Canberra Girls Grammar School - Issue 103

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90 EBR Ye ATI ar NG s

CE ISSUE 103 2016

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY EDUCATING GIRLS SINCE 1926 4 / 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 8 / THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION – ENRICHING TOMORROW 13 / PASTORAL CARE – A PATH TO WELLBEING 14 / POSITIVE EDUCATION AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY 24

CONTENTS FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 EDUCATING GIRLS SINCE 1926. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 NINETY YEARS IN NINETY DAYS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 FROM THE PRINCIPAL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 YOUR GIFT STARTS HERE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION – ENRICHING TOMORROW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 PASTORAL CARE – A PATH TO WELLBEING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Above: Boarders waiting for the mail in 1943 – see page 22.

A RICH TRADITION OF PERFORMANCE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 INTRODUCING JOEL COPELAND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

ISSUE 103, 2016

A LEAP THROUGH TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Published by Canberra Girls Grammar School

A CULTURE OF GIVING. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Melbourne Avenue Deakin ACT 2600 Australia P: 02 6202 6400 F: 02 6273 2554 E: communityrelations@cggs.act.edu.au www.cggs.act.edu.au

EDITORIAL Sally Wagnon

LAYOUT AND DESIGN FAD Studios

This Grammar Report celebrates the 90th Anniversary of Canberra Girls Grammar School.

Cover: 2016 Senior School House Captains: Eliza Ashton (Burgmann), Georgia McDonald (Kilburn), Imogen Willson (Waverley), Prue Tysoe (Deakin), Pip Blunn (Robertson) and Sarah Ethell (Glebe) with Boarding House Captain, Emily Scott (at front) at the 90th Anniversary Church Service, March 2016.

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BOHO – HOME FOR 90 YEARS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Q&A WITH AMALTA SAHAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 POSITIVE EDUCATION AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 GRAMMARIANS NEWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 ARCHIVES. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

CELEBRATING 90 Years

FROM THE CHAIR OF THE BOARD CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL IS THE OLDEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN CANBERRA AND IT IS A WONDERFUL MILESTONE FOR US TO BE CELEBRATING OUR 90TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR. Did you know the first School Board was established in 1935? This significant event coincided with the School being established as a Company Limited by Guarantee – as it is now. The following article in The Canberra Times on 27 September 1935 reported the occasion:

“I hope we act as role models for our girls and reinforce the fact that women can do absolutely anything.”

GIRLS GRAMMAR COMPANY TO BE FORMED FOR SCHOOL At a meeting of those interested in the Canberra Church of England Girls’ Grammar School on Wednesday night arrangements were made for the formation of a limited liability company to carry through the acquisition of the school property and provide for future management. As a result of a campaign conducted recently by The Ven. Archdeacon Robertson, a sum of about

female Chair of our Risk Committee. I hope we act as role models for our girls and reinforce the fact that women can do absolutely anything.

£1,600 has been raised and it was stated that

It is a splendid

should enable the purchase to be completed.

synchronism that

It was decided that the first directors would comprise The Primate (Dr Mowll), the Archbishops of Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth and the Bishop of Goulburn (Dr Burgmann), Archdeacon Robertson and a number of Canberra citizens interested in the School.

Since 1935, there have been twenty-three Board Chairs, three of whom served two terms. Unsurprisingly, nine of them have been senior Anglican clergymen. Surprisingly, until my appointment in 2011, all the Board Chairs were men. It does make me wonder why it took seventy-nine years for a woman to be the Chair of a school for girls!

a school founded by the Community of the Sisters of the Church is once again run by

Belinda Moss (far right) with Grammarians Margaret Henty (Greenham, 1962), Margaret Anne Jones (1950) and Margaret Brennan (Youngman, 1962) at the Founders’ Day Lunch and Badge Ceremony, 23 May 2016.

women. The Sisters of the Church were strong, determined and independent women who often entered holy orders so they could influence society at a time when there was no other real avenue for them to do so. The usual role for women at that time was marriage. The Sisters risked

I know our students, past and present, can leave such noble legacies and contribute to our society with such vision and integrity.

Belinda Moss CHAIR OF THE BOARD

all to travel to a different country in ‘the colonies’ to set up schools for girls and empower them to contribute to society.

It makes me proud to know that we now

Those schools continue to prosper in most

have a female Principal, a female Board

states and territories in Australia and also

Chair and Deputy Chair and an independent

in New Zealand.

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EDUCATING GIRLS SINCE 1926 CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL IS ONE OF A NUMBER OF SCHOOLS FOUNDED WORLDWIDE BY THE COMMUNITY OF THE SISTERS OF THE CHURCH, AN ANGLICAN RELIGIOUS ORDER ESTABLISHED IN 1870. IN THOSE DAYS, THE SISTERS’ VISION OF THE POTENTIAL OF WOMEN CHALLENGED THE ACCEPTED IDEAS OF THE TIME, AND SO A STRONG BELIEF SYSTEM WAS BORN: THE NOTION THAT YOUNG WOMEN SHOULD WORK HARD TO MAKE THE MOST OF THEIR OPPORTUNITIES, AND USE THEIR POSITIONS IN SOCIETY OR PRIVILEGES TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Prior to making the journey to Australia in

From its original enrolment of ten students,

2011, Principal Anne Coutts was delighted to

seven girls and three small boys – today

visit the order of Anglican Nuns, Sisters of

we have nearly 1,600 students and we

the Church, in their home in North London

have witnessed exponential growth since

where she was shown the handwritten

1926 – the determination of Girls Grammar

records of the establishment of St Gabriel’s,

students has never wavered and we have

the original school, which was housed in

a tight-knit School community proud of its

the old Rectory at Reid before moving, a

heritage and achievements.

School motto

Iuventuti Nil Arduum “To the young, anything is possible”

“I often think of those Sisters of the Church…their entrepreneurial and foresighted approach lives on in our School.”

year later, to the Melbourne Avenue site.

St Gabriel’s School was later taken over by the Diocese of Canberra, Goulburn and renamed the Church of England Girls’ Grammar School.

As we celebrate our 90th anniversary year, it is important to remember those Sisters of the Church, their bravery and determination to offer education for women in an age when this was not readily available. Their entrepreneurial and foresighted approach lives on in our School.

The Sisters who founded the School were aware of building for posterity, believed in girls’ education, and saw the potential of women to achieve great things. From this beginning, Canberra Girls Grammar School Grammarians’ have pioneered new roles for women and made significant contributions to the community over many generations.

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Whole of St Gabriel’s School in 1931 pictured at the original entrance of the School (now the Boarding House).

CELEBRATING 90 Years

BUILDING RESILIENCE THROUGH EXPERIENCE pleted the Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, I enjoyed school! I was active in spor ts and com studious of girls, but I definitely Silver, and Gold. I wouldn’ t say I was the most ed the competition that Canberra appreciated the supportive environment and enjoy usiastic Kilburn House member, always Girls Grammar School provided. I was an enth of success. What has stayed with me competing in House events with varying levels if you don’ t know whether you can from my time at Canberra Girls Grammar is, even it will lead. Give it a go! do something, say yes. You never know where c arena as well as personal The School introduced challenges in the academi daily interactions in an all-girl development, spor t, community service and our demanding environment, I learnt to environment. Within this caring, but at times ch I now have to confront in the world deal with all sorts of challenges, many of whi of business today. on and they come in many different “I learnt to deal with all Setbacks in business are obviously not uncomm clients withdraw ing hav or er tend tive peti com a for ed select g guises – not bein sorts of challenges, many s Grammar School taught me from your contract amongst them. Canberra Girl of which I now confront in go as I had planned. I left school to deal with those times when it just does not the age man and ms the stor the world of business.” with a resilience that has enabled me to weather look ays alw to ur eavo end I life. ness challenges that are part of day-to-day busi ces. on the positive side and build on these experien was an experience of Nine years at Canberra Girls Grammar School dation of learning which I was lucky to be a part. It gave me a foun where I go today. It gave and experiences that have continued to shape gs just to see if I was me an opportunity to try so many different thin opened doors to new good at one. Saying ‘yes’ and giving it a go has opportunities, new people and new knowledge.

I’ve ever made. It has Running my own business was the best decision risk at the same time. shown me what it’s like to experience fun and ns in business as well It’s exhilarating; it has taught me valuable lesso as in life.

Kathryn Skopal (2005) rgh Duke of Edinbu Kathryn – 2005 t. lef r cipient, fa Gold Award re

KATHRYN SKOPAL (2005) is a Brisbane-based business owner of Keeping Life Simple (KLS). After graduating from Canberra Girls Grammar School, Kathryn spent a year abroad before completing a Bachelor of Management at the University of Canberra. In an attempt to put off the impending ‘nine-to-five’ grind, she travelled to Dresden and completed a Goethe Institute intensive German course before going on to travel and work throughout Germany for a year. Kathryn eventually returned to Canberra briefly before swiftly moving to Brisbane where she founded KLS – a service which utilises the increasing number of cloud-based technologies to scale businesses around Australia. For the past three years, KLS has expanded and evolved with the times, with Kathryn at the helm, presenting to groups and businesses on different ways systems can help them and their staff.

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NINETY YEARS IN NINETY DAYS MATT O’BRIEN JOINED CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL AS THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER DURING OUR NINETIETH YEAR, BRINGING WITH HIM A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE IN BOTH EDUCATIONAL AND CORPORATE ENVIRONMENTS.

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I have been lucky enough to start my journey with Canberra Girls Grammar School in its ninetieth year and after only ninety days in my role, I was asked to share my first impressions and reflections. It has been jam-packed with events, celebrations, challenges, introductions, meetings, debates, enthusiasm and above all, a strong sense of purpose and community. I am told the pace and diversity I’ve experienced during my first few months will not diminish, and for that I’m glad (colleagues may need to remind me of this statement down the track!).

Here is my (abbreviated) list of the standout moments from my first ninety days:

ff Sitting in our Boarding House with some of our senior Grammarians to share a meal and hear stories of their memories of growing up in our School; ff Meeting a unicorn in my office; ff Working as part of a project team developing the designs for a new School facility on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin; ff Receiving an impromptu lesson on how to recognise when a chicken is hatching, ably delivered by one of our Junior School holiday program students ff Participating in a staff leadership team workshop to identify ways to improve our planning and reporting framework; ff Experiencing my first School assembly as a staff member where I listened to our talented Junior and Senior School musicians, heard an Olympian address

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“I appreciate the opportunity all our staff have – the opportunity, each and every day, to do something that makes a positive contribution to the student experience during their time at School.” the students about perseverance and determination; and inadvertently scared a baby wombat by clapping loudly at completely the wrong time; ff Watching the Junior School playground take shape after the completion of some upgrade activities which provide students with an enhanced outdoor environment; ff Chaperoning a giraffe (Cappie) on her visit to the Junior School to promote a co-curricular partnership with the University of Canberra Capitals basketball program; and ff Helping cook an early morning breakfast BBQ (with colleagues from our leadership team at the Senior School) in appreciation of our teaching staff.

