December 1954 School Magazine

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, MAGAZINE of the

BRISBANE GIRLS' GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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DECEMBER, 1954

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Registered at !he G.P.O., Brisbane, fo1 transmission by post a s a Period ical

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Published by Miss L. W. Crooks, Brisbane Girls' Grammar School and printed by Allan William Cramb, Fuller Street, Windsor, for The Read Press Pty. Ltd., 610-616 Ann Street. Vallev. Brisbane.

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RE-OPENS. 24th JANUARY 1955

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December, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

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Editorial T HROUGHOUT the ages man has struggled against darkness, the darkness of ignorance , of oppression and of intolerance. In this fight against darkness man has been prompted and in- spired by his intellect. As Gilbert Highet says- "lt would be easier to destroy mankind physically with a gun or an explosion than to d~stroy it mentally." This gift of intellect and this desire f ()r; know- ledge is a force whose power is not always::u}: :alized . Yet it has the power to transform the wo~ and it can be used for good or for evil. · · Great discoveries have been made i6 atomic science but many of these discoveries h~ve been used only for purposes of destruction . ~.orne men have used the power gained by their intellect for their own ends, regardless of the sufferings of others. The oppression that has been ·cal!sed by such men shows the immense power of the i!1tellect when used for evil. :-: But the power of the intellect when used for good is equally great. Discoveries made in :science have been used for the benefit of the world. Con- scientious thinkers became aware of the suffering of those around them, and tried to relieve it . Through their efforts we have gradually come to realize that it is our duty to do what we can to make the world a better place to live in. We live in a much enlightened age where many forms of darkness have been overcome. Yet the future still holds many obstacles which can only be surmounted if our intellect is used for the right purposes. G. M. JOHNSON . 9

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Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1954

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

MADAME ZINAIDA PAVLOVNA SMIKOFF.

"Only a sweet and virtuous soul Like seasoned timber, never gives; But though the whole world turns to coal, Then chiefly I ives."

In sad silence the School heard the announcement of the sudden death of Madame Zinaida Pavlovna Smikoff at her home on Sunday, 5th September. Zinaida Pavlovna Asbeleff , the eldest of four children in the family of a Government Official in Russia, was born 12th June, 1891, in Novgorod, one of the oldest cities in Russia . She was educated in Petrograd at the Demidovsky Young Ladies' Institute and in the last year of her secondary educa- tion there won a Gold Medal for outstanding ability, which was presented to her personally by the Empres·s Maria. In the Pedogogic Diploma Course in Languages to which she proceeded she .also finished first. Enrolled in the Govern- ment Service she was in 1911 appointed Teacher of French at a Boys ' Grammar School in Ostrov, Poland. In 1917 during t he First World War she married Peter Mak.arievich Smik.off, a young cav2lry officer, formerly a barrister. Their only son Vladimir was born in the following year. At the outbre3k of the Revoluti on, Mr . Smikoff joined the Royalist White Army and with hi.3 wife and son retreated from Europe across Siberia to· Vladivostock where the White Arm•; made its l2st stand . When Vladivostock fell in 1922, the Smikoff famil y evacuated to China. During the long re- treat they lost nearly all their worldly poooessions. In 1923 they migrated to Australia where Madame Smi- koff began to learn another language, to teach French to a group at the Alliance Francaise of whi h she was a member, and to m3ke those friends whose numbers and affection for her grew with the years. Madame Smikoff joined the Staff of the Brisbane Girls ' Grammar School in 1930. She was appointed to teach French throughout the School. For twenty-five years her wide and thorough knowledge of the language and literature of France and her power as a linguist and teacher were devoted to the service of the School. I I

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Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December. 1954

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Over those years Madame 's pupils, her " dear girls ," learnt to api?rec1ate her charm and dignity, her firm yet gentle authonty , the thoroughness which characterized all her work, her social gifts and accomplishments. These qualities were revealed not only in class but also in the wider and more intimate relationship of Fqrm Mistress and pupils, in the les~ formal ~reparation of French songs and plays for entertamments w1thm and outside the School and in all School functions . . On their own testimony Old Girls who proceeded to the Un1vers1ty, or who continued the study of French at home, or who travelled abroad, appreciated even more fully than at sc~ool , Madame's fa cility in that language, her sense of perfection, and the high standard of her scholarship. During a long and happy association in and beyond the Common Room and the School , Madame Smikoff's colleagues -and many became her close friends-came to realise and appreciate her spark Iing sense of fun, her wit and kindly hu.mour, .her gener?sity which delighted to share all good thmgs w1th her ne1ghbour, her fortitude and devotion her firm faith and ·sweet charity which triumphed over all adver- si~y, the quality and the happiness of her family life . Many will remember her reminiscences of home and school and college , of the Imperial Ballet to which every year during the Season a generous uncle escorted his nieces in turn of sum- mer hol!days spent at a seaside-country house whe~ flowers were bnght and abundant in the Crimea. Some will remem- ber th~ solemn and be~utiful service and the gay and friendly recept1on at the mamage of Madame's only son, and the many happy Easters when friends were bidden to celebrate in her family circle the festival of the Resurrection . And all will remember how Madame widened that circle to embrace the whole staff on the Monday after Easter every year . The girls' last gift of flowers which they brought from their ov':tn gardens and arranged themselves , the presence at the ·serv1ce held at the Russian Orthodox Church of St . Nicho- las of t:he Sixth and Fifth Forms, of representatives of Madame s own Form IV B, of the Head Mistress and Staff and of the Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Mrs. Eng~ land, were a tribute to the memory of a beloved and esteemed teacher, ~olleague and friend . Madame's memory will remain fragrant 1n th School and in the thoughts of all who were privileged to know her. M. A.M. 12

CURRENT EVENTS At the beginning of this term, the school received the sad news of Madame Smikoff's death. We showed our sor- row and sympathy with her family by the presence of some of our girls at the funeral service. Those of us who knew her always remember her with affection and gratitude. On 18 th September , we were all very pleased to see bright sunshine and blue skies as that was the day of the Grammar Fete. The school organized the two Sweets Stalls. In our aim to exceed the amount made at the previous Fun Fair we were successful. The whole school worked enthusi- astically, first in making and preparing goods, then in selling them. We feel greatly indebted to the parents and friends who also helped our stall. Another inter-school activity provided much interest in September . This was a Debate in which we were challenged by the State High School and which was held there . After spirited speeches from both sides, our team was successful. Improvements to the School buildings and grounds are being carried out steadily. Since the last edition of the Maga- zine , extensive painting has brightened up many parts of the School and, by the building of steps, t he danger incurred in walking down the "covered way" has been removed. Part of the verandah outside the lab. has been enclosed to provide much-needed extra space for several cl.asses. This year the Inter-School Athletics were held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground on 4th July. We must congratulate Somerville House on winning both the Senior and Aggregate Cups; and the State Commercial High School for their win in the Junior Cu p. Cynthia Cruicksha nk ( IV C) wins the Telegraph "Blue " for athletics , and we are all proud of her ·splendid achievement . Inter-School Basketball and Tennis fixtures have been prolonged into the Third Term owing to a succession of rainy Saturdays in Second Term, so the final results are not yet known, although we are hopeful that our teams will all suc- ceed. The Inter-Form Basketball and Tennis competitions were concluded this term , Sixth Form gaining a victory in both . Ill B must be commended on their Tennis . and IV D for their good play throughout the Basketball matches. The swimming season has begun with swimming on Tuesday and Friday afternoons . In conjunction with swim- ming, life-saving practices are held, and the Inter-form Life- saving Competition will be held at the end of the term. In the Second Term , the Fourth , Fifth and Sixth Forms were entertained by Thea Rowe in a delightful programme of 13

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Our athletes and swimmers were victorious in sport , And the form.:; who wi lh us so closely fought Are congratu l.ated. At the Sixth Form Dance the setting was cast For a wonderful time; the evening surpassed All our expectations. In the various clubs our members have striven, To Lifesaving and Singing attention was given , And to Science demonstrations . While the rest of the Form with Calculus struggled With infants and clay some members juggled At Kindergarten . For the Grammar Fun Fair we worked our best , And in making our rug we 've endeavoured with zest , Some soul to hearten . The time is approaching for us all to part, But fond memories of School will remain in our heart , Old times we shall miss. Now our last year has flown, past joys we recall. To the Juniors we wish best of luck ; and to all- Merry Christmas! FIFTH FORM NOTES Our Fifth has been a happy class , With no exams to fear , To our form-mistresses-our thanks Fe r guidance through the year . At interform sports we did not shine , (Congrats to those who won) , At swimming, now, we got three points, But we had a lot of fun . The Queen went past our school one day,

PREFECTS, 1954. Back : Gillian Kleinschmidt, Helen Enchelmaier, Anthea Collett, Deirdre Hyland, Louis Coles, Margaret Lee. front : Alwyn Donaldson, judith Payne and Cecily Ellis (Head Girls) , :!lolene Colledge mime and song. None of us will ever forget the picture she made as she sang " Pussy's in the Well ," as her last item. On the 29th October, members of the Upper School are to attend an afternoon recital by Dame Sybil Thorndike and Sir Lewis Casson. Such an opportunity is rare, and the girls much appreciate their great good fortune. Two of our girls , both from Fifth Form, have disting- uished themselves in outside competitions. The first i·s Daphne Biggs who won an Essay Competition organised by the Royal Institute of Public Administration . She was awarded six guineas for her essay entitled "The Perfect System." Alexa Tabke won an .award of £300 given by the Younger Artists' Group. She will go to the East Sydney Technical College. SIXTH FORM NOTES NOVEMBER SONG It 's a short, short time from now till November , And the days dwindle down , as we try to remember What we haven't known . Through the whole four years that we've spent at Grammar We 've been guided and taught in the best possible manner To stand on our own. For their help and great patience we thank Miss Crooks , Mis·s Macmillan and Staff ; we desire that their looks At results be elated . 14

We all lined up of course , We put up decorations gay, And shouted ourselves hoarse . We worked so hard for our Fun-Fair , We raffled off a pup, And people came from far and near And bought the tickets up. Our form picnic is yet to come, And that will be some fun, But oh, the crowd of weary girls , When that bright day is done . Our French is in a woeful state , Our History's very hazy. Our Maths are weak, our Zool's worse In fact we ' re rather lazy. 15

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December , 1954

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

THIRD FORM NOTES As we look back upon our fi rst year at the Gramma r School we shall always remember that we were in third fo rm when the Queen and Duke passed our school. This year we have learnt new and inte rest ing wo rk and we would like to thank the members of the staff sincerely for their guidance and help. The clubs connected with the school have been well attended . The Junior debate was won by Ill B aft e r defeat ing IV B. The plays given by Ill B and Ill D have provided en- joyable entertainment for the members of the Dramat ic Club. The Third Form members also take a keen interest in the Science Club . In basketball, Ill D showed their ability by defeating Ill C and Ill E but were defeated by IV D in the Junio r finals. In the inter-form swimming , Ill F gained second place in the school. Ill E obtained the highest number of points in the Third Forms at the inter-form athletics, coming fourth in the school . In the Inter-Form tennis Ill B won the Junior finals , defeated VA but were defeated by VI Form in the finals. Our congratulations go to Sixth Form for winning the Inter-Form swimming , athletics, tennis and bansketball .. Our congratulations also go to Judith Rowe Ill A fo r her win the inter-school Sub Junior French Competition . tion . All of the Third Forms have spent enjoyable days at various picnic places around Brisbane. These Form picnics will be remembered by us for many years to come. We would also like to wish the Fourths and Sixths every success in their Junior and Senior Examinations. Finally we wish Miss Crooks and the members of the staff a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year . BOARDERS' NOTES As the final examinations approach once more, we rea- lise that another twelve months have slipped quickly by , and pause to think over the events of the past year. The year began with an increase in the number of boarders , who now number sixty-four. At the beginning of second term we welcomed Miss Wood , who replaced Miss Simonds . 17

At the end of next year in the Sixth What work we will have done ! ! Good luck to those who have exams, Merry Christmas-everyone! FOURTH FORM NOTES

For many of us, this year ~ ill have been our last at school. It has been a very busy and very interesting one. Sporting activities occupied a large part of our time. The swimming season commenced soon after we returned to school after the Christmas holidays. In the Inter-form Swim- ming Carnival , Sixth Form came fir-st and Form Ill F second . We should like to congratulate both these Forms. Many mem- bers of Fourth Form competed in the Inter-School swimming, while in the Inter-School Lifesaving, two of the four in the team were members of IV D. In the Inter-form Athletics, held in July, Sixth Form won, with Form IV C runner-up. Cynthi3 Cruikshank, a mem- ber of IV C, won the senior championship at the Inter-School Athletics, and well deserves her athletics' 'Blue.' In tennis, the Fourth Forms were unsuccessful , but in basketball Form IV D reached the finals, being finall y de- fe::Jted by Si xth Form. Congratulations to both VI and IV D. Some members of Fourth Forms have attended club meeting·s enthusiastically. Each Form produced a play for the Dramatic Club, and also sent a team to compete in the Inter- Form Debating. The Science Club held a quiz, in which mem- bers of IV B and IV D took part. It is a pity , however, that more Fourth Form members do not take a greater interest .in Club activities. At Parents' Day, each Form arranged a stall. At the Fun Fair , too, the Fourth-formers worked hard on stalls and trays to make the day a success. IV B is very grateful to Miss Lilley who donated a supper cloth for a raffle , which added .a large sum to our profits. We cannot end these notes without referring to the sor- row with which all of us , and Form IV B in particular , learned of the death of Madame Smikoff. We shall always carry with us very happy and grateful memories of her. As we approach our Junior examination , we look back on a year of varied activities , and we should like to express to Miss Crooks and to 'the members of the Staff our apprecia- tion and thanks for all the work that they have done on our behalf. To all who are sitting for Public Examinations at the end of the year, we send our best wishes, and to the whole School we wish a Happy Christmas.

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December, 1954

December, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Our sporting .ability has improved and we have been well represented in school tennis , swimming, athletics and basket- ball teams. On Inter-Form Sports Day we were successful against the day girls in the relay race, but lost the ball games event. We were proud to win the tennis against the winning Inter-Form team, VI , but were defeated by VI in the basket- ball after a strenuous game. Thank you VI for the enjoyable games and close competition . We have had severai enjoyable evenings with the board- ers from the Boys' Grammar School .at pictures and dancing and would like to thank Miss Crooks and Mr. Mclucas for making such evenings possible and Mrs. Sears for her excel- lent operation of the projector . On Saturdays we have visited many interesting places, seen many films and plays and some have attended youth concerts. The Royal Tour was a memorable time for us all. One evening we hired a bus and toured the city to see the illu- minations. The three bridges in their fairyland lights were particularly impressive. On the day of the arrival of the Royal visitors , the boarders secured a good position on the route at Newstead Park to view the Royal Progress. When the Queen visited the Cathedral , many of the boarders attended to form the position of the walls of the completed Cathedral . On the evening of the day the Roy.al Visitors passed the school , the boarders celebrated at high tea and proposed a special toast to the Queen. The new girls showed much fine talent when they enter- tained the remainder of the boarders at a concert at the beginning of the year. During the third term a boarders' choir was formed. One evening we were honoured by a visit from His Grace, Archbishop Halse, who spoke to all the boarders . This year was the first for many years that the boarders went to the Exhibition as a group . We were also fortunate to be able to attend the Blessing of the Plough service. The year has been a very happy one for us all and we will cherish many happy memories of our school days by it. To Miss Crooks, the staff and to a II we say-"A very Happy Christmas and goodbye for this year." G. K., VI. LIBRARY NOTES During the year , good work has been done by the Iibra rians of the school. This year, representatives from the Third Form attended Library Committee meetings for the first time . The new 18

magazine shelves in the Fiction Library are greatl y appre- ciated , and the arranging of the Fiction Library in alpha- betical order , with the sections clearly marked , facilitates the choosing of books . We hope to obtain a new bookcase to accommodate the rapidly increa"ing nuwri ber of fiction library books. We also thank many of the Old Girls , who have made generous donati ons. Ail the materials necessary for binding have been col- lected and this important work will soon be started , for sev- eral girls have been instructed in the art by Mr . Dobbie of the Public Library. We thank him for his kindness . We thank Miss Thomas , Mrs. Jackson , Miss Macmillan and Miss Crooks for their encouragement and guidance throughout the year. Our thanks also go to the form repre- sentatives who have been of great help to the Sixth Form librarians in checking books and cards. We wish all a Merry Christmas and pleasant holidays . D.M.B . DEBATING CLUB NOTES " For, e'en though vanquished, he could .argue still ." This seems to appl y to our members and we are happy to see them indulging in that art. The cycle of Inter - Form -debates is well under way, and we are pleasantly surprised to find Ill B in the semi-final which will be held against VA. Sixth Form team will be in the final to be held before the school closes, after the public examinations are finished . As well as debates, impromptu speeches have also been held at some meetings , much to the horror of the members who found themselves facing an audience which was ex- pecting a talk on a subject the speaker had never seen before. We owe our thanks to State High School Debating Club who challenged us to a debate this term. Our team success- fully contended the challenge on the negative side of the sub- ject "That Patriotism is a Cause of War ." The debate was held at State High, and team members and supporters were entertained with supper and community singing after the debate . Our thanks go to Miss Paterson who has aided us all the year, and even extended her tuition to tr.aining young adjudicators, allowing some of the girls practice on a few of the form teams in the Inter-Form debates . We look forward to another successful year and hope that every girl possible will join the club and gain from the valuable help it gives . H. W . VB. 19

December, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1954

DRAMATIC CLUB NOTES We started the year full of enthusiasm , and with a membership of over 170. Plays have been presented by t he various Forms at our meetings on Wednesdays. Impromptu pl.ay readings have been held and the results of these promise well for our end of the year production. At our play night VI Form will present scenes from " The Tempest," IV Form scenes from "A Midsummer Night's Dream, " and V and Ill Forms short plays. This production will , we hope , justify the noise we have made each Wednes- day. We would asure all those who have paused and wondered at the strange sounds issuing from the Laboratory that these are dramatic masterpieces in the making. Interesting talks have been given to the club by Miss Whalley and Mr. MacDonaugh and Shakespearian records have been lent by Twelfth Night Theatre. The Club has ordered a new curtain for the Assembly Hall and it is hoped that it will be ready for our production in December. Finally, we wish to thank Miss Glover , Mrs . Hoad and Mrs . Topper for their hei ;J and interest during the year . G. M. J . CHOIR AND MUSIC CLUB NOTES The formation of the Choir has given the lie to those non -scientists who believe that only smells come out of the laboratory and I hope they have been entertained by the sweet sounds that issue forth every Monday. The Choir has a membership of about forty , but more fifth and third mem- bers would be .appreciated . We enjoyed singing at Parents' Day and we are now rehearsing for Speech Night. We would like to thank Miss Edmonds for giving so much of her time to training us and selecting songs that we have enjoyed singing and we hope that all her labours will be rewarded. This year the Music Club commenced with two Clubs for o ld and new members, respectively. The new members , following the plan established last year , were studying pro- gramme music. The old members studied Schubert in con- junction with the Schubert-Mozart festival , and also appre- ciated the Eine-Kieine night music , Peer Gynt and the music of Cesar Franck. As at all times our enjoyment was en- hanced by Miss Simonds ' able and informative leadership of our discussions . -After Miss Simonds ' departure, we have tried to keep one club going, using the club's records and those which girls have kindly brought , but we hope that next vear new leadership will be found . J .C. VI. 20

SCIENCE CLUB NOTES The Science Club has continued throughout the year, meeting every second Thursday. The girls themselves have taken part in many of the meetings this year. Interesting experiments were performed and everyone enjoyed them . Some of the girls have given short talks on subjects which were as diverse as ' Television ," "Spiders," and "Radium." An Inter-Form quiz was held , the questions being based on a general knowledge of subjects of scientific interest. Friendly rivalry existed among the forms and the winner was Daphne Biggs of Fifth Form . The Science Project prize was won by Norma Hawes, of Ill D. We invited several guest speakers and enjoyed the talks given by Dr . Mackerras , Mr . Mack, Margot Mcivor and Pro- fessor Whitehouse. We thank Mrs. Sears for her operation of the projector when we saw films obtained from the Shell Company, and we also thank Miss Crooks, Mrs. Powell and Mrs. Ryland for their assistance and interest . D. M. B. CRUSADER NOTES This year Cru-saders have met regularl y each Friday lunch-hour . In the beginning of the year, we welcomed back Mrs. Chenoweth as our leader. Much spiritual guidance has been gained from her informal yet vital talks which have stressed the importance of accepting Christ as a personal Saviour . The girls have been encouraged to take an active part in the meetings, and many have done so by leading the choruses .and offering a short opening _prayer. We have also enj oyed interesting talks from vi-siting missionaries . At the end of second term several girls received certificates and badges for regular attendance. In order to get to know each other better , Mrs. Cheno- weth invited us one Saturday afternoon in June to her home where we thoroughl y enj oyed ourselves. Our Grammar Group was well represented at the August Crusader Camp held out- side Warwick and at the Annual Crusader Rally. We pray for God's blessing on our meetings in the com- ing yea r and trust that He w ill strengthen us to be "Witnesses Unto Him." H.W. 21

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1954

December, 1954

Brisbane Girls ' Grammar School Magazine

SPORTS TENNIS NOTES

Results of Tennis Matches: "A" Grade

B.G.G.S. v. Ipswich Grammar ; won by B.G.G.S . B.G.G.S . v. State High School; won by B.G.G .S. B.G.G.S. v. St. Hilda 's ; won by St. Hilda's . B.G.G.S. v. St. Margaret 's; won by B.G.G.S . B.G.G.S. v . Ipswich Grammar ; won by B.G.G.S. B.G.G.S. v. State High School, won by B.G.G.S. B.G.G .S. v. St . Hilda 's; won by B.G.G.S . B.G.G.S. v. St. Margaret 's ; won by B.G.G.S.

The first tennis matches for the year were held as usual on Old Girls' Day . Although we were not very successful, we had a most enjoyable day. Both the A and the B teams were beaten , but the C team saved us from entire defeat. Many t hanks to the Old Girls for giving us such valuable practice! Owing to such wet weather this year, some of the Inter- School matches have had to be postponed to third term. So far the A team has lost only one match to St. Hilda's, by one game , and the B team has not lost any . But the hardest match of the season is yet to be played, that against Somer ·· ville House . The Inter-Form competitions have just been completed. There have been many close and interesting matches , and congratulations must go to Ill B who did so well as to reach the final . But here VI form managed 1·o win. The school championships are now in progress and these too should provide interesting matches. This year we have had Miss Anderson to look after the tennis. She has shown her keen interest in our progress by supervising practices and giving her advice . Our thanks go once aga in to Mr. Moon coaching , and also to the girls who helped noon tea and scored for the matches . Criticism of the Team: for his valuable with the after- B. T. VI. JANICE BAYADA has improved considerably since the beginning of the season . She has a powerful forehand and service, but her backhand needs improvement. She would improve her game by moving more quickly on the court . MARGARET STUBBS-BROWN. Margaret has been a most reliable team member . Her ground strokes and service are sound , and she has a good volley. Margaret too h3s im- proved a good dea I. EDNA RYNNE . Edna h9s played consistentl y through- out the season . She has an exce llent off -court forehand , her service is quite good , but her backhand needs to be improved . Edna must learn t o concentrate more du ri ng a match . BERIS TOMKINS. Beris has played well in all matches. All her strokes are sound and she is alert on the court . She has formed a strong combination with Janice. B. T. VI. 22

"A" TENNIS TEAM, 1954. Beris Tomkins (Capt.), Janice Bayada, Edna Rynne, Margaret Stubbs-Brown. 23

December, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1954

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"B" TENNIS TEAM, 1954. Patricia Henzell, Patricia Trevethan, Narelle Penhallurick, Joyce Hawes.

"A" BASKET BALL TEAM, 1954. Back : Cynthia Cruikshank, Carole Bristow, Anne P~ckburn, Kay Valle. front: Alwyn Donaldson, Rolene Colledge (Capt.), Gillian Kleinschmidt . The results of Inter-School Matches are as follows:-

BASKETBALL NOTES The Ba·sketball season began, as usual , this year with an enjoyable match against the Old Girls, when the Old Girls were victorious in both A and B matches . Even though the teams, at the beginning of t he season were very inexperi- enced we have won all our matches though the A match against St. Margaret 's resulted in a draw . Owing to a wet ·season , all inter-school matches have not been played and our teams have still to meet Somerville House . This year's Inter-Form Basketball provided much excite- ment for the school, particularly in the finals where VI Form proved victorious over IV D. We wish to thank all the girls who helped with afternoon tea for their assistance during the season. The teams wish to thank Mrs . Rorke for the interest she has shown in them and whose continued presence at practices and invaluable assistance has been a great factor in the ultimate success -of the teams . We should also like to thank Miss Anderson for her assistance at the 'Monday practice.' 24

A Team Ipswich Girls ' Grammar School ; won by B.\G.G.S . Brisbane State High School ; won by B.G.G.S. St. Hilda 's ; won by B.G.G.S. St. Margaret's; draw. B Team

B.G.G.S. v. B.G.G.S. v. B.G.G.S. V. B.G.G .S. v.

B.G.G.S . v. Ipsw ich Girls ' Grammar School; won by B.G.G.S. B.G.G.S. v. Brisbane State High School ; won by B.G.G .S. B.G.G.S. v. St. Hilda 's; won by B.G.G.S. B.G.G .S. v. St. Margaret's; won by B.G.G.S. . R. Colledge , VI. Crit i ci~m of the Team: GILLIAN KLEINSCHMIDT.-Defence.-Has been a reliable team membe r. She is ale rt in match play and her defence wo rk h"! s areatl y imoroved duri nq the season. ANN PICKBURN.-Defence Ao-s istant.-Has played consistentl y throughout the season. He r atta ck play is sound, but she is sometimes s low to interce pt . 25

December. 1954

.Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

ATHLETICS This year the Inter-School Athletics were held at the Brisbane Cricket Ground instead of the Exhibition Oval. Our team was placed second to Somerville House in the Senior Cup, while the Junior Team was not placed. We were pleased to share second place with the Ipswich Girls' Gram- mar School in the Stephen 's Cup which was won by Somer- ville House . We ask Mrs . Rorke to accept our thanks for her coaching which helped our Senior Team to establish a new record for File Gap . Sixth Form took the honours on Inter-Form Athletics day, with IV C filling second place and IV 8 third . Our congratulations go to Cynthia Cruickshank who was awarded the Telegraph " Blue" for Athletics , and who also won Mrs. Rorke's prize for the best performance in Inter-Form Ath - letics . We wish to thank Mr . Mclucas who kindly lent us the B.G.S. Oval for our Inter-Form Sports . We hope that next year a greater enthusiasm will be shown throughout the school , so that the standard of ath- letics may improve. A B. D. VI . SWIMMING AND LIFESAVING NOTES The first swimming event of the year was the Inter- Form Carnival , held in the Valley Poo l this year instead of Spring Hill Pool . This seemed to be a great improvement both for the spectators and the competitors . VI Form took the honours of the day, but the runners-up, Ill F, are to be commended for an excellent effort. IV D were one point behind Ill F to take third place . The Inter-School Carnival was held in the Valley Pool on 27th March . There was keen competition from all schools , and the standard of swimming was high in most quarters . Grammar gained fifth place, and I would commend the team for the spirit with which they trained and swam. Our sin- cere congratulations go to Cl.ayfield College who obtained the highe-st aggregate points . The McWhirter Cup Competition for Lifesaving was held a few weeks after the Inter-School Swimming Carnival. The team was : Margaret Thomson, H.azel Simpson, Coral Caswell, and Ada Ball . In fourth place , we were only three points behind the winners, Clayfield College. This year, lifesaving seems to have become more popu- lar . There are approximately forty girls learning and practis - ing lifesaving , and we hope to submit these for lifesaving 27

"B" BASKET BALL TEAM, 1954. Back : Tudilh Robins, Anne White, Yvonne Endersby, Pamela Rogers. Front : Tudith Payne, Tocelyn Mcivor (Capt.), Lucille Kipps.

KAY VALLE.-Defence Wing .-Began the season as a very inexperienced player but she shows promise for future years. She has helped to maintain a fast centre court. ALWYN DONALDSON .-Centre.-Piayed soundly in each match. Her centre passes were well controlled and she successfully Iinked up defence and attack courts though her defence play was sometimes erratic. CYNTHIA CRUICKSHANK.-Attack Wing .-H as helped maintain a high standard of play in the centre court. Her eagerness and agility on the court has made her a most co-operative team member . CAROL BRISTOW.-Assistant Goaler .-Has goaled steadily in each match. She has been a conscientious player but her attack play was sometimes a little slow. R. Colledge , VI. ROLENE COLLEDGE .-Goaler.-Has played the part of Te3m Captain very satisfactorily, without loss to her own ste3dy play and accurate goaling . M.W. R. 26

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December. 1954

December. 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

awards. The Inter-Form Lifesaving Competition will be held in the very near future, the first time for a number of year-s that this has been oossible . In conclusion , · the teams wish to extend to Mrs. Rocke their sincere appreciation of her untiring help and encour- agement . Ada Ball (Captain). VI .

SWMMING AND LIFESAVING TEAM, 1954. Captain : Ada Ball.

THE MARTYR These are my hands which wa it With severed wrists For something to create, For something to restore , Although the hour be late, Their strength of yo re. Thi s is my head which bleeds, With lips that gasp The ir human fears and needs, And black, contorted face: But no one he lps or heeds Gasp or grimace . Thi s is my hea rt that li es Pluc ked from my breast: And still my body cries '0 join the v ital thread Without whi ch each part li es Lost, dark, and dread.'

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ALEXA TABKE, V A.

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December, 1954

December, 1954

J!risbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

THE BLUE LAGOON COUNTRY The Australian countryside is widely renowned for its. fascinating beauty, yet there are null]erous places whose charm remains unknown to many of the Australians them- selves . One of these places is the Blue Lagoon country of North Stradbroke Island . Here one may find nature almost unmarred by man and modern civilisation , despite the fact that it is only a few hours. journey from the city of Brisbane. The Blue Lagoon lies in a quiet valley in the hills and its clear blue water is always fresh and cool. It is the largest of a myriad of lagoons which teem with wild bird life . Strongly contrasted to this are the almost impenetrable swamps and marshes which surround the foothills , guarding them and their beauty from man and destruction . Many forms of bird life make these regions their sanc- tuary, undisturbed in the quiet beauty of the hills . The laughing of the kookaburras rings through the hills, mingled with the happy call of magpies, rosella p_arrots and many other wild birds. Every evening flights of wild ducks, swans and ibises make the lagoons their night camp. In the foothills bullocks and wild horses roam in their natural state while the drier parts of the island are inhabited by numerous kangaroos, wallabies and bandicoots . For many years settlers from the south coast built stockyards on the island and captured the bullocks and horses for sale on the mainland. This practice was very dangerous as the swamps are infested by numerous snakes, especially the dreaded death adder , and all was changed one night when the island was shaken by earth tremors and the stockyard full of cattle stam- peded. From that night all that remains is the dilapidated stockyards , now almost hidden by the bush . Perhaps one of the prettiest spots on this island is Sweet- water Creek, so named because of the freshness of the water at the beginning of its course. It rises in the Blue Lagoon , winds towards the coast and enters the sea at Swan Bay. Lin- ing its banks in some places are acres of wild ferns , tree· ferns, orchids and many species of wild flowers . The only people who have ever dwelt in this country are the aborigines. However , it is several years now since the last of their tribe disappeared. To mark their ex istence they leave only their corroboree rings , stone axes and other implements as well as a host of legends . The Blue Lagoon held great fears for them for they believed the bunyip Iived there. 31

