WINTER ISSUE 2017
The CCARE Classroom | Volleyball Premiership India Tour | Emotional Intelligence in the Early Years 100 Years of Old Boys | The Centenary Library
Key dates 10 Jul
19 Jul
20 Jul
23 Jul
28 Jul
First Day of Term 3
Past Mothers High Tea
Churchie's Best Solos
Brisbane City Bands Festival
Grandparents Day
4 Aug
11 Aug
19 Aug
23 Aug
30 Aug
Camera Obscura
Jazz Under the Stars
Boarders Support Group Cocktail Party
Years 5 and 6 Musical
Prep School Book Week Parade
13 Sep
14 Sep
3 Oct
13 Oct
26 Oct
Mothers Spring Luncheon
Last Day of Term 3
First Day of Term 4
Churchie Art Awards
Churchie Awards in Media
2 Nov
10 Nov
11 Nov
17 Nov
21 Nov
Prep School Arts Evening
Awards Assembly, Speech Night
'the churchie' Official Opening
Valedictory Celebration
Prep School Christmas Service
22 Nov
26 Nov
27 Nov
28 Nov
3 Dec
Churchie Cricket Luncheon
Churchie Christmas Carols
Music Gala Concert
Early Childhood Christmas Pageant
Last Day of Term 4
Editorial Team Editor Matthew Hade Assistant Editor Amelia Fulton Proofreading emdash editing Design JSAcreative Printing Fast Proof Press
Photography Amanda Bloxsom Photography, Rene Marcel Photography, Welcome to the Fold, and the staff, family and friends of Churchie. Cover image Students from Year 1 completing an activity during Religious Education class.
Editorial and advertising enquiries Telephone 07 3896 2246 or email eagleswings@churchie.com.au
Contents
02 04 08 10 12 HEADMASTER’S MESSAGE
THE CENTENARY LIBRARY
IVY LEAGUE SCHOLARS
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE
VOLLEYBALL PREMIERSHIP
14 16 20 22 24 EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
THE CCARE CLASSROOM
NEW STAFF
WE LOVE WRITING
CHURCHIE BOARDING
26 28 30 32 34 OBA CENTENARY
ARTS NEWS
SENIOR PLAY
INDIA TOUR
BILLY CART GRAND PRIX
39 40 41 44 46 STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS
OLD BOYS' ASSOCIATION
AUSTRALIA DAY HONOURS
IN MEMORIAM
CHURCHIE FOUNDATION
FROM TH E H E A DM A STE R
Spirit of
St Magnus
Of all of the signs and symbols that have become synonymous with Churchie over the years, St Magnus, the Viking saint, must surely be one of the most enduring.
We have his statue high on the north wall of the Chapel. We have Magnus Hall, Magnus Quad and Magnus House. We have the Viking CafĂŠ, Vintage Vikings (Old Boys) and The Viking yearbook. At major sporting events, Eric the Viking is featured and Viking references adorn team names and rowing boats.
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When our youngest boys enter Reception each year, still only five years of age, they come into the Chapel on the first day. Following a blessing they are invited to look upwards and to imagine the Chapel ceiling as the hull of a Viking ship in which they are about to set sail on the Churchie voyage.
In Canon Morris’ book, Sons of Magnus, Churchie’s founder recounts his thinking behind his choice of St Magnus as Churchie’s patron saint. The school crest bears the symbols of Viking courage and potency; the battleaxes are crossed to convey self-sacrifice. Instead of coming to do harm unto others, St Magnus eschews a life of violence and privilege and gives himself to service through Christian love and, ultimately, martyrdom. Canon Morris wanted us all to be inspired by a man of faith and conviction—a man who would renounce a life of privilege, power and corruption and dedicate his life to his faith and service. This year is the 900th anniversary of the martyrdom of St Magnus. Churches and significant structures around the world bear his name, and his story will be told anew to people who seek inspirational figures of faith, courage and leadership. The Founder was clearly moved by the example of St Magnus and the manner in which his story and example might inspire boys. There is no doubt that the St Magnus qualities of courage, learning, service, humility and dedication to task are what we seek for our students today as they live the Churchie mission and embrace the Viking spirit. Through academia, service, sport, the arts and faith development, our students continue to live Churchie’s values locally, nationally and internationally. Our young scholars know they have a responsibility to seize the opportunities afforded to them and to use their talents and gifts to serve the communities in which they live. This winter edition of Eagles’ Wings provides a broad and colourful range of activities expressed in great Viking spirit by students, staff and Old Boys. Dr Alan Campbell Headmaster @ChurchieHM
Left: A statue of St Magnus overlooks Founder’s Court; Top: The Chapel ceiling resembles an inverted Viking ship; Middle: The Prep School Viking Wall; Bottom: Magnus Hall and Magnus Quad
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TH E C E NTE N A RY L I BR A RY
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The heart of
learning
The Centenary Library, a tertiary-inspired innovative environment, is now complete and providing a range of services to students and staff, making it the heart of learning at Churchie.
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Open from the beginning of Term 2, The Centenary Library is now home to key academic and pastoral services including the Senior School Library, Student Services (counselling and careers), Chaplaincy, Director of Service, Churchie IT, Learning Support, Archives, Mawson House, a research centre and The Arches café. This coalition of services reflects Churchie’s four tenets and has not only reinvigorated Churchie’s mission to make men of strong character and intelligence, but has solidified the library as the learning heart of the school. Boys are studying, collaborating and taking advantage of the broad services offered within the building throughout the day— before, during and after school hours. The Centenary Library embraces the vision to facilitate a more active, responsive and personalised approach that enables learning to stretch beyond the walls of the conventional school space. The flexible learning spaces, which are spread throughout the building, provide teachers with a greater pedagogical freedom and students with greater creativity in their group learning and individual study. Students and teachers engage in learning that is digital, tactile and visual.
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In addition to classrooms, group study rooms, covered outdoor areas, video conference rooms and meeting rooms, over 90 individual spaces can be found across the four levels for quiet study and leisure time for the boys. On the lower level, overlooking The Flat, is a 250-seat lecture theatre while the ground floor is home to The Arches café. For ongoing professional learning and development of Churchie’s academic staff, the research centre will be an institution for the development of evidence-based, next-practice, professional learning and for provocative thought. Each visit to The Centenary Library reveals something new. It is a welcoming and inspiring environment that we are very pleased to see students taking full advantage of. Whether boys are reading quietly, socialising in the café, working on a group assignment, planning a service activity or meeting with student services, The Centenary Library is already established as Churchie's learning heart.
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Noah Milbourne and Alexander Jeremijenko
Ivy League
scholars
Noah Milbourne and Alexander Jeremijenko, from the class of 2016, will commence study at two of the world’s most prestigious universities after being accepted into leading Ivy League institutions Yale and Brown.
From July, Alexander will study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Economics and Mathematics, at Yale University while Noah will commence a Bachelor of Science/Bachelor of Mathematics at Brown University. They will cross the world’s largest ocean, but our newest Churchie Old Boys will be just 100 miles apart in the neighbouring states of Connecticut and Rhode Island in Northeastern USA. The offer to study at two of the world’s best universities acknowledges Noah’s and Alexander’s commitment to, and success in, a broad range of activities. Both achieved highly in their academic pursuits and they also committed to the sporting, service and pastoral dimensions of school life, embodying Churchie’s four tenets. As well as being very active in GPS Chess and Football, Noah was deeply involved in community service and spiritual life at Churchie. He organised key fundraising events, participated in the Sony Foundation Holiday Camp and the Samoa Service Tour, and was Casey House Vice-Captain of Spiritual Awareness. At Speech Night 2016, Noah was awarded the Canon Morris Memorial Prize for Service
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to the School through its Spiritual Life. Noah is looking forward to a ‘broad college experience where academic, social and extra-curricular life are integrated and almost all students live on campus in an intellectually driven community'. Alexander was a Prefect, Captain of Boats and a member of the First VIII rowing crew. At Speech Night 2016, Alexander was awarded the C E Elliott Rhodes Scholarship Award for Outstanding Academic and All-Round Excellence, as the Proxime Accessit. Alexander said, ‘Yale will offer the framework that could involve me extensively with incredible people, both staff and fellow students—people who could lift me up academically as well as behaviourally, through fierce competition and productive collaboration.’ Noah and Alexander are the recipients of the Churchie Foundation’s Overseas Study Scholarships for Old Boys, an initiative that supports tertiary study in the USA or UK. We wish both boys all the best.