With ninety days under my belt, I am more able to fully appreciate the opportunity all our staff have – whether it is up in front of a classroom full of students, providing a friendly welcome at reception or being a member of one of the many teams which support operations at the School. It is the opportunity,

each and every day, to do something that makes a positive contribution to the student experience during their time at School.

This is something I absolutely respect and I look forward to continuing to find ways to make a contribution over the next ninety days and beyond. My thanks to all those members of the School community who have made me feel so welcome.

Matt O’Brien CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

”

Matt O’Brien (right) with Maintenance Crew member, Martin Fay during Matt’s first week at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

CELEBRATING 90 Years

FROM THE PRINCIPAL WE HAVE BEEN DELIGHTED TO WELCOME OUR WHOLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY TO CELEBRATE THE FIRST NINETY YEARS OF CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL. IT HAS BEEN A COMPELLING VISUAL REMINDER OF THE STRENGTH AND WARMTH OF THE MEMBERS OF OUR SCHOOL FAMILY. FROM PAST AND PRESENT STUDENTS AND STAFF TO OUR PARENTS THROUGH THE PARENTS AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (P&F) AND MANY OTHERS, ALL HAVE JOINED US AND REGALED US WITH STORIES OF THEIR SCHOOL. The year began with a family picnic on the Senior School oval where over 600 parents, students and staff ate together in glorious sunshine. A band encouraged everyone to dance but we were outclassed by Junior School students who showed us how it should be done.

A church service at St Paul’s Manuka enabled us to give thanks for the long history of Girls Grammar as an Anglican School.

A procession with banners from School Houses, and items illustrating the work of the School had every part of the community represented, from the youngest through to our Grammarians Association. We were glad that Bishop Stuart Robinson was able to join us for this important occasion.

We started Founders’ Weekend with fabulous Night Markets. Crowds came to buy from our stalls ranging from craft items to mulled wine and delicious food. Fairy lights added to the atmosphere. On the Saturday, we were joined by Grammarians from six different reunion groups. They were intrigued to take our Heritage Walk, which illustrates the history of each building with displays from the School’s extensive archive.

Grammarians could see photographs of themselves and marvel at the hairstyles of previous times as well as reading School magazines, curriculum documents and advertisements from their time at school.

The Heritage Walk can also be taken online so that parents and Grammarians from further afield can experience it. An Alumni Cocktail Function at the National Gallery was well attended and everyone enjoyed

the opportunity to dress up and meet each other. The rest of the weekend featured a Chapel Service and Founders’ Assemblies in both Senior and Junior Schools.

Events for parents and grandparents have included a Healthy Minds networking workshop, a Safe School Committee Father, Daughter/Son Breakfast and the Year 3 Grandparents, Godparents and Grandfriends Day.

We finished the year with the annual Year 6 Father Daughter Dinner and a current and past staff Cocktail Party at The Boat House.

The Birthday Ball at Hotel Realm was a splendid occasion. We are so grateful to the P&F for their organisation of the Twilight Picnic, the Night Markets and the Birthday Ball, all of which have added so much to our celebrations.

Anne Coutts PRINCIPAL

In addition, we held community events in London, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Griffith and Wagga Wagga where parents and alumni came together to celebrate.

I am grateful to our Development Office for all their organisation and planning for this wonderful year of celebration.

Anne Coutts (centre) with 2016 Head Chorister, Sarah Fraser (Year 12); Acting Head of Music, Natalie Guile; 2017 Head Chorister, Emily Coper-Jones (Year 11); and Dean of Music, Joel Copeland at the Final Year 11 & 12 Chapel Service, 25 October 2016.

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90TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS 2016 HAS BEEN FULL OF VIBRANT AND MEMORABLE EVENTS AS OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY CAME TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE OUR 90TH ANNIVERSARY. Founders’ Day activities spanned four days in May, attracting thousands of visitors to our CGGS Night Markets. We were delighted to welcome Grammarians back as they attended reunions, the Alumni Cocktail party and the annual Founders’ Day lunch and badge ceremony. A reflective chapel service and assemblies at the Junior and Senior Schools complete with birthday cake, rounded out the festivities.

Other events this year included the P&F Association’s Twilight Picnic in February, the

90th Anniversary Church Service in March, and P&F Birthday Ball in August, a dinner in London for our UK based CGGS community, the well-attended Gala Concert in September and an elegant cocktail function for past and current staff at The Boat House in November.

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Thank you to everyone who has helped us celebrate our first ninety years. Here is a glimpse into new memories created this year.

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CELEBRATING 90 Years Alumni Cocktail party – 21 May 1

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Barbara Selleck (Hamill, 1965), Sue

J ana Prencel, Hannah Hughes & Olivia Sutton (all 2005).

Hart (Grant, 1972) & Rosemary Butt (Gates, 1972).

P&F Association Birthday Ball – 13 August 3

George and Melba Diamond at the P&F 90th Birthday Ball.

4 A nne Coutts with MC Simon Paton Cutting the 90th Birthday Cake.

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From the front left, Andrew Stewart, Ken Brownrigg, David O’Connor, Matt Reid. From back left, Katie Stewart, Juliette O’Connor, Julie Brownrigg, Mareeta Grundy Reid.

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90th Anniversary Church Service – 3 March 6 9 0th Anniversary Church Service – combined chapel choirs.

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Junior School Head Girl Indiana

Saunders and Deputy Head Girl Jacqueline Davis.

Night Markets – 20 May 8 S tallholders Jane and Peter Brown of Jane Brown Pearls.

9 U nder 12 Football team’s ‘Curry and Soup’ stall.

Gala Concert – 17 September 10 The

entire cast of the 90th Anniversary Gala Concert assembled on-stage 11 Irish

Dancers Ella Borgo (Year 7), Elsa Guile (Year 4) and Caroline Messick (Year 6).

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performers – Back row L–R: Alison Bailey (Napper, 1991), Stephanie Foulkes (Bacon, 2005), Monica Biddington (Tate, 1997), Catherine Stuart (1994), Samantha Perret (2011), Rachel Richards (2011), Amelia Hewitt (2006), Diana Fifield (Lane, 1988). Front row L–R: Dimity O’Leary (McWilliam, 1997), Patricia Wigens (2003), Elyse Heslehurst (2010), Emma Bucknell (Jennings, 1999).

Founders’ Day assemblies – 23 May

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Stretton, Anna Altenburg and Alannah Jansen (all Year 9) enjoying 90th Anniversary cupcakes.

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14 Les Petites Chanteuses perform at the Junior School Founders’ Day Assembly.

15 Grammarians Liz Mulcahy (McPherson, 1981) , Sanchia Glaskin (Starke, 1965), Margaret Cornwell (Archer, 1951), former staff member Ms Evelyn Murfin and Merrillee Royal (Johnson, 1949) at the Senior School Founders’ Day Assembly.

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Lunch & Badge Ceremony – 23 May 1

Leonie McCulloch (Tyrrell, 1956),

CGGS Chief Operating Officer Matt O’Brien and Barbara Chambers (Roper, 1956) at the Founders’ Day Lunch and Badge Ceremony.

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All Grammarians at the Founders’

Day Lunch and Badge Ceremony.

3 F ormer staff member Ms Evelyn Murfin with School Vice-Captain Miranda Summersby-Mitchell (Year 12).

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4 L eonie McCulloch (Tyrrell, 1956), Jean McLennan (Shepherd, 1939), Pamela Yonge (Eddison, 1939) and Margaret McAuliffe (Garran, 1950) making their way to the Founders’ Day Lunch and Badge Ceremony with the Senior Council Students.

Launch of the Heritage Walk – 21 May 5

Mr Richard Kent conducting a

Heritage Walk for the Class of 1986 at their thirty year reunion.

6 T he Class of 1996 enjoying the Heritage Walk archive displays at their twenty year reunion.

London Reunion Dinner – 5 July 7

Imogen Morizet (O’Neil, 1973),

Hannah Donohoe (2005) and Dorothy Dashwood OAM (mother of Professor Gemma Dashwood (1995) at the London dinner.

8 A ttendees at the London dinner enjoying a summer evening on the balcony of OXO Tower Restaurant.

Twilight Picnic – 26 February 9 P arents: David Harper, Lidija Tokich, Anthony Tokich and Darren Dimoff.

CELEBRATING 90 Years

YOUR GIFT STARTS HERE GABRIEL GIVING IS AN ANNUAL APPEAL MADE TO EACH MEMBER OF THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY WITH THE AIM OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR MODEST AND ACHIEVABLE PROJECTS THAT WILL HAVE IMMEDIATE IMPACT ON STUDENTS. The Gabriel Foundation launched the inaugural Gabriel Giving Program on the School’s 90th anniversary to allow all

Gabriel Giving

members of the community who wish to support the School philanthropically the opportunity to do so. The Foundation wishes to expand and elevate the current giving program to one that reflects the generous spirit of CGGS friends, now and

choose to give and show support – your

You are invited to give via the Gabriel

gift, no matter how large or small, will

Giving material mailed to you, by the CGGS

The measure of success is not how much

contribute in a practical way to the life of

website or simply by contacting Jo Mulligan,

is given, but more importantly how many

our students and the School.

Director of Development, on 02 6202 6423.

into the future.

SCHOLARSHIPS – SHAPING THE FUTURE To acknowledge and encourage excellence, Canberra Girls Grammar School offers a number of academic, performing arts and boarding scholarships in the Senior School. Criteria such as school reports, examination results, financial need, interviews and, in the case of performing arts scholarships, auditions are also used to award scholarships.

BE INSPIRED

The Gabriel Academic Scholarship, generously funded by the Gabriel Foundation, was introduced in 2016 to expand the current scholarship offering and support the notion of developing students of talent by removing barriers to participation.

As a diverse School, open to students from all around Australia and the world, we have developed a contemporary promotional campaign for the scholarships utilising traditional and digital advertising including displays at Canberra International Airport.

Scholarships for 2018 are now open. Please visit www.cggs.act.edu.au for further information.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 11

FROM THE DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, I HAD THE PLEASURE OF WORKING WITH SIR BOB GELDOF, SINGER, SONGWRITER, AUTHOR, AND WIDELY RECOGNISED FOR HIS ACTIVISM, ESPECIALLY HIS ANTI-POVERTY EFFORTS CONCERNING AFRICA. BOB IS RENOWNED FOR MAKING “AN OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL SOCIAL JUSTICE AND PEACE”.

Bob Geldof is a hero of mine. He is the man who had organised Live Aid in 1985 – a series of concerts held around the world with an estimated global audience of 1.9 billion people across 150 nations; he works with many heads of state, corporate chiefs and religious leaders to address world issues and make a significant difference to many people. I love his music and am in awe of the incredible work he has done (and continues to do) in trying to reduce poverty – particularly across Africa.

Bob was to speak with a school community sharing his work and insights into issues of justice and equity in the world. Prior to his

presentation, Sir Bob spent half an hour in a ‘Q&A’ with sixteen students ranging from Year 6 to Year 12.

That night, I saw his breath be taken away by a question from a Year 8 student – Grace.

The topic of the evening was … From Charity to Justice … Grace asked, “What comes after justice?”

Sir Bob was completely spellbound by Grace’s incredible depth of thinking and… as he was waiting to go on stage, I could see that Grace had made a real impact.

