Your legacy. Her future
‘ The lovers and promoters of the higher education for women are invited to help this work.’ Sophia Beanland Lady principal and bequestor, Brisbane Girls Grammar School 1882–89
Ms Jacinda Euler Welsh Principal, Brisbane Girls Grammar School
THE FUTURE WE’RE BUILDING From the Principal At Brisbane Girls Grammar School, we believe in the power of a broad, liberal education to shape not only the lives of Grammar girls and young women, but the world they will go on to influence. For over 150 years, we have shown that when promising and capable young women are given access to exceptional education, inspiring environments and a community that believes in their potential, they don’t just succeed, they transform the world around them. The demands of tomorrow require us to do more than maintain our legacy; they require us to evolve, expand and deepen our impact. Our continued progress as a School requires the loyal and generous support of our community.
For many people, a legacy gift through a bequest or a memorial gift is the most powerful and meaningful philanthropic contribution they will ever make. And it is truly remarkable to see what has been achieved at BGGS through the generosity of our alumnae, families, staff and friends. Gifts of every size help us to define what is possible for the next generation of Grammar girls, and we recognise and celebrate the generous support of those who have chosen to invest in the future of our School. I invite you to explore the pages ahead and consider how your own legacy might help shape the future we are building at Brisbane Girls Grammar School. Nil Sine Labore
OUR STORY, OUR LEGACY 1875
Main Building was completed, the School moved to Gregory Terrace and the Boarding facilities opened
BGGS opened its doors at George Street, Brisbane
Our first Gazette magazine is published and continues to this day
1884
Girls Grammar achieved independent status from BGS thanks to Sir Charles Lilley
1913
1882 The Old Girls Association was
1889 founded and they gift the first School Honour Board
1987
The Marrapatta Memorial Outdoor Centre is opened
2013
The Rangakarra Recreational and Environmental Education Centre opens
The McCrae Grassie
1995 Sports Centre is opened
Maria Sulima bequeathed her
1992 Estate to BGGS, creating our perpetual bursaries program
The Cherrell Hirst Creative
2009 Learning Centre opened
Brisbane Girls Grammar School is built upon a heritage of giving, with each generation benefiting from the generosity of those who went before.
1925
Former lady principal Miss Sophia Beanland, bequeathed her estate to the School
These milestones have been achieved through the shared vision and generous philanthropic support of the Girls Grammar community.
The Gehrmann Theatre
1986 is officially opened
The Kathleen Lilley
1958 Library opens
The House system is introduced,
1952
2015
1964 and Year 8 students commence
The School’s Parents and Friends Association is established
secondary schooling
The Elizabeth Jameson Research Learning Centre opens
The Science Learning
2020 Centre opens
The Junior School
2026 officially opens
The Dorothy Hill Observatory opened at Marrapatta
2017
The Floreamus Health and
2021 Wellbeing Centre opens
A STORY OF GRATITUDE Girls Grammar’s long-serving Head of History Julie Hennessey retired in 2025 but is determined to continue contributing to the lives of young women through education. ‘I don’t need to know their names to want the very best for them,’ she says of a decision to leave a bequest in her Will to support the School’s life-changing bursary program, gifting students of the future the opportunity of a Girls Grammar education.
And as a history teacher, Julie also has a deep understanding of how collective small actions can cascade into profound impacts. ‘Education changes lives but the benefits don’t stop with the individual. I’ve seen former students go on to make meaningful contributions in all sorts of fields. They become leaders, professionals, volunteers, parents and community members who enrich the lives of others.
‘As teachers, we often don’t know where our students’ journeys will lead. Becoming a donor to support girls I will never meet feels like continuing the work I loved: encouraging students, challenging them, and helping them discover what they are capable of.’
Success is not measured solely by what you achieve, but by what you do for others along the way.
Throughout her three-decade career at Girls Grammar, Julie had the rare privilege of witnessing the impact of bursaries firsthand.
Former BGGS teacher and supporter, Julie Hennessey
‘What has struck me is the confidence that grows when a student knows that others believe in her potential. A Girls Grammar education is about far more than academic achievement. It helps young women develop confidence, independence, resilience and belief.’
