2021
AROUND THE SCHOOL From the Head 2 From the Board 3 From the Chaplain 4 From the Library 5 Parents and Friends 6 Staff 8 From the Archives 9 Boarding 10 School Ball 12 Primary Honours Program 14 Academic Talent Development 15 Work Experience 16 VET 17 Nature Play 18 Botanical Literacy 20 Round Square in Secondary 22 Round Square in Primary 24 Music 26
CAMPS AND Trips Year 4 Camp Year 7 Camp Year 9 Camp Year 10 Outward Bound
28 30 32 34
SPORT Primary Swimming Carnival 36 Secondary Swimming Carnival 38 Cross Country 40 South32 Rottnest Channel Swim 42 Rowing 44 Equestrian 44 Cricket 45 Primary Tennis 45 Basketball 46
OGA Grand Grammarians 48 Hope Recipient 50 OGA News 51 Reunions 54
From the
Editor The year began with a slight hiccup, but it was full-steamahead from the moment restrictions eased. It has been great to see so many activities proceeding without a hitch, with many agreeing that it has been an eventful start to the year for everyone. Students have been able to take advantage of our beautiful campus to rediscover their love of learning. This edition of The Grammarian showcases how our School camps and dedicated teaching and boarding staff, help to nurture that
love of learning, not just within the classroom, but in amongst our natural bushland setting. Our students continue to take every opportunity in many areas from service projects to co-curricular and vocational endeavours. I hope you enjoy reading about the experience from students and are inspired by their enthusiasm and resilience. Mrs Denise Fry :: Media Co-ordinator
Proofing Clare Underdown, Denise Fry, Ros Malone, Ruth Walker Photos Design
and Amanda McGregor Staff and students Bronwyn Rogers Design Studio | www.bronwynrogers.com
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From the Head
Lifelong Learners One of the things that sets our School apart is we are a true learning community. Schools, by definition, are centred around the learning of students, being a fundamental core offering of any school. Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School lives and breathes learning throughout the entire community. Our staff are highly trained, innovative learning experts, many who are continuing formal studies completing research, Masters and Doctoral programs. All staff continue to develop their skills through regular professional learning and development, both within our School and attending courses in Perth (and hopefully interstate again when the world reopens!). Our School also values productive partnerships with other learning organisations. We are a founding member of the Bunbury Regional Trade Training Centre Consortium, giving unified opportunities to all students in the region to access an enormous range of trade courses, traineeships and pre-apprenticeship training. As a Round Square School, we work with like-minded educators across the world, bringing the guiding principles of Internationalism, Democracy, Environment,
Adventure, Leadership and Service to the well-rounded education of our students. In this COVID-19 impacted year, we are partnering with the three other Western Australian Round Square schools for the ‘Western Australian Cluster’, together offering opportunities to all Round Square students within Western Australia. Our School also hosts development opportunities and conferences for educators and students across the South West region, working alongside and with organisations such as MADALAH, the University of Western Australia, Edith Cowan University, the Association for Independent Schools Western Australia, and St George’s and St Catherine’s residential colleges. Being a true learning community, one of the joys of walking around our campus is seeing learning occurring wherever you go. We see learning in classrooms spilling out into the beautiful environment. Our campus is set on 33 hectares of natural bush, giving students plenty of space to play, grow, live and learn. We know this is the best environment for learning and we care deeply about our environment, focusing on sustainability as our way of life. Our new masterplan is currently underway as we build, rebuild,
and renovate the best environments for learning and care, using next generation learning spaces and modern technologies. At Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, learning can and will happen anywhere, at any time and involves all children, young adults and adults as a community of lifelong learners. Mr Matthew O’Brien :: Head of School
From the BOARD
To f lourish is more powerful than to fear Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School is built on Anglican foundations through a strong association with St. Boniface Cathedral and the Anglican Diocese of Bunbury. The Bishop of Bunbury is a Visitor to the School, not only a significant ceremonial role, but the Bishop is also called upon to involve himself in the governance of the School through his representation on the Board of Governors. The School has a proud history of relevant and sincere contributions made by Bishops of the Diocese of Bunbury. The connection between the School and the current Bishop of Bunbury, the Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts, is a rewarding one. The Right Reverend David McCall passed away on 7 May this year; he was the fourth Visitor to the School. On behalf of the Board of Governors and School community, I extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Marion, and their extended family. Bishop David is warmly remembered by our School community and the Board acknowledge his valued contribution to our School, as a member of the Board of Governors from 2004 to 2009.
Bishop David’s wife, Marion McCall OAM, who survives him, obtained her pilot’s licence in the late 1970s to help the Bishop access the remoter areas of his diocese, Willochra in South Australia. In an article in the Anglican Communion News Service in July 1998, she recalls her early experiences in learning to fly and a week of failed attempts at landing, saying that “I really thought I was going to kill myself each time I tried to land. For the first time in my life, I was facing up to real fear - the kind which starts in the pit of the stomach and moves up to the brain. Fear became a real presence. It is fear which stops us doing anything. It is fear which stops us reaching our true potential.” (Anglican Communion News Service, ‘Diocesan support gives bishop’s flying wife ‘Wings over Willochra’, 30 July, 1998). These feelings of paralysing fear are likely to resonate with each of us, as we have all had to face individual challenges in our lives: a new job, new school, trying out for a sports team or auditioning for a school play. In each of these challenging situations we need to acquire a new skill necessary to succeed in the new endeavour, allowing us to learn and meet the challenge head on. - Around the School 3 -
Our School’s mission is to provide excellence in an allround educational experience for students, with a particular focus on individual care, growth, and improvement. Our goal is to see our students flourish and we plan for them to succeed. We work from a strengths approach, with a focus on character strengths to support student wellbeing. Through active participation in the many and varied opportunities offered by the School, students are supported in understanding and cultivating their own unique strengths. Standing on the precipice of individual challenge may appear to be terrifying, but a love of learning coupled with a growth mindset and the prospect of success will help us step up to the edge and off. To flourish is more powerful than to fear. Mr Simon Jacob :: Chair of the Board of Governors
From the Chaplain
Science engaged Theology:
A point of difference. Late in 2020, our School began a new course in Year 11 Religious and Philosophical Studies (RaPS) called Science Engaged Theology. Development of the course was made possible by a £2,000 Course Development Grant from the School of Divinity at St Andrews’ University in Scotland. The grant is awarded to institutions for the purposes of teaching about the relationship between Science, Religion and Theology. The approach is part of their new discipline known as New Visions in Theological Anthropology (NViTA). This approach asks students (and researchers) to apply the Scientific Method to matters of Theology and to apply the methods of Theology to Science. The Grant is funded by the John Templeman Foundation which “serves as a philanthropic catalyst for discoveries relating to the deepest and most perplexing questions facing humankind” and has given more than $1.5 billion towards this aim since its inception.
The Grant requires that sample teaching materials, sample work, and a survey of the teachers who taught the course, be submitted to the University. How exciting it will be to have the work of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School presented at St Andrew’s University in Scotland, and at The American Academy of Religion! Here at our School, the students, in small groups were asked to design a thought experiment on a religious question using the Scientific Method. They made up their own hypotheses, created data and looked for conclusions. Topics included: ‘Does the Soul have mass?’ and ‘Which world views or religious views are the most lethal?’. On the flip side, students then analysed topics such as ‘How does science use story telling in the field of Astronomy?’. The students’ knowledge of Science, Religion and Theology was measured and compared before and after the course. Pleasingly there was an overall increase of 23.8%, thus showing great success.
