Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2014

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BONDS FOR LIFE

AUTHORS Sarvashree Singh (12G) and Claudia Gulbransen–Diaz (12L), 2014 Head Girls

FOR THIS, OUR FINAL YEAR at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, the Student Council envisioned a motto that would encapsulate three fundamental aspirations: integration, promotion and motivation. These aspirations in turn, inspired our motto for 2014: ‘Above and beyond with the Grammar bond’. This motto is an apt representation of the unique School culture, and embodies the values of the Year 12 cohort. The first of our major goals for this year is integration. This concept exemplifies our vision for a more unified Girls Grammar, focusing on the deep sense of community that distinguishes this School. A perfect example of ‘the Grammar bond’ was the Valentine’s Day celebrations, which saw girls from Years 8 to 12 decorating both themselves and the School in red, and embracing the opportunity to have fun on the dance floor. The success of this event was truly a testament to the togetherness and enthusiasm of the girls. Enhancing the unique quality of Girls Grammar life in all its forms is a second vital objective for 2014 and is specifically targeted at the promotion of our extraordinary fundraising initiatives. Events like Blue Day, Valentine’s Day and SAS night, a culmination of enjoyable activities within the Service, Arts and Sports spheres, have enabled us to raise over $1,000 for our designated School charity — Indigenous Communities Health and Education. Another distinctive intention is to provide more opportunities for girls to showcase their individual skills and talents. At Girls Grammar, students’ strengths are not limited to academic excellence, but also extend to the sporting, artistic and cultural spheres. Recognising such abilities is an integral aspect of Girls Grammar life and was exemplified by the Valentine’s Day assembly, during which our Choral Captain, Merinda Dias–Jayasinha, presented a superb musical performance.

The support and encouragement she received from the School validates the importance of acknowledging the abilities of each member of our community. Our third aim for 2014 is to intensify the motivation. Not only is this School a leader in exceptional scholarship, but it also paves the way in cultural and sporting endeavours. Thus, our aim has been to motivate the girls to maintain and surpass the previous high levels of contribution and achievement in these areas. This was demonstrated in the performance of a war cry during the week prior to stand–down — the senior school’s examination block. We believe that this was a necessary step in instilling a sense of pride, anticipation and determination in students as they approached the first of their exams for the year. Similarly, in order to motivate our swimmers to accomplish their best possible results at QGSSSA Swimming in March, splendid Blue Day celebrations saw a marvellous pancake breakfast, face painting, dancing and, most significantly, a war cry. Blue Days symbolise a vibrant School spirit and also act as an uplifting send-off for the competitors. Moments like these characterise the importance of striving to go ‘above and beyond’ in all facets of School life, as well as in the wider community. The connotations of the motto, ‘Above and beyond with the Grammar bond’, suggest that it can be applied to life beyond school, where we would encourage girls to continue to aim to excel. The student body has upheld this motto enthusiastically thus far, and we are looking forward to seeing how it will continue to shape the culture of the School this year. A version of this article first appeared on the School website.

GRAMMAR GAZETTE