Hugo van Buuren
Bryn Bradshaw, Harold Shaw, Benjamin Newton, Head of Gifted and Talented Mr Grant Smith, Oscar Pollack, Jonathan Streeton and Austin Macfarlane
TJ Ryan Medal
An unlikely world
Congratulations to Hugo van Buuren, 2016 School Vice-Captain, who has been awarded the prestigious TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship. The award, presented by Education Queensland, is highly selective with no more than 10 issued each year throughout the state.
In April, Churchie hosted the inaugural Brisbane round of the World Scholar’s Cup, an inter-disciplinary academic competition that encourages inclusivity and forward-looking discussion between students of all backgrounds.
The award recognises Hugo’s outstanding academic achievements and superior leadership qualities that were demonstrated through his Year 12 studies. During his time at Churchie, Hugo excelled academically, demonstrated his leadership qualities as School Vice-Captain, contributed significantly to co-curricular pursuits (particularly music) and gave of himself to help others through a variety of service activities. At Speech Night 2016, Hugo was awarded one of the major prizes, The Spirit of Churchie Award, which acknowledges the student who has demonstrated the most outstanding school spirit throughout the year. TJ Ryan awardees receive up to $10,000 to support their undergraduate study. Hugo is currently studying a Bachelor of Science with a concurrent Diploma of Music at the University of Melbourne. The last time a Churchie student received the TJ Ryan medal was in 2008. It is one of Queensland’s most significant scholarship awards. We congratulate Hugo and wish him well for his future endeavours.
The Brisbane round was attended by 151 students from 11 schools. Students studied a six-subject curriculum on the theme of ‘An unlikely world’ and then competed in teams across four events: Team Debate, Scholar’s Bowl, Collaborative Writing and Scholar’s Challenge. Participants are challenged in various disciplines such as art, music, literature, science, social science and history. Fifty Churchie students from Years 7 to 10 participated and were highly successful in the competition. Congratulations to the winning teams in the junior and senior divisions (pictured above). Noah Duval finished as the second placed individual in the whole senior division. Following the Brisbane round, two Churchie teams travelled to Hanoi in July to compete against 3000 students from across the world for the global round of the World Scholar’s Cup. The teams of Austin Macfarlane, Oscar Pollack and Christian Place and Theo Milbourne, Calvin Tan and Matthew Charker performed admirably, finishing 12th and 15th respectively. Individually, Oscar achieved 50th in science and Christian was commended in the overall competition. Both Churchie teams qualified to attend the Tournament of Champions at Yale University in November, and we wish them all the best on their global scholarly journey.
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A new
world school We are pleased to announce that Churchie has been authorised by the International Baccalaureate (IB) as an IB World School for the delivery of the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This exciting news is an endorsement of our Prep School teachers' work over the past three years.
In becoming an IB World School offering the PYP, Churchie joins a specialist group of 1500 schools around the world, across 109 countries. It also serves as inspiration for our Senior School teachers currently working towards authorisation for the Diploma Programme in 2018. Achieving IB World School status is a comprehensive process requiring candidate schools to complete detailed self-examinations, from reflecting on core beliefs to the quality of materials and equipment in classrooms. Additionally, teachers undergo extensive professional development in the delivery of the IB programmes with subject offerings prepared to the exacting requirements of the International Baccalaureate. The process requires schools to be endorsed as a candidate school, whereby the IB programme is implemented on a trial basis in close consultation with the IB. Authorisation is then granted based on the school’s successful progress, leading to a stringent verification process before becoming endorsed as an IB World School. School visits, attendance at IB workshops, and in-school
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collaboration and reflection have continued to contribute to a rigorous and internationally focused curriculum in the Prep School. Alongside preparing for the PYP in the Prep School, Churchie’s Senior School is progressing towards authorisation to offer the IB Diploma Programme (DP). Preparations began in 2015, which led to the appointment of David Shapland as Dean of International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme to oversee the programme’s introduction to Churchie. We look forward to a visit from IB representatives in August this year to verify the work completed so far. Students and parents wishing to find out more about the DP are encouraged to meet with David to help them consider their options. It is important that our young men are able to engage with a broad, liberal education that prepares them with the critical skills needed to lead in an increasingly globalised world. The IB Diploma Programme is an inquiry-based course that aims to develop internationally minded learners. Students study six subjects from a broad range of disciplines, including a language. A unique aspect is that students study the IB core elements, comprising
an extended essay, theory of knowledge and creativity, action and service. Such an approach of study complements Churchie’s tenets and vision. Our preparation for both the PYP and DP has been an exciting professional journey for our teachers, who have reported experiencing some of the best professional development in their careers. Churchie’s teachers have attended workshops covering over 20 subject areas, truly embracing internationalism with training in Bangkok, Dubai, Jakarta, Mumbai, Tokyo, Singapore and Hong Kong. We are proud of the progress made so far and the reception from parents and students about the opportunities offered by the IB programmes at Churchie. Our Year 10 students will be the first students to study the Diploma Programme, which will be offered alongside the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). We look forward to seeing our internationally minded young men graduate from Churchie and move confidently into the global community.
N E W S TA F F
David Shapland Dean of IB Diploma Programme David Shapland joined Churchie at the beginning of the year and brings 25 years of experience in education, the past 11 being focused on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme.
To help us get to know David a little better, we asked him a few questions:
What do you admire about the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme?
What was your first impression of Churchie?
The IB is an internationally recognised qualification that is taught in over 150 countries around the world. It is a liberal, broad-based, internationally minded course of study that requires boys to develop not only their subject knowledge, but also the ability to apply the skills that are integral to developing tertiary ready students.
I cannot believe how quickly I have settled into life at Churchie; the whole community has been incredibly welcoming. It is amazing what we have achieved in such a short time. What are your goals for the next few years?
In addition to being an accomplished teacher of the IB Diploma Programme (DP), David’s experience managing IB programmes will serve Churchie well as we work toward offering the DP to Senior School students from 2018. For the past seven years, David has been the QCAA State Panel Chair for Philosophy and Reason, involved in the trials of the new QCE syllabus and involved in the writing of both the Study of Religion and Philosophy and Reason syllabuses in Queensland.
My role is to introduce the IB Diploma Programme (DP) to the broader school community. Over the next five years, I hope to establish the DP as a significant pathway for our students. I am confident that this will add great value to Churchie's vibrant learning culture of critical and creative thinking.
Tell us a bit more about you‌ I am passionate about the outdoors. I have been a sailing, windsurfing and rock climbing instructor. Last year I took my family on an unsupported four-day sea kayaking trip along the coast of New Zealand. In 1991 I received a bravery award by the Lord Mayor of London for defending a housemate who was being assaulted by a home intruder.
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A historic
victory
The 2017 GPS Volleyball season was historic because for the first time, Churchie achieved back-to-back undefeated premierships.
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Since commencing in 1994, volleyball at Churchie has grown into a thriving sport, currently fielding 21 teams with students from Years 7 to 12. In addition to the back-to-back undefeated premiership achieved by the First VI, all remaining teams achieved top three places in their respective divisions. Impressively, seven teams finished undefeated and three teams did not lose a single set throughout the season—one of those teams (10C) was awarded Team of the Year. For Director of Volleyball Shaun McLean, the impressive statistics reflect the deep community of support from coaches, parents, staff and the Volleyball Support Group. It is also testament to the spirit fostered among the boys. They not only developed their on-the-court skills, but also demonstrated a culture of humility, sportsmanship, commitment and generosity that is the hallmark of the co-curricular programme at Churchie. ‘I have witnessed senior players giving up their own time to coach and support junior teams. These moments are invaluable to our younger players as they mature and navigate through their time at Churchie. The success of this season was no accident; it required hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and—most of all— love of what you are doing,’ Shaun said.
Shaun also paid tribute to coaches and parents, many of whom went above and beyond in many ways. ‘I also saw coaches give their time to referee, supervise, fill in for other coaches and in some instances, coach two teams. We also had generous families providing food and drinks to run the game day canteens at minimal costs to benefit our community and our boys,’ Shaun said.
