As classmates at school and friends for 60 years, we acknowledge, with great sadness, the passing of Ms Anna ‘Christine’ Purvis (Steindl, 1965) who attended Brisbane Girls Grammar School from 1962 to 1965 and served as President of the BGGS Old Girls Association from 1996 to 2012.
Under Christine’s leadership, the BGGS OGA thrived in so many ways. Her diplomatic and democratic style built strong relationships with the Board of Trustees, three Principals, the Parents and Friends Association, and Grammar girls from far and wide. Representing the Old Girls Association, she became actively involved in the National Council of Women Qld, of which the BGGS OGA had been an early member.
Her love of the School and her profound interest in history was always obvious. For many years, she volunteered in the Archives, digitising thousands of old BGGS photos and trying to identify girls in those photos. She also spent time searching the records for information about Old Girls who had served in the Australian Defence Forces.
Christine enjoyed a long family connection to the School. She spoke proudly of her mother, Ms Anna Steindl (Stanley, 1937), and her friendship with Miss Kathleen Lilley. Her knowledge of families past, present and future was inspiring. She loved finding the missing links between generations of Grammar girls.
Christine worked tirelessly to connect the Association with the School. She endeavoured to increase interest in the Association by supporting annual afternoon teas for all members to attend and invited year groups to participate in reunions. She also attended many end of Year 12 Assemblies, where she encouraged the girls to join the OGA and remain connected to the School.
The OGA Committee, under her guidance and inspired by her enthusiasm, committed to purchasing various significant artworks for the School. The most recognisable contribution is the stained-glass windows.
The ‘Jacaranda Window’ above the western door of the Annie Mackay Room in the Main Building was presented to the School in 1998. The large impressive window ‘Metamorphosis’ at the entrance to the Kathleen Lilley Building (formerly the Beanland Library) was presented to the School to commemorate the Centenary of the BGGS OGA 1899 to 1999. Both were designed by Old Girl and staff member, Ms Jennifer Andrews (1973), and crafted by renowned stained-glass artist Warwick Blair.
All of the decisions, activities and achievements under Christine’s leadership were due to her tireless efforts and her unique organisational and negotiating skills. Her legacy to BGGS and the School community will be seen, appreciated, and remembered for many years.
Sylvia Pegg (Gaulton, 1965) and Sue Meeking (O’Brien, 1965)
Christine Purvis (photo taken 2004)
1965 Form VID
1963 InterForm Sports - Normanby Oval Christine Purvis (Steindl, 1965), Pauline Markwell (1965) and Robyn Stevens (Wilson, 1965)
1998 Window - Warwick Blair, Judith Hancock, Christine Purvis and Jennifer Andrews