‘We all benefit from the generosity and vision of those who came before us. In many ways becoming a legacy donor feels like acknowledging that debt and helping to pay it forward.’ An inspirational and passionate teacher who was adored by students and staff alike, Julie never lost her passion for
helping students explore big ideas and develop equally big opinions. She delighted in unexpected comments or question which sent a lesson careening off the curriculum rails. ‘Some of the most thoughtful conversations I’ve ever had have been with students. And, as a teacher, those moments remind me the best learning is often unplanned.’ By leaving provision in her Will to give the same gift of opportunity to others, Julie joins a special group of legacy supporters, the Sophia Beanland Circle, which links those who have pledged a bequest to BGGS. The School maintains close links with Circle members, hosting social events to offer valued donors an insight into the School’s philanthropic priorities. For Julie, leaving this legacy feels important, not for what she gains, but what she gives. ‘Success is not measured solely by what you achieve, but by what you do for others. When I think about legacy, I don’t think about being remembered. I think about contributing to something that will continue to benefit others long after I’m gone.’
OBJECTS OF SUBSTANCE 1
2
5 3
4 6
7
8
‘ Girls Grammar is more than just a School. It has always been there for me, through all the seasons of my life… it has brought richness to my youth, to my friendships, to my family and to our community. My career is what made me a success, but Girls Grammar gave me my foundation. I want to see it flourish for generations to come.’ Anonymous, Sophia Beanland Circle member
9 10
11
12
Captions 1 QGSSSA felt pennants, 1973. 2 A very special badge in the School collection was donated by Patricia Dall (Anderson, 1946). It was fashioned from a two-shilling piece. 3 The Original School Bell, was once used to signal lesson times across the School before electronic bell systems were introduced in the mid-20th century. 4 The original brass keys to Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s Main Building, 1884. 5 Bronze bust of Dr Dorothy Hill (1907–1997), one of Brisbane Girls Grammar School’s most distinguished alumnae. Created by renowned Brisbane sculptor Rhyl Hinwood in 1999. 6 1968 Lady Lilley Gold Medalist, Rebecca Kugelmas (1968) receives the medal from Queensland Premier, Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen during a BGGS assembly. 7 A gold bracelet watch presented to Sophia Beanland upon her departure from the School in 1889. 8 Designed by Dorothea Stephens (1918), the BGGS Sports Brooch was the winning entry in a school competition that attracted 11 submissions. 9 Headmistress Jane Walker 1914–1915. 10 Main Building dormitories, 1991. 11 The Interhouse Athletics Champion trophy displayed with Daphne Pirie’s (Welch, 1949) athletics spikes, preserved in 24-carat gold, 1998. 12 Commissioned in 1998 by the BGGS Old Girls Association, the stained glass window, Jacaranda Window.
PLANNING YOUR LEGACY GIFT If you are thinking of including Brisbane Girls Grammar School in your Will, thank you. A gift in your Will is the easiest and best way to make a meaningful contribution to the School you love without affecting your current financial circumstances. You can leave even two per cent of your estate (or any percentage you like), ensuring your loved ones are taken care of while simultaneously supporting the long-term growth of Girls Grammar. When planning your bequest, we recommend you discuss your intentions with your family and your chosen Executor and seek independent legal and financial advice when preparing or updating your Will. It is simple to add a provision for a charitable bequest to your Will. In general, a bequest can be defined as:
• an amount of money you specify • a proportion of your estate • the residue of your estate • particular assets
Bequests can be designated, unrestricted, or endowed in perpetuity. You can also support BGGS by directing your gift, or part of your gift, towards a specific area of the School such as our Bursaries Program or our Building Fund. Informing us of your intentions also ensures that we respect your wishes and involve you in our activities during your lifetime, as well as helping us plan for the future.