Students also improved their understanding of the Scientific Method and the ‘Tools’ of Theology. Also pleasing was the students’ engagement in the process. What had once become (for some) a tiresome topic, is now an engaging exercise in creativity. Eighteen of the students who completed the course last year have asked for a follow-up ‘Philosophy Specialist’ course to be part of Year 12 RaPS this year. The School has obliged, and I have been preparing lessons on three of the fundamental ideas of philosophy: ‘The Good’, ‘The True’ and ‘The Beautiful.’ The fact that the students themselves have asked for this initiative is indeed ‘Good’, ‘True’ and ‘Beautiful’. It is wonderful to see BCGS creating unique and meaningful opportunities for students wanting to engage in matters of Philosophy and Theology. Father Geoff :: School Chaplain and Head of RaPS
From the Library
Babbles from the Bibliotheca
The Lishman Library has been alive with the sounds of happy and engaged students this semester. We have had the opportunity to have renowned Australian writers, Dianne Wolfer, Will Kostakis, Cristy Burne and Kirsty Murray come to speak with students and help them to develop their writing skills. Danielle Nezomba from Year 6 said, "It was interesting to learn how an author plans their books and discovers the stories. It definitely taught me how to start planning my storylines and improve my writing techniques." We have been showcasing the honour books in the Children’s Book Council of Australia awards and waiting eagerly for the shortlists to be announced. Year 6 students are underway with the Reading Olympics, in good time to share the podium with our athletes in Japan, and our Year 5 students are playing reading Bingo to try to widen the scope of their reading. Ms Jan Pocock :: Teacher Librarian - Around the School 5 -
Parents and Friends
Exciting & Eventful After a COVID-19 false start, the year is flying by and has been extremely busy for the P&F. We started off with a bang with our Welcome Sundowner which was held after the Primary parents’ information sessions. More than 80 parents and 25 staff members enjoyed meeting up, canapes and superb wine donated by Barrecas Wines and the musical stylings of the School’s own Big Band. Inflatable Fun was a hot and sticky evening which attracted 90 students and more than 60 parents. Lots of exhausting fun was had with donuts, ice-cream and slushies to take the edge off the heat. We hope to make this event bigger and better next year for the School’s 50th Anniversary. The Year 7 parents’ dinner saw 39 parents gather at Yours Or Mine for
an evening of cocktails, canapes and conversation. Thank you to everyone for taking the time to join in, especially so many of our down south parents. On the evening of the spectacular Executive Ball, we concurrently ran a Year 11 and 12 parents’ get-together at the Zebu Bar in the Lord Forest Hotel. This gave parents an opportunity to relax and mix while Head of Secondary, Mrs Kathy Chiera provided some much-appreciated information for parents encompassing both academic and social issues. This year we are holding P&F Primary Information Sessions each term in the Early Learning Centre. We are hoping to be as accessible as possible to parents, allowing for the exchange of ideas and discussion. Moving forward this year, our aim is to support projects throughout
the School which benefit as many students as possible. Engaging in tangible developments supporting both Primary and Secondary with undertakings that will be used and accessed into the future. Be on the lookout for our Primary Tea Towel Fundraiser. The funds raised will go towards a number of new outdoor benches for the Primary School. After the success of last year’s quiz night, we will be again hosting the ultimate battle of minds. Funds raised from this event will be used to help create the Year 11 Common Room. The P&F is looking forward to an exciting 2021. Mrs Stacey Harrison :: P&F President
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Staff
It is good to be back I am excited to be back this Term to resume my career as a Humanities and Social Science teacher at the School and start my new role as Senior Mentor. Having been on leave for the best part of the last five terms, much is new as should be expected, in a dynamic environment like a school. When Headmaster Tony Brooker showed me around Bunbury Grammar in 1980, I was mightily impressed, not by facilities, meagre and sparse as they were back then, but by the optimism for the future of the School – and a vision that I found hopeful and inspiring. I have been very fortunate to have been able to play a role in the life of this School, whose vision I share. People who have purpose and meaning and who can find opportunity for joy and achievement are more likely to flourish despite the circumstances. Many people will likely know me only in my most recent role as Deputy Head Wellbeing which I did in a permanent role from 2009 and stepped away from at the end of 2019. I am, however, at heart
a teacher, specialising in History and the Humanities which I have taught at BCGS since 1981 and spent decades in charge of History and as Head of Humanities. Whilst I have enjoyed the high achievers, exhibition winners and the many students who have achieved academic acclaim, I sense the value of many who have had their eyes opened to issues or a different viewpoint. I am looking forward to getting my teeth into any exciting Humanities courses I get the chance to teach. Many of the highlights of my time at our School stem from the camps and co-curricular realm. I am looking forward to again be able to help this year assisting in the coaching of Football and attend my 26th Country Week - an event I value. Way back in 1993 I negotiated our involvement as the first non-government team to appear and organised and led our first foray to Country Week, which at that stage, was a real highlight for a football program. Since then, I have organised and led eight interstate football trips with great staff and students. It has been fabulous being part of the growth
of the Country Week experience to enable as many of our students as possible to represent our School in their favoured sport. Wanting the best for my family is one of the things that has kept me at the School. I was after all married here in 1994, Sandra also being a teacher at the School and our kids spent all their schooling years here - 77 years between the four of us! But I also believe in the place and what we try to achieve here. I cherish the wider School family, a community that has been special. I have enjoyed the wonderful staff, the intergenerational contact with families and the links with communities throughout the South West. The experiences have been great including the rich camps program, the international involvement through Round Square, the focus on service, the opportunities I have had to be involved with Student Leadership over 30 years... It is good to be back. Mr Brad Goerling :: Humanities and Social Sciences Teacher and Senior Mentor
From the Archives
A Love of Co-curricular Learning The history of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School has often been a history of opportunity for students from across the South West region. Traditionally, and from its very early days, the School has offered what were once known as ‘activities’. We know these extra subjects today as co-curricular activities. Co-curricular activities of the past reflected the times that we lived in and included some very surprising subjects, like vegetable gardening and horse riding, options which
related to the skills and interests of our many farming families. Other co-curricular activities of the past gave students the chance to extend themselves, as many dedicated teachers and parents gave up their free time to support students to participate in academic, sporting and art competitions and events in the wider region, Perth, as well as interstate. Many past students will remember with excitement and pleasure
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taking part in competitions such as the Regional Debating Competition, ACC Sports Carnivals—still part of our co-curricular sports today—and the beloved Melbourne Theatre trips first offered in 1994. As we approach our 50th year, we can look back with interest on our long history of co-curricular opportunity and look forward to the many planned activities to come. Ms Ros Malone :: Archivist
Boarding
After a stop-start beginning to the year, it was fantastic to have a largely unaffected run in Boarding. It was a very busy semester with varied recreational offerings available for the Boarders. Beach buses ran two or three times a week right up to the final week of first term, taking advantage of the warm weather and our easy access to the coast! Other activities students enjoyed included an International Women’s Day Breakfast, the MADALAH Camp for Indigenous Students and a fun day at Adventure World. We also had the Great Boarding Bake-Off, and the best part for me was the judging after dinner! Well done to Ruby Membry on her first-place winning cake and Kelsey Lubcke on her winning cookies! Boarders have also enjoyed movies, ten-pin bowling, trips
to the Busselton jetty, the beach and town. Students are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities and I am also thankful to the staff who facilitate these activities.
chocolate puts everyone in a good mood! Congratulations to Chelsea Roddy and the consortium of Logan Lubcke, Clancy Norrish and Kade Prowse for finding the two golden tickets.
In Term 1, we held our first Boarders’ Farmers Market. It was a fantastic event which showcased the diverse and wonderful communities our Boarders call home. It was wonderful to see many families helping out and the sense of pride was palpable. I am so proud of this community. A reasonable amount of money was raised, including the staff auction, and this will be spent on a project directed by the Boarders to enhance their residential experience.
One of the highlights of Term 2 was National Boarding Week. We opened the doors of Boarding for an open night, Boarders invited a friend for a sleepover and we finished the week with a wonderful Formal Boarders Dinner.
In the final week of Term 1, we held our annual Easter Egg Hunt. This was such a wonderful way to finish off the term. Ample
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Semester 2 will continue to be busy. There will be further works taking place as per the Masterplan roll-out. We continue to welcome new Boarders to our Boarding family and I am excited to continue to grow and enhance our community. Mr Justin Forbes :: Head of Boarding
School Ball
A Royale Flush of
Glamour
An important goal of this year’s Student Executive was to start a ‘new era’ and the 2021 Student Executive Ball was certainly a reflection of that. This was well achieved by the relocation of the event to the Bunbury Lighthouse which provided a magnificent view of the Bunbury coastline at sunset as guests excitingly strolled down the red carpet. Due to the interruptions of COVID-19 and the postponement of the event, the excitement and anticipation of students to attend their first—and for some their last— School Ball was only elevated. A night to forget the busyness of Term 1, replace the school uniform with fabulous suits and formal gowns and dance to your hearts content to the well-loved, ‘Mr Brightside’ was much appreciated by all students. The chosen theme, ‘Casino Royale’, was immediately brought to life by friends and family either side of the red carpet, almost like paparazzi outside a Hollywood casino. As students made their way up the grand staircase and were warmly greeted by teachers, we were stunned by the transformation of the venue - an effortlessly chic display of black and gold. From the casino chips to playing cards and formal suits to glistening jewellery, it truly became a night to remember. After enjoying a meal surrounded by close friends and sharing dessert, it was all over to the dance floor. High heels and blazers were quickly abandoned as students lit up the stage with their shared enthusiasm. A special mention to students who were voted best dancers, Camillo Pillonel and Sari Wootton, who certainly enjoyed the disco atmosphere. Most importantly, thank you to Mr White for organising the School Ball, and whose efforts were much appreciated by all who were in attendance. Thank you to teachers, Bunbury Lighthouse staff and our special guests, Mrs Millington and Mr Manchip, for making the event run so smoothly and joining in on the joyous occasion. Imogen Harris :: Year 12
Have Sum Fun Primary Honours Program
In Term 1, two teams of Year 5 and 6 students competed in the Have Sum Fun Maths competition. It was a great day with one team placing second and the other placing fourth.
