Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 1995

Gra~mat\IGazette

Print post Approved 43 100331~

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Newspaper: incoporating the Appeal News

Vol.4 Issue No 2

Term 3 1995

Fri~nds celebrate120 years of Girls' Grammar

Franck, the second movement- Aile- gro, accompanied by SueWitham. This was a beautiful and stirring perfonn- ance that held lhe audience spellbound The B.G.G.S. Camerata Singers, conducted by Emily Cox and accompanied by Jodie Schloss , performed two brackets of songs. The first, a medley from the film "Sister Act", in appropriate costume, was warmly and enthusiastically received by the audience. This light-hearted and entertaining performance did nothing to disguise the beautiful si nging voices nor the complex harmonies . As Dr Ian Brown, · President of the Parents' and Friends', said, "The Little Sisters from the College on Gregory Terrace" did us Their second bracket of songs was in a more traditional vein. Firstly, the studentssangatrnditionaiEnglishcarol. It seemed appropriate for the students present that it was entitled "Tomorrow The Camerata Singers then fol- lowed with what was a theme song of the "Beginnings" pageant . This was entitled "I Sing of Grammar Tradition". The words of this were adapted by staff member, Sybil Curtis, from "I Sing the Body Elec- tric". The students closed their with its lyricism and subtlety. proud. . Shall Be My Dancing Day".

a fonnermemberof theexecutiveteam of the Westpac Bank, spoke ofchange, and "the opportunities and challenges this presents to us all, regardless ofage, status , organisation and gender". Ms Lynch spoke of the management of change as ''the dominant theme of the century's final decade" and how whole organisationsarefacingsignificantchanges in practices, with creative approaches, teamwork. conunwtication and flexibility Lifelong learning is important in suchaclimateandMsLynchexplained how, along with people skill s, she believed we must embrace the "changes wrought by technology which will drive the new economy as manufacturing did the last and She also spoke of the pace of change, especially for women in the business world from the tum of the century and the place institutions like Girls' Grammar have in promoting Ms Lynch said that Grammar"has always been atthe forefront ofchange and a leader in education, especially for women . It therefore has a special placeasarolemodelforotherschools. To maintain this status, its leaders at trustee, principal, teacher and student levels will need to constantly chal valued more lhan ever. agriculture the one before." such progress .

Past and Present: Nancy Shaw, Dr. Macrae Grassie, Dr Gus Gehnnann and Judith Hancock

occasion where, if they are not perfonning, the opportunity to dress up and enjoy the company of friends in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere. Boarders and their parents were also.repre.s.nt.d. ~n.bl·~he.v were able to share with one ano ther their experiences as members of lhe extended Grammar community. As has become traditional on these occas ions , Grammar mus icians entertained the assembled guests. This year, Music Captain and tal sided over by the Royal Princess andwas a lavish and fonnal event. The next day the students sat for the practical examination. A number of t asks h ad to be completed, Including the calculation of the number of chick-pea weevils in a bag of beans! Ultimately, the students spent an exhausting seven hours in the examination room. After one day o!f to sightsee, the s tudents sat for the four hours of theoretical examination. This event was televised - an interest ing experience to have cameras zooming in on you while you work. After another free day when llui students visited the Khao Yai National Park came the closing ceremony and medal presentations. The Australian team achieved three sUver medals and one gold, a medal tally that gained them third place behind Thailand and China. This Is !be best resull ever achieved by anAustralianBiology Olympiad team. It was worth the six months intensive work - al though the Thai team were sur prisedattheshortnessofthetrain log. They had been preparing for three years I (Adapted from the address \ given by Trlsha Peel to the School assembly.)

One of the special features of these evenings is the wide variety of people who come to enjoy the fellowship of the School family. Guests included present and past members of the Board of Trustees, includingDrGehrmann and the invited guest speaker, Helen Lynch A.M., the present Principal, Judith Hancock, and her predecessor, Nancy Shaw, staff, past students , present grade II and 12 students, parents and friends of the School. This evening also gives Grade ll and 12 students a formal School

Kristine Cooke Over 280 guests enjoyed an evening of fine food and wine and convivial company at a Celebratory Dinner held at The Sheraton Brisbane Hotel on Thursday 14 September. This was the third such annual dinner and one made special because it helped the School to celebrate 120 years of Grammar education for young women. The dinner was a joint venture of The Parents' andFriends' Association and the Friends of Girls' Grammar. Trlsha Peel, year 12, recently returned from competing in the sixth International Biology Olympiad in Thailand. This Olympiad Is held annually, lhe number of countries involved growing to 22 In 1995, including Kuwait, Sweden and Belarus. Eighty-seven students competed this year. To reach this prestigious competition, Tr isha bad to undergo slx months of intensive training. In January, along with fellow Grammar student, Fiona Claus, and fourteen other students from aroundAustraHa, Trlsha travelled to Canberra for a week long summer school. The days' work often lasted until ten or eleven In the evening and the week included two examinations, of three and four hours duration. In late March the students sat for a fmal three hour examination. This consisted of 315 multiple choice questions based on the first year university syllabus. From the resulls of this, Trlsha and three other students were selected for !be AuslraUan team. Easter saw the team again undergoing intensive training, this time In the practica l areas of biology. In June the students and their two mentors Dew_to Hong Kong fora weekofpreparationaod revi

lenge the status quo, be flexible , crea W"o~~I-"l'b~lttiS•·~~~MI'r;'"e.Jrdie-ti~!'l'tft-r,-t-ho.r~~r_r~ahn.o.C..__ Bayer Sager and Burt Bacharach "There has never be~n a better song, "That' s What Friends Are time to showcase educatton and to For" . prepare women to l a unch on Duringtheevening,LadyMaureen success ful and balanced lifes_ryles Schubert introduced the guest speaker, and careers. For all of the Fnends Helen Lynch. of Girl s' Grammar this is our Ms Lynch, currently the holder of challenge and our opportunity ." a number of national directorships and Next year why not come along? An open invitation

ented violinist, Philippa West, played Sonata for Violin and Piano by Cesar Trisha Peel in Australian Biology Olympiad team

slon -and sampling the local shop ping and cuisine. Arriving in ThaUand, the sin dents were taken to their luxurious liotel where they shared rooms with

Form 6A, 1967 (Any familiar faces?)

