Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2004

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From the Pr' cipal What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity. .. a soothing, calming influence on the mind. ' Balance is the theme for this edition of the Grammar Gazette. it is a word often cited in modern writing to describe the ideal point, in fact the pivotal point in our lives, between the personal and professional, family and work, the active and the passive. At Brisbane Girls Grammar School we encourage our Young women to keep a balance between their academic, co- curricular and personal commitments. We want them to eat properly, sleep enough. have fun and try their best. This is not always easy to manage in a world of quick change, instant communication. competing demands on our time and expansive expectations to fukil. How can we make it easier for students to achieve thi seemingly illusive balance in life, when our society struggles to model the concept with over-crowd diaries and time-poor existences? Increasingly, achieving a balance in our lives is about making choices. judgment is involved, as we consider the alternatives and subsequent consequences resulting from our decisions. This is often very difficult for adults to achieve, let alone our teenagers. They contend daily with not only the expectations of their parents, the requirements of their teachers and the pressure from their peers, they lack considerable life experience to guide their choices. This is especially difficult when they ar heavily involved in activities they enjoy and something 'has to 901 Learning to make choices readily and sensibly is an important skill to acquire and helps with more complex decision making needed throughout life Perhaps the best thing this School does as part of its broad educational mandate is to consistently encourage our Young women to engage widely with all the wonderful opportunities offered to them at Girls Grammar, and to keep time aside for the other important things: family. friends, fun and themselves. Quiet, reflective space in their Young worlds will refresh and in vigorate their minds and bodies. centring the pendulum in their lives and restoring the balance

Contents

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

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FROM THE SCHOOL LEADERS PAST TIMES AND PRESENT TRIBUTES

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MANAGING BALANCE IN EDUCATION OUR LIVING HERITAGE

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STUDENT SNAPSHOTS

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SATURDAY SPORT

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STAFF PROFILES

PAGE 10 HIGHLIGHTS

PAGE 12 ENGLISH EXTENSION A RETROSPECTIVE

PAGE 13 CAREER EDUCATION

SHARING EXPERIENCES

PAGE 14 GRAMMAR GIRLS

PAGE 15 EVENTS AND REUNIONS

Ms Am anda Bell

Henri Matisse 11869 - 1954j. Notes d'un pelntre. 1908

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Cover Photogrophy: 61eg Gordner Photography

Brisbane Girls Grammar School Gregory Terrace Brisbane 4000 Queensland Australia

Tel61733321300 Fax 61738326097 admin @bggs. qld. edu. au WWW. bggs. qld. edu. au

ISSN 1449-1214

MsAmondo Bell with Heod Girls, Eininie Willis und Vanesso Watson

From the School Leaders For allstudents, and particularly Year 125. Term 111 represented the academic climax of the Year More than ever, this is the time when we must all keep a balanced perspective, and make sure we do not lose the fun of School life. Before the Queensland Core Skills Test, the Year 12 students went back to their Year 7 days, dressing up in their primary school uniforms, eating pizza and dancing to the hits of 1999. All who attended

As we begin Term IV. and plan for the next phase of our lives it is a time of transition and wondering what the future holds. it is comforting to know that we will always be Grammar Girls and as past students we can continue to contribute positively to the Grammar community and to draw on the support of the School "it is the little things. .. happening throughout the School. .. that pull our community together and provide the support and balance we need" Vanessa Watson and Eininie Willis

overwhelming Iy enjoyed it and we believe it 15 little things like this, happening throughout the School at every level, that pull our community together and provide the support and balance we need The student executive suitably themed Term 111 "Get Square", following the Term I theme "Get Going", and in Term 11 "Get Involved'!

"Get Square" aimed to encourage all students to be honest and true to themselves and to those around them. Keeping with the academic focus of the Term, "Get Square" encouraged every girl to put her head down and study hard

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Past T ' mes and P esent Tributes

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This Year marks the 120th anniversary of the completion of our oldest building on Gregory Terrace the gracious structure designed by Richard Galley as a Day and Boarding School The School has taken pride in the restoration of this 'signature' building so our community may enjoy its aesthetic qualities Recently, we welcomed Miss Nancy Shaw, Headmistress 1971 - 1976 to the naming of a conference room on the upper floor of our historic building to celebrate her leadership in the School Having led Fairholme College, Toowoomba, with distinction from 1954 to 1968. Miss Shaw possessed the skills that the early Seventies, a time of international student unrest and challenge to authority. demanded. Miss Shaw revised the Code of Behaviour and School Rules and ended the custom of measuring uniform length in inter minable inspections. She tiled to strike a liberal balance between the traditional, rather authoritarian practices of the past and student demands for greater freedom Another contentious issue was the replacement of the external Senior examination with the Radford System of internal assessment