Archibald Darlow, Year 6
Leighton Stafford, Year 6
The Have Sum Fun competition was a good experience. It was challenging and I enjoyed working in a team.
It was a challenging experience. It was fun to co-operate with my own team and talk to people from different schools.
Rosie Reynolds, Year 6
Ella McWhirter, Year 6
Have Sum Fun was lots of fun and the questions were interesting. The best thing was how well our team worked together, everyone co-operating and listening to each other.
We had to work together quickly to make sure we got through all of the problems. We came fourth and we were the only team that solved a problem in the tie breaker.
Academic Talent Development Program
da Vinci Decathlon
The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. Students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics and Chess, Code Breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography and Legacy. This year the event had limited teams involved due to COVID-19 restrictions, but we were lucky enough to secure places for three teams, from Year 7, 8 and 9. The event was held in the beautiful Winthrop Hall at The University of Western Australia where our students competed against 42 schools with 920 students participating overall.
Students endured a very early start to get to the event, but it was well worth it with all teams performing very well and impressing the judges and markers. It is important for highly able students to mix with other highly able, gifted and talented students, thus events like this are an essential part of our Academic Talent Development Program. It is a unique event where students operate as a team and compete in all sorts of challenges ranging from dramatic performances to mathematics problems and poetry writing. It is a very challenging activity that extends our high achievers and encourages resilience and a growth mindset. The University of Western Australia is a popular choice of tertiary institution for our Senior Secondary students and spending - Around the School 15 -
the day there and eating lunch on the beautiful grounds was a good opportunity for younger students to get a taste of university life. This year we were joined by two ex-Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School students, Thomas and Jamie McGregor, who came to say hello. We also had a very keen grandfather of one of our team members in the balcony cheering us on. Thank you Dr Lincoln, from the Chemistry Faculty of the university! Mrs Naomi Smith :: Academic Talent Development Co-ordinator
Declan Sanders, Year 7
The best part of the DaVinci Decathlon was the Maths. I loved the number problems so much I couldn’t stop doing them!
Work Experience
A glimpse into the industry Every year, Year 10 students have the opportunity to spend a week working in various industries. This gives them a taste of working life and what a particular industry entails, allowing them to decide if it is an industry they would like to pursue.
Olivia Teede, Aegis Ellenvale Aged Care
Julia Spencer
SKG Radiology
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at SKG. All the staff were welcoming and more than happy to teach me about their jobs. I got to experience the multiple branches of radiology and was happy in all of them. It really helped me to learn about the lifestyle that goes along with the profession as well as the pathway to get there and has helped me make a decision about my future profession.
I went into Aegis Ellenvale Aged Care, thinking that it was going to be a peaceful, enjoyable few days for me. Christmas was just around the corner and the place was buzzing with staff trying to get everything sorted before then. After my first day, I learnt how much effort and love is put into aged care and how hands-on it can really be. Each and every resident, and I am referring to all 140 of them, get Christmas presents bought by the staff members. Luckily I got to experience when the residents unwrapped their many gifts with a big smile upon their faces. From doing my work experience here, I have learnt that the little things always matter. Small gestures such as putting on someone’s seatbelt for them, taking them up the elevator, talking to someone about their life, makes a difference. While on work experience, I met a wonderful
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man called George. He talked to me about his life and how the highlights of his days are when his daughter regularly visits him. I then met Dorothy. She began to tell me that as soon as she started living at Ellenvale, she has loved every second of it. “I love this place,” she said, “This is my home”. Hearing from George and Dorothy about their lives inspired me to spread warmth and endearment. I went into the aged care facility to brighten up the residents’ day and to put a smile on their face, and I feel I have made a small difference in the short time that I was there.
Another Path! VET
From the 2020 cohort of graduates, 29 students completed a Vocational Education and Training certificate. We hear from two employers on the change they see in students during placement and their views on the program, and three graduates who have gained employment reflect on their VET experience.
Matthew Norrish
Darcy Wilson
Bunbury Telecom Service
Piacentini & Son
I realised that my learning style was better suited to hands-on experience more than classroom study so the VET program looked like a good choice.
I started doing ATAR and it was not really working for me, and I could not see a future in it. I asked a few teachers about what I should do and I was sent out on work experience to find out what I liked. I liked being an auto electrician, so Mrs Walker found a course for me in VET. I just found what I liked and I suited it. The VET placement helped me decide what I actually wanted to do after school. Mrs Walker helped me build up to that.
The VET program really helped me to experience a wider range of occupations first-hand including auto-electrics, carpentry and telecommunications field work. This made it easier to decide what I really wanted to do for a career and commit to the opportunity. Peter Cherry
Group General Manager, Bunbury Telecom Service
Kennedy Taylor Piacentini & Son
I started to go down the VET pathway as I wanted to get into a trade. I was not interested in university pathways. I did not really know what trade I wanted to do for a start, and Mrs Walker opened my eyes to the different types of trades available. Now I am enjoying every minute of it. The environment here is really good and they really help me, making sure I am going down the right pathway of learning and improving my skills towards my trade.
We see students grow in their self-confidence as a result of gaining trade skills and being exposed to a variety of trades and occupations across the construction industry. BTS have been very impressed by the calibre of candidates presented through the VET program at BCGS and it has benefited us to be able to employ motivated young people who want to learn and grow with our business. Apprentices bring energy and enthusiasm to the workplace and the process of being responsible for teaching trade skills often lifts the standards of their supervising tradesperson.
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I am very happy now and am exactly where I wanted to be two years ago. I really cannot complain. Paul Warner
Apprentice Co-ordinator, Piacentini & Son
The biggest difference we see in graduates throughout their placement with us is maturity. They come here and they realise really quickly that they are not at school anymore and learn what it is like in the real world. Piacentini & Son is glad to be able to provide students with the opportunity to experience trades and figure out what they want to do and if they are suited to it. From there we have been able to hire and train hard working and dedicated apprentices and workers.
Nature Play
Exploring
our
wild space’ The Early Childhood team see the outdoor space as an extension of the indoor space.
Inspired by the work of Claire Warden (leading expert in Nature Pedagogy), the educators in the Eric Speed Centre embed outdoor learning into their teaching practice. Claire believes that if we really want children to thrive, we need to let their connection to nature nurture them. She asks us to think critically when planning for our three learning spaces, namely inside, outside and beyond. Our students manipulate loose parts and use them in their play to develop creativity and critical thinking skills. Kindergarten to Year 1 students connect with our bushland setting in a variety of ways. Regular visits to the community garden, walks to our ‘wild space’ and most recently, exploring the ‘beyond’ space for a day and night experience to observe changes in the sky. These experiences foster a sense of curiosity and wonder, allowing our students to connect with our natural environment as well as encourage important skills such as resilience and independence. In Term 2 and 3, our Kindergarten and Pre-primary students will visit the ‘wild space’ and we are looking forward to the magical adventures that await us! Mrs Candice Carlisle :: Pre-primary Teacher
Botanical Literacy
Being in Early childhood, we are beginning to understand our place in the School environment and respecting the knowledge and experience of the First Nations people.
nurture children’s learning through these experiences? How can we encourage and support children to investigate the unobservable and prompt deeper philosophical conversations between adults and among themselves? We are calling this ‘Botanical Literacy’.
