This year has been like no other—a year during which life for everyone has changed.
While it would be easy to lament the year that ‘wasn’t’—the missed milestones, events, celebrations—that would do no justice to the many and varied successes of our staff, students and alumnae this year or the sense of purpose we all felt as we negotiated our way through.
The continued delivery of a quality education for our students, albeit in a new remote mode at times, against the backdrop of a new system of senior assessment was a significant achievement for our School.
Our girls developed great resilience and independence in their studies this year, and their creativity and adaptability united and strengthened the Girls Grammar sisterhood.
Our alumnae also showed support for the School and their own communities. Earlier this year, Grammar woman, Dr Amy Langford-Ely (Cunningham, 2004), dedicated her time to work with Year 11 design students to create personal protective equipment for frontline workers. Ms Manuri Gunawardena (2010) opened her platform, HealthMatch, to help recruit coronavirus trial patients to expedite COVID-19 research in Australia, while Ms Sophie Rose (2014) campaigned to fast-track vaccine testing—and these are only but a few of the many wonderful things achieved by Grammar women this year.
In 2020, we also celebrated 145 years of Brisbane Girls Grammar School, acknowledging that which makes us unique—our steadfast approach to an excellent education for girls and young women, our strong traditions and contemporary outlook, and our indomitable spirit. It is often when we are apart that we crave connection, a sense of belonging and shared values. BGGS has always demonstrated a great strength of community, even under the most difficult circumstances. We certainly saw this earlier this year while we were physically apart and we hope to stay connected with all in our community in the New Year, be it virtually or in person.
I extend my very best wishes to all Grammar women and your families for a happy and peaceful festive season and look forward to staying connected with you through the School’s varied events and activities in the New Year.
Ms Jacinda Euler
Principal
