Impact of Giving
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Impact of Giving REPORT 2019 Contents Developing Grammar Women 4 Lives Enriched By Learning 5 2019 Philanthropic Highlights 6 Building Exceptional Futures 8 Leading the Way—The Mittelheuser Sisters 10 The Gift of Giving Back 12 A Lifelong Love of Reading 14 From the Art Collection 16 Celebrating our Community 18 Balance—on and off the Water 19 Orchestrating Musical Moments 20 Connections for Life 21 Celebrationg 120 Years of the OGA 22 Thank You 24 Last modified March 2020. Information correct at time of print. Impact of Giving Report 2019 3 As a community we must continue to develop the next generation of women to contribute to, and lead in, our world. Naturally, this starts with their education. Developing Grammar Women ‘We know that so far as any real knowledge is concerned, the great mass of women have been left in complete darkness … I propose, therefore, by this bill that the women of the colony should be able to take academic degrees …’ – Sir Charles Lilley (1827-1897) Founder of BGGS and former Premier and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Sir Charles Lilley (1827-1897), pioneered to revolutionise education in Queensland by establishing Brisbane Girls Grammar School—a vision considered so far ahead of its time that it was viewed as a radical ‘experiment’. It seems fitting then, that in the 145th year of this ‘experiment’, BGGS will transform Science education at the School by opening its new Science Learning Centre. Opportunities for women to participate in many facets of life have been transformed in the 145 years since our School’s foundation. But despite huge progress—with more women in the workforce, the gender pay gap slowly closing and improved equality in other areas of life—there is still more to be done to ensure women can thrive in their chosen endeavours without prejudice. As a community we must continue to develop the next generation of women to contribute to, and lead in, our world. Naturally, this starts with their education. Within a culture of deep learning, Grammar girls are encouraged to question and challenge with confidence, to seek diverse experiences and different perspectives to shape an informed worldview and, above all, to act purposefully with authenticity and integrity. We do not take for granted the willingness of our community to provide time, wisdom and philanthropic support to generations of Grammar girls. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, thank you to everyone who has supported Girls Grammar in 2019. Ms Julie McKay (2000) Chair of the Board of Trustees Chair, Development and Philanthropy Committee 4 Impact of Giving Report 2019 Lives Enriched By Learning Founded on philanthropic principles and a progressive mindset, Brisbane Girls Grammar School remains proud of our culture of giving back, and the School’s important role in empowering girls and young women to contribute to our collective future. I am proud to lead a School such as ours, and to be part of a community that encourages girls to dare to dream, without fear of failure, and to test the unfamiliar as they pursue their ambitions. At Girls Grammar, we care for the development of the whole person, with an emphasis on resilience and the development of good character in all that our girls do. In 2019, we paused to reflect upon and reaffirm what distinguishes Girls Grammar as a place of teaching and learning, and as a community. As one phase of the School’s Strategic Design concluded, and staff delivered the final year of the Overall Position (OP) system with outstanding results, we contemplated the future. A new Strategic Design 2020-2022 articulates the vision for our School, and how we will deliver on our Aspiration— Nil Sine Labore: Lives Enriched By Learning. At BGGS, we prepare our students for wide and greatly varied paths through life. In my experiences meeting with alumnae from many different generations, it is clear that Grammar Women embrace the pursuit of knowledge and understanding— in the many different forms this can take—throughout their lives. The events of recent months remind us all of the importance of a strong community and what truly matters. While there is much to be concerned about in this complex world there is, equally, much for which to be grateful. Developing the intellect, confidence and character of Grammar girls to become educated women gives us every reason to be optimistic about the future. I thank each and every one of the School’s supporters for their contribution and commitment. I hope all experience the satisfaction of being part of one of the most important and rewarding endeavours we could hope to be immersed in— educating girls. Ms Jacinda Euler Principal Impact of Giving Report 2019 5 2019 Philanthropic Highlights It is a privilege to share with you the 2019 Impact of Giving Report, which highlights our community’s valued contribution to the education of girls. Overall, philanthropic income received during the year exceeded $1.24 million. Thanks to the generous support of