The Grammar Report Issue 106

GRAMMAR REPORT

THE

2021, Issue 106

THE MAGAZINE OF THE CANBERRA GIRLS GRAMMAR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

CGGS hockey players with their male counterparts on the oval in 1938.

Let us then, one and all, here and now, strive to cultivate the spirit of loyal devotion to our School, of willing service to others; and let us ever push on and upward to the highest perfection possible, in all that we do and are—whether in work or in sport, and most important of all in the building of Character.

Extract from 1938 Burrawi, author unknown.

The Grammar Report Issue 106, 2021 Published by Canberra Girls Grammar School Melbourne Avenue Deakin ACT 2600 Australia Telephone: 02 6202 6400 Email: communityrelations@cggs.act.edu.au

cggs.act.edu.au CRICOS 01294F

Editorial: Siena Barry, Reece Cummings, Claudia Doman, Sally Wagnon, Clair Murray and Gaelle Lindrea Design and Layout: Tank Pty Ltd & FAD Studios

Cover image: FAD Studios

Contents

The Grammar Report Issue 106, 2021

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Doing their part to change the world

Values, ethics and well-being

Connecting with the world

Four Remarkable Women

Community and Service

Community Highlights

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Centenary Graduates

Let's Dance as Company takes off!

40th Anniversary

Reflections

The Dance Company

Gabriel Foundation

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From the Principal

Letter from a Grammarian

Anna Owen

Lauren Sandeman

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An Award Winning Junior School

Grammarians' News

Excellence Awards

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22 Where are they now?

Jennifer Peedom

Grammarians Who Served

47 Thank you

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

From the Principal

ANNA OWEN

"What begins as a class project can become a public initiative handed down over years.

A leadership badge on a green blazer can become a career on the frontline helping those who need it most."

— Anna Owen, Principal

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As we move from the tumult of 2020 through an ever-changing 2021, it is heartening to see how our community has continued to rise to the challenge of caring for ourselves and for each other.

In the past year, our School’s commitment to fostering empathetic, independent learners has earned awards and recognition on the national and international stages. We have welcomed new leaders to drive the School towards our upcoming Centenary and founded brand new initiatives to foster the leaders of tomorrow.

Our school spirit, persevering through lockdowns and decades, burned as bright as ever as Grammarians came

together to celebrate old memories and new milestones at our 95th Founders’ Day celebrations. And each day, our students continue to push themselves and find new ways to improve themselves and their world. I could not be prouder to share some of these achievements with you in this issue of the Grammar Report.

Canberra Girls Grammar’s history of service to others goes back generations.

From the brave women who took any opportunity they could to serve during the Second World War to the young women driving change from their classrooms today, the strength of our values has been felt around the world for nearly 100 years. Even as our world faces rapid and massive change, I have no doubt that our young people have

the courage and generosity to face it head-on and emerge with something powerful and new.

What begins as a class project can become a public initiative handed down over years. A leadership badge on a green blazer can become a career on the frontline helping those who need it most. These instincts to make a real, positive impact in the lives of others is nurtured from a student’s earliest days at CGGS to someday flourish in the world beyond our gates.

I hope you enjoy reading some of these stories of CGGS students and alumnae who are doing their part to change the world.

Farewell to Anna Owen After three years of great leadership, Mrs Anna Owen will be stepping down as CGGS Principal at the end of 2021.

Since her arrival at the start of 2019, she has steered the School through crisis and celebration with steady resolve.

Though she will certainly be missed, she leaves a powerful legacy for everyone in the CGGS community to celebrate.

Anna’s commitment to girls’ education is exemplary. From academic and pastoral enrichment programs to sport and co-curricular initiatives, she has made an incredible mark in upholding the School’s promise to give girls and young women the opportunity to thrive. The introduction of the International Baccalaureate’s Middle Years Programme (MYP) to accompany the existing PYP and DP programs, the launch of the unique program for women in politics and government, The House, and the One-School Project have further strengthened the School community from the earliest days of Reception to the end of Year 12.

We warmly thank Anna for all her hard work and dedication through the years, and wish her all the best with her family in Queensland.

You can read the full message from the Board on Anna’s departure here: https://www.cggs.act.edu.au/news/ article/?id=message-from-the-chair-of-the-school-board-sue-hart

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Doing their part

to change the world There is no doubt the world as we know it has changed dramatically over the past 18 months. And while headlines continue to highlight stories of tragedy across the globe, society has been propelled to seek out goodness and hope in the everyday.

Canberra Girls Grammar School. For others, the calling comes later in life, and can’t be ignored.

In this issue of the Grammar Report, we look at four remarkable women whose ‘everyday’ consists of making our world a better and safer place.

Looking at our own community, there are countless examples of women advocating for and bringing about change for the better. For some, the drive to make a difference starts early in life, perhaps in the classroom at

Photo above: Alix Biggs at a camp in Ninewa, Iraq

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“ Say yes to every opportunity, within reason… some of the things that have led to the greatest opportunities in my life have been seemingly banal or mundane moments that have resulted in me meeting someone that has been extremely influential or a great network.”

— Katrina Marson

Katrina Marson, courtesy of Pew Pew Studios

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Alexandra Biggs It was always on the cards that Alexandra Biggs (2012) would make a difference to the world. Upon graduating from Canberra Girls Grammar School, where she was School Captain, she received three major awards including The Principal's Award and the Caltex Best All Round Student Award.

She attributes much of her success at school, and in the years since, to doing what makes her really happy and excites her the most.

“Even as a 17-year-old in my final year of school, I had a sense that what I wanted to be working on was issues of displacement and refugees and in the Middle East,” Alix said.

Having completed a Bachelor of Arts with First Class Honours at ANU and a Masters of Migration Studies at the University of Oxford, Alix finds herself in Iraq, where she works as a Protection Advocacy Officer for the United Nations

agency, the International Organisation for Migration.

and children who are perceived ISIS affiliates—have access to services.

“I think that’s the simple formula. Do the things that make you want to get up and go in the morning. And I think that that's where you'll have the most impact, whatever that is.”

“It’s working with challenging populations and trying to make sure that they do have access to rights and to basic services.”

In a perfect world, we wouldn't need humanitarians and the crises that drive Alix’s work wouldn’t exist. One of the biggest challenges she sees is the ongoing need for support even after public attention moves on to the next crisis and the cameras stop rolling.

“Every single day people are displaced or made refugees. It's now been four years since ISIS was territorially defeated and nearly 20 years since the invasion of Iraq, but there's still hundreds of thousands of Iraqis who can't go home.”

In her role, Alix travels throughout Iraq, visiting displacement camps and returnee villages, working to make sure that human rights are upheld and that communities—including women

As a twice-winner of the ACT Plain English Speaking Award, in her current role Alix draws on her debating and public speaking skills, honed throughout her time at CGGS. “I regularly meet with all sorts of Iraqi stakeholders, sheikhs, public officials, people trying to assist, of course. I'd like to think I'm a strong communicator and probably a lot of that comes from debating and the confidence and communication skills that gave me.

“I recently held my ground in a meeting with a local militia command in western Iraq on the Syrian border, and that's probably thanks to the years of debating at Girls Grammar!”

Alix says it was only years after graduating that she realised just how special it was to go to a school where her goals never felt out of reach.

“I'm hugely grateful to the teachers who supported me… and, of course, the great friends who are now doing all sorts of wonderful, interesting things. We don't all have to be doctors or lawyers or any kind of one archetype of success, you can really pursue the things that interest you the most.”

Alix Biggs in northern Iraq, 2021

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Gemma Dashwood, ordained in the Anglican church in December 2020

The Reverend Dr Gemma Dashwood, OAM Gemma Dashwood (1995) is used to breaking the mould. She’s what you might call a different kind of triple-threat: Paralympian, Doctor and Deacon. She credits Canberra Girls Grammar School with teaching her one of life’s greatest lessons: that it’s okay not to fit in a box.

“I discovered that I didn’t have to be like anyone else and that I could be the person I wanted to be. This is not always easy, but it is worth it,” Gemma said.

The path Gemma has taken has been anything but traditional, and some might say unorthodox. She started out studying medicine at ANU, followed by a Masters in Medical Ethics and Health Law. Gemma now works as an ICU doctor in Brisbane.

In December 2020, she was ordained as a Deacon in the Anglican church.

What is inherent to Gemma is her drive and determination to help people,

whether it’s through saving lives on the front line or offering spiritual guidance to those in need, the work she does has humanity at its core.

“What is common to both is the challenge of treating other people with respect.

“No matter what background someone has come from, what mistakes they have made or what they are struggling with, we need to remember that we are all (with no exceptions) loved by God, and we need to follow that.”

Gemma’s ability to see the world through different lenses affects the way she operates in both of her roles, and there is an overlap between them - particularly in relation to her passion for making ethical choices.

“As a profession we [doctors] can do extraordinary things, but sometimes we need to be sure we are doing the right thing. And in terms of the church, I think we need to acknowledge the mistakes we have made, and learn from them.

“I think we need to respond to the world around us and adapt where we need to, Jesus was a bit of a game-changer and we can be too.”

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And Gemma believes it’s in all of us to be the change we want to see in the world, and not just rely on the decision makers to guide us.

“I like to remind myself that we can all make a difference to the world. It doesn’t matter what you do… everyone has the ability to make the world a better place.

Whether it is just by offering someone encouragement, listening to someone who needs to talk or just smiling at someone who is having a bad day.

Everyone is important, and if we can all work together then we will go a long way to achieving great things.“ And to the next generation of CGGS students she said:

“Everyone has their own passion and set of skills. It might take time to find it, but it is extremely rewarding when you do. When you discover what you want to do, work hard and persist.”

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

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Jessica Hunter

Management and is a member of several cyber security networks.