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Miss NoncyShow, MISS Fel^tity Willtoms, Deputy Prtncipol; MsAmondo Bell, Piincipolond Dr thenel! Hint. AO, Choir of the Boord of Trustees

Miss Shaw asserts however. that this reform moved "the focus away from inconsequentials" to the development of a richer educational experience for students. NancY Shaw was an innovator - Initiating subject choice rather than running preset courses, beginning Education Extension Activities. appointing a School Counsellor and introducing a range of new subjects such as Music, Economics and Japanese She was Head of School for its Centenary which saw the completion of a new Library and the Humanities 18ainl Building

A number of Miss Shaw's staff appointments still teach in the School (a tribute to her perspicacity and their staminaj and they remember her with respect and admiration for her dignity, humour, humanity and utter integrity We may well hope that such qualities will prevail in all our deliberations in our new conference venue - the Nancy Shaw Room

Miss Felicity Williams Deputy Principal

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Ma ag ' g an I Educ tion : O L 'ving Herit ge Among the many aphorisms I've come across while considering the issue of balance in education, one of the most helpful was this: "A well developed sense of humour is the pole that adds balance to Your steps as You walk the tightrope of life. " To maintain balance in educating adolescent girls, it helps to smile at the ironies of life, but we need something more substantive and alive to sustain our energies and give direction to our theories Balance was a foundation al principle on which the School was built 129 Years ago. Girls have been encouraged to study a range of subjects and to involve themselves in various co- curricular activities Excellence has been encouraged, breadth expected This is a tradition. however, that needs us to adjust the scales according to the changing needs of the School, the group, the girl and the time. The very restlessness of adolescence itself is the reservoir that continues to nourish this approach I believe that practical force has three elements - tradition, modernity and pastoral sensibility

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it is through a strong pastoral awareness that the School meets these intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual challenges from day to day A key necessity for realising the School's great potential in the pastoral sphere is to encourage communication with parents, Without that, the stewardship of the academic, social, physical an emotional welfare of each girl is impossible The final living reality of managing education fo adolescent girls relates to the School's openness to modernity. We recognise the importance of Young people having the opportunity to explore and take prudent risks; we say they should work and play hard; they should strive for personal success while taking time to serve others No-one has all the answers when it comes to educational balance. Working as a team and drawing from the heritage around and within us, however, is a promising place to start. And well-developed sense of humour does help

Rifticipotingin o fringe of co- curtutoroctivities helps girls bolonce their DCodemi'CPUrsuits

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Mrs Marise MCConaghy Dean of Students

Hoving fun with othersiSiinportontond encouraged through activities such OS Houseporties

Student Snapshots

What advice would You offer to Year 8 students starting in 2005? Make the most of every opportunity you get he How do you manage to balance your relaxation time, co- curricular activities and your studies? I've learnt to be organised and this helps a lot What do you see yourself doing after finishing School? Unsure at the moment. There ore so many choic of courses and careers. We hovelooked at coree areas and university courses this year andlfee! ready to tackle the subjects that I have chosen for Year 11

What do you like about Girls Grammar? Being able to try new things andportic^^atei'n Sport, Music andHouse activities Who has given you the best advice while attending Girls Grammar? Our Cross Country Coach, whois always tellih to "stop talking': but morel'inportontl% "keep persevering I' Greatest achievement? Being port of the best aGSSSA Cross Country Team everl If I were on Who Wants To Be A Millionair my phone-a=friend lifeline would be. . A1bert Finstein - if he wasstillo!lye! What is your favourite memory of Your fir year at the School? Meeting my Year 12 buddy having a big Hous Party and making new fn^rids Who has given you the best advice while attending Girls Grammar? MVPorents whosoid 'blwoyspockyourSchool bog the nightbefore:' Greatest achievement? Learning to combine many things in a day If I were on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, my phone-a-friend lifeline would be. .. I think my best choice would be Mum or Dad What is your favourite memory of your first Year at the School? Going to Miey House parties, having fun and eating green food. Open Day was also enjoyable welcoming the Year8s for the following year and being Involved Ih the Music Gala and the Christmas Concert Who has given You the best advice while attending Girls Grammar? Manypeople have, but I'd have to narrowit down to two people, my Head of House and my Year 12 buddy Both have been fantastic Greatest achievement? Winning three medals for the best score in Papua New Guinea in the New South Wales University If I were on Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, my phone-a-friend lifeline would be. .. I'd collmygrondfother because he has a very good, detailed knowledge on a wide range of topics What is your favourite memory of your first Semester at the School? The second doy becauselgot to know my classmates and teochers without the first-day nerves!

