Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2010

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JUDITH A HANCOCK PRINCIPAL DR IT IS QUITE UNUSUAL FOR A BUILDING TO BE NAMED AFTER A PRINCIPAL WHO IS STILL SERVING THE SCHOOL CONSTITUENCY BUT SUCH WAS THE HIGH REGARD FOR JUDITH HANCOCK HELD BY THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES AND PARENT SUPPORT GROUPS THAT, IN 1992, THE INNOVATIVE COMMUNICATIONS CENTRE WAS NAMED IN HER HONOUR.

1977–2001

Judith Hancock started her distinguished career as Principal in 1977. Her youth, energy and vitality connected with the Grammar community as she confidently led the School through the challenges of the new social and legislative paradigms that were shaping Queensland education at that time. While she was keenly aware of the history of the School and graciously acknowledged the contributions of her predecessors, Judith Hancock encouraged and challenged her staff to be at the forefront of developments in curriculum, student care and the adoption of classroom technology in this State. As a result, this very modern principal, through her imaginative leadership and devotion to the education of young women, managed to retain academic rigour and the finest traditions of the School, while generating a sophisticated and stimulating environment for students and staff alike. Across her long appointment, Judith was responsible for major developments in the physical fabric of the School Gehrmann Building, the rennovation of the historic Main Building, the Hancock Communication Centre and the McCrae Grassie Sports Centre. The establishment of the Memorial Outdoor Education Centre at Imbil and the extension of sporting, cultural and other co-curricular programmes reflected her belief in the importance of a holistic, balanced educational experience for the young women in her domain. Judith Hancock was essentially a ‘people’ person and was able to charm, cajole, persuade and motivate most of those with whom she came into contact. She always put the interests of the girls first and her students regarded her with a mixture of awe and affection. Their sincere esteem for her was illustrated when, on the last school day prior to her retirement, the entire student body encircled the Main Building and performed the School War Cry as a farewell gesture.

Felicity Williams

Elizabeth Hatton

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

HERITAGE PROJECTS

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