Each day, cyber security expert Jessica Hunter (Hammond, 1999) has the privilege and satisfaction of helping Government entities, industries, businesses and individuals recover from a cyber incident or, optimally, avoid them from being impacted by a cyber attack in the first place.

“Whether it's helping an elderly person who has been the victim of a SMS phishing attack, a large government department to improve their defences, or working with trusted CEOs to prevent cyber criminals taking funds or disrupting critical services.

Jessica is a senior leader at the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), which is Australia’s top repository of cyber security expertise and advice to the government and all Australians.

“I work alongside super clever, diverse and passionate people who inspire me to be better each and every day.

“I go to work every day loving my job and being able to see real change on a national level,” Jessica said.

“Cyber security has become a household term… and the pandemic has reinforced just how important the internet is to our lives, for running our businesses and for staying connected to loved ones.

Jessica graduated CGGS as Senior Council Student Representative Chairperson, and was the recipient of the Robert Jones Prize for Service and Citizenship. After leaving CGGS she completed double degrees in languages and Asian Studies, later obtaining a Masters in Strategic Studies. She has since completed Executive Studies in Leadership and

“It’s also forced a step change in personal and professional cultures, whereby we think more about our digital footprint and the security of our data.”

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points out that in her organisation, the Australian Signals Directorate, significant progress has been made to encourage and foster more women to join.

“Just shy of half the senior executives in the Australian Cyber Security Centre are female, including the Head of the Centre.

“But this is just the start, there is more that needs doing to encourage and increase diversity in my field, to encourage young women to be interested in problem solving, coding, tech; and to have an interest in intelligence - to see and learn from female role models within these fields. My industry needs inquisitive minds!”

She doesn’t just want to encourage girls to enjoy STEM subjects, she wants them to see it as their world.

With two daughters of her own, one in Year 2 at CGGS and the other commencing in the Junior School next year, Jessica is aware of the impact of sharing authentic stories in order to inspire others.

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“Learn how to tell your story. You may doubt it is inspiring, or worthy of sharing, but when you share, you encourage others to try something new, to see themselves in you, to see you as a role model; that’s how we help others find their path.”

And while she didn’t recognise it at the time, it was the influence of one particular teacher at CGGS that showed Katrina the power of persuasion and self-confidence, two skills integral to the work she does both in the courtroom and as a spokesperson for change.

Jessica hopes her daughters enjoy the same sense of community she experienced as a student at the School, celebrating the highs and providing support during the lows.

“Mrs (Anne) Ellis was a role model.

Her ability to command respect and attention, that self-assurance, was something I would seek to emulate.

She was just one of those teachers that walked into a room and you didn't want to disappoint her.

“My teachers knew the right balance of when to challenge and when to support. I truly believe they saw the person, and not just the class. I continue to reference quotes from my teachers in my studies, in my work and now that I’m raising two cheeky girls.

Katrina Marson The work Katrina Marson (2007) does has never been more relevant. As a Senior Prosecutor working in the Sexual Offences Unit at the ACT Director of Public Prosecutions, Katrina is an advocate for changing the conversation around consent, particularly in relation to the way it is approached from an education perspective.

Despite always having an interest in justice and enjoying legal studies as a student at Canberra Girls Grammar School, Katrina didn’t always see herself as wanting to be a lawyer. Keeping her options open, she enrolled in a doubledegree (Arts and Laws) at ANU and discovered criminal law.

“It was that intersection of the legal principles and the human face of justice, and the ability to do advocacy that was really appealing to me,” Katrina said.

“It's interesting that so many of the women that I've admired in my professional career since then have had very similar qualities to that.

“I really admire people who are challenging the status quo… shaking things up in order to make the world a better place for those who have been traditionally kept out of certain spaces and certain experiences.”

From where we sit, Katrina is doing exactly that.

Her honours thesis was well ahead of its time, at least in relation to the media’s recent interest in the subject of consent.

Titled Grappling with Consent: to Know and to No, Katrina believes society has been letting people down by not giving them the relationships and sexuality education they need.

She says the greatest challenge in her field of work is trying to communicate and assuage people's concerns, fears and anxiety about teaching sex education.

“The evidence shows that the more young people have comprehensive sex ed, the later they're likely to have their first sexual experiences, and the less

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likely they are to have negative sexual experiences. It’s a challenge, but it’s also a really great part of my role.”

In her quest to make the world a safer place, the 2018 Churchill Fellowship recipient travelled to Europe and North America researching the use of relationships and sex education to safeguard sexual wellbeing. This opportunity is just one of many Katrina has grasped during her lifetime and she encourages young women to do the same.

“Say yes to every opportunity, within reason… some of the things that have led to the greatest opportunities in my life have been seemingly banal or mundane moments that have resulted in me meeting someone that has been extremely influential or a great network.”

1. Jessica Hunter with her two daughters 2. Jessica Hunter 3. Katrina Marson, courtesy of Boring Headshots

(Thorson Photography)

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

An award-winning

Junior School Over the last year, CGGS’s Junior School has won national and international praise as a primary school unlike any other.

Educator Awards to be announced in December.

Our Junior School has also been recently recognised by the International Baccalaureate (IB). The Junior School’s IB Primary Years Programme (PYP) was given 45 commendations (with no recommendations needed) for its programme implementation in 2020.

The School was congratulated for the

In the very same week that CGGS celebrated its 95th anniversary, the Junior School was recognised with an Excellence Award for Primary School of the Year – Non-government by The Educator Australia. We are now in the running for the overall 2021 Australian Above: The Junior School’s Innovation Space provides a place for students to pursue new projects and skills.

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number and nature of commendations achieved within the report, with one representative saying it was only the second time this had happened in the history of the IB Asia-Pacific region.

Their report showed evidence that the programme's implementation and management is of exceptional quality and has established the school as a leader within the IB world.

The School’s culture, teaching, differentiation and support for each learner, leadership and collaborative planning, and signature programs all earned praise from evaluators.

“When you feel so passionately about the PYP, it’s quite overwhelming to see a school where it is so beautifully and purposefully implemented,” the team leader said, calling the CGGS Junior School one which IB teachers around the world “absolutely need to visit”.

The School also consistently outperforms all other ACT primaries in NAPLAN, and is an IBPYP exemplar school.

The Junior School’s commitment to unleashing brilliance has proven itself time and time again through challenging learning experiences, tailor-made teaching and learning programs, and ongoing growth opportunities to students.

With inquiry- and concept-driven learning, the PYP fosters independence and curiosity in young people as they take the lead in navigating a vast, fascinating and increasingly connected world.

Another successful initiative at the Junior School that extends to the Senior School is the Signature Programs, an initiative unique to CGGS that focuses equally on personal wellbeing, cocurricular pursuits and academic achievement to give students a truly rounded education that prepares them for the world.

These targeted programs are founded on educational principles and research aimed at developing students into capable, independent and resilient people by sparking conversations about creativity, service, leadership, courage

and ambition. With a different aspect embedded into the curriculum from Years 3 to 12, the Signature Programs are an essential part of what makes the learning journey at CGGS so rewarding and seamless from beginning to end.

“These programs are hallmarks of the Canberra Girls Grammar experience,” Angela Whitaker, Deputy Principal (Head of Junior School), said. ‘We place our students at the heart of everything we do every day, starting by giving them these unique platforms to learn about themselves and their world.”

The passion, dedication and enthusiasm of the CGGS Junior School continues to shine through the community and the world. To quote a Junior School parent: “I wish I could bottle up my daughters’ experience at the School… their time here has set them up for life.”

Photo left: Sports and activities are a key part of the Signature Programs.

Photo below: Year 5 Maths in action.

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Community and Service

Values, ethics and wellbeing Ask anyone and they will tell you that there is far more to school than just education. School is where we make friends, find our voices and embrace the people we are going to become.

At CGGS, this journey begins with community and service. Whether it’s in House groups, sporting teams, performance ensembles or simply the shared company of the classroom, students are encouraged not only to join these groups but to strengthen them through participation and service. From these experiences

emerge young women with the confidence, passion and determination to share their values and ideas.

Many of these opportunities are developed by the school, but some of them are actually driven by the students, as they forge their own paths into the world. Here, we celebrate some of the CGGS students who are leading their communities forward in service of others.

Year 5 student Annabel Bathgate, for example, has already put her unique skills and outlook to use to help people.

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The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic last year saw a surge in demand for facemasks that soon became a critical shortage. Though Australia was fortunate enough to respond quickly and safely, many people were left unprotected due to geographical and economic disadvantages.

Seeing this, Annabel began to wonder how she could serve not only her classmates as Class Captain but other children just like her around the world.

Though some might find the prospect overwhelming, for Annabel the task

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was simple: she liked sewing and people needed facemasks, so why not make some herself?

Annabel’s weekly class meetings soon became a sewing club, where she provided the tools and know-how to her fellow students so they could each make sturdy, reusable cloth facemasks.

Once completed, the facemasks were donated to CGGS’s partner school, the Alimo Academy in Kenya. CGGS supports the Alimo Academy regularly through sponsorship and fundraisers.

Other students are finding ways to share the freedoms and pride enjoyed by Australian women with women around the world. Visiting a temple in Sri Lanka last year, Year 10 student Sahaana Mayooran was struck by the unhygienic conditions many mothers were forced to give birth in due to limited resources and political conflict. Taking her inspiration from the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including those concerning health, well-being and gender equality, Sahaana got to work.

After extensive research into maternal mortality and networking with women’s advocacy group Zonta International,

Sahaana presented her pitch to senior members of the School: a program for Year 10 students to prepare safe birthing kits and send them to at-risk mothers and communities around the world.

Despite the challenges of juggling an independent project with her studies and a pandemic, Sahaana used it as an opportunity to grow her skills in organisation, communication, collaboration and keeping an open mind.

Now in Year 11, Sahaana’s ambitions go well beyond her time at CGGS.

