Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2008

From the principal

CONTENTS

From the Principal

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Valuing Academic Endeavour Schools in the twenty-first century often describe themselves in language that promotes and emphasises their claim of providing a supportive, caring atmosphere for their students. Warm places that cater for the individual learner, uphold core values, develop each student’s potential, create an environment

From the School Leaders

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Initiatives

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Achievements

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Student Care

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Staff

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Curriculum

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that is personally and recreationally challenging, and so the inventory goes on. Of course, these undertakings are important for the constructive growth and development of young people and undoubtedly reassure parents that their children will be treated respectfully and carefully. However, it seems that priority profiling of a school’s commitment to serious academic endeavour is not articulated as often as perhaps it was in the past. Certainly in universities, academic rigour and research are central to their mission and promoted unashamedly and widely.Why not for schools? Perhaps because there is a view that academic excellence equates to exceptional intellectual achievement and success—a phenomenon reserved only for the select or gifted students. In fact, a school should be about delivering an excellent formal academic education with specialised courses of instruction, including necessary content, the incremental development of problem solving capacities and the encouragement of original thinking. A rigorous academic programme delivered by highly motivated, dedicated and qualified teachers is ultimately the medium that will achieve the optimal outcomes for students, in conjunction with the reasonable expectation that they will work diligently, to the best of their ability and assume age-appropriate responsibility for their own learning. Latest research is informing us about the most advantageous conditions for young women to achieve effective learning. Brisbane Girls Grammar School is intent on providing both theoretical and practical professional development for teachers to support their classroom practice and thereby create challenging and engaging learning environments for their students with academic endeavour at the core.The School has over a century of proven commitment to exceptional standards of academic, cultural and personal education; all of which can be achieved even more effectively in an environment framed in individual care and support—something Girls Grammar also holds dear. In this issue of the Gazette our feature articles focus on aspects of teaching as a practice and a profession. In particular, selected staff discuss some of our recent initiatives related to innovative classroom models, effective mentoring for new teachers, leadership in the education sector and our active learning community. Ms Amanda Bell

Senior Drama Production

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Grammar Girls

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Snapshots

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Alumni

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Reunions and Events

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Letters

Thank you for the wonderful evening (Parent Information Evening). It was both informative and amusing. I appreciate all the time and effort that must have gone into putting it together. We know our daughter is in very good hands and evenings like this reinforce this for us. Mrs S Singh Year 11 parent Last year, before our daughter was even at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, we attended the Mother and Daughter Dinner and it was fantastic. Excellent idea to include girls who are about to attend the School—our daughter is really looking forward to the event again this year. Ms M Graham Year 8 parent Congratulations on the 15th (consecutive) win at the QGSSSA Cross Country competition. I was the cross country captain in 1994, the first year of the now famous winning streak for the School. It is lovely to see the same dedication 15 years later! Mrs E Turner (Byth) 1994 Thank you for hosting the ‘Class of ‘88’ on Saturday 19 July for the 20 Year Reunion—it was so interesting to see the School again after all these years. Mrs F Schrier (Thompson) 1988

Thank you for arranging the Alumni and Art event at the National Gallery of Victoria; I so enjoyed the exhibition. I look forward to the 2009 Alumni event. One day my husband and I will come to Brisbane and I would love to visit my old school. Mrs B Joyce (Black) 1948 I am writing to compliment Brisbane Girls Grammar on the conduct of one of its students at Open Day. I arrived with my two children, the eldest of which is currently in Grade 5, and we were warmly greeted by a Year 12 student, who after hearing that we were first-time visitors, offered to show us around and visit places that we might be interested in such as Year 8 classrooms, sports facilities and the music areas. Our guide stayed with us for about thirty minutes, by which time we were happy to walk around by ourselves. She gave an outstanding impression of her School. Mrs M Simpson visitor The atmosphere at Open Day was unbelievable and the family I guided around the School was really amazed by their experience—the atmosphere, the facilities, and the academic and co-curricular aspects that the School has to offer all on show. ManLok Kwan Year 12 student

An Extraordinary Musical Event Each year, the Gala Musical grows in size and reputation and the 2008 programme will be no exception. Over 300 young musicians will perform in All You Need Is Love, exploring a wide range of musical genres Gala is a highlight of the school year and an event not to be missed. Where: Brisbane City Hall When: Saturday 25 October at 7 . 00pm. Tickets: $20 adult, $10 concession, $50 family.

Copyright Newspix 2008

A rigorous academic programme delivered by highly motivated, dedicated and qualified teachers is ultimately the medium that will achieve the optimal outcomes for students.

Cover Image: Senior Drama Production The Crucible (page 14)

grammar gazette spring 2008 2

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grammar gazette spring 2008