When we go on walks in the ‘wild space’ and beyond, we look at the environment around us and ask questions. How can we
Through Botanical Literacy we are encouraging children to explore, appreciate and respect their environment, provide opportunities to stimulate interest and
imagination, extend their ability to communicate ideas and promote relationships with local members of the community. We extend this experience further by documenting what we see, hear and learn. This is done through writing, drawing, photos, research, conversations and reflecting on the experience. Mrs Jayne Lincoln :: Year 1 Teacher
Round Square in Secondary
Eat Up One in eight children go hungry at school each day in Australia. Round Square’s involvement with the Australian non-profit organisation Eat Up is about changing that for students in local primary schools. Eat Up was started by a young man in his local town of Shepparton, Victoria, when he saw an article in the local paper about young children going hungry at school. It is now Australia-wide and providing more than 5,000 sandwiches a week through various volunteers making and arranging for them to be delivered to schools in need. Volunteer sandwich making is a great way for students to tangibly contribute to a very relatable cause.
Going hungry at school means learning is compromised. Which means their future is compromised. And that is not really fair, is it? Round Square at BCGS has become a volunteer sandwich maker for the South West and we are currently making 200 rounds of cheese sandwiches every three weeks. Over 20 students from Year 8 to 12 have volunteered to make the sandwiches after school in one of the Home Economics classrooms. We are using the funds raised through our Freddos chocolate sale at the bus circle each Thursday and Friday to fund the purchasing of ingredients. The Dalyellup Bakers Delight contributes by donating some left-over sandwich loaves the day
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prior to our sandwich making each month. This has been a huge help and we appreciate their generosity. This program is being run by the students to teach them to become change makers, learn about social issues and develop a sense of giving back to those less fortunate. We expect the demand for the sandwiches to increase as local schools learn they can depend upon the supply to be regular and reliable. We are teaming up with a local Lions Club to help with the deliveries to schools as they stretch between Brunswick and Dalyellup. It is great to be involved in a local community service and to team up with the Lions Club. Mrs Belinda Walker :: Round Square Co-ordinator
Round Square in Primary
Leading
Service by
Primary Students in Year 5 complete the Round Square Award aiming for a Bronze or Silver Award by completing tasks for each of the IDEALS: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership and Service. In Year 6 students can elect to continue their Round Square journey by working towards a Gold Award.
Leadership is often completed at School by students initiating a project and then running the project. So far this year the following Leadership Projects have occurred: 1. Ruby’s Rainbow Cup Cake Stall 2. Roller skating disco 3. Easter Egg Raffle 4. Easter colouring competition 5. Lunch time dodge ball games 6. Kindergarten to Year 2 and Year 3 to Year 6 Disco 7. Football boots donation project 8. Royal Flying Doctors Service WA sausage sizzle fundraiser
Of these projects, three were also Service Projects:
Year 6 students Kasey Harris, Grace Smith and Rosie Reynolds organised the Ruby’s Rainbow Round Square Fundraiser selling cupcakes and other baked goods. The fundraiser raised just over $400 and it will go towards the continued care, physiotherapy and ongoing medical expenses of their dance teacher’s daughter who has Spastic Quadriplegia Cerebral Palsy. Year 5 student Henry Winspear collected football boots to be donated to Pia Wadjarri Remote Community School and Yalgoo Primary School. Henry came up with the idea after travelling in remote Western Australia where he saw kids playing football without boots, and he thought it was a waste of perfectly fine football boots when he had to buy new ones regularly after outgrowing them. He hopes to expand his initiative to another - Around the School 25 -
remote community in Broome if he manages to collect more than his goal of 40 pairs. Year 5 students, Zak Casagrande and Cooper Ashby held a Round Square Service sausage sizzle fundraiser to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctor Service WA. The cause was close to their hearts as Zak’s mother had utilised the Royal Flying Doctor’s service when she was pregnant with him. The sausage sizzle raised $500 for the great cause. Many projects are already lined up for the rest of the year. Mr Geoff Dunbar :: Primary Round Square Co-ordinator
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Music Once again, it was a frantic opening to what is expected to be another busy year for the Music Department. The unexpected lockdown in week one of Term 1 meant that instrumental lessons and ensemble rehearsals started on the first day of school and we had our first public performance of the year just a few days later! At the end of 2020, we farewelled Mrs Brittain and Mr Jenkins, who between them, gave 25 years of service to music at BCGS. A huge welcome is extended to Mrs Sophie Collins who has taken over teaching cello, and Mr Ben Lancaster who has joined us as the new brass tutor. Mrs Holmes has taken over conducting all the strings ensembles and Mr Davies is taking a short break from teaching. The first performance of the year was by the Big Band at the P&F Welcome Sundowner for parents. Congratulations to Mr Molewyk and our jazz musos who were able to put together more than an hour of
music with just one rehearsal, and who created a lovely atmosphere for parents at the party. More than 200 students are currently taking instrumental lessons at the School and ensemble rehearsals are well attended and always joyful. The Intermediate Concert Band is the biggest it has ever been, and Mrs Rennie continues to welcome new singers to the Secondary Choir. The Senior Concert Band performed the National Anthem and some entertainment pieces at Mr O’Brien’s commissioning and some senior singers led the School at the commissioning and at the Easter Eucharist. Students in Years 9 to 12 have had performance opportunities in class and a few ensembles are preparing for the Bunbury Eisteddfod. Later in the year, we are looking forward to our major events including the Big Band Bash, a Soiree, Music Gala Concert and hopefully a Tour for senior ensembles.
We celebrated the end of a busy term with a lunch organised by Music Captains. A fun time was had by all who attended, and it was a lovely way to end a busy term. Early in Term 2, we said goodbye to Mr Shaun Molewyk who, after more than 12 years of dedicated service to Music at our School, left to pursue new challenges at a local secondary school. We celebrated his contribution to our music program with a concert on 4 May, that coincidentally was both Star Wars Day and Shaun’s birthday! The Big Band and Jazz Ensemble performed many of their favourite tunes for an audience of parents, former students, Shaun’s family and some of his colleagues. It was a terrific night and a fitting tribute to teacher who has had a huge impact on many students. Goodbye and good luck, Mr Molewyk! Mrs Lynette Fahie :: Director of Music
Year 4 Camp
Favourite Moments! The students enjoyed their adventure to Pemberton! Here are some of their favourite experiences: Tejasvin :: The best part was the
sand dunes because when I ran down them, I came speeding down. Keshav :: The best part was speeding down the tallest sand dune really fast and then jumping and making sand fly all over the place. William H. :: The funniest thing
was when I ran down the sand dune and face-planted at the end. Anna :: I had a lot of excellent
times at the sand dunes because l ran down the steep part and that was challenging! Beth :: The thing I found funniest
was when we were in our dorms drawing people face planting on the dunes and we were all laughing.
Clarabelle :: My favourite part
Emily :: My favourite part was
was the tram ride because I saw chickens as we went past peoples’ houses!
when we were looking for frogs. It was so much fun going for a walk through the night to find animals. It felt like I was in an exciting part of a story.
Amelia :: The best part was
the Understory Art walk. We saw many interesting artworks including the books attached to a tree. The artist’s comment was that they were returning part of the tree (I thought that was very clever). Bella :: My favourite memory
was when we were in our dorm telling funny stories before bed. Clarabelle was talking like a chicken so we couldn’t understand her! Chandler :: The greatest memory of camp was the sand dunes because it was so high, and we went down so fast. It was awesome! Bryce :: The food was tasty and I
enjoyed having the fish and chips and chicken curry.
Logan :: My favourite part was
when I jumped off the sand dunes. I ran down as fast as I could and at the end I tripped and dove into the sand. Hanshikaa :: I liked the Understory Art walk. My favourite piece of art was the metal flowers that wound up the tree. William C. :: My favourite part
was when we went to the sand dunes and I found a mysterious object. It looked like a pinecone filled with seaweed! Ivy :: I loved the sand dunes because they were so big, they were amazingly exciting to run down, and I loved watching people face-plant.