Anna were amazed: why had they never heard of her before?

From this question came others, not just of how many other women had gone unrecognised for their work but what Tatyana and Anna could do about it. In answer, they joined forces with their friends Charlotte Morrissey, Leila Mokahal and Sarah Larsen to design a public monument celebrating Marion’s achievements and contributions to Canberra.

“I hope to create this as a legacy project which will run every year,” she said. “The idea is to empower women across the globe as a school community.”

This year, the Lilac Foundation’s vision was reimagined for The House, the School’s Women in Politics and Government program. Launched on International Women’s Day, The House is a program for students in Years 6 to 12 that prepares young women to lead inspiring careers in these fields.

Sahaana is not alone in her ambitions for a legacy at CGGS. In 2018, Year 9 students Tatyana Ludwig and Anna Schier discovered the story of Marion Mahony Griffin: not only the wife of Walter Burley Griffin, but one of America’s first licensed female architects with designs celebrated from Michigan to Melbourne and, of course, Canberra. Tatyana and

One of The House’s first service and philanthropy projects is a pledge to commission a statue of Julia Gillard, Australia’s first and only female Prime Minister. As Debating and Public Speaking Captain Jaime Noonan says, “[we want] to continue being pioneers for positive change, so that our girls—past, present and future—can be proud”.

Photo left: Anna Owen, Jaimie Noonan and Patrick Marman at the International Women’s Day Assembly.

Photo below: Annabel (bottom right) with her class.

The Alimo Academy is partnered with Canberra Girls Grammar School through Global School Partners. You can find out more and get involved through the GSP website.

Zonta International advocates for women’s rights and gender equality around the world. You can find out more and get involved at their website.

If you would like to support CGGS and The House program in the creation of a monument celebrating the contributions of Australian women, please get in touch at gabrielfoundation@cggs.act.edu.au or on 6202 6400.

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Community highlights

Connecting with the world From representing Australia at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships to a world-class performance of Pride and Prejudice, 2021 has been about reconnecting with the world and regaining momentum in our school life.

This year has been buzzing with activity as the School was fortunate to resume many regular activities in a COVID-safe environment. Here are just a few highlights of how our CGGS community has continued its local and global connections.

World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships Entering the world stage, Year 11 students Bella Mun and Lauren Goldie represented Australia at the World Individual Debating and Public Speaking Championships (WIDPSC), hosted virtually by South Korea. To learn more about the WIDSPC, we asked Bella, “what is WIDPSC?” “WIDPSC is a chance to not only showcase our abilities on the world stage but to watch and learn from individuals from every corner of the globe. Whilst

Photo above: The CGGS Dance Company competing at the Annual Canberra Dance Festival.

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COVID has made it very tough, working with people from places like Lithuania and India has been particularly enlightening,” Bella said.

Junior School Rostrum Public Speaking Competition In June, speaking with confidence and passion on ‘Going to Mars’ at the Junior School Rostrum Grand Final, Elise Wyatt masterfully spoke about how gender inequities can occur in all areas of life, and was announced as the Year 6 Grand Final winner.

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Also speaking on ‘Glaciers’, Tara Jayawasal spoke informatively and was declared the runner-up in a very close competition between six finalists.

Both students showed exceptional preparation and audience appeal. Elise progressed to the Quarter Finals in the Interschool Rostrum Competition, and although she missed out in placing, she was a wonderful representative of the School.

Kitchen Tyrell Debates Most recently, our debating scene heated up as CGGS hosted CGS at the 80th anniversary of the Kitchen and Tyrell debates. With the Year 9 and 12 teams surrounded by a supportive crowd, and despite tough competition, CGGS successfully retained the honours.

Congratulations to Muntaha Siddique, Pratyusha Mahunta, Emily Ezaki-Swain and Erin Wyatt, who took out the Tyrell Debate and Jaimie Noonan, Abbie Worswick and Ashwini Sivakumar, who won the Kitchen Debate. A special mention to Bella Mun, Debating/Public Speaking Vice Captain, who did an excellent job as co-MC!

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1. Tara Jayaswal and Elise Wyatt.

2. The victorious CGGS Debating team at the

Kitchen Tyrell debates.

3. The cast of Pride and Prejudice take their bows.

4. Eleanor Newton and Emma McMaster running

tech support.

Pride and Prejudice Returning to the big stage in July this year, our cast and crew amazed audiences at the sold-out production of Pride and Prejudice.

Demonstrating talents worthy of Broadway or West End, a fantastic cast, crew, directors, designers, costume wizards, and caterers put on a tremendous performance that left everyone beaming at the end of the show.

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Dressed in pink, our Girls who Lead continued to support the event, which helps the National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF) fund, identify and champion worldclass research.

Girls who Lead

With all girls demonstrating teamwork and grit, CGGS again was announced as the highest fundraising achieving school in the ACT for the 7th year in a row, and 33rd nationwide for team fundraising.

This year, our Year 6 students raised more than $6,900 as they walked and ran around Lake Burley Griffin for the annual Mother’s Day Classic.

The rest of the CGGS community also got behind the cause with students, parents and staff also representing the School at this annual charity event.

Mother’s Day Classic:

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Anzac Day Commemoration

CGGS welcomes new leaders

This year, our Senior School students, staff, guests, and current and past serving Grammarians gathered for an Anzac Day Assembly to pay respect to the men and women who have served our nation and to the many who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Joining us in Term 1 as the Sports and Activities Manager was Dr Renae Domaschenz. Having played at the elite levels of sport, and more recently representing Australia in the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic Games with the Australian Rowing team as the coxswain of the PR3 mixed coxed four, Dr Domaschenz has already made a significant impact upon the sporting legacy of CGGS.

Attendees honoured our service men and women’s memory by enjoying the freedom they fought for all those years ago on shores far from home.

Arriving by MRH90 helicopter, the School community was honoured to welcome guest speaker, female pilot, and Year 7 parent, Lieutenant Colonel Helen Mammino, to speak about the importance of family and the challenges faced by Defence families who are often separated by their service.

In Term 2, we were pleased to welcome Ms Ellena Papas as the Executive Director (Operations). Focusing on Boarding and international networks and travel, Defence and Embassy transition, student safety, and resource management, CGGS is fortunate to be joined by a leader with extensive experience in senior leadership roles.

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Prior to her role at Brisbane Girls Grammar School as Dean of CoCurriculum, Ellena was the Director of Music at Sunshine Coast Grammar, Moreton Bay College and at St Margaret’s Anglican Girls School. She also brings great experience in elite and community sports and the arts, as well as valuable knowledge of boarding. Ellena has varied interests, including gardening and travel. She’s a professional harpist, having played with The Queensland Symphony among other ensembles, and a Rhythmic Gymnastics Judge who participated in the Sydney Olympics and the Commonwealth Games.

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"These students inspire me, with their courage, their audacity, their talent and their grit. Their perseverance, their optimism, and their hope can inspire us all, and I for one can’t wait to watch in awe as they shoot for their

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own stars, wherever they may be.”

— Ms Ellena Papas

Co-curricular achievements continue As co-curricular activities resumed after a hiatus last year, our sportswomen were pleased to get back to the courts, the fields, the water and the track. Earlier in the year, the Senior School sports courts were renewed, a new boat was purchased for our rowers, multiple rowing teams took home the gold at the Head of the Lake Regatta and the ACT Junior Championships. Strong school spirit was shown at the Athletics Carnival and new records were set at the Junior School Swimming Carnival.

Throughout the year, students featured in professional dance productions, achieved gradings in Taekwondo, qualified for the Australian National Open Dressage Championships, were selected to represent the ACT at the Australian Junior Basketball Championships and at the Athletics Australia Cross Country Championships.

Grand Final of Touch Football, against Radford in Netball, and in the ACT School Sport Southern Secondary Girls Soccer Gala Day.

Before ACT went into lockdown, on 12 August, netballers and soccer players pushed through the cold, including playing at the Women’s B

3. The CGGS soccer team competing at the

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1. Lieutenant Colonel Helen Mammino with

School Vice-Captain, Georgia Lister and School Captain, Bella Wah. 2. Dr Renae Domaschenz

Soccer Gala Day. 4. CGGS Rowers of the 1st VIII 5. Ellena Papas

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Reflection

Centenary Graduates Canberra Girls Grammar School will mark 100 years of teaching, learning and thriving in 2026. Ahead of this milestone, we celebrate the Class of 2026 as the Centenary Graduates, who will then be in Year 12 and lead the School in our centenary year.

You’ll know our Centenary Graduates by their badges, presented during special ceremonies to the Year 6 Class of 2020 and our new Year 7 students in 2021. The badges bear both the School’s crest and its motto: to the young, anything is possible.

“This is especially relevant today, when we look at you and imagine your journey ahead, full of possibilities,” Principal Anna Owen said at the presentation.

She encouraged the Graduates to wear the badge with pride as a reminder of the School’s values, its history, and the responsibility of both leading the School community and representing it in the world beyond.

“It’s a big commitment, but we look forward to seeing you all wearing them

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when we give you your graduating certificates and prizes at your graduation ceremony in 2026.”

The responsibility lands on capable shoulders, as CGGS’s next generation of courageous, curious and caring young women embark on the next part of their education journey through the Senior School.

Some of these students are carrying on the legacy of both the School and their families, as second- or even third-

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generation Grammar Girls. At a morning tea celebrating the Grammarian mothers with their Centenary Graduate daughters, they had a chance to share what has made the School special to them over the years.

“I never once felt like you couldn’t do anything or be whatever you wanted to be,” said Jane Hincksman, who graduated from CGGS in 1991 and has since returned as a teacher and Head of Burgmann House.

“I got involved in everything and I wanted my girls to have the same kind of opportunities to challenge themselves and make the most of every opportunity… It felt very real.”