A ZOOLOGY TRIP TO CALOUNDRA

The Fifth Form zoology students spent a very interest- ing day at Caloundra on Saturday , 11th September. The trip was arranged by Miss Crooks and Mrs. Hiscock so that our studies in the subject would ben-efit by the excursion, and we believe that they have . A bulging bus left Brisbane about 9 a .m. and arrived at Caloundra near 11 a.m., the trip up being very enjoyable as everyone sang. The scenery of the North Coast District was admired by all , especially those who had never travelled on the Highway before and who found particular interest in the Glasshouse Mountains , Beerwah, Croockneck and Tibro- g':rgan and the Beerwah Forestry plots . Arriving at our destination , we changed into gym-cl othes , shorts or bathers and then had a picnic lunch . Finishing our lunch, we set out in groups of six equipped with test tubes , scalpels , nets, tweezers, bottles, pocket knives and sunburn cream, looking like the inhabitants of Mars, prepared for battle . We began our search in and out, on and over rocks and crevices , intent on seeking new animal life . A rocky headland like that of Caloundra can be divided into a series of horizontal zones, each zone with its characteristic organ- ism present. Our specimens, essential for study, ranged from snails , limpets to ascidian konjevoi) ; little did we realize the extent of this aspect of zoology. After 1.30 p.m., which was when the tide was at its lowest, we returned to the bus where a second lunch awaited us. Although a cold breeze was blowing, some brave ice- bergs ventured into the water for a short swim while the other girls went sightseeing . As 3 o 'clock approached, we reluctantly began changing back into our uniforms and packing our cases. The day's collection was examined, from which were selected some unfortunate animals to accompany us back to school to be preserved for further examination . The other more fortunate ones were returned to their respective habitats . W reached Brisbane about 5 .30 p.m. and with many goodbyes , we dispersed to our homes. The trip was very educational and appreciated by all pupils who thank Miss Crooks and Mrs . Hiscock for making the day possible. We hope that we can combine pleasure and studies in such a succes·sful way as this again. Mary Grundon , Thea Wilson , V. 30

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December, 1954

December, 1954

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

A VISIT TO POMPEII On a sunny day we set out from Naples to visit the inter- esting ruins of Pompeii . As we approached Mount Vesuvius by bus, we saw all round (and on) the mountain vineyards nourished by the reddish grey volcanic soil. About twenty miles away was the present town of Pom- peii, whose most interesting building was the beautiful Saint Maria Temple. Another half a mile further we reached the actual ruins of Pompeii. The town was destroyed and com- pletely buried by an eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 A.D., but most of it has been recently excavated. First we saw a vast stone amphitheatre which could seat twenty thousand people and which was the scene of many public entertainments. From it led many narrow streets paved by huge square blocks of stone . On either side of the streets were ruined houses, many of wh ich had only the slender columns remaining. There was a fountain in the ·square courtyard round which vast corridors and rooms of the house were built. In many of the rooms , the household goods had been left in their original position protected by iron grat- ings. Splendid mosiacs of original designs pieced together by hundreds of small coloured stones , and paintings adorned the insides of the houses . The spacious pub Iic baths had a spec- ial heating system . There was also a cemetery with beautiful tombstones. We were led through a tunnel to a wine cellar of a house where the petrified bodies of two servants were found. They had hidden themselves in the farthest corner and had sealed themselves off at the eruption of the mountain. The ashes, fumes, sulphur and other chemical substances had covered their bodies and slowly turned them to stone. On the outskirts of the dead city was a modern museum amidst gay flowers and palms. Here under its gl.ass were collected many household goods, cooking utensi Is and dishes for food . Jewellery, brass and silver money and some beau- tiful statues were displayed on the shelves. In this museum also rested the petrified men in their cases. Another interesting thing we saw was Mount Vesuvius smoking. This was considered lucky by !he inhabitants of the modern city of Pompeii. We all went deeply impressed, and much wiser than when we had come to see this ancient Roman city. Aniko Kobza, Ill B. 33

Now that these people have left this beautiful place, I hope that some day it may reveal its charm to the rest of the world. Gillian Kleinschmidt. VI B. POPULAR PUP The ears of a cocker, the ' tail of a collie, A body that somehow just doesn't belong, Short hairy legs and quivering nostrils And eyes that say, "Me, I just couldn't do wrong ." One day a car knocked him, he didn't deserve it, The car swerved to strike him and sped on its way . We carried him gently and called in the doctor " Shock and abrasions," was all he could say. The neighbours came tiptoe with very sad faces They sad "Is there anything we can do?" They brought bones and brandy and phenobarb tablets, Dog biscuits and even a flower or two. We issued the bulletin early next morning, Patient recovered at such rapid pace, Anyone wishing to interview Timmy Will find him meandering round the place. In this there's a moral, like every good story, You need not be handsome to win lots of pals, If you can't wag your tail to show that you're friendly, just try being helpful courteous gals. THE SEAL WOMAN-AN ANCIENT LEGEND On the shores of Lochlann the young chief found her, She went to his clan by his side: He had found her , and wooed her, and now he was leading her Home as his lovely youn~J bride. But she longed for her home on the far shores of Lochlann, · For her home a !ways she sighed; Though she wept for the sea, she would not return, For she was his loving young bride. But the shores of far Lochlann sang her a charm, A song of the wind and the tide , And it called to her homeland, beside the wild waters, From her life as the chieftain's young bride. Though dearly she loved the brave chieftain , her husband, For her former free life her heart cried, And she fled from her strange home back to far Lochlann, To her ho'!'eland returned the young bride. But undaunted the chieftain followed her footsteps, The wild waves of Lochlann defied; And for love of the seal-woman he died in the torrent, For death was the gift of his bride. GILLIAN ELLIS, IV B. 32 SONIA TRIST, Ill F.