2011 School Magazine

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A visit from Geckoes Geckoes, a company that holds wildlife presentations all over Australia, brought in a variety of endangered animals for the Year 85 to have a look at last Term, from tiny beetles to a large wombat. We were informed of the many threats that these creatures face, and about what a future would be like it nothing was done to help them. Interesting Iy, most of the animals that were shown we can find near our homes or somewhere in Brisbane. There was much pushing and shoving when we were told to make a 'single' line to pat the wombat. We also got to see a turtle. There had been plans to dam the river where this creature lives, but when a wildlife carer found one of these turtles he decided to take it to Parliament House to convince the government not to build the dam. Some girls were lucky enough to be allowed to touch this heroic turtle. The visitors also showed us a cane toad, not because it 15 endangered, but because it 15 a huge threat to most of Australia's native species. it was definitely the ugliest visitor of the day I It was fascinating and enjoyable for everyone and gave us a wonderful hands-on experience

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Scholar In Residence Dr Anno Clark

I Lucy Davis (8W) And ISObel Keny (8W) I

As girls studying Ancient History this year, we had heard we were in for a treat, with controversial historian Dr Anna Clark visiting Girls Grammar as the School's Scholar in Residence Hopes were high for a riveting expose on some horrific war stories or an in-depth analysis of the private life of some renowned historical figure. To the senior Iris' dismay, it soon became apparent that Dr Clark's special area of Interest was Australian History. "Put up your hand if you think Australian Hist ry is boring". Caught off guard, almost every girl slowly raise her hand Despite our clear aversion to her particular passion, Dr Clark manag d to captivate us with her journey through Australian schools and the amusing quotes of why Australian History gets such a bad rap from students of all ages. Extrapolating from Australian History to the Holocaust, Dr Clark showed us an artist's video of a family dancing in AUSchwitz in celebration of the grandfather's survival. Was this family right in celebrating, or was the video disrespectful to the Iewish families who were not so fortunate? According to Dr Clark, "as historians, we need to constantly reconcile judging the past from our own present values and empathising with people from another age, to understand how historical perceptions change over time" We thoroughly enjoyed her enlightening visit and will no doubt think twice the next tim we're asked to judge if Australian History (or any other history) is boring

{ Tess MCBryde (12G) I