Ten months later, Sir Bob was still talking about the ‘young student in Perth who had asked the tough question,’ provoking his thoughts and challenging his position. That question wasn’t asked by a professor, a head of state or a business guru – it was asked by a young student who had the courage to think beyond the ordinary.

That is the power of a great education – a young person making the most of the opportunity which came her way. There is a richness within this school of ours. It has a very strong soul and I find that heartening.

Every student can participate, influence,

lead and succeed. Whether they have a badge or not, they can have impact on the world in which we live. Our students don’t simply turn into independent, confident and determined women – it takes an array of experiences and opportunities to make that happen.

Surely the best investment available today, and on any other day is the education of our children.

Jo Mulligan DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT

THE GIFT OF LEARNING A conversation during a walk around the

the work of our teachers and students.

the Junior School to enjoy and use in the

Junior School has led to the acquisition of

John said: “My family and I have observed

Innovation Space.”

new technology for our students. As they

with interest how quickly technology

walked through the campus early in Term

is progressing and the impact it has on

1 this year, Luke Ritchie, Director Years

education and the enthusiasm children

3–6, and parent John Maljkovic discussed what the School is doing in the field of Innovation – our theme for 2016. Luke shared some of the amazing things our students were doing in this area.

exhibit while interacting with it. Our three children have a genuine interest in technology and its benefits, which has been further stimulated with the establishment

The HP Sprout reinvents the way we teach and learn through the power of creativity and immersive computing, transforming the classroom into an immersive educational experience that revolutionises the way teachers and students learn, create, collaborate and share. The Sprout

of the Innovation Space at the Junior School.

is a fully integrated desktop 3D scanning

John was interested to learn what was

We believed it was timely to donate a

solution with 3D object capture, editing

happening and later approached Luke

ground breaking piece of technology, by way

and multiple streamlined 3D print options.

offering to purchase equipment to support

of a HP Sprout computer, for all children at

Students can take something from the

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CELEBRATING 90 Years

THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION – ENRICHING TOMORROW I HOPE YOU HAVE HAD A CHANCE TO ENJOY ONE OF THE MANY NINETIETH CELEBRATIONS THAT HAVE BEEN HELD FOR THE SCHOOL THIS YEAR. I HAVE ENJOYED TAKING THE OPPORTUNITY OF MEETING MANY MORE COMMUNITY MEMBERS THAN WOULD HAVE BEEN POSSIBLE OTHERWISE. IT HAS BEEN WONDERFUL TO MEET THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE EXPRESSED INTEREST IN, OR ASKED FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT, WHAT THE GABRIEL FOUNDATION HAS BEEN DOING AND WHAT WE HAVE PLANNED FOR THE FUTURE. Recently you would have received Gabriel Giving. This is just one activity the Foundation conducts with the support of the Development Office in order to continue our goal of raising funds for the School. Gabriel Giving is sent to every person in our community; Grammarians, current parents, staff, grandparents, past parents and friends.

Chair of the Gabriel Foundation, David Holmesby carrying the Foundation’s banner at the 90th Anniversary Church Service in March 2016.

Our measure of success for Gabriel Giving is participation, and I hope you will join me in supporting one of the exciting projects for 2016. We have already received gifts from families and support groups – thank you for your generosity!

For those of you who have given or made a gift, thank you. It is an exciting time to be associated with Canberra Girls Grammar School and to play a part in shaping the future of the next ninety years.

real world, manipulate it in the digital world, and bring it to life in physical space.

“We hope our contribution will assist the teachers in creating greater technological minds for the future and that the children will enjoy the benefits,” said John.

We thank the Maljkovic family for their generous gift.

The other activities of the Foundation include promoting the 1926 Bequest Society, and talking with families in the community about our future fundraising aims. Our goal of making an impact through philanthropy by advancing educational opportunities for students is a rewarding one for those who serve on the Gabriel Board and who join our circle of giving.

If you wish to be involved or to learn more about the philanthropic program, please feel free to contact me or Jo Mulligan, Director of Development on 02 6202 6423.

John and Rachelle Maljkovic with their daughters Ashley, Angelina and Lily, discovering the features available on the HP Sprout.

David Holmesby CHAIRMAN, GABRIEL FOUNDATION

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 13

PASTORAL CARE – A PATH TO WELLBEING PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AT CGGS IS A WHOLE SCHOOL SEQUENTIAL PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM COVERING THE EARLY LEARNING CENTRE TO THE SENIOR SCHOOL. IT FOCUSES ON STUDENT WELL-BEING AND DEVELOPS SERVICE, LEADERSHIP, STUDY SKILLS, CREATIVITY, FRIENDSHIP, CYBER AWARENESS AND SAFETY KNOWLEDGE, LIFE SKILLS, RESILIENCE AND OPTIMISM IN STUDENTS OVER THE COURSE OF THEIR STUDIES AT THE SCHOOL. The personal development program sequence illustrates the journey Pastoral Care takes from Reception to Year 12. Each

year group focusses on a particular theme and works towards positive outcomes through the use of specific support and resource materials.

Jeanette Widmer DIRECTOR OF PASTORAL CARE

START RECEPTION Independence and Starting School ff Developing independence and making positive personal choices ff Understanding how to listen, take turns and show awareness of others

PRE-PREP Being Part of a Group

“Pastoral Care builds and supports the entire school community, making connections between its members. It encompasses all aspects of school life through a combination of structured activities and personal relationships.

Pastoral Care is concerned with the total wellbeing of individuals within the school community and with the development of the whole person.”

ff Making positive personal choices and recognising individual differences, ff Showing consideration and recognising how feelings and actions affect others

Leadership and Transition ff Preparing for transition while developing leadership skills ff Developing a better sense of self, empathy and appreciation for others

YEAR 5 Resilience ff Understanding the nature of resilience and the role of courage in building personal resilience ff Implementing strategies when facing challenges

YEAR 4 Self-Awareness ff Identifying aspects of one’s own identity and how attitude contributes to relationships with others ff Understanding the importance of maintaining a positive attitude

YEAR 1

YEAR 2

YEAR 3

Values

Making Choices

Friendships

ff Understanding the need for values including respect, integrity and citizenship ff Recognising the right to feel safe

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YEAR 6

ff Identifying personal strengths and areas for personal growth ff Making appropriate choices independently

ff Understanding the qualities of a good friend and how to build and maintain friendships ff Resolving conflicts with peers

CELEBRATING 90 Years

WHAT MAKES OUR PASTORAL CARE PROGRAM OUTSTANDING? YEAR 7 Respect ff Respecting oneself and one another online and face to face ff Respecting property, possessions and facilities including the School, its history and traditions

YEAR 8 Empowerment ff Accepting different viewpoints while being confident to express one’s opinions and values ff Building resilience

YEAR 9 Body Esteem/Life Skills ff Communicating and solving problems in relationships ff Understanding other cultures views on body esteem and media literacy (being cyber-smart)

HOUSE SYSTEM Every student and teacher is allocated to one of the four Houses in Junior School and one of six Houses in Senior School; some families have connections with Houses over multiple generations. Students meet in House groups regularly where they establish a sense of belonging and experience opportunities for friendly competition through sports carnivals, cross country, arts performances and intramural House events.

PEER SUPPORT The Fun Friends program commences in Pre-Prep, the Friends for Life program is conducted as part of the Year 4 curriculum and Year 5 students nominate to learn how to become Peer Mediators in Year 6. Every girl in Year 7 has a trained Peer Support Year 11 leader. These programs encourage special friendships to be formed and wonderful role models to emerge.

LEADERSHIP Opportunities for personal growth abound both in and outside of the classroom. Student leaders take on a caring, guiding and mentoring role for all students.

Community service provides opportunities for individuals to serve others within the school and wider community, to broaden their view of the world and learn more

about themselves as they interact with, and for the benefit of, others.

GRAMMARIANS Our students belong to a global network of women working, studying and living around the world. Our Grammarians support and mentor students through careers advice, presentations, and networking.

TUTORS Who are committed and passionate about girls’ education and enable their students to develop confidence, realise the value of giving, working hard and striving to achieve their personal best.

COUNSELLING Safe, inclusive, supportive in a respectful learning and working environment for all members of the School community.

POSITIVE PSYCHOLOGY Exploring what leads to well-being in individuals.

RESPECTFUL RELATIONSHIPS Learning how to interact in a positive and respectful way with other people in friendship groups within and outside the School community.

GROWTH MINDSET Teaching girls how they can truly reach their potential if they adopt a growth mindset in everything they do.

STRENGTHS BASED APPROACH With commitment to excellence evident in developing partnerships – Mind Matters, Beyond Blue, The HopeFull Institute, Peer Support Foundation Australia, Paul Dillon, AFP, NRMA and Synergy Self Defence.

YEAR 10 YEAR 12

Social Conscience ff Considering choices when making decisions and online ethics ff Developing one’s own sense of social conscience

Global and Digital Citizenship ff Preparing for life after school and continuing to strive for one’s own personal best ff Making a contribution to the School and wider community

YEAR 11 Leadership ff Understanding the skills and attributes of a leader and role model and accepting the opportunity and responsibility to lead ff Appreciating that being a leader is role modelling ethical values

FINISH GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 15

A RICH TRADITION OF PERFORMANCE MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN AT THE HEART OF CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL SINCE 1926 – PROVIDING A FOCAL POINT FOR OUR COMMUNITY; TO PROVIDE COMFORT IN TIMES OF NEED; AND TO COME TOGETHER IN CELEBRATION AND JOY. The first Annual Concert is reported to have taken place on Friday, 17 August 1928; just a couple of years after the establishment of the School. Featuring musical items as well as a small play, the staging at Albert Hall suggests the importance placed on the performing arts. This was followed a year later with another concert, again featuring musical items, an act from ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’, poetry recitals and a one-act play called ‘Our Aunt from Carolina’. Newspaper reports speak of the musical items being piano solos and chorus performances of pieces including ‘If You Were a Fairy’ and ‘Early One Morning’. To provide a little contrast, the audience were also treated to “Physical Exercises by the Girls of the Middle School”.

Reports from the early years suggest conditions weren’t as comfortable for students as they are today. Many long evenings and early mornings of practice in the Hall – where heating was minimal in winter and cooling non-existent in summer – was the norm. A love for music and the importance of music in the lives of both students and teachers meant they persisted even through the less than comfortable times in Australian life and history.

From this strong beginning, the Music program continued to grow. The School was very successful in choral and music exams achieving a multitude of awards over many years for ‘class-singing’ and very high achievement from many students in individual exams. More instrumental ensembles were formed over the decades and in the 1980s some Senior School groups combined with Canberra Grammar School 16 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

It is a privilege to be part of a School with such a passion for music and with students who are so capable and committed. to expand the program. More groups combined, numbers further increased, and the quality of performance continued to improve over the life of this collaboration.

Ninety years later, the Senior School Music Ensembles at CGGS once again became independent. It has been exciting to see the program develop further with well-balanced ensembles and high rates of student participation. From 2016, every Year 4 and Year 7 student is given the opportunity to learn an instrument in a group lesson and this new initiative has already inspired many to continue lessons in their new instrument. The establishment of the Level 1 Band and Level 1 String Ensembles in the Senior School has provided our performers with the opportunity to make music as part of a group, working together as they develop in their playing.

