This weeks’ celebrations of student leaders through the investing of our secondary school seniors, Prefects, Head Girls, primary school leaders and student council representatives was an auspicious occasion. Wednesday morning’s Secondary Investiture Ceremony acknowledged our Year 12 students as leaders of Rockhampton Girls Grammar School who recognised their diversity and connection to our school community. As a sisterhood they pledged to encourage kindness, respect and integrity, as they have been entrusted to uphold our school values and traditions.
After the announcement of their portfolios at last year’s Speech Night, our Prefects were officially invested into their roles and awarded their leadership badges; a big moment that many of our girls have been anxiously awaiting since commencing their schooling journey at Girls Grammar. Our Head Girl badges of Office and announcement of each bearer is the most anticipated event of the Ceremony. Both equally prestigious with each title honouring the people in whose memory they are given.
The yellow gold badge was bequeathed to the School by the first Headmistress – Miss Helen E Downs and is worn by the Head Prefect during her term of Office. It has been presented annually since 1939 and this year is awarded to Head Girl and Community and Culture Prefect, Kara-Lee Buckton.
The Prue McKeague Badge is platinum and was introduced in 1986, in memory of an exemplary 1985 senior student who died during the Christmas holidays of her senior year. This badge is worn by the other Head Girl and this year was awarded to Paterson House Prefect, Georgia Priddle.
As leaders of the primary school our Year 6 students pledged to be approachable and enthusiastic role models. With passion and dedication they will strive to do their best, encouraging their peers to be clever, confident and connected to the School. Well done to our primary leaders. I know you will be proud role models, looking out for our younger students throughout this year before you transition into your secondary schooling years.
It was very special to share the celebrations with many parents and family members who were in attendance for both morning and afternoon teas; a true representation of our close-knit community and culture.
A complete list of 2024 Student Council Leaders from Year 4 to 11, Year 12 Prefects and photos from both investiture ceremonies can be found in the Media Hub of our school’s website https://www.rggs.qld.edu.au/post/celebrating-our-2024-leaders.
On Thursday afternoon Deputy Principal - Students, Sammy Cobon and I had the honour of accompanying our ten Prefects to the Rockhampton Secondary Schools Student Leaders Induction Ceremony at St Joseph’s Cathedral. All girls represented Girls Grammar with confidence and pride when introduced by name and Prefect Portfolio to their fellow secondary school leaders and school representatives, and while taking their oath of leadership. Not only did our Prefects demonstrate confidence but also connection during the afternoon tea following the ceremony where they were provided the opportunity to meet and mingle with the student leaders from all 15 secondary schools across Rockhampton and the Capricorn Coast.
Congratulations to our 2024 secondary school seniors, primary leaders and student council representatives. My hope for each and every one of you is to embrace the opportunities before you, support each other to reach your full potential by celebrating your individual and collective successes, talents, and achievements, and to make a difference in your own unique way. I look forward to a wonderful year ahead.
Kara Krehlik
Principal