Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2003

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... Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Community is and Diverse. Vibrant, Supportive

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OPEN DAY 2 0 0 3 I N R E V I E W

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SCHOOL LEADERS 2003

CONTENTS

Page 2 - SCHOOL LEADERS

For Brisbane Girls Grammar this year, our community has been defined as one where everyone counts and everyone cares. The support extended to others is extensive and not only at the more high profile events like the Gala, School plays and sports carnivals, but hockey matches and debates. Another example of this tremendous support was when just before we sat the QCS Exam the Year 11s circled us with their war cries and shouts of good luck. It was great for the Year 12s to know that they are being thought of at this crucial time. Whilst exam time is always stressful for students, we felt fully prepared and we were so grateful for all of the extra hours that staff put in to assist and support us. Open Day was exemplary of our community. So many people put in so much effort, helping each other and enjoying themselves as well. The buildings and facilities looked fabulous but it was the enthusiasm of all involved that was the biggest credit to the School. A highlight for us was the welcome for the Year 8 group for 2004. More than 200 of our 2004 Year 8 families attended. The Open Day Passports were a “hit” and the atmosphere was vibrant and positive. Throughout the year, fundraisers have been held by a number of groups from all ages in the School, in aid of many charities including the Royal Children’s Hospital, Amnesty International, Community Aid Abroad, Zoe’s Place and the Animal Protection Society. It is wonderful to see that Grammar Girls try to give back to not only the Grammar School Community, but to the broader local and international communities as well.

Page 3 - FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Page 4 - STAFF PROFILE Mr Paul Holley

Page 5 - YEAR 12 FORMAL 2003

Page 6 - MUSICAL GALA

Page 7 - OPEN DAY FESTIVITIES

Page 8 - SPORTS REPORT

Page 9 - CREATIVE ARTS -

Creative Industry in the School Art Community

Page 10 - YEAR 11 SEMI – FORMAL US SPACE TRIP - NASA

Lauren Harrison Jessica Rothnie

Page 11 - WRITERS’ WEEK SISTER SCHOOLS

Page 12 - REUNIONS

ALUMNI NEWS INTERNATIONAL OLD GIRLS

Cover photography: Greg Gardner Photography

Any communication in relation to this publication can be directed to the Director of Marketing and Communications, Ms Nicole Davis on 07 3332 1437 or at ndavis@bggs.qld.edu.au

BGGS Yr 12 Students undertaking QCS Examinations

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

C OMMU N I T Y

A community is held to be a source of identity beyond family and close personal life, but with greater intimacy and more subtle obl igations and rewards than those of a national identity.

Community is the theme for this edition of the Grammar Gazette. The human condition demands a sense of connectedness and belonging, whether it be to family, peer groups, religions, tribes, societies or cultures. School communities unite many people by bringing together staff and students – past, present and future – their families and their friends. Increasingly in our contemporary world where families are sometimes disjointed and often mobile, schools are becoming the centre which pinpoints where people can connect and the anchor that gives our young women in particular, a dependable and safe environment where they are valued as individuals and encouraged to belong. The Brisbane Girls Grammar School community is vibrant, supportive, inclusive and diverse. This edition will highlight many of the ways in which our community connects. The complex matrix of School spirit which weaves its way in and out of the many activities that our wider community is involved with, is the inspiration to keep us motivated as educators and to encourage our girls to continue to be involved and contribute positively to the School now and to society in the future. A sense of community also implies caring about each other. We celebrate the thoughtful and considered activities of so many of our students in their service and charity work. The pastoral care programme underpins the concept of care for each other, and the many parent groups reinforce their tireless commitment to perpetuating the strong support for their daughters and the School. Our Alumni also represent a tremendous wealth of intellectual strength and support for this exceptional community. It is the combination of so many dynamic imperatives that allows a community to exist successfully and with purpose. The fact that this School community combines the energy of young women learning about the world with an empathy for family and friends, that it actively promotes an understanding of and involvement in the wider world, and that it fosters creative expression and team work is perhaps the reason why this place is so dear to so many. Mrs Amanda Bell

A Bullock & S Trombley (eds), The New Fontana Dictionary of Modern Thought, Great Britain 1999 p 144

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... Brisbane Girls Grammar School

Community is and Diverse. Vibrant, Supportive

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STAFF PROFILE Mr Paul Holley