Haven't been back to Grammar in a while?

Trisha Peel with her silver medal students from other countries. The opening ceremony was held at Bangkok University and the students were given a pollee escort through the traffic. The Thais hold the Olympiad in great esteem and the event was given great publicity. The sludents were even asked for their autographs by a number of school chUdren. The opening ceremony was pre

Come to SCHOOL DAY 1995 and see the SCHOOL ON SHOW Saturday October 7 10.00 a.m. to 3.00 p.m. While there are things to buy and eat, this day is desi"ned to give all members of the School family an inside look into what really happens inside those classrooms, 1995 style.

Page1 GRAMMARGAZETIE,'ferm31995

•'

School news

Our own "woman of substance"

Speech given at Assembly, Wednesday, Ju ly 19, by M Joel Bernuchon, on behalf of the visiting students and teachers from our sister school in France, Lycee Saint-Paul, Angouleme. For the second time we are visiting our sister school, here in Brisbane and we are part ic ularly grateful for all the good will which this year has made it possible. \Ve do know you have lately been very worried at hearing of Mr Chi rae's plans to resume nuclear testing in the Pacific, which in fact, is of great sig nificance to the whole ofhumanity. As for us, we are persuaded he must have mi scalculated the domestic and inter national impact of the tests due to res ume in September, and we want you to know your campaign has now been endorsed by 75% of the French popu lation. \Ve are particularly glad to see you followed your Principal 's advice and know how 10 make lhe difference a lot of Fl·ench citizens are now demanding that their government respect the right of the rest of humanity, as the world is between I he political decision ofa man , and the spirit of the nation. You must be assured that a lot of French citizens are now demanding that their government respect the right oft he rest of humanity, as the world is but one country and mankind it s citizens. In fact we are all the fruit of .the tree and the ac tions of every group affect every other group on the planet. The knowledge of foreign but one country and mankind its citizens. One of the other memorable s ight s was that of the old Diggers cheering us along and shouting "Victory!" while at the same time visib ly battling their own erne tions for lost comrades. Me n and women, who hadn't seen each other s ince the wartime flocked together and frequently overran S.E.S. officials to kiss and hug those who marched in the parade . Arrangements we re made to encompas s all those who wished to be included in the ce lebrations. Buses ca rri ed tho se who were unabl e to walk the di stance amd huge tanks rolled down the streets C hildren played at the s ide of the road virtually obli vious to the hearl ache and horrific experiences lhe veterans had experienced. Thi s , however, seemed to please the veterans as they felt to have achieved their aim of prevenling future generations from repeating \Ve. as ambassadors of the future, canno l le t the efforts of our veterans rail away. lt is up to us to pre vent war from recurring by actively opposing it and pursu ing peace. The state of turmoil our world is in must be rectifi ed and thi s onus now lies with us. of Brisbane. past mi stakes .

throughout Australia. She also works towards improving public awareness about breast cancer and support for women with the di sease and their families. Last December Dr Hirs t was elected to the position of Chancellor of the Queensland University of Technology, only the sixth woman to hold such a post in Australia. Then, on Queensland Day lhis year, Dr Hirst was named Queenslander of the Year. While pursuing ller busy career, she ha s raised lhree children and supported many Grammar projects. Many students came to know Dr Hirst, when she generously donated thousands of dollars to replace the money raised for various causes that was stol e n late las t year. We appreciated her generosity. Dr Hirst has written many books in her specialist area, conducted scores of lectures, delivered many papers to national and international conferences and was responsible for initi ating and conducting the first eve r training course in breast ultrasound . Dr Hirst, however, did not become internationally recognised overnight. Through rotating tenns in medicine, surgery, paediatrics, psychiatry , anaesthetics and gynaecology during her residency at thePrincess Alexandra Hospital in the early 1970s and general practice in !he late 1970s and early 1980s, Dr Hirst's medical history has been one ofdistinguished achievement and striving for excellence. Perhaps understandably , Dr Hirst is also a member of Amnesty International, Women of Substance and the National Federation of Australian \Vomen . In the society we live in, too often do we focus on people's shortcomings rather that celebrating our achievements. At B.G.G.S. we need look no further than Dr Hirst as an ideal role model; a person striving to make a contribution to improve the lives of others.

Grammar shows its jeanerosity Emma Markwell On Friday, 9 June, Brisbane Girls' Granunar School helped raise funds for cystic fibrosis by participating in Jeanerosity Day. Cystic fibrosis is aserious gene disor der which damages Ute lung; and diges tive system. One per.;on in every 24 poo pleisacarrierofthlsdefectivegene. The one cltild in every 2000 born "itlt the disease has to follow a strict regime or treatment and medication for thls fatal disease- for which there is no cure. The Cystic Fibrosis Association of Queensland helps patients and their families by providing support and financial help. In the lead-up to Jeanerosity Day, Jenny Corrie and KellyO'Duywr from the Cystic Fibrosis Association of Queensland addressed the School commwtity at assembly. As a resul~ the audience gained some insight into cystic fibrosis, and how it can alfe<:t sufferers' lives. MoneywasraisedwithintheSchool through the sale of caps and badges \viththecysticfibrosislogo,andteachers and students could also pay a dollar lo wear their jeans at School. A total profit of$422 was raised by theScboo~andthlsmoneywentdirectly to help Queensland patients and their families. Some of the money raised is also allocated to working towards a cure for cystic fibrosis, with hope for gene therapy on Ute horizon. Thanks must go to all the students and teachers who participated, and Mrs Hancock who encouraged our involvement in streamers walching scores of groups march on. From veterans of various Army, Navy and Air Force squadrons to automobiles from 1945, the process ion certainly A second group of Grammar s tudents marched with th e contingent of repre sentatives from other schools who closed th e parade. This group who had waited for hour s for the ir turn were rewa rded with a rousing welcome As the Grammar group turned into Adelaide Street from George Street , the City Hall clock s truck twelve. Immediate ly , a loud, lon g air raid s iren wailed. This wa s the s ignal for two minutes of s ilence to remember those who were lost and the suffering of those who survived . It was an ee rie and moving situation as the thousands of people in the city all we nt s till and all noise seemed lo cease. lt was as if we were fro zen in time a nd some of us who had not even been born in 1945 glimpsed a sense of the suffering and sadness that must have been part of that time. Two minutes later the air raid siren blasted out again and , on cue, the RAAF jets roared low right over our heads straight ahead into the distance . The emotion of the moment brought a lump to many' a throat and a tear to many an eye. One Grammar s tudent sa id, "That makes it all worth while . Thi s was a blast from the past. and a very special moment.