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Year 7 Camp In line with current fashion, the school year did not start the way it was supposed to with a snap lockdown right on Week 1 - the week we were supposed to go on camp! Thankfully, the School managed to compensate and straight out of the block on day two of Week 2, we hopped on the bus and were on camp. Once we arrived, we quickly assembled in our pre-organised groups. Groups one and two stayed at Busselton Baptist camp
great start! while groups three and four, my group, were quickly rushed off to the Margaret River Mouth. That was where we went surfing and canoeing. This was only day one and the next few days saw us raft building, biking, caving, stand-up paddle boarding and so much more. By the end of it we had been all over Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River and knew almost everyone’s names. Finally, we finished off the camp spending the last day at Xcape At The Cape. We stayed there for four hours and ended on such a high note. All in all, this was one of my best weeks and a really great experience for everyone to start Year 7. Louis du Plessis :: Year 7
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Year 9 Camp
Unforgettable
Memories!
You thought this would be a normal recount, didn’t you? But camp deserves more than that! It was an adventure. It was fun and it was the little things that made it worth it: giggling and chatting in the tents, the simple but delicious meals, and making friendships with people we did not know before. We all gained memories that will last a lifetime. This camp helped us learn to trust and care for our fellow group members. Some of us learnt how to take control, some of us learnt how to step back, others learnt that you are never alone. Some of the experiences helped us
build connections. Rock-climbing and high ropes helped us learn to trust each other, bushwalking helped us to learn to trust our fellow group members and to trust our gut, and canoeing helped us learn there is more to our friends than what we see at school. There is always another side. We develop our perceptions and opinions from our experiences. Bushwalking, for example, opened our eyes to how people might be living, walking endlessly, with rationed food and water; it was something a lot of us had not thought about. But now, we can see how it shapes us, see how we can make a
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difference because of what we learnt, and we can see how this can help us in the future. We are finally free from a bubble of safety and we are not going back. We had a taste of the real world, where you do not know everybody, where people are unexpected and do not always do what you want. We learnt a little about how to be an adult in the real world. And those experiences will always stay with us. Samantha Maskew and Hannah Peterson :: Year 9
We were introduced to our two leaders for the camp who taught us how to set up bivvies and trangias, how to pack our packs correctly and how to navigate. Over the next few days, we really
For next year’s Outward Bounders, be ready to have one of the best experiences of your life that will create loads of memories, stories, friendships and experiences to last a lifetime. Holly Harrison :: Year 10
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Bound
Towards the second half of camp, everyone started getting the gist of it and everything started moving much quicker as we all worked together. Before we knew it, our time in the bush was over and we were saying goodbye to our leaders and hopping back on buses to start the trip back home.
Experience
Over the next nine days we completed various activities like hiking, rafting, high ropes and a giant ladder which would make us all step out of our comfort zone. The bus trip down had everyone feeling excited, terrified and coming to terms with the fact we would not be showering for nine days. We all said goodbye to the other groups before being dropped off at our starting destination – this was the point it started to become real.
started to realise that our groups were not going to work without teamwork. Not one person can do it all alone and be able to achieve what needed to be done on camp, whether it was making dinner or lunch, cleaning up, setting up bivvies or navigating. Everyone needed to contribute in order for the group to run smoothly.
Year 10 CAMP
On a cold Tuesday morning, Year 10 students started the long bus trip down to Walpole to start the Outward Bound program.
Primary Swimming Carnival
The Primary Swimming Carnival held at the start of March, was a fun event for all Primary students. It included races for all skill levels and the strokes competed in were freestyle, breaststroke, backstroke and butterfly. There were also novelty events for junior students
such as a kickboard race, rope tow and board and fin relay. Overall, the most successful swimmer was Jaz Currie, who won the Individual Medley and was the Year 6 Champion Boy. The event that was the crowd favourite was the much-anticipated parent– teacher–student relay. Mr Dunbar announced the teachers as the winners, as he does every year! Goldsmith were
the victors on the day but the real winners was every student who took to the water. I would like to thank Mr Dunbar for organising the Carnival, the teachers for helping on the day, parents for cheering us on and all the Houses for competing with great sportsmanship. Archibald Darlow :: Goldsmith House Captain
Secondary Swimming Carnival
Close win for Knight
On a slightly overcast day, the Secondary School gathered for the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Mrs Sutherland, as always, was keen for Knight House to do well, or at least better than last year’s fourth place. Throughout the day, Knight and Redding were head-to-head, with great participation from all students from Year 7 through to Year 12. Even those who were not swimming added to the exciting atmosphere of the Carnival. Before the Carnival there were the usual complaints by the few students who had to swim
butterfly, but on the day, everyone seemed to pull their weight. The last score check before the relays had Knight and Redding Houses very close on the scoreboard. Knight’s strong performance in the relays was matched by Redding’s and everyone knew it would be a close competition. There was a special addition to this year’s relay events - students, staff and BCGS legends race, with the past students surprising many of the current students. For the Year 12 students’ last carnival, there were two fun inflatable and clothes
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relays, which will add to some of the highlights of our memories of Bunbury Grammar. Again, the Carnival was run smoothly thanks to Mr Dale, Mr Marshall, Mr Reid and all the other timekeepers and scorers. It is good to see the shield returned to where it belongs after a one-year holiday with Wilson House. Everybody who swam on the day, no matter how much or how little, should be proud of their efforts. Isabella Marshall :: Knight House Captain
Cross Country
Two in a Row! last year, it was great to see everyone down at Palmer Oval once again, with parents able to show their support on what was a perfect day for it. It is one of the few occasions of the year where the Primary and Secondary students integrated, making the day one of the highlights of the year.
As captains of Redding, we were extremely proud of the efforts of our students at the 2021 Cross Country. To win both the overall and participation award was a nice surprise and a good way to finish our last Cross Country as Year 12 students. It is a credit to the commitment and team-oriented attitude from our Redding runners. After having no crowd and each year group running separately
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We would like to thank Mr Dale, the sports staff and the grounds team that organised the day. Without their selfless hard work, we would not have such a good Cross Country. Also, thank you to all the staff spread out over the course to cheer on the runners. It was exceptional to go backto-back - we are very proud! Hopefully Redding can make it three in a row in 2022! James Tunstill and Mikayla Blackham :: Redding House Captains
South32 Rottnest Channel Swim
Breaking the Ice This was the 22nd year that the School has participated in the swim. Every year volunteers and staff play an integral role in helping the students who compete. A student who has competed three times with the School, our longest serving volunteer and our newest teacher to join the team reflect on their experiences. Sarah Mazzucchelli Year 12
The first year I completed the swim, I did not really understand what I was signing up for when Mr Marshall suggested it to myself and a few students in my grade. Together we thought that it would be a pretty good achievement, so we put a team together and signed up. I got hooked on the event and hope to build up to do it solo one day. Each time I have crossed the finish line I felt exhausted. This year was no exception, but I felt a much larger sense of achievement as this year’s conditions were much rougher than past years and making it past the finish line in such a good time was no small achievement.
Richard Duke
Volunteer
Volunteering is about being part of the community of Bunbury Grammar and I started almost the day our son, Sean, commenced in Secondary School in 2005. My experience with the School’s channel crossings would have commenced in 2007, however the event was cancelled due to the poor conditions. So 2008 began the string of successful crossings and it has been a family affair from then on, with both my children and my wife either swimming, paddling, managing teams and hosting the 'thank you' breakfast. A large part of the enjoyment each year is looking forward to working with a group of like-minded parents and volunteers and watching how the swimmers and their crews work together throughout the weekend. Many of the volunteers have never had children at the School and they too enjoy the camaraderie while on the water and the elation when the swimmers all cross the finish line. I have had the pleasure of escorting nine teams, two duos and two solos and look forward to being involved with the School’s channel crossings for as long as I am able to.
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Natalie Ferrier
Health and Physical Education Teacher
Since joining Bunbury Grammar this year, I have jumped straight into the Swimming Program where I was lucky enough to be called up to help with the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. I was blown away not only by the amount of commitment and dedication shown by the students but also by the amount of preparation and organisation that went into the Swim. From always seeing the event from an athlete’s perspective, I had not realised the huge amount of effort that went on behind the scenes, with parents, staff and volunteers putting in countless hours into making sure that everything ran smoothly. The effort from all the students was outstanding. This year they faced challenging conditions and the reaction by the students was just to swim hard and do their best. I am looking forward to being involved with the team next year.
