2022 Grammarian

2022

CONTENTS AROUND THE SCHOOL From the Head From the Board From the Chaplain From the Library Parents and Friends Staff Boarding Student Executive Primary Extension English Newsroom VET Early Learning Focus Round Square Archives Music Year 7 Camp Year 4 Excursion

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SPORT Primary Beach Carnival Secondary Swimming Carnival Cross Country South32 Rottnest Channel Swim Basketball Cricket Stand-up Paddle Boarding

36 38 40 42 44 45 46

OGA OGA News Grand Grammarian OGA Art Acquisition 50 Year Event

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From the

Editor!

Reflections and Celebrations

This year our Grammarian provides an opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved in the last 50 Years. It is filled with the stories of our School—the sporting events, excursions and experiences students can enjoy.

These are the special, unique opportunities that we provide, beyond the classroom, to enhance and build on the learning that takes place inside the classroom.

Some of these opportunities and experiences are new and some, like the Interhouse Cross Country, are events that have roots going back to 1972. What this edition of The Grammarian demonstrates

however, is the joy and sense of achievement that students gain by having these opportunities.

2022 will again have the tag of a ‘year like no other’ as events and milestones must be reimagined or rescheduled. We look forward to welcoming current and past community members to some of these rescheduled events later in the year, to reminisce and celebrate the achievements of the past and to look forward, with excitement, to the future.

Mrs Clare Underdown :: Director of Marketing and Community Relations

PROOFING Clare Underdown, Alicia Lind, Ros Malone and Kym Ashby PHOTOS DESIGN

Staff and students Bronwyn Rogers Design Studio

- Around the School 1 -

FROM THE HEAD

Celebrating 50 Years of Community Connection

This year our community celebrates 50 years of serving and educating the wonderful young people of Bunbury and the South West region.

From humble beginnings, our School has flourished to become the benchmark for day and boarding schooling in the South West, attracting families and students from across Australia and the world.

Families who send their children to Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School know that they are investing in a high-quality allround education focusing on academic excellence, with an approach centred on positive relationships and care.

Our history shapes what we do today because of the journey and the efforts of those who have preceded us. As we honour our past, we know that from this we must also shape our future.

Following two years of consultation with students, parents and staff, our campus masterplan has been approved; this inspiring 30-year plan, focussed on campus rejuvenation and building development, will be published later this year.

While the physical environment is important, the bold vision that shaped our founding in 1972 prioritised the wellbeing of all in our School community. A reflection that was made on the occasion of the School’s 41st year described it as a “positive and purposeful place, where good relationships and a shared sense of purpose combine to form a strong community.” Nine years later, as we celebrate our 50th year and plan for the next 50 years, community and connection remain central to everything we do. We know that relationships are the bedrock of any learning partnership.

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What is changing is education, especially in a post COVID world. We have learned that connections do not always have to be in person, although it is preferable most of the time.

We have learned that the fixed time and place of timetables and classrooms need to be reimagined. We know that we are no longer solely training students for point in time tests and examinations, but rather a holistic and authentic education, preparing students for the many pathways they will take, entering the dynamic workforce of the future, ready with all the skills that employers want and expect— innovators, entrepreneurs, collaborators, ethical citizens, and effective communicators.

Our graduates are, and will continue to be, lifelong learners who are confident, creative, resilient, and responsible change makers, ready to make their mark on the world.

Mr Matthew O’Brien :: Head of School

FROM THE BOARD

Celebrating

Years

I was born in 1972 and share a milestone birthday—50 years— with the School. Birthdays are always cause for celebration and especially so in the case of the School’s birthday, for it is a birthday achieved by the efforts and service of many and celebrates the achievements of thousands of young people whose lives have been shaped by their experiences here—guided by the School’s motto Fide et Opere (by faith and work).

Joining the Board of Governors in April 2000, I was elected as Chair in 2011 and am now in my 23rd year of service to the School; I have been a member of the Board of Governors for almost half of my life!

Although it should not deter potential Board members (since a term of Board membership is three years), the Board has a history of long serving Chairs. Mr Val Lishman’s membership over two periods totalled 21 years (19 years as Chair). Mrs Irene Bourne’s membership continued for 21 years (10 years as Chair).

During my Board membership, there have been other examples of long service, including Father Brian Newing (1987-2005), Mr Kerry Lamb (1995-2002 and 2005-2017), Mrs Jo-Anne Norton (2008-2018) and Dr Anne de Boer (1996-2007).

Service to our School has always reflected the respect and gratitude which Board members have for the opportunity to play a part in achieving educational and pastoral outcomes which make a lasting, beneficial impact on our students.

As an independent school the Board enjoys the widest powers to make decisions in the best interests of the School—financial, educational, pastoral, risk, and every other aspect of governance of a school. The Board delegates day to day management to the Head of School but bears the responsibility for overseeing the educational model, standards, and outcomes. The Board highly values the School’s independence. On numerous occasions, I have seen this independence benefit decision making, in substance, flexibility, responsiveness and outcome.

Independence is no small advantage.

As suggested by the School’s name, it has an Anglican foundation and shares a strong relationship with St Boniface Cathedral, which is reflected by the appointment of 6 (of 12) members of the Board by or in consultation with the Bunbury Diocese of the Anglican Church. The Bishop of Bunbury is an ex-officio member of the Board. I have had the privilege of serving with three Bishops of Bunbury, Bishops David McCall (2000-2010), Allan Ewing (2011-2017) and the current Bishop of Bunbury, the Right Reverend Dr Ian Coutts (2018-current).

