Brisbane Girls Grammar School 146th Annual Speech Day and Distribution of Prizes Ceremony 2021

Chair of the Board of Trustees Ms Julie McKay; Principal Ms Jacinda Euler; Councillor Vicki Howard, Councillor James McKay, Mrs Sharyn Watkins, representing the Honourable Trevor Evans MP; distinguished guests; staff; students; and Brisbane Girls Grammar School supporters.

 

I too acknowledge the traditional owners of these lands, the Turrbal and Jagera peoples, and extend my heartfelt respectful greetings and best wishes to Elders and emerging leaders.

 

I was delighted to receive an invitation to attend this year’s Brisbane Girls Grammar School Speech Day and Awards Ceremony, because it continues a long tradition of vice-regal support, which I am proud to now be part of.

 

I am also honoured to announce that I am delighted to accept the invitation to take on the role of “Official Visitor” of your School. I look forward to attending other memorable occasions over the next five years of my term.

 

Today, we pay tribute to those outstanding students who have gone above and beyond the already excellent standards set by this School and who have been publicly awarded for their achievements.

 

I commend you all for your remarkable efforts, as I know this took tremendous hard work and determination, in the face of significant challenges – including an unprecedented global pandemic.

 

To stay true to your goals is a quality that will stand you in good stead as you travel along your future paths.

 

You are all brilliant young women, who will doubtless continue to reach for the stars, with integrity, compassion and a deep sense of curiosity.

 

This afternoon’s celebration is one built on nearly a century and a half of tradition, as we consider the thousands of young women who have come through these gates since it opened in 1875.

 

This rich heritage is embedded in the bricks and mortar but also in the hearts and minds of all those who have been here.

 

I thank and congratulate all of this afternoon’s award recipients.

 

I wish all graduating students every success for your futures, which will undoubtedly be bright.

 

Finally, I further acknowledge the contributions to this School community of all staff, students, parents, friends and supporters.

 

Thank you.