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It is a privilege to be part of a School with such a passion for music and with students who are so capable and committed. It was a delight to see Grammarians recently join with current students to showcase their many talents in Music, Dance and Drama in celebration of ninety years; the opportunities for each CGGS Music student are vast and part of a rich tradition of performance.

Today we have thirty ensembles in both the Junior and Senior schools offering students’ performance opportunities ranging from instrumental to choral. From that very first, small student cohort who stepped out onto the stage at Albert Hall to September this year when more than 350 students and Grammarians were a part of the 90th Anniversary Gala Concert, music and performance at CGGS has offered a pathway to excellence, accomplishment and achievement for our students and community. We welcome the appointment of Mr Joel Copeland as the new K–12 Dean of Music and look forward to his leadership and vision for the continued growth of the Music program. Who knows where the next ninety years will take us?

Natalie Guile ACTING HEAD OF MUSIC AND TEACHER IN CHARGE OF BANDS

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CELEBRATING 90 Years

INTRODUCING JOEL COPELAND AS WE EDGE CLOSER TO THE ESTABLISHMENT OF THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL MUSIC ACADEMY, WE ARE DELIGHTED TO INTRODUCE OUR NEW DEAN OF MUSIC, MR JOEL COPELAND. JOEL JOINED THE MUSIC DEPARTMENT AT THE BEGINNING OF TERM 4 AND BRINGS WITH HIM A WEALTH OF EXPERIENCE AND THE BELIEF THAT MUSIC LEARNING SHOULD BE FUN AND ENGAGING. Hailing from country New South Wales, Joel has experience in teaching students from Pre-Prep through to Year 12 as well as adult learners in a community setting. He holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music), an Advanced Diploma in Leadership and Management and he is currently undertaking a Master of Education (Educational Leadership).

As an exponent of the Kodály philosophy throughout his teaching career, Joel received the Australian Kodály Certificate in Secondary Music Education in 2015. He is currently serving his second two-year term as the National President of the Kodály Music Education Institute of Australia (KMEIA Inc.) Prior to joining our School, Joel held the position of Head of Music and Director of Choirs at Radford College, where he also spent twelve months as a Director of the College Board. He has also worked abroad, holding the position of Assistant Director of Music at Kent College, Canterbury in the United Kingdom.

Joel has directed choirs, bands, orchestras and ensembles across all year levels and

was heavily involved in the development and implementation of an International Bachelorette inquiry-based music curriculum in the Radford Junior School.

He is the Immediate Past President of the ACT Music Educators Network and has previously held positions on the National Council of the Australian Society for Music Education (ASME) and is a passionate advocate for music education.

When he’s not teaching, you’ll find Joel on the sporting field. “I love to play sport.

Cricket, rugby, touch, anything really. I enjoy being outside,” says Joel.

Don’t let that sports-mad persona fool you though. Joel began playing the piano at age six and has since extended his repertoire to include the saxophone, drums and guitar – and it doesn’t end there.

“I have always wanted to play the double bass and with the CGGS Music Staff all taking part in the Level 1 Strings group, I may find my opportunity comes sooner than expected.”

Growing up in Wagga Wagga and later in Yass, NSW, Joel “ventured across the border to school at St Edmund’s College,” where he was “fully immersed in music.”

“I had the opportunity to learn the clarinet, saxophone and be involved in concert and jazz bands. My father was a keen musician and conductor in his own right and was always encouraging and fostering my passion for music.

One questions remains – what is his favourite piece of music?

“I have a fairly broad taste in music: classical – Mozart Symphony No. 40 in G Minor; jazz – Miles Davis, All Blues; contemporary – City and Colour; and home grown – SAFIA.”

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1955 Choir with Burilda Millett in Boarding

House Sitting Room (Courtesy of Anne Tully).

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1986 Madrigal Group with Brian Hingerty (Courtesy of Jane Crawford).

Chapel Choir in 1993 with Mary Tatchell.

4 Mr Viv Martin and the intermediate 3

concert band.

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GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 17

A LEAP THROUGH TIME PHYSICAL EDUCATION AT CGGS WHILE PHYSICAL EDUCATION HAS EVOLVED GREATLY OVER THE PAST NINETY YEARS, CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL HAS ALWAYS SUPPORTED THE BELIEF THAT FOCUSSING ON THE WHOLE STUDENT INCLUDES PARTICIPATION IN A VARIETY OF SPORTS AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY. WHAT STARTED WITH TUNNEL BALL AND TENNIS HAS DEVELOPED INTO AN OFFERING OF MORE THAN TWENTY-FIVE DIFFERENT SPORTS THROUGHOUT OUR SCHOOL. In the early days ‘physical training’ consisted of physical and squad drills; skills were taught in isolation without requiring students to think or apply the techniques to situations required in a game sense.

Post World War II, the physical culture based on military instruction and military orientated command response was replaced with physical education which included a central core of activities and the teaching of functional skills. Activities included games training, dancing, track and field, swimming and other recreational sports such as tunnel ball, netball, cricket and tennis.

Today, as part of the Personal Development, Health and Physical Education (PDHPE) curriculum, students have the opportunity to participate in everything from waterpolo and rowing to taekwondo and touch football. At the start of each year students explore the sports on offer through the Cocurricular Expo, where Sports Captains and teachers highlight the diversity of choice.

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18 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

Our School consistently performs well against other local schools and sporting clubs – for example, this year we had eighteen netball teams progress to the finals of the ACT winter netball competition.

Further afield, our girls regularly have podium finishes in rowing regattas where they compete against leading Sydney schools and earlier this year, one CGGS dragon boat crew topped the table at the World Club Crew Championships in Adelaide.

Alongside traditional sports, our students also study units in cultural dance, ‘Flippa Ball’ (an introductory style of waterpolo), OzTag, synchronised swimming, ‘Speedaway’ and ‘Ultimate Frisbee’.

As PDHPE educators we discuss strategies to strengthen our mental fitness, to party safely, and be more aware of sexual health. There is also significant brain and neurogenesis research to suggest that exercise grows brain cells and leads to increased efficiency in learning, thinking and remembering. Today’s Health and

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The 2016 Health and Physical Australian Curriculum rationale suggests, amongst other outcomes, it is critical for young Australians to flourish as healthy, active citizens, to develop a strong sense of self and build respectful relationships, to build a foundation for lifelong physical activity and to appreciate movement as a powerful medium for learning, through which students can practise and refine personal, behavioural, social and cognitive skills.

Physical Education provides students with an experiential curriculum that is contemporary, relevant, challenging and physically active. A far cry from the physical drill and military instruction of the 1920s!

Jenny Hall and Lorraine Peck HEAD OF PDHPE FACULTY AND HEAD OF CO-CURRICULAR SPORT

CELEBRATING 90 Years

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Tennis players in 1942.

Tunnel Ball being played at the 1953 Inter-School Sports, Manuka Oval – our team is on the far right.

Junior School athletics champions of 1979.

4 CGGS Dragon Boat gold medallists at the 2016 World Club Crew Championships 3

in Adelaide.

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Winning Year 9 Coxed Quad at the 2004 NSW Schoolgirl Head of the River –

Sophie Campbell-Smeltink, Emily Reid, Agape Lioulios, Anna Willis and Katrina Marson (cox).

CGGS HALL OF FAME THE INTERIOR WALLS OF THE JUBILEE SPORTS CENTRE CELEBRATE SPORTING SUCCESS OF GRAMMARIANS WHO HAVE REPRESENTED THEIR COUNTRY. WITH MORE THAN TWENTY-EIGHT SPORTS REPRESENTED, THEIR ACHIEVEMENTS REFLECT THE DIVERSITY AND ACCESSIBILITY OF SPORTS OFFERED TODAY.

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GEMMA DASHWOOD (1995)

NIKKI CAMPBELL (1998)

ZOE BUCKMAN (2006)

Gemma is a two-time Paralympian who competed in swimming at the Atlanta (1996) and Sydney (2000) games, winning a total of nine medals (four gold, four silver and one bronze). She broke three world records at the Atlanta Games. Gemma was awarded the Order of Australia medal in 1997. During her final year at CGGS, Gemma was a member of the Senior Council, School Swimming Captain, Choral Vice-Captain and represented the School in Debating and Public Speaking.

During her final years at CGGS, Nikki held a scholarship at the ACT Academy of Sport for golf before winning the Australian ASSC Championships in 1996, setting a new course record in the final round. After finishing her Junior career in 1998, Nikki won her first Open competition at the NSW Ladies Amateur competition. She was on the Japanese professional circuit for nearly ten years and then toured in the Women’s European circuit for two years finishing fourth on the order of merit list.

Zoe made her Olympic debut in London (2012) where she ran a personal best in the 1,500 metre event. She also made the 1,500 metre semi-finals at the Rio Olympics (2016). Earlier in her career, Zoe placed first in 800 metres and second in 1,500 metres at the 2006 Australian Athletics Championships and later that year, participated in the World Junior Championships in Athletics held in Beijing.

Zoe is the fourth fastest athlete over 1,500 metres in Australian history.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 19

A CULTURE OF GIVING AS AN ANGLICAN SCHOOL, OUR CHRISTIAN FAITH, ETHOS AND VALUES FORM THE FOUNDATION FOR A CULTURE OF GIVING AND DOING WHICH BRANCHES THROUGHOUT OUR COMMUNITY. OUR CURRICULUM, PASTORAL CARE AND CO-CURRICULAR PROGRAMS EACH INCLUDE ACTIVITIES WHICH INSTIL THE IMPORTANCE OF EMPATHY, GENEROSITY AND KINDNESS. Students as young as three follow the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) which aims to develop caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect. As students continue on their Canberra Girls Grammar School journey, the Senior School builds greater awareness of philanthropy through business-model teaching and dedicated fundraising in House groups.

Here we learn about three different approaches the School takes to developing awareness and compassion in our students.

JUNIOR SCHOOL ‘GOES NUDE’ FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Put an environmentally savvy teacher together with some like-minded students with boundless energy and you have a recipe for success. This year, I took on the role of mentor to the Environment Committee and was blessed with a great bunch of Year 6 students, happy to take on my ambitious ideas and readily concoct many of their own.

The first initiative we tackled was a relaunch of the Junior School’s recycling and composting system which the committee trained students and staff to use. The system – made up of a commingled recycling hopper, four tumbling compost bins as well as three worm farms – now runs efficiently and the Grammar Green

Thumbs co-curricular club benefits, as it tends the worms and utilises the compost.

We encourage entrepreneurship at Canberra Girls Grammar School, so the creation of the CGGS Fresh Produce Stall was no surprise. The committee sold fruit, vegetables, herbs and honey produced in the Junior School garden or donated by school community members. It was hugely successful – all but selling out within twenty minutes. As a result, the Grammar Green Thumbs have stocked the school veggie garden with produce to sell at future stalls. Our school gardens are looking amazing, thanks to the work of the students and teachers, together with the fantastic maintenance team.