If you have ever attended a School concert and seen 120 members of the Grammar Community file onto the stage to join our young people in a beautifully blended major choral work, then you have heard what Mr Paul Holley can produce. Paul completed a Bachelor of Arts (Music) degree at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music in 1989. During this time he began conducting student choirs, church choirs and a community choir. In 1990 he completed a Graduate Diploma of Education at QUT and also began a Graduate Diploma in Choral Conducting at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Since 1991, Paul has taught at schools in Brisbane and Mt Isa. He took on the leadership of the Grammar Community Choir in 1997, while he was the Choral Director at Brisbane Grammar School and continued this group when he moved to Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1998. In 2000, he became the Head of Gibson House, the position he currently holds, as well as being the Director of Choirs and a teacher of Classroom Music. Until recently Paul Holley was the assistant conductor of the Brisbane Chorale and has now founded the Birralee Blokes - a choir for teenage boys. Paul is dedicated to excellence in choral education and is regularly invited to

His guest conductorships include the 13th Australian Combined Schools Music Festival this year and the Mt Isa Choirfest in 2002. He has also been invited to adjudicate Toowoomba Grammar School’s Singers Festival and the Sunshine Coast Primary Schools Festival in 2004. If you have ever seen Paul teaching young people, you will understand his popularity and if you have ever heard his music, you will understand why he is so much in demand in the community. Grammar parents, past students, teachers and other connections have also welcomed the chance to work with Paul in the Community Choir. Having a good sing is such a satisfying experience and Mr Holley makes it fun while creating a sound that is the best it can be.

conduct workshops with school and community choirs and to adjudicate festivals. He is also a committee member of the Australian National Choral Association.

The many faces of Mr Paul Holley

Mr Paul Holley conducting the Senior Choir at Open Day 2003

A magical night of mystery with street performers, gypsies, flames and an atmosphere of Carnivale, set the scene for the Year 12 Formal. To herald the event, parents and teachers came together with the girls at a pre-formal gathering that would wish them well for their evening and for the remainder of their time at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. The event was held at the Brisbane Convention Centre and a beautiful three course meal was served before the dancing and fun began. The girls looked stylish and sophisticated and the evening was enjoyed by all who attended.

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The combined Musical between Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School was a great success. It was held over three nights 21 - 23 August in Centenary Hall at Brisbane Grammar School. An array of talent was displayed in areas of dance, voice, drama, stage management and instrumental music. Approximately 40 girls from Brisbane Girls Grammar School were involved in the successful production of "The World Goes Round". The Musical showcased the best hits from shows written by John Kander and Fred Ebb such as Chicago, Funny Girl, New York, New York and Kiss of the Spiderwoman . MUSIC REPORT “The World Goes Round”

The Gala of 2003 had a theme that was designed to bring the whole Grammar community together in a celebration of different cultures and traditions. At a time when we are surrounded with disheartening messages about international cooperation and understanding, the opportunity to take part in a performance based upon the central concept of our ‘wonderful world’ was one that the students relished. The premier music ensembles presented items that showcased a kaleidoscopic range of styles and cultures: from choral arrangements of the songs of indigenous Australians, to orchestral renderings of famous American Broadway tunes. Every year, the Gala offers large numbers of students the chance to perform for their parents, friends and the wider community and the number of singers in the Massed Choir this year epitomised the depth of School and community spirit that Brisbane Girls Grammar School engenders. Of course, the performers are simply the most obvious part of a presentation that involves hard work and participation from many members of the Grammar community. Not only was the commitment of the music staff integral to the production; but backstage hands, decorations organisers, front of house volunteers and sponsors were drawn from parents and Grammar music supporters and combined to make the concert a community event. The Gala was both a highlight of the BGGS year and an example of the community spirit that Grammar values so highly. Jocelyn Knight Music Captain - Band “What a Wonderful World”

OPEN DAY 2 0 0 3

Candlelit lanterns and twinkling fairy lights made for a vision splendid at this year’s Open Day. It was the first time that the School has hosted the event at twilight and the result was a fabulous success.

Over 200 of our 2004 Year 8 families shared in our Open Day celebrations. This year they also received an Open Day passport and with it a challenge to receive a stamp from various locations throughout the School. Students and Staff did a wonderful job of organising stands and displays that accompanied our light spectacular with night glow rock climbing, sailing videos projected onto boat sails, glow gymnastics, candlelight tours, music, dance and theatre performances, just to name a few. The Support given to the event by Parents and Friends of the School contributed to a very successful evening.

