Objects of Substance- Periodic Table

2020 The Periodic Table (detail)

There are many stories behind why each supporter chose ‘their’ element. For some, the element has been integral in their professional or personal life. For others, the element symbolises something of meaning to them. Here are some of their stories: Oxygen Oxygen was the very first element in the periodic table Wall of Thanks to be supported by a donor— appropriately an anaesthetist! Oxygen is, of course, vital to cellular respiration. Chlorine A past student with a passion for swimming was quick to claim chlorine. In her time at Girls Grammar, she was Swimming Captain, a State Water polo player, and a House Sports Captain (and her mother was a Girls Grammar Director of Sport, 2005-2010). Strontium The students of Griffith House chose strontium. First found in rock samples in Scotland, strontium is known for the brilliant red colours its salts give to fireworks—red being the colour for Griffith House. Titanium A family of dentists chose titanium, a hard, strong metal used in dental implants, surgical instruments, and artificial joints. Curium Curium is named after Marie Curie, a pioneer in understanding radioactivity and the first woman to win a Nobel Prize. Marie Curie was a trailblazer for women in science and this element was supported by our Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler. Iron Iron has been integral to human existence from the Iron Age to the Industrial Revolution and, naturally, a family of geologists claimed this element.

Arsenic Arsenic is of course widely known for its deadly properties. The family who supported this element allowed their Year 8 Grammar girl to choose—and she clearly had a sense of humour!