Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2016

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‘DITCH THE DREAM AND BE A DOER, NOT A DREAMER’. THESE WORDS FROM SHONDA RHIMES’ 2014 SPEECH TO THE GRADUATING CLASS AT DARTMOUTH COLLEGE IN THE USA ARE EXACTLY WHAT EACH GRAMMAR GIRL LEARNS TO ACCOMPLISH. FOR THE 2016 GRADUATING YEAR 12 GIRLS, THEIR DREAMS ARE BECOMING MORE AND MORE AN IMMINENT REALITY AS THEY ENTER THEIR LAST FEW DAYS OF HIGH SCHOOL.

More and more this term we are hearing remarks such as, ‘this is our last inter-house cross country race’ or ‘we just submitted our last Maths assignment’. However no matter how liberating each ‘last’ might be, a complex mixture of feelings are also present: disappointment that we won’t have the opportunity to experience the Grammar vibe for much longer; fear of the unknown; a sense of loss as we will not be there in the coming years to see our Grammar sisters excel; and apprehension and excitement about what is to come. To mark the occasion of ‘50 days to go’ on 22 August, the Student Council surprised the Year 12s with origami graduation caps to celebrate their achievements. They were on the seniors’ tables when we arrived at School and a sense of gratitude, delight and determination emanated around the Main Building. We were asked to write a goal or aspiration for our last 50 days onto the cap and an installation was then made so each Year 12 student was able to share her goal with the entire School. Some girls danced and others cried, as the grade united to share the beginning of the ‘very lasts’. It’s a day that we will never forget. Since that day, we have survived QCS, conquered the final exams, and continued to work hard to demonstrate that we are doers. We have been persistent and consistent, growing as young women and role models, and have achieved our goals of involvement, support, acknowledgement, spirit, and networking. For the students who still have years to go at Grammar, be it one year or five, we hope that each of you will reach the point at which the seniors of 2016 stand: on the verge of new lives. Have courage. Have faith that throughout your journey at Grammar, the many people you meet along the way will motivate you to become the very best you can be, encourage you to make a difference in ways both big and small, and inspire you to contribute confidently to your world with wisdom, imagination and integrity. These are not merely words on the wall of the CLC but an attitude to which we have become thoroughly committed. And never forget … blue unity IS opportunity!

AUTHORS Lili Wackwitz (12H) and Sarah Miller (12E) Brisbane Girls Grammar School 2016 Head Girls

It is strange and yet satisfying to look back and not only consider the impact that we, the graduating class of 2016, have made on the Grammar community — but also the influence that it has had on us. We will always remember our wonderful ISASN acronym (get involved, show some support, acknowledge the athletes, be full of spirit, and network) that so humorously captured our goals for the year, the moment Minna Atherton made the #blunity sign during the Olympic trials, and the support the School gave the Year 12s.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE