Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2010

B R I S B A N E G I R L S G R A M M A R S C H O O L

Jane Martel, a former student, now a staff member recalls of the early days at Marrapatta...

While it was agreed that Outdoor Education should remain a core part to the School’s curriculum, the question was, how this could be successfully achieved? Many felt it desirable to develop a base from which this programme could be managed and which would become a permanent memorial to those who had died at Christmas Creek and those who had survived.

“In Year 8, instead of the current dormitory, we slept in 4 or 6 man tents on the hill. Then in Year 9... we slept in the dormitory; the lounge and the toilet block weren’t there yet… we did a two night camp out… one day of camp out was spent canoeing up the dam and having dinner on a headland. We cooked using gas stoves and for most of us it was pretty unsuccessful… it pretty much consisted of crunchy macaroni and cheese…” Over the years, the Fathers Group has maintained a close connection to Marrapatta and have provided many ‘extras’ to enhance the campus. In 2003, Carol and James McIntosh were appointed as the new Directors at Marrapatta. Subsequently, girls have enjoyed the further development of challenging activities appropriate to each Year level. At the Open Day in June, 2010 a new structure – The Stamford Challenge High Ropes Course – was dedicated by Ms Elizabeth Jameson, Chair of the Board of Trustees to the memory of John Stamford whose presence in the School’s history will not be forgotten. Teilah Huth, winner of the 2008 Beris Korotkoff Memorial Prize which is awarded to a student in Year 11 or 12 for leadership in Outdoor pursuits spoke of the value to her of the outdoor education programme. “Throughout the three year programmes, we were constantly encouraged by the Centre staff to assume leadership roles and learn how to work interdependently with others. More importantly we were reminded that the learning came from the journey not just reaching the destination.”

After protracted and at times stressful negotiations to purchase appropriate property, the Memorial Outdoor Education Centre at Imbil was officially opened by Dr A S Gehrmann, Chair of the Board of Trustees on Sunday 9 August 1987 with Sue and Tim Lanham appointed as the first Directors. At this time the site was relatively undeveloped but this fact failed to dampen the enthusiasm and enjoyment of the first students to visit the new Centre. Recognition must be given to the drive of the Principal, Judith Hancock, the P & F Association who did much of the fundraising, and to the newly-formed Fathers Group, chaired by Peter Wilson, who put in countless hours developing the site.

Felicity Williams

Elizabeth Hatton

DEPUTY PRINCIPAL

HERITAGE PROJECTS

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