South West Head of the River
Rowing
Towards the end of March students from across the South West and some Perth Schools took part in a rowing regatta on the Leschenault Inlet in Bunbury. The race program began in the morning and it gave students involved in rowing from our School the opportunity to take part in an interschool event without the need to travel to Perth. Competitors were blessed with beautiful conditions in the morning and it was an enjoyable experience for all who were in attendance. There were some great performances on the day and all our rowers should be congratulated for their efforts. Angus Dawson and Henry Openshaw :: Rowing Captains, Year 12
Equestrian
Riding in
Excitement
Milla Vukelic, Year 5
My favourite part was when it came time for my 70cm round. I was so excited and also a little nervous but it felt like my horse, Koda, flew over all of the jumps and we finished second. Kelsey Lubcke, Year 8
The Saddles Plus Interschool Equestrian Championship was an exciting event that proved to be a very busy weekend for all four of the competitors. The team competed in 24 events with everyone putting in their best effort and performing exceptionally well.
My favourite events were the dressage and the show horse. Demi Perkins, Year 8
My favourite part was definitely the combined training, show jumping and dressage. Harriet Forrest, Year 8
My favourite part of the event was being able to compete alongside my friends.
PRIMARY Tennis
Sports in Summer
CRICKET
Batting
for the Team
This season Grammar Cricket was pretty successful. Training was delayed at the beginning of the year, but we got into it once the season commenced.
The First XI had a few debutants, but we did not have the most successful season. We all enjoyed being able to spend time and train with our teammates.
We had four teams that competed this season, with one winning the premiership and two making finals.
It was pretty special to have Mr Manchip coach us while he was at the School, and Mr Reid and Mr Lincoln, who we all knew and were familiar with from earlier seasons, then took on the coaching roles, which was great!
It was the Year 8 team that won the grand final which was very special – I have not won a grand final myself! The season was very special for the Year 12 students as it was our last year playing as a team. To name a few: Logan Lubcke, Callum Wood, Jordi Milner, Clancy Norrish, Ben Wedderburn, James Tunstill and myself.
We are also very proud of Callum Wood and Zac Reid who received Association Awards for Batting Average and Bowling Aggregate respectively. Sam McInerney :: School Cricket Captain, Year 12
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The Sunsmart Schools Tennis Classic is an annual event at the Bunbury Tennis Club. It provides a fantastic opportunity to meet different people and to compete against other schools. There were six rounds and, in the end, our School placed third. We had four players, myself (Charlie David, Year 6), Beth Lockley (Year 4), Thomas Piacentini (Year 6) and Max Knight (Year 5). Five schools competed, and each of us played two singles matches and a doubles match and, we won quite a number of them! One of my favourite things about tennis is that it is fairly simple, and most people can pick up a racquet and play. What I like most about this competition is seeing all the new people around me and the competitive atmosphere. Charlie David :: Year 6
Big Wins
Basketball
Primary Primary Basketball has experienced one of its most successful seasons to date. There were eight teams that represented the School in divisions that had finals. Six of these teams made finals and all won at least one final. We had three losing grand finals and one victorious team, Grammar Blue U12 who overcame their derby opponents, Grammar Gold in a tense game that challenged School alliances. Our Year 5 and 6 girl teams did not have the luxury of divisions and had to battle the best of the best and both finished very competitive thirds. A special mention to my team, Grammar Blue in U11B. We were undefeated all season but came up against our close competitors in the grand final. We had beaten them by one and two points during the previous two games, so we knew it would be tight. On the final siren we were in front by one but unfortunately their player had shot the ball from long range under good pressure. We watched in despair as the ball bounced off the backboard and in for a miracle. Disappointed, but appreciative of a great season, we congratulated our very excited opposition and resolved that next year we would go one better. One of the secrets to our success is the students’ desire to play basketball at all opportunities before and during school. The knockout competitions are a great way to improve strength and close in shooting under pressure. We regularly have 20 students playing one game and almost without incident. Keep practicing over the
winter months ready to take on the challenges of next season. We are always looking for more players to join and to continue the development and love of this sport at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. Mr Benjamin Duff :: Primary Basketball Co-ordinator
Secondary It was a good season. We had a number of teams do extremely well with 13 teams making finals, five make preliminary finals, four teams were grand final runners-up and four teams were grand final champions. In the grading games, the team I coached was put into B grade and we ended up winning every single game. They were a good team and worked really well together. In my own team, U19B, we lost three or four games the whole season, then we won the first set of final games and won our very first grand final game. Overall, it was great to see so many teams do so well this year! A big thank you to all staff and parents who gave up their time to coach the teams this season. Well done to all players and we hope to see you all back next season. Samuel Kirke :: Year 12 - Sport 47 -
We also had a number of association Most Valuable Player awards and we congratulate the following players for their efforts:
Under 11B Boys MVP Harrison Keech Under 12B Boys MVP Leighton Stafford Under 12B Boys RU MVP Joseph Margono Wil Dabic Under 13B Boys RU MVP Noah Jones Under 14B Boys MVP Carter Giacci Under 16C Boys MVP Rory Hamersley Under 19B Boys RU MVP Samuel Kirke Under 19C Boys MVP Luc Perkins Under 16B Girls MVP Tabitha Potter Under 16C Girls MVP Ellie Forbes Under 19B Girls MVP Sari Wootton
Grand Grammarians
Snap happy bride in focus
Past student, Tessa Eckersley (08) is renowned for her wedding photography and has snapped many memorable moments for Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School alumni on their wedding days. This time though, Tessa was on the other side of the camera for her recent wedding to David Prosser (08). The pair were married on their Ferguson Valley property in October last year in a setting chosen for lifelong memories.“The most special part of our wedding was knowing that we could always remember the day just by looking out our window,” Tessa explained. The entrepreneurial couple also built their own barn with friends for the reception and spent a few days prior to the day decorating, building and laughing. Tessa moved back to the South West in 2017, launching her business: Tessa Eckersley Photo, which specialises in wedding photography and runs alongside Cabin Creative, her graphic design studio. According to Tessa, establishing her own business has been her biggest accomplishment since graduating from Bunbury Grammar 13 years ago.“Starting my own business and being my own boss has definitely been the most challenging yet best achievement,” she said. Believing in herself and her ability to ‘act now, think after’ has been the key to her success. “I think I have always believed in myself and have an ‘act now, think after’ attitude when it comes to my job. It means I get myself into trouble sometimes, however, I know that I can always get through anything if I just put my head down and stay calm,” Tessa reflected. For her wedding this year, Tessa used fellow Bunbury Grammar student, Hannah Jones (06) from Keeper Creative to capture their special wedding moments. Being on the other side of the lens was a different but enjoyable experience for Tessa.“I loved being on the other side: I was excited to go for a little wander and just let Hannah take photos of us. I suppose I was not too worried about posing or ‘getting my best angle’ as I knew the best photos were always the natural and candid shots,” she said. The wedding was celebrated with friends and family, including an old Grammarian bridal party. Ms Ruth Walker :: School Community Co-ordinator
Listening to the
Heart Former student, Sue Demarte, is a 1980 graduate from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and in the 41 years since graduation, she has made her impact on the world. In her own unique way, Sue has been a catalyst for change and making the world a better place as a mother, a teacher, and in her current roles as Co-ordinator Of Volunteer Services for the St John of God Hospital and also as Guest Liaison at the South West Cancer Accommodation Centre. According to Sue, her most significant achievement in life has been her role as a mother and teacher.“I see my role as mother and teacher to be my greatest achievements because
they are charged with the privilege and responsibility of nurturing children to confidently and compassionately find their value in our world,” Sue explained. Sue taught for 34 years as a primary school teacher, including nine years at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. “I love learning and have tried to ignite that passion in my students and teachers,” she said. Her teaching and parenting philosophy has been grounded in research on making learning relevant, energising and accessible to every child. In 2012, Sue completed her Masters, specialising in education leadership. Sue also worked as an Education Consultant for two years for the Association of Independent Schools of WA and as Assistant Dean of Teaching and Learning at All Saints College from 2015 to 2019. In recollecting her time as a student, Sue valued the education as well as the co-curricular opportunities, such as the camps, debating, sport and playing Nancy in the School’s first drama production of Oliver. The other benefits according to Sue, were the small class numbers and the passionate teachers.