All have been interesting and enthusiastic Board members with a genuine affection for the School.

The contribution of members of the Anglican Clergy to the Board is reflected by an atmosphere of reverence and care at Board and Committee meetings. No matter the subject being discussed, the focus of the Board, in all aspects of its decision making, is for the care and welfare of students, staff and School families.

The Board has been fortunate to work with outstanding educational leaders. During my membership, the Board has been guided by Dr Bruce Matthews, Mr Michael Giles, and Mr Matthew O’Brien as Heads of School. The Board works closely with the Chief Financial Officer, and I recall the exceptional contributions of Mr Barry Carroll (1989-2001), Mr Vince Evans (2001-2008) and Mrs Jennifer Nobbs (2008-2021). Mr Yale Bolto joined the School as Chief Financial Officer in 2021. There are of course a multitude of leaders within the School who provide the Board with the benefit of their knowledge.

I have the highest opinion of the School’s educational leaders, who continue our tradition of academic and pastoral excellence.

The BCGS brand of education is uniquely influenced by 50 years of professional dedication to education by some of Australia’s leading educators. It is a tradition which the Board values highly.

Happy 50th Birthday, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School! Here’s to another 50 years!

Mr Simon Jacob :: Chair of the Board of Governors

FROM THE CHAPLAIN

Jubilee One of the great concepts of the Old Testament was that of “Jubilee”.

There is a law in the Accorbook of Leviticus which states thereafter at seven cycles of seven years (remember seven is God’s holy number) a year of the Lord’s favour was to be proclaimed. This was to be a year of forgiveness, reconciliation, and freedom. It was designed to give everyone a fresh start. The law reads: Then you shall have the trumpet sounded loud; on the tenth day of the seventh month—on the day of atonement—you shall have the trumpet sounded throughout all your land. And you shall hallow the fiftieth year and you shall proclaim liberty throughout the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a jubilee for you: you shall return, every one of you, to your property and every one of you to your family. That fiftieth year shall be a jubilee for you: you shall not sow, or reap the aftergrowth, or harvest the unpruned vines. For it is a jubilee; it shall be holy to you: you shall eat only what the field itself produces.

(Lev 25:9-12 NRSV).

As far as we know this law was only in effect for a short time around the time of 600 BCE. The law fell into disuse because it was hard to police and was open to conflicting interpretations.

Nevertheless, the concept lived on in the people’s imaginations.

Six hundred years later, Jesus announced that he himself was the Jubilee: [At Nazareth in the Synagogue, Jesus] unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to bring good news to the poor.

He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favour.’

(Luke 4:18-19,NRSV) This, of course is Luke’s summary of Jesus’ mission. The writer is saying that if you want to know Jesus, just imagine the year of Jubilee. Jesus is the one who gives a fresh start. He is the one who brings forgiveness, reconciliation and freedom.

The injustices of the past are put right, the disadvantaged receive their advantage, debts are cancelled, and the captives are set free.

We are a school founded in Jesus’ teachings and, this year is our year of Jubilee. Our seven cycles of seven years are over. This 50th year is ours to look back and to look forward. We celebrate what we have done well and aim to correct the things we regret. Our Jubilee brings the first Jubilee’s original intent. We celebrate our 50 years by being a place where the poor hear good news, where those in captivity (in all its forms) are set free, where those in darkness begin to see, where oppression is banished and where the Lord’s favour is known.

The Lord be with you!

Father Geoff :: School Chaplain and Head of RAPS

FROM THE LIBRARY

Visual Literacy During Term 1 we studied to develop our Visual Literacy skills.

We have had the pleasure of having Natalya Hawrylak from the Literature Centre, running workshops with our Primary students teaching the intricacies of picture books and the information available in them.

These skills include interpretation, identifying bias and looking for detail. Visual Literacy skills enable students to look for layers of meaning and a greater depth of understanding in texts.

It was also fantastic fun! The best kind of learning.

Ms Jan Pocock :: Teacher Librarian

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PARENTS AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

A Celebratory Year!

We started our fiftieth celebratory year with the wonderful Welcome Sundowner.

Held in the Quadrangle, the School’s natural bush setting was on show including a possum who came to listen to the energetic performance by the Big Band.

We had six P&F presidents in attendance, including Bruce Minchin, a parent from the 1980s, and the relaxed evening was a great start to the year.

The Quadrangle was again put to great use for the Mother’s Day Breakfast. Nearly 200 mothers and students attended the event.

It was very rewarding to see Kindy and Pre-Primary mums

coming to their first event and a significant number of Year 12 mums celebrating their last school Mother’s Day. A big thank you to the fathers who slaved over the BBQs and attended to everyone’s coffee needs.

