the Leipsic Conservatorium of Music. On returning to Brisbane she

established a secondary school for girls Bertha was very active in supporting her old School, and was President of the Old Girls Association in 1900. She died in 1925 in November 2004 the grave of Bertha arie Burdorfi, was restored at Toowong Cemetery funded by the generous support of the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Old Girls Association.

afittingadditiontotheSchool's fineartscollectio

At the 2003 Centenary of Women's Suffrage in Australia Dinner the School bought a limited edition print of the 'Trust the Women Mother poster. The original poster created by Australian suffragette, Dora Meeson Coates was used in suffrage processionsin 1908 and 1911 in London where Australian and New Zealand women supported their British counterparts in their efforts to win the right to vote. This particular print is signed on the back by former Senator Margaret Revnolds, who, as Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for the Status of Women during Australia's Bicentennial Celebrations in 1988 presented the original hand-painted banner to Bob Hawk. This limited print was personally presented to Queensland's own in jinitable Dr Dale Spender for her significant efforts in finding and securing the original banner for Australia from the Fawcett Library in London, where Dr Spender served for many years as honorary librarian. it was Dr Spender who donated

- -- ^ ^

the print to be sold at the Centenary of Women's Sufirege dinner to raise funds for the most worthy organisation, Second Chance, fighting homelessness amongst Brisbane women - a charity actively supported by our School community.

06 grammargazette

^ CONNECTIONS

grammargener. In this I 30th Year of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, we can all feel proud of a history committed to the education of Young women in Queensland. tio S

From that first founding in 1875 to the present day, focus has always been on encouraging students to reach their full potential, whatever the historical era. Yet one facet that has added richness to the fabric of Grammar history has been that of Grammar family traditions. Raje Manickam (110) of our Publications Team interviews three Grammar families who have been discovering the extent of their connections with Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Many of our Grammar families

continue the traditions

established by their ancestors in

testament to those values that

are treasured so much. All girls

Elizabeth and Stephanie Early

interviewed for this article agree

that Grammar is a place that

Elizabeth (12L) and Stephanie Early (90 were excited to discover that their earliest connection to the School was in 1926. Their maternal great grandmother, Signe Hodges (Larsen, 1927) was the first of their family to be enrolled, and a paternal an resto, Manorie Spencer (Grice, 1937), is recorded on the School's Honour Board as the winner of the Mackinlay Scholarship in 1937. in accompanying Elizabeth and Stephanie to Open Day over the years, their grandmother, Mangot Della Vedova (Hodges, 1952), would talk about how life at Grammar was different when she was a student Elizabeth said, 'My great aunt Kay Cowle (Hodges, 1948) on my mother's side and my aunt, Allson Early (Spencer, 1973) an my father's side also came here. I did not realise just how many of our family had come here. ' Ms Sally Douglas (2002) and her sisters Madeline 02G), Heather 00G) andjulia (86) always knew that they had 'some connections to the School'. In preparing for this interview, interesting historical details were uncovered. Their maternal great, great grandmother Mary Ann (Marianne) Waugh secured one of the first three Grammar School Scholarships granted to girls in Queensland in 1876 (at age 11) hadlong been a proud record in the family annals.

I

--,

values its history.

^*

Allce Bullock

Four generations of A1ice Bullock's (116) family have attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Alite's grandmothe, Professor Margaret Bullock (Roberts, 1950) believes that 'the high tone of the school in terms of preparation for leadership roles' and 'the attitude that women can do anything if they try and work hard' has remained integral to the School ethos. Her daughterin-law Elizabeth Bullock (Kennedy, 1977), a student here in the 1970s, echoes those sentiments. Their keen belief in that philosophy of academic rigou, is reflected in professor Bullock's fourteen year term as a member of the Board of Trustees from 1976 to 1990.

The Douglas sisters

Mrs Gasteen's (Waugh) daughters also attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School, as did other Gasteen and Byth family members who continued the Grammar tradition. in reading through the family's historical records, however, Mrs Rosemary Douglas, mother of Sally, Madeline, Heather and Iulia, made another interesting discovery. The girls were also connected to the School from 1875 on their father's, Mr Richard Douglas, side of the family. Heather pondered, 'When you think about being at school at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, sometimes you forget about its history. It's great to think that we have such early connections to the Sehool on both sides of the family. '

A common thread binding this family is that of music, whether instrumental or vocal.

