Words of wisdom

Anglican Church Grammar School congratulates the seniors of 2022 for achieving outstanding academic results. We are proud to present words of wisdom and inspiration from the 2022 Churchie Scholars.

Sebastian Aird

Plan the work, work the plan. Know what you are working towards and know why. Give yourself a reason to do the work. Is it for a number, a grade, a feeling or an improvement?

Justify your effort, and the more you put into it, the more rewarding the result will become. Find your subject checklists— they tell you exactly what can be examined. Go through all of them and revise what you don’t know.

Ali

Have a set schedule for all your commitments, and stay on top of your work, especially through year 12. If you are overwhelmed, take a break. I strongly recommend creating a schedule that works best for you. It is easy to reach out to an Old Boy or peer tutoring for support. Practice exams, practice questions, active recall spaced repetition and brain dump are all skills that will help you memorise information.

Matthew Bond

Grenfell House Prefect

Take responsibility for creating a system that you're willing to place your complete confidence in, regardless of any unfavourable factors that may befall you. Push yourself to incrementally spend more of the five hours of class time each day focused and actively working towards your goals. Without exception, keep yourself accountable for silly mistakes because they are always indicative of a lack of understanding, or mental overload due to unfamiliarity with the subject matter.

Awards

The Barry Kelly AM Making of Men Award, Academic Excellence Award, The Headmaster’s Prize for Drama, The N C Patrick Prize for Music

Cocurricular

Bands Captain, Big Band 1, Morris Wind Symphony, Senior Voices, Saxophone Quartet, Open Second VIII Rowing, Theatresports, Senior Musical Singin’ in the Rain, Stage Crew

Service

Peer Tutoring, Sony Camp

Currently studying Sebastian is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at The University of Queensland.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, Subject Prize for Japanese

Cocurricular

Second XI Cricket, Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Quintet

Service

Clean the Creek, Red Shield Appeal, Sony Camp, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?

Currently studying

Amir is studying a Bachelor of Medical Science with direct entry into a Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University and would like to work as a medical practitioner in Australia, possibly in dermatology or radiology.

Awards

The Neville Harpham Memorial Prize –Dux of the School in IB, Subject Prize for Chemistry, Subject Prize for French, Subject Prize for Literature, The Morris Hart Memorial Prize for Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches, The Annie M Stevens Memorial Award for Physics

Cocurricular

Senior A Debating, Senior Team Chess, Second IV Tennis, Third VI Volleyball, Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra

Service

White Ribbon Breakfast, World’s Greatest Shave, Eat Up Australia fundraiser, Peer Tutoring, Prep School Tutoring

Currently studying

Matthew has received a UQ ViceChancellor’s Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics (Honours) at The University of Queensland and would like to work in investment banking in New York or London.

Understand the value of free time and prioritise your mental health. Use sports as a bit of respite from the grind.

Brahmbhatt

Biggs House

Churchie has given me a good education and plenty of opportunities to engage in service and cocurricular activities. Use your time efficiently. Hang in there, and use hobbies or breaks to keep fresh.

Find a space where you will be able to consistently study, and find a group of friends that will encourage you to achieve your best. It is important to look at the bigger picture and realise that these moments are meant to be hard and teach you valuable life lessons. Practice exams and internal assessments are really important. Aim to not drop any easy marks on assignments.

Cocurricular

Third V Basketball

Currently studying Samuel is studying a Bachelor of Philosophy (Honours) - Science at The Australian National University and would like to undertake a PhD.

Cocurricular

Fourth V Basketball, Duke of Ed Bronze Award

Service

Sony Camp, Red Shield Appeal, SBH Queensland Wheel and Walk, Peer Tutoring

Currently studying

Vrisan is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and hopes to work as an investment banker in Australia, the UK or the US.

Currently studying

Harry is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work in finance in London or as a doctor in Australia.

Peter Chuan

Biggs House

From the multiple cocurricular activities I participated in Churchie, I am now a more resilient person who has good time management and can work very well in a team. Always space out your study and don’t leave everything to the end. For subject content, do some work during holidays. For assignments, don’t wait until the last week or the last day.

Sean Gao

Grenfell House

Maximize your class time as much as possible. This means not getting distracted, always being one hundred per cent focused and asking the teacher questions. For assignments, always refer to the syllabus (learning goals or the criteria sheet) and make sure you have addressed each point/criterion. The study skills that work best are different for everyone. Personally, I recommend flashcards, rewriting notes, and practice exams.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, The John Atherton Young Memorial Prize for Biology, Subject Prize for Chinese Mandarin

Cocurricular

Air Force Cadets, Senior Voices, Symphony Orchestra, Chamber Strings 1, Duke of Ed Gold Award, Swimming

Service

Sony Camp, Red Shield Appeal, Peer Tutoring

Currently studying

Peter has received a Melbourne National Merit Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Biomedicine followed by a Doctor of Optometry at The University of Melbourne and would like to work in optometry.