Last year I wrote about the P&F’s desire to support tangible School projects. This year I am proud to announce that several P&F funded projects have come together this Semester. The early childhood stream is fully operational including its gorgeous hand operated water pump. A new basketball hoop system designed especially for our youngest students has also been installed in the Early Childhood Centre. The Year 11 common room has opened, in time for the cooler weather. This room has been fitted - Around the School 6 -

out with microwaves, sandwich toasters, kettles and an array of teenage approved furniture. It is hoped that this new space will give the Year 11 students somewhere to call their own. Mr Poller has been working with the Year 12 Student Executive and his Year 10 Engineering Class to produce benches and stunning metal flower art pieces for the Wellbeing Garden initiated last year. Two table tennis tables, specifically designed for the outdoor environment, have been installed in the secondary campus and will provide entertainment for many years.

Your P&F is looking forward to celebrating the past 50 years and planning for the next 50.

Stacey Harrison :: P&F President

STAFF

Early Memories Greta Cleghorn,

Foundation staff member

Foundation staff member, Ms Greta Cleghorn has many fond memories from her early years at the School, and strongly believes that the factors that made the School successful back then, are still the same factors that make it successful today.

“The bushland setting at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School was, and still is, something truly unique. I can often remember walking down from the Boarding house, looking up at the trees and thinking just how lucky we all were to be spending our days in this environment.”

Greta also thinks the small size of the School in the early days ensured that building relationships between the School and each family was important, and even as the School has grown, this has still remained a focus.

“There were only four full-time teachers at the beginning, so we became a very close and supportive group. All of us taught most of the students so we quickly built strong relationships with not only our students, but also their parents.”

Teaching at a new school was not without its challenges though.

many of the parents helped with costumes and building the sets.”

“In the beginning there was a lack of facilities and equipment. All our sport was played in the sand or bush, and we had very limited sporting equipment. The Primary classrooms and Secondary classrooms were right next to each other and often caused disruptions with singing in the younger years while the older students were trying to complete a test.”

“I truly loved my job at the School, and although at times it was challenging it was always enjoyable and I will always feel grateful.”

Some of Greta’s fondest memories are from her involvement with the School productions. Her favourites included Oliver, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat and Man of Steel.

“The productions back then had a way of bringing the whole School together, students and staff were involved in performing, and

Mrs Kym Ashby :: School Community Co-ordinator

Looking back & looking forward When I arrived at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School in January 1999, the School had recently celebrated 25 years of service to the Bunbury community.

Looking back at my time at Grammar, 24 years further on, as the first female to hold the role as Head of Secondary and Deputy Head of the School, I reflect on the changes and innovations that have shaped our community.

When I arrived Dr Bruce Matthews was Head of School—or Headmaster as he was termed in those days—and Mr John Jeffreys was the Deputy Headmaster, looking after the academic program of the School. Mr Andy Cowan was the other Deputy, responsible for Pastoral Care. The vertical Home Group system had just been introduced and I was a proud member of Redding House looking after RD3!

As the School moved through the early 2000s there was significant development in our buildings and

facilities. The Chapel of St Francis and St Clare was commissioned and The Father Brian Newing Café, along with a new Library and Staff Centre, were opened and extended playing fields were laid. The bespoke and ground breaking Year 7 Centre accepted its first students, with an extension to the Bishop Ralph Hawkins Administration Building accommodating House offices and drawing together the Wellbeing team. The Tony Brooker Pavilion was built, and as a science teacher and then Head of the Science Faculty, I was thrilled with the Science block extension providing additional laboratory space, a new staff office and Prep room facilities.

Mr Jeffreys retired from his role on the Leadership team at the end of 1999 and in 2000 the School welcomed Mrs Carol Hogan, soon to become Dr Hogan, to the role of Deputy Head-Academic.

Dr Hogan ushered in a new era for the School. She introduced digital reporting, dispensing of the old ‘Truth Books’ which were used up to that point.

Teachers’ use of digital technology blossomed, and Dr Hogan inspired students with her calm, gentle and understanding disposition, her outstanding command of the written word and her love of learning. Dr Hogan was an outstanding teacher of English and Literature and complemented the leadership team as a counterpoint to the scientific mindsets of Dr Matthews and Mr Cowan!

Dr Hogan was a mentor and guide

to many teaching colleagues and one of the many women who have shaped our School in the last 50 years.

As a foundation teacher, Greta has described some of the features that struck her when the School first opened. 50 years on, many of those characteristics continue and are now embedded within the culture of our School. The beautiful bush setting remains; providing a calm environment and a focus on nature that is still enjoyed by students and staff. The School has grown and developed but still retains very much the essence of what was originally imagined; a focus on excellence, providing exciting opportunities for students that mean they can stay in the region and not need to move to Perth for their education, and a focus on our Anglican values.

And why have I stayed so long?!

Every year has been a new and inspiring one for me. The School is often at the forefront of innovation and continues to grow and develop. We embrace new initiatives, learning from educational research and current thinking. Each year we work with outstanding students and families, we share a strong community and the support and friendships we develop make this a very special place to be.

Mrs Kathy Chiera :: Head of Secondary/Deputy Head of School

BOARDING

No Time to be Board!

To this point there have been many disruptions to our usual Boarding activities and living arrangements due to the ever-changing COVID-19 restrictions.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to our families and staff who have adapted to the change and been very supportive.

I would particularly like to acknowledge the Boarders who have been amazing during this trying period. They have accepted the situation and remained upbeat, respectful, and supportive of each other. As I write this piece, restrictions have been eased and tomorrow will see the end of mask wearing in Western Australia.

As such, I will not mention COVID-19 again.

At the start of the year, we farewelled Mr David Sibly, our Catering Manager for many years.