Her daughter, Alice (Year 7), agreed: “You get all these opportunities and you can become anything when you’re older… If you want to do something then you can do it.”

Reminiscing on her time at the School, Bronwyn Fagan (1990) said, “No-one bothered to tell us that you couldn’t do

anything because you were a girl, there was just no… It didn’t exist in your head.”

Beyond the new academic and cocurricular opportunities the girls had found at the Senior School, the girls have enjoyed joining the community in their new Houses and becoming drivers of change in the School, whether by advocating for new sporting facilities (including an ice skating rink) or advancing their own independence.

“You get all these opportunities and you can become anything when you’re older… If you want to do something then you can do it.”

“I think we should probably put a bit more focus onto work experience and things like that,” suggested Erin Power (Year 7). “We don’t get much experience of actually becoming an adult and paying taxes, so I think it would be good if, instead of just being pushed into the deep end, we could climb down the ladder.”

We congratulate and celebrate all of our Centenary Graduates, and look forward to watching them grow and thrive through the School.

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Photo left: Year 6 students receiving their Centenary badges.

Photo below: Left to right, Imogen and Edwina Tierney, Erin and Sophie Power, Jade and Bronwyn Fagan, and Alice and Jane Hincksman

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

A conversation with Jennifer Peedom

Where are they now?

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she brought in a member of the PLO one week, then a member of the Israeli community the next. I remember being entirely convinced by both perspectives on the crisis, and ultimately torn by the complexity of it. It was such a powerful example of perspective taking, and one that I have often thought of and called on in my work.

Who was your greatest inspiration during your time as a student at CGGS? My older sister Rachael (School Captain 1990) was my greatest inspiration during my time at CGGS. She participated in everything from choir and orchestra, to sport and musicals, but always found time for kindness.

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What was the greatest lesson you learned as a student at Canberra Girls Grammar School?

I had the most wonderful modern history teacher, Mrs Lewis. We were studying the Arab / Israeli crisis, and

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You’ve been making films for a long time, starting with Race Around Oz in 2000. What other career paths did you consider?

When I finished school, I had no idea what I wanted to do – so I travelled

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extensively, and studied a degree in business at RMIT. Being a filmmaker had not crossed my mind. It was when I was watching the original ABC ‘Race Around the World’ filmmaking competition that I realised being a filmmaker was what I wanted to do.

After ‘Race’ I worked at a filmmaker magazine called ‘Inside Film’ for six years, eventually becoming the Managing Director, so the business degree did come in handy. It has helped me in many ways since, especially now that I run my own production company.

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Tell us more about the project you’re working on with Barack and Michelle Obama.

Having made several films in the Himalayas and specifically about the Sherpa people, I always felt that Tenzing Norgay, who was the first to climb Everest with Edmund Hillary, hadn’t received adequate recognition for his achievement. So, I developed a screenplay for a feature film with the Australian Academy Award nominated screenwriter, Luke Davies (Lion). Luke had contacts at Higher Ground, the Obama’s production company, and they loved the story and the script, so offered to come on as producers.

Feature films can be their own mountains to climb, so there are still many hurdles to overcome before we start rolling cameras.

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Your work brings awareness to social issues and ethics, how would you like to see future leaders (and current CGGS students) influencing society through their work?

I would love to see women stepping up with courageous leadership in any sector. We face unprecedented challenges, so the more diversity we have in leadership, the more equipped we’ll be to face these challenges.

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What has been the highlight of your life, so far?

I can’t single out specific highlights, but on a regular basis I look at my life and feel lucky. I have a beautiful

family, husband and kids and friends (many still from school days) and do a job that can be tough but is extremely satisfying.

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How did the subjects you studied at school inform your life’s path?

Jen Peedom (1993) is a BAFTA nominated director, known for her gripping, intimate portraits of people in extreme circumstances. Her credits include Living The End, Solo, Sherpa and Mountain. Her films have played at multiple A-list international festivals, including Telluride, Toronto, IDFA, San Sebastian and London Film festivals. Awards include an AFI Award, AACTA Awards, the Grierson Award for Best Documentary at the BFI London Film Festival, the Australian Film Critics Circle Award, multiple Directors Guild Awards, and a BAFTA nomination. Mountain and Sherpa have become two of the highest grossing Australian documentaries of all time.

Modern History was the subject that had a bearing on my life’s path. I was captivated by the stories, so after school, I visited many of the places we studied, and ultimately these experiences had a bearing on my becoming a filmmaker.

What is the greatest challenge you have ever faced?

For me, it’s the ongoing challenge of the juggle of parenthood with career aspirations. Some days it feels like you aren’t kicking goals in either direction.

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Jen Peedom on location in Nepal filming "Sherpa".

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If you could give one piece of career advice to young women, what would it be?

Be curious. I had no idea what I wanted to do when I finished school but stayed curious and open to opportunities that presented themselves.

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this sentence: Anything is possible… with vision, hard work

and determination.

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Let's Dance

as company takes off 2020 saw many changes across the world, including the restriction and even outright loss of live performances.

In true Grammarian fashion, the students of CGGS were undeterred: House Music went on as a blended virtual/in person event, and the wouldbe Canberra Dance Festival production A Burtonesque Dream opened at the School despite cancellation of the annual competition.

This year, CGGS’s proud tradition of dance gained a new star in the founding of its

Dance Company, inviting students to challenge themselves and find new ways of creative expression through classes and community performance.

young people to harness their passions and strengths and develop a community program that fosters a love of dance and a sense of belonging.”

It’s a project that Dance teacher Maree Cronin has worked on since she began teaching at CGGS in 2019. “I immediately noticed the large number of gifted dancers in the community,” she said.

“It felt like there was space to offer a dance program in a variety of styles that students could engage with. With the Dance Company, I get to work with

The Dance Company offers classes for students from Prep to Year 12, but these lessons go well beyond performance skills and kinaesthetic intelligence.

Every day, Maree sees her students engage with themselves and each other in a way totally unique to the dance studio. “It takes vulnerability to learn and perform in the dance classroom.

Photo above: Dance Vice Captain Hollie Teer, Maree Cronin and Dance Captain Anna Hosking.

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From this, you can develop a confidence in your sense of self that is resilient and open to feedback, and the way young people collaborate to create and better themselves is second-to-none.

performance, and the teams competing at this year’s Dance Festival earned excellent scores across the board. Some senior students, including Dance Captain Anna Hosking, even made appearances in Unveiled, a pre-professional advanced showcase by Dance Central’s Bonnie Neate and Suzy Piani.

“The stage is a place where you can find empowerment and comfort: the silence when you walk on stage, the volume of the music flowing through your body, and the applause when you’re holding that final pose before blackout is electrifying and heart-warming.”

“Personally, it further solidified my idea of wanting to continue my career as a dancer, making amazing friends along the way,” Anna said of her experience as the lead performer in Unveiled. “Getting an insight into the world of pre‑professional dance, and an opportunity to perform in a full-length

In the months since its introduction, Dance Company students have already seen massive success. Their debut Winter Concert in June was a sold-out amazing

work, is one of the best opportunities young dancers like me can have.

“There are so many paths that can stem from dance, especially here at CGGS. I’ve come out of my shell because of it, being able to speak and dance in front of lots of people with confidence. As a captain, I’ve learned leadership and problem-solving skills I can take with me into later life.”

1. Eliana Pantano (Prep) 2. Lilani Jayasuriya (Year 5) 3. Hollie Teer (Year 11) 4. Trisha Saini (Year 10)

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Even as ongoing and ever-changing pandemic restrictions leave performers unable to take to the stage, Maree insists that the joy of live performance is not the only reason for dancers to keep moving.

“As a dancer, you don’t have to prove anything to anyone else when you’re taking a class or training,” she said. “You have to do it for yourself. The aim is to be better, not ‘the best’.

“If you have a voice and vision, how, where and why you express that can be done in a room on your own just as powerfully as on a stage in front of a crowd.

“I want to give each student a space that is just about today, where they can try something and experience growth, passion, purpose, connection and worthiness.”

For more information about the Dance Company, visit the website at cggs.act.edu.au.

“The stage is a place where you can find empowerment and comfort: the silence when you walk on stage, the volume of the music flowing through your body, and the applause when you’re holding that final pose before blackout is electrifying and heart-warming.”

Photo above: The CGGS Dance Company.

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Issue 106

Gabriel Foundation

40th Anniversary Since that first auspicious meeting in May 1980, the Gabriel Foundation has worked tirelessly to support the advancement of Canberra Girls Grammar School’s mission to educate and empower young women. After the pandemic delayed the awaited celebration, this April, the School community came together to celebrate and thank the Gabriel Foundation for 40 years of service.

Held in the School’s beautiful Science Atrium with musical accompaniments

and singing from our talented students, the evening was a true showcase of what CGGS students can accomplish when given the chance to flourish at school.

said. “It protects them in all aspects of their life... In schools, there is still no guarantee nor evidence that co-ed is yet co-equal.”

As women embrace more opportunities than ever before, Principal Anna Owen emphasised the importance of education in preparing young women for the world.

By focusing specifically on the education of young women, CGGS students graduate not only with outstanding academic results but the courage to take their place as capable and powerful drivers of change.

“Education does not just change opportunities for girls and women at university or in the workforce,” she

Photo above: Margaret Cornwall, Denise Holmesby and Jan Rosi.

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“Education and schools are all about making hope practical,” Anna said.

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

“It is a big dream, but the impact from its realisation will transform young lives."

This dream has been built over decades with the introduction of new facilities, scholarships and programs to help young women realise their full potential – many of which would not have been possible without the support of the Gabriel Foundation. Speaking on the evening, Foundation Chairman Mr David Holmesby shared some insights into the Foundation’s history and the core of its commitment to girls’ education.