Sarah, 10 Mackay When you got up this morning. what wer You looking forward to? PE, Music and lunch What book are you currently reading? 10 KillA Mocking bitd for English What does being a Grammar Girl mean to you? High achievement in o1/01eos of life and belonging to a highly regarded community Lucinda, 9 Lilley When you got up this morning, what were you looking forward to? The OPPortuniti^s and challenges ahead, some of which might be unexpected What book are you currently reading? Angelo by James Moloney What does being a Grammar Girl mean to You? Lost year weieamtoboutsome of the history of Girls Grammar and the education of girls in the early days, solom aware of that history andl enjoy being port of the modern values Gridspirit of Girls Grammar What do you like about Girls Grammar? There ore many things. The teachers heto to make the sub^^ctslomleaminginteresting and they ore supportive and he tofu1. I o150 really enjoy flatng mountain bikes and canoeing at camp, and being involved ^^ the Concert Bond and Choir 10150 have o10toffun with myfn^rids When You got up this morning, what were You looking forward to? Iwoslooking forward to fencing afterschool with my fri^rids What book are you currently reading? I am readihg the Hitch Hikers Guide to the Goloxy by DouglasAdoms for the second time What does being a Grammar Girl mean to you ? it means being port of a great Schoolwherel con get a really good education und hamvolved in manyexcitihg and challenging activities with other girls Samantha, 8 Woolcock

What advice would you offer to Year 8 students starting in 2005? My sister Annals starting nextyeor andsheis alreadylooking forward to it. There ore many things that you con do at Girls Grammar and there ore manyopportuniti^s to hamvolved within the School to learn and have fun How do you manage to balance Your relaxation time, co- curricular activities and your studies? if!hdiflplon and use my didrylcon set aside ti'me for a combihotion of study practices before and after School, and relaxation

What do you see yourself doing after finishing School? Tertiary study but I am riotsure of the course yet.

What advice would You offer to Year 8 students starting in 2005? The GrammarGitlsore veryhelpfulond they help you find your way around the School, so have fun and enjoy yourself How do you manage to balance Your relaxation time, co- curricular activities and your studies? IPIon my time and have a set amount of time for each subject. On the weekends, I catch up on study time that jini'ght have missed and relax My co- curricular activities ore port of my relaxation time What do You see Yourself doing after finishing School? I would like to practise medicine, most likely OS a General Practitioner

What do you like about Girls Grammar? Its so diverse and you get many opportunities that you probably wouldn't getelsewhere, like fencing

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"Sport brings our community together" says Mrs Pauline Harvey-Short, Director of Health, Physical Education and Sport, "Parents, past and current students and staff are all involved in the sports programme Whether supporting, coaching, co-ordinating or playing - it really is a community event. " The co- curricular sports programme 15 designed to complement the curriculum encouraging participation, team-work and self-esteem. The School offers over twenty sporting activities and the majority of girls participate in at least one of these.

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Undefeoted Year 9 Hockeypremiers with cooch Liarie Wheeler (Class of 20021

Staff Profiles

Mr Richard Laur, BAIHons) BEd MEd Many people are amazed to hear that Australia is the fifth country in which Mr Richard Laur has lived He left his hometown, Ottawa, Canada in 1994 to take up a position teaching English and History in Kuala Lumpur. Since then he has taught English, History and Drama in international Schools in HO Chi Minh City and Zug, Switzerland. Two years ago he settled in Brisbane. his wife's hometown Mr tour enjoys Brisbane and finds his work at Brisbane Girls Grammar School very rewarding. He says it is a pleasure to teach such well-disciplined and motivated students and is pleased to be part of the School's long tradition of academic excellence While overseas, Mr Laur worked with the International Baccalaureate Organisation 11BOj preparing schools for accreditation in the Diploma Programme and the Middle Years Programme IMYPjand had an article on assessment in MYP Drama published in 18 WorldMogozine Mr Laur also helped in preparing a school for accreditation with the European Community o International Schools IECISj

Mr Peter Creese, BA, BEd

Mr Peter Creese was appointed inaugural Language Tutor in Latin at Brisbane Girls Grammar School at the beginning of 2004. A5 a graduate of Brisbane Grammar School and the University of aueensland with a major in Latin, Mr Creese comes to the School with a clear sense of its aims and a genuine depth of knowledge in his discipline. He has recently graduated as a teacher and his Education studies have advanced his experience in applying learning strategies

Mr Creese works with all Year levels, taking small groups for focus tasks, and in particular contributes to the combined Years 11 and 12 Latin class

For Mr Peter Creese, working with Latin students is a labour of love, made more enjoyable by a positive environment and the enthusiasm of students who are willing to learn. Making the study of Latin pleasurable and relevant includes devising activities that motivate and challenge students. His most significant initiative so far has been developing a game for Year 8 students, impelium Romanum, an interactive framework making students responsible for governing provinces in the Roman Empire and using language activities to mark their success. Using electronic resources in a clever combination of modern technology with ancient language is testament to the fact that Latin, often considered a 'dead' language, is not without life

Mr Megan James, BEd. DipT( ec rtj. AssDipArchTech. AsDA Mrs Megan James received the first Brisbane Girls GrammarschoolStoffFellowship. This is a bienni award for conducting research aimed at improving teaching practice and enhancing the quality of learning. As the previous Head of Art, Mrs James has worked at the School for 12 Years and has a daughter in Year 9. Before her appointment at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Mrsiames was an education officer at the Queensland Art Gallery and an education consultant to the museum sector After beginning a Master's degree in Education, Mrs James was awarded a scholarship and invited i the doctoral programme at Queensland University of Technology Mrs James's research explores some of the broad issues affecting education and schooling around the world and their implications for developing this School. Of particular interest is entrepreneurship in education in the context of the enterprise education programmes for schools currently being promoted by the federal government Piloting vacation workshops to complement the School's existing academic and co- curricular offerings aligns with these studies. BY offering extra products and services, the School hopes to realise some of the positive outcomes reported In summer schooling research

Mr Jim Seaha MA(EdPsychj. Born and bred in the United States of America, Mr Jim Seaha has over ten Years of teaching experience combined with sixteen Years of experience in counselling. He considers his current role as Careers Counsellor at Brisbane Girls Grammar School to be one of the most challenging and exhilarating of his career "The School is bursting with enthusiastic Young women with the world at their feet and the confidence and intelligence to take the first step towards their future careers" said Mr Seaha The professional challenge for Mr Seaha is to respond to the many. varied and often futuristic career ideas attracting the interest of our Young women Mr Seaha coordinates the Year 10 Careers Curriculum and the Year 12 Career Education Programme while providing a full careers counselling service to the students, staff and alumni of Brisbane Girls Grammar School. He has experience in careers. as well as educational and personal counselling, both in Australia and overseas. it is testament to Mr Seaha and the high regard in which he is held that so many of our past students return to the School to seek his advice on further career choice and study options

Mrs We ridy Carter Mrs We ridy Carterjoined Brisbane Girls Grammar School as a consultant in July this Year. Her role is to encourage alumni, parents and friends to contribute to the future success of Brisbane Girls Grammar School by making a bequest to the School in their wills A past student of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, Mrs Carter has been a development professional in education for over ten Years, working in both GPS and co-educational schools. She is committed to encouraging philanthropy - that "inclination to increase the well-being of others" - and is looking forward to setting up strong and productive relationships with many members of the School community "It is lovely to be back at Girls Grammar again" Mrs Carter says I feel I've experienced the School at all levels now - firstly as a student receiving a valuable education; later, as a parent, supporting my daughters through their secondary studies; and now, as a member of staff, contributing to the present and future life of the School. "

M Sar h MCGa ry. B MUSEd, Ms Salah MCGarry was appointed to Brisbane Gir s Grammar School in January 2004 as a teacher of classroom Music. She brought to this role extensive educational experience including teaching from pre-school to tertiary levels and a long association with The Australian Youth Choir as well as involvement in a range of Music educational consultative committees Ms MCGarry balances her role in the School with teaching at the University of Queensland. She also continues to further her studies and remains an active participant in music adjudication, conducting and as a member of the Kodaly Music Education Institute of Australia Committee Within the School, it soon became clear that Ms MCGarry is also a 'mover and shaker: She quickly found her place in what she believes to be one of the most positive aspects of her teaching experience at the School - a cohesive and dynamic Creative Arts team With Ms HeIen Forster on leave in Term IV, Ms MCGarrY was appointed as acting Head of England House. in this role, she has helped to develop a sense of community among parents, students and staff and to promote and celebrate the strengths of every student