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M ATCH ES PL AYED
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PREMIERSHIPS
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Emotional intelligence
in the early years
Churchie continues to partner with Professor Con Stough and Justine Lomas from the Emotional Intelligence (EI) Research Unit at Swinburne University of Technology, Melbourne, in the development of EI programmes tailored for our youngest boys.
Emotions affect how we learn. The ability to express, regulate and understand one’s own and others emotions is linked to strong social skills and experiencing success at school. For several years, Churchie has continued the development of emotional competencies for boys and young men. This now includes our youngest students in Reception and Year 1. Together with Swinburne University, Churchie has developed the Emotional Intelligence in Schools: Foundations Development Programme. Boys in Reception and Year 1 engage in a number of lessons designed to introduce them to thinking and talking about emotions. By talking about what emotions are and how emotions work, boys can begin to manage their own experience of strong emotions.
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Boys who are competent at expressing, regulating and understanding emotions tend to be better at problem solving, paying attention and maintaining concentration. They tend to connect easily with their peers, are popular classmates and have more friends. Additionally, these emotionally capable boys tend to have better relationships with their teachers. Boys who are more skilled at managing and regulating their emotions are also more likely to be in a better position to cope with any stress or anxiety that may arise and create distraction in the classroom or the playground. These boys are more resilient.
Consistent with Churchie’s mission of educating well-rounded young men of good character, strong intellect and generosity of spirit, the continued development of emotional intelligence interventions will have great potential for both academic and personal growth.
Joel Trouchet, Oliver Tsui, Zhenyang Wu and James Roper working together to identify emotions
CHURCHIE NEWS
Felice Arena in the Prep School
Arden Hogan, Rupert Drew and Harry Waddell
Literary spectacular
Green thumbs
Avid readers of the Prep School were in for a spectacular treat when Australian author Felice Arena visited the school in May. For over a decade, young readers have been captivated by Felice’s works, which include the award-winning Specky Magee series.
Since September 2016, a dedicated group of Years 4 and 5 boys, under the guidance of Year 4 Team Leader Symond Russell, have formed a Garden Club. The boys have designed two separate areas of raised vegetable and herb garden beds within the Prep School. With the financial support of the Prep Support Group and the generous practical contribution of landscape construction company JMac Constructions, the boys’ designs became reality and were planted with a range of vegetables and herbs.
Felice spoke to the students about the characters in the book, his background to writing the series and about the themes of Specky Magee that connect strongly to young readers. A highlight of the presentation was when Felice brought his work to life with a delightful slow-motion reenactment of an AFL specky (spectacular catch). Felice also introduced students to his latest novel, The Boy and the Spy, which is set in Italy during World War Two. In his presentation, Felice showed the images he collected to help him create the setting for the story and played some of the music he listened to in order to establish the mood of the story. Author visits such as this are such a powerful way to enthuse students about books and reading. After the energetic presentation, students were able to purchase signed copies of Felice’s new book.
The Garden Club meets every Thursday to sow, tend and reap the harvest, exploring connections with the Prep School’s International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme. Lettuce, silver beet, kale, snow peas, tomatoes, ginger, turmeric, oregano, mint, parsley and basil have all been successfully grown by the boys. The Garden Club has also established an effective compost system and worm farm, recycling organic food scraps from Year 4 boys’ lunches, the tuckshop, staffroom and The Arches café. A stingless native beehive has also been established in support of the environment. The new gardens are evidence of Churchie boys taking action to live sustainably.
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The CCARE
classroom Now in her twelfth year teaching at Churchie, Vanessa Gamack is making a significant impact on our students in the Prep School through her Religious Education classes.
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Vanessa Gamack's wonderful work is becoming widely recognised across the education sector and her expertise is being sought by colleagues to share her wealth of experience.
At Speech Night 2016, Cindy Harrop presented Vanessa with the Harrop Family Churchie Teaching Fellowship for 2017. Supported by the fellowship, she will be sharing her innovative teaching programme with educators around the world throughout 2017. Vanessa runs the Prep School's Christian Character and Religious Education programme, or CCARE for short. This sees classes visit her brightly decorated and welcoming classroom regularly throughout the week, taking part in a variety of engaging activities that foster self-awareness, gratitude and emotional resilience. As an example, a typical lesson for Year 1, involves a range of activities to keep the boys moving and engaged. For example, boys blow bubbles outside as a tool to visualise their thoughts and prayers.
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‘The boys love being outside and chasing the bubbles, but I ask them to close their eyes and say a prayer of thanks whenever they see a rainbow in the bubble,’ Vanessa said. ‘This could be followed by a short relaxation inside, where boys lie on the floor, cuddling a ‘prayer bear’ toy and take time to slow down, breath and relax. This is so important to learn. Afterwards, we continue our thankful thoughts in ‘circle time’ for emotional literacy, where the boys take turns saying what they are thankful for. I am so often amazed and impressed at the different things in their lives and their world that the boys feel strongly about and thank God for.’ Digital applications such as Smiling Mind and GoNoodle enable the boys to use modern methodologies to foster their own mindfulness and learn new meditations and prayers to use in their ‘stillness and silence’ times in class.
The Harrop Family Churchie Teaching Fellowship will allow Vanessa to continue her work refining CCARE, particularly with reference to the development of Christian character in our boys. She will travel to and work with leading universities in the United Kingdom and the United States of America that are currently conducting excellent research in the area of character education and its link to academic achievement. Vanessa’s key goals are to help educate young boys to be ‘students of good character who are trustworthy, reliable, thoughtful and persistent young people who will strive to succeed. They will manage challenges more effectively and display greater resilience'. Bringing these qualities into Churchie’s classrooms will not only benefit the young men individually but as a strong cohort who will ‘flourish where others will fail'.
The research is clear: schools that are values-driven have high expectations and demonstrate academic, professional and social success. Vanessa’s CCARE programme is about exploring religion and faith in a critical thinking context, while also supporting the spiritual and emotional growth of every student. It is about empowering students to flourish in a caring culture that values excellence and integrity of learning. As more and more colleagues in the education industry around the world seek out her work, Vanessa has embarked on an ambitious project to share her knowledge and experience. She has created a website blog called The CCARE Classroom (www.theCCAREclassroom.com), and you are invited to follow her journey around the world and back to Churchie as she completes her teaching fellowship.
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N E W STA FF
Scott Warfield Prep School Executive Teacher Scott Warfield joined Churchie in 2016 as Preparatory School Executive Teacher.
To help the Churchie community know a little more about Scott, we asked him a few questions: What was your first impression of Churchie? I was genuinely amazed with the welcome that I received. I was quickly accepted as a team member who had something to contribute, and staff were open and responsive to new ideas. The boys were equally impressive. I can‘t tell you how many hands I shook and hats I had tipped in my direction in my first week. What do you enjoy most about your role? Scott started his teaching career as a secondary teacher of English and Drama, but has since focused on the primary school years and, specifically, literacy and numeracy. As Prep School Executive Teacher, Scott works with staff and students across the Prep School to develop and implement literacy and numeracy programmes. He also oversees eLearning, assists with pastoral care matters, conducts enrolment interviews and teaches 10 hours a week.
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I enjoy the multi-faceted aspect of my role, which takes me from programmes across the Prep School to pastoral care, enrolment interviews and classroom teaching. I also relish the challenges of working in the busy and dynamic environment that Churchie provides.
What do you hope to achieve in the next few years at Churchie? My aim for 2017 and beyond is to implement literacy and numeracy programmes in the Prep School that are world class and true to the philosophy of the International Baccalaureate’s Primary Years Programme. I want to contribute to continuing the enhancement of Churchie’s reputation as a leader in the field of boys’ education. Why did you change from secondary to primary education? After starting as a secondary teacher of English and Drama, I travelled to Hong Kong to be part of the Native English Speaker Teaching Scheme. There I discovered my keen interest in the primary school years and, upon returning to Brisbane, sought to build on this passion in relation to primary school literacy and numeracy.
James Brown Deputy Head of Senior School James Brown joined Churchie at the beginning of this year as Deputy Head of Senior School, moving from Melbourne with his wife and three children.
As Deputy Head of Senior School, James will be responsible for logistics in the Senior School, such as staffing and general operations, as well as managing the pastoral learning curriculum. He will be one of the first people new Churchie students meet— an honour that James treasures most about his role. We asked James a few questions to help the Churchie community get to know him better: What was your first impression of Churchie?
Previously, James has held a variety of leadership roles in leading Victorian APS schools Wesley College, Xavier College and Carey Grammar. James has a Masters of Education from the University of Melbourne and, in 2014, was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to study educational leadership at California State University where he focused on the topic of ‘Access and equity in education’.
You cannot help but be impressed with the buildings and grounds at Churchie. But when I first arrived on campus, I asked a group of students for directions to reception. The boys responded promptly and enthusiastically, ‘We’ll take you there,’ and proceeded to walk me to the Jackson building. Along the way, they freely answered my questions and chatted so positively. It was an amazing first impression!
What do you hope to achieve in the next few years at Churchie? Schools are great communities. Over the next few years I hope to get to know staff, students and parents and really establish myself in the school community. What do you like to do outside of school? It will probably come as no surprise that, being from Melbourne, I love AFL. I enjoy cooking, although I must admit I like other people’s cooking more than my own. I also love taking my kids fishing—and occasionally we even catch something. We can’t wait to explore the best fishing spots in Queensland. What is your advice for new Churchie students? When I interview incoming and prospective students, I love hearing how they hope to contribute to the school and what they hope to gain in return. I often say, ‘If you embrace Churchie, Churchie will embrace you.’
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We love
writing It is always a pleasure to see boys enthusiastically discussing their work with their peers and teachers. This is the strength of the Prep School’s approach to teaching, learning and assessing writing.
At weekly assemblies, Head of Preparatory School Michael Dunn has been sharing some of our young authors’ work. This is a great way to celebrate the creativity of our boys and promote a writing culture. For Prep School Executive Teacher Scott Warfield, the success of this initiative can be measured by the ever-growing number of samples that are submitted for consideration to be read each week and the anticipation and excitement from the boys about the possibility of having their work read.
‘It has been particularly pleasing to see not only excellent writing being produced, but also the way in which the boys discuss their writing using the 6 + 1 Writing Model,’ Scott said. The 6 + 1 Writing Model is an internationally recognised framework for teaching, learning and assessing writing. It comprises six traits considered to be the hallmarks of quality writing: ideas, organisation, voice, sentence fluency, word choice and conventions. In addition to these traits, the '+1' is presentation.
‘Seeing the boys discuss their work within this framework signals to us that they are highly engaged with writing processes and can articulate the strengths and weaknesses of their work. It speaks volumes about the quality of instruction taking place in our classrooms,’ Scott said. Here are some writing examples with commentary from the authors to illustrate how the writing traits are helping them develop and reflect on their work.
James Aralar, Year 5: Voice The brightly coloured berries were a rarity on the bleak mountain. Far below, the roar of a waterfall was just heard above the skeleton-like chattering of Ellis’s teeth. Gazing ahead, past the Douglas pine trees and the bubbling stream, Ellis saw the glinting ice formations on the mountain.
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ct ur e sc rib e th e pi I wa nt ed to de in d m y m in e th at I co ul d se s. ve es an d ad rb us in g ad je ct iv ce en di au th e I re al ly wa nt ed r m in ds th e ei th in e se to ul d se e. co I pi ct ur e
Thomas Hatzifotis, Year 4: Sentence fluency Scientists have estimated that around 50 million bags enter the Australian litter stream every year. Unless they are collected, they remain in the environment and accumulate at a staggering rate. If these 50 million plastic bags were made into a single plastic sheet, it would be big enough to fit over the Melbourne CBD!
Jacob Seldon, Year 3: Word choice, voice, organisation It was a long and arduous journey when suddenly a bunch of snapdragons grabbed hold of them. Camo told Max that the only way to defeat them was to make them laugh. Max told them a joke. He screamed, ‘What is a sleeping bull called? …. A bulldozer!’ The plants laughed and laughed. Max and Camo ran past and continued their journey.
Jihoon Kim, Year 6: Word choice Every one of you know and see the rubbish fluttering around the place. These little innocent looking pieces of trash are actually cold-blooded killers. The average piece of rubbish that drifts into the oceans, such as wrappers or plastic cling wrap, kills thousands of birds and sea-life every year, pollutes drinking water and makes an unpleasant sight. Since money is so important, the government should fine people for not recycling. Louis Emanuel, Year 5: Word choice, conventions and sentence fluency As Jack cautiously crept through the damp dark forest, he came across an expansive green field of grass with a mossy staircase leading up to a dark cave. Jack crept up to the mossy stairs and realised that the grass was moss as thick as a rug! He grabbed his thick boots from his backpack and walked up the staircase. Jack could smell the damp, musty rainforest and see the trees sway like a boat in the middle of the ocean. As he walked up the staircase, Jack heard a loud crack and then a deafening bang. Harry Wong, Year 6: Sentence fluency, word choice, voice Wearily, Joe dragged his exhausted body step after step. For his sunburnt body, it felt like a heatwave. As the bright rays beamed down on his sweaty face, he saw a bright green 7eleven store. Joe used his last burst of energy to purchase a $3.70 frozen Fanta. Relieved, Joe sipped his refreshingly cold drink and kept trudging along the busy streets of New York.
Felix Mutinelli, Year 5: Voice I was hiding like a dog with a stolen shoe, holed up in my little tent. It had started a little while after the Eureka Stockade. Walking into town, I had spotted a wanted sign for Olive and me. As soon as I saw the poster, I ran as fast as a lion. I could smell the hostility radiating from them. I got that metallic taste in my mouth as they recognised me. At that time, not a single sound was heard. Not one kookaburra squawked. No miner shouted, ’Eureka!’
I ha ve the wo rd ‘th ey’ to rep lac e ’50 mil lion ba gs’ . I ha ve put the pun ctu ati on in the rig ht spo ts. My sen ten ce beg inn ing s are all dif fer en t, wh ich ma kes the pie ce mo re int ere stin g.
I like the word choic e of the first line. I liked my joke in there also. I wante d the audie nce to laugh at the joke. I didn’t want to make the probl em and resolu tion too big, so I did a simpl e resolu tion.
I like tha t I cho se wo rds tha t we re em oti on al an d po we rfu l. I did thi s bec aus e I wa nte d to pe rsu ad e my aud ien ce. I tur ne d ph ras es aro und 180 deg ree s to giv e imp act , suc h as ‘inn oce nt loo kin g pie ces of tra sh’ to ‘co ld- blo ode d kill ers ’ in the sec on d sen ten ce.
the I used a lot of adje ctive s to desc ribe liked I that s scen e. I used a coup le of simile s ctive adje and s simile as well. I adde d the g ribin desc was I think t didn’ I use later beca how and wher e the main char acte r went writi ng, he went very well. Also , when I was le, simp of e rang wide a use I tried to comp ound and comp lex sent ence s.
I really worked hard to improve my sentence starters and word choice. I was trying this to make the piece more interesting for the reader. I used third person so I could describe what was happening in more detail from the point of view of the narrator.
I wan ted the audi ence to feel what I was desc ribin g. I used devi ces like simil e and meta phor to do this. I used the sens es of sigh t, tast e on and soun d. I tried to use infor mati that was relev ant to gold rush in Aust ralia . I was hopi ng that this woul d give the read er a sens e of the time and plac e.
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End of
an era The Struss family in 2013
When Charles Struss graduates this year, he will be the last of five brothers to come through Churchie Boarding, following Hugo, Dugald, Harrison and William Struss. The boys follow both their father, Bim Struss, and grandfather, Victor Sealy, into the community of Churchie Old Boys.
With such a longstanding connection, Charles remembers Churchie always being part of his family. He said, ‘Since I could remember I have always been around the Churchie community, be it watching the First XV or swimming at Hinze Dam on a Saturday regatta. I just couldn’t wait until it was my turn to don the blue and grey.’
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All five Struss brothers contributed significantly to the co-curricular programme during their time at Churchie, in particular in rowing and rugby. The Struss family property is south-west of Brisbane in Beaudesert. When not at school in Brisbane, the boys all spent many hours working on the family farm, an integrated farming business growing turf and meat chickens. After 17 years', involvement with Churchie, the boys’ mother Jane reflects, ‘Churchie has been a happy place for our boys. They have all enjoyed boarding, achieving independence and confidence for when they left school. We will miss the regular visits to Churchie, watching sporting fixtures and catching up with friends and meeting new people.’ We asked the Struss brothers what life was like for them at Churchie Boarding: Hugo (2005): The best part of boarding I am only starting to realise now. As time goes on and those school days turn into history, I appreciate the mates I have found. It’s brought home especially when we attend weddings of mates and the old boarders are still the closest of friends, even after years apart.
Dugald (2007): I enjoyed my time boarding. There was always something happening, such as touch on The Flat in the afternoon, usually ending in boys from all boarding houses playing. Harrison (2010): I have plenty of fond memories from Churchie. In hindsight, I think what I most enjoyed about boarding was the opportunity to meet a wide variety of people from backgrounds very different to my own. William (2012): Boarding shaped my present core group of friends by not only facing school life with them but also living out everyday life right next to them, experiencing a part of school that many students don’t. Charles (2017): It is not just the facilities and the teachers that make it enjoyable, it’s the ability to do all of this with your best mates. I have thoroughly enjoyed my boarding journey at Churchie, as I feel that it has made me the man I am today.
Show
success Benjamin Duddy placed fourth in the ASC/RAS Beef Paraders Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show.
With around 1200 nominations across Australia and 30 breeds of cattle parading, the cattle competitions at the Sydney Show draw immense crowds and often lead to valuable business for the winning exhibitors. Benjamin also won the Stud Beef Cattle Judging competition at the Marburg Show in May this year. He won the same category at the Brisbane Ekka last year and was thrilled to retain his winning title. Churchie’s boarding houses are home to a number of boys who participate in livestock shows and travel Australia representing their families. Lachlan Cooper, Thomas Servin, Mac McGilvray and Angus Golden are all in the School Cattle Judging team, while Angus Hacker participated as a Merino judge in the Queensland State Sheep Show at Longreach this year.
Charles Struss
It is wonderful to see the boys of Goodwin and Gerald Houses coming together and sharing in their passions (and their families' livelihoods) in their home away from home at Churchie.
Hugo Struss (centre, back row) and the victorious 2005 First VIII
Benjamin Duddy at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
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The pocket swim in Norman Creek, 1937
100 years of
Old Boys
Eleven Old Boys of the Church of England Grammar School convened a meeting on 23 May 1917 to form an Old Boys’ Association. The first Old Boys reunion was held in October 1921, with 24 in attendance—establishing a legacy that would last a century and beyond.
A Pictorial History of Churchie
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John Sherry, First IV cox 1947
To mark 100 years since the first meeting of the Churchie Old Boys’ Association, the OBA has commissioned a book celebrating Churchie’s history and featuring never-before-seen photographs. Authored by James Mason OAM, A Pictorial History of Churchie creates a pictorial and chronological journey, using images and light commentary, to reflect the life and times of the school. The book will be available for purchase soon, and we are pleased to preview some of the wonderful imagery in this issue.
Boarders after Sunday chapel in 1941
Full school at St John’s Cathedral, 1916
Charles 'Chilla' Porter in 1954, two years before winning silver in high jump at the Olympics
School House 1928 showing the extension, which replicated the original entrance
Sack race, 1948, a popular sports day event
View from School House, November 1963
Churchie’s first gymnasium under a tree near Goodwin House
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A RTS N E WS
Carl Warner presenting workshops at Churchie
TJ Bird
Make your mark
Creative excellence
In Term 1, contemporary artist Carl Warner collaborated with Visual Art teacher Natalie Lynch in a series of lectures and workshops for Year 11 students. The theme of the curriculum was explorations of ‘the mark’ as an expression, observation and performance. Carl also provided personal recorded feedback to students.
Old Boy Thomas (TJ) Bird (2016) has been awarded the 2017 GOMA Creative Generation Excellence Award in Visual Art for 2017 for his video Helix.
Carl Warner’s work Under 402 (from Under series 2003) was on display in the QAGOMA tenth anniversary exhibition Sugar Spin: You, Me, Art and Everything. He is one of two recipients of the inaugural Brisbane Consortium for the Visual Arts scholarships. His current PhD research project at Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, entitled ‘Dark views in a new light: The Claude Mirror now’, repurposes a forgotten piece of technology for contemporary use in art.
Visitors to last year’s Churchie Art Awards were treated to an immersive sensory encounter as slow-motion video of Brisbane’s iconic river landscape merged into and out of itself, providing a disorientating, yet serene, experience. Spread across three large screen displays and featuring an ambient soundtrack created by fellow Old Boy Hugo van Buuren, TJ’s Helix is something to behold. Now, the wider community can enjoy TJ’s work at GOMA (Gallery of Modern Art) in Brisbane as part of the Creative Generation exhibition, showcasing the best work of Year 12 Visual Art students.
During his artist's residency at Churchie, two original photographs by Carl were displayed in the Hayward Midson Gallery for broader student engagement with his practice. He critiqued the evolution of these works with the Year 12 Visual Art student cohort.
TJ said, ‘Helix is inspired by a strong sense of place and our interactions within an urban environment. For some, time can move quickly, for others these moments are slow and can drag. I created a moment where the audience can decide which part of the composition they occupy.’
Churchie’s Visual Art continues to expand and bring more and more exciting opportunities for the boys to express themselves and to experience new methods and mediums. We look forward to seeing where the Year 11 students’ art takes us throughout the year. The creative works of students will again feature in this year’s CART – Churchie Art exhibition in October.
Churchie is very proud of TJ’s inclusion in the Creative Generation exhibition. He is one of 33 exhibiting students chosen from hundreds of entries across Queensland. This is the third year in a row that Churchie students have been chosen to take part.
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Thirty years of
'the churchie' This year the churchie national emerging art prize (‘the churchie’) celebrates its 30th anniversary. Beginning as a prize run by parent volunteers and exhibited in Morris Hall, ‘the churchie’ is now regarded as the nation’s most reputable emerging art prize, offering an inspiring glimpse into the future of the contemporary art scene. Over the years, ‘the churchie’ has served as a platform for emerging artists to establish their careers. An ever-growing list of finalists—including Jonathan Crowther, Clark Beaumont, Daniel McKewen, Sam Cranstoun, Abdul-Rahman Abdullah and Ross Manning—continue to develop their practice and catch the eyes of the nation’s top gallery directors and curators. The works of two finalists who are also Churchie Old Boys, Sam Cranstoun (2004) and Jonathan Crowther (1994), are featured on this page.
A new curatorial model, developed in conjunction with QUT, now provides the opportunity for artists to work closely with a professional curator to exhibit new artwork, bodies of work, or site-specific projects for the finalist exhibition. An increase of public programmes and marketing in 2017 will see the prize offer finalists more exposure to the arts community and the community at large.
Sponsors are a valued and essential element of ‘the churchie’. Longtime prize money sponsor Brand + Slater Architects will once again provide the overall prize money of $15,000. In addition, two highly commended awards of $1000 each will be announced at the Official Opening + Prize Announcement on Saturday 11 November at the QUT Art Museum, from 5 to 7 pm.
Unlike other art awards, ‘the churchie’ has no restrictions on mediums or themes and encourages artists to explore and express their own personal experiences or perceptions about politics, religion, identity and more. The resulting exhibitions have presented an extremely innovative and diverse range of artworks, initiating conversation and, at times controversy around a broad range of topics.
Each year, a high profile Australian gallery director or curator is invited to judge the overall winner, lending credibility and integrity to the prize. In 2016 ‘the churchie’ formed a partnership with QUT Art Museum, one of Australia’s leading university art museums.
Sam Cranstoun, Coronation Part 1, 2012, pencil on paper, courtesy of the artist and Milani Gallery, Brisbane
Jonathan Crowther, The Marks of Time, 2009, oil on canvas, courtesy of the artist and Lethbridge Gallery, Brisbane
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Faith, trust and
pixie dust
This year’s Senior School Play, Peter Pan, was presented in conjunction with Somerville House. It was a delightful theatrical experience, playing to full-house audiences across the four performances. The production spent many months in preparation, where the Churchie boys and Somerville girls worked collaboratively to hone their stagecraft and creative talent.
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India tour In December 2016, a group of Churchie students and staff embarked on the inaugural service tour to India. Fourteen boys and three staff attended the tour, which continues to develop our global community service experiences and offerings.
The main goal of the tour was for the Churchie boys and staff to teach conversational English to boys and girls at the Prajna Vihar School. Prajna Vihar is an inter-religious school serving students from low socio-economic backgrounds in Bodhgaya, Bihar. The Churchie boys learned much about the culture, religions and history of India through visits to many temples, forts and historical sites in Bodhgaya, Varanasi, Agra, New Delhi and, of course, the famous Taj Mahal. We hope that, through our English language classes, we have made a small contribution to the students' futures in a country where foreign language skills are an advantage when entering the work force.
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CHURCHIE NEWS
Alexander Garraway and Noah Duval
Mitch Wanstall listening to Churchie Music on SoundCloud
Book buddies
Showcase in the cloud
Ten Churchie boys are currently involved in The Smith Family’s student2student reading programme this year. The programme works by matching students who need to improve their reading with a peer support student from Churchie who helps and encourages them with their reading.
Churchie’s composers have been sharing their work with each other and the world. Since 2015, select compositions from Years 11 and 12 students have been uploaded to SoundCloud, a platform where musicians all over the world publish their work.
The students who need help range from Years 3 to 8, with their Churchie peer being at least two years older. The service activity takes place after school hours via the phone, usually for 20 minutes per session, three times a week. The Churchie peer assists his buddy’s learning by applying the ‘Pause, Prompt, Praise’ teaching strategy. The programme is rewarding for both the buddies and the Churchie peers. With regular sessions over 20 weeks, the boys are seeing big improvements in their buddies’ reading competency and enjoyment. Churchie peer support student Noah Duval explains, ‘As you go through a book, it gets easier and easier for them. You can tell they are making progress, which is really nice as you have developed a personal relationship with them.’
The Churchie Music channel has now had thousands of ‘plays’ and is growing in followers. There is an impressive array of music genres. Students now reach audiences well beyond the classroom and across the globe. Head of Music Faculty Paul Kriesch explains: We established SoundCloud so that the students who compose original songs as part of their study have a way of sharing this with each other, their families and the broader community. We’ve seen boys from all years approach and congratulate each other for their creations; it’s been really wonderful and is only getting bigger and better. Visit SoundCloud.com and search for ‘Churchie Music’ to experience this for yourself. From electronic to folk and acoustic styles, the music is varied, complex and original. The boys should be very proud of their work, which showcases their creativity and great musical potential.
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Racing
with cause The annual Prep School Billy Cart Grand Prix is a highlight of the year. Oaklands Parade is transformed into a vibrant racing carnival, where teams put months of preparation to the test.
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The Billy Cart Grand Prix was a wonderful way to finish the term. Parents, grandparents, siblings and friends lined the raceway along Oaklands Parade to cheer their teams and soak up the carnival atmosphere. Congratulations to team AMG, the 2017 champions: Harrison Inglis, Hamish Ward and Angus Shearer-Smith (pictured right with Michael Dunn and Dr Alan Campbell). The driving forces behind this event are to foster teamwork between students and bring families together to prepare. Beyond the racing, however, lies another purpose; it is a fundraising opportunity for the boys to raise money for a cause. This year, proceeds from the entry fee, sausage sizzle and free dress day were donated to World Vision.
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C H U RC H I E N E WS
Darcy Wruck (Copyright Delly Carr/Rowing Australia)
Director of Football Derek Lennon and Jonny McKain
World Cup rower
A global journey
When Churchie Old Boy Darcy Wruck (2012) was selected in the Australian Rowing Team for the 2017 World Rowing Cups 2 and 3, it was the continuation of a long-held dream to row for Australia. Named in the Australian Men’s Coxed VIII squad, Darcy will be a member of the crew competing in both World Rowing Cups in Poland and Switzerland respectively. These events are a precursor to the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Florida, USA, in September and October.
From the Churchie First XI to representing Australia at the Olympics and playing in professional leagues around the world Old Boy Jonathan ‘Jonny’ McKain (1999) has achieved a lot in his seventeen-year football career.
As Vice-Captain of Boats in his senior year, Darcy was a member of the winning Open First VIII. Since then, his rowing career has continued to go from strength to strength. Darcy was first selected to row in the junior coxed fours for Australia at the 2013 World Junior Rowing Championships. He again raced for Australia in 2016 at the World Rowing U23 Championships in Rotterdam, as part of the Men's VIII. Earlier this year, Darcy was part of the first intake of athletes to the Reinhold Batschi Men's National Training Centre in Canberra, which is Australian Rowing’s high performance facility. Darcy is the third Churchie Old Boy to row in a Senior Men’s VIII for Australia. The first was Peter Shakespear (1964) in 1975 and the second was David Mathews (1997) in 2002.
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Since his debut for the Brisbane Strikers in 1999, Jonny has since made 326 appearances in football arenas across the globe. He moved to Romania at age 20 for his first professional team, which was the beginning of a long and successful career. Meeting coaching legends Walter Zenga and Frank Farina, competing in the Olympics at Athens and being a member of the ‘Golden Generation’ of Socceroos (with 16 representative matches) are some of the highlights. A proud family man, Jonny and his wife Marie have returned to Brisbane to raise their three sons close to family and friends. They are excited to start the next phase of their lives after living the globe-trotting lifestyle of a professional footballer. Jonny has maintained a strong interest in Churchie Football over the years, making a number of visits to see the First XI play. Now he is back full-time, that involvement has increased as he joins our coaching staff to provide specialist coaching on an individual basis through his Football 482 programme. What is clear, when you spend time with Jonny, is that he is the epitome of the Churchie gentleman. He is hard-working, respectful, and family-focused, yet despite all his successes has remained humble and generous.
S T U D E N T AC H I E V E M E N T S
Congratulations Lachlan Caporn, Jared Sia, Harrison Rae, Kevin Wang and John Lu won All Hallows’ Mathematics Tournament. Nicholas Hughes, Will Gunn, Alexander Gluch and Alexander Russell were silver medallists in the national finals of The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO). Harrison Rae, John Lu, Audrich Allen, Allan Li, Charles Sparks and Calvin Tan received distinctions in the Computational Algorithmic Thinking competition. Max Dang, Nicholas Hughes, Finnegan Kelly and Noah Duval came second in the Queensland Senior Philosothon. Jared Sia, Harrison Rae, Kevin Wang, Emmanuel Samios, Benjamin Streeton, Maxim Jeremijenko, Audrich Allen and Lachlan Caporn competed at the da Vinci Decathlon Year 7 State Championships. Benjamin Duddy placed fourth at the ASC/RAS Beef Paraders Competition at the Sydney Royal Easter Show and won the Stud Beef Cattle Judging competition at the Marbug Show in May. Lachie Sheahan represented Queensland at the Polocrosse Nationals. Ethan Bennetts won bronze in the under 16 hammer throw, third in under 17 hammer throw, and fifth in under 16 discus at the Queensland Track and Field Championships.
Daniel Rolley placed first in under 18 400m hurdles and second in the under 18 400m at the Queensland Track and Field Championships. Sam Hurwood placed second in under 17 110m hurdles at the Queensland Track and Field Championships. Jonathan Wearne has been selected for the Queensland Little Athletics State Team to compete in the under 13 boys 1500 m race walk at the Australian Little Athletics Championships this year. Jasper Dando and Christian Hii made the Queensland Met East school team and competed in the 2017 Queensland School Sport under 15 state championships, winning gold against Metropolitan West. Ellis Hogan won seven out of seven games at the Somerville House Chess Tournament. Aubrey Job and Isaac Game have been selected for the 2017 Pathway VIII Rowing Queensland team. Daniel Hansen and Tom Culleton have been selected for the Queensland under 20B water polo team. Tom is reserve for the Australian team.
Izaac Stubblety-Cook won 200 m breaststroke and came second in 100 m breaststroke at the 2017 Georgina Hope Foundation Australian Age Swimming Championships in Brisbane. Harrison Abeya and Jackson Abeya have been selected in the Queensland School’s Swim Team to compete at the Pacific School Games. James Yu was a finalist in under 12 divisions of 50 m freestyle, 50 m breaststroke, 50 m butterfly and 50 m backstroke at the 2017 Vorgee Brisbane Sprint Championships at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. In the 50 m backstroke, James finished in first place and set a new Brisbane record. Darcy Marsh represented Australia in Under 19s cricket as well as being on the GPS Representative Team 2017. Tyler Nix joined the Open Australian Youth Volleyball team. Aidan Burne-Johnston is finalist in the Score IT! competition.
