2014 School Magazine

FOUNDATION DAY JESSICA CASTLES (12H)

has reflected a commitment to providing an environment that cultivates positive female leaders and role models. The continual tradition of achievement and school spirit is what was celebrated this year on the 139th anniversary of the School’s opening. While many students will say they were grateful for the cake they received on the day, there was also time for reflection and discussion about the history of the School and the need to appreciate how privileged we are to attend a school that provides us with a world of opportunity each day. ■

On 15 March 1875, Brisbane Girls Grammar School opened for lessons in a two-storey house in George Street, with just fifty students. One hundred and thirty-nine years later, we celebrated the anniversary of the School’s founding at our far more developed campus on Gregory Terrace. Sir Charles Lilley, the founding father of Girls Grammar, challenged the educational barriers placed on women during the time, and since then a long record of strong, passionate women have successfully led our School. Since the appointment of the first Lady Principal, Mrs Janet O’Connor, the history of BGGS

DIVERSITY DAY EUGENIE SMITH (12M) AND AMY HANCELL (12B) SERVICE CAPTAINS 2014

It has been great to see the commitment by so many different areas of the School to this year’s School mission. We have seen keen involvement from Service clubs, the Year 10 History curriculum, the sporting community, International Studies and the Year 9 and 10 Ethics programmes, to name but a few. It has been encouraging to see the effort and commitment behind your volunteering spirit, and the enthusiasm with which we joined together for Diversity Day celebrations. As we embark on an exciting new chapter in Girls Grammar’s Service history, promoting a culture of unity and togetherness under the flags that embody the Australian spirit, we look to the future with excitement and bright hope that one day the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians will truly be closed. ■

COMMUNITY / 09