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SPORT REPORT

A DECADE OF SUCCESS! The Cross Country team song, You Only Get What You Give articulates the personal strength, power and motivation one needs to run. This year, determined to set a record that would be incredibly hard to break, the girls, along with Coach Mr Tony Booth and Co-ordinator Miss Alice Barrett, gave their all and returned with the ultimate prize – winning the QGSSSA Cross Country Title. However, it goes beyond this, for 2003 was the tenth year that Brisbane Girls Grammar School had won this competition. A feat never before achieved by a QGSSSA school. All the training and preseason competitions impacted on Saturday 26 April. With confidence and inspiration the girls ran brilliantly, setting the pace and standard for the rest of the age groups to follow. Our best runner in the 13 year age group was Sarah Wilson; in the 14 years, Rachel Ferris; in the 15 years,

COLOUR AND EXCITEMENT AT QEII

Sigrid Mewing; 16 years, Monique Rowles; and in the 17 years, Wendy Chilvers. The overall results were wins in 13, 14 and 16 years, second in 15 years and third in 17 years. This gave Brisbane Girls Grammar School the overall championship. For ten years Grammar Cross Country has risen to the challenge as a team and produced a decade of success, which by no means ends here. 10 IN A ROW!! QGSSSA Cross Country Lauren Gaffiero, Marika Pathe Cross Country Ipswich

Tuesday, 12 August saw Brisbane Girls Grammar School return to QEII for the Interhouse Athletics. Beanland House dominated the competition placing first in all three major trophies, the Individual Events Cup, the England Cup for Relays and the Athletics Challenge Cup for Overall Points. O’Connor House challenged Beanland’s dominance with a record win in the All Age Relay winning the Bochmann Cup with a time of 53.65 seconds. Twelve records were broken on the day, seven of these records were broken by Year 8 students. An outstanding performance by Year 8 student, Sarah Wilson, saw her set new records in the 13 years 100m and 200m events. Other successful Year 8 athletes were Pelin Dundar (400m B Div); Clare Martin (Javelin); Portia Vann (80m Hurdles B Div); Elisiva Caesar (800m); and Beanland 13 Years 4x100m A Div Relay. The 16 year age group also performed well with three records to their credit: Kate Leitch (200m A Div); Nicole Cheales (200m B Div); and Marika Pathe (100m). The 17 year age group was represented by Phoebe Sale (100m Hurdles B Div). Age Group Champions were Yr 8 Sarah Wilson, Yr 9 Georgina Porter, Yr 10 Sigrid Mewing, Yr 11 Nicole Cheales and Yr 12 Matilda Gunn. The overall Interhouse Athletics Champion for 2003 was Georgina Porter who entered and won all her Track and Field events.

HEAD OF RIVER - ROWING The Head of River was the culmination of five months worth of solid training for the rowers and their coaches. Five Regattas, which were held at Wivenhoe Dam or Milton Reach on the Brisbane River, preceded it. The girls’ hard work and dedication certainly paid off, as this year has been a successful one for the rowing community, with many crews gaining places throughout the season. Brisbane Girls Grammar School placed fourth overall at the Head of River. There were tears of joy and tears of sadness but with that was the usual spirit that binds the crews together as a family. The continual chanting from the supporters was an uplifting experience that bolstered the morale of the rowers.

Rachel Wilkinson & Lisa Weatherstone - Athletics

Age Champions: Matilda Gunn, Nikki Cheales, Georgia Porter, Sigrid Mewing and Sarah Wilson. Interhouse Athletics

CREATIVE INDUSTRY IN THE SCHOOL ART COMMUNITY T he more links we can make for students, in as many ways as possible, the richer their education experiences and the more valuable members of society they will be” Our initiatives in the Art Department this year relate to developing a ‘community of learners’. Knowledge management to establish ‘communities of learners’ emerges in professional literature across both the corporate and education sectors, and the importance of establishing self-motivated and self-directed learning is at the core of what is generally seen to be the increasing importance of life long learning. The concept of a community of learners thrives in a school environment such as ours that nurtures and promotes exploration and creativity. In an attempt to identify synergies between Arts organisations and the wider community, the Art Department has had a busy programme of visiting artists. The afternoon Art Workshop series, a joint initiative between BGS and BGGS has continued to be very successful with the sharing of teachers’ expertise and the Schools’ resources for the benefit of the students at both Schools. Workshops have included oil painting with instruction by Stewart Service Head of Art at BGS in conjunction with guest artists Nick Olsen and Ruth Sallows. A black and white photography course has also been offered at BGS featuring guest photographers Carl Warner, Marion Drew, John Byrne and John Wardrop. Digital imaging at BGGS has also been very popular with instruction by Mrs Megan James and Ms Kirsten McCurley from Girls Grammar, with guest artist Lisa Nolan. Printmaking workshops at BGGS with Jonathan Tse from Griffith University were also highly successful. The highlight for both Schools has been the workshops and presentations made by Leah King-Smith, a Queensland artist specialising in innovative photographic techniques. King-Smith is interested in how documentary photographs both inform and misinform people about Indigenous people. She also explores work that gives visual form to the spiritual quality of the Australian bush. Leah gave a guest lecture to Year 10 Art students and has conducted two workshops with students from both Schools. In addition to these workshops, senior students have had the opportunity to participate in the Institute of Modern Art workshops series. Students have also actively supported co-curricular activities including pottery classes and life drawing classes, which have been offered after school hours. Artwork arising from the new art programme was recently entered in the Minister’s Award for Excellence in Youth Art. This Award is unique to Queensland and highly regarded nationally. This year the School experienced outstanding success with the work of both

