Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2017

/ 01

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Finally, the School is eagerly anticipating the delivery of the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Observatory — a remotely operated, robotic telescope and observatory — to our Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre campus later this year. As the first girls’ school in Australia to benefit from such an extraordinary asset, the Observatory will provide infinite opportunities for girls to engage in deep practice-led learning across the curriculum, from Junior Science and Physics to Mathematics, Information Technology, Visual Art and beyond — the sky truly is the limit. The Observatory will provide rich opportunities for our girls to work alongside professional research teams from universities, scientific and commercial organisations, and the wider global scientific community. Through these inspirational projects and many others, our intention is for our girls to develop enduring personal and leadership skills, while becoming resilient and adventurous in spirit — graduating as balanced, confident and optimistic young women, equipped to live meaningful lives. The more varied the girls’ experiences and the greater their exposure to perspectives different from their own, the wider the lens they will have to understand the bigger picture and to adapt to an ever more complex and rapidly changing world. Throughout the past 142 years, Brisbane Girls Grammar School has remained committed to the provision of an exemplary broad, liberal education for girls and young women. High expectations, and a learning culture that encourages asking questions and taking intellectual risks, characterise the School’s unique learning environment. Challenged beyond the classroom to strengthen their minds and bodies, Grammar girls are adaptable young women who readily embrace change, experience growth through performance, and develop grit and determination — surely the best foundation for a full and rewarding life.

AUTHOR Ms Jacinda Euler Principal

CALVIN AND HOBBES CARTOONIST BILL WATTERSON ONCE SAID, ‘THE TRUTH IS, MOST OF US DISCOVER WHERE WE ARE HEADED WHEN WE ARRIVE.’ GRAMMAR GIRLS PLAN THOUGHTFULLY FOR THEIR FUTURES AND AIM HIGH, BUT IN REALITY THEIR FUTURE PATHS ARE LARGELY UNCERTAIN. KNOWING THIS, WE EDUCATE THEM TO DEVELOP DISCIPLINED HABITS IN THEIR LEARNING, TO ACHIEVE THEIR PERSONAL BEST IN ALL THAT THEY DO AND TO LEARN HOW TO THINK FOR THEMSELVES. At Girls Grammar, we provide opportunities for girls to develop a depth in their scholarship and excellence in their pursuits that are balanced with a broad outlook and open-minded approach to life and learning. Through myriad diverse opportunities and experiences, we aim to inspire girls to dare to dream, without fear of failure, and to be brave and adventurous in exploring the unknown or unfamiliar. Just one compelling example of how our girls are encouraged to push boundaries and expand their thinking includes our Senior Drama Production of the original work, Spontaneous Human Combustion . Commissioned by the School, and written and directed by award-winning playwright, Daniel Evans, the play gives voice to a teenager’s struggle to deal with loss and change with authenticity and wicked wit, valuing young people’s experiences without compromising on theatrical sophistication. Employing rhythmic language and the conventions of Magical Realism, the production was unapologetic in its frenetic pace, fiery delivery and dynamic staging — and, if you were fortunate enough to see the girls’ stunning performances, you would certainly agree. Another fine example of this approach to thinking outwardly centres on the School’s belief in the importance of judicious and ethical action, demonstrated in a willingness to speak up in line with one’s convictions. Acknowledging the School’s strong international outlook and under the leadership of Service Captains, Alice Dunn (12E) and Ayesha Kumar (12G), our students carefully considered their choice of School Charity for 2017. This year, the girls reflected on the current ‘unprecedented displacement crisis’, stemming from millions of people fleeing conflict, persecution, violence and war in countries around the globe; and, based on this, elected to assist people seeking asylum in Brisbane. Through fundraising and community service activities this year, Grammar girls are supporting the work of the Romero Centre, a local charity that helps newly arrived asylum seekers to access support through individualised case management services.

WINTER ISSUE / 2017