Girls Grammar donors, the School has made real and consolidated progress towards its philanthropic priorities. The Exceptional Futures campaign for the Science Learning Centre was a focal point for fundraising activities during the year. The campaign will continue in 2020 and we look forward to sharing a full report at its conclusion. The School was pleased to provide the Brisbane Girls Grammar School Bursary to a student who commenced in Year 7 2019. The continued growth of the Bursary Fund remains an important long-term priority, to ensure BGGS can continue to offer more bursaries in the future. There is still much to achieve in this area to attain parity with other leading Australian schools in the provision of financial assistance to girls who otherwise may not be able to attend our School. It was satisfying to see the Annual Appeal grow steadily in 2019 with increased participation from alumnae. It is a meaningful way for all members of our community to contribute to the area of most interest to them. The work of the School’s Parent Support Groups to create a supportive, engaged community is essential to nurture a strong culture of philanthropy. Last year was full of positive new ideas brought to life by our volunteers and their fundraising efforts were greatly appreciated. Equally, their commitment of time, energy and participation is a powerful example to us all. With the success of 2019, we aspire to create another year of collaboration in 2020. Ms Georgina Anthonisz Director of Development Thank you again to everyone who has contributed to a significant year of growth. This support has demonstrated a unity of vision—parents, alumnae and staff—all working and giving together to deliver the best possible resources, educational programs and facilities for Grammar girls. 6 Impact of Giving Report 2019 Philanthropic priorities Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s philanthropic priorities are focused on four pillars essential to the School’s commitment to a broad, liberal education for girls. Bursaries Girls Grammar fosters a climate of opportunity and has a rich history of educating girls from diverse backgrounds. Through bursaries, the School is committed to offering the life-changing experience of a Girls Grammar education to girls who may not otherwise be able to attend the School. Buildings Providing inspirational teaching and learning spaces in all curriculum areas support students to achieve their full potential. Girls Grammar will continue to invest in infrastructure projects to engage and challenge girls in interesting ways. Library The Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning Centre, incorporating the Beanland Library, houses a vast array of specialist resources to spark curiosity, imagination and discovery, and deepen knowledge. Sport The School has a long tradition of encouraging students to train and perform to their highest potential in their chosen sport, ensuring girls have access to excellent sports facilities, equipment and programs for their physical and mental wellbeing. Impact of Giving Report 2019 7 Building Exceptional Futures In 2019, the School progressed the next stage of its During the year, Principal, Ms Jacinda Euler, and Director Masterplan, as building works commenced for the new of Development, Ms Georgina Anthonisz, held a range of Science Learning Centre. Scheduled for completion by information sessions and individual briefings to outline December 2020, the building will signal a new era in the School’s vision for its Science Learning Centre and the science education, while offering recreational and multi- positive impact it will have on the education of students. functional spaces to benefit all Grammar girls. The School witnessed an extraordinary commitment of giving from alumnae, including the Old Girls Association, As always, projects of this scale are made possible through and parents and grandparents—past and present. our strong partnership with the School community. The Exceptional Futures campaign was launched at the beginning This support enabled the construction to begin with of 2019, following generous leadership gifts from the confidence in Term 3. As bulldozers, trucks and a large Parents and Friends Association and alumna, Dr Cathryn crane arrived onsite to lay the foundations and footings, Mittelheuser AM (1949). students were equally busy holding a competition to ‘Name the Crane’. The winning entry christened the crane, Harriet … (because she can carry it). 8 Impact of Giving Report 2019 ‘A sense of curiosity is what leads us to prevent and solve challenges, from conserving our marine environment to providing sustainable global food sources— and that desire to question and discover must be nurtured at school.’ —Professor Helene Marsh (BGGS Alumna 1962), Emeritus Professor of Environmental Science, James Cook University ‘Harriet’ isn’t the only female involved Manager and alumna, Ms Cherise information sessions throughout in the Science Learning Centre Czislowski (2002), who works the project and will be able to share project.