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“Many teachers are held fondly in my memories of being a Bunbury Grammar student. The teachers who remain in my memory most strongly and positively are those who took time to get to know me and value my strengths to help me grow as a person,” she said. Sue has a multifaceted perspective of our School as a past student, a former teacher and a parent. Sue’s daughter Brittany Adams (10) was a student at the School while Sue was a teacher.“I think there is something special about being a student and then having your child attend the same school. The connections become strong,” she said. Although Sue describes her life on a ten-acre block in Harvey as ‘simple’, she has been a catalyst for change in her different roles. The essence of Sue’s beliefs are summed up by her role model. “My daughter inspires me – she is a strong, compassionate and resilient a young woman. There is no greater gift than to see your child grow and find a way to make a positive contribution to others,” she said. Ms Ruth Walker :: School Community Co-ordinator
Hope Recipient
Amplifying hope House. Most of the band members are studying medicine, including my good friend Sam Riley (15), and the performances are a fantastic way to support the local health related charity organisations we so admire.
Here to Help, a Perth charity band, is a collective of university students with a passion for music and a little spare time up their sleeves. Past student, Michael Hooper (14) is the founder of Here to Help, and in 2020 received funding from the Old Grammarians' Association Hope program.
Prior to last year, one issue we consistently encountered, was a lack of power at outdoor events. With the goal of performing for charities free of charge, it made little sense for us to request a generator be hired to allow us to play. In early 2020, I heard about the OGA HOPE program and thought it could provide the solution. I am very fortunate to say our application was successful and we were able to purchase a generator (‘Jenny’) for Here to Help in June 2020.
Founded in 2019, our goal is to share music with those who need it most by performing free for local charity and not-for-profit events. Our past performances include Relay For Life, Amanda Young Foundation Open Garden, Purple Walk For Epilepsy and regular visits to play for the families staying at Ronald McDonald
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The generosity of the OGA has granted us the ability to perform at many more events around Perth. The new freedom provided by the generator is incredibly helpful as many events occur on ovals and in parks without accessible power outlets, such as the Harry Perkins Perth Running Festival and the Mums On A Mission Family Fitness Day. These performances were not only successful and well received but led to further performances through exposure to charity organisers. We are extremely grateful to be recipients of the HOPE program and look forward to sharing music with Perth into the future, with a lot of help from 'Jenny'. Mr Michael Hooper, 2014 :: 2020 HOPE Recipient
Engagements
OGA News
Kasi Mckenzie-Stubbs (10) 01 recently got engaged to Trent Taylor in a romantic setting on top of Bluff Knoll. After a hike to the top of Bluff Knoll, Trent got down on one knee to propose. Kasi and Trent are planning to marry in April 2022. Annette Wilson (06) got engaged to Andrew Andreoli in July 2020 with wedding bells set to ring in October this year. Ryan Evernden (12) got engaged in January this year to Annika Lydiate at Rottnest and their wedding is set for December 2021, in the picturesque Ferguson Valley.
01
Snippets
OGA News
Jocasta Sibbel (91), fondly remembers her time in School productions and in particular, her role as Mrs Mole, with Tracey Morrison as ‘the other woman’. Jo has had a range of interesting jobs since leaving School, including working for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as an Australian Diplomat, as well as for the Commissioner for Children and Young People. She currently works as a Parliamentary Research Officer for the Greens party. Esther Van Kampen (13) graduated with distinction in Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2018. She is currently working in WA’s wheatbelt region and will be moving to New Zealand later this year.
02
Weddings Callum Fleming (09) 02 married Natasha Augustin in January this year at St Michael, the Archangel Chapel in Perth with a reception at the Sandalford Winery in the Swan Valley. Callum’s groomsmen were Grammar students from the Class of 2009: David MacLeay, Brayden Miller and Zac Thompson. Nathan Blakely (09), Andrew Kikeros (09), Marcus Radunovich (06), Cameron Tink (09) and Vaughan Clark (09) also joined the wedding festivities.
03
Earlier this year, Annalise Daggett (13) married Shane Harris, in a ceremony and reception, imbued with Grammar touches! The ceremony was conducted by Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Chaplain, Father Geoff in the Pavilion at Old Broadwater Farm in Busselton. The marriage was then celebrated and shared with fellow Grammar students, Kyla Hayres (13) as one of the bridesmaids, Gabby Watt (13), Hannah Murphy (13), Isabel Fry (13) and Grammar families, the Dickies and Holmes. Mackenzie Molewyk (16) 03 and Jordan King are one of the courageous couples who married last year, despite the COVID-19 restrictions. They tied the knot in July 2020 in the Thomson Brook Church in Brookhampton with an intimate celebration.
Madison Bromham (08) is safely back in WA after an extended stay in London. She recently launched her interior design business, Homebody Design, which is based in the South West. Ros Goodwyn nee Olney (81) works for HBF and has been there for more than 20 years, mainly as a project manager and also has a 21-year-old daughter. Jayben Lister (06) is the Environment and Heritage Manager on site at Novo Resources Gold mine in Nullagine where Chris Mardon (85) is the General Manager. Since leaving Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Marissa Melvin (06) 05 studied nanotechnology at UWA, graduating as a Chemist in 2011. After university, Marissa worked in the pharmaceutical industry for three years and more recently, moved back to Bunbury with her husband David Fairhead (06) and their baby, Lilah Joy. Marissa is now working as Laboratory Team Leader at Ablemarle and cherishes her moments as a new mum.
05
Since leaving School and returning from Rotary exchange in Argentina, Tracey Morrison nee Boyce (91) has lived in Sydney, Mandurah and Port Hedland, working in a variety of roles. She was the Program Co-ordinator at the Hedland Well Women’s Centre in Port Hedland until returning to Perth for her husband’s work. They have a five acre property in Chidlow and Tracey works in a part-time role while also being a wife, mum and unofficial landscape gardener (around their property). She still treads the boards at Marloo Theatre when possible and played ‘Queen of Hearts’ in last year’s Alice in Wonderland production. Mayne Jenour (80) 06 featured in an award-winning ABC Landline production last year for his endeavours in controlling wild dogs in the pastoral region. Mayne has an extensive program for baiting wild dogs and is using groundbreaking technology: drones are being used to reach areas inaccessible by
In Memoriam We have been saddened by
the loss of the following people from our School community.
Walter Leslie (Les) Pike, father of Andrea (78). Rose Carr, mother of Amelia (99) and Andrew (04). Audrey Craddock, mother of Lisa (78) and Stephen and grandmother of Adrian (06) and David (03). Jane Moulden, mother of Jennifer (96) and William (92). Rose Lofthouse, mother of Beryl (77). Allan Roberts, mother of Paul (82), Phillippa Cinquina nee Roberts (85) and Penne Webb nee Roberts (87). Denise Pelusey, mother of Braxton (10).
04
Births 06
conventional transport. The State government has pledged funding for the design and development of the helicopter drone platform and bait dispensing carousel. In conjunction with the University of New England, Mayne has recently enhanced the drone’s capability with species and canine facial recognition. In addition to the use of new technology on his property, the WA government is also constructing a dog fence near Mayne’s sheep station to assist with protecting livestock.
Craig Beatson (01) 04 and his wife, Carmel, welcomed their second child Grace Pamela Beatson, in September last year. Grace is sister to their first child, Jack William and granddaughter to Pam Beatson, former P&F Treasurer. Geoffrey Osborne (00) had good reason to miss his reunion this year with the arrival of his daughter, Madeleine. She was delivered the day before Geoffrey’s delayed 20 year reunion and is the second child to his wife, Rachel. Madeleine is also treasured by her doting grandmother and past teacher, Ann Osborne.
Andrew (Andy) Blenkinsop, husband of Sue (current staff) and father of Jessica (14).
Cynthia Grace Lee, mother of Richard (75) and Nerida Hoare nee Lee (79).
Margaret Good, daughter of Patricia (former staff member), sister of Paul (90) and aunt to Luka (Year 7).
Fiona Baker-Young (77), daughter to Linda and Campbell Young (founding committee member and former Board of Governors member) and sister to Matthew Young (80).
Jarrod Ferguson (89), son of Paul and Rita, and brother of Bradley (87) and Kelvin (84). Emma Campbell, daughter of Nathan (03) and niece of Evan (06). Elizabeth (Betty) Killerby, mother of Kempston (89), Rod (84) (deceased) and Anna Aldridge nee Killerby (81). Calvin Harvey, father of Mark (16) and Philip (12). Lyn Hall, mother of Darren (87) and Deanne Paris nee Hall (89).
Peter Dillon, father to Ashley (87) and Natalie Bell nee Dillon (89). Muriel Hutchinson, mother of Jasmin Baker nee Hutchinson (76) and Vincent Hutchinson (79) and grandmother of Jack Hutchinson (11) and Sue Ellen Brookes nee Hutchinson (former staff member). Bishop David McCall, the School’s fourth Visitor, and a former Board of Governors member.
