The secret to good writing is not a secret, but a simple rule summed up bluntly in the phrase, 'It's the economy, stupid'. Director of English Mr Stephen Woods demonstrates that effective and economical writing is something we can all achieve.
To each Year 12 leader, her badge is something shiny, new and special. However, they represent a much stronger tie to traditions and values than perhaps they realise.
In his Australia Day Address, Dean of Curriculum & Scholarship Dr Bruce Addison observes that our nationalism has been shrouded under much-loved stereotypes. He considers issues as diverse as immigration, the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and the National Disability Insurance Scheme in celebration of the ‘ideas’ of Australia.
Regardless of its origins, 25 December offers an opportunity to reflect on why and how we celebrate, as well as what we celebrate. Mrs Hazel Boltman, Head of Gibson House, encourages parents to spend time at Christmas talking about their family’s history to their children to foster their sense of connectedness.
Mrs Anne Stubbington, Head of Hirschfeld House, discusses the notion of accepting responsibility as a measure of character and how community service, by nurturing an ethos of social responsibility and self-respect, provides an opportunity for personal growth during adolescence.
Truth, love, trust, loyalty and understanding are essential in good relationships and they are fundamental characteristics in schools where great things happen. Mrs Marise McConaghy, Deputy Principal (Staff), ponders the culture of schools and reflects on the culture, heritage and tradition of Girls Grammar.
Dr Kay Kimber, Director of the Centre for Professional Practice, challenges us to imagine the nature of the professional lives that our 2013 Senior cohort might lead in 2023. Howard Gardner’s Five Minds for the Future and the concepts of ‘T-shaped professionals’ and ‘portfolio careers’ are explored as ways in which our girls may shape their future selves.
The sum of all educational experiences equips students for life beyond school, with academic learning providing the core preparation. Ms Margaret Gunn, Director of Mathematics and Accounting, observes that authentic learning is not just about assessment outcomes and states that intellectual curiosity is the key.
Why is it that some students are focused, organised, and fully engaged while others are easily distracted, disorganised and continually procrastinate? Mr Mark Sullivan, Director of Instrumental Music, considers motivation: How it is measured and how students can become more motivated to learn.
For our girls, the great unknown is not only the uncertainty of which path they might take after leaving school, but what the destination will look like when they get there. Dean of Academic Development Mr Trent Driver asks what is required for girls to be life-wide learners for the years ahead, noting that technological skills are only a small part of the equation.