“Love, honour, service is the Foundation’s motto, and the logo draws from the School’s Anglican traditions and the early influence of the Sisters of the Church who set up the school in 1926,” he said. “We stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before, those wise and faithful servants, and our donors,

who saw and still see the enormous value in supporting the Foundation and, though it, the School.

“We, in the Foundation, are committed to that future through our support of CGGS and with the help of our generous donors in the past, now, and in the future.”

On the night, Centenary Scholar, Isobel Ely, offered a vote of thanks on behalf of the many students who have been supported by the Gabriel Foundation.

Thank you to all who have supported the Gabriel Foundation and assisted students who would not otherwise have the opportunity to attend CGGS, and the enduring success of Canberra Girls Grammar School.

Photo left: David Holmesby speaking at the anniversary event.

Projects made possible by the Gabriel Foundation: — Swimming Centre — The School Chapel Upgrade — Junior School Library — Senior School Hall — Pods in the Junior School — Gabriel Lecture Theatre Upgrade — Senior Canteen — Junior School Hall — Administration Hub — D Block — Science Wing — Bobs Big Bus — Boarding House Refurbishments; and — Various IT projects, Graduation Dinners, Personal Development, Scholarships and much more.

Future Projects: — Sports facilities — Bursaries and scholarships — Boarding House — Grandparents, Godparents and Grandfriends Day

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Photo above: The Board of the Gabriel Foundation in 1986.

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Leading Grammarians to the Centenary The Grammarians’ Association Committee fosters lifelong connection between our thousands of Grammarians across the globe and the School. As CGGS prepares to celebrate its Centenary in 2026, finding ways to connect could not be more important. We are expanding our program of events to foster existing connections and encourage new ones.

Equally, we uphold traditions and contribute to the life of CGGS through annual prizes for academic achievement and school spirit, donations, and assistance with special projects. We support reunions each May, coinciding with Founders' Day, and host the Year 12 Leavers’ Lunch where we welcome soon-to-be-graduates into the Grammarians’ fold.

Though COVID restrictions mean that our Fête is sadly unable to go ahead this year, we look forward to finding new ways for our Grammarians to stay connected to each other and the School.

Lauren Sewell (2008) joined the Grammarians’ Association Committee in 2019 and was voted in as President the following year.

She works at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. She holds a Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canberra and a Master of Environmental and Resource Economics from the ANU Crawford School of Public Policy. During her undergraduate degree, Lauren went on student exchange for a semester to Canada’s Brock University in St Catharines, Ontario.

Lauren was Deakin House Captain and participated in a variety of sports including rowing (First VIII), Division 1 hockey and was a member of the Year 11–12 choir.

Above photo: Lauren Sewell with current Deakin House Captain, Stephanie Waldron

On weekends, Lauren can be found at the cinema with tickets to the latest foreign language film, a glass of bubbly and a choc-top.

Meeting dates for the Grammarians’ Association Committee can be found on the CGGS website.

Grammarians’ Association Committee Suchara Fernando (2012)

President

Treasurer

Lauren Sewell (2008)

Lisa Wilson (1981)

Vice-President

Committee members

Liz Mulcahy (McPherson, 1981)

Jane Sutherland (2008)

Philippa Bassili (Crowther, 2012)

Leith Schmidt (Johnson, 1981)

Fiona Carruthers (1981)

Emily Sturgess (2012)

Margaret Cornwell OAM (Archer, 1951)

Sally Wagnon (Maidens, 1991)

Secretary Clare Lindley (Sutherland, 2012)

Sanchia Glaskin (Starke, 1965)

To ensure you keep up to date with the Grammarians' Association, follow us on social media or get in touch at grammarians@cggs.act.edu.au

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Letter from a Grammarian When asked the question ‘What do you do?’, Lauren Sandeman (2014) has a standard response: “I try to save the world”. She finds the raised eyebrows hilarious, but her answer is sincere. At her core, she is deeply passionate about the conservation of our oceans and constantly adapts what she does as her knowledge and perspective changes.

Lauren pictured with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals

I’m currently trying to figure out new ways to combine my degree in Marine Biology with my studies in postgraduate Law, whilst fighting - on an international stage - with my advocacy work to generate climate action and ocean conservation. Looking back, in only a few short years I’ve come quite away from the girl I used to be who attended Girls Grammar for 10 years. During those 10 years, and the seven since I left, I’ve seen a lot of change in how people view environmental conservation.

I was a founding member of the Environment Clubs at both CGGS’s Junior and Senior Schools, first in Year 6 and then again in Year 12. Back then, those clubs were formed with minimal interest, minimal participation and were scorned by my peers. Today, caring about the environment is one of the largest concerns of young people.

We now live in an era where our inaction is no longer without consequence. We cannot afford the privilege of being passive bystanders when it comes to climate action and conservation. Yet,

people are substantially undervaluing their individual capabilities to generate change in their everyday life.

We face numerous global environmental problems: from climate change and plastic pollution, to unimaginable levels of extinction, all happening right at this moment. In the time it takes you to read this letter, between one to two garbage trucks worth of plastic will be added to our oceans. Roughly 200 sharks will be killed, 48 football fields of forests cut down. Our world gets that much closer to the tipping point where we will not be able to cap carbon emissions to prevent worst-case scenarios for climate change. Head-on, these problems are inexplicably complex and overwhelming.

Yet, ‘overwhelming’ is just another way of saying there are countless ways you, as an individual, can make a difference.

Whether it be on stage at the Founders’ Day Assembly at CGGS or at the podium speaking at the United Nations, that is one part of what I ‘do’: helping others realise their own potential for change or, as I call it, the ability to become an everyday superhero.

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No matter your passion or the field in which you work, you can pioneer a path that leads to a new era of sustainability, a new ‘business as usual’ that actively contributes to forging a better future. No matter if you’re still in school or retired, no one knows your world like you do, no one sees it quite like you do. Harness your own potential and think about how what you’re doing can be improved. Then act on it and lead by example and set a new precedent to those around you to make a change to help save the world.

Lauren Sandeman put aside her Law degree to pursue Marine Biology at the University of Melbourne. She has spoken at TEDx, is an Australian representative of the International Youth Action Hub and co-founder of The Cosplay Clean Up. She campaigns for the implementation of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and actively crusades to inspire individuals to embrace their inner planet-savingsuperheroes. Lauren has returned to the study of Law and is currently completing her Juris Doctor at the Australian National University.

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From 1926 to today

Founders’ Day In 1926, four trailblazing women struck into the unknown by opening a school in the still-young Australian capital to champion the education of young women. In 2021, after a year of fires, pandemic and uncertainty, Canberra Girls Grammar School once again opened its doors to our incredible community of alumnae to celebrate 95 years of teaching and learning.

On Saturday 1 May we welcomed over 150 Grammarians back to the School for their reunions, many of whom were delighted to visit after the postponement of last year’s event. President of the Grammarians’ Association, Lauren Sewell (2008), and

Principal Anna Owen took delight in speaking to groups of past students and hearing their vivid memories of their time at the School. After a Chapel Service and refreshments in the Senior School Hall, year groups meandered around the campus, some led by current students, staff and former staff.

Margaret Cornwell, Class of 1951

We asked some of our Grammarians celebrating significant milestones in 2021 to reflect on their time with Canberra Girls Grammar School as students and alumnae.

The size of the campus would be the first surprise. A single brick building, now the Boarding House, accommodated all classrooms downstairs and 30 boarders upstairs. The rest of the site was the existing tennis courts, open space and a horse-holding paddock near Gabriel Drive. I cannot remember any House sport competitions but competitive

Photo above: Margaret Cornwall accepts her 70-year Grammarian badge from Principal Anna Owen.

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There only were two of us from the Class of '51, at the 2021 Founders' Day Senior School reunion. Although both were locals and up-to-date with changes, what would anyone returning after half a century away have noticed?

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

school sport was at Manuka Oval. (My Physical Education teacher is, at 101, alive in Melbourne).

Then the curriculum was more limited with only the standard subjects leading to the equivalent of Year 12, which was known as a Leaving Certificate.

The school was also much more intimate.

With about 200 girls, we all knew each other - a far cry from the more than 1,300 students of today and the specialist subject buildings now dotting the site, making us old girls proud to have been part of such progress from small but ambitious beginnings.

Leith Schmidt, Class of 1981 I reconnected with the Grammarians 10 years ago when I turned up at the school to donate some old uniforms. Before I knew it, I was meeting up with a classmate and was on the Committee. As a firm believer in the importance of community engagement and belonging, I loved reconnecting through the Grammarians’ Association.

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This sense of community and belonging was especially evident at this year’s Founders’ Day. I was overwhelmed looking around the room and listening to the stories of the School’s pioneering women, with representatives from year groups dating back 80 years! It dawned on me that they had paved the way for me – their laughter and chatting about the things they did at school was the same kind of mischief we got up to. However, I also got to thinking about the lives that were shaped by CGGS, and the part it had played in developing the wisdom and experience of these women.

The class of 1981 celebrates its 40th year this year – and we are no exception. When collecting information for our upcoming Reunion, I discovered what a formidable group of women we are, with incredible achievements represented in medicine and medical science, agriculture, international journalism, law, fine arts, humanitarian work, veterinarian science — our list is endless.

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I know I speak for all of the Class of 1981 when I say how proud we are to be part of the support and mentoring of the brilliant young women who are now following in our footsteps.

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Issue 106

1. Leith Schmidt (second from right) with her friends from the CGGS Class of 1981.

2. The CGGS Class of 1951.

3. Grammarians’ Association President Lauren Sewell speaking to Grammarians at the 2021 Founders’ Day Reunions.

4. Guests at Founders’ Day 2021.

5. Tracey Scott and Leith Schmidt in 1979.

6. The CGGS Classes of 1946–1951 reuniting on the steps of the Boarding House in 1998.

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Farewelling Jane O’Brien This year, we farewelled someone who is remarkable not only for her contribution to the School over her lifetime, but also for the range, depth and quality of her contributions. On behalf of Canberra Girls Grammar School, I am sad to announce that Mrs Jane O’Brien is finishing after over twenty-six years of exemplary service to the School.