Ajice attributes her musical involvement in the School to her grandmother and piano teacher 'They have guided and inspired me, encouraging me to continue with my music. ...'

grammargazette 07

CHALLENGE

.

ti. .... n

in , . ru

.

ar I2 student, Madeleine Cameron, recounts the challenging journey taken by , . Gift to an Andean community. students from Years 11 and 12 and their re

".

.*

.*,

~-~, ~ ~..~

it was an amazing

.^ ^ ^ . .^

^!;?^'^:

..

,

accomplishment and a most

-,{:

*.

~ I. I@

satisfying Grammar legacy in a

A1 " ,*

it^.

very needy community.

.,

\^~

Ea !!'\ -$ - ..,, t ^

11^.

,

it

Over the Christmas holiday break 26 girls from Years 11 and 12 travelled to Peru with staff members - Mr Seaha, Miss Axelsen, Miss Barrett and Mrs Macintosh. The expedition was founded around three basic constructs - community service, leadership, and personal challenge. We travelled via Sydney, Auckland, Santiago and Lima before heading to our 'destination at altitude' in Cuzco - a total of 39 grueling hours on the move. We had managed to sleep in four countries in one day!

The mural on the finished shower block features a Grammar gill

begin construction of a shower block at the local school. Our goal was to improve community hygiene standards by providing basic facilities and a means of teaching hygiene though the school. The girls had fun bricklaying and plastering The Ducks arrived to finish the job - learning the art of plumbing, roofing and rendering with the chickens taking their turn to travel Together, in just eight days, and with the help of parents, the shower block was completed right down to the mural painted on the outside! it was an amazing accomplishment and a most satisfying Grammar legacy in a very needy community. A once in a lifetime opportunity, the Antipodeans Abroad Expedition is an experience highly recommended to anyone with an interest in travel personal challenge and community service. For those adventurous souls in Years 11 and 12 in 2006, look out for information on the next Girls Grammar Expedition to Africa of the Himalayas or even back to peru!

Once in Cuzco, at an altitude of approximately 3600 metres (that's nearly twice the height of Mt Kosciusko); we really began to take responsibility for ourselves, finding transport, food and accommodation in broken Spanish! We split into two travel groups - the 'Chickens' and the 'Ducks', and set out on our itineraries with student leaders, goals and plans. The groups crossed paths at different times and places making for lively evening meals We spent time acclimatising to the nauseating altitude which caused sickness in some and made exercise more difficult for everyone. While the Ducks set off for Macchu Pichu and the challenging trek into the Inton Sacred Valley, the Chickens travelled to the Lampa community lust a short distance into the An ean foothills to

08 grammargazette

^ STAFF PROFILES

Ms Iacinda EUler Head of Gibson House and Teacher of Modern History

Mr Nathan Pilgrim Network Systems Administrator

Mrs jody For bes School Psychologist

This i my first year as Head of Gibson House and I have taught history at Girls Grammar for four and a half re is. As He d of Gibson House I am part of pa toiai care structure hat nurtures ou gi is h IPing them to devel p int confident, op jinis it rid adv n u ou oung women. I am is Inv I ed ith the School Servic Coin tee the Second Chn Progam eandth Aiml IIyandlamaYe110 P Ot 10n Co- or i to . I njoy the opportunity to or i h gi I of dispara e interests o I ide he cla sroom. I re i h the Intelle to I challeng of being part f a choo! coinmuni that inspires academic excel ence. I have ound Iking wi hin a Humanit us F culty that ec gn's a hing procti e a th xe in most si nilicant L or i student I aming an re ks to nsure th its ub'e ts re permeated ith a sense of to Ieran rid compassion has been p rtic Iarly re archng. An earli I in Ie n tion I exp n rice in this area has he ped in o understand the ills' in bitions and the excitement and challenge of negot'at ing p ace for th msel es in an h reasi g y complex orld. er in adverti ing and

