Student stories

Whether in the classroom, on the fields, on the boat, or on stage, our students have excelled in Term 1 of 2022.

CGGS students have participated in several activities that have challenged their abilities, provided them with opportunities for growth, and have equipped them with skills to become independent, reflective, confident leaders.

A lot of hard work, dedication and resilience goes into our students' achievements, and as such, they deserve to be recognised for their success. Congratulations to all our students!

Academic

Once again, CGGS students had exceptional results in the 2022 NAPLAN testing, across all four year levels (Years 3, 5, 7 and 9) in both literacy and numeracy. Our students scored above or well above the national average for each year level across all five areas of the NAPLAN test (reading, writing, spelling, grammar and numeracy), when compared with all Australian students in their year level.

We are proud of our students’ results, which reflect the commitment of our young people and the outstanding dedication shown by our teachers who consistently deliver academic excellence.

We also celebrated other achievements. A group of students competed in the International Young Physicists Tournament, which challenges students to perform science experiments and then debate their findings. The CGGS team placed third overall, and one student was selected to represent Australia at the next International Young Physicists Tournament.

Six of our students received the UNSW 2021 Maths Prize, awarded to outstanding mathematics students in the ACT. Two students finished first in their respective year level.

The Class of 2021 received brilliant ATAR results, with over 37% of the cohort receiving an ATAR score above 90, and their highest median ATAR in over six years.

Co-curricular

Year 10 student, Maebel, was offered a place in the 2022 National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) Young Actors Studio. NIDA is a leading Australia centre for education and training in the performing arts.

Four of our students were selected to represent the ACT in the 2022 ACT Debating squad.

Year 11 student, Maddie, was selected for the inaugural Canberra Symphony Youth Chamber Orchestra, a professional development and mentoring program for promising musicians in the ACT.

Sport

Year 10 student, Chloe, won three gold medals, three silver medals and qualified for six individual events in swimming at the Australian National Age Championships, while competing at the NSW Country Regional Championships.

Year 12 student, Sasha, was selected to play for Canberra United in the National A-League soccer (football) competition, and was also selected for the Young Matildas (U20s) camp.

Year 12 student, Alex, competed at the NSW Snowy Mountains Mountain Bike Festival, and finished 1st place overall.

Two Year 12 students were selected in the U21 ACT Women's Eight and competed at the Rowing Nationals.

Year 11 student, Senileva, was selected in the Brumbies U18 Women’s Rugby team.

CGGS competed at the 97th Independent Girls Schools Association (IGSA) Swimming and Diving Championships in Sydney, marking the first time the School has competed at this tournament in several decades.

CGGS partnered with the Football Star Academy (FSA), one of Australia's leading providers of skill based football programs. FSA and their professional coaching staff are overseeing the football program at CGGS, ensuring students receive appropriate training and development opportunities.

Community

The School was delighted to open its doors again to the community to enjoy two outstanding music concerts. In March, we held Jazz in the Hall, featuring the Grey Street Stage Band, Adelaide Avenue Jazz Band, the CGGS Jazz Ensemble and Blamey Street Big Band. Together in Music followed, featuring members from several Canberra community choirs, the CGGS Chorale, Glanville-Hicks Symphony Orchestra, Empire Concert Band, Strike! Handbells, and Glanville-Hicks Symphony Orchestra.

This term, the school continued its work of service with Kilburn House hosting activities in support of Red Nose, and senior students and staff participated in the Share the Dignity's March Collection.

This year, Canberra Girls Grammar School had a significant week-long celebration of International Women’s Day with staff and students attending community events or participating in school events. First, a group of students and staff, led by Acting Principal, Ms Julie Jorritsma, attended the official UN Women’s International Women’s Day Canberra lunch at the National Convention Centre on 4 March.

This was followed by another group of students and staff attending a breakfast at Government House, hosted by his Excellency, the Governor-General of Australia, the Honourable David Hurley AC DSC (Retd) and his wife, Mrs Linda Hurley, on Tuesday 8 March. Their Excellencies, then joined the Senior School’s student-led assembly to celebrate International Women’s Day. Interviewed by a student panel were Grammarians Asha Clementi (2017), founder of “Girls Run the World” program and co-founder of the Girls Leadership Network, and Laura Cox (2010), who has done community development and female empowerment work across the world. Head of Junior School, Mr Peter McDonald, also attended a Breast Cancer Research breakfast where CGGS was recognised for its active participation in and strong support of the annual Mother’s Day Classic event that supports this important cause.