December 1966 School Magazine

December, 1966

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

December, 1966

Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

guest-speakers-Rev. Dr. K. Rayner, Dr. M. Williams and Dr. R. Lee, directed our thoughts so that the following discussions proved very stimulating on the subject-"Are ' We Free to Choose?" On School Day S.C.M. members manned a stall selling aboriginal articles made by the aborigines on Mornington Island. A total of $20.80 was collected which was sent directly to Morn- ington Island. In a small way we feel we have done something for these native people of Australia in helping them maintain their self-respect . This is a responsibility which lies with every thinking Australian. The Easter service held in the gymnasium was one way of bringing the spirit of Easter close to us and we thank Rev. K. Beer for addressing us. We also thank Brother William for addressing and singing to a large audience in the gymnasium in Third Term. Besides an Oxford Debate which proved very lively, an "Any Questions" was held where many of our queries were dis- cussed by a panel. Three of our members were invited by Kelvin Grove State High to form a student panel, the topic of which was "Prejudice". This was succeeded by two students from Kelvin Grove joining two Sub-Seniors from Grammar on a panel discussing the topics of "Conscription" and "Vietnam~' . So concludes the second year of renewed existence of S.C.M. at Grammar . As well as to a series of speakers, each of whom proved very interesting, we are indebted to Mrs . McDonald for her whole-hearted co-operation and help in all that we have un- dertaken, to Mrs . Kugelman for her guidance in our discussions, and to Miss Paterson for her invaluable help and advice without which we could not have managed so well. May S.C.M. continue to provide a source of fellowship and enjoyment of worship for its members and to carry out the words of our Lord "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature."

Original Contributions

A SCHOOL'S DUTY TO ITS PUPILS In a world where knowledge gained through direct educa- tion, not through experience , is of paramount importance, our schools' responsibility for the standards of the next generation cannot be overestimated. It is the Schools' duty to produce young men and women capable of entering the world to take their place as competent and responsible citizens. The most obvious duty of a school is to equip its students academically. Surprisingly, when the duties are expounded the former seems to lose some of its importance . After all, our most prominent citizens are not necessarily the most brilliant in the academic world. Other qualities are needed. Self discipline, leadership, team-work, loyalty, tolerance and a sense of inquiry- these are qualities which it is a school's duty to try to instil into its pupils, besides providing them with a solid varied background of book-learning. And varied and balanced it ~hould be, for if a school con- centrates on one aspect of knowledge more than another, perhaps science, more than humanities, it invites disaster . Science is un- doubtedly one of the greatest expressions of the human spirit, but our principle of balance requires us to see that it is not a total expression. There is not enough in the study of science or technology to make a man, but it is possible that without some knowledge of science twentieth century man will be a poor sort of citizen. Perhaps it is the school's duty to strive for T . H. Huxley's ideal. One "whose mind is stored with knowledge of the great and fundamental truths of nature and of laws of her operations; one who, no stunted ascetic, is full of life and fire, but whose passions are trained to come to heel by a vigorous will, the ser- vant of a tender conscience who has learned to love all beauty whether of nature or of art, to hate all violences, and to respect others as himself". A school should teach its pupils to regard work, wealth, leisure, education as a means, and persons as ends; and teachers should regard education not merely as a means of getting their pupils through their examinations, but of enabling them to ad- here faithfully to what is morally right rather than to what is expedient or pleasant. It is important that teachers are trained well and that they realise their education has scarcely begun when they leave univer- 47

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Mark 16:15.

-J.P., YIB

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