Awards

QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation for achieving an A in at least six General subjects, Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Third VI Volleyball

Currently studying

Sean has accepted a UQ Excellence Scholarship (academic) to study a Doctor of Medicine Provisional Entry for SchoolLeavers (Bonded Medical Program) at The University of Queensland and plans to graduate as a doctor and then specialise in a more hands-on area such as surgery or anaesthetics.

Oliver Hadjipetrou

Magnus House

I managed my time by having a strict study routine in the afternoon as sport and music practices were typically in the morning. I also made sure I didn’t fall behind on weekends by spending an extra couple of hours working on Sunday if I had a game on Saturday. Have as many people as you can read your assignments. Every new set of eyes is another chance they may notice one of your mistakes.

Cocurricular

Second XI Football Service

Red Shield Appeal, Narbethong State Special School, MS Moonlight Walk

Currently studying

Oliver is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work in a career in business and economics in Australia.

Aaryan Khagram

Casey House

Make meaningful relationships with your teachers as soon as possible. Your teachers want to help you succeed and will try their best to give you the best shot at getting a good grade. Respect them, do your homework and get to know them better, as this will help them aid you with your academics, allowing you to achieve the best grades possible.

Chun Lee

Mansfield House House Vice-Captain

Churchie has given me an incredible community for the rest of my life. I know wherever I go there will likely be a Churchie Old Boy. Start developing good habits now and not later. Don’t start preparing the night before. Focus on regular short study periods rather than a large amount of studying all at once.

Samuel Lee

Hillary House

Through my years as a Churchie student, the School has taught me to constantly improve myself as a person. It has allowed me to pursue different areas of interest such as basketball and music while supporting my mental health, helping me feel optimistic and determined during stressful times. Churchie has also emphasised behavioural values including selflessness and respect for my peers and friends. Thus, the School has played an integral part in making me a better man.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, Subject Prize for Biology, Subject Prize for Business Management

Service

Prep School Tutoring, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?

Currently studying Aaryan has accepted a Bond University Excellence Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at Bond University and would like to work in medicine.

Awards

QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers Award, QCE Subject Achievement Commendation for achieving the highest result in at least one General subject, QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation, The C E Elliott Rhodes Scholarship Award – Proxime Accessit to the Dux in QCE, QUT Science and Engineering Faculty Dean’s Award for Engineering Prize, Subject Prize for Engineering, The George Weatherlake Memorial Prize for Mathematical Methods, The Allan R Townsend Memorial Prize for Physics

Cocurricular

Symphony Orchestra, Debating

Currently studying

Chun has accepted a UQ Vice-Chancellors Scholarship studying a Bachelor of Biomedicine (Provisional entry into medicine) at The University of Queensland and would like to work as a doctor in Sydney or Melbourne.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular Morris Wind Symphony, Symphony Orchestra, Clarinet Quintet

Service

Narbethong State Special School, Red Shield Appeal, Peer Tutoring

Currently studying

Samuel is studying a Bachelor of Dental Surgery at James Cook University and would like to work as a dentist or in a speciality such as orthodontics.

John Lu

Your teachers are there to help you—they will give you invaluable feedback and resources. Do as many practice exams as possible as they cover all bases and are the most accurate representation of the actual assessment. I recommend spaced repetition as it is the skill that is most effective in remembering information in the long term. While cramming may be easier, it is much less useful.

James Lynch

Keeping good habits regarding exercise, eating, sleeping and social interaction should be a priority above all else. If you are healthy, physically and mentally, you have everything you need to succeed. Talking to teachers regularly about assessments (especially early) is always good for reducing stress and increasing chances of success. Most teachers will be able to give helpful advice for preparation for assignments or exams.

Hamish McDonald

Mansfield House

Churchie assisted in fostering my work ethic and willingness to constantly delve deeper into topics that interest me. To motivate yourself when the going gets tough, think about the goals you have set. Use practice exams and read marking criteria carefully. Prioritise sleep.