Jane with her farewell and thank you cake.

Jane began as a student of CGGS and is a proud Grammarian (1972).

Jane’s professional association with Girls Grammar began as a part-time teacher. Uniquely, she deftly taught across a range of subjects including Science, Biology, Earth Science, General Science, Mathematics, Life Matters, and Music. She has worked alongside nine Principals, holding a number of key leadership roles in her time at the School including Year 7 Coordinator, Coordinator of Mission, Head of Faculty (Science), Assistant to Director of Studies, Director of Teaching and Learning, Director of Teaching Strategies and Acting Head of Senior School.

Within these roles and in her time, Jane led the School on a remarkable journey of educational growth and change. Her initiatives have seen CGGS become the leading learning community in Canberra.

At the same time, her energy, insights, integrity and commitment to education and the school’s values and vision have been

shared beyond the classroom. Jane has been involved in many co-curricular activities during her time at CGGS, including Rowing, Run Fit, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, and many other academic competitions and engagement exercises.

Over the years, Jane represented the School with distinction. In particular, her work with AISACT Committees and Subcommittees, TQI and other teacher quality associations and professional organisations have made a significant contribution to the continued success of the independent school sector and girls’ education.

As I said in my presentation to Jane and staff on her final day at Canberra Girls Grammar School: Jane, you are a true teacher, not just to the many students, but to the staff who over many years you have mentored and befriended. Now, more than ever, our societies need more individuals practising small acts of kindness on

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an everyday basis, working towards making the world a more accepting and welcoming place.

Your years of service, the impact of your kindness, humility, integrity and personal responsibility — small acts that can make a better school, and a society, one person at a time — all qualities that remain largely unmeasured and perhaps unheralded. Thank you on behalf of the School, the Board, the staff, the students and the parents — you have epitomized the role of the teacher, and shown that frequently a students' long-term success is often about more than academics, but includes development of character and judicious behaviours.

Mrs Anna Owen Principal

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GRAMMARIANS' NEWS

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Shannon Breen (2011) is the founder and managing director of Aequus Movement, a health club in the Kingsborough community at Kingston Foreshore.

While studying Exercise Physiology and Rehabilitation at the University of Canberra, Shannon worked in the fitness industry before opening her first gym, Miss Fit Strength and Conditioning, in 2018, which she sold last year.

Alexandra Bridges (2002) was School Captain at CGGS before commencing a double-degree (Arts and Laws) at the Australian National University.

She lived in France for a year, worked as a corporate lawyer in Sydney for a while and then had a slight early career change with a nice long chapter in Oxford, working for Oxfam, doing a Masters in International Development and then working for an international development consultancy for a number of years (in Africa and Southeast Asia).

Alexandra joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trades in 2019 and is now an Assistant Director in the Office of the Pacific.

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Elodie Cheesman (2008) is a lawyer and published author. Her novel Love, In Theory, was published by Pan Macmillan in May 2021 and can be purchased as an ebook or in hard copy. Elodie was Dux of her year and went on to study Law at the University of Sydney and then the University of Oxford. During her time at CGGS, she was president of LitChat - a group of Year 5 and 6 students that met weekly, under the supervision of Miss Ford, to write poems and stories, and discuss literary events. The group had at least five poems published in The Canberra Times.

Elizabeth Denborough (1980) studied at ANU and completed her piano degree at the Canberra School of Music before moving to Melbourne. After returning from an overseas adventure with appendicitis, Liz met her future husband, Tim, who was doing research into pain perception. To cut a long story short, they ended up travelling all over the world together, often to dangerous places, mainly in Africa. At one stage, Tim treated Tibetan refugees while Liz taught them English. She is now quite happy to have a less stressful life teaching piano students.

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Janet Fingleton (1965) lives in Berry and although retired, qualified as a heritage adviser, having done a Masters of Cultural Heritage Management (Applied Science) in 2002. She is passionate about protecting Australia’s heritage and has been endeavouring to have the historic town of Berry listed as a heritage town. Last year, assisted by her friend, Catherine Barlow, Janet developed a conservation management plan of the Berry General Cemetery Old Section, which dates back to the 1860s.

1. Shannon Breen 2. Alexandra Bridges 3. Elodie Cheesman’s book, Love, In Theory

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

Janet Flint (Phippard, 1951) obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Sydney and devised a classification system for accounting libraries, advising on the setting up of Coopers & Lybrand (now known as PwC) libraries in Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Jakarta, Indonesia. She married John Flint and had three children before returning to the workforce, moving into school librarianship at Trinity Grammar School in Summer Hill for almost 20 years until she retired. She also completed a Diploma of Education and Diploma of Children’s Literature.

In 1988, Janet was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship looking at the implementation of information skill programs in schools. This involved visiting and assessing library programs in the New England, Washington, North Carolina, Ohio, Chicago, Wisconsin, Los Angeles and Seattle school districts. The schools ranged from large independent schools (Phillips Academy, Exeter – with over 100,000 volumes) to a small intermediate school in a New York slum.

From 1994 until 2011, Janet was Secretary of NSW Fulbright Alumni Association and in 2008 was awarded Honorary Life Membership of the Australian Fulbright Alumni Association by Mrs. Harriet Fulbright, widow of Senator Fulbright.

She has kept in touch with The Women’s College, University of Sydney and from 1995 to 1999 was a member of the Library Advisory Committee and was made an Honorary Librarian from 2000 to 2015. Today, Janet is a volunteer with the Chancellor’s Committee, University of Sydney, helping to raise funds for scholarships, especially for indigenous or disadvantaged students.

Ashleigh Johnston (2015) was awarded the 2020 National Association of Women in Construction student of the year award for the ACT. She was also honoured to receive the Built Environment Diversity and Inclusion Scholarship 2021 for the University of Canberra where she is currently undertaking a Bachelor of Building and Construction Management.

Jill Foweraker (Tanner, 1950) lives with her husband, John, on Vancouver Island, Canada, where they garden, walk and take part in community activities, She was School Captain in her final year and has many memories, particularly of some inspiring teachers and Headmistresses Miss Una Mitchell and Miss Isabel Masters.

“I remember the air raid practices when we all filed down to the slit trenches on the way to the tennis courts, the crocodile lines walking to the swimming pool at Manuka and the bike rides to basketball games on the windy and cold Acton flats,” Jill said.

Her parents were very involved with the School, both with the Parents and Friends Association and her father serving on the school board for many years. Jill was a member of the Grammarians’ Association Committee for a number of years.

After leaving school, Jill worked in Canberra for the government before travelling to England, working in London and hitchhiking on the continent, returning after a year.

She married in February 1958 and shortly afterwards moved to Canada where she and John raised their family of three, instilling a love of outdoors, taking them skiing and camping, often accompanying John while he was doing geological field work.

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Sharon Halliday (1996) is an author, columnist, Reiki practitioner, Angel Intuitive, copywriter, speaker and mother. Her writing featured in 365 Moments of Grace – a #1 bestseller on Amazon in the United States and Canada.

Her own book, Messages from the Heart: 39 Answers to Your Life Questions, is based on her advice column ‘Ask Sharon' and answers questions about health and wellbeing, relationships, money, work, and happiness.

Sharon now coaches other writers to become published authors. Her other passion is helping parents create a work-life balance and achieve their dreams. In 2019, she joined forces with long-time friend and Grammarian, Kris Evans (1996), to produce the monthly podcast, Kris and Shaz in The Mother of all Roles. Here, they discuss all things motherhood and aim to live up to their ethos: ‘Two real mums talking about real issues in an attempt to make the ordinary extraordinary!’

Sharon lives in Batemans Bay with her husband Steve, their two kids Leo and Eva, and their Japanese koi, Charlie.

You can connect with Sharon on social media and visit her website at www. sharonhalliday.com

1. Ashleigh Johnston 2. Sharon Halliday 3. Sarah Knoo

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Issue 106

Louise Kilby with the boat named in her honour

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In February 2020, a new boat was purchased for the CGGS rowers. The Parents and Friends Association, who helped fund the boat, along with the Parent Rowing Committee and the School, made the decision to name the boat after Louise Kilby (2005), a Grammarian who went on to represent Australia on the u23 team in the coxless four.

Usually, much ceremony surrounds the naming of a new boat, however, due to restrictions on gatherings throughout 2020, the boat was finally launched and christened in time for its first outing at the 2021 Australian Rowing Championships.

Sarah Khoo (2011) is a clinical pharmacist at Calvary Public Hospital Bruce. She completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy (Hons) in 2015 at the University of Sydney where she went on to earn a Graduate Certificate in Pharmacy Practice in 2017, focusing on medications management and mental health. In 2020, during the initial phase of the pandemic, Sarah and her colleagues experienced the practicalities of preparing and training to operate within new parameters.

Pharmacists invested in learning

more about treatments for patients with COVID-19 and how they would be treated in ICU.

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“Luckily in Canberra, cases did not increase as expected and from about August, work has been almost become business as usual,” Sarah said. “The main difference for me... is being particularly careful about where I can travel as the control of who enters the hospital is stricter than the general public, though this is a qualm for everyone.”

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

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Tanya Mark (1975) reflects on her time at CGGS as, “filled with fun, learning and friendships (some continuing for more than four decades).”

“Despite sleepless nights cramming for exams and the pressure of the HSC (Higher School Certificate) - the only assessment for Year 12 then - opportunities in the 1970s seemed limitless with the women’s liberation movement gaining momentum,” Tanya said. “Many classmates went on to successful careers, one even married a rock star (Jimmy Barnes)! I look back fondly and with gratitude on those years, as the quality of education and the dedication of the teachers - particularly Mrs (Judith) McCumstie, our exceptional modern history teacher - instilled confidence and a belief that we could do anything and take on the world...and some of us did!”