Highlights

Mr Glen Schoefer from Teen Chol!enge with 86GS grid 86Sstudents

Year 11 Charity Evening A new event was introduced in Term 111, the joint Brisbane Grammar School and Brisbane Girls Grammar School Year 11 Charity Evening The evening's contributions were combined with those of a movie night and a picnic in the park to raise over $2000 for Teen Challenge This money will benefit Young Queenslanders who need help for problems such as alcohol dependency and drug addiction

Year 12 Formal

The Year 12 'Bris Vegas' Formal was an evening of fun, dancing and celebration. The pre-formal event gave teachers, parents and the girls a chance to social ise and then it was on to an evening that was sure to leave the girls with wonderful memories of their final Year at Girls Grammar

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Metamorphosis

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When Mr Andrew PennaY suggested finding a more meaningful and exciting way to present an assessment task to his Year 11 Music students, little did he realise the project would evolve so dramatically. The result was an innovative hybrid arts event Involving a fusion of digital imagery, installation work. monologue, abstract movement and musical accompaniment by Years 9.10 and 11, Music, Drama, Visual Art, and Design EITechnology students The original task required the students to arrange a response to a piece of contemporary music, Metamorphosis by Philip Glass, this eventually became a multilayered performance Its success has inspired further plans for similar innovative and cross-curricular projects

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The Bridge Building Challenge involves Year 8 students from Girls Grammar and Brisbane Grammar School during Terms 111 and IV. The projectinvolves groups of students working cooperativeIy to design and build a bridge that is strong but light, using two tubes of glue and 500 paddle pop sticks. Bridge Building encourages students to use interdisciplinary skills and thinking processes over an extended period of time. The students develop skills ranging from mathematical problem solving to perspective drawing followed by a day building. Many also Iear that teamwork and a well-structured plan of action are key to their success

Engaging Business Conference Ua Business School opened its doors to Year 12 students in July so they could experience a typical day at 'uni: This day involved a series of lectures for about 150 participants from 12 schools

After each presentation the students were given a case study or problem to solve. The girls agreed the presentations were all interesting but the opportunity to workshop the tasks afterwards and come up with creative solutions was most rewarding. The Girls Grammar team consistently produced the most innovative, Yet practicable solutions and were announced the day's 'winners'

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Year 10 students currently working on their Wearsble Art unit have been delighted and inspired by the talents of visiting designer Ismail Erbil. A OUT Fashion Design tutor and designer for Easton Pearson, Turkish born. London-raised ismai! explores the boundaries between fashion and art with a very individual approach. His presentations have provided the students with a balance of real-world insight and a sharing of ideas that Ismail has gained from his work and studies overseas. The students paraded their designs on Assembly in Term 111

Grammar Entrepreneurs

Young Achievement Australia IYAAj is an enterprise programme offered to Year 11 Economics students that allows them to participate actively in creating, managing and liquidating a business over an eight month period. in 2004, two combined Brisbane Girls Grammar School and Brisbane Grammar School teams were involved, one producing and marketing original screen-printed T-shirts, the other producing and selling environmentally friendly candles. Each group is partnered with a sponsor company and mentors who are professionals, business people and members of the local community Both student companies presented their products at the YAA Trade Fair in August and both won awards

The School would like to thank a Fleet and Westpac for the r valued investment in this programme

Writer in Residence

Our visiting Doris Townsend (Warakerj Memorial Writer for 2004 was Dr Venero Armanno Dr Almanno is the author of many books and one of his recent novels won the prestigious 2002 Queensland Premier's Literary Award for Best Fiction. He is a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at the University of Queensland. Students in Years 11 and 12 shared in and benefited from the experience an expertise of Dr Armanno when he conducted a series of Creative Writing Masterclasses at the School .