My personal favourite of all the initiatives started this year is Nude Food Day (NFD) which aims to eliminate all unnecessary packaging and wrapping that goes into schools. The Junior School now has a fancy new trophy (made of recycled materials, of course) to be awarded to the class with the most ‘nude’ lunches each Nude Food Day. We currently have one NFD per term and have already noticed a change in student attitudes towards packed lunches. Feedback from students, teachers and parents indicates there is widespread support for making this a weekly award. Perhaps, not far down the track, we can proudly call ourselves a ‘nude school’.

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Kylie Baines ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE MENTOR 5

20 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

CELEBRATING 90 Years

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Lily Swan (Year 6), Sarah Palmer (Year 6) and Imogen McMahon (Year 6) at the CGGS Fresh Produce Stall.

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Robertson House Captain Pip Blunn and Erica Roche (Year 12) at Robertson’s fundraiser for Liver Kids Australia.

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SENIOR SCHOOL HOUSE FUNDRAISING Each year the Senior School Houses put the School’s values into action as they collectively raise thousands of dollars for their chosen charities. A number of Houses support organisations specifically focused on the needs of Australian children: Burgmann fundraises for the Children’s Medical Research Foundation’s Jeans for Genes Day; Deakin supports the Shepherd Centre (supporting deaf children and their families) and Canteen’s National Bandana Day; Kilburn has a long-term association with SIDS for Kids Red Nose Day; and Robertson’s charity is Liver Kids Australia.

With a broader focus, Glebe hosts R U OK? Day which raises awareness of mental health, while Waverley’s fundraising efforts benefit the Cancer Council’s Biggest Morning Tea and Daffodil Day. Each House goes about fundraising in a way that emphasises student independence and collaboration. Together, tutor groups plan ‘market days’, determining how the event will operate: from products to pricing, advertising, setting up and packing down.

Heads of Houses and tutors are available to provide guidance. However, success comes from students’ efforts and organisation, led by the House Captain and Vice-Captains and Tutor Group Representatives.

It is obvious each House works cohesively on market days, with senior students

Head of Kilburn House, Viv Martin with Kilburn

House Captain, Georgia McDonald, Lisa Ridgley from SIDS and Kids ACT and Kilburn Vice-Captains Maree Pearson (Year 11) and Pip Dolman (Year 11) on Red Nose Day, June 2016.

4 Z ali McPherson (Year 10), Isabel Gavin (Year 10), Emma Khoo (Year 10), Olivia Taylor (Year 9), Grace Carter (Year 9), Jayne McDougall (Year 9), Elizabeth Wheeler (Year 10), Cassidy Whitehouse (Year 10) and (at front) Burgmann House Captain, Eliza Ashton (Year 12) on Jeans for Genes Day, August 2016.

providing younger girls with support and advice. One House Vice-Captain describes her House’s market day as: “A day that allowed us to not only raise money for an extremely worthy cause that is close to our hearts, but also provided us with an opportunity to work and create together.”

Market days are always fun – music pumps in the quad, crowds of students and teachers make purchases, House colours fly and there is a sense of openness and community. And aside from fundraising for a worthy cause, one of the best things about House fundraising is seeing students across all year levels working together to achieve something worthwhile.

Students in each House feel a connection to their charity and value the opportunity to contribute in a meaningful way. Heads of Houses provide deeper understanding of the charity through arranging guest speakers and maintaining contact with the organisation to learn about how the money has assisted them.

Our students know that being involved in a charity or community event is not an optional extra at CGGS, but a fundamental part of who we are.

Rachel Vance HEAD OF ROBERTSON HOUSE (ON BEHALF OF ALL HEADS OF HOUSE)

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Deakin Vice-Captain, Adele Burke (Year 11) alongside Deakin Captain, Prue Tysoe (Year 12) and co ViceCaptain Rori Bettle (Year 11) at Deakin’s Bandana Day fundraiser, October 2016.

6 W averley House Captain Imogen Willson (Year 12) and Annalise Murn (Year 12) ready to fundraise for Daffodil Day, August 2016.

7 Miranda Summersby-Mitchell (Year 12) with Glebe House Captain, Sarah Ethell (Year 12) on the RUOK? ‘conversation couch’, September 2016.

8 Year 9 Commerce students Bianca Barrass-Borzatti, Charlotte Stephenson, Kate Officer and Brielle Papa at their Market Day, November 2016.

CURRICULUM-BASED GIVING – YOU’RE IN BUSINESS Year 9 Commerce students don’t just learn how to make money – they Discover how best to use it. Setting out on their path to learning about how to build a successful business, Canberra Girls Grammar School students have a clear end-goal – make enough profit to benefit those in need.

Commerce teacher, Christine Neou, guides her students through the maze of entrepreneurship – from product concept, to marketing, production, branding and budgeting. This holistic approach to business culminates in a ‘market day’ where the products are sold (think homemade curries and cupcakes!) and students develop their customer service skills.

Lastly, students become accountants as they count their takings and calculate profits.“The most valuable part of the You’re in Business unit is the way it engages our broader community,” says Christine. “Each class elects a charity they wish to donate their profits to…making the project an opportunity to both learn essential business skills and make a difference.”

In the past, The Rosie Batty Foundation, a Girl & her world and One Step, One Life received donations as a result of the School’s Year 9 Commerce course.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 21

BOHO – HOME FOR 90 YEARS OUR BOARDING HOUSE (FONDLY REFERRED TO AS ‘BOHO’) WAS CONSTRUCTED IN 1927 AND HAS WELCOMED BOARDERS THROUGH ITS DOORS SINCE THE SCHOOL OPENED. As the Head of Boarding, I am proud to continue the long and valued tradition of boarding at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

And while today’s boarders enjoy more opportunities and conveniences than they did ninety years ago, I am well aware of the age-old challenges boarders face in moving away from their families.

Wallace. “Now, I enjoy being with my new friends and getting to know them.”

Elly Fafungian, from Papua New Guinea, says she felt homesick at first but is enjoying the Boarding House facilities, especially the courtyard: “The Year 7 boarders like to play there.”

“I found settling in sort of difficult,” says Maddy Sullivan, whose parents are on a posting overseas. “But having good friends and being able to talk to my family every night was really helpful.”

Hailing from Hillston, NSW, Mollie Laird likes

By creating a ‘home away from home’ environment, the staff and I strive to ensure the Boarding House is a sanctuary within the larger school.

the variation in meals and room-mates:

Part of my job is to ensure boarders have every opportunity to access activities in which they show an interest. On any given day, you will see one of our buses transporting boarders to basketball, soccer, music, ballet, karate, sailing, rowing or parttime jobs…just to name a few.

the Boarding House and how nice everyone

While boarders have access to the National Library of Australia for study and research, the Australian National University for extension courses and music and the Australian Institute of Sport to further their athletic pursuits, those seeking more obscure activities are catered to as well.

If a boarder wants to take ballroom dancing lessons, I’ll make every effort to find something suitable for them.

I asked our newest boarders; another who is about to complete her boarding journey; and a boarder not only new to the School but also to Australia; to share what they like most about the BoHo and what they find difficult about being away from home.

“At the start, I found it difficult being away from my family and the farm,” says Georgie

22 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

Sophie West (Year 12) with Tina Twigg.

“We get to move rooms every term, so we get to be in rooms with nearly everyone.”

“I really do like the comforting structure of is,” says Emma Nason, from Exeter in the NSW Southern Highlands.

Sophie West, a Year 12 student from Murrumburrah in NSW has called the Boarding House home since Year 7 and says it was difficult being away from home initially. However, after six years: “The BoHo has taught me to be more independent and have confidence in myself. I have also developed good routines especially for study and Prep.”

Year 9 student Nancy Xia, from China, joined our BoHo family in July 2015. On arriving at the School she liked the look of the Boarding House with its traditional

DID YOU KNOW?

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▶▶ Boarding House staff make approximately 152 bus runs a week! We take our students to their sport or co‑curricular activity, to events and to local shopping centres. ▶▶ This year we have girls from twenty-four different cities from all across the globe.

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▶▶ In one week, the kitchen prepares approximately 1,680 meals for the boarders. ▶▶ On average, 60 kilograms of meat is consumed each week by the boarders.

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design and welcoming feel. As an international student, Nancy feels wellsupported and enjoys the diversity within the BoHo family.

“We always celebrate different kinds of festivals, including the Chinese moon festival. I think these activities bring us closer together.”

While the building we inhabit is the original school house, with its own character, it is the acceptance, warmth and personalities of the boarders and staff that brings our Boarding House to life.

Tina Twigg HEAD OF BOARDING

CELEBRATING 90 Years

Q&A WITH AMALTA SAHAY SCHOOL ARCHIVIST THE ARCHIVES COLLECTION REFLECTS AND DOCUMENTS NINETY YEARS OF SCHOOL LIFE PRESERVING THE STORY AND HERITAGE OF THE SCHOOL AND ITS STUDENTS. THE COLLECTION COMPRISES AN ASSORTMENT OF DOCUMENTS, TROPHIES, PUBLICATIONS, ORAL HISTORIES, MEMORABILIA AND PHOTOGRAPHS. INTEGRATING THE ARCHIVES COLLECTION INTO THE DAILY LIFE AND CURRICULUM OF THE SCHOOL IS REGARDED AS ESSENTIAL IN SUPPORTING THE HERITAGE OF THE SCHOOL AND REINFORCING THE IDEALS AND BELIEFS ESTABLISHED BY OUR FOUNDERS, THE ANGLICAN COMMUNITY OF THE SISTERS OF THE CHURCH. What part of your job as Archivist do you most enjoy?

How do current students benefit from the School’s archives?

The different hats I get to wear – one day I’m curating a display and the next I am a detective, delving into the depths of the archives looking for a document.

By having access to archival material directly related to them, students have the opportunity to conduct projects related to the School’s history, the wider community as well as learning about collection management, preservation techniques and even conducting oral history interviews.

How does your job support Canberra Girls Grammar School’s vision?

By ensuring our current students have a strong awareness of the School’s heritage, its proud sense of community and their place in the ongoing story that is Canberra Girls Grammar School.

What is your favourite item in the School archive?

The various autograph books we have from students who left in the 1930s. They are like today’s version of Facebook and Snapchat, but much more personal.

If you had one wish for an item to be added to the archive collection, what would it be?

A complete collection of all the Grammar Reports since we first started publishing them in 1971. We are looking for Issue 59, March 1997 and Issue 76, December 2006.

Do you face any challenges in your job?

How do you overcome them?

Sometimes there are a lot of events or research requests coming through all at once so I have become very good at prioritising and being realistic at the same time.

What were you like in high school?

A complete nerd and I still am!

If you could be any character from a film, who would it be, and why?

The T-Rex from Jurassic Park. So then I could rule the world and help Chris Pratt defeat the Indominus Rex.

If you could do any other job, what would it be and why?

Archivist at Disney Studios as I love ‘all things Disney’, and to be able to see and hold (wearing white gloves of course) its history would be mind-blowing. Alternatively, being Head Objects Conservator at the Smithsonian is also a dream. To walk through the myriad of tunnels and storerooms in the Smithsonian would be like an Indiana Jones movie, or so I imagine. Also, I want to get to the bottom of whether they do or do not have a freezer full of individual snowflakes in their archives.