I congratulate, on behalf of the Boarding community, Mr Paul

Walker on his appointment to this role. We also warmly welcomed a new sous chef, Mr Zoo Sumi to our community and look forward to his input and culinary flare at our meals.

Mr Josh Williams has been appointed to the position of Deputy Head of Boarding. Josh has served our Boarding community tirelessly for nearly nine years, and will remain the Residential Year Group Co-ordinator for Years 9 and 12 but will take on extra responsibilities.

Congratulations Josh!

As much as possible, we have continued with a full and diverse recreation offering. Students have been able to enjoy our staple offerings of beach trips and local shopping along with outings to mini golf, the cinema, roller skating, mountain biking, paddle boarding, sunset beach trips, BBQ dinners at the beach, shopping at Mandurah Forum, golf, spa nights, outdoor movies and speedway, to name just a few. We are so fortunate to have access to, and - Around the School 11 -

be able to provide, such a diverse range of activities which has no peer to any other boarding school I have worked in.

Some works are underway as we look to another 50 years and beyond. The demolition and development of the central area of Boarding has begun.

Refurbishment of bedrooms and units has commenced with a new couch and coffee table to replace the old dining table and plastic chairs and new cupboard, study desks and office chairs for rooms. Two Units will continue to undergo a prototype development which will include new lighting, flooring, internal painting, new artwork and sliding doors on each bedroom. This will complement the refurbished showers and toilets and new furniture. Boarders will be invited to give feedback as we continue to refit the remaining units. It is a very exciting time to be here!

Mr Justin Forbes :: Head of Boarding

BOARDING

From the

Head Boarder It has been great to be back in Boarding after the holidays! In Semester 1, we organised the first Captain’s weekend, where Boarding students were able to decide on what activities and recreation we would participate in. We have selected our Boarding Executives, ordered our Boarding jumpers and are working towards developing some policies.

The Boarding jumpers feature designs created onsite by our boarders, and a shout out to Montanna Campbell is definitely due! The jumpers look great and will be on their way soon—just in time for the winter weather.

The Captain weekend was a success, with mini golf in Busselton, a shopping trip to Mandurah, movie marathons and a swim in Collie at Black Diamond Lake. There has also been new furniture placed in two Units, a new grass area has been planted, and more renovations are planned to take place throughout the year.

This change has been great to see, and the units and beautiful grass area is looking great. It has been wonderful to see everyone motivated and happy to be back in Boarding with an enthusiastic attitude. I hope to see this continue later into the year!

Violet Dawes :: Head Boarder

STUDENT EXECUTIVE

Sustainable behinds!

Every year, the Student Executive sets goals to improve various aspects of the School, centring around a specific theme. This year they decided to focus their efforts on the environment and sustainability.

“I am super excited to be making a difference in our School. This year’s Student Executive is a wonderful team and I am sure that we will be able to have a positive impact on our School community and strive to be great role models,” said School Captain, Charlie Youngson.

“Our Student Executive is really passionate about the environment and wants to make the School a more sustainable and environmentally friendly place. We organised to get our leavers jackets made from completely recycled materials.

This was super exciting for us as we feel it sends out a great

message displaying our values and goals for the year,” continued School Captain, Paige Snelling.

“We have also organised with the School to switch to Who Gives a Crap? toilet paper. This is 100% recycled toilet paper, and 50% of the proceeds go to providing developing countries with better sanitation and toilets,” added Paige.

As for further plans throughout the year, Chairperson, Abby Crossland said, “Some things we are introducing in the future include, getting paper that is recycled for our printers. We are also looking at introducing a new recycling bin system in classrooms to help with the School’s recycling. Finally, we will also be introducing more native flora around the School.”

“As a group we are excited to help the School become a more sustainable environment which will be beneficial for future students,” Abby concluded.

PRIMARY EXTENSION

Maths Mania!

In Term 1, students from Years 3-6 began their journey as part of our Primary School Maths Olympiad and Maths Explorer teams. They participated in rigorous mathematical competitions designed to challenge and extend higher order thinking. Mrs Rachel Cook, an exceptional and highly effective teacher, facilitated both competitions.

Students from Years 3 and 4 participated in the Maths Explorer program. They worked

collaboratively in pairs or small groups to find solutions to mathematical problems. The competition aims to stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics and helps students to prepare for more challenging competitions in the future.

Students from Years 4, 5 and 6 competed in the Maths Olympiad, a more rigorous and challenging competition. It is completed on an individual basis with students competing against one another across Australasia.

It introduces students to more complex mathematical concepts and strengthens students’ mathematical intuition.

Both Maths Explorer and Maths Olympiad run every six weeks until mid-term 3, so it is an opportunity for ongoing extension.

After consultation with the participants, both competitions proved successful.

Mrs Larissa Marchant :: Deputy Head of Primary

Sarah Florance, Year 3 :: Other people could help me understand the questions.

We got lots of different ideas working in a group.

Kobe Warren, Year 4 :: It was a good experience that was harder than I am used to, but I enjoyed it. It was an academic opportunity and a nice chance to try out harder questions.

Wolfe Kidd, Year 5 :: Maths Olympiad was quite hard, and you really had to think about every question.

You should try it if you think you have what it takes, and you are ready for a challenge.