En:Ii h Extoli^sio : A ' errospective

Explaining

IOCelyn commented that the greatest way In which English Extension influenced her in Year 12, and continues to influence her at university, has been in the expansion of her knowledge

English Extension ILiteraturej was introduced into the Year 12 curriculum in 2003 and many students who chose it have remained in regular

English Extension

Dr Colwill explains that English Extension offers contact with the Director of English and teacher of the Extension subject, Dr Robyn Colwill. There of the framework -language- t rOUg W C ,t, d, ,ts who have demonstrated interest and she interacts with the ideas around her. She ability in English a range of more challenging is a shared view among these former students summed up the views that reflect the shared opportunities. The girls are encouraged to that the subject changed the ways in which opinion of the group: "The subject not Only ga'e ,, lore their social and cultural appreciation they conceptual ised their world through their me a new language, that of critical theory, With and understandings of the nature of literature engagement with complex theoretical and which to think and express my thoughts, but and the ways in which it operates in the culture philosophic principles, and that it helped both also the knowledge that this seeming freedom The course focuses on developing an explicit their personal and intellectual growth. Three and empowerment carried with it the same knowledge of different reading practices and of these past students, IOCelyn Knight (2003). constraint that any language does. After all, strategies to make meaning in texts, through the Zoe Btiggs (2003) and Madeleine HinchY (2003). our imagination will always be infinite, even detailed study of traditional and contemporary recently met informalIy to reflect on the Impact if our means of imagining consists of only a approaches to literature. It familiarises students of the subject on their learning and their lives finite number of words. I don't know if thought with a range of contemporary literary theories zoe considers that "English Extension helped me without language would ever be possible, so and textual practices that have a pervasive to think lateralIY and creative Iy in university perhaps that makes a knowledge of critical influence on Tertiary courses in Faculties such as subjects as diverse as philosophy and journal Ism theory the most practically useful outcome of Arts. Law, and the Social Sciences and helped make the school to university the subject - it is certainly one in which I take transition much smoother. " much pleasure. "

Madeleine talks of "the thrill of recognition" when lecturers touched on material with which she was already familiar. The interpretative skills she gained in the subject gave her "a very real edge on so many people" for whom the theoretical ideas that she had already explored in depth at School were new and unfamiliar

the subject gave her "a very rea I edge on so many people"

lbststudents, Joeelyn Knight12003j. 20eBriggs12003) ond Modeleine H, richyj20031. found English Extension odvontogeous

Career E The School has an enviable record for achieving university entrance. Of the 2003 cohort, 9701o accepted places in tertiary institutions with 520fo receiving their first choice and 84Q/o offered their first, second or third choice. This is testament to the girls' commitment to learning, combined with the excellent teaching and relevant tertiary programme advice provided by the School at individual, class and cohort level At Girls Grammar we take a proactive approach to career education providing a guided, structured programme to all Year 10 students The Careers Counsellor, Mr Seaha, aims to fulfill four components in these lessons: preparation for the world of work; exploration of personal interests; decision making for the senior school and discovering possible career pathways for the future. Career education is a lifelong commitment for each and every one of us. As Mr Seaha says, "Effective career assessment, guidance and planning takes time. Students who invest time and sit down with an advisor to discuss and understand their options make better choices. " "Medulla oblongata, non-competitive antagonism in pharmacodynamics and the effects of neurotoxins at the neuromuscular junction - medicine is like learning a new language. Reminiscing over senior Grammar Years, it was tough, but life hasn't changed. life is still tough. Medicine isn't easy. but that factor doesn't accumulate to anything when one is passionate about It. This Year has been nothing but the most profound experience for me. I've been privileged to study medicine, to make new friends from all around the world while at the same time indulging in the experiences of a college lifestyle and Melbourne culture. Looking back at Year 12, the UMAT exam and medical interviews around Australia, mixed emotions of hardship, determination, satisfaction and disappointment are evoked. It's important never to give up on Your dreams 00 matter how long they take to achieve, because when You achieve them You can look back on the journey and just smile. " Shiromi Wimalaguna (2003) ipitturedleftj

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but is only part of the education process, which includes many other avenues for guidance and learning. With so many pathways available and an ever-increasing range of courses and flexible study regimes. students face a challenging task when considering their post-school options In Years 11 and 12 an optional holiday work experience programme provides real life insights for students life-time. The School's newly endorsed Strategic Design recognises this and aims to promote life-long learning and to encourage students to develop the skills that will allow them to deal successfully with transitions in their careers The future focus of career education will be to provide quality tertiary programme advice - assisting girls to chose secondary subjects and tertiary programmes that provide flexibility and, importantly, reflect their personal interests and passion for learning Annually, two career events - The Combined Grammar Schools Careers Evening and the Friends of Girls Grammar Careers Mentoring Breakfast - provide the students of both Research indicates that future generations may experience six career changes in their "The experiences I have had since finishing at Grammar, although invaluable, do not remote Iy resemble what I had envisioned. it had always been my intention to study medicine Inevitably, I spent a sizeable proportion of my last semester at School and summer holidays completing ridiculous amounts of paperwork, the Undergraduate Medical Admissions Test and earning frequent flyer miles through interview attendance. There were a number of daunting decisions concerning university choice and they eventuated in a place at Monash University for the five Year MBBS. Admitted Iy, there 15 still a steep learning curve In terms of balancing commitments and relationships between Brisbane and Melbourne, but the interesting course content, practical