Max Culleton, Liam Swift and Hayden Swift will all represent Queensland at the Sydney Youth Water Polo Festival in July.
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O LD BOYS' A SS O C I ATI O N
From the President of the
Old Boys’ Association
On 23 May 1917, eleven Old Boys of the Church of England Grammar School convened a meeting to form an Old Boys’ Association. The objectives of this fledgling association were both simple and noble: the maintenance of school fellowship among Old Boys of Churchie and the support of the school.
This year we celebrate 100 years of the Churchie Old Boys’ Association (OBA). It has been a remarkable start to our centenary year, with many initiatives, several successful events and Old Boy achievements.
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On Friday 7 April we held our Centenary Gala Ball. It was a sensational evening with record attendance for an OBA event. Old Boys and their partners enjoyed an amazing serenade by The Ten Tenors, featuring Old Boy Scott Muller (2001). After dinner, guests danced away the evening to the tunes of, The Polar Bears, with former staff member Garry Nucifora on the drums and current staff member Paul Kriesch on bass. The annual Vintage Vikings Lunch, held on Friday 5 May, was also enjoyed by all attendees. The highlight was Charles Barkla (1941) being crowned Oldest Old Boy in Attendance. The Sydney Reunion, once again held at the residence of Old Boy Simon Ford (1973), was a very enjoyable evening. On Tuesday 23 May this year, the OBA Committee met to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the first meeting of the association. At this meeting, Old Boy Jack Duff (1960) received honorary life membership to acknowledge the many years of faithful service he has provided to both the OBA and Churchie. Jack is the eleventh Old Boy to receive this prestigious appointment. Already this year there have been Old Boys doing amazing things around the world. We acknowledge and congratulate the many Old Boys who received Australia Day Honours. Congratulations also to Bruce Hatcher (1964) who has been appointed chairman of Queensland Rugby League and Liam Wright (2014) who has been appointed captain of the Queensland under 20s rugby team. Further congratulations go to Ben Bjarnesen (2001), who was awarded Churchill
Fellowship for his work in enhancing the police response to domestic violence, and to Simon Elliot (1980), who has been appointed deputy director at the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art. The OBA has been hard at work on several projects. This year has seen the launch of the online Churchie Business Network (CBN). Aimed at all members of the Churchie community, the CBN allows members to advertise and search for businesses, jobs, mentors and tutors. This had been planned for some time and is an extension of our networking service. We encourage you to sign up and explore this exciting offering, which can be found at www.churchieoldboys.com.au. We have recently completed a redesign of our website and monthly e-newsletter, both of which offer a fresh, new style. Finally, we are hard at work on A Pictorial History of Churchie, a book project commissioned by the OBA to commemorate our centenary. The book, authored by former staff member James Mason OAM, takes the reader on a nostalgic photographic journey through the last century of Churchie and the OBA. It will be available in the coming months. The London Reunion was held on Tuesday 4 July and we look forward to the Melbourne Reunion on Wednesday 18 October. A host of year group reunions for 2017 are only just beginning. If ever there was a reason to reconnect with old friends, and with the school, it is now—the centenary of the Churchie Old Boys’ Association. Dr Daniel Pitt (2006) OBA President
C H U R C H I E O L D B OYS
Australia Day Honours
Test of time
We are proud to acknowledge the record number of Churchie Old Boys who received Australia Day Honours this year, recognising their devotion to their country, careers and community. Congratulations.
The ability to adapt and a devotion to quality and service have allowed a Churchie Old Boy family business to stand the test of time in an ever-changing business environment.
Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia
Founded by Old Boy Robert 'Bob' Menzies (1960) in 1971, Adina Watches is Australia’s last remaining watch making business. After a trip to Europe, where he sourced the parts for their first watch, Bob sought to create a watch that Australians could be proud of and that people would want to buy. Now, 46 years later, Adina Watches are still designing and assembling watches by hand in Brisbane, distributing across Australia and New Zealand. Bob’s son, Grant Menzies (1988), has now been in the business for 25 years.
Associate Professor William Brett Emmerson (1973): For significant service to medicine, particularly to psychiatry, to medical administration, and through contributions to mental health groups. Robin Peter Fardoulys (1977): For significant service to the building and construction industry, to standards and policy development, and to tertiary education. Ian Charles Klug (1974): For significant service to the business sector, to economic development in Queensland, to accountancy, and to the community. Dr Peter Wren Parodi (1952) dec’d: For significant service to science as a biochemist, and to the dairy industry through contributions to studies in human nutrition. Frederick Allan Pidgeon (1975): For significant service to the community through a range of roles, particularly to the promotion of the Australian national flag. Medal (OAM) of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Like Bob, Grant’s core values of reliability, after-sales service and personal attention have been key to their success and longevity. Also, the ability to constantly evolve and adapt to change is crucial in a competitive global industry. While maintaining traditional retail sales approaches, moving into e-commerce and social media marketing is a challenge that Adina has embraced. The business is also growing through a new bespoke offering by making custom designed watches. Testament to this is the limited edition wristwatch that Adina have designed and created for the Churchie Old Boys’ Association centenary. More information about the watches is available at www.churchieoldboys.com.au
Bryan John Besly (1951): For service to engineering, and to the visual arts. John Abbott Ferguson (1961): For service to sailing, and to the community. William Colls McCutcheon (1958): For service to local government, and to the community of the Western Downs. Ronald Alexander Pidcock (1960): For service to the performing arts in Victoria. Member (AM) in the Military Division of the Order of Australia Scott Jeffrey Winchester (1982): For exceptional service in organisational reform, strategic infrastructure planning, and command. Bar to the Conspicuous Service Cross (CSC and Bar) Brigadier Michael David Bond (1983): For outstanding achievement in enhancing the operational processes and outcomes of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.
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O BA E V E NTS
Old Boys' Association
Centenary Gala Ball
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I N M E MO R I A M
Peter Fardoulys AM (1950) Peter Fardoulys AM passed away in January at the age of 86. Throughout his life, he remained a loyal, passionate and generous supporter of Churchie. Peter was one of the few Old Boys to be awarded an honorary life membership of the Churchie Old Boys’ Association, of which he was a long-serving executive committee member right up until his passing in 2017. From 1971 to 1975, Peter was President of the Churchie Parents and Friends Association. He was also well known and highly respected as the convenor of the Churchie Fair from 1971 until the last one in 1998.
As a construction industry icon, his services to the building and construction industry in Queensland were well known and acknowledged. Peter and Margaret founded Fardoulys Constructions, then known as Peter Fardoulys Constructions, in 1976. In 2001 Peter was awarded a Centenary Medal for service to the construction industry and also as a fundraiser. In the 2005 Australia Day Honours list, he was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for service to the building and construction sector through industry association roles in Queensland, and nationally, and to the community through arts, medical, children and church organisations. Peter was also an active member on many community boards including Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital Research Foundation, Opera Queensland, and Crèche and Kindergarten Association Queensland. He was also an honorary life member of the Liberal National Party.
Peter and his wife, Margaret, were involved with countless events at Churchie, the most recent being the 2016 Awards Assembly in November, where the trophy for the best cross country athlete was presented in his name. As a student at Churchie, Peter was the Open Cross Country Champion in 1949. He also participated in track and field, rugby, shooting and debating.
Obituaries
Edmund Atherton
1955 – 1957
Ronald Neil Brown
1946 – 1948
Geoffrey John Buckham
1963 – 1966
The Old Boys’ Association respectfully acknowledges the passing of the following Old Boys.
Richard Trebble Congram
1948 – 1949
Ray Walter Curry
1946 – 1948
Benjamin John Elliott
1984 – 1988
Peter Sydney Fardoulys
1947 – 1949
To help ensure Churchie Old Boys are recognised appropriately, please send notifications to oba@churchie.com.au.