Awards

QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers Award, QCE Subject Achievement Commendation for achieving the highest result in at least one General subject, QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation, The Tyrwhitt Memorial Cup – Dux of the School in QCE, The Boyd N Kleinschmidt Memorial Prize for Chemistry, The W C Milligan Memorial Prize for English, Subject Prize for French, The Keith A Dan Memorial Prize for Specialist Mathematics

Cocurricular

Senior Voices, Viking Vocalists 1, Senior B Debating, Senior Musical

Service

Red Shield Appeal, Peer Tutoring, Wild Timor Coffee Drive

Currently studying John has been awarded the Melbourne Chancellor’s Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Science at The University of Melbourne and aspires to become a medical specialist based in Australia.

Awards

Subject Prize for Japanese

Service

Peer Tutoring

Currently studying James is studying a Bachelor of Biomedical Science at The University of Queensland and would like to work as a doctor.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, Subject Prize for Accounting, The Anglican Financial Services (ANFIN) Award for Economics, The Sir Donald Bradman Memorial Medal, The D C C Crombie Memorial Prize

Cocurricular

First XI Cricket

Currently studying Hamish is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work in a wealth management role.

Kingsley House

Churchie has encouraged me to strive for my best, that putting in effort will equal results, and that it is important to pursue your passions and personal growth. Plan out your week and block out times to do work for your subjects. Use class time effectively. The more you get done in class the less you have to do outside of school hours. Do subjects that you enjoy.

Mateo

Oliveira Munro

Mansfield House

Churchie has taught me numerous study skills that will help me in future tertiary academic studies while also providing me with opportunities to grow and be ready for life after school. Don’t give up just because it’s hard. Remember that everyone around you will support you, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Do practice tests each weekend, then focus on studying the content you didn’t know from that test.

Awards

The Ausenco Engineering Scholarship

Cocurricular

Fourth V Basketball Service

Red Shield Appeal, Clean the Creek, Anglicare Christmas Appeal

Currently studying

Luca has received an Ausenco Engineering Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at The University of Queensland and would like to work as an engineer in a Spanishspeaking country.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Third VI Volleyball, Third IV Tennis, Morris Wind Symphony, Percussion Ensemble 1

Currently studying Mateo is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and Master of Engineering at The University of Queensland and would like to work as a chemical engineer in Australia.

Hillary House

Churchie’s mission, the making of men, encompasses many values as well as actions. A man is a person capable of great success, yet in defeat will learn from his mistakes. He is modest in his achievements and giving to others. Most importantly, he is graceful to all that seek grace, however strong enough to defend his ideals when needed. I hope this to be the man I am today.

Awards

QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers Award, QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation, Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Third XI Football, Duke of Ed Gold Award

Currently studying

Nicholas has accepted a UQ ViceChancellors scholarship to study a Bachelor of Engineering/Master of Engineering at The University of Queensland.

Harry Rae

Nansen House, Prefect Captain of Debating

Make it fun. The best way is to study what you want to study, so select subjects you enjoy and find easy to get motivated for. Have friends to study with. Do debating, for essay and public speaking skills. Read the task sheet for assignments, it’s always the best strategy and the first thing to look for. For exams, do practice tests, in exam conditions, but do them soon before the test and don’t exhaust them before you know all the content. Flashcards are always great resources.

Awards

The I M Williamson Memorial Bursary, Academic Excellence Award, Subject Prize for Mathematics: Applications and Interpretations, Subject Prize for Philosophy, Subject Prize for Theatre, The Ben Prior Memorial Prize for Debating

Cocurricular

Senior A Debating, Choir, Viking Vocalists

1, Senior Voices, Senior Musical

Service

Minus18 BBQ initiative

Currently studying

Harry is studying a Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at The University of Queensland and would like to work as a maths teacher in Queensland, Tasmania or England.

Manny Samios

Mansfield House, School Vice-Captain, Prefect

Churchie’s mission, the making of men, to me represents what every student’s ultimate aspiration should be during their journey through the School. Regardless of how many awards you have, how many sports you play, or what badge you may own, everyone has the potential to live a kind and principled life and achieve their best self.

Tom Scott-Newman

Kingsley House, Prefect

Churchie taught me resilience— to always learn from my mistakes and not fear failure and see it as an opportunity to improve. Stay on top of your content and do every practice exam. Work with your mates and remember you are all in it together. Set realistic goals. Start the assignment early and always ask your teachers questions if you are unsure about an area in the assignment. Make weekly summaries and do brain dumps. Complete every practice exam.