My career has been varied and exciting. For the past te years I have worked in health services. This is my first job in the Education sector. I really enjoy working with teenagers because I enjoy their spontaneity an honesty. I work alongside the School Counsellor. Together we ensure that every girl is supported emotionally. Nurturing their resilience and encouraging them to recognise their own potential. Prior to starting at Girls Grammar in Iuly 20041 wo ked as a Psychologist within Child and Youth Mental Health Services in rural Queensland, Brisbane North and the United Kingdom. I have just returned after three years in Cambridge UK. Grammar girls with their vibrancy, wit and humour have eased me back into Australian life. I enjoy being part of the School community. My position allows me the unique and delightful opportunity to observe the girls and gain insight into them as whole beings. Casually observing the girls during assemblies, in the school grounds, at House parties, engaging in sports or drama activities enriches the conversations I have with each girl I am involved with as a member of the Counselling Team.

I joined Brisbane Girls Grammar School as a full-time staff member at the beginning of 2004 in the newly created role of Network I Systems Administrator. I had worked with the School in an ICT (information and Communication Technologies) consultancy role for six years' As an IT professional it is a pleasure to work for an organisation that consistently strives to stay up to date with new technologies. The School recognises the importance and benefits of providing an exceptional ICT environment for both staff and students - we are currently recognised by Microsoft and Hewlett Packard as the reference site for the education sector within Queensland. I have responsibility for the day-to-day management of the school's servers, network and ICT infrastructure; research and development, ICT related projects and assisting the academic staff in delivering the curriculum. Whatever I am doing I really enjoy a challenge - and working in an environment that doesn't allow for downtime can be challenging - classes can't be postponed o1 rescheduled so the system must always be operational.

grammargazette 09

> FAREWELL

arewellto' . hnpietzner Across the last two decades, our School has experienced unprecedented growth in student numbers, physical facilities, curricular and co- curricular opportunities, staff professional development and the delivery of Information and Communications Technology. 10hn Pietzner, 10hn is a forward thinker and an agent of change who strove to understand the educational

any long-term planning. I had a strong understanding of the need for forward planning and accountability and instigated elements of both into the School's business practices '. Not only has 10hn overseen the funding of a number of major building projects without any government assistance for capital development, he has been the architect of the exponential development in Information and communication Technologies (ICT) in the School to a high level of sophistication and reliability 10hn has also been involved in the activities of the Association of School Business Administrators at state and national level and served two years as National President of the Association in 1996 - 1998. As the School moves confidently and financially strong into the future, 10hn is retiring to his home on the Gold Coast with his wife, Lex and aims to enjoy travel and the outdoor life. The school thanks him most sincerely for the great contribution he has made.

priorities

Business Manager and Secretary to the Board of Trustees sincejuly 1986, who has overseen the fiscal arrangements of the school through this exciting period of development has announced his retirement to take effect in Iuly 2005 10hn came to the School following a most successful career in the Army that included service in Vietnam and postings across Australia and in Washington. Rising to the rank of Lieutenant o10nel, and holding the post as the Head of Program and Estimates Section dealing with the Army budget, 10hn was awarded an AM in the Military Division for his contribution to financi I management consideration for his family led to a change of career 'I think fifteen houses in twenty years was probably enough for my wife, Lex, besides we wanted to give our

children some stability and support during their secondary schooling'. Son, Iason and daughters, Kirsten and Heidi attended Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School respectively To his new role in the School, 10hn brought great personal qualities. He is a man of integrity, thoughtful, prudent, meticulous in organisation, industrious and an enabler for his colleagues. 10hn is a forward thinker and an agent of change who strove to understand the educational priorities identified by teaching professionals and to facilitate funding for organisational innovation and individual initiatives over the long term. 'Nineteen years ago, the school environment was a different place - few schools were undertaking

10 grammargazette

I^ LEADERSHIP

a I . ei Ia Ivein tea h . reducation . . . . . .

There has been a good deal in the media of late highlighting the concerns of the Federal Minister for Education, Dr Brendan Nelson, in relation to the nature and quality of pre-service teacher education in tertiary institutions.