After leaving school, Tanya trained at the then Royal Canberra Hospital and graduated as a registered nurse. She then studied midwifery at the Royal Hospital for Women in Sydney where she won the ACT/NSW state medal as top of her class.

“As a nurse I found I could travel and work anywhere. I really feel for our nurses and carers during this time of COVID and have put my hand up to help vaccinate as I am still registered.”

In 1979 she drove across the Nullarbor to Western Australia to study a paediatrics course at the Princess Margaret Hospital for Children in Perth. “Like so many 'Easterners' I went for six months and stayed six years - half of that time working for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in the

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After leaving Girls Grammar, Primula ‘Primi’ Thompson (1963) travelled extensively for five years before returning to Canberra where she studied at the School of Art and gained a Graduate Diploma of Education which led her to teaching at Copland College and Erindale College. In 1988, she made a seachange and moved to an acreage at Mogo on the NSW south coast where she kept busy volunteering with WIRES while also tending to her blue heeler, cat, chooks and alpacas. After almost 30 years, she moved to a new home overlooking the wetlands in Catalina. While she describes 2020 as a year of “total chaos”, she is grateful for the blessings in disguise and a surprise visit from her Greek love from 45 years ago, Nikos. “Ego flattered, fabulous reminiscing,” Primi said.

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After graduating from CGGS, Catherine Wesselinoff (Haines, 2005) went on to study at the Australian National University where she was awarded the Vice Chancellor's award for top-ranked student in the School of Arts. She went on to study at the University of Oxford, graduating in 2012.

She holds a PhD in Philosophy and is an academic in the Department of Philosophy at the University Sydney. Catherine married Adam Wesselinoff in May 2019. Her fondest memories of CGGS are of a select group of friends with whom she remains close, the faculty members of the English and Drama departments, and her participation in the Russia exchange program.

outback as a flight sister.” Tanya lists that accomplishment as a career highlight, along with working with Save the Children in Vanuatu.Backpacking around Europe for a year followed, working in London where she was based, mostly, at the Great Ormond Street Children's Hospital. "I saw rare conditions I hadn't even read about and thankfully haven't seen since.”

flexible and distance learning. “I can honestly say that my time at CGGS, with the guiding influence of my post WW2 refugee parents and the opportunities opening up to women in the 1970s (or, to be more correct, the relaxation and removal of some strict limitations for working women) enabled me to embark on a fearless life journey which I can now look back on with gratitude and (mostly) happy memories.”

After returning to Australia, Tanya continued to work as a nurse, and eventually went to university, graduating with two Masters degrees earned over 15 years - the first in Tropical Public Health at University of Queensland and the second in Education from the University of Southern Queensland, majoring in

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1. Tanya Mark 2. Primi Thompson 3. Catherine Wesselinoff 4. Reiné and Paul Williams, with their children Zoe

(4) and Oscar (1).

Issue 106

of Canberra in 2009 and became a registered architect in 2012.

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Reiné Williams (Roberts, 2002) graduated from CGGS with the prize for Outstanding Achievement in Science.

She was torn between science and her dream of becoming an architect, which won out and she completed her master’s degree in Architecture at the University

In 2011, Reiné was excited to complete her training to become a qualified home energy assessor and develop an understanding of the science of home construction and thermal performance of homes and incorporate this back into her architectural work. Reiné has designed small scale, high thermal performance projects around Canberra that have won AIA, HIA and MBA awards.

This year Reiné launched her own architecture firm, Tranquil Architecture, specialising in high performance, well designed and comfortable renovations and new homes. She is supported by her ex-engineer husband, Paul (who is now training to be a thermal assessor) and their children, Zoe and Oscar.

Congratulations to Nancy Wilson (Kensit, 1941) formerly of ‘Llandillo’, Wheeo, via Crookwell who turned 100 on 29 June 2021.

In June 2021, Dawn Waterhouse (Calthorpe, 1940), was recognised with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for service to community history. Dawn and her sister Del Coleman (Calthorpe, 1935) grew up in Calthorpes’ House on Mugga Way, Red Hill. Throughout her life, Dawn has devoted herself to the collection of objects relating to Canberra’s history, as well as the ongoing restoration and preservation of her parents' house, establishing herself as an authoritative source on the subject.

In July 2021, Dawn received her Canberra Girls Grammar School Year 80 Alumnus badge from the Principal, Mrs Anna Owen.

In 2006, the ACT Heritage Council declared Dawn a Local Treasure.

Left: Dawn Waterhouse, OAM

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

WEDDINGS Ellen Horner (2004) and Nicholas Kitching were married on 19 December 2020 at the Prince Alfred College Chapel in Adelaide, with a reception at the Adelaide Zoo. Ellen's sister Ingrid Horner (1996) was maid of honour and Elizabeth Thompson (Carr, 2004) did the bible reading. Ellen and Nick met in Adelaide where she works as a GP and he works as a Naval Architect.

Alexa Kniley (2011) married Casey Combs in a very small ceremony on 10 January 2021 in Radford, Virginia, USA. They then had a larger ceremony and reception with family and friends in Berryville, Virginia on 28 March 2021. Alexa and Casey met through their local church.

On 7 March 2021, Emily Perriman (2007) and her partner Callum McFawn eloped in their backyard with their parents present. Emily’s dress was made by the incredible Grammarian Alice van Meurs (Sutton, 2007) who runs her dressmaking business Edition out of her backyard studio. Emily teaches Prep at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

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1. William Kitching, Ellen Horner, Nicholas Kitching

3. Emily and Callum McFawn

and Ingrid Horner 2. Alexa and Casey Combs

4. Fiona and Dan - just married

Fiona Tregoning (1995) married Daniel Driscoll on 3 April 2021 at Peterson’s Guesthouse and Winery in Armidale, NSW. The wedding’s MC was Fiona’s mum, Judy Tregoning (or ‘Mrs T’ as some students may remember), previously the head of the Senior School library from 1987 to 2006.

Fiona’s sister Heather Tregoning (1993) and Kate Cairns (1995) were bridesmaids.

School friends Elissa Northrop and Serena Lam (both 1995) were also present. Perhaps

the most entertaining part of this happy occasion occurred on Dan's family farm in Armidale NSW in 2019. It was during winter, and Fiona was wearing her CGGS jumper when Dan proposed! Fiona recalls her mum purchasing her jumper at the start of Year 11, the first year the navy version was worn by Year 11 and 12 students.Dan and Fiona met in the East Kimberley in 2016 when Fiona was on a working holiday.

6. Nick Lindley, Luke Lindley, Patrick and Clare

Lindley, Jane Sutherland and Megan Thomas

5. Fiona and her mother, Judy Tregoning

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Clare Sutherland (2012) married Patrick Lindley at St John’s Anglican Church, Reid on Saturday, 10 October 2020. Due to restrictions on the size of gatherings at the time, they drastically reduced their guest list to 36 for both the ceremony and reception. “It was the perfect size,” Clare said. Clare’s sister, Jane Sutherland (2008) was the maid of honour.

Issue 106

BIRTHS Abigail Boettcher (Meadows, 2005) and Richard Boettcher welcomed a son, Oxford James, on 4 February 2021, a beautiful little brother for Jemima Jane and Emmeline Jean.

Fletcher Bear Dunn was born on 15 February 2021 to Lauren Dunn (Heddle, 2005) and her husband Scott.

Tessa Goundar (O'Brien, 2005) and her husband Shiv welcomed their second baby boy, Leon James, on 30 August 2020.

Big brother Louie is smitten with his baby brother.

Stephanie McKew (2004) and David Hill welcomed their first child, Kate Celia McKew-Hill, in August 2020.

1. Oxford Boettcher

5. The Foulkes family with Reverend Jenny Willsher

2. Fletcher Dunn

6. Victoria, Harry, Michael and Harper Keogh in the

3. Louie and Leon Goundar

Chapel of the Annunciation.

4. Stephanie and Kate

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Baptisms in the Chapel of the Annunciation Third generation Grammarian, Penelope Eliza Foulkes (born 9 November 2020) was baptised on 25 April 2021. Penelope’s parents are Stephanie Foulkes (Bacon, 2005) and Andrew Foulkes, while her grandmother is Chair of the CGGS Board, Sue Hart (Grant, 1972).

Harry Keogh, son of Victoria Keogh (Schumann, 2004) and Michael Keogh, baptised on 28 February 2021 (born 5 January 2020).

On 3 April 2021, Alexandra Thompson (2002) and Alistair Daly’s children, John William Daly (born 16 October 2017) and Annabelle Beth Daly were baptised. John and Annabelle are the grandchildren of Judy Daly (Colwell, 1965).

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At the same service, Alexandra’s brother, Lachlan Thomson, and Jenna Cairney’s son, Albie Campbell Thompson (born 17 May 2017), was baptised. Given the strong Grammarian connection, the congregation sang Jerusalem. Alexandra’s grandparents were also celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary around the time of the baptism, and their favourite hymn, What a friend we have in Jesus was also sung.

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

VALE June Ashmore, AM (Grant, 1951) passed away on 21 October 2020 at the age of 85.

In 2003, June was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia (AM) at the Australia Day Honours for service to blind and vision impaired people, as an executive member of a range of blindness and vision impaired organisations, providing advocacy and support to many.

Mary Badman (O’Riordan) of Dalmeny passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Newcastle, on 19 December 2020. Mary was a classroom teacher in the Junior School from 1977 to 1979 and 1984 to 1989. She left CGGS to continue full-time university studies.

Margaret Banks (Schunke, 1958) on 3 November 2020.

services to women and human rights.

In 2012, she was a recipient of the United Nations Australia Peace Award.