Jake Ognenis, Year 5 :: I really loved Maths Olympiad.

It was a challenge and it allowed me to learn new skills that will help me later.

Jensen Barbour, Year 6 :: Maths Olympiad was a good challenge and a way to problem solve and practice for future tests.

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ENGLISH NEWSROOM

What’s in the

News?

This year, for the first time, a group of Year 10 students have been studying English with a focus on ‘What’s in the News’.

The classroom has been converted into a ‘newsroom’.

This has given students the opportunity to consider behindthe-scenes life of a news crew.

Highlights have been reporting on real and even some ‘fake news’. The on-the-spot reports from the petrol station, COVID hotspots and even a commentary of a regional basketball final have been fun to produce but even more fun to mark.

We have learnt the alien discourse of the newsroom and now know what news jargon is, for example, a “noddy” is apparently not simply Big Ears’ best friend.

Another highlight was the visit from Alumni and successful local journalist, Jackson Barrett. Here is an article written about his visit by student, Alexander Clements.

JOURNALIST INSPIRES OUR NEWSROOM On a Friday in March, local journalist Jackson Barrett visited our class to enlighten us about

his occupation. Jackson graduated from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School in 2016 and then went to university in Perth. He says university is not completely a necessity for the job but it taught him lots during his time there.

After university, he began working at The South Western Times, a regional newspaper located in Bunbury. He also works as a commentator at sporting games locally.

He described what a working week looked like for him and explained it being long and hard hours, saying “You don’t get into journalism for the money.”

As The South Western Times comes out on a Thursday, everything leads up to that day.

The cycle begins with less stress on Thursday building up to the more stressful pre-circulation day on Wednesday.

When asked about his most influential case so far, he told us about his part in the disappearance of Cleo Smith,

which had the whole world on the end of their seats earlier this year.

He explained that he got a call from a Perth editor from The West Australian newspaper requesting for him and another journalist to cover the story. So, they flew out to Carnarvon to go to Quobba Station and report on the disappearance.

He spoke about how interesting the job was, “You have no clue what you are going to be doing and then this call came out of the blue and completely changed the next two weeks,” said Jackson.

He spoke of a time he remembers that will stand out in his career for the rest of his life. He and another reporter were at the blowholes campsite camped in a hire car listening to Taylor Swift eating pizza, while listening to the rather noisy blowholes very early in the morning. This proved to be a surreal experience for Jackson, camping out at the scene of this remarkable event, made even more remarkable by the successful discovery of young Cleo.

In total his visit was excellent for those who were privileged to hear his story and it completely allowed us to understand journalists at a new level. We wish Jackson luck with his future endeavours and hope to see his work around.

Alexander Clements :: Year 10

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING

happens behind the scenes and understand what a dentist’s day-to-day tasks look like. I really enjoyed it! :: Avalon Muir

Work Experience and Workplace Learning

Each semester Year 10 students gain firsthand experience in the workplace, by being emersed in an industry of their choice for a full week.

My week of work experience was at the Eaton Vet Clinic. I had the privilege to witness and get hands-on with animals as small as a rat and as huge as a 50 kilogram Great Dane! I was able to engage in surgeries where ear canals and tumours were removed, castrations and even dentistry for dogs. I enjoyed a very hands-on experience while gaining knowledge in consultations, theatre as well as lab work. :: Isabella Warren

They learn more about a profession they may like to pursue, and have a taste of the working world. Students also gain greater self-understanding, maturity, independence, and selfconfidence. We are so grateful to the businesses who support this important and valuable program.

Work Experience was valuable in helping me choose what I want to do in the future. I always knew I wanted to do something handson, but I wasn’t exactly sure what. I enjoyed learning about the world of work and being exposed to what is out there. If you have an opportunity to do work experience, take it – you won’t regret it! :: Cooper Commisso, Bunbury Precision Engineering

I spent a week working with a lovely group of people at Vivid Smiles Dentistry and enjoyed some hands-on experiences and opportunities, to see what

I was undecided about what I wanted to do in the future when we had to choose something for work experience, so I decided to try teaching. I absolutely loved - Around the School 18 -

both of my work placements at primary schools. My second experience was at South Bunbury Primary School. I worked with Year 2 students, helping with small groups, reading and lots of gluing and cutting! It was incredible to see the difference between each student, their personalities, and the friendships that work in the class. My experience helped me solidify my thoughts of what to do with my life. :: Georgia Franklin Being from a farming background, I always knew that I wanted to do something handson. The Workplace Learning Program in Year 10 gave me the opportunity to learn about the world of work and helped me realise that I want to be a heavy diesel mechanic. I was lucky the School helped me start a School Based Traineeship where I went to work one day a week and got paid for it! One day became two and I gained a huge range of experience that will lead to getting an apprenticeship. I really recommend the VET program at our School, it has been the best thing about school so far! :: Benjamin Hallett

Meet the Team This year Mrs Jenelle Commisso joined the VET and Careers team while Mrs Belinda Walker is on leave.

2021 was a very successful year with many students gaining apprenticeships and employment as a direct result of being involved in the VET Program. Meet the team who helps our VET students find their way.

Mrs Jenelle Commisso What is the purpose of VET in schools?

VET offers students a different option to ATAR. It provides hands-on, practical courses that lead to a Certificate qualification, and can offer a different pathway into university.