What’s one thing about you that would surprise people?

At home I am currently conserving ancient Roman silver coins, or denarius, from Marcus Aurelius’ time, a Roman Emperor from 161 to 180AD. Actually, that’s not surprising at all … I used to be a sprinter.

Archivist Amalta Sahay with student Hugo Lukin during Pre-Prep's excursion to the Archives at the Senior School, 18 October 2016.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 23

POSITIVE EDUCATION AND LEARNING THROUGH PLAY THE BREADTH AND DEPTH OF OUR JUNIOR SCHOOL CURRICULUM IS ONE OF OUR MANY STRENGTHS. IT IS ROBUST, IT NURTURES INDEPENDENT LEARNING SKILLS AND PROMOTES THE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE CHILD – INTELLECTUALLY, PHYSICALLY, SOCIALLY, EMOTIONALLY, AND SPIRITUALLY. Teaching teams collaboratively plan and are now well versed in facilitating a concept driven, inquiry based program. Our written, taught and assessed curriculum is framed by the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IBPYP) and underpinned by the Australian Curriculum for our primary students, and the Early Years Learning Framework (ELYF) for students in the Early Learning Centre.

While these frameworks and continuums

Above: Children enjoying the new outdoor amphitheatre during their recess break.

Right: Tranquil green spaces contrast with play equipment which helps to build students’ confidence.

provide a comprehensive offering, we have augmented them in both the Junior School and the Early Learning Centre with the CGGS Way. This gives our students and staff a vehicle to discuss the attitudes and actions that are important to us as a learning community.

We recognise there is always room for improvement in the promotion of wellness, so this year we have begun a journey into Positive Education. Positive Education is the merging of positive psychology with best practise teaching. I believe this initiative will serve to increase the well-being of our whole community and better enable us to ‘flourish’.

At Canberra Girls Grammar School we strongly believe in play as a framework for learning. Children inquire through play; posing questions and problem solving individually and collaboratively. As a result of our commitment to the provision of

24 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

high quality outdoor play that engages children’s imaginations and builds their confidence, our playground has undergone a major renovation and extension this year. We now have a superb outdoor play space that features: climbing frames and play equipment, sandpits, slides, courts, a grassed oval, a beautiful student garden with arbours and a citrus walk and outdoor amphitheatre.

Research clearly shows that play promotes social skills, increases attention span, reduces stress and improves physical fitness and health. The planned construction of a reflection garden creating a quiet, meditative space for children and garden of Australian native plants will further enrich our outdoor play spaces.

Lastly we intend to collaboratively create a large mural to tell the story of our school from its founding to today. This mural will

be a tangible expression of who we are and our journey, and we intend for all students and staff to contribute to the painting in recognition of our 90th Anniversary.

Angela Whitaker HEAD OF JUNIOR SCHOOL

CELEBRATING 90 Years

NEWS FROM GRAMMARIANS The Grammarians’ JEAN CRANE (ELVINS, 1932) Association Canberra Girls Grammar School

I have strong memories still today of my time at St. Gabriel’s and also of Canberra, which was then a young emerging town.

There was no lake, no trees planted and a bridge over the Molonglo River near the Hotel Canberra. The school grounds were bush-like and uncultivated.

I came to the school with my sister from Melbourne. My family had already taken up residence in Canberra and my youngest sister was attending the kindergarten. I was twelve years old and there were only three other pupils in my form (year group).

My sister, a form below, was the only pupil in her class! We had previously been at Methodist Ladies College in Melbourne.

The Sisters in charge of St. Gabriel’s at

that time would not let us take part in the morning prayers and we were required to sit in the back row because we were Methodists.

Below left: Jean at her 100th birthday celebration.

Below centre: 1929 St Gabriel’s Senior School, Jean back row fifth from left.

Below: Jean with other St Gabriel’s students (date unknown).

An undated photo I have, taken around 1932, shows there were forty-six pupils in the entire school. The small number of students meant I was involved and played an active part in all aspects of school life.

I was House Captain of Phillip House in my later years, and also a Prefect. I wore a scarlet blazer which was introduced at that time. I attended St. Gabriel’s for a total of five years and left when my family moved to Sydney.

I have happy memories of my time at the School.

AMY BRADDON (2002) attended Canberra

“I was lucky enough to be Photography

a new role as a magazine editor – “My

Girls Grammar School for one year (Year 12)

Captain and also play on the netball team.”

dream job!”

Since the age of twelve, Amy knew she

Amy’s advice to Canberra Girls Grammar

wanted to work in book or magazine

students of today is not to give up

and says, “It was one of the best years of my life.”

“The move was difficult – coming into a

publishing, so after graduating she moved

school when everyone had known each

to Melbourne to study Communications

other for most of their lives – but the friends I met on my first day are still a part of my life,” says Amy. “Even though I was there only for a short time, I am so grateful for the experiences I

and Journalism at Monash University. At the same time, Amy completed a Diploma

on your dreams. Don’t be put off by disappointments and delays, and don’t put a time limit on your achievements.

of Professional Writing and Editing at

“When I was at school, I had everything

Chisholm TAFE.

mapped out and I thought everything

After graduating, Amy moved back to

would happen by a certain age, but it

Canberra for six years to work in media

doesn’t always go to plan. Don’t lock in your

and publishing. More recently, Amy has

life experiences and achievements into a

English and the arts are her passion, so these

been based in Sydney, working in corporate

timeline. Take life as it comes, be flexible

were Amy’s most-loved subjects at school.

communications and has recently started

and enjoy the ride, enrich your life with

had and the people I met.”

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 25

travel, live in different cities and meet as many people as you can.”

“If you stay focused, good things will happen. Your life, career, people and experiences may sometimes take you on different paths than expected, but it is all part of the journey, so embrace it.”

NADIA DALY (2006) is the weekend news anchor and a weekday journalist with the ABC in the Northern Territory.

At school, Nadia says she was a keen student but certainly not top of the class.

“I did well in the subjects I enjoyed: English and Media Studies (though I now wish I’d

Above: Taylor Caudle (2015).

TAYLOR CAUDLE (2015) has been named in the eleven-member signing class for the Wisconsin Women’s Rowing Team that will join the University of Wisconsin Badgers for the 2016–17 season led by head coach, Bebe Bryans, and assistant coach, Nancy LaRocque.

26 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

When asked how she felt about receiving this award, Ady said, “I felt incredibly

Nadia Daly in the ABC Studios.

Ady Elmitt at her university Graduation in 2016.

applied myself more to the subjects I didn’t enjoy!),” she says.

thrilled and honoured to have been awarded a University Medal for 2016 at my recent graduation ceremony. I put a lot of effort into my studies for five and a half years, so it was extremely rewarding to have that hard work pay off in the end.” As a student at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Ady enjoyed the academic side of school.

“I worked hard to get into Media and Communications at Sydney University,” where she cut her teeth in journalism doing work experience in a newsroom before landing a job. Later she worked in the press gallery of Parliament House before reporting in France and then joining CNN in Hong Kong.

Top: Amy Braddon (2002).

ADRIENNE (ADY) ELMITT (2009) earned First Class Honours in her Bachelor of Laws with Honours degree and was a 2016 University Medallist at The Australian National University (ANU).

Nadia’s journalism career keeps her busy.

“One day I might be reading the TV news in the studio, the next interviewing a politician or flying to a remote community to report on Indigenous affairs.”

“My advice to students facing today’s competitive work environment: make a plan and work towards it, but be flexible and ready to change course if you need to.”

“I had great teachers and I developed a real passion for learning. I particularly enjoyed history and English, which is why I ended up studying law!”

Ady says that she loved the social side of school and getting involved in school and House activities.

“House sports and dance days were always my favourite days of the year. I was House Captain of Waverley in Year 12, which was a really memorable experience.”

After graduating from CGGS Ady took a year off to work and travel. “It was great to have a little break from study and to see some of the world before starting university.”

CELEBRATING 90 Years BETHANY LEE (2007) Aerospace Design Engineer, Hawker Pacific I have never been one to view the world in terms of male or female domination.

While I of course noticed gender trends in certain occupations, ‘male dominated fields’ was a term introduced to me by media, not one ever enforced on me by my family (a line of very strong women) or my educational environment. I have always been very ambitious, wanting to be ‘first’ and ‘best’. If there were many males in my chosen field of study, I saw it only as an opportunity to be first and to standout.

Never as a deterrent.

I started out as one of only two females in my team, and very quickly became the only female and indeed was exposed to some of the more unsavoury aspects this term can entail. Again this was not a deterrent but a challenge. Girls Grammar had never viewed me as simply ‘female,’ but as ‘Bethany’.

Why should I view myself differently simply because of my gender, and why would I allow anyone else to?

We are women, hear us roar, Girls Grammar has numbers too big to be ignored!

Right: Bethany Lee on the job.

Below: Bethany Lee with some of her Hawker Pacific colleagues.

I was fortunate that Girls Grammar also shared this view and was never made to feel disadvantaged, less equal or less deserving simply because of my gender. Girls Grammar promoted leadership, independence and instilled in me the desire and also ability to meet a challenge. It was most certainly this support and teaching that maintained me through six years of university as one of only five females in my course, and as I entered the workforce as an Aerospace Design Engineer – a field labelled as ‘male dominated’.

She then completed a combined degree

emphasise the importance of trying to

NIKE SAVVAS (1981) was notable in class

of Law and Arts (majoring in history and

have well-rounded lives. At university,

for her thoughtful creative work, and it was

working hard was very important to

not surprising that she went on to make

international relations) at ANU. Throughout her degree, Ady put a great deal of effort into her studies, but also tried to take up work and internship opportunities

me. Although, when studying was overwhelming, it was great to have friends

whenever she could, volunteering at

to put things in perspective and hobbies

community legal centres and interning as a

that were also fulfilling.”

research assistant. She also worked at a law firm and as a swim coach at the Canberra Girls Grammar School swimming pool.

Now that she has finished her studies, Ady is about to head to New York where she

“This was also important during my time at Girls Grammar. Luckily for Girls Grammar

her career in the visual arts while winning many awards along the way. Now, the world has discovered Nike as her exquisite work has been seen in the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the United States of America, New Zealand and in most Australian states and territories.

students, there are plenty of activities to

Visitors to the Art Gallery of NSW are greeted

take part in. In terms of future paths, I

with the blaze of shimmering colour of Nike’s installation Rally that fills the foyer

will be undertaking an internship with the

would advise students to talk to as many

Australian Mission to the United Nations

people as possible about options for their

General Assembly, which she is incredibly

future. I have received really great advice,

excited about.

and even opportunities, from unexpected

When asked what advice she would give

people just by initiating conversations and

note. Nike wanted this to be a tribute to

to current students, Ady said: “I would

following up on ad-hoc offers.”

her younger sister Christina, also a former

and the first floor. It is one of the largest works ever commissioned by the gallery and consists of 60,000 coloured strips. Behind this most joyous creation is a more profound

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 27

VERONICA TAMSITT (2007) has been awarded the Antarctica Service Medal of the United States of America in recognition of her valuable contribution to exploration and scientific achievement under the United States Antarctic Program.