Alan Garth Forster
1943 – 1949
Alexander Henry Frank
1943 – 1945
John Arthur Gradwell
1942 – 1943
William Thomas Gwynne
1947 – 1952
Neville Roy Hack
1944 – 1947
James Victor Harrison
1946 – 1950
Jeffrey Ronald Herbert
1975 – 1981
Donald Leslie Hillhouse
1943 – 1946
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David Maxwell (1938) David Maxwell went to his first Melbourne Old Boys reunion in 1948 and his last in 2016—a sign of his lifelong devotion to Churchie. He passed away on 3 March 2017. As a child on the family farm near Gympie, David’s early education came through correspondence lessons. His mother was a friend of Mrs Crampton Andrews, whose house Ardencraig, in Toowong, was home to Churchie when it was established in 1912. Given the family connection, David was sent to Churchie as a boarder in 1930 at the age of seven. He must have been homesick, but it seems he discovered a second family at the school, one that he would retain for life. While at Churchie, David embodied Canon Morris’ emphasis on sport. David excelled in rowing, swimming, tennis and athletics. He also served in the cadets and, later, in the RAAF during World War II. After the war, David moved to Melbourne and established a career as an engineer. David devoted himself to raising money for the building of the Old Boys’ War Memorial Pavilion, located on the edge of Main Oval. Designed to be of practical use (not merely ornamental), it opened on 6 September 1953. Many years later, David also played a pivotal role as chairman of the appeal for its extensive refurbishment. The pavilion was rededicated on 18 March 2000, an achievement David was very proud of. His commitment to remembering and honouring Old Boys who paid the supreme sacrifice was well known, and remains so. Canon Morris and Churchie stayed in David’s heart throughout his life.
Geoffrey Kenny (1942) Geoff Kenny was born at his family home in Vaucluse, Sydney. At the beginning of the Great Depression, his family moved to Brisbane. At the age of nine, he entered Churchie. Geoff studied medicine at The University of Queensland. As president of the University Students' Union, Geoff was involved with establishing the Union Hostel (now Union College) to provide accommodation for returned servicemen entering the university. While working in London, an invitation to be part of a research project saw him become an early investigator of the pineal gland. So began a lifetime of research. His publications established him firmly as an authority in this important area. Geoff is still cited for his research work today. Geoff’s numerous awards are testament to his contribution not only as a researcher but also as a teacher. As a keen supporter of Australian medical history, he was instrumental in helping establish the Australian Society for the History of Medicine. In 1959, he moved to Melbourne to work in the Department of Anatomy at the University of Melbourne. He retired from there in 1990. From the early 1950s Geoff attended Churchie Old Boys reunions in Melbourne. In 1986, after the group had failed to meet for some time, he helped re-establish these annual gatherings. Geoff loved people and loved sharing his knowledge with them. He will be remembered for his great capacity for friendship, infectious humour, immovable sense of duty and his breadth of scholarship.
Peter Roy Jorss
1953 – 1956
Henry Edmond Rivers Oldmeadow
1939 – 1944
Brian Herbert Kay
1959 – 1962
James Stuart Parkinson
1936 – 1939
Elwyn Neale Keag
1948 – 1950
Frank Brabazon Rudd
1943 – 1946
Geoffrey Charles Treadgold Kenny
1935 – 1942
Richard Anthony Sakzewski
1955 – 1958
Alan Ferrers Knyvett
1937 – 1941
Felix Allen Scudamore
1959 – 1964
Edward Arthur Lane
1936 – 1937
John Barr Pollock Shields
1940 – 1941
Allan Ross Macnaughton
1943 – 1947
Basil Francis Stafford
1942 – 1945
Peter Ernest MacPherson
1941 – 1949
Spiros Theodosiou
1977 – 1978
Anthony Robert Thomas Madin
1953 – 1955
David Alexander Foss Thompson
1944 – 1947
David Herron Maxwell
1930 – 1938
David Lloyd Watkins
1943 – 1945
Graham James Maynard
1952 – 1953
Alan John West
1953 – 1954
Peter Charles McIntosh
1958 – 1959
Walter Beverleigh White
1944 – 1945
Philip Simon Moxon
1950 – 1953
Colin Benjamin Wregg
1955 – 1962
Perry John Murray
1956 – 1959
Lachlan James Youngberg
1981 – 1986
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C H U RC H I E FO U N DATI O N
From the Chairman of the
Churchie Foundation
The Churchie Foundation has played a critical role in Churchie’s fundraising efforts and recently assisted in construction of The Centenary Library, which now stands proudly on Oaklands Parade.
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The Centenary Library has extensive facilities of advanced and innovative technology; it is a quantum leap into the digital world. It will provide our boys with the opportunity to reach their full potential and operate in an ever-interconnected world. It will also assist boys to think not only locally but also globally. This new building is the learning heart of Churchie; it is contemporary and dynamic.
We are indebted to our donors for this ongoing support that often occurs quietly behind the scenes.
The Foundation’s role, however, extends beyond buildings. It continues to focus on core themes of major gifts, bequests, sponsorships and community engagement. We are part of a broad community who is generous and committed and whose philanthropic actions have, and will continue to have, significantly contributed to the Churchie that we know today. The Churchie building landscape is a constant reminder of extraordinary acts of giving that have occurred over our 105 years.
As the Churchie Foundation seeks philanthropic support, the ongoing friendships and relationships that develop are most rewarding. We are very proud of the relationships we build on a day-to-day basis and at events such as Anzac Day, Vintage Viking Lunch, rugby home games and the Foundation's Head of the River function.
In addition to our physical environment, the philanthropy of many Old Boys has ensured that a significant number of students have been able to continue attending Churchie when family circumstances would have otherwise forced them to leave the school.
Other areas in which the Foundation has focused are the portfolios of the Yalari partnership and the Churchie Foundation Overseas Study Scholarship for Old Boys. These programmes continue to highlight the power of philanthropy on a number of levels.
As always, Churchie Foundation will continue to engage with our very generous supporters, ensuring we can continue to deliver the very best experience for our boys while they are here at Churchie. Bill Chatterton (1972) Chairman, Churchie Foundation
Lake Wyaralong
Jennifer Garner and Stuart Fitzpatrick
Head of the River
Meet the Foundation team
On 14 March, Churchie Foundation’s official launch for the new year was in conjunction with the Head of the River, held at the new venue of Lake Wyaralong near Beaudesert. The venue presented quite a challenge for us to provide facilities for our guests.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome the newest member of the Churchie Foundation team, Stuart Fitzpatrick, who commenced in April as Churchie’s Director of Philanthropy.
However, with tremendous support from the Rowing Support Group and the Director of Rowing, we were able to set up in no time. This created a great atmosphere where parents, Old Boys and Churchie Foundation guests were able to share in the celebration of rowing. The day saw great performances from the boys, including some podium finishes.
Stuart has worked for almost 10 years in the not-for-profit sector, working for state and national organisations across all areas of fundraising. He has a real passion and energy for philanthropy and building connections with donors to help them achieve their philanthropic goals. Stuart is looking forward to building on the wonderful work of the Churchie Foundation and growing Churchie’s philanthropic pursuits. Stuart has had a busy first couple of months meeting with our wonderful supporters and attending reunions. The next stage of the Churchie Foundation’s strategic plan is close to being finalised now that Stuart is on board. Stuart joins Jennifer Garner, who has been a valuable member of the Foundation team for the past five years.
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PL ATI N UM S P O N S O R
A long-standing
partnership
As Churchie's platinum sponsor, we look back with pride on the many accomplishments achieved so far this year in our partnership with Churchie. This year has seen the launch of our state-of-the-art showroom for Jaguar and Land Rover, which to us represents so much more than larger premises; it is about a dedication to excellence and continued improvement, principles that align with Churchie’s commitment to reinvest in resources, facilities and staff.
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In other news, Porsche Centre Brisbane launched the new Panamera in February and Macan in March, and Austral Volvo look forward to welcoming the new S90 and V90 later in the year. Porsche Centre Brisbane, Austral Volvo, Brisbane City Jaguar and Land Rover are proud to continue our long tradition of support for Churchie and are encouraged by the distinct advantage every Churchie Old Boy takes into his adult life.
JAGUAR F-PACE
BEAUTY AND THE BEST
JAGUAR F-PACE ENJOYS DOUBLE SUCCESS AT THE 2017 WORLD CAR AWARDS 75 influential motoring journalists from 24 countries have spoken: the Jaguar F-PACE is officially the best and most beautiful car in the world. At this year’s World Car Awards, the F-PACE scooped both the prestigious World Car of the Year and World Car Design of the Year titles – only the second car ever to do so.
brisbanecity.jaguar.com.au Brisbane City Jaguar 41 Breakfast Creek Road Newstead 4006 Tel: 07 3250 3000
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www.churchie.com.au