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Sarah Cohen and Amelia Beer selected to be exhibited at the Queensland Art Gallery in February 2004 with other exemplary student work from around Queensland. The exhibition will then tour regional galleries to showcase excellence in art practice. Of the four works entered in the Awards, all received accolades for the School with Carly Faragher and Katherine Boyd receiving Highly Commended results. Art in our School and in the wider community does give the students a sense of ‘connectedness and belonging’ and is highly effective in uniting Grammar staff and students.

Sarah Cohen Receiving her award

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US SPACE CENTRE TRIP 2003

The 2003 BGGS US Space Trip departed Brisbane on Friday 27 June for Huntsville, Alabama, the home of the US Space and Rocket Centre. The girls participating in the Advanced Space Academy program enjoyed hands-on training learning about the physical, mental and emotional demands that face astronauts in the present day. The trainees were offered the opportunity to focus on their field of interest - Pilot, Mission Specialist or Payload Specialist. They were then put into teams that trained together to complete the intensive six-hour long simulated space mission that concluded the program. The Aviation Challenge - Mach 3 program was what you could call an American boot camp. Known as the ‘Gunslingers,’ our team was comprised of all the Aussie Grammar girls, who had to battle against the

two other teams of American boys and girls - the ‘Jolly Rogers’ and the ‘Pukindogs’. We suited up and strapped into jet simulators for the training mission of our lives. We learnt the

fundamentals of flying while progressing through increasingly more difficult simulator missions. These missions certainly put our skills to the ultimate test! Other tough activities included water and land survival,

search and rescue, patrolling, hands-on-outdoor activities, water rescue training, escape and evasion missions as well as learning how to make our beds with nurse corners!

At the graduation ceremonies held at the conclusion of Space and Aviation Camp, BGGS students took out many of the awards. The Space Trip was exceptionally beneficial but also so much fun. Alexis Taylor

Dancing was the highlight for most Year 11 Grammar Girls at this year’s Semi-formal. Stunning dresses and hairstyles transformed our Year 11 girls into princesses for the event. YR 11 SEMI-FORMAL

This year there was a charity focus to the event. The Year 11s showed tremendous spirit and raised $1,152 on the night for the Royal Childrens Hospital. The choreographed dance this year was to Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel” and after several lunchtime rehearsals they perfected it to wow spectators at the big event. A fabulous time was had by all.

GRAMMAR’S ASPIRING WRITERS Early in August, Senior English students were invited to join the Creative Writers’ Master Classes conducted by the Doris Townsend (Waraker) Memorial Visiting Poet, Ms Bronwyn Lea. The recipient of numerous awards including the 2000 Arts Queensland Poetry Prize and the 2001 Somerset National Poetry Prize, Ms Lea led the girls through many creative activities and stimulating discussions. They enjoyed the uninterrupted luxury of their weekend workshops and the opportunity to savour the beauty of language and experiment with ideas, metre and imaginative word-pictures in their own writing. Shona Gray of 10 O’Connor said of her experience, “I enjoyed myself immensely and cannot wait for the next one!” In the Writers’ Week that followed, Year 9 Students enjoyed their conversations with celebrated author, James Moloney, and an entertaining presentation on the craft of writing mystery and fantasy stories by the Aurealis Award winner, Ms Kim Wilkins. Charged with the task of producing a short story for their assessment for the Term, Year 10s were appreciative of tips from Anthony Eaton, winner of the Western Australian Premier’s Award for Young Adult Fiction in 2000.

foundations in units being studied during the Term. Dr Liz Ferrier delivered lively and valuable insights for the Year 12 students in her informative sessions on advertising and the advertising industry. Dr Frances Bonner presented fascinating lectures on discourses of Australian identity that are operating in contemporary culture, as part of the focus of a Year 11 Unit on Representations of Australian Identity. Students benefited from the level of academic expertise and insights in these presentations.