ROMY TURNER (2013) graduated with a Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre) following an intensive two-year study program at Sydney’s Australian Institute of Music.

During her studies, Romy also qualified as a professional swimming instructor for University of Sydney and the Australian Institute of Sport. She is now heading to the United Kingdom to pursue her career on London’s West End.

in November 2012 and another son Ashley in 2014.

Little Lionhearts fundraises to provide memory boxes to families who have experienced pregnancy loss and also provides ‘cuddle cots’ to hospitals. These are vital pieces of hospital equipment that allow families to spend precious time, creating memories with their child.

Selena’s drive to start the project was initially to process her grief, but she is now motivated to keep going because she wants to make her sons proud.

So far, through fundraising and donations, Little Lionhearts has raised over $15,000.

Sydney Morning Herald article.

student of CGGS who sadly passed away late in 2013. She wanted it to, “immortalise her beauty, love and grace,” and the beauty and joy of the work provides a fitting welcome to the many gallery visitors.

Highly-respected as an international artist, Nike was the subject of a documentary on the SBS program Big Art (broadcast on 8 January and 6 October 2016) about the installation of her twenty-five metre high Colours are the Country in the Macquarie Group building in Sydney last year. Vogue Living magazine featured her under the heading ‘The sublime optical art of Nike Savvas.’

Left: Veronica with her Antarctica Service medal.

Left below: Romy Turner with her Bachelor of Music (Music Theatre).

Above: Selena receiving her QPCU Everyday Hero Award for Achievement Selena receiving her QPCU Everyday Hero Award for Achievement Theatre.

Though she now lives in London, Nike’s work in Australia has been purchased by the Contemporary Art Museum in Sydney as well as the Art Gallery of NSW. As members of the School family have been gathering in this celebratory year, at one event they did so under a colourful, early work by Nike at Hotel Realm in Canberra. We can celebrate her achievements along with many other Grammarians. She has given to the world works of ‘undeniable beauty’.

Written by Beverley Wood, former Art teacher at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

28 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

Selena says she was overwhelmed and quite emotional when her name was announced as the winner of the QPCU Award.

SELENA WOOL (HERRING, 1997) was awarded the 2016 Queensland Police Credit Union (QPCU) Everyday Hero Award for Achievement.

Selena is the founder of Little Lionhearts, a project to assist the pregnancy loss community. Selena began Little Lionhearts after she lost twin boys Nathan Jr and Alex

“Pregnancy loss and stillbirth is such a taboo subject, when it really shouldn’t be. It was a beautiful moment to have my passion for supporting this community celebrated. Every time I hand over a cuddle cot or deliver memory boxes, I hope my boys are proud of me.”

CELEBRATING 90 Years

BIRTHS ALANNA SHEPHERD (CASTLE, 2004) and husband Mark Shepherd are pleased to announce the arrival of Clara Emily born on 12 May 2015. Clara was christened in the Chapel of the Annunciation at CGGS on 8 November 2015 by The Reverend Paul Harris.

PARISSA NOTARAS (1992) and husband Tim Dyer welcomed Maximilian Albert Notaras Dyer on 22 October 2015 in Hong Kong.

A brother for Polly and Harriet, another grand-child for Sophia (CASSIDY, 1961) and Jim Notaras.

ALEX HART (TAYLOR, 2007) and husband Jason welcomed their second daughter, Evie Mae Hart, into the world on 31 March 2016.

A sister for Ava. INGRID PENC (LOCKLEY, 2005) and husband Alistair joyfully welcomed Otis Alexander James to the world on 23 April 2016.

VANESSA STEWART (LONG, 2000), husband Peter and big brother, Zane, are delighted to announce the arrival of Walter Michael Stewart on 24 April 2016.

ENGAGEMENTS JESSICA RAINBOW (2011) and Billy (William) Bourchier on Tuesday, 28 June 2016 in Singapore.

WEDDINGS JANE LEWIS (1981) married Richard Law at Lords Cricket Ground, London on 3 September 2016. Jane’s sister Megan Lewis (1985) was the witness with her mother, Margaret Cornwell (Archer, 1951), Greg Cornwell and nephew Alexander Fenton (2012) in attendance from Australia.

Left top: Clara Emily Castle.

Left bottom: Maximilian Notaras.

Right top: Alex, Jason, Evie and Ava. Right centre: Otis Alexander James Penc.

Right: Walter Michael Stewart.

VALE ROBIN FIONA CAMPBELL (1944) on 5 February 2016. Sister of Roslyn (1943) and Charles (dec). Aunt of Sheena Parkinson (1973), Joanna Topfer (PARKINSON, 1978), Patrick and Daniel.

BRIANNA GEORGIA HUMPHREYS (2013) on 28 February 2016. Daughter of Luciana and Brian and sister of Ali (2011).

Below: Jane Lewis and Richard Law, 3 September 2016.

Richard Law and Jane Lewis at Lords Cricket Ground on their wedding day, 3 September 2016.

LILLIAN “PAT” GILL (BINGEMAN, 1943) on 2 June 2016. Wife of David Louis (dec). Loved and loving mother of Janyne and Bob (dec), John and Suchada, Ken (dec), Leanne and Steve. Nan of Julie, Michael, Aimee, Jesse, Dave and Dena.

SHIRLEY RAE GOLDSMITH (MITCHELL, 1939) on 19 June 2016. Wife of Donald (dec).

Beloved mother and mother-in-law of Vivienne (dec), Michael and Cecily, Kathy and Bryan. Grandmother to Rama, Josephine and Georgina, and great grandmother of seven.

JOCK MACKINNON on Monday, 18 July 2016 at his home in East Jindabyne. Dearly loved husband of Elizabeth. Brother of Ken. Father of Richard, Tibby, Margaret and Sandy.

Father-in-law to Chrissy and Rusty. Adored Grandad to Lachy, Callum, Ruth, Jessica, Jack, Tom, Lily and Ava. Well-respected Chairman of the Canberra Girls Grammar School Board from January 1990 to 1997.

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 29

BETTY MARJORIE OSBORNE (NELL, 1945)

Timothy Shafron. Daughter of Margaret

BRIAN HINGERTY on 10 September

on 22 July 2016. Dearly loved wife of

and Teki Dalton and sister to Jane (1979),

2016, aged 79. Well-loved by his family

Keiven, loved mother of Betsy-Jane and

Nic and Sara (1983).

Marjorie Ann (dec), Grannie of Henry and Immanuel, mother-in-law of Fred and

ROMA PAGE (PROWSE, 1940) on 4 October

and friends.

The Canberra Girls Grammar School community is saddened to learn of one

Susan. Loved sister of Dick, Tony, Phillip (all

2016. Loving wife of Capt Robert Page DSO

dec), Margaret and John.

(dec) Z Special Forces Operations Jaywick

started as a full time Music teacher in

and Rimau. Sister of Irwin, Charles and

February 1973. He went on to be the Head

Keith (all dec).

of Music from 1974 to 1988 and also taught

Foundation Student of St Gabriel’s.

school in December 1995.

ANNE DALTON (1981) on 13 September 2016. Loved wife of Martin Shafron. Adored mother of Emma (2006), William and

of its long-serving staff members. Brian

Religion and Latin. He officially left the

2016 REUNIONS

12 – the day the dingy old labs were retired

CLASS OF 2011 – FIVE YEAR REUNION

silver nitrate-stained skin – when we were

after decades of explosions, dissections and allowed to graffiti the interior of the labs to pay our final respects.

The Heritage Walk delivered an interesting

A lovely afternoon tea with Principal, Anne

juxtaposition between fond reminiscing

Coutts, followed the tour allowing us to

and excited curiosity for the class of 2011.

rehash the developments of the School

Graduating only five years ago (while the

since we had left, and to hear about its

School was in the midst of its flashy new

upcoming plans.

upgrade) we had experienced the first of the renovations – the reconstruction of B Block, the new Quad and the

Above: Class of 2011 taking in the Heritage Walk.

Below: Class of 2011 – Five year reunion.

Administration Hub. However, having only settled into them during our last months of school, they still seemed somewhat unfamiliar and ‘new’. The older buildings remained stubbornly ingrained in our minds, so it was wonderful to revisit and refresh the memories.

30 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

Later that evening, the reunion ended in style at a cocktail event at the National Gallery of Australia. Multi-generational alumnae mingled and reconnected and

The new Science Wing certainly lived up to the grapevine whispers of it being, ‘like a funky modern arts museum!’ Seeing its high-tech facilities and sunny, openplan learning spaces for the first time, I immediately recalled my last day of Year

exchanged entertaining schoolyard tales after years of lost contact.

Big thanks to Laura Bullock for organising such a fantastic weekend.

Hannah Hughes (2011)

CELEBRATING 90 Years

CLASS OF 2006 – TEN YEAR REUNION When I walked through the Melbourne Avenue gates on 17 September 2016 for the Canberra Girls Grammar School ten year reunion, I had a slight sense of trepidation. A number of questions were running through my mind. Will I recognise everyone? Will I remember everyone’s name? Will people recognise me? Should I have worn my school uniform for old time’s sake (only joking)?

It was a crisp spring afternoon – back to back blue skies, but with a hint of winter still lingering in the air. Classic Canberra! I looked across to the ‘new’ Administration Building and was greeted by the beautiful cherry blossoms. I had forgotten how beautiful the Senior School campus is in spring. I was officially back on Canberra Girls Grammar School soil and it felt great.

We congregated at the Boarding House and as we spilled into the foyer – the shrieks and giggles were audible to a majority of the suburb of Deakin. Seeing each other’s faces (in some instances for the first time in ten years) was very exciting.

classmate, Zoe Bucknell, would outrun the speed of light, which she did at the recent Rio Olympic Games.

We were amazed at how much the School has changed. The new buildings that now house science, maths and psychology blew us away. After the tour, we congregated in the Administration Hub for afternoon tea and shared some laughs at some old photos of our school days.

Top: The Class of 2006 beginning their Heritage Walk as part of their ten year reunion.

Above: Class of 2006 – Ten year reunion.

Once we had said our ‘hellos’ we set out on a school tour. Everyone was taken aback by the sights and the smells, which were all so very familiar. As we progressed through the tour we read excerpts from our Year 12 magazine. Back then we had been forward thinking enough to speculate what some people might be up to ten years down the track. Despite our hopes and dreams that one of us would be Prime Minister, the next Elle McPherson or even the Principal of Canberra Girls Grammar School, only one of our predictions has come true – that our

After a day at school it was time for some much-needed drinks. We met at Hopscotch bar in Braddon and it didn’t take long for the majority of us to be on the dance floor, arm in arm, singing our hearts out.

As I looked at the girls around me, I felt incredibly lucky. What an amazing, strong, independent and successful group of people who are pursuing their dreams, whatever they might be. Most importantly, it was a perfect reminder to all of us that we are part of an exceptional community that will support us all for the rest of time.

A special mention to Adriana Wild-Taylor who tirelessly helped to organise the day.

Onwards to the twenty year reunion!

Alice Blain (2006)

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 31

CLASS OF 1996 – TWENTY YEAR REUNION In May this year, as a part of the Founders’ Day weekend celebrations, many alumnae of the Class of 1996 came together to celebrate twenty (short!) years since our graduation from Canberra Girls Grammar School.