, -,.

,^ ^.

Most of these issues are not new and currently, forward-thinking educational institutions in a number of areas of the Western world, are in the process of forging collaborative partnerships between schools and universities as a means of improving and developing the outcomes of pre-service teacher education. At the forefront of this movement in Australia, is the provision of the current Brisbane Girls Grammar School Design 20042008, to found a Centre for Professional Practice in collaboration with the Queensland Universi of echnology, for the further development of exemplary teaching. Following some eighteen months of research, planning and negotiation, on 10 March, the Principal, Ms Am anda Bell, together with the Dean of the Faculty of Education, QUT, Professor Vi MCLean, officially signed the Centre into existence together with its open-ended vision for the further development of pre-service teacher education and the ongoing professional development of existing School staff. Both institutions regard this Centre as a unique departure from the u e t model for preparing teachers for their professional lives. modification in response to future negotiations and periodic reviews by the partner institutions. The conceptual basis for the Centre is a pmxis model of continuous input, pro^Ce and reflection leading to enhanced teaching practice and improved student learning. The project is planned to be developmental and open to ongoing exploration, and

. ^,. - ..-. =^

,

Mr A1an Dale, Dr Kay Kimbei, Ms Am anda Bell and Prof Vi MCLean

The operational functioning of the Centre will comprise three main elements: improving the mentoring process by streamlining and further developing the existing process of mentoring of pre service teachers within the School; the developing of the concept of mentoring as an avenue for ongoing Professional Development of current teaching staff; and the establishment of a dedicated space as a pre-service and professional development centre Earlier this month, fifteen of our academic staff became the Inaugural Learning innovation Group who will be involved in a series of workshops conducted by Mr Tony Burton, qUT. Staff participants will have the option not only of completing the seminar programme but also, if they choose, negotiating the acquisition of credit points towards a higher degree at QUT. This initial

On 10 March, the Principal, Ms

Am anda Bell, together with the

Dean of the Faculty of Education,

QUT, Professor Vi MCLean, officially

signed the Centre into existence.

cohort is seen as modelling the philosophy of the school, as a community of lifelong learners It is envisaged that similar partnerships with other tertiary institutions Fom which the School draws its pre-service teachers, will be established in the future

Mr A Dale and Dr K Kimber

grammargazette 11

SNAPSHOTS

realworldscience

All of the senior sciences have new syllabuses just released or just about to be released. One of the major features of the new syllabuses is the extended experimental Investigation or the EEl. junior Science student are being prepared to cope with the in ellectual and practical demands o the EEl in various ways on a recent addition to the Year 9 work programme provides students with the

opportunity to engage in a scientific Investigation similar to that performed by professional scientists. students work in groups o invest19at the parameters which affect scientfic phenomena and present their findings to he class in an oral presentation. A fund mental aspect of the EE1 15 0 into 91a e a the ore ICal understand rig of the opic ith experimental esu s While students were excited by the challenge of being in control of the investigation, the also co e to appreciate the problems associated with mana ing a complex task within a limited time frame in a group situation

Dr S Stephens, Directoi} Science Faculty

grammargirls

presented with the Musical Director's Award and Nadia received the Camper of the Year Award.

During the summer break three Year 12 students Anastasia Pilbeam 02E) Bass Clarinet, Annajacobson (12M) French Horn and Nadia Myers (, 2M) Flute attended the Australian Wind Orchestra Camp in Sydney along with 60 other students from around Australia. The girls made many new friends, played some amazing music, rehearsed for up to eight hours a day and learnt a lot from their Master Teacher and the two conductors, Russell Hammond and Professor lames Keene from the University of Illinois, USA. it was not all just music though. Everyday the girls were given recreational options ranging from low and high ropes, surf skiing, abseiling and bush walking. At the final concert, awards were presented for outstanding contributions. Anna was

Ricky MacMillan (, 978), graduated from UQ with BOSc in 1983 and started her own dentistry practice in 1985. The equestrian sport of dressage is Ricky's hobby. Congratulations to Ricky who has been undefeated in Australia since October 2003 with 14 straight international level wins, Ricky has represented Australia at the World Championships in Rome 1998 and Spain 2002 and at the Olympics in Sydney 2000 and Athens 2004. She was Australia's highest ranked dressage rider for 2003. Ricky enjoys coaching from Pony Club to elite level and also does some officiating in her sport. She is currently a member of the international Dressage Trainers Club and Riders Club. After graduating in 1999, Sanh Davies studied a Bachelor of Business (Communication I Public Relations) Degree at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). Salah has extensive

.

