From the Principal's Desk

Campus Principal - Marnie Parker Baressa Fraser’s last Day

I would like to start by thanking the entire Cape York Girl Academy community for your kind and friendly welcome, and my predecessors Baressa Frazer and Claudine Wiesner for the amazing work you did in 2021. In my previous role at Independent Schools Queensland, I worked with and visited Baressa at Girl Academy, and have collaborated with Claudine since starting in Term 4. I understand how challenging it can be for staff, students and families to have staffing changes and extend my gratitude for your support.

Along with everyone who is part of the Girl Academy community, I am proud and honoured to have worked alongside our 2021 graduates, even if for a short time. Congratulations Bon’Naia Hinton, Aaliyah Brim, Estherlita Forbes and Bianca Ganambarr on completing Year 12. If there is one thing I know for certain, it’s that you are strong, proud young women who will go on to achieve great things in life.

The Year 11 and Junior students have engaged in so many activities in addition to their learning program that there is not enough room to list them all. Whether the activities were sport, storytelling, excursions or work experience, the important thing to remember is the many skills that were developed and enhanced, such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving and initiative to name a few. These are the skills employers and universities are looking for in today’s world, so never doubt the value or importance of the extra learning activities available at Girl Academy.

In 2022, some new subjects will be available, including vocational qualifications and QCAA Recognised Studies, both of which contribute to the Queensland Certificate of Education and life skills. New offerings have been matched to the careers plan of students. We also hope to introduce a Girl Academy swimming carnival and I look forward to the teachers versus students race!

To the teaching staff and their support team – Madeleine, Catalina, Laurie, Sophia and Nikki – please know how much your work this year is valued and appreciated by all. I offer the same gratitude to our Early Learning Coordinator Rachael; Karen, Jodi and Chaseley from Wellbeing; and Karen, Jody, Chrissy, Viv, Julie and Iseta from Boarding. A special thank you to Uncle Norm for taking such great care of our school, and to Elizabeth who stepped in to fill a huge administrative role in May.

Finally, enormous thanks to everyone – staff and students – for your newsletter contributions. My hope is that you enjoy a welldeserved holiday, and to those leaving us in 2021 that you stay in touch, remembering we are always here for you.