Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2007

STAFF PROF I LES

2006 Staff Awards Each year the School recognised three staff members who have made a special and significant contribution to the School. The recipients are nominated and selected by their colleagues.

The exceptional standard of musical performance for which Girls Grammar is renowned has been developed over the last ten years by Mark Sullivan and his seventeen specialist staff. During this time Mark and his team have developed a dynamic and innovative programme that caters for all student’s skills and talents and has cemented the School’s position as a leader in the field of performance music. Feature events such as the Gala, the Cathedral Concert and Speech Day are truly professional productions which are the result of detailed planning, tireless effort and exceptional musicianship. Over 500 girls participate in the weekly programme which includes 32 groups comprising of bands, string, orchestras, choral, jazz, percussion, chamber music and contemporary ensembles. Mark said: “I am constantly inspired and motivated by the exceptional talent of the girls that I teach and the level of performance that can be achieved. Encouraging young musicians to discover and nurture their talent is the most thrilling aspect of being a music educator.” seen a great many changes both to the School and to his role. In 1980 the School employed two full-time carpenters who maintained the buildings and also crafted many of the fittings and furniture required by staff and students. Rob is a qualified carpenter and his work can be seen in a wide variety of projects throughout the School including the creation of sets for drama productions, bringing to reality the installation dreams of visual art students, relocating faculty staffroom and general repair and maintenance requirements. With two campuses and 1150 students and 150 staff — it is a demanding job. Rob’s talents extend beyond carpentry and his enthusiasm and problem-solving ability have made him a valuable member of the Facilities team. Rob says he enjoys the daily challenges of his job and the contact he has with staff and students — “they show their appreciation for the assistance I give them and that makes it all the more enjoyable” he said.

Mr Mark Sullivan, Director Instrumental Music

Ms Louisa M c Garry, History and Study of Religion Teacher Award for Professional Practice by a Recent Graduate in Teaching This Award recognises exemplary development in teaching practice and enthusiastic contribution to the wider life of the School by a recent graduate. Louisa was appointed to the School in January 2006 and has proven to be an exemplary classroom practitioner. Louisa has been responsible for the Year 11 Study of Religion syllabus; she has demonstrated enthusiasm as well as a critical sense of how the course could be developed to cater for the changing needs of her students. Her decision to introduce an excursion into the course has provided the students with a vehicle by which to further understand religious difference in our community. Probably never before has such a tolerance of religious difference been so important in the Australian community and Louisa is passionate about developing such tolerance in her students. Louisa says she enjoys being involved in many aspects of school life “One of the good things about working at Girls Grammar is that there is always so much happening with plenty of opportunities for staff involvement” she said. Louisa attended the Leading Learning Conference at the Kings School (Sydney) in 2006 and returned with an added vibrancy for her classroom practice. Louisa has proven to be a valuable contributor to the SES Faculty and she will no doubt develop into a superb practitioner.

Award for Excellence in Education This Award is for an academic staff member who has displayed consistent and dedicated service to teaching and learning in the School. The recipient will have contributed in a significant and or innovative way to the enhancement of our educational provision for young women above and beyond expectations.

Mr Robert Vogler, Carpenter Award for Outstanding Contribution to the School This Award is for either an academic or general staff member who has made a sustained and significant contribution to the provision of educational services in the School. In the twenty-six years that Rob has been employed as the School’s carpenter he has

12 grammar gazette autumn 2007