Grammar Gazette - Issue 2, 2023

FROM THE STUDENTS Physics Fights and international flights JUNIOR YOUNG PHYSICISTS’ TOURN A MENT Sunnie Lin (10M) co-curricular activity available to students in Year 10 and below. I had heard of it from older students, and I thought that it was a great opportunity to extend myself in physics and travel overseas. I also found the task itself quite interesting. Students choose a problem from a list to investigate by performing relevant experiments and researching to understand the physics theory that explains the phenomenon. The structure of the competition is particularly unique: there are seven rounds in total, including finals and playoffs, each round with two ‘Physics Fights.’ A ‘Physics Fight’ involves one school presenting a problem, and the other school then opposing the investigation by critiquing the theories and experiments—a bit like a debate. At the conclusion of each stage, the jury awards points, and the teams swap roles to present and oppose a different problem. Out of the five problems available this year, I chose the ‘Air Pocket’ problem. The problem states that ‘a vertical air jet from a straw produces a cavity on a water surface. What parameters determine the volume and depth of the cavity?’ I chose this problem because I thought that it would be the easiest to perform experiments on, but I would later find out that the theory was quite complex. Performing multiple experiments, with the help of Ms Keating and Mr Lumsden, helped me progress my understanding of the problem, and by researching and clarifying the theories, slowly but steadily, my presentation came together. My favourite part of the whole journey was definitely travelling to New Zealand for the competition and staying with all the other schools in the boarding house. During the five-day competition, not only did we see the teams during the ‘fights’, we also ate meals together and hung out in the common room. It was really nice meeting other people with similar interests and seeing how they interpreted the problems. The competition is both an individual effort, but also a team effort. All our presentations are done individually, but during the ‘fights’ the entire team helps out. Whether through creating and holding up giant time stamp signs to keep presenters within time limits—we had six of these—developing clarifying questions or summarising discussions, having the support of the team was really important. At the conclusion of the competition, our Girls Grammar team placed third. While scores were a big part of the competition, I felt that the experience of ‘debating’ the physics theories and the many friendships made were much more valuable. I can’t wait to continue onto the senior International Young Physicists’ Tournament! The Junior Young Physicists’ Tournament (JYPT) is an extension

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The Kirsten Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee A LEG A CY OF SUPPORT Lauren Hirst (12W)

The KJMLC (Kirsten Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee) preserves the memory of Kirsten

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CAPTIONS 1 PATRICIA HOWARD (12L), MADISON BELTRAME (12L), YUCHEN GUO (12L), JOSEPHINE DAVIS (12L) AND CALLIOPE HYDE (12O) PARTICIPATING IN THE KJMLC FORMAL FASHION SHOW FUNDRAISER 2 LAUREN HIRST (12W) Our goal this year was to nurture a strong sense of community while inspiring younger students at BGGS to embark on their own Service journey. Through our initiatives, we aimed to create a supportive environment that fosters engagement, teamwork, and a lasting commitment to making a positive impact. Jack (1978), a past student who tragically lost her life to leukemia in 1977 when she was in Year 11 at BGGS. Established in her honour, the committee, made up of students across all year levels, meets on Monday at lunchtime, to increase awareness of cancer and raise funds by participating in School-based campaigns and local initiatives. KJMLC actively contributes to various charitable organisations, including The Kid’s Cancer Project, The Leukaemia Foundation, Childhood Cancer Support, Cancer Council, and Canteen. Our fundraising events, such as Daffodil Day and Bandanna Day, focus on directing funds to Cancer Council and Canteen respectively. Additionally, proceeds from events like the KJ Formal Fashion Show, Mother’s Day raffle and cards, and Open Day rocky road stall are spread across our other supported charities. These activities not only raise funds but also create opportunities for the School community to come together in support of a significant cause. My journey with KJ began with the allure of the spectacular KJ Formal Fashion Show. I can remember being in Year 7, watching the Year 12 students show off their formal dresses. This one event inspired me to join the Service group. This year, as a student leader of KJ, I helped organise the 2023 fashion show, which helped me gain profound insights into the unwavering dedication and boundless enthusiasm within this service group. This experience has deepened my admiration for all the students and teachers, both past and present, who have wholeheartedly engaged and contributed to KJ. Witnessing their commitment and generosity firsthand, I’m inspired by the legacy of those who came before and are still part of this remarkable journey.

ABOVE SUNNIE LIN (10M)

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BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL

GAZETTE • ISSUE 2, 2023 ISSUE 2, 2023