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Combined GrammorSchools CoreerEvening

Schools with the opportunity to hear from and interact with practising professionals from all walks of life. The Careers Evening is held in May of each Year and the Careers Mentoring Breakfast will be held on Wednesday 13 October at Girls Grammar In an extension of the career services provided to our students, the School also offers individual careers counselling to the wider Girls Grammar community. Past students are encouraged to take advantage of these services and particularly Mr Seaha's expertise and knowledge of aTAC and the tertiary sector if considering second degrees, postgraduate studies or a change of course Mr Seaha can be contacted at the School by email on careers@bggs. qld. edu. au or by telephoning (617) 3332/300.

Career advice responds to a need for personal growth and change expressed by an individual, S an exp Ie CG .

Shiromi Wimalaguna and Kirsty Hamilton left Girls Grammar last Year and headed off to Melbourne to study medicine. They returned to the School to share their experiences of first Year university and life after Grammar with some of our current Year 12 girls'

experiences, great social life and cultural diversity are a welcome distraction. For the ne two Years, I aim to enjoy thoroughly the full university and college experience on offer befo clinical placements begin. I wanted to return to Grammar to share my knowledge gained from personal experience with the unique and complex process of tertiary application" irsty Hamil on I O I (pictured righd

Grammar Girls

Georgina Horsburgh IYear 11.2004j. in June this Year Georgina was selected as a participant in the National Coalition of Girls' Schools' Annual Conference, GirlPower, Mind, BodyondSpirit, and so, found herself on a most invigorating and horizon-expanding experience. Over five days in San Francisco, Geargina had the opportunity to contribute to the Conference and connect with like minded girls in an international context. Staying in San Domenico School, in Malin County, Georgina was part of a delegation of eleven students including nine American girls, one Canadian and one fellow Australian. The conference boasted speakers from diverse professional fields, including noted authors, psychologists and the Dean of the Engineering Faculty at Harvard University The student delegation formed the panel which discussed areas of girls' education for which they advocated further development

Megan O'Connor (1999j studied a Bachelor of CommercejScience at the University of aueensland. Throughout her studies at U0 Megan received recommendations for high achievement from the Faculty of Biological and Chemical Sciences, she was invited to become a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and admitted to the Dean's Honour Roll of the Faculty of Business, Economics a Law. One of the most rewarding and pivotal experiences in Megan's post-Grammar days was as a university eXchange student with the University of Lurid, Sweden. She has now accepted a PhD position there studying the vision and neurology of the Box Jellyfish and applying this knowledge to robotic and data gathering technology

Georgino Horsburgh

Nikita Cuffe (1996) made the final squad of 13 players selected for the Australian Women's Water Polo Team for the Athens' Olympics. She was a former Water Polo Captain at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, and a reserve for the Olympics in Sydney four Years ago. After an amazing effort in Athens, it was a remarkable result for the Australian women who finished fourth!

Ninja Cuffe with SophieMotthews

Professor Adele Chandler Green (Westermanj 11970i. the Deputy Director of the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, was deserved Iy recognised for her medical research as well as for her leadership in public health and the wider scientific community including Indigenous health issues Professor Green has been awarded a Companion in the Order of Australia IACl in the 2004 Queen's Birthday Honburs List for the significant advances she has made in understanding the causes and prevention of skin cancer and ovarian cancer

Air Vice-Marshal, Julie Hammer (1969). AVM Hammer, the most senior ranked woman in the Australian Defence Force, recently returned to the School and spoke with Years 10 and 11 girls AVM Hammer holds a Bachelor of Science with honours in Physics. a Master of Science degree in Aerosystems Engineering and a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Studies

AVM Hornmerjcentre) with RochelFerris. Vonesso Wotson. Einin!e Willis andJessico Cormichoel

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joining the Air Force in 1977. she served in aircraft maintenance, technical intelligence, electronic warfare and command, control and communications intelligence systems acquisition and support in 2003, AVM Julie Hammer became the first female to achieve the rank of AVM in the Royal Australian Air Force

