Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2008

Cover: U14A water polo team being instructed by Coach, Mrs Anna Corbin before the grand final at the Valley Pool this year.

LETTERS What a wonderful initiative the House afternoon teas are! I was in attendance today, with my daughter, Jess, to meet the parents and girls of Year 8 England, 2008. Although quite apprehensive prior to her arrival, a beaming daughter was taken home to quickly add (Mrs Amanda Piotrowski, Year 8 Parent) The building [the Cherrell Hirst Creative Learning Centre] works so well on a number of levels but I really loved its humanity and the sense of community that it gives to the School. Not only does the School and its students benefit significantly from it, but also the community beyond the School which has much to learn from this wonderful building. (Mr Ed Haysom, Haysom Architects) In 2003 I walked through the Grammar gates for the first time. I can still recall how scared I was, when there was no need to be, because my days at Grammar were to be filled with laughter and joy. Not only with my friends but with teachers as well. Though exams were of course stressful, I do not regard it as a ‘bad thing’. It has given me a sense of accomplishment and I am proud for giving it my best. (Miss Elaina Tsutsumi, Alumna 2007) I truly believe in the saying ‘you can take the girl out of Grammar but you cannot take Grammar out of the girl’. I will always remember my days at the School—my first assembly, my final assembly at Speech Day, the good times, the great times and the occasional not-so-good times. But most importantly, I will never forget the everlasting friendships I have made and the way that Grammar makes you feel a part of a community like no other. (Miss Pelin Dundar, Alumna 2007) I am just writing as the mother of three daughters (two at our local state high school) to extend my heartiest congratulations to your school on the wonderful achievement of your team at the US National Young Physicists tournament. Your team are truly an inspiration to girls everywhere. Thank you! May they all experience great success in their chosen careers (Mrs Lisa Leahy) her new friends’ email addresses and communications have already begun!

grammar gazette: Autumn 2008 edition

Grammar Girls......................................... 13 Science Education ................................... 14 Community ............................................. 16 Staff ......................................................... 17 Alumni ..................................................... 18 Reunions & Events.................................. 19

From the Principal .................................... 3 From the School Leaders.......................... 4 Initiatives .................................................. 5 QGSSSA Centenary .................................... 6 Sport .......................................................... 8 In Focus ................................................... 10

FRIDAY 1 AUGUST 2008 4PM–8PM

open day

We invite you to experience the Brisbane Girls Grammar School twilight Open Day. Open Day showcases the diversity and vibrancy of the School community. It provides a wonderful opportunity to meet and talk with students and staff, enjoy performances, view academic and co-curricular displays and tour the School’s facilities.

Programme Highlights: • Meet the Principal, members of the Board of Trustees and senior staff • Faculty displays • Sporting activities • Guided tours of the School • Music and drama performances

• Enrolment information • House displays • Outdoor Education • Refreshments • Orientation for Year 8, 2009

2 grammar gazette autumn 2008