,

~.

'. --; I ^i ;,,

q.

I. a' , ,. ,,

, I

., \.~. \

.

,

'f

Salah Davies

commercials. Last year, Salah was chosen to represent Australia in the Miss World pageant in China. She was placed in the Top 15 and was voted the Contestant's Choice to win the Miss World 2004 title. in MaKh, she travelled to Indonesia as a guest of the Australia Indonesia Institute where she promoted Australian art, fashion, education and tourism. The main focus of her year as Miss World Australia is charity involvement. We congratulate Sarah on her efforts and she looks forward to the prospect of working in television as a presenter or newsreader

*

a, , .,,

,, ^

experience as a fashion model and has appeared in several television

Ricky MacMillan on heI horse CTisp

12 grammargazette

SNAPSHOTS

NYSFsessiori A report by Chefyl Au 02

.

.

.

.

This year I was very fortunate to be one of 150 people from around Australia and other parts of the world to have been selected to attend the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF), Session A This experience has moulded me into a confident, optimistic and gregarious individual with a fuller perspective on life beyond high school. The NYSF Programme is very intensive, with visits to science, engineering and technology establishments around Canberra during the first week. I got to experience firsthand what a career in Science is all about. Students are placed into groups according to their career interests. I was put into Heisenberg, nicknamed the 'uncertain' group after Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle. My group visited institutions primarily concerned with biology and through this experience I realised that my interest lies in biomedical science. During the second week, student^tan run seminars were held on those integral skills required by a scientist or engineer. I was able to build on my skills in areas including negotiation, teamwork and public speaking. The seminars conducted definitely consolidated my understanding of university related issues such as entries, scholarships and accommodation. The most beneficial aspect of the personal development programme, however, was the writing of a mock job application and attending an interview for the chosen job. The interviewers offered very helpf ul and constructive advice about interview techniques. NYSE however, is not just about work. Not only did we participate in evening activities such as ice-skating, sports and music, and went on sightseeing excursions to the Black Mountain tower, Parliament House and the National Museum, but we also formed many friendships. I believe that one of the greatest assets of NYSF to me is to be able to meet other students from around Australia and overseas. Long term personal networks of people have definitely been established, providing an important nucleus for peer support groups at university and beyond. I would like to extend my appreciation to the many people who helped make my trip to Canberra so successful and enjoyable.

I

S. .

.

.

To commemorate this day, the School organised a very successful Mother - Daughter Breakfast, inviting the fascinating Dr Dale Spender as guest speake Publications Captain, Anna MCGahan 02L), reports.

Celebrate the past, claim

the future

Tuesday 8 March 2005 was celebrated by women worldwide, and was especially close to the hearts of those in Queensland. Annually, International Women's Day represents the power, strength and beauty of fernininity, but 2005 also signifies a century since the majority of women in Queensland were given the right to vote, an enormous achievement by the suffragettes considering the inequality and gender discrimination so prominent at that time - hence the motto for the important date: 'Celebrate the past, claim the future. ' Dr Spender spoke inspiration ally to her eager female audience of our ancestors' fight for their right to vote and the conditions they endured during that period. she emphasised the importance of the vote to those strong-minded women and discussed women's rather bias6 attitude towards it today: 'I think it is time to reinvest the woman's vote with the power and the dignity - and the hopes - that our foremothers claimed for it. ' International Women's Day is very important to Dr Spender - it means to me, a day set aside when you actually look at the conditions for women, and you look at what we still don't have, which I think is important ... but my goodness you look at how far we've come in such a short space of time and how many women worked so that we

-^^~

I

o ^, o

\

,

could be here today'

