Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2022

Global Citizens Valuing perspectives from far and wide

According to Oxfam, ‘A global citizen is someone who is aware of, and understands the wider world—and their place in it’. They are ‘citizens of the world’ and ‘take an active role in their community and work with others to make our planet more peaceful, sustainable and fair’.

Since its inception, Brisbane Girls Grammar School has adopted this philosophy to ensure that graduates have the educational foundation to contribute to their world with wisdom, imagination, and integrity. An international outlook and open-minded approach to life is cultivated through meaningful engagement with affiliate schools, our own diverse Girls Grammar community, and the wider world The inaugural Thoughtful Educators Conference held at the School in July was envisioned as a wonderful opportunity for BGGS staff to share what they have learned with like-minded professionals. World renowned educator and researcher from Harvard Graduate School of Education’s Project Zero , Dr Ron Ritchhart, was the keynote speaker and participant in a lively panel discussion During his visit, Dr Ritchhart also recorded an episode of Illumine with Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh. They discussed what a ‘culture of thinking’ is, why this is such an important foundation for student thinking and learning, and the key idea that through a series of small changes in teacher practice, big things can grow in the classroom and beyond, and thus, a ‘culture of thinking’ flourishes. Engaging with another international expert, Ms Euler Welsh hosted clinical psychologist and best-selling author, Dr Lisa Damour, in a special two-part episode of Illumine for Parents Together they discussed tactics on how to successfully navigate the many difficult conversations that parents often need to have with their adolescent daughters, including understanding teen friendships and ‘cancel culture’, negative online behaviours, and powerful teen emotions They concluded their candid conversation reminiscing and reflecting on how the period of adolescence, although hard at times, can be such a joyous and connected time for families. ▶

above right Dr Ron Ritchhart presenting at the Thoughtful Educators Conference right Dr Lisa Damour

Gazette

Brisbane Girls Grammar School

06

Issue 2, 2022