Students can undertake work placements to gain a greater understanding of different industries to help them decide what they may like to do when they leave school.

What is the best part about being in the VET office?

I love watching the students being engaged at school, as they are taking courses that interest them. It is fulfilling to see them gain employment when they leave, because of the course or experience they had.

How do students decide what VET course to take?

Firstly, we suggest they get some career advice. This could be from parents, friends, teachers, or people from the industry they are interested in. They are then more informed on what course they should undertake and options to be involved in a particular industry. We also talk with the students about their interests and make suggestions on different areas they may be suited to.

Are the VET courses taught at the School?

Yes and no! We facilitate some courses such as Music, Sport and Business. Other courses are taught off campus at the Bunbury Regional Trade Training Centre, TAFE or sometimes online.

How can do students enrol in a VET course?

Come and see us in the VET office – we love a chat! We work closely with students to help them find the course/s that are right for them.

Ms Cathy Elliot What is the best part about being in the VET office?

Seeing our students gain confidence in themselves along with experience in the workplace that eventually leads to the start of their careers or helps them gain entry to university.

What is the Workplace Learning Program (WPL) and why should students be involved?

The WPL program involves students working a day per week with a business or industry they would like to gain handson experience in. It is open to students from Year 10 onwards and they usually try a different workplace or industry each term to help make informed decisions for future career pathways.

Students who participate in the WPL program often have a clear intent of their chosen career so gain meaningful employment quite quickly when they leave School. WPL students also have an advantage over their peers when applying for jobs or apprenticeships, as employers prefer to hire people who have a better understanding of the job, and they have skills and experience from their previous work placements.

Roughly, how many businesses do you work with as part of the WPL program?

Over the years we have had over 1,000 businesses assist with our work experience and workplace learning programs. Some have been a once off placement but we have many businesses who have hosted multiple students, all of which we are greatly appreciative of!

EARLY LEARNING FOCUS

Discover & Wonder

Like learning to read, Botanical Literacy begins with an awareness of the world around us. As students progress through the early childhood years at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, Botanical Literacy is developed with experiences and ideas scaffolded from the previous year.

Our philosophy encourages students to discover and wonder, through interweaving the inquiry and visible thinking processes, giving them the opportunity to develop deeper understandings throughout their learning. The Power of Inquiry (Kath Murdoch, 2015) advocates for children to be challenged by looking at the big concepts that can be extended from an inquiry.

We proudly engage with the environment, using it as our context, to emphasise the thinking and process skills with an understanding of concepts. Alongside learning to read, we seek to prepare our future citizens of the world to be scientifically literate and who will look after our environment.

Mrs Susan Bancroft, Mrs Candice Carlisle, Mrs Jayne Lincoln and Mrs Kerry Grigg :: Early Learning Teachers

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ROUND SQUARE

Perseverance Sets Sail!

Through Round Square, students had the opportunity to participate in a half-day sail on the STS Leeuwin with students from Scotch College, Penrhos College and Geraldton Grammar School. The experience taught students how to communicate effectively and work together to help sail a traditional tall ship.

Year 6 students reflect on their experiences: Hazel Ubani :: I first heard about this opportunity through my mother and I decided to participate as it is something that I have never done before.

I enjoyed the rope tying bit the most as I learned how to tie lots of different types of knots. For me, getting your harness on

was the most difficult part. This experience taught me how to collaborate and work with others to achieve a shared goal.

Lilly Offer :: My father told me about this opportunity. I wanted to do this as it was something that I have never done before and both of my siblings have previously participated in. I enjoyed hanging out with all my friends and it was also really fun getting to climb up the front of the boat. The sail helped me be open to new experiences.

Ian du Plessis :: I am afraid of heights, so it was a challenge going on the ropes at the front of the ship. It really taught you to persevere when facing your fears. Overall, it was just the best experience ever! You get the opportunity to meet other people from schools all around the state, while learning how to be resilient and how to keep a ship afloat.

ROUND SQUARE

Feeding A need Our School, via Round Square and Eat Up, has once again been providing sandwiches to schools in the local area so that they have them on hand if students are not able to bring their own lunch.

Round Square Captain Emily Tombleson further explains; “I have found Eat Up an excellent way to get more involved with Round Square and with our community. I joined as an original volunteer for the first Eat Up session in 2021 to increase my community service involvement.

With generous donations from Baker’s Delight in Dalyellup and Carey Park, we are currently providing a total of 350 sandwiches. Made and packed by up to 20 students from Years 6 to 12 twice per term, the sandwiches are delivered to six schools (and growing) in the South West, from Bridgetown to Australind and Dalyellup. It is a rewarding and fun-filled experience for all involved as

With previous experience as a classroom volunteer at a local primary school, I had seen firsthand the frequency that young students will be without lunch, relying on external assistance for something to eat.

I have continued my contribution this year, attending sessions about twice per term for around half an hour to make sandwiches for several local

- Around the School 24 -

schools to give to students that would otherwise go hungry. It really is an easy way to make a big difference in a child’s day.

Eat Up is an amazing initiative to have the opportunity to engage with, and one I think other students should consider to participate in. It only requires a short amount of your time to give benefit to others and make yourself feel great, knowing you have done something positive for the community.

We are very fortunate that so many have already been involved, I hope to see even more students helping out during our upcoming sessions!”