Awards

The Spirit of Churchie Award, Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

First VI Volleyball, Senior A Debating, Second Open Basketball

Service

Sony Camp, McGregor State School Special Education Unit, Red Shield Appeal, World’s Greatest Shave, Mud Army, Peer Tutoring

Currently studying

Manny has accepted a Sir Samuel Griffith Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine at Griffith University and would like to work as a medical practitioner in cardiology or anaesthetics.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Third XI Football, Sixth XV Rugby

Service

Clean the Creek, World’s Greatest Shave, Red Shield Appeal, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?

Currently studying

Tom has accepted a UQ Merit Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Engineering at The University of Queensland and hopes to create his own mechatronic engineering automation company.

Tom Servin

Gerald House

Churchie has given me immeasurable support in building my friendship networks, work ethic and views as a young person, preparing me for my step into the outside world. Become involved in all aspects of the school. Don't be afraid to step out of the box. I always thought about an end goal that I wanted to achieve, and then I broke that down into achievable checkpoints for each day and the task became less daunting.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Sony Camp Service

World’s Greatest Shave top fundraiser award 2019

Currently studying

Tom is studying a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) at The University of Queensland and hopes to work as a veterinarian for the Magic Millions.

Jared Sia

Mansfield House

The making of men means growing and developing your character such that you become an empathetic and humble person. Churchie gives you many chances to partake in service and cocurricular opportunities that allow you to become a well-rounded person. Studying with friends who can keep you accountable and on track is the best way to make sure you don’t procrastinate. Remember that every sacrifice you make along the way will pay off in the end.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Third VI Volleyball, Chamber Strings 1, Symphony Orchestra

Service

Red Shield Appeal, SBH Queensland Wheel and Walk, Peer tutoring

Currently studying

Jared is studying a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University and would like to specialise in the field of dermatology.

Connor Sobey

Kingsley House House Captain

I struggled with procrastination, and my advice to younger students is to study with friends who hold them accountable as well as attend study sessions. As annoying as it is, putting your phone in another room really helps you stay focused. Break big scary tasks down into their smallest and simplest steps, allowing you to tackle one after the other in short periods of time.

Cocurricular

Third V Basketball, Second VI Volleyball, Open First Water Polo

Service

Clean the Creek

Currently studying Connor is studying a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at the Australian Catholic University and would like to own his own business as a physiotherapist.

Tom Son

Mawson House

My best piece of advice is to persevere through the tough times and ask a lot of questions of your teachers and peers. Trust the process instead of the end goal, that is, ensure you are enjoying yourself in the process of achieving your goal. Start revision early and complete as many practice exams as possible. Study with set time breaks in between instead of going for longer hours.

Benny Streeton

Kingsley House, Prefect Captain of Service

I took as many opportunities as possible to try different activities at Churchie. It helped me mature into an adult by teaching me skills in leadership, communication and hard work. Keep up daily routines of sports and sleep during exam periods and make sure you maximise your study time by avoiding distractions.

Harry Swindle

Mawson House House Captain

Fill your spare time with cocurricular activities surrounded by mates that will recharge your batteries and keep you true to your study commitments. Service may seem daunting and difficult to make time for in a busy schedule, but no matter the act of service, large or small, you will reap great satisfaction. Effective organisation strategies applied to your busy schedule will allow time for the things that you love to do.

Cocurricular First VI Volleyball (2021)

Service

Sony Camp

Currently studying Tom is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work as an investment banker in Sydney.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, The Arthur Young Memorial Prize for Service to the School Community

Cocurricular Cross Country, Sixth XV Rugby Service

Sony Camp, Red Shield Appeal, World’s Greatest Shave, The Kokoda Challenge, Clean the Creek

Currently studying

Benny is studying a Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work in strategic development and investment for a major engineering firm.

Cocurricular

Second VI Volleyball, Fourth XV Rugby Service

Red Shield Appeal, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?, Trade Mutt fundraiser

Currently studying

Harry is studying a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Commerce at The University of Queensland and would like to work overseas in a large engineering firm.

Magnus House

Staying on top of classwork, homework and assessment is the most important thing you can do to achieve academic success. Once you start to fall behind it’s very easy for this to compound and leave you weeks behind. Simple things like having a calendar outlining when things are due and when you are going to complete your tasks is a huge help.

Mansfield House, Prefect

Enjoy the little things.

Churchie has given me a platform to learn and develop close friendships that will last a lifetime. The connections I developed and the cocurricular opportunities I experienced will aid me in all aspects of life. I know that the mates I’ve made during my time at school will always support me and I them. Surround yourself with a supportive group of mates you can trust and teachers that care about you.