This interest in women's welfare was not only expressed by Dr Spender at Brisbane Girls Grammar School but also at an International Women's Day Morning Tea organised by the Honourable Anna Bligh MP. Year 12 girls from schools all over Brisbane met at Parliament House to hear inspiration al stories of the suffragettes' efforts and accomplishments, with speeches from Anna Bligh and also 10hn McCulloch, an expert in the history of women in politics. Ms Bligh spoke of the importance of International Women's Day and how all girls of our generation especially should work to make the most of our right to vote and recognise the women who fought for it

grammargazette 13

^ ALUMNI

.

ns

reuni

Girls Grammar School for the graduating 2004 reunions were held at Brisbane During classes of 1999,1994,1989, T984,1974, ,964,1963,19548

. Brisbane Girls Grammar School

is committed to assisting and

encouraging all reunion groups to

plan and hold their reunions.

reunion will now become part of the School calendar. On Saturday I O August we look forward to welcoming back the class of 2000 Brisbane Girls Grammar School is committed to assisting and encouraging all reunion groups to plan and hold their reunions. One of the hardest tasks involved in organising a reunion 15 obtaining current contact information for our alumni. The School has established an alumni online communication directory via our web site (WWW. bggs. qld. edu. au). Only accessible to past students, this secure site provides alumni with the opportunity to reconnect with schoolfriends, receive reunion and event information and update their contact details.

Class o1 1994 in London

great contributors to the success of these reunions. By all reports the girls were extremely pleased to renew old friendships and contact details were exchanged in the hope of keeping in touch The School hosted a five. year reunion for the class of 1999. Past students together with some former and current staff reminisced at a cocktail party. This event was such a success that a five-Year

one of our most successful reunions was the class of 1994. These girls held simultaneous reunions in Brisbane and London! Approximately 40 girls attended a picnic in the Roma Street Parklands followed by drinks in the School's Library. While on another continent a London reunion was held for 13 girls from the class of 1994 - all are currently working and travelling throughout Europe. Angela Rae (Wilson) and Catherine Storie were

1994 Reunion in Brisbane

14 Grammargazette

^I 2005 REUNION DATES

^ IN Focus

I

,

5 Year Reunion for Class of 2000 Date: Wednesday 10 August, 2005 Time: 6.00 pm - 8.00 pm Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar School Contact: Miss Shelley Read Telephone: 3332/300 email: reunions@bggs. qld. edu. au 10 Year Reunion for Class of 1995 Date: Saturday 5 November Time: 6.00 pm - 800 pm Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar School Contact: Miss Shelley Read Telephone: 3332/300 email: reunions@bggs. qld. edu. au 20 Year Reunion for Class of 1985 Date: Saturday 3 September 2005 Time: School Tour 2.00 pm - 4.00 pm Dinner 6.00 pm Venue: Watt Modern Dining, New Farm Contact: Mrs Simone Watson Telephone: 38514964 email: asjawats@bigpond. net 30 Year Reunion for Class of 1975 Date: Saturday I Octobe, 2005 Time: 200 pm - 500 pm Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar School Contact: Mrs Sue Thornpson Telephone: 04,4995395 or 331,4901 Email: susanmacloud@hotmail. coin 40 Year Reunion for Classes of 1962. ,965 Date: Saturday 30 Iuly 2005 Time, 10.30 am (School) Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Mt Coot-tha Botanic Gardens restaurant Contact: Mrs Sue Meeking (0'Brien) Telephone 32028882 Email: sjmeeking@hotmail. coin 50 Years Reunion for Classes of 1955-, 958 Date: Saturday 13 August, 2005 Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar School Contact: Mrs Ian Blackford Telephone: 33568013 Email: johnblackford@optusnet. coin. au 50 Year Reunion for Classes of 1952-, 955 Date: To be confirmed Contact: Dr Glenda POWell (Machin) Telephone: 3332/436 Ms Am anda Bell will be holding Alumni functions in Hong Kong and Nagoya, lapan if you are interested in attending or know of any past students located in these areas, please advise them of the reunions. Invitations will be sent to alumni with current addresses in these countries .\. . ,