Trustee and Queenslander of the Year: Dr Clzerrell Hirst

Breast cancer is one of the highest killers of women in the twentieth cen tury and Dr Hirst , for more than a decade, has been a major fighter against the di sease. Aside from her eleven year role as Director of the WesleyHospital BreastClinic, DrHirst has developed an exercise program for women who have had their lymph glands removed,The Stretch Program, which has been widely adopted

Cara Dumas Dr Cherrell Hirst is an outstanding achiever who has become well-known at Girls' Grammar. From past student to doctor tomedical pioneer tomember of our Board of Trustees to Queenslander of Ihe Year to the newly appointed chancellor of Q.U.T. Dr Hirst has truly earned herself the title of an amazing woman.

languages is obviously a great help in leading to a mutual understanding. Therefore we do encourage you to come and judge for yourselves, next year in January, in France. Celebrating the peace, 1995--s-tud-ents-int-heY-outh-Fo-rum-gro-up-oc-casi-on 1-s r-eally-sp-eica-l, is---,n't alternately stood and sat knee deep it?' '

Girls' Grammar students marching in the VP day parade

world . Thi s day marked the Victory in the Pacific fiftieth anniversary celebrations. Shoes al B.G.G .S . shone as if it were the first day of grade eight and with lies neally ti ed, the prefects and house group captains and sports captains walked down lo the city, not 10 shop, but lo march in the massive celebratory parade. The prefect s and a handful of

others, took part in the .Youth Forum parade , heading the cavalcade. Marching through the barricaded streets with cheering crowds at either side and the heavens snowing ticker tape, shredded While Pages and even toilet paper, every person involved was deeply moved by the experience. After marking the beg inning of the celebrations, the Grammar

Cara Dumas The day dawned much the same as it has fo r millions of years. However, something was different thi s day . In homes, schools, retirement villages aOd hospitals a feeling of celebration was in the air. Tuesday the 15th of Augu s t 1995 marked a s ignificant day in the hi story of both Australi a and the modern

Lest we forget

Page 2 GRAMMAR.GAZETIE,.Term31995

School news The Friends of Girls' Grammar thank the following donors for their generous support of our successful raffl~. Please consider the goods and services of these firms for your future requirements.

Stop the suffering Benita Newton The heavy, accusing weight of the dark silence threatened to overcome the mission of the tiny photographer. She paused by a door marked "Restricted Entry" only for a moment and then pushed her way through to a claustro phobic room of frozen metal and de spair. The stench of fetid, rotting meat assaulted her senses, only increasing the poignancy of the moment. A low, hopeless groan reached out and pulled her towards a cruel, steel cage, filled with a darkness of flicker ing life. Two lonely eyes, drowning the misery of the world in their depths, peered out at the girl. Her spine prick Jed with hardly contained excitement and rage, hating those who haddared to commit such a horror, to perpetuate such suffering as she had recognised in the clotled eyes of the great bear. But she had the evidence. She had to leave, now. Wrenching herselfaway from thehypnotic, coarse breathing, she felt the tired presence of the bear go as quietly ashe had lived. Again forsaken, the bear finally slept. Splashed all over the pages of the nation's newspapers lay one lost. With a freedom never before achieved in his life, the little bear lost travelled the land and touched the hearts of many. Too late. He was replaced the next day with news of Cyclone Bairn, the spirit wind, whipping up terror and fear-but providing a good scientific basis for experimentation on the limits of hu~ man suffering. The ANIMAL PROTECTION SOCffiTY at Girls' Grammar has raised almost $700 towards the prevention of vivisection and animal experimentation. The money wiU also be donated eventually to groups such as the R.S.P.C.A. and W.W.F. All support for the group is gratefully welcomed and an open invitation to belong is extended to everyone who cares . If you cannot actively help. please support our efforts in these last few weeks of 1995 as we aim to reach $1000. Try doing something not for personal advancement or gain - you'll be sur prised how good it feels!

Students experience the world of chemical engineering

PRIZE LIST & DONORS .

