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

The lyricist, Svyetlana Hadgraft was a member of the School’s English department. Her brief from the Principal seemed almost impossible. She was to make reference to the past, present and future, demonstrate an awareness of the School’s traditions, include the two blue colours, reflecting Oxford and Cambridge, use our motto – preferable in the chorus – and if possible, include an allusion to the imagery in the inspirational stained glass windows created by Jennifer Andrews for the Library. The whole was to be modern but timeless. DR JUDITH HANCOCK, AS PART OF THE SCHOOL’S 125TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS, COMMISSIONED THE WRITING OF A SCHOOL SONG. SCHOOLSONG The selected composer, Richard Gill OAM was an inspired choice as his musical reputation and practice was, and continues to be, a prodigious and far-reaching one both nationally and internationally. His brief, from Mrs Hancock, was to capture the youthful spirit of the students enabling them to sing the song on a variety of occasions. When it came time for the unveiling of the song to occur, Richard Gill, marshalled the entire school during an assembly into learning the new song: his tools — infectious magic and an indelible personality. Paul Holley, our current Choral Director not only played and repeated the musical phrases on that special occasion, but since then, has had the responsibility of ensuring that all new Year 8 students learn the school song as part of their induction. REFLECTIONS FROM THE JAPANESE TRIP: ...we all became a part of a Japanese household adjusting to their lifestyle quickly. Some of us were able to stay in a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats and sliding doors, sleeping on the floor on futons and rice-filled pillows. Alternative aspects of home life included bathing in hot-deep tubs, wearing special slippers inside the house and eating food vastly different from what we enjoy at home. Our families generously welcomed and included us in celebrations and we visited many Japanese shrines, temples and castles. Through so doing, we gained a varied insight into Japanese culture... THIS REPORT FROM THE GERMAN TRIP: ....This immersion also provided greater opportunities to learn more of the language, gain a greater understanding of the socio- cultural differences, and also gain about five kilograms due to the consumption of chocolate and gummi-bears... After numerous re-writes and much fiddling with words the lyrics were born; then came the music.

THIS REPORT FROM THE FRENCH TRIP: Having been on the French trip, there was never a question for me of going back to Angoulême. It was just a question of WHEN. The French trip changed my life in a way I cannot begin to describe. AND ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE COIN: IMPRESSIONS OF AN AUSTRALIAN BOARDING SCHOOL BY A JAPANESE VISITOR ...my first impression of the Boarders was that they were noisier (livelier) than girls in Japan. I was surprised that they often yelled; that was incredible! But I was also surprised they studied so hard...

Lana Hadgraft, Richard Gill, Judith Hancock

SCHOOL SONG Nil sine labore Set your goals and strive Dare to let your dreams take wing and soar Inspired by those who showed the way We keep their hopes alive And hold their proud traditions to the fore Maintain our founder’s vision bold: A life enriched by learning Embracing change, we build and hold A future more discerning Draw strength from our diversity; We have so much to give: Each fledgling talent we can see Mature, take flight and live Nil sine labore

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