With the joy of recognising familiar faces and sharing our stories and adventures, we spent the morning touring the schools facilities. While some things felt so familiar, it was fabulous to see how the school has grown and changed since our time there.

Following the tour, our class joined the evening cocktail function at the National Gallery of Australia, before our CGGS minibuses escorted us up to Hotel Realm to continue the celebrations into the very wee hours (the bus journey reminiscent of being driven to various private swimming pools for PE lessons – before there was a school pool!).

Our thanks to Mr Kent and colleagues for the school tour, and Shazza for bringing the boom box along to keep the party going to 6.00am…!

We missed seeing our classmates overseas and interstate and hope to see you all for the thirty year reunion!

Jenny McAlister (MORRIS, 1996)

CLASS OF 1986 – THIRTY YEAR REUNION As the plane brought me back to Canberra, my mind took me back to my school days at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

As a student of the ‘Class of ’86’, the 90th Anniversary was a double celebration as it also marked thirty years since our graduation. To put things in perspective … ff 1926 (the year our school opened), Queen Elizabeth was born; ff 1981 (the year we started at the senior school), Prince Charles married Princess Diana; ff 1986 (the year we graduated), Prince Andrew married Fergie; and

32 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

Top: Class of 1996 – Twenty year reunion.

Above: Class of 1986 – Thirty year reunion.

ff 1986 was also the year that Lady Gaga, Usain Bolt and Rafael Nadal were born.

Now I am feeling really old!

There were no state of the art computer labs and our ‘typing’ lessons were conducted on ribbon typewriters where the ‘A’ was barely visible (our little fingers weren’t strong enough to hit the keys with enough force to make an impression).

Having no access (or need) for printers, as all of our work was handwritten, the new 3D printers looked suspiciously like the old toaster ovens in our common room where we could toast a mean cheesy melt!

On Saturday morning the tour of the School highlighted just how much times have changed. Meeting at the Boarding House, which is now home to the daughters of some of my classmates, we chatted happily catching up on the past thirty years – sharing stories and memories of our wonderful school.

Sounding too much like our grandparents (‘back in our day’), there was no indoor swimming centre. For PE swimming lessons we were driven in our two school mini buses to the ten metre backyard pools of obliging Deakin neighbours, where we dived in and reached the other end before taking a single stroke.

Considering that in 1968 (the year the majority of my year were born) Yale University had only just decided to admit women, we were blessed to have such a wonderful education. I can’t wait to catch up again in ten years’ time for the 100th Anniversary of the School.

Nicole Moore (1986)

CELEBRATING 90 Years CLASS OF 1976 – FORTY YEAR REUNION Over the Founders’ Day weekend, seven members of the class of 1976 attended their forty year reunion at Canberra Girls Grammar School. The group began their reunion with the just-launched Heritage Walk around the School starting at the iconic Boarding House. Those who had not been back to visit the School for a while were pleasantly surprised by the changes that have taken place since their time at CGGS. However, there were still familiarities that took the women down memory lane, prompting many stories throughout the duration of the walk.

The tour was followed by an afternoon tea with Principal, Anne Coutts, who gave the ‘Class of ‘76’ an update on what events were taking place at the School in its ninetieth year.

We look forward to seeing the class of 1976 at their next reunion.

Laura Bullock ALUMNI AND EVENTS MANAGER

CLASS OF 1975 – FORTY YEAR REUNION An elite group of ‘Class of ‘75’ (seven in all) met at the school as part of the 90th Anniversary celebrations in May. Unfortunately, we had trouble finding contacts, and quite a few of those whom we did manage to contact were unable to make it to Canberra. It was nevertheless a great catch-up and a fascinating trip down memory lane, even though very little of the School was recognisable (to that of the 1970s).

There were lots of tales from the Boarding House which provoked vivid memories of the dormitories with six beds abreast. Of fascination was the wonderful painting hanging in pride of place in the School which we are credited with donating. This fact created a few giggles because none of us could recall having made such a wonderful donation!

Fortunately, the event sparked another gathering in Sydney of about twenty women from our year and as a result, our contact list is growing. Hopefully, by the next reunion we will have the whole year – please let the School know if you wish to be included.

Many thanks to the School for the opportunity to visit, the fascinating tour and to Principal, Anne Coutts, for her warm welcome.

Sue Jennings (1975)

Top: Class of 1976 – Forty year reunion.

Above: Class of 1975 – Forty year reunion.

Do you have a story to tell? We love hearing from our alumni and encourage you to share your journey with us. Tell us what ‘be yourself’ means to you and how life as a Grammarian has shaped the person you are today.

Please contact Alumni and Events Manager, Laura Bullock grammarians@cggs.act.edu.au or 02 6202 6403.

Did you know The Grammarians’ Association on LinkedIn and Facebook? Join our private LinkedIn group and Like our Alumni Facebook page to keep up-to-date with school news, events and information.

Facebook www.facebook.com/canberragirlsgrammaralumni LinkedIn Canberra Girls Grammar School Grammarians’ Association

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 33

ARCHIVES THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL ARCHIVES WERE ESTABLISHED IN 1985 TO SERVE THE NEEDS OF CANBERRA’S OLDEST INDEPENDENT SCHOOL. In 1995, the archives moved to a purposebuilt facility and with enhanced storage capacity in 2012, the collection continues to grow. The purpose of the archives is to collect and preserve records relating to the School and its associated bodies. The collection comprises the School’s official records from 1926, photographic and uniform collections and school memorabilia.

Our school archives were started in 1985 by Evelyn Murfin following her retirement from twenty-five years as an English, History and Religious Studies teacher and Boarding House mistress at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

Evelyn continued to build the archives until 1994 when Claire Sadler took over.

When Claire commenced, the archives comprised two filing cabinets kept at the back of the Senior School Library. Under her guidance, the archives grew so much that within a year, a small space near the old school hall (where the Music Centre now is) was allocated to the expanding collection. In 2004, more space was needed to house the increasing number of schoolrelated artefacts and school records. Hence, the new Archives Office and store room was opened underneath L Block. In her role, Claire established the still-strong ACT division of the Australian Society of Archivists and was the first to showcase the archives online.

2008 saw Margaret Schroeder take over the role of Archivist, bringing with her incredible corporate knowledge of the School, no doubt reminiscent of her previous position as the Executive Assistant to the Principal.

34 | GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103

THANK YOU Thank you to the following people for identifying students in the 1981 Trip to China photo from Grammar Report Issue 102: Tracie Kirk (1982), Lisa Learmont (1982) and Margaret Bowen (1984).

Above right: Margaret Schroeder and Norma Stenner (Davis, 1947) with Norma’s donated school blazers in 2004.

We are still trying to identify six students and one teacher that feature in the photo.

Please visit the Canberra Girls Grammar School Alumni page on Facebook where you can view the image and hopefully help us fill in the gaps.

Above: Amalta Sahay with Pre-Prep students Tiana Chicco and Rose English during their excursion to the School archives, October 2016.

THANK YOU to the following for their generous donations to our archives:

Top right: 1966 Miss Murfin in 1966.

Above left: Claire Sadler in 2004.

Margaret brought the archives to life by showcasing the objects housed in archives on many significant occasions. She encouraged Grammarians to donate schoolrelated items, thereby creating a richer collection for future generations to come – a legacy that continues today.

When I took over the role of School Archivist in 2015, my goal was to bring the archives into the digital age, to make the countless treasures we have more accessible. In addition to increasing historical displays around the School, the archival collection will become more embedded in classroom life – its digital presence means everyone can read our first ever Burrawi or discover what the first school science lab looked like.

ff Frances Nicholls nee Russell for sending through photos of staff from the 1940s ff Margaret Schroeder for all her help with the Heritage Walk and 90th Anniversary celebrations ff Cathy Johnstone (1977) for donating her school photos ff Annabel Wallace (ROSS, 1986) for donating the 1986 Robertson House Book ff Kylie Dolman (BENSON, 1981) from the Uniform Shop for past uniform items ff Barbara Chambers (ROPER, 1956) for donating personal and class group photos ff Charlotte Harper (1989) for identifying unidentified girls in the Grammar Report Issue 101 ff Anne Bozsoky (past staff) for passing along Miss Evelyn Murfin’s (past staff) photos and artefacts to include in the archives

CELEBRATING 90 Years ff Margaret Cornwell (ARCHER, 1951) for donating blazer pockets and schoolrelated artefacts As always, if you have anything you would like to donate to the archives, either as a past student or a member of our community, please do not hesitate to contact me on the details below. There are many gaps to fill in the school’s colourful history – any items, photos or memories are greatly appreciated.

Finally, there is a new archives project on the horizon and we will need your help.

Watch this space for more details to come.

CONSERVATION TIPS – STORAGE AND HANDLING OF TEXTILES Textile collections can vary from large carpets and tapestries to delicate lace, embroideries and personal clothing. We are bundled in them at birth, swathed in them

at the end of our journey, festooned in them for marriage and coming of age ceremonies; they are part of the very fabric of our lives, intimate and beloved.

Because textiles are utilitarian and part of our everyday lives, antique textiles often only survive by chance. Moreover, textiles, being organic by nature, are among the most fragile of all artefacts. It is important to properly care for the textiles in your home. Whether they are hanging on your walls or being stored in the attic, there are ways to ensure their longevity. Textiles are among the most sensitive types of artefacts and can be easily damaged by poor storage and handling.

Here are a few tips to help you look after your precious textiles: ff Do not store items in places that might be subject to excessive humidity or dryness in unusual weather conditions – back sheds are a no-no! ff Never store items in the roof space. It gets damp in winter and can reach up to 100 degrees in summer. It is also a dusty

The School’s oldest sports pennant being rolled around a cardboard tube lined with acid free tissue paper, ready for storage.

environment and a perfect breeding ground for insects. Furthermore, the attic is difficult to access in order to retrieve valuable items in the event of an emergency. ff Check stored textiles at least twice a year for mould, moisture or other problems. ff Try to use acid-free materials for storage.

If you don’t have access to any, buffer tubes, boxes and drawers lined with muslin or mylar work as well. ff Roll long, flat textiles – never fold them as it can cause permanent creases and cracks. ff For heavy-beaded or embroidered costumes, store flat in boxes or on shelves. ff Do not use the plastic wrap from dry cleaners as it deteriorates and emits gasses that could damage your textile. ff Always wash your hands before handling or use cotton gloves, whenever possible.

In the next issue of Grammar Report, I will share some tips on how to effectively remove old, yellow and damaging sticky tape in your own home. If you have any further questions or would like some more advice on how to store and handle textiles, please contact me on the details below.

CAN YOU HELP? This photo shows Form 6G in 1969 – can you name any of the students pictured? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you

Amalta Sahay ARCHIVIST Phone: 02 6202 6457 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am–5.00pm) Email: archives@cggs.act.edu.au

GRAMMAR REPORT No. 103 | 35

Canberra Girls Grammar School Melbourne Ave, Deakin ACT 2600 T: 02 6202 6400 | F: 02 6273 2554 CRICOS provider No. 01294F ABN 67 008 559 331

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