Overnight accommodation for 2lncluding breakfast

Sheraton Hotel,l!risbnne

Dinner for 2 at Carriages Grill to value of $100

Sheraton Hotel, Brisbane

Alex Neels On Friday, July 14, four Brisbane Girls' Grammar students participated in a one day chemical engineering ex cursion hosted by the Department of Chemical Engineering at the Univer sity of Queensland. The students, TiffanyWare, Emma West, Diana Feng and Alex Neels, in conjunction with representatives from other schools, were assigned activities to do throughout the day , These activi ties included four experiments, abrief ing about chemical engineering. pres entations of research work and a de sign project. Most oftheday was spent in groups workingonthefourexperiments . These looked at distillation, oxygen transfer in a fennenter, heat transfer co-effi cient and automatic process control. All experiments were strongly appli cable in the working world. The design project involved stu dents working in groups to fmd an answer to undergroundpollution using micro-organisms that had to be re trieved. This demonstrated the close link between chemical engineering and environmental engineering. There was a combination of theo retical and practical experience of Chemical Engineering gained through out the day with students actively help ing in programming the heat exchang ers, to graphing, to looking at the eco nomics of systems. The briefing provided students with the opportunity to discuss ca reer options and goals . For those interested, the current Bachelor of Engineering (full-time) is four years with the decision about the branch of engineering made at the end of year one. The department has a quota of 450 students for first semester 1996. The cut off band in 1995 was OP 9, the pre-requisites being English, Physics, Chemistry, Maths I and Maths II.

Queensland Performing Arts Trust ·

Theatre tickets for 2 to "West Side Story" and Dinner fo• 2 at Lyrehird Restaurant

Queimsland PerfonningArts Trust

Theatre tickets for 2 to "West Side Story" and Dinner for 2 at Lyrehird Restaurant

Sheraton N.oosa Hotel Resort

Overnight accommodation for 2

Vouebei: to value of $250 for·beautiful · Weiss Pri_ngle garment

Mr Peter WeiS.

Overnight accommodation plus 18 holes · of golf.for 2

Royal Pines Resort

·ov,ernlgh.t .accommodation for 2

Mennaid Waters Resort

One dozen bottles oi'Yello.,·glen·Champagne

Q,ueenslanii .Cement Ltd

SavageGraphics

One do~en bottles fme wine

Decorative plant or gift voucher

·. Gardenesque, Auchenllower

Mothers' Group

Lined Picnic Basket & accessories

Crystal Decanter

Cleanaway

Phillips Outdoor Floodlight

A B Electrical

Harvey Wo'rlil Travel, Milton

Mystery flight for 2

Gounnet Hamper

Palatable Partners

Magnum of Bollinger

Tucker and Co.

Dinner for 2 (Monday- Thursdlly)

About Face Restaurant

Concert tickets for 2 plus ACO CD

Australian Chamber Orchestra

Two donble movie passes for suburban theatre

Birch Carroll and Coyle

A Portrait Sitting and Print Set- Value $300 Prize includes portraiJ sitting (single, couple orfamr'ly), plus $245 value in photographs

Silver Rose Photography

Further donations will be raffled on School Day, from Print Point : A Broncos Jersey signed by all team members Darrell Lea : A gift basket of chocolates.

Two special achievements for Grammar principal

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The School family offers its sincere congratulations to its Principal, Mrs Judith Hancock, for two recent honours. Mrs Hancock recently completed her Master of Philosophy thesis on "The Emergence of Secondary Education for Girls in Queensland : The case of The Girls' Grammar School, Brisbane, 1875-1882". This original research project has given Mrs Hancock a greater understanding of the place of our School in Queensland education and also formed the basis for sections ofthe recent "Beginnings" program to celebrate our 120th birthday. Mrs Hancock presented the Beanland Library w(th a copy of her thesis which she also dedicated to the School. The School was also pleased to learn thatMrs Hancock was elected the national chairperson of the Association of Heads of Independent Schools (Australia). She will hold this prestigious position for the next two years.

- ~ - RQYALPINES R ES OJtT COLO COAST ,...,_,.. Rllii Sl~l . A ;:llmor~ Q 4114. A.C.N. 011 OJS S72

The Principal, Judith Hancock

P.age3 GRAMMARGAZETIE, Term31995

Editorial comment

From the past our duty to the present and the future Victory in the Pacific Day. In

Letter to the Editor To the Editor Girls' Grammar has been noted for its liberal, broad-based education for girls, but is this whal is being learned? Is the school aiming to produce robots who only know how to conform, or do we want enthusiastic, individual and innovative thinkers? I would like to think the latter, although a large portion of school time is spent enforcing rules, instead of encouragiog thought. I agree that certain guidelines are necessary for maintaining order, but shouldn't we be concentrating on the "real" morals and ethics hoped to be attained from studying at Grammar? My years at B.G.G.S. have equipped me with the necessary elements to gain success in the modern world. But these ideals have not been gained through conforming or excelling. I have admired those girls who have taken a different path in life, either by choice or circumstance. · We, as a community, should not be embarrassed by this individualism. We should promote it and learn from those with unusual experiences. The enthusiastic, individual, innovative and truly liberal students have served as my role models not those who are stagnant lhinkers. Bena Riddle

be expressing our appreciation of freedom by actively opposing nuclear testing and fighting for the rights of oppressed peoples, instead of becoming introverted and absorbed in the minute details of our own history. Instead of throwing wild street parties and reminiscing over personal victories, should we not emphasise the price that was paid to gain peace, and understand that this is not something that we should take for granted? At any given moment there are scores of wars and battles being fought around the world, and the numbers of those killed far exceed many of the World War [[statistics we are vigorously told by news and documentary specials. Peace is not a situation that results from self-proclamation. Actions speak louder than words. Unfortunately, each nation's declaration of peace is not substantial enough. Surely if peace is as grand in Australia as the 1995 celebrations suggest, this atmosphere of unity,

harmony and remembrance should be advocated for countries less stable than our own, rather than being enjoyed by the fortunate few. Wlth the genuine commitment of countries like Australia, world peace need not be a dream, but simply a state of being enjoyed by all. One of the main aims of the World War II Diggers was to secure peace for successive generations of Australians, and to save all from the scourge Of war. We, the current Australians and citizens of the greater global village, have been rightfully left with the duty: to endeavour to create peace and stability throughout the world. In order to fulfil such a legacy, we must do more than remember and celebrate our past, we must focus our presently introspective nationalism on inspiring our fellow nations. Although the youth of today have been raised with "Lest We Forget", may it never be said that we neglected the future for the sake of our past.