annesummers During April best selling

Australian author and walkley Award winning journalist Dr Anne Summers addressed our Years 11 and 12 girls and spoke at a public forum hosted by the School. The forum provided a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends in women's issues with Dr Summers, who was visiting Brisbane the i vitation of The Principal, Am anda Bell. ' e Initially Invited Dr Summers to speak to our Ye 15 I and 12 girls and h re fortunately been able to extend Anne's visit to include a forum for the benefit of the wider community Ms Bell said. The girls appreciated the opportunity to hear I Summers speak and had many questions and comments in response to the ideas she raised with them Mark MCCrindle, recognised as one of Australia's foremost generation al experts, was the keynote speaker at a combined Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School Professional Development day on Monday 11 April. Mark, a Qualified Practising Market Researcher (QPMR), has his finger on the pulse of the generations that today constitute Australian society. in a series of interactive workshops, he led his audience in identifying the evercharging characteristics and needs of our young people - 'Generation Y' - and in exploring strategies for more effectiveIy understanding, engaging and communicating with them. Staff from both Schools found the day a challenging, interesting and stimulating learning experience. They also came away feeling supported and reamrmed in the perception that our schools are on the right track in their thinking about

..

Dr urnmers is one of Australia's leading commentators on the position of omen in society Her books include the recently released End of Equality: ork, Babies and Women's Choices in 21'' century Australia and Damned holes and God's Police which has been continuously in print since 1975. Dr Summers led the Office of the Status of omen from 1983-1986 and was an advisor to Prime in isters Paul Keating and Bob Hawke.

understanding the emerging generations with Social Researcher, Mark MCCrindle.

Hong Kong Reunion Date: Saturday 41une Time: 12.00 pm Venue: The Grand Hyatt Hong Kong Contact: Letitia Dwan Telephone: 6,733321437 Email: Idwan@bggs. qld. edu. au lapan Reunion Venue: Nagoya, lapan (details to be confirmed) Contact: Letitia Dwan Telephone: 6,733321437 Email: Idwan@bggs. qld. edu. au

and addressing the full range of present and future student needs.

Mark graduated from UNSW with a BSC (Psychology), and he has completed a Masters degree majoring in the study of Social Trends. He is the Director of the social research agency, MCCrindle Research Pty Ltd, which specialises in generation al studies in the Australian and New Zealand cultures

grammargazette 15

MEMORIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE opendayimbilcampus

loin us on Sunday 121une I0.00 am to 2.30 pm

BinsBAi\'r GIRLS CMvlviAR SCHOOL

celebrates 130yGaTS 1875-2005

Situated in the Mary valley, near the town of jinbil, the Memorial Outdoor Education Centre consists of 30 hectares of land and provides unique educational opportunities for our students

,

F, I';*'I .

Entertainment including performances by the School's jazz Band and Big Band BBQ lunch will be available or BYO Picnic Bus transfers to and from Gregory Terrace

The day will include ^ Guided tours of the facilities ^ Displays and activities from the Outdoor Education Programme ^ Opportunity to meet our Outdoor Education staff

Brisbane Gills 61ammai School

Gregoiy Terrace Brisbane Qld 4000

L 61733321300

F: 61738326097

To express your interest or to find out more please email admin@bggs. qld. edu. au or telephone 3332/300

E:admin bggs. qld. edu. au W:WWW. bggs. qld. edu. au

BRI^BP, NG GIRL^ GRFilYIM^R SCHOOL IN ^^^^OCl^, TION WITH Zen Zen ZO PHYSICl\L TFIGP, TRG

For enrolment information:

I: 61733321386

I

Oc^

8

E enrolments , bggs. qld. edu au

D

.

For assistance with reunions:

I: 61733321436

bggs. qld. edu. au

E: reunions

For Grammar Gazette inquiries

and comments:

T: 61733321336

E:marketing bggs. qld. edu. au

6 in^Y 7.30 7 in^Y 9.30 + 7.3 iUDITH WRIGHT CGNTRe FOR CONTeMPOR^RY ART^ . 0. rigs . ithwrigh . . . ^ '000 ^ .

ISSN 1449-1214