A strong sense of community is an essential part of our culture here at Girls Grammar. Students, staff, families and the wider school are all connected in a collaborative learning environment to build a supportive school community. Our culture of community means everyone is welcome, they have a connection to others and are valued.
Research shows that a connected school community enhances learning outcomes, support, collaboration and wellbeing for everyone involved. Students are more likely to reach outside their comfort zone and take academic risks necessary to grow and learn. Students who feel this sense of safety, connection and community in their classroom are better able to develop their skills and become more resilient.
Our culture of community exposes students to lessons on positive values, respect and responsibility and they take from this, messages of collaboration and the benefits of fostering positive relationships with their peers. At Girls Grammar we understand the importance of relationships and value the personalised, inclusive learning we provide to our students. Our staff take the time to get to know students and to build relationships with them, regardless of their age, academic ability or individual needs. Our girls are included in their learning journey which contributes to our collaborative and connected community.
Our culture of community extends to organisations we have a strong connection with based on shared values of support for those in need. Last Saturday our school welcomed the Zonta Club of Rockhampton who held their “Breeze into Summer Days of Blue, White and Gold” Afternoon Tea in McKeague Hall. This fundraising event has allowed Zonta to contribute much needed funds towards a project for providing accommodation for homeless women, particularly those in the older age group which is a concerning demographic at present. Girls Grammar were proud to support this fundraising initiative and I have received a lovely email from the Zonta Club of Rockhampton that I would like to share with the school community. Sincere thanks was expressed for the assistance from Rachel Hinton our Communications and Marketing Officer, Kent Reid Chef and kitchen staff, Matt Cook our ICT manager and our team of maintenance staff. Our Girls Grammar students made a wonderful and lasting impression with special mention made about their charming, friendly and capable nature throughout the afternoon. I am so very proud of the manner in which our students and staff have represented our school during this worthwhile community event. This is just one example of the strong sense of community we have here, with another being recognised during our special assembly this week.
Our annual Ponytail Project was held this week with 13 students and two staff registering to ‘Rock the chop and put a stop to cancer’. As Emma Jones our Community and Culture Prefect outlined on assembly, the Ponytail Project is a highly anticipated annual event where our school raises awareness and funds for the Cancer Council, while giving back to those affected by Cancer. Thank you to everyone who helped organise the event including the hair dressers who donated their time to assist in neatening up the girls’ ‘chopped locks’. Our entire school community is extremely grateful to the girls who registered and showed so much bravery on the day to cut and donate their ponytails to those affected by Cancer. Our goal to raise $5000 for the Cancer Council was well exceeded, with $1 785.00 raised at the auction and a further $7 229.00 raised via the fundraising page. The total money raised to date of just over $9 000 continues to grow as donations can still be made until the end of December. Well done everyone!
Continuing with the theme of our school’s culture of community and raising awareness for Breast Cancer, this weekend we hold our biggest fundraiser for the year. The annual Rockhampton Girls Grammar P&F Association Bulls ‘n’ Barrels is being held for the first time at CQLX Gracemere on Saturday 16 October. Online ticket sales close at 10.00am Saturday 16 October with gates opening at 5.00pm in preparation for the first event to start at 6.00pm. To purchase your ticket before the event go to https://www.trybooking.com/BSRAD.
There has been an enormous amount of time dedicated by our P&F, staff, students and community members to prepare for this event. This year will be bigger and better than ever with record numbers of nominations. Thank you to the many sponsors who have so generously contributed to make this night a huge success. Please come along and support this important cause where 20% of proceeds are being donated to the McGrath Foundation.
Get ready to “Cowgirl Up!”
Kara Krehlik
Acting Principal