1995, half a century since the actual conclusion of the war, exactly what are we celebrating? With a year of coordinated celebrations across Australia, numerous forums and extensive media broadcasts, there has been considerable emphasis placed on the youth of today and its role in creatlng I he future of our nation. However, upon reflection, it appears difficult to look beyond the "hype" created by the media and the government, and ascerlain precisely what the individual citizens of Australia should be celebrating. In the capitalist society we live in, advertising companies rarely miss an opportunity to cash in on current events and the subsequent emotions aroused by them. From remaking the 1945 Cadbury block, to subjecting television viewers to the post-war history of Gravox, strolling the supermarket aisles has rapidly evolved into a quaint trip down memory lane. In a year when we are supposedly promoting and pursuing peace, surely we should

An ancient and honoured art It seems to this observerof peculiar Grammar behaviours that an inordinate amount of attention is paid by some students to cultivating ways of adding "style" to elements of the School uniform. No. it's not the flashing white knees between the top of those black knee-highs and the hem of the navy skirt that impose themselves upon the observer's vision. It is the status afforded the origami hat. Older grades look with horrified and worldly-wise stares at the wider and stiffer brims of the grade 8 models then deftly fold their own into quarters to be crammed into lockers, bags or under arms. The more advanced models, after years of nurturing. are worn like inverted lotus blossoms hiding every feature from the tip of the nose upwards. Where are the secret folding and fluting lessons held? It is there a secret club? Is it a skill perfected by masters and passed on to willing apprentices? On second thought I have heDid of past students tell of hat inspections in previous generations. \Vhen hats were hung lined up like trophies along passageways, staffwould inspect those straw panamas and woe betide any student found with the tell-tale and trendy radius of creases . Perhaps it's a genetic imprint from mothers who, as students past, were just as keen to avoid that dreaded stamp of uniformity. The Lone Haranguer

Letters to tire editor are encouragedfrom all members of tire scirool

ourselves and what is around us. He expressed the idea that we forgive but don ' t forget. Mr Keating read our the "apology" by the Japanese Prime Minister that he had just received. Using this as an example. Mr Keating pursued the concept that from here we must never repeat the errors of history, should strengthen our relations with and trust in other nations and look into the past to learn from history. Paul Keating delivered his words with an air of respect and gratitude, rightly so as our war veterans sat in the audience. However. in th:.:context of his report of the peace we · so gratefully enjoy fifty years afterWorld War II, he has temporarily forgotten about issues happening today that contradict hi s prophecies; issues such as the Indonesian occupation or East Timor have sparked controversy and contradiction within the Australian Government. Whilst Indonesia violently controls East Timor (200,000 people have died unjustly during the twenty years of occupation) , Australia continues to support thi s imperialist nation. Paul Keating totally ignored Australia' s failure to repay the debt owed to the East Timorese people for their role in supporting Australian soldiers. Our thanks for this contribution to victory in the Pacific was for Australia to enter into a treaty with Indonesia in 1989 that bMically documented the exploitation·of the Timorese natural resources for our benefit. Our thanks is to tell the Timorese to snuggle up to those who still butcher their loved ones. His speech was poetic and idealistic as, not too far away, another East Timorese was being unjustly persecuted by imperialist Indonesian forces. Is this cooperation and trust that we must foster between other

Girls' Grammar hosts National Youth Forum Fleur Mahoney 1995 mDiks 50 years since the end of World War II. In 1995 we celebrate peace at the end ofWorld WDI II. As a special part of this year of remembrance and celebration, the Victory in the Pacific celebrations that were held in Brisbane included a National Youth Forum held at our School on Tuesday 15 August. The celebration ceremony consisted of videos, drama, music, and the memories of a generation who gave up their youth for the war effort. Along with this we were inspired by the Prime Minister's hopeful speech of continued peace. We, the youth of the nation, have been given the role of "ambassadors of the future", according to the Prime Minister. \Ve have been given the opportunity to understand the consequences of war beUer because of our grandparents' experiences. We now must realise it is time to be thankful for the peace we enjoy today. It' is time to realise that this honific event was not just a chapter from a history textbook but a reality, an event that affected people's lives. From these ceiebrations and these memories it is up to our generation to ensure that the future does not see the same mistakes. According to one student involved in the ceremony, we should "honour the past, celebrate the present and hope for the future" . This ceremony offered enlightenment for our generation, and respect to the generation of veterans. In his address to the audience assembled in the Gehrmann Theatre, the PrimeMinister, Paul Keating, stated his belief that we have faith in our country, in what we represent, faith in

countries confined to those with power over large oil supplies? Positives can come out of all sorts of crises, the honourable Paul Keating believing that we must be "detenninedly vigilant" about human rights, liberty, democracy and the value of eilch person. Does this mean except for those from whom we sap a livelihood by supporting the oppressor-who many see as a militaristic, imperialist, totali tarian nation. Let us all bow our heads and learn from the mistakes of the past. But we must not turn a blind eye to the destructive nuclear force that continues to rise from the devas tation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki . As we grant the respect the war veterans deserve, Australia is still not "determined" enough about human rights or the value of the individual. Lest we forget thut, as we celebrate this fiftieth anniversary of peace, Hiroshima and Nagasaki are recalling the horrors of atomic warfare and test bombs are released in China and in the Pacific. Paul Keating's speech certainly held optimistic and idealistic words, but these words stay, as yet, as words. The education system has a special obligation to educate youth about the rea1Hies of war. so the we can learn from the past and ensure that wartime atrocities never occur again. It appears that it is now up to our generation to hold on to the legacy of our veterans, adopting their knowledge, understanding their pain, and continuing further down the path towards a peaceful existence. At the end of the ceremony, the audience was left with these sacred words ofwisdom: 1vheu }'Ou'refeeling down mul you think life is tough, remember what these people went through in World \Var II and )"u 'll realise that life really isr1't that bad at all. It might not be for Australians, but it certainly is for the East Tunorese and the French Polynesians.

commrmity. Submit these to any member of tire editorial committee.