Gifts in memory Many BGGS families and friends choose to honour the life of someone special through a gift to Girls Grammar in their memory. These meaningful gifts celebrate a loved one’s connection to the School while supporting programs that enrich the lives of current and future students. An in-memory gift, including a contribution through the School’s commemorative plaque program, creates a lasting tribute and helps ensure the values, opportunities and spirit of Girls Grammar continue for generations to come. Gifts in memory may be tax deductible, depending on the administration of the gift and the area of support selected.
SUGGESTED WORDINGS We recommend that you seek independent financial and legal advice when writing your Will or adding a Codicil to your Will. You can choose to support BGGS by using any of the suggested wordings: A gift of a specific sum or assets
Gifting all or a percentage of your estate
I, (insert name), give, devise and bequeath the sum of $ [insert value of your gift] / [Asset] to Brisbane Girls Grammar School (ABN 31 445 392 850) of 70 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer for the time being of Brisbane Girls Grammar School shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executor / Trustees who shall not be responsible to see the application of the gift.
I, (insert name), give, devise and bequeath the whole of my estate / [insert number] % of my estate to Brisbane Girls Grammar School (ABN 31 445 392 850) of 70 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer of Brisbane Girls Grammar School shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executor / Trustees who shall not be responsible to see the application of the gift.
The residue of your estate I, (insert name), give, devise and bequeath the residue of my estate / [insert number] % of the residue of my estate to Brisbane Girls Grammar School (ABN 31 445 392 850) of 70 Gregory Terrace, Spring Hill QLD 4000. I declare that the receipt of the Treasurer or other authorised officer for the time being of Brisbane Girls Grammar School shall be a sufficient discharge to my Executor / Trustees who shall not be responsible to see the application of the gift.
Depending on the impact you wish to make, you may also like to discuss your wishes with the Director of Development and Alumnae Relations if you would like to tailor your gift to a particular program or purpose at the School.
MARIA SULIMA’S GIFT TO CREATE BURSARY OPPORTUNITIES Born in 1911 in Galicia, part of the AustroHungarian Empire, Dr Maria Sulima arrived in Brisbane in 1949. Having attained a Doctorate in Law and Economics from Florence University, Maria established a thriving business in real estate and operated a translation service and migration agency. Education and academic achievement were important in her life and underpinned her belief that women should have the opportunity to benefit from an excellent education. Dr Sulima chose Girls Grammar to fulfil her dream of providing an exceptional education for young women. She bequeathed funds to the School to provide the Maria Sulima Bursary to girls who otherwise would not be able to attend. First awarded in 1995, the Maria Sulima Bursary has to date provided over 20 students with access to the life-changing opportunities a Brisbane Girls Grammar School education offers.
A PATH MADE POSSIBLE BY DONORS Shiye Su (2015) Shiye Su’s parents wanted her to have every opportunity in life, and she has wasted none, studying at Princeton, Cambridge, and Stanford universities after graduating from Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 2015. The Grammar Woman now sits at the heart of AI research in the US, studying for a PhD at Stanford. While Shiye’s fierce intelligence, passion and drive have taken her around the world, she always remembers the journey began back in Brisbane when her father prompted her to apply for the Girls Grammar’s Maria Sulima Bursary. ‘My parents are big advocates of education, and they liked Girls Grammar’s holistic philosophy. It’s to their great credit that despite incredible challenges they faced as first-generation immigrants, they always made the resources feel boundless when it came to my learning.’
‘ The path I’ve had in life is made possible by a long line of donors, starting with the Maria Sulima Bursary’
Along with being awarded the Hilda Florence Neville Grant Prize for Physics, the Joan Tuffney Prize for Chemistry, the Prize for Mathematics C and the Lady Lilley Silver Medal, Shiye also won the Sophia Beanland Prize for German and was an accomplished viola player, serving as Music Captain in Year 12. ‘At Girls Grammar, I found many great teachers, talented peers, and an emphasis on community and leadership.’ Throughout her journey, Shiye has earned scholarships and fellowships that have allowed her to study and travel around the globe, expanding her horizons and feeding a deep well of gratitude for the gift of opportunity. ‘The path I’ve had in life is made possible by a long line of donors, starting with the Maria Sulima Bursary.’