Reunions
Rewarding to reunite with old friends Class of 2011
It is pretty safe to say that a lot of people feel a little anxious heading along to their high school reunion. I do not think that element would have been missing for a lot of us who attended the big 10 year celebration at the School in March this year. But, sometimes taking a risk and placing yourself outside your comfort zone can lead to something pretty rewarding. For us I feel that reward was getting to see how Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School has grown and changed, as have we. It encompassed a lot of laughs, a lot of hugs and a few trips down memory lane with old friends.
I feel incredibly proud to have been a part of one of the biggest reunions to date. I think this is a real testament to our cohort and am super thankful for everyone who made the effort to come along and indulge in some nostalgia. I am also incredibly thankful to the organisation that went into the evening. For the wonderful tours, the lovely food and drinks and also for the effort put in by past teachers and boarding masters to take the time to come along and check in on us. I am looking forward to the next one and hope we can continue in the same fashion. Verity Hughes :: Class of 2011
Patience is a Virtue
Class of 2010 They say good things come to those that wait and the Class of 2010’s school reunion was no exception to this. An 11-year reunion was held this year due to COVID-19 forcing the cancellation of the 10 year event in 2020. Overall, it was great to spend time with people from our year group once again. A lot of laughs were had reading and comparing
our “Life Plans” that we had written in Year 10, with one plan of a particular classmate making everyone literally cry with laughter. A slideshow was playing with photos from our time at the School which also brought back many memories. A lot of nostalgia was felt from being back at the School, as well as jealousy towards the
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current students enjoying the new infrastructure that has been built since we graduated - especially when it came to the impressive new sporting facilities at Palmer Oval, including the turf cricket wickets! Alex Hurst :: Class of 2010
Reunions
Class of 2001
Reunion a recipe for
sharing memories What an amazing bunch of people we had in our year group of 2001. The reunion was a great way to bring everyone together to reminisce and share stories from our school days through to our journeys in life so far. There was the general question floating around about whether we would send our own children to the School in the future. Wouldn’t that be nice? The slideshow of photos was a recipe for laughter and wonderful memories. It definitely created some chatter about our time at school. Outward Bound camps, trips to Canberra, Singapore, Japan – how lucky were we! We were given so many opportunities. We all look back now on the
amazing times we shared and need to appreciate those moments for our own children. We were incredibly lucky to be able to attend the best school in the Bunbury region with such a lovely community of people. It was so lovely to see some of the teaching staff at the reunion, although we did miss seeing some faces that helped shape us to be the people we are today!
What fun we all had with the photo booth! It was great to continue the party on into the evening and was definitely a night to remember for sure! A special thank you to the school and the OGA for organising such a wonderful evening. Lara-Jane Andrew nee Robertson :: Class of 2001
Lifelong Friendships 21 Years On Class of 2000
There was a buzz of excitement in the air, our 20-year anniversary was up and coming. That was until the uncertainty of COVID-19 hit our Australian shores and our reunion was postponed. One year on and we were able to go ahead with our 21st anniversary. Our numbers were a little low due to border restrictions, newborn babies and babies due within weeks. Those who were able to attend enjoyed a tour of the School with Mr Goerling and many of us were in awe of the new facilities, particularly the Chapel and the Tony Brooker Sports Pavilion.
After the tour, the celebration began in the Year 7 Centre. Drinks were served by wonderful volunteers, food was plentiful and conversation was flowing. It was lovely to reminisce with our teachers about our school days. Many of us cannot believe how fast 21 years has passed. We left the School as 17-year-olds with the world at our feet, and we returned with a few wrinkles, careers under our belts, children of our own and many life experiences along the way. It was a very enjoyable evening and many of us promised to keep
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in more regular contact. We look forward to returning in nine years time for our 30th anniversary, hoping to see the faces of those who we missed this time round. As we spoke about our memories of School, we came to realise that although high school had its ups and downs, we are grateful for the friendships we formed whilst at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School. Fiona Florance nee Rigby :: Class of 2000
Reunions
Rekindled friendships 30 years on Class of 1991
Our night was full of fun and fabulous memories. Reminiscing about crazy times from long ago and blurry photos from a pre-digital age gave us plenty of belly laughs. Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School and the OGA did a great job of providing a welcoming and relaxed venue. Returning to the School was both exciting and nostalgic 30 years has certainly added plenty of style and sophistication to the buildings and facilities that the current students are privileged to enjoy. Despite all the modern changes, the School has managed - OGA 58 -
to maintain the fresh bush atmosphere where we always felt safe and free to be the best people we could be. Once the OGA’s open bar and continuous food supply had been well and truly utilised, we partied in town hanging out at late-night bars with our dancing and stories still giving us plenty to laugh about. We all left with rekindled friendships that on reflection are never likely to fade. Christine Hill nee Campbell :: Class of 1991
Good things come to those who wait Class of 1990 Early in 2020, we were eagerly anticipating our big 30 year reunion but this was soon put to a stop by the COVID-19 outbreak, causing the cancellation of our catch-up. After the initial delay, March 2021 came around quickly and the formal reunion was held in the Year 7 Centre at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, alongside leavers from 2000 and 2010. As part of the reunion, we toured the School with the lovely Mr Cowan. This was certainly an eye-opener for those who had not seen the School since
leaving in 1990. Many things around the School, particularly for boarders have remained the same – especially the Schubert end common room, bringing back fond memories, but elsewhere the School has grown so much and moved ahead with the times, which is great to see. The slide show was a crack-up, including the photo of Leanne trying to eat her foot, the beautiful puffy ball gowns with BIG hair, the coolest band ever consisting of Brad, Reuel, Cam and Dan, Outward Bound memories, and so much more. The food was delicious and it was great to catch up with Christine Hill who was busy helping in the kitchen and it was also a pleasure to see some of our old teachers and boarding staff. The highlights of course were seeing Mrs Mardon there wearing our 1990 Leavers rugby jumper and also being witness to Mr Cowan being made an OGA Life Member.
There was an instant photo booth supplied where we could all have as many photos taken as we liked… with dress ups of course. Much fun and laughter was had here and brought back memories of when we were meant to be studying in our boarding unit but always managed to get slightly side-tracked. Wine and beer were flowing throughout the night until 8.30pm when it finished and the bus took us back into town. Everyone seemed just the same, maybe looking a bit older but in our heads we all still think we are 17 and this became evident of those partying on late into the night, or should I say, early morning. It was so good to be able to relax and enjoy time with these old friends after so long, and there are already plans to catch up again. Louise Rodgers nee Ayers :: Class of 1990
Reunions Class of 1980 & 1981
Years of Traditions & Friendships At the end of March, students from the Class of 1980 and 1981 gathered in the Tony Brooker Pavilion to celebrate the 40 plus years since our school days finished. During our time, this area was a swamp on the Cross Country course and was quite different from the facility that exists there now. One of our own, Geoff Dunbar who currently teaches at the School, took the group on a tour of the School grounds. Everyone was very mindful not to deviate off the path and walk on the grass for fear of being reprimanded something current students still understand apparently! During the lunch we were able to meet the new Head of School and watch a slideshow of photographs from our school days, as well as having some memorabilia to browse. After the meal, we arranged ourselves around the old School sign on the log that used to be at the School entrance and sang a rousing rendition of the School Hymn, Emblazoned on our shield the lamb. A few could only remember this line but Roy Hansen, Greta Cleghorn and Margaret and George Mardon were there to assist.
Following this, we adjourned to Geoff’s house on the School grounds to continue our reminiscing of Year 9 parties, the old horse stables, how the whole school fitted on the old Dodge bus as well as other classics. After 40 years we still remember how awkward the capes and gloves were to wear!
Thank you to the OGA and School staff who organised this event. We all agreed that we would certainly be making an effort to meet up again at the School’s 50th anniversary next year. Jane Fry nee Mardon :: Class of 1980
Reunions Join us at the combined 10, 20 and 30 year reunions on
Saturday, 26 March 2022
30
30 Year Reunion Class of 1992
20
20 Year Reunion
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BUNBURY CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL Phone (08) 9722 6000 | Email administration@bcgs.wa.edu.au 5 Allen Rd Gelorup, WA 6230 | PO Box 1198, Bunbury WA 6231 www.bcgs.wa.edu.au