Hrs Hc:o.nc..oc..~ To..i::..~ ~ ·"'\ t-he.. ne..w c::..t;""'l::>'"~ w~tl .

Contributions These should be submitted to Kristine Cooke

Ph 3833 2201 Fax: 3832 1483 Editorial Committee

Editors:

Cara Dumas and Alison Meeking Stephanie Dee and Michelle Harvey

Sub-Editors/ Sport: Sub-Editors/ Arts: Sub-Editors/Features:

Francesca Mason and Alexandra McTavish Marina-Portia Anthony and Justine Cameron

CDia Newton and Claire Valkhoff ·

Sub-Editors/School News:

Illustrator:

Miranda Youngs

Staff Consultants:

Paul Bennett and Kristine Cooke

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School (BGGS) extends its thanks to advertis ers for their support. The advertisements are published in good faith and on the understanding that the contents are legitimate and lawful. BOGS does not warrant the quality of the goods and services offered by advertisers and encourages readers to make their own enquiries as to the suitability of the goods and services.

Page4 GRAMMARGAZETIE, Tenn31995

~---------S_c_h_o_o_I_Ne~w __s________ ~[; Witness the patchwork's splendour you made it! Nartarshla Soo Dedicated to 10 Bart During the weeks leading up to .---------------------------------------~ "The Rpad Not T~ken" Alex McTavish On September 8, 1995, twenty

an uncontrollable urge to frolic through the Queen Street Mall. The day which has been dreaded, awaited and even fantasised about hits you. You stop to catch your breath as you realise the greatness of the event. Long and lasting friendships will be forged, accomplishments will be made and memories wilt be captured. The greatness of the moment affects you in unusual ways: you sing, you laugh, you frolic . As you board the bus, you say your farewells to civilisation, your family and your friends. One week seems like an eternity and it is, at least, that's how long the memories will last. The dread gives way to optimism and enthusiasm. Each day you strive to do as much

camp, a gentle wave can be felt. A tingle which is a mix of enthusiasm, dread and nostalgia makes its way though the optimistic class . This tingle affects each and everyone of us in its own way. Some people wander around the schoolyard as if in a daze, while others reminisce about previous expeditions. Lunchtime conversations begin to form around camp. Accounts of the oncoming camp schedule become greatly exaggerated. Two kilometres become converted to twenty kilometres . Tales are spun and stories told. As "the week" draws near, the amount of exaggeration reaches a climax . \Vhat was once two kilometres, then twenty kilometres undergoes another change to twenty kilometres uphill, whilst carrying backpacks, tents, food and the kitchen sink. The once gentle lingle erupts into lan Gray Yes, it 's official. Emma Newitt in Year 12 is weird! That's her in the photograph in the white shirt, next to Frankie Mason on her left and Penny Stabler on her right. She looks almost as studious as Ruth Jans, who's on the other side of Penny, but what is she· doing? She doesn't even belong in this class. She attends my Modem History classes and she doesn ' t even do Modem History. She should be taking a "spare' '. as in completing her

year twelve d,:ama students exhibited their work l'o an audience of f~mily, peers, friends, and teachers. The presentation was tbe culmination of two years' course work that highlighted the students' talentandabilityinvariousdramatic styles. The stimulus for the student scripts stemmed from the poem by Robert Frost, "The Road Not Taken". Interpretations of the poem were varied and produced some ingenious productions. Many of the plays performed were written entirely by the students -a wonderful achievement in itself.. tackling issues relevant to young people. Other plays were adaptations of works by famous playwrights like Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams. The student performances did justice to these outstanding literary works and well as their own abilities. Penny Murphy, Head of the Drama Department at Girls' Grammar, said, "This year's drama class is a special one. The talent, energy, and enthusiasm displayed at the performance was explosive." Comments from the audience on tbe evening reflected their admiration for the students' talents. As one parent said, "Look out world! Here they come!" Thanks to all the parents and friends who attended the evening and we commend the year twelve drama class of 1995. Welcome French imports Genevieve Stewart & Benita Newton As the sun peered over the silent, golden Australian horizon , a re stless stirring of excitement could be heard. That Sunday morning , the 9th of August, a small group of dedicated (and sleepy) Grammar girls headed out to Brisbane International Airport to welcome ten students and their two teachers. This was the second year that students from Lycee Saint-P::aul in Angouleme. France, have visited our school , (and perhaps more importantly to some, the second year tempting French men have entered our cloi stered community, distractingly many and disgustingly few!). The French s tudent s enjoyed various excursions in and around Brisbane, trips to the reef and even to Melbourne, the great parties thrown in their honour and the fanning of las ting friendships, all with a touch of school thrown in for luck. The recent decision of the French government to conduct nucl ear testing in the Pacific increased the geneml interest in our French guests. All Grammar girls' were interested in the decision made by the French government, but many felt the need to question the reasoning behind the decision. The Australian media portray the avemge French citizen as ag::ainst the Pacific testing and the visiting students were able to give the Grammar student s an insight into this point orvie\v. Mme Thornquist is to be congratulated on her hard work in organi sing activities for our French guests. We hope that they all enjoyed their three weeks ' 'Down Under" .

as you can to accomplish as much as you can and you do. Tiny things which seem almost insignificant at the time help to stitch a great patchwork, which will live in our hearts forever. We will remember the friendships formed and furthered, the happy moments and that moment, which is WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT THIS GIRL? SHE GOES TO CLASSES WHEN SHE DOESN'T HAVE TO!

impossible to describe in words, the moment when you look back over the past week and feel sadness in you heart. But you understand the time must come for camp to end, as all great things must come to an end. The brilliant patchwork which has been gently tended over the past week

flashes past your saddened eyes. Time pauses briefly as you absorb the beauty of the tapestry; the images are so vivid, you can almost hear pas t conversations. Once again you board the bus, but this time you bring home more than you came wilh. Memories.

