Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2002

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From 'the: Principal This 2002 edition of the Grammar Gazette is a special publication, not only for the exciting new fonnat, but because it is the first time I have an opportunity to communicate directiy with the wider Grammar community. This extensive and very supportive community is something of which I have become acutely aware and greatly appreciative, since my arrival in Brisbane early this year. The warm words of welcome, encouragement and support have meant that my family and I have become part of Girls Grammar very quickly. One of the very enjoyable tasks over the past months has been to meet all the 2003 Year 8 girls and their famines. Many of these interviews have been with new families coming to Grammar for the first time. Choosing a school is one of the most important and emotionally charged decisions a family makes and it has been wonderful to hear from these parents about their reasons why Girls'Grammar was the undisputed first choice' for their daughters. Reputation, via word of mouth, has undoubtedly been the greatest persuader. There are so many parents and past students who were richly influenced by their association with the S^hool, who constantly reinforce in the community that this is the best School in every way. This is testimony to the high regard in which Brisbane Girls Grammar. School is held. This process has also meant that I have had the OPPorfunity to meet briefly withinany existing families who are enrolling additional daughters into the School. it has been difficult for me to meet personally , with- many ciiij'6ht parents except at support grqup .meetings, functions or sporting event^. The new student interviews ? - ~' have allowed. tile to chat openly with turrent'parents about my observations of . ,. ". ~., ,

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the School and find out about so many positive experiences that these parents feel' their older daughters have experienced. The key=6bServation hasheen'that the School has ,a warni and friendly:^pint that underpins every aspect of the. School's daily rQutine and that their daughters have grown to be accomplished and confident young women. I am indeed fortunate to be privileged to lead a School with such an exemplary reputation! InterestingIy, during these interviews, the historical and contemporary connectedness between the two Brisbane Grammar Schools has been highlighted. - The schools have much in common, includin their i on, including shared history and famines. ' While not ' t~~d' t fi ' ' d d ce, .. . g P , oC'out:individual commitment-to single-sex ' .. eaucatiqn=Dr Lennox and 1:6elieyt. there is significant muftial benefitto'be'gained from appropriate and carefully thought through strategic alliances. This year we have worked to strengthen co-operative links, designed to enhance the existing high standard of education offered. in both schools. Strategic initiatives such' as this are an integral. part of any organisation!s forward planning. They create a r^}iewed' * sense of enthtisja^in and expectation in all the stakeholders and, for a school, this can mean the creation of exciting edu\:ational and ast6rdl co rammeS, ^haft foressio^al past6ral progra mes, st f prof n development'and enriched student - I . ^ outcomes. ,. .,, ,! I ' " From my perspective, the rigorous academic programme, extensive sporting and' co- cuntcular activities, c@minunity service and unique pastoral d^re, system 'are all important congponents of tile School's work.

its cumpulum. As a result, the School is. Undertaking a major project to , up'grade the Science. ,focitities ready for the Commencenient of Term I~in 2003 The e>:ichng laboratories win' ^e re-desighed a!!a air-conditioned'to allow .~. ... 'for-nitproved. classroom 'activities, ..~.~ . . . .,. . ' :?kperim;;ntal'work and' multi-disciplihaiy usage. All addition^I laboratory will be ihcorpor^ted into the building and preparatory and storage rooms relocated . for easier access and efficiency. This is a ' ' major capital works programme to support ' .: . ..~~ I the'delivery of Science, a traditionally strong discipline in the School's cumculum. Finally, I must thank the Board and the , stiff fdr their absolute .support during this period of change in the leadership of the School. I am excited by Jine prospect of . Where the School could position itself:for the- future and am encouraged by the niany innovative ideas and suggestions so enthusiastically presented by staff, *students and parents' With. the generous assistance of the Grammar family'I look forward with great opthulsm to my years ahead as Principal , ^. ..

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,, However, we must always look to be at the leading edge of educational opportunities for young women and the School's infrastructure should support

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11n's funanda Ben