Visiting academics from the University of Queensland provided Senior students with excellent curriculum enrichment and

Back row: Anna Taylor, Madelin Newman, Ms Bronwyn Lea, Rohani Mitchell Front Row: Zoe Briggs, Susannah Hume, Shona Gray

SISTER SCHOOLS For 25 years the community of Brisbane Girls Grammar School has sought to extend beyond our local environments and into international spheres. To this end a sister school exchange programme has evolved over the years to provide opportunities to welcome students from overseas, and to send our students to our partner schools in Europe and Asia. Seirinken High School in Nagoya, Japan, is our longest link, and each year we accept a student from this school to attend Brisbane Girls Grammar School and integrate into school and family life. Kana Aoki is with us until March 2004, and has proved a charming ambassador for her school and country. During the June-July holidays, some of our students travelled to Japan and Germany, attending school and living with a host family. Rebecca Smith in Year 12 spent almost three weeks at Mie High School, our sister school in Matsusaka, Japan. At the same time, five German students were enjoying their own language and cultural experience in Germany, including an excursion to Berlin. In September, some of our senior students of French will be in our French sister school for two weeks. The German host ‘sisters’ from Essen have since made a visit to Brisbane Girls Grammar School, participating in classes, and living with our families for over three weeks. For all of these students, the experiences gained are rich, socially, linguistically, and culturally. Over the years, many friendships have been made across the world, often enduring beyond their school life. While the programme invites positives and sometimes challenges, it is clear that the experiences add a special awareness and dimension to the lives of all those involved.

THE CLASS OF 1983 - 20 YEAR REUNION

One of the highlights of the evening was a fabulous slide show prepared by Pam Peldan (nee Rogers) and Chris from Chris Hall Photography. It featured photos from 1983 as well as some recent photos. This slide show caused much laughter, clapping, whistles and “aahs", and prompted many funny and happy memories. It also forced us to revisit the fashions of 1983!! The Eighties music reminded us of those fun days, and even tempted some up onto the dance floor. Thank you to the girls who organised the function and to all who attended and helped make it such a memorable event. It was a fantastic evening enjoyed by everyone. We look forward to seeing you again in 2013! Jessica Bindon (nee Axelson)

Saturday 23 August saw the 20 year reunion of the girls who finished Year 12 at Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1983. The function was held at the Powerhouse Roof Top Terrace overlooking the beautiful Brisbane River by night. Eighty-five past students and five past and present teachers mingled, chatting and laughing over drinks - reminiscing about “old times" and catching up on current times - families, careers, lifestyles etc. And what an interesting, diverse and fantastic bunch of young women. For some only a short time had lapsed since last reuniting, for others it was the full 20 years. 1983 had 164 students, so we toasted absent friends, and also heard some messages of goodwill from some of those who were unable to join us.

Karen-Anne, Mrs Sybil Edwards, Anne, Nicole and Kristina (Behind)

Megan, Mandy and Lorraine

Rowan, Sharon, Elspeth, Eleanor, Sonia and Diana

The School is looking to make contact with Brisbane Grammar Girls who are currently living, working or studying INTERNATIONAL GRAMMAR GIRLS REUNIONS 30 Year Reunion (1973) Saturday 18 October 2003 at Brisbane Girls Grammar School Mrs Heather Lord Ph (07) 3371 6063 50 Year Reunion (1953) Saturday 11 October 2003 at Brisbane Girls Grammar School Please contact Mrs Elizabeth Johnson e-mail ejohnson@optusnet.com.au abroad. Please e-mail or write to us with contact details at: ndavis@bggs.qld.edu.au or send mail to Nicole Davis, Brisbane Girls Grammar, Gregory Terrace, Brisbane Qld 4000.

OLD GIRLS ART SHOW For Open Day this year, the Old Girls Association was asked to display a Showcase of Arts by Old Girls of the School. Twenty past students expressed their intention to participate and this resulted in a successful display of over forty paintings and a variety of craft works, many of which were available for sale. This year the proceeds from the sale of exhibits will go towards a scholarship to assist a relative of an Old Girl to attend our School. It is hoped in future years that more Old Girls will be encouraged to display their Artworks and continue to demonstrate to the community just how talented the Brisbane Girls Grammar School community is.

Sylvia, Sue, Paula, Christine, Sue and Dorothy