r---Acts on show

Camerata Singers singing Si ster Act and the Theatre Dancers, were very successful. Providing thecomicrelief, teams from B.G.G.S., Churchie andMarist competed for the Theatresports Crown. The event raised proceeds for the Interact Clubs' respective activi ties . B.G.G.S. will send its money to fund a teaching program in Laos. Many people helped in contributing tothesecausesand, regreUably, were not thanked on the night because of time constraints. Most of the burden lay with the Presidents, Harry Gauvin and Sarah Jane StClair especially. but the other members of the clubs alsodida lot of work. The Prefects volunteered their services with ushering and spec ial mention must be made of Bill Story, who held the show with hi s quick witted compering. Richard Clark of Churchie, Cal Wilson from B.G.S. and Helen Flint, Tiffany Ware and Emma West helped with sound and backstage work . Susan Perel definitely deserved to win the CD gift voucher rarne. after all the help she gave with ad verti sing. The most thanks have to go to Brisbane Grnmmar School for the venue, the bands and other acts fora11 their hard work and practice, and to the audience for supporting student bands and being so co-operative. Considering the patchy advertis ing due to the late confinnation oft he venue, the support for theconcert made it a knockout event and thebands were very grateful for the informal atmos phere and anentive audience. Many people have suggested that another Acts on Show con cert be held because it was "so much fun! " but , after the exhaust ing effort thi s time around, the Interact Board is probably only too happy to pass the impetus on to next year's Board. winners had to re -apply for :1 position in the Defence Force Academy. Alex is presently at the final stages of the scl ic tion processes, and is hoping to achieve a position in the academy next year. Alex is to be congratulated for her achievements, and wished every success in pursuing her future plans.

Zewlan Moor 'Where are lhe amps and the mikes? How can we have a ~ concert without sound?" Friday 4 August saw the frenzied Interact Board members desperately trying to organise theirActs On Show concert at the las t minute. Everyone was panicking but the night turned out to be a surprising success. The idea for the concert origi nated a few years ago when the Inter act Club held the Students' Own Shows or S.O.S. concerts to raise money for the Save Our Souls Or phanage in Nairobi, Kenya. The 1995 Board, composed of Year twelves and headed by Sarah Jane StClair, decided to continue the tradition and take on the massive task of organising a full -blown rock con cert. The Girls' Grnmmar Club de cided to join with the B.G.S. club and halve the work and share the profits . Unfortunately, in order to fit the event in the already full school cal endar and well before exams, the date had to be moved forward to the first week in August That lert less than four weeks to arrange il. The acts were lined up with no trouble because the bands were ex cited about the exposure and were eager for a venue to showcase their talents . The bands played various styles of music, from garage to rock, soul and jazz. One band, Soul On The Side, with members from B.G.S. and B.G.G.S. played some songs from The Commitments with great har monies, such as "Chain of Fools". The other Grammar bands, one of which was Graham's Garden, were especially popul ar , as was the Churchie group, Divine Brown. The other band fromChurchie, DoorNail , was totally bizarre witti its garbage disposal lyrics and the last act, a past B.G.S. students' band called Aneu rysm, was very impressive. The other special music acts, the officer and officers in AleX 1 S chosen field, navigation. Questions asked included issues such as combat, ethics, current affairs and general knowledge of the defence force. Interviews were even asked to count backwards from one hundred in sevens. Recommended candidates then had their files sent to Canberra to be judged nationally. Scholarship

Economics. The history of education in Japan was really interesting too, and I thought I'd just keep on turning up. What !learn in Modem History... I can see it affecting me now. II seems really important. " Frankie asserted, " I knew I was right doing humanities ." "It wasn ' t good for me," added Penny. "It's my Science subjects that come more naturally ." Frankie then said, " I wish we could do every subject." "I like biology," said Emma. 'We're doing genetics at the moment

and il ' s really interesting. Like History it's more ... emotional, more relevant to people and you hear good stories. I really love the history of the family that you're doing at the moment. I've learnt all sorts of things about how the roles of women in the family have changed ... or rather not changed. It also ties in wilh a book I'm reading for English at present ; HughMackay's Re-inventing Australia. I selected it partly because I could see the connections with History. It sort of brings it all together." And so Emma Newill, perhaps you're not so weird after all. In fact perhaps this desire for knowledge without a concern for marks is what being a mature learner is all about. The award was presented on assembly. Written applications took place by mail in November, 1994. With over five hundred applicants in the state, te s ting was rigorous, and included aptitude, psychological and full medical tests. After passing all these, Alex also had to face an interview board containing psychologists, a recruiting

homework in the library or reading a novel under a shady tree. Instead, not just for a week or two but for the whole year, Emma has been turning up to Modem History classes. Now I know Modem is fascinaling but this behaviour warranted investigation. Like a trained hi storical detective I fired my first question: "Why did you do it?" Frankie, perhaps defensively answered for her. " I dragged her along". "No, I just said I was coming," replied Emma in her usual quiet, but definite tone. "I liked the China and Japan stuff in first semester. The economics part was good. It tied in with what we were doing in Emma Markwell Alexandra Neels, a Year 12 student at Brisbane Girls' Grammar School, was awarded a R.H. Wi lliams Memorial Scholarships from the Australian Defence Force Academy (RAAF). The thousand dollar, non binding scholarship was one of twenty-two awarded in Queensland.