Awards

QCE Subject Achievement Commendation, QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation

Cocurricular

First XI Football Service

Red Shield Appeal

Currently studying Liam is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and would like to work in the finance industry as an investment banker, either in Sydney or the US or UK.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, Subject Prize for Literature, Subject Prize for Spanish

Cocurricular

Second V Basketball, First VI Volleyball Service

Red Shield Appeal, World’s Greatest Shave, Sony Camp, Peer Tutoring, Mental Awareness Foundation fun run

Currently studying

Lachlan has received several offers from US colleges to study business management and hopes to work in player management in the NBA.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award, The Andrew Potanin Memorial Prize for Creative Writing.

Cocurricular

Debating, Symphony Orchestra Service

Youngcare’s The Bolt fun run, Red Shield Appeal

Currently studying

Kevin has accepted a Chancellor’s Excellence Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Medical Sciences (Medical Pathway) at the University of South Queensland and would like to work as an orthopaedic surgeon.

Jack Wilkins

Casey House

Angus Young

Grenfell House, Prefect House Vice-Captain Head Sacristan

Dashiell Young

Biggs House, School Vice–Captain, Prefect

Find your strengths early so that you can take them through into your senior years. The best thing to do when you feel unmotivated is to have an afternoon off to relax and reset before picking up the books the next day. Motivation comes from the goals you want to achieve so always remind yourself of where you want to be at the end of each year.

Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Second XI Cricket, Third V Basketball Service

World’s Greatest Shave, Dutton Park State School, Sony Camp, MS Moonlight Walk, Mother’s Day Classic, Red Shield Appeal, Push for Better Foundation Push-Up Challenge, Walk for Awareness, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?

Currently studying Jack is studying a Bachelor of Health Science at The Australian National University and would like to work with professional athletes as a sports doctor or specialise in orthopaedics for sports injuries.

There have been many Churchie boys who have walked before you and many that will follow your legacy. We each share individual struggles, but you will find your strength renewed through the Churchie collective and the support of friends, family and the wider Churchie community. Being a Churchie boy is an immense honour and privilege, and it is important to give back to the community.

Awards

QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation

Cocurricular

Second XI Football, Fifth XV Rugby, Air Force Cadets

Currently studying Angus is studying a Bachelor of Advanced Finance and Economics at The University of Queensland and looks forward to a successful career in finance with the possibility of working internationally.

Never leave any academic work to the last minute. Always progress at a steady pace through revision, homework and assignments. If you build good habits and discipline in your younger years, it will translate tenfold in your senior academic pursuits. The best tip I can give is to meditate before every exam. Sit in a silent area and think about nothing for about 15 minutes to allow yourself to use the full potential of your study and mind in the exam room.

Awards

QCE Distinguished Academic Achievers Award, QCE Subject Achievement Commendation, The Dr Paul McCarthy Memorial Bursary, The John Crampton Andrews Memorial Award, Academic Excellence Award

Cocurricular

Chess, Debating, Big Band 1, Sixth XV Rugby, Fourth VI Volleyball

Service

Sony Camp, Red Shield Appeal, Push for Better Foundation Push-Up Challenge

Currently studying Dashiell has accepted a UQ ViceChancellor’s Scholarship to study Doctor of Medicine as part of the Provisional Entry for School-Leavers programme at The University of Queensland and hopes to practise medicine in Australia.

Jayden Yun

Mawson House

Managing your time and mental health is very important to stay on top of your work and not get overwhelmed. Whenever you need support, talk to a staff member or your friends. For exams, doing repetitive practice questions and practice exams will best support you. For assignments, talk to your teacher to better understand the learning goals. Spaced repetition and active recall are both useful tools to help memorise content.

Service

Clean the Creek, Viking Fun Run for R U OK?

Currently studying

Jayden has accepted a Sydney Scholars Award to study a Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies (Dalyell Scholars) at The University of Sydney and would like to work as an investment banker at JP Morgan or Goldman Sachs.

Andrew Zhang

Mansfield House

Time management is very important, especially in Years 11 and 12. Keep up to date on when everything is due and plan out a timeline that allows you to complete and review the assignment before the due dates. Even out academic workloads throughout the term by setting realistic goals at certain points of each assignment and study period to avoid having unnecessary stress before due dates or exams. Re-read your notes and summarise the important sections. Do practice exams.

Awards

QCE Certificate of Academic Commendation

Cocurricular Symphony Orchestra, Swimming

Currently studying Andrew has accepted a UQ ViceChancellor’s Scholarship to study a Bachelor of Architectural Design at The University of Queensland.