Grammar Gazette- Issue 2, 2017

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OUT OF THE BLUE AND INTO THE WORLD

Brisbane Girls Grammar School Form V 1922

Perhaps the task of least familiarity to many past students is the development of the motto for the each year. Until 2000, the only motto referred to was the School motto, ‘Nil sine labore’. In 1926, the girls saw its value. Our motto is indeed a very wise one, and ever as we grow older we realise its truth, that nothing worth having in work or in play can be won without definite and concentrated expenditure of energy. But we also realise a still more important truth that, though at first the effort is but a means to an end, in time joy is born of the effort itself, and therein lies the secret of true happines s (1926 Magazine). In 2017, as in more recent years, while considering the School motto, the Student Council led by Head Girls, Lucinda Duke (12B) and Elizabeth Prins (12H), came together for two days in January before the school year started to discover their strengths as a group and discuss and decide on the goals for the year. It was from these identified goals of celebrating diversity, gratitude and teamwork that the motto of ‘Out of the Blue’ emerged. The 2017 motto gave the Student Council its direction, enhanced decisions made in relation to events to be held, and acted as a ‘call to arms’ for the Year 12s and the rest of the School. As the ‘engine room’ of student-based activities, the members of the Student Council learn diplomacy, organisational skills, the benefits of service, and the responsibility of office, all of which prepare them for their adult lives. Hopefully, along their Year 12 journey, they come to appreciate that nothing is achieved without work and there is a ‘joy born of the effort itself ’.

The Prefects (A Parody on ‘Those Teachers’)

Who stalk about thro’ all the schools And when they catch us breaking rules Make us feel we’re silly fools? The Prefects! And when we’re having any fun, Along with eager steps they run, And say it isn’t to be done? The Prefects!

And when with joyous steps we go Down to the gym, we always know, They’ll come and give away the show. The Prefects! Who always after school each day, Wait in the porch so they may say, “Put on your gloves to go away!” The Prefects!

And when we think the coast is clear, They’re always sure to be quite near, And at your gloveless hands they sneer! The Prefects! (E.H., IVA, 1918 Magazine)

Girls Grammar Prefects 1934

SUMMER ISSUE / 2017