Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2018

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CELEBRATING AN EXCEPTIONAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Year 12 students demonstrate the Stamford Challenge ropes course

AUTHOR Mr James McIntosh Director, Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre

On Sunday 17 June, Girls Grammar families made the two-hour journey to Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Education Centre in Imbil to attend an Open Day at the School’s outdoor education campus. The event provided families a chance to explore Marrapatta, which has been home to the Outdoor Education Program for more than 30 years. In celebration of Girls Grammar’s 144th year, visitors helped plant 144 new native trees to support the revegetation of the campus, and enjoyed tours of the grounds and demonstrations of the Stamford Challenge ropes course. Families also had the opportunity to quiz teachers about the Dorothy Hill Observatory, which students have begun to use in the classroom.

Ellen Dowling (11B) and Lilian Schuetz (11M) plant native trees

The Old Girls Association (OGA) were acknowledged for their donation of new gates to the campus. The ornate wrought-iron gates mirror those the OGA donated to the School’s Rangakarra Recreational and Environmental Education Centre at Fig Tree Pocket in 2013. Parent volunteers were also integral to the success of the event, with the Fathers Group helping to prepare the area for tree planting and providing a BBQ lunch, and the Mothers Group serving fresh strawberry sundaes to attendees. Girls Grammar thanks those in the School community who attended and supported this celebration of the enriching outdoor education program that encourages our girls to connect and belong, and appreciate the natural world.

President of the OGA, Mrs Julie Caton (Cleghorn 1981), with Head Girls, Harper McIlroy (12W) and Annabel Ryan (12E)

GRAMMAR GAZETTE