Alex wants to fly away

Page5 GRAMMARGAZETTE;Term31995

I Sport New beginnings for Grammar rowing

lnterhouse gymnastics - a blaze of colour

Hancock then named the new quad "McKellar" in honour of the support and dedication of theMcKellar Family to B.G.G.S. rowing . Megan DeLeacy and Trinity Ryan, the Rowing Captains, named the two sculls " Invicta" (unconquered) and "Intredida" (undaunted) . The final Regalia before the Head of the River was hosted by St Aidao's and was Grammar's most successful Regatta to date. The rowers were de lighted to achieve the following results: five first places- Ul4lhird four, Ul5 scull, U15 quad, Past Students Quad, and Ul6 second four - with all other crews placed in the top five. With this improvement the Head of the River at the Hinze Dam should be a great day .

hoop. While many of the individual routines displayed a very high level of skill and grace, the group perform ances introduced an element offun that appealed to the audience. Theartisticcompetitiona1soproved to be a display of the talent in the School, wilh many students achieving high-scoring routines. Particular mention must be made oflsobel Davies (Griffith) who gained a perfect 10 on bars, and near perfect scores on floor, beam, and vault. She became the overall artistic gymnastics champion for the competition. Other outstanding individual performances were given by Sophie Williams (Gibson) and Kate Farmer (Hirschfeld) . First place in artistic gymnastics was awarded to Beanland with a total score of 142.2. Second place went to Hirschfeld with 139.8 who narrowly beat Griffith's score of 138.4 '1though it was wonderful having it in the new sports centre. There was a lot of support from each house and there was always a big applause after each routine," said Mrs Papas. "The standard has improved dramatically from previous years and it was fantastic to see so many year eights performing. It was very entertaining considering that the houses only had three weeks to prepare. There was wonderful participation and it was great seeing so many people have a go." "I thought the competition went very well as it is the first time that we have been able to have the Artistic and Rhythmic gymnastics together. It's a good way to end a tenn and I enjoyed it very much. Everyone perfonned to a very high standard," said Mrs Hancock.

Sarah Bltomsky, Sarah Davies, Rachel Emerson, Caitlin Matthews The 1995 Interhouse Rhythmic aod Artistic Gymnastics Competition on 14 of June kicked off to a great start with all houses displaying a wide variety of colours and enthusiasm in the march on. This was the first year that the Artistic and Rhythmic Gymnastic competitions were held simultaneously in the McCrae Grassie Sports Centre. The event was a fitting display .of the exceptionally high standard of gymnastics within the School. As weU as dazzling perfonnances by our most talented gymnasts- Isabel Davies, Tania Hobson, Caitlin Hunter and Phoebe Papas, lhere was an element of fun injected into the competition with a variety of light-hearted routines by many of the competitors. In the rhythmic competition, Lilley House gained first place achieving 36.8 points,just pipping O'Connor with a score of 36}. The rhythmic competition overaiJ proved to be extremely close with only 7.1 points separating first from eighth position. Caitlin Hunter (O'Connor) and Phoebe Papas (Gibson) made excep tional efforts which resulted in a tie for frrst place for overall rhythmic gymnas tics champion. Both gymnasts scored an outstanding 8.6 for their routines, Caitlin with clubs and Phoebe ribbon. Tania Hobson was a close third with a score of 8.3 for her clubs routine. In the lnterhouse Competition, in dividual routines were perfonned us ing clubs and ribbon. Grou·p routines were perfonned using ball, rope and

T/rird Ul6 Four: Georgina Belot, Bonnie Slraw, Helen Truman, Alison Radcliffe and Lucy McLennan

perfonnances. The Under 16 second four of Sarah Black (cox), Melleah

Melleah Clarke 1995 saw a new beginning for Grammar Rowing with the move from Commercial Rowing Club to the Brisbane Grammar rowing shed. Along with the move was the purchase of two new single sculls and a new quad by the B.G.G.S. Rowing Support Group. These three new boats were named at the conclusiOn of the B.G.G.S./St Peters combined Regaua on 12 August. The Regaua was an enjoyable day of fun and excitement but because of the illness and injuries that have affected Grammar rowers all season, the regatta was not as successful as the rowers would have liked. Two first places were gained on the day, but all crews must be congratulated on their fine gave a brilliant display of skill and teamwork to win all five apparatus in the Q.G.S.S.S .A . Rhythmic Gymnastics competition held at Somerville House on Friday night, July 29. The overall depth of the team's skill saw it take frrst place in each of the rope, ribbon , ball, hoop, and combination divisions and emerge competition champions. St Peter's were runners up to Grammar in all events except combination in which they did not compete. Rhythmic Gymnastics is continuing to grow in popularity as a sport, with two new teams, St Aidan's and Ipswich Girls' Grammar School, joining the competition for the first time this year. Overall, 160 gymnasts took part in the 1995 competition; 48 of these were Grammar girls. B.G.G.S. has become the force behind the growth in popularity of rhythmic gymnastics in Brisbane schools. The Grammar gymnastics team is well known and admired within

Clarke, CarolinePorter, A m y Kleindienst and Naomi Searle won their race for the third consecutive week and the past students' four of K. Connors (cox), Melody deLaat, Jo Larsen,

lsobel Royston and Michelle Rigg also won against ao eight aod two quads.

Following the ftrst Vill's race and presentations of pennants, Mrs Ul5 single scull: Kate Thelander (Photos: GeoffClarke) Clean sweep of the floor in rhythmic gymnastics Caitlin Matthews Brisbaoe Girls' Graounar School

sport within the interschoo] competition.

community commitment and dedication to a demanding training program and for the brilliance this produces in the interschool competition. Competing in state and national events has steadily improved the standard. Mrs Meryl Papas who has been coaching rhythmic gymnastics at Grammar for nine years, and has been instumental in developing the standard within the school to an elite level and this has had a flow-on effect on the

Many of the girls Mrs Papas has coached at Grammar are now employed as coaches in other schools. Mrs Margaret Lanz , National Olympic judge, who was guest chief judge at the 1995 Q.G .S.S .S.A. Rhythmic Gymnastics Competition, praised the "high standard shown by competitors" and described their performances as "impressive."

Page6·GRAMMAR GAZETIE,.Terili 31995