Ms Cathy Elliot :: Round Square Co-ordinator

FROM THE ARCHIVES

50 Years

of Community & Innovation

FROM THE ARCHIVES

FROM THE ARCHIVES

The School we now know as ‘BCGS’ began with a meeting in 1967 and soon became what was known as the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar Schools project.

Looking back through the Archives, an interested searcher will learn that this first meeting of citizens from in and around Bunbury, together with the Bishop of Bunbury, was a community gathering. In the years that followed, leading up to our School’s Opening Day in 1972, more and more people in the South West community became involved with bringing Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School to fruition.

This history has long continued throughout the last 50 years, with parents, teachers, students, grandparents and relatives of all kinds, members of the South

West community, and friends of the School contributing with enthusiasm to School-Related Groups like the Parents and Friends’ Society (now Association), the Ladies Auxiliary, the Former Students’ Association – now the Old Grammarians’ Association – and the Grammar Foundation.

Long-held traditions of the past 50 years have brought this enthusiasm together for events such as School Fetes, Arts Events and Fundraising, only part of the vibrant community activities within and around our School.

When Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School opened in 1972, it was Australia’s first Independent Co-educational Primary and Secondary Day and Boarding School, an amazing innovation for its era. The innovation was a success and was the first of many that the School held as part of its ethos.

- Around the School 28 -

The innovation of ‘cottage-style’ boarding in the 1980s, the early adoption of new technologies at all stages of our history, our successful programs of International student exchange beginning in the 1970s, and the School’s implementation of unique and effective teaching methodologies, are only some of our 50 years of transformative growth and development.

As we celebrate our 50th year at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, we can look back on all we have achieved with admiration, and look forward to the future with confidence and excitement.

Mrs Ros Malone :: School Archivist

MUSIC

Voila!

A recording studio!

Our year started with much enthusiasm!

The Big Band kicked things off with hours of early morning rehearsals and preparations to perform at the P&F Welcome Sundowner on Friday, 4 February. Recovering quickly from a sixweek break, the ensemble slotted back together and performed to an enthusiastic audience in the beautiful surrounds of the Quadrangle. Just as quickly as it began, it was over – restrictions the next week forced us to delay the start of ensemble rehearsals for groups larger than 10 players and we had to find new ways of making music together.

The Year 12 boys threw themselves into creating a recording studio in what had always been known as the Strings Room. The room was cleared of furniture and a large number of violins, violas, cellos and double basses. With this, Mrs Speer and Mrs Collins embraced the opportunity to conduct lessons in one of the new music pods. Over the next few weeks, Charlie, Aaron, Jordan and Cooper scoured the department for equipment, put up acoustic panels on the walls and set up a drum kit, piano, keyboard, guitar and bass amps, microphones and an old analogue hard disk recorder to get the studio going. The IT Department helped by installing recording software on the iMacs and voila, a recording studio! The studio has already provided hours of entertainment and discovery for our senior music students and we are all looking forward to improving our performance and recording skills during the year.

Band rehearsals remain on hold for the time being but rehearsals for small groups of musicians have been happening all Term. The strings, flute, clarinet, brass and jazz ensembles have been rehearsing regularly and are preparing repertoire ready for when we are allowed to perform publicly again.

We are enjoying using the music pods for instrumental lessons and we have done lots of tidying up around the building. Our ‘Watermelon Man’ costume has been framed and now sits in a prominent place outside the Performing Arts office, reminding us of fun times on Music Tour last year!

Aaron Lanagan and Tom Simmonds :: Music Captains 2022

YEAR 7 CAMP

Camping is a wonderful experience for everyone. Welcome to the tour of our Year 7 Camp.

Getting settled was the hard part because of the brand-new environment and the people. First off when we arrived at the camping spot, reality kicked in and we realised that the people we would be spending the next four nights with, would be people most of us did not know.

The activities were surfing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, caving, bike riding, raft building, and a few hours at Next Level Monkey Business.

Surfing was very fun or painful depending on what type of experience you had but the ones who were good at it were disappointed they only got to surf on the whitewash.

The highlight of the kayaking was making a giant snake chain.

Stand-up paddle boarding was a new experience for some of us and it was exciting as we got to play games and have fun. Although it was a shallow beach, many of us liked it like that.

Caving was a relief because it was one of the only activities out of the sun. We got to explore each inch of the cave and learnt about all the caves.

Bike riding was about going out into the world to explore and have a fun time with friends.

Raft building encouraged teamwork and problem solving in order to get a bag of gummy worms.

Finally, on the last day of camp, we went to Next Level Monkey Business and climbed the day away.

After almost a week of laughing, eating (kind of), making friends, and having a wonderful disco, we were ready to head home and sleep.

Luken Mayberry and Zak Spottiswood :: Year 7

- Around the School 33 -

YEAR 4

Koomal Dreaming

Koomal Dreaming Cultural Experience On a crisp and clear Autumn morning, the Year 4 students headed off on a leisurely walk through our School’s beautiful bushland. Their destination; the Palmer Oval firepit. Here they were to spend time with Wardandi custodian, Josh “Koomal” Whiteland, to learn more about the rich local Indigenous culture and history.

