Girls well and truly ROCK!
Wednesday evening’s showcase of musical, dramatic and dancing talent was absolutely amazing! Seeing the girls in Prep-3 dance together was the most gorgeous performance I have seen on stage. The array of talent across the year levels was astounding and the energy from each group or solo act was contagious. I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face throughout the entire night. The nerves did begin setting in as we returned from intermission in anticipation of the staff act. The noise from the crowd was indeed deafening and I can honestly say I had the best night surrounded by colleagues, students, families and friends. I don’t know if you could call the staff act ‘talent’ but it sure was a lot of fun. I will forever proudly wear the title of the first Principal to participate in Girls Rock. It’s events like these that make our school truly unique. The connection with one another and culture we create as a school community has a lasting impact on our students.
This evening we officially farewelled our Year 12s at their Graduation Ceremony.
Throughout 2021 our Year 12s have led our school as a small yet mighty cohort of young women. I have been inspired and moved by the many occasions they have demonstrated their legacy as a ‘small yet mighty’ cohort and would like to share them, as it is these moments and memories for me that have made a remarkable and lasting impression:
RGGS secondary swimming carnival. I can honestly say I have never seen or heard a school sporting carnival quite like this. I had been warned about the noise level but to be amongst it, feel the energy and experience the atmosphere created as a small yet mighty cohort first-hand was inspiring. To witness their enthusiasm in encouraging peers of all ages to participate and to hear their energy in cheering for not just their own house but for one another was infectious.
ANZAC Day. The Year 12s commitment and proud representation of Rockhampton Girls Grammar School at the Dawn Service was executed with such honour. It was moving to watch them carry out the candlelight vigil around the Cenotaph while wearing the historical Girls Grammar berets. Despite their small numbers, their presence had a profound impact on the members of our community who were present.
Prep-12 Athletics Carnival. Like the swimming carnival but with the inclusion of Prep-5 as well, their effect was just as mighty. The younger students were in awe as they walked over the rise to the CQU oval to see them lead the whole school huddle and war cry. The impact of their support and encouragement was felt across the year levels leaving a mighty impression on our primary schoolers who watched them with admiration. It’s these traditions and memories that I know they will reflect on as they progress through the year levels, until the day arrives when they are the Year 12 cohort leading the proceedings.
Throughout this years inter-house events such as reading, netball and most impressively inter-house choir, our Year 12s displayed leadership skills and encouragement to all of our girls, particularly our youngest students who, for the first time were also included in house choir performances. Their display and effort as mentors was a true testament to the Girls Grammar motto ‘Clever, Confident and Connected’. Clever in their creativity, thoughts and ideas that went in to planning, organising and choreographing all the girls from Prep to Year 12 in dancing and singing. Confident in performing a medley of songs in front of the whole school, as well as dancing. Connected, in the way they included all year levels in each House performance. This will be just one of the many memorable experiences the girls in the younger year levels will reflect on with fondness. Our Seniors of 2021 have gifted those students, and particularly our incoming 2022 graduates, the greatest example of what it means to be a proud and humble Girls Grammar Girl.
Girls Rock. Last night their cohort left a mighty impression on the audience and will be a tough act to follow by the incoming seniors in the years to come.
Throughout each of these occasions, it is the inclusiveness and encouragement they have given one another that is most inspiring. From the first day gathered on McKeague Deck as they greeted new girls and welcomed one another back for Year 12, it has been an honour and a privilege to join them in this final year of their schooling journey.
As Dr. Suess wrote in his book “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!”
“Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away! You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. You are the girl who’ll decide where to go.”
Kara Krehlik
Principal