July 1951 School Magazine

July, 1951

Brisbane Girls.' Grammar School Magazine

July, 1951

:Brisbane Girls' Grammar School Magazine

Woolcock Essay, 1950

CURRENT EVENTS This year saw not only new faces among the pupils but also a considerable change in the Staff. We welcome to the School- Mrs. Todd, Miss Thomas, Miss Colvin, Mrs Hoad, Mrs. Weller, Miss Whalley, and Miss Gillam. We also welcome Miss Weaver, returned from her travels, and thank her for the interesting talk on her experiences abroad. We are pleased to see back at School, Miss MacMillan who, owing to illness, was absent during the first term. The Annual Inter-school Swimming Carnival was can- celled this year, because of poliomyelitis. This was a great disappointment to the School, as we had great prospects for our team this year. A very interesting exhibition of tennis was given by Fay Muller and Mary Shultz. We thank them for their visit, and hope to see marJ.y more similar displays in the near future . Old Girls' Day was celebrated on April 14th, and was a great success . Both basketball and tennis teams particip- ated, and keen enthusiasm was shown in all teams. There were various stalls in the school grounds, and afternoon tea was served. Altogether, the afternoon was a financial suc- c ess, and added considerably to the Capital Fund of the Old Girl's Association. Sixth and Fifth Forms rendered two choral items at the Jubilee Concert in the City Hall. They also assisted in the Combined Schools' Choir, which sang the final song of the Jubilee Programme, "Australia, Happy Isle". There have been many improvements to the School this year. The main building has been painted, and the tennis courts have been reconditioned. Athletic practices have begun, and enthusiasm is run- ning high to retain the cups this year. On May · 26th the first Inter-school Tennis and Basketball fixtures were held at St. Hilda's, Southport. It was a pleasant and successful day for all our teams. A match against St. Margaret's was played on June 2nd, and "A" tennis and both basketball teams were victorious, as they were also against Somerville House, on June 16th. We had a very successful School Concert, held at Cre- morne Theatre, on June 13th. All participants practised with .enthusiasm and vigour, and it was a very successful evening.

DANGER

Dar.ger- how mo ny forms its meaning takes! To gallantry, a challenge bold it seems! Yet many a heart it fills with fear, mtd makes So many more forsake their dearest dreams. Is it a terror? - the aspect that it wears Depends upon the heart th' endangered bears. To some it is a firm, restraining hand That keeps the wilful spirit from its way; Not as a master, chaining freedom in, But rather as a kindly guard'an may Offer unobstrusive counsel etiil, Yet not desire to rule, his chcnge' s will. But others, when they firet ihrill to the joy Of being young and lreeh, and being free, Delighting in the beauty and th3 light Their freshness lends to evErything they see, Push off a warning hand , re oent a voice That seems, w ith bonds their freedom bright to mar, Leap up, and when the golden-handed hours Hold out their sparkling gifts, they heed no bar , But reach to cut the glowing flower of life And do not see they hold a two-edged knife. The coward, with his weakening flesh and heart As cold as ice within his craven breast, Who trembles a t the forms his fancy takes, And treads with feeble, shrinking footsteps, lest Some sudden chance should bring a dreaded threat · To the poor clay he never can forget, He soothes his conscience with a failing motion That cowardice is only prudent caution. A thoueand fears torment his fevered mind, He knows how IuLie is his constant care, The unknown future taunts him with its power Till, sinking, he surrenders to despair. Yet under all his grossness, the white fire Of his immortal spirit shines unquenched. And sometimes , when the final parting lingers And wi th the final pain his cheeks are blenched, The earthly fears depart, and Danger seems A phamtom nebulous, a thing of dreams, A presence that impedes an earthly life Where doubt and darkness, and their like, are rife; And, though the way to freedom lies through pain, He leans upon the faith he's found again. But where, - far from the happy, living world , 15

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