YOUR LEGACY HONOURED: THE SOPHIA BEANLAND CIRCLE The Sophia Beanland Circle holds a special place in the life of Brisbane Girls Grammar School and acknowledges and thanks those who have provided a legacy gift to the School. The Circle is a wonderful mix of Old Girls, former staff, parents and grandparents who care for the School, its heritage and its future development. Miss Sophia Beanland was appointed lady principal of Brisbane Girls Grammar School in 1882. She led the School through several significant changes, including the move to its current home on Gregory Terrace. When Miss Beanland died in 1925, she bequeathed her estate to the School to ensure continued excellence in teaching and learning. Members of the Sophia Beanland Circle maintain a close and enduring connection to Girls Grammar through special events and other activities including:
• an invitation to the annual Sophia Beanland Circle celebration • complimentary tickets to the muchloved BGGS Gala Concert • the biannual Gazette Magazine and other publications
Your gift will also be recognised in selected School publications (unless you wish to remain anonymous). While we encourage everyone who has included Brisbane Girls Grammar School in their Will to notify us to ensure your gift has the impact you intend, we understand that many do not seek recognition. We welcome and respect bequests made anonymously.
LEGACY GIFTS: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS We appreciate that choosing to leave a gift in your Will requires planning and consideration. We hope the below information is helpful in making your decision: What assets can I pass on to the School? There are many ways to make a meaningful gift through your Will. You may choose to leave a specific sum of money, a percentage of your estate, particular assets such as property, shares, artwork or insurance policies, or items of personal significance such as family memorabilia.
Who should I consult when preparing my Will? We recommend consulting your solicitor or legal advisor when preparing or updating your Will to ensure that all legal requirements are met and your estate is distributed according to your wishes.
What is a codicil?
How does the School manage funds received from bequests? The School adheres to best-practice financial management and governance practices. The Board of Trustees is responsible for oversight of the School’s financial management and responsible investment of funds. Where funds are established in perpetuity, an annual assessment of investment returns and drawdown of funds is considered to ensure maintenance of these funds into the future. The School is committed to careful oversight to ensure your gift is administered in accordance with your wishes.
I am not sure whether to leave a specific amount or a percentage of my Will.
A codicil is a document that amends, rather than replaces, a previously executed Will. It must be signed and witnessed with the same formalities required for the original Will.
Given the significant change in the value of money over time, and to save you revising your Will regularly, a gift as a percentage of your estate maintains the real value of what you intend to give to BGGS and other beneficiaries.
My bequest is not likely to be large; is it worthwhile to give?
Is there a minimum gift for establishing a named perpetual bursary?
Yes, it is definitely worthwhile. A gift in your Will is the easiest and best way to make a meaningful contribution to the School you love without affecting your current financial circumstances. You can leave even 2% of your estate (or any percentage you like), ensuring your loved ones are taken care of while simultaneously supporting the long-term growth of BGGS. All gifts make a difference and positively impact the lives of our students.
Yes, there is a minimum to establish a named bursary to ensure it is viable in perpetuity. We encourage you to speak to the Director of Development and Alumnae Relations for current information. It is also possible to contribute an amount of any size to the existing Brisbane Girls Grammar School Bursary Program.
AN ENDURING CONNECTION BGGS is honoured to have played an important role in your life’s journey and we thank you for considering a legacy gift to Brisbane Girls Grammar School. A gift of any size matters and can have the most wonderful impact on the lives of our students. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your gift with a member of our Development Office. For a confidential discussion on leaving a gift in your Will or a memorial gift, please contact:
Ms Nickie Warton Director of Development and Alumnae Relations P: 07 3337 1619 E: nwarton@bggs.qld.edu.au
Your legacy. Her future
Gregory Terrace, Brisbane QLD 4000, Australia +61 7 3332 1300 development@bggs.qld.edu.au bggs.qld.edu.au
/BrisbaneGirlsGrammarSchool /school/brisbanegirlsgrammarschool @brisbanegirlsgrammar