2020 School Magazine

WHITE BLOUSE DAY

W hite Blouse Day is a school-wide initiative that BGGS has held for several years. Recognisable by the familiar ‘white blouses’ that so characterise the event, through this day we aimed to support and raise awareness for the Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation, a Brisbane-based not-for-profit organisation that supports research into the earlier diagnosis of female gynaecological cancers. Cherish is also the O’Connor House Charity. As young women, we were saddened to learn that due to difficulties in detecting symptoms and a lack of screening tests, almost one in three women diagnosed with gynaecological cancers do not survive. We felt that this issue was extremely relevant to us, and were keen to raise awareness about the important work of the Cherish Women’s Cancer Foundation. Overall, we were very pleased that many students left with a better understanding of women’s health issues.

Abigail Lui (12O) and Ashley Zhang (12O) O’CONNOR HOUSE SERVICE CAPTAINS

KIRSTEN JACK MEMORIAL LEUKAEMIA COMMITTEE T he Kirsten Jack Memorial Leukaemia Committee (KJMLC) was established in 1978 in honour of beloved Year 11 student, Kirsten Jack, who sadly passed away in 1977 from leukaemia. The committee comprises passionate, like-minded girls who share a common goal to increase awareness of issues related to cancer, and to raise money for research by participating in school-based fundraising campaigns and local initiatives. We started the year with a successful bake stall to raise funds for the Leukaemia Foundation Australia. Unfortunately, when COVID-19 hit we were unable to continue our normal fundraising activities and instead thought of innovative ideas, so that all students could participate from home. Through Zoom calls—in place of weekly meetings—we organised Hero-Grams through the Ipswich Hospital Foundation to express our gratitude to the hard-working healthcare community. Through Childhood Cancer Support we were able to make videos reading our favourite children’s books for the children and families that were in isolation due to their health conditions. It was great that we could still raise awareness and support the community even while at home. Later in the year, we were able to see the return of our traditional Daffodil Day bake stall and Bandana Day. Thank you to Dr Farley and Miss Parry for their ongoing and invaluable support of our group. Thank you to the KJ girls whose time, effort, companionship, and generosity has been greatly appreciated—the 2020 committee would not have been the same without you. Annabel Douglas (11R), India Edwards (11G) and Abigail King (11R)

60 | BRISBANE GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL 2020