An Enduring Legacy with Girls Grammar

Ann Caston (Pressland, 1958) has dedicated her life to education and has an abiding relationship with Girls Grammar.

Commencing as a day girl in 1955, Ann became a boarder at Girls Grammar during her senior years, when her father was transferred to Dalby. Although she knew no one when arriving on her first day in January 1955, Ann soon enjoyed being with her classmates of IIIB. Finding her teachers always encouraging, Ann’s favourite subjects were French, Latin and Chemistry, all of which she studied at university and subsequently taught. She remembers being curious about the background of teacher, Madame Stenders, a refugee from Europe whom Ann admired for her courage and commitment. Madame Stenders provided opportunities for students to use language outside the classroom, including the annual Concours de Poesie and a concert, La Soirée des Ecoles. Ann aIso had a keen interest in music, especially piano, and recalls when she was studying music for Senior she was given the privilege of practising on Miss Cook’s grand piano at 6.30 in the morning. One of her musical highlights was conducting her form (VB and VIB) in the Interform Choral Competition for the R.T. Jefferies and Etheldreda Jefferies Bursary (which Form VIB won), in 1958.

After leaving school, Ann enjoyed a decade-long career in teaching. Although teaching was not Ann’s first choice, she was thrilled when the State Government offered the opportunity to become a secondary teacher after two years of study as there was an urgent need for qualified teachers in many of the new state high schools being established around Queensland. The first year was full-time study at The University of Queensland, followed by a year at Kelvin Grove Teachers’ College. Students were also expected to complete tertiary studies while teaching. After a year teaching Chemistry, History and Music at Trinity Bay State High School in Cairns, in 1962 Ann was transferred to Harristown State High School in Toowoomba and drove to Brisbane to attend evening lectures in French.

After completing an Arts degree in 1964, majoring in French and Chemistry, Ann spent a short period studying in France before taking up a position at a school in Melbourne where she taught French, German and a beginners’ class in Indonesian. Ann returned to Queensland in 1974 and worked at several schools, in particular Marist College, Ashgrove, where she spent 20 years as Head of French.

Ann has always been an active member of the Old Girls Association. She was a committee member in 1959 but teaching appointments took her away from Brisbane until 1974. However, she always kept in touch with Girls Grammar, stating, ‘It is a privilege to be connected with the School and with so many others who are passionate about girls’ education’.

With a strong belief that Girls Grammar continues to offer an exceptional education for girls. Ann says that she is very grateful for the sacrifice her parents made to send her to BGGS and is delighted, and encouraged, to see the opportunities that Grammar girls enjoy and she would like to contribute to that purpose. ‘One way I can help the School achieve its future projects is by including a gift to Brisbane Girls Grammar School in my Will’.