In January 2004. she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia

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Events and Reu

Alumni Art Tour o f Italy September 2005 An exceptional 20-day itinerary has been designed for art lovers of all ages - whether first time travellers to Italy or repeat visitors, this programme will provide new and exiting Insights Into the art and culture of Italy Your guides will enhance Your experience with informal lectures and conversations about diverse aspects of the cities You are going to encounter. A complete itinerary and details c be obtained from the School's website WWW. bggs. qld. edu. au or contact Miss Shelley Read on (617) 3332/436 or email alumni@bggs. qld. edu. au for further details. Alumni SL Art Increasingly popular, these events provide our alumni living interstate with the opportunity to reconnect with the School and each other while attending engaging art exhibitions. in 2004 Ms Am anda Bell was delighted to attend Alumni a Art Reunions in Melbourne. Sydney and most recently Lauriceston 1999 Reunion In August, weinvited the Year 12 girls from 1999 back to the School for a Cocktail Party Over 90 past students attended and many had not seen one another since their school days All were eager to sip champagne, reconnect and reminisce with their teachers and friends Parents of Year 12 girls from 1999 The F1'ends of Girls Grammar will hold a cocktail party for the parents of Year 12 girls from 1999 on Saturday 23 October 5pm - 7pm on the Stage Lawn The Friends of Girls Grammar was formed in the early 1990s to provide a special group for parent and friends of our past students who wished to continue their interest and involvement in the School. Like their daughters, parents establish special friendships and connections while their girls are at School and many wish to further their support long after their daughters have moved on in the world. For further information please email friends@bggs. qld. edu. au

Old Girls Association Being an Old Girl means more than being part of the past. the Old Girls Association 15 a vital part of the Grammar community Some of the highlights of Term in for the Old Girls Association included sponsoring the International Young Physicists Tournament, organising the Alumni Art Exhibition for Open Day and. in September, holding the annual NSW reunion dinner with Brisbane Grammar School

Reunions The Old Girls Association Annual General Reunion Lunch will be held at the School Saturday 30 October, 2004. The Principal, Ms Am anda Bell, will be the guest speake For more information contact Mrs Sue Meeking on (617) 32028882 or sjmeeking@hotmail. coin

Class of 1994

at the Royal Automobile Club in Sydney For further information please email oga@bggs. qld. edu. au

Date: Saturday 30 October 2004 Time: 5 pm - 7 pm Contact: Mrs Angela Rae inee Wilso Phone: (617) 38924647 Email: angela_g_ree@Yahoo. coin Venue: Brisbane Girls Grammar Sch

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Class of 1989

Date: Sunday 19 December 2004 Time: 6 pm Contact: Mrs Amy Eberhardt Phone:1617/3311 1251 Email: aeberhardt@optusnet. comau

^ 55 Reunion

1954

Over 20 past students attended their 60-Year Reunion in August, enjoying a Boardroom lunch and archival display of their era

Venue: Gainbaro's, Caxton Street, Padding ton If you are planning a reunion and would like some assistance please contact the Marketing Department on (617) 3332/436 or email reunions@bggs. qld. edu. au 130 Year Birthday In 2005, the School will celebrate 130 Years of educating Young women. Established in 1875 as a branch of the Brisbane Grammar School, Brisbane Girls Grammar School started in a two storey house in George Street before moving to John Douglas's house in Wickham Terrace. There were 74 students enrolled in the first Year with three teachers, including Mrs Janet O'Connor, the first Lady Principal. The School moved to its present campusin 1884

Alumni O rinne

in another initiative, the School has developed an online communication directory specifically for past students' Accessible through the School's website WWW. bggs. qld. edu. au. Alumni Online allows past students to communicate easily with one other, reconnect with School friends and receive information about reunions and events through a secure network. Features of the directory include bulletin boards, email facilities, chat rooms, photo gallery and a business directory There has been much interest in the online communication directory and the School would like to encourage all past students to login and register their details. If You have any questions about Alumni Online please contact alumni@bggs. qld. edu. au or telephone Mrs Loren Bridge on (617) 3332/336.

Gymnostirs. 1907

A Gala Musical Event Presented by Brisbane Girls Grammar School

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Tickets available from Brisbane Girls Grammar School 3332 I300 WWW. bggs. qld. ed u. a u

FEATURING Chamber Orchestra Chamber Singers Grammar Singers Big B. . Symphonic Winds Symphony Orchestra Combined Choir

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