Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2015

/ 27

OLD GIRLS/ALUMNI

MELBOURNE EVENT On 3 September old girls from alumni years 1950 to 1994 celebrated the School’s 140th birthday joined by the Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, and the Director of Development and Alumni, Ms Lea Walker. Seventeen attended the Melbourne event including Megan Jenner (1983, fifth from left) who addressed the event on behalf of the OGA. SYDNEY EVENT On 15 May thirty-five old girls representing more than seventy alumni years joined together to celebrate the School’s 140th birthday at the InterContinental Hotel, including sisters Matina Hellen (1995), Erenie Hellen (1994) and Samantha Hellen (1984).

CONTINUING TO CELEBRATE 140 YEARS As part of the Rangakarra naming celebrations, past Presidents of the Old Girls, Paula Airton (Purvis, 1965), Daphne Fancutt (Seeney, 1950), Christine Purvis (Steindl, 1965) and Jean Vallis (Genn, 1943), joined current President, Janine Schmidt AM (Hogg, 1964), to plant the trees in recognition of the first ANZAC Grove located at the Spring Hill campus. These presidents were ably assisted by the Head Girls, Jacinta MacGinley (12B) and Natalia Gulbransen-Diaz (12W), Sports Captains, Jessie Cooke (12O) and Tiana Hoole (12R), and softball co-captain, Angela Goggin (12G). Daphne Pirie (Welch, 1949) inspired all with her dynamism and vitality during her address marking the naming of the Daphne Welch Oval.

SERVICE IN OUR DNA This annual OGA event was held with the National Council of Women of Queensland (NCWQ) on 13 May. Speakers recalled their service experiences at Girls Grammar and described their ongoing activities now that service to others is embedded in their lives. NCWQ’s Elise Stephenson introduced speakers Alexandra Phillips (2008), Rachel McLean (2005), Chloe Yap (2012) and Stephanie Carter (2007) who gave inspiring talks on their activities working in the diverse areas of disabilities, providing pro bono services to help fundraising for groups like the homeless, Science mentoring at UQ, and social media for Australia Awards (Africa) at GRM International.

OGA RECOLLECTIONS AFTERNOON TEA AND 60+ REUNION The OGA Recollections Afternoon Tea and the 60 plus years reunion were held on Saturday 5 September. This event has become a celebration of generational Grammar girls with old girls often attending with their daughters and mothers. It is a special afternoon for renewing old friendships and making new acquaintances, and finding out what the School is doing today. The OGA committee caters and many conversations are shared over a glass of bubbles and cupcakes.

SPRING ISSUE / 2015