Grammar Gazette_Issue1_2025

FROM THE STUDENTS

Taking it to the next level Program unlocks secrets to high performance Zara Beveridge (9G)

tested the recipes provided, with some of us making them weekly! We also made an effort to recognise and demonstrate leadership qualities in our sport, whether by celebrating the wins of others, volunteering to pick up the cones after training, or even just offering a smile. We cannot express our gratitude enough to Mr Pearce and Ms Rippon for coordinating this program. Not only was it incredible to discuss the frequently overlooked factors that complement sports training, it was also eye-opening to hear their personal experiences of performing at an exceptional level in sprints and water polo respectively. Their insights were compelling, reminding us that, although important, sport is so much more than just showing up to training—it’s a journey, inevitably entailing moments of ecstasy, alongside moments of disappointment. But ultimately, persevering and learning from hard days makes us stronger. We can’t wait for an exciting year ahead as we continue to grow, learn, and achieve together. Coordinating Committee, along with Tim Odgers and Leonie Mae from Seqwater shared invaluable insights into the environmental dynamics of the Mary River. These first-hand experiences allowed us to observe the river’s processes and its impact on the surrounding ecosystem. Despite the searing summer heat, the knowledge we gained was worth every single minute. And while I may have suffered the effects of a slight grass allergy, it was an experience I would not trade for anything. Between preparing meals with friends, eating lunch on the grass, and sharing late-night laughs and movies with my classmates, the trip became one of the most enriching experiences of my life.

United by a shared love for sport, we joined a group of 24 other dedicated Girls Grammar students to take part in a new initiative—a three-day holiday program for national level athletes: the BGGS Emerging Athlete Program. Designed by Mr Pearce and Ms Rippon, the program aimed to help us take our skills to the next level by understanding the factors that influence performance. Throughout the week, we were fortunate enough to hear from guest presenters Mr Mulligan, BGGS strength and conditioning coach, Eugenie MacMillan (2017), physiotherapist, and Bella Murdoch (2019), dietitian. Through compelling, practical activities, we learned: • the huge part strength training plays in both increasing power and reducing risk of injury • the importance of prehabilitation • how the fuel you consume doesn’t have to be overcomplicated.

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Alongside this, we reflected on some of our best, and worst performances, discussed the many forms of leadership, and the importance of scheduling and negotiating conflicts. The group reconvened several weeks after the program to discuss the techniques we had implemented to enhance our performance and manage our time. Excitingly, almost everyone had integrated a planner of sorts, ensured they made time for the ever-important strength training, and Year 12 Geography kicked off a hectic first term of 2025 with an adventure. We dived headfirst into the fascinating world of landcover transformation, learning how our environment changes around us. Our focus was on river processes and the challenge of erosion, and on 23 February we set off for a final field trip to Marrapatta, spending one night and two days immersed in nature. The experience proved invaluable, offering the chance to apply classroom knowledge in the real world and leave with unforgettable memories—and a few rashes and bites—etched into our minds forever. We visited Pickering Bridge, Baillie’s Crossing, and Charles Street Park, where Ian Mackay from the Mary River Catchment

Going with the flow Braving bites to study river ecology and erosion Yuri Spiro (12G)

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Captions 1 Zara Beveridge (9G) 2 Taking samples from the Mary River catchment

15 GAZETTE • ISSUE 1, 2025 |

Brisbane Girls Grammar School