Her daughter, Megan said, “Mum loved the School and it played a huge part in her life.”

Elizabeth Foote (2017) on 25 August 2021.

Melissa Kelly (Year 12) passed away on 29 June 2021. Melissa was Photography Co-Captain in her final year of studies at Canberra Girls Grammar School.

Judith Parker, AM (Sinclair, 1957), a passionate and tireless advocate for the rights of women and children around the world, passed away on 10 April 2021, in Brisbane. Her connection to the School began in 1952 when her family moved to Canberra. She held the position of Prefect and was a passionate member of Kilburn House. Judith returned to the School as a teacher and Boarding House Mistress, while her daughter, Dr Megan Bredhauer (Parker, 1986), also attended the School. Judith was also a valued volunteer, serving as President of the Grammarians’ Association and a member of the School Board.

She was involved with, and was a life member of, many humanitarian organisations, including the National Council of Women. She was the Vice President of the International Council of Women and the President of the United Nations Association (WA Branch). During her lifetime, she received many honours, including being made a Member of the Order of Australia in 2004, ‘for service to the community through the National Council of Women of Australia and a range of other organisations that benefit women and children’.

Furthermore, she was awarded the City of Perth Active Citizens Premier’s Award and in 2009, was invested as a Dame in the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights Hospitallers, honouring her for her

Judith spoke at the Junior School Founders’ Day assembly in 2009 and donated a tapa from Papua New Guinea.

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Above photo: Judith Parker

Issue 106

Helen Kenyon passed away on 17 August 2021. Helen’s devotion to the School and her family was admirable. After the death of her husband Arthur in 2015, Helen continued to provide extraordinary educational opportunities for young women. Her legacy has been passed down through the generations to her children and grandchildren, many of whom were themselves students at CGGS. The Kenyon family is an indelible part of the CGGS family and has always been there for us over the many years.

Our love and support is with them in what has been the most difficult of times.

Pauline Maroney (Odgers, 1958) passed away on 14 December 2020 in Sutherland Shire. In August 1993, Pauline and her five children - Michael, Susie, Sean, Lindy and Karin - became the first family relay team to ever swim the English Channel.

Janet McDiarmid (Nichols, 1951) on 5 September 2020.

Margaret McEwan (McGarn, 1976) passed away at home on 14 September 2020.

‘Margie’ was adored by all, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Sheena Parkinson (1973) passed away on 11 December 2020. Sheena was the daughter of Grammarian Lady Roslyn Parkinson (Campbell, 1943), sister of Joanna Topfer (Parkinson, 1978) and her aunt was Robin Campbell (1944). Sheena’s father, Sir Nicholas Parkinson, was the Australian Ambassador to the United States of America in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

1. Helen with her daughter Louise and

granddaughter Elizabeth.

2. Pauline and Susie Maroney in Cuba, 1988.

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Anne Rose (Jeffs) passed away peacefully at home on 17 October 2020. Anne was a Latin teacher from 2004 to 2010 and on her retirement, fellow faculty members noted in 2010 Burrawi: “Our most rewarding memory will be how she could encapsulate in a short epigrammatic phrase the wisdom she has about life, about teaching and about people, always coloured by a resounding sense of humour and selfirony that made such a contrast to what we were hearing in national discussions on curriculum and schooling."

Geraldine Wilson (1951) on 9 June 2021.

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Do you have a story to tell? We love hearing from our alumni and encourage you to share your journey with us. Let us know how life as a Grammarian has shaped your life.

Please contact our Community Relations team: grammarians@cggs.act.edu.au or 02 6202 6403.

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THE GR AMMAR REPORT

To the young, anything is possible

Grammarians Who Served On the morning of Sunday, 3 September 1939, families gathered around their wireless radios in homes across Canberra to listen to a message from Prime Minister Robert Menzies.

The melancholy announcement hit everyone at once: Australia was now at war with Germany.

For adults who had lived through the First World War, it was a sad and anxious time. For the youngsters of Canberra Church of England Girls Grammar School (CCEGGS), some of whom had no

knowledge of the personal costs of war, it was a curious and even exciting time.

On the home front, Canberrans engaged in community work, knitting greasy wool socks and balaclavas for the Navy, making camouflage nets to hide under during bombing raids, and organising events to raise funds for the Red Cross.

Over the following six years, more opportunities became available for women to serve in the Army, Navy and Air Force as well. In 1940, the Women’s Australian National Service (WANS) was inaugurated to give women training in first aid,

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shooting, signalling and mechanics; in 1941 the Women’s Auxiliary Australian Air Force (WAAAF) and Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) were established, soon followed by the Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service (WRANS) and Australian Army Medical Women’s Service (AAMWS) in December 1942.

For women under the age of 18, there was the option to join the Australian Women's Land Army, created to encourage female civilians into rural employment where they could assist the war effort by bolstering the supply of food to the nation and soldiers abroad.

Issue 106

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Among the many women serving their nation during the Second World War were our very own Canberra Girls Grammar School Grammarians. Meet some of them: Frances Campbell Russell (Honorary Grammarian) Frances was Sports Mistress at CCEGGS from 1941-42 where she lived in the Boarding House. She served in the WAAAF from 1942 to 1946, eventually returning to teach at CCEGGS at the request of thenHeadmistress Una Mitchell.

Four Tasmanian Blue Gums (Eucalyptus Globulus) were planted outside the Chapel of the Annunciation to mark Frances’ 70th birthday in 1990. All four are alive and growing well today, and Frances herself turned 100 in November 2020.

The Lane-Poole Sisters Charlotte, Class of 1931 Mary, Class of 1934 Phyllis, Class of 1940 Charlotte, fondly known as “Charles”, was the first licenced female motorcycle

rider in the ACT and one of few women in the capital to specialise in professional garden landscaping. She enlisted with the WAAF on 23 February 1942 and was appointed Flight Officer on 1 August 1943.

after her death. Phyllis donated Mary's St Gabriel's school badge to the School’s Archives in 2009.

Phyllis swapped her jackarooing career for a post in the WRAN in 1943. During the War, she trained as a telegraphist and served on HMAS Kuttabul in Sydney and HMAS Harman in Canberra; afterwards, Phyllis continued to serve Australia through a post-war reconstruction course in horticulture, grazing and market gardening.

Class of 1936

Mary was a driver for Vickers Aircraft factory, and an ambulance driver in the UK throughout the War. In 1947, she joined the British Foreign Office, MI5, and took postings to Tehran, Vienna, Sofia, Istanbul, Aden, Washington and Peshawar. She resigned in April 1968 and was awarded an MBE. Her family knew nothing about her intelligence work until

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Freda Leslie Adelaide Whitlam

Freda attended the School as a student and later as a teacher.

After transferring to Sydney as part of the WAAAF, Freda was involved in arranging the supply of aircraft parts and fondly remembered taking a ride in a “Mosquito”, a type of aircraft used to take aerial photographs. After the war, Freda completed her Diploma in Education with Honours at Melbourne University.

She later earned a Fulbright scholarship to Yale, becoming the first Australian woman to study at the university.

1. Frances Russell 2. Charlotte “Charles” Lane-Poole 3. Freda Whitlam

THE GR AMMAR REPORT

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These are just a few of the extraordinary women from CGGS who served their community and country during the Second World War. We celebrate all our alumnae who took the opportunity to contribute in whatever way they could:

Mavis Chatfield, Class of 1937

Lorna Williams, Class of 1937

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

Blanche Beatrix Chapman, Class of 1934

Faith Wong, Class of 1942

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

Australian Army Medical Women’s Service

Jean Nugent Shepherd, Class of 1939

Pam Eddison, Class of 1939

Australian Women’s Army Service

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Lois Eggleston, Class of 1929

Patience Australie Tillyard, Class of 1930

Army Medical Corps 114 Army General Hospital

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

Joan Cook, Class of 1938

Lorna Sweeny, Class of 1943

Voluntary Aid Detachment & Australian Army Medical Women’s Service

Women’s Royal Australian Naval Service

Joan Parker, Class of 1938

Joan May Reid, Class of 1937

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

Women’s Australian Auxiliary Air Force

June Margules, Class of 1942

Olive Kathleen Robertson, Class of 1937

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Royal Australian Air Force Nursing Service

Marie Robertson, Class of 1935

Pam Eddison, Class of 1939

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Voluntary Aid Detachment

Patricia Harvey, Class of 1943 Australian Army Medical Women’s Service

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Issue 105

Thank you Giving to CGGS As advocates for the empowerment of children and young women since 1926, Canberra Girls Grammar embodies modern thinking at a time when gender equity, inclusion, and diversity are essential to a healthy, prosperous society. Our values and principles guide the way we work, building a cultural fabric that is stronger than any single individual and true to our founding purpose.

We thank the generous individuals and organisations that have worked with us to help build a sustainable future for CGGS.

Your gift allows Canberra Girls Grammar School to fulfil its vision to be a school where the young believe anything is possible. It can open up opportunities for our young women to discover answers that are currently beyond our imagination and develop new skills that will serve them in a future yet to be created.

You can donate now at www.cggs.act. edu.au/community/gabriel-foundation.

Organisations

Individuals

Gabriel Foundation

Mr P W and Mrs D H Henson

Grammarians’ Association

Kenyon Foundation

P & F Association

Mrs E Grant

Alliance Catering

Mr D W and Mrs D I Holmesby

Mr S W Collins and Mrs L J Barry

Mr J R and Mrs A J Sainty

Mrs G M Harris

Ms M E Reid AO

Mr M F J and Mrs L J Memmolo

Mrs B Moss

Mrs N Johnson

Ms G Lindrea Mr J Varela and Ms A C Henchman Mr R S Sutherland and Ms L G D Phillips Mrs C J Ingram and Mr R O Ingram

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We are creating a world where young women never stop believing that anything is possible.

cggs.act.edu.au