The students explored how traditional owners utilised the natural environment for bush medicine, shelter, clothing, and food. They witnessed the skilled craft of traditional fire-making, using only the natural resources in the surrounding environment, and the accomplished talent of didgeridoo playing. Through storytelling, they discovered more about the importance of Country and Place to Indigenous peoples, and they listened to some Dreaming stories that have been shared for thousands of years.

The highlight was a surprise boomerang throwing experience.

After receiving expert instruction from Josh, it was the students turn to try their hand at throwing a boomerang using the traditional method. Despite many attempts, no boomerang made it back!

Mrs Rachel Cook :: Year 4 Teacher

- Around the School 35 -

I enjoyed listening, and learning to play, Indigenous music with the didgeridoo, tapping sticks and drums. :: Ethan We got to learn how to dance.

The girls learnt how to dance like an emu and boys like kangaroos. :: Archer I enjoyed seeing all the different didgeridoos and their shapes and sizes. :: Jane My favourite part was when we tried to throw the Boomerang. :: Adam I liked learning how they make the fires and trying to make a fire. :: Alyssa I learnt that the Indigenous people have been around for between 66,000 and 70,000 years. :: Jack I liked learning about the different types of Boomerangs; some were heavy, and some were light, and they were used to hunt and fight. :: Josh I liked learning about the different tools and how they made the resin and other parts of the tools. :: Harper I liked learning about the different tools, especially the fishing spear which was made with a kangaroo leg bone! :: James

PRIMARY BEACH CARNIVAL

Beach fun!

At times we all receive a curve ball. This year the recipient was the Primary Swimming Carnival.

So instead, we had a Beach Carnival at Koombana Bay. It was amazing! Not only great fun but physically very active on the beach and in the water. Absolutely non-stop fun and games for one hour.

Class cohorts were kept separate to fit within the guidelines at the time. Mr Kavanagh and Ms Jenkin co-ordinated one group while Mr Murray and I another other group.

Activities varied from running in the water, beach flags, swimming and iron man events, to board paddling and ‘echidna’, which involved the students crawling around on the sand and when the whistle is blown, closing their eyes and crawling up like an echidna in a defensive position.

Then, one person is covered with a towel and everyone tries to work out who is covered. Not as easy as you think and great fun when you are wet while the sand is warm.

Hopefully, we will only repeat this day if we want to and not because of a curve ball that we cannot control. However, if we have to, I for one would be very happy.

It was a sensational day!

Mr Geoff Dunbar :: Primary Sports Co-ordinator

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SECONDARY SWIMMING CARNIVAL

A Close Comp!

A close competition, but Redding brought home the prize!

On a drizzly autumn day, the Secondary School gathered together at the Dr Peter Topham Memorial Swimming Pool in Harvey, ready for a great day of fun at the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Although the location and mask circumstances were different from previous years, this did not dampen the competitive spirit and great efforts all students exerted in support of their House. As the Carnival began, the competition between Redding and Goldsmith heated up, with scores neck and neck for most of the day. There was great participation from students in Years 7 to 12, and

even the students that did not swim on the day helped add to the excitement of the Carnival.

Towards the end of the day, Redding managed to pull ahead in the relays and by the end of the day, had secured both the participation and the overall winner shield, which rightfully returned to the Redding office after a short period in Knight House last year. Overall, it was a very successful day, especially for Redding House, and all swimmers should be proud of their efforts.

Thank you to the Dr Peter Topham Memorial Swimming Pool and the many people that had to put in the extra hours to make this year’s Swimming Carnival happen.

Angus Wildy and Alix Ness :: Redding House Captains

CROSS COUNTRY

Redding leads the way!

Redding leads the way for the third year!

On a sunny Autumn day, the whole School gathered together down at Palmer Oval, ready for a great afternoon of fun at the Interhouse Cross Country Carnival.

The Carnival began with a new event- a race that contained past students and parents that were keen to get amongst the cross country action. The addition of this race was an absolute hit and the School is very excited about making this race a tradition.

There was great participation throughout the day from students in Primary and Secondary, and even the students that were unable to run participated and helped add to the excitement of the Carnival.

By the end of the afternoon Redding managed to score both the Participation Cup and House Shield, which have been placed right next to those won at the Swimming Carnival!

Luckily, the shields only had a short trip away from the Redding office, as this was our third Cross Country win in row. Overall, it was a very successful day, especially for Redding House, and all runners should be proud of their efforts. Thank you to the school groundsmen and staff that worked very hard to make this great afternoon happen.

Alix Ness :: Secondary Redding House Captain It was great to be the Redding House Captain at the Cross Country because Redding ended up winning both shields. I was proud to receive the Shield with the High School Captains. I did feel short in size compared them but it was wonderful. Redding House performed well, and I enjoyed cheering everyone home.

Zac Casagrande :: Primary Redding House Captain

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SOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL SWIM

Resilience Wins!

Tough conditions challenge resilient swimmers

it and the swell made it more fun.

Though when it was over, I really needed a nap!”

Thirteen students from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School took part in this year’s South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. It was the 23rd year that the School has participated in the Swim, with students battling some of the harshest conditions in years.

This did not deter our swimmers who were determined to complete the challenge.

The success of the swimmers has always been a cumulative effort from not just the students, but also the members of their teams, their families and supporters.

“I chose to compete as a duo this year to challenge myself. Leading up to the swim I was hoping for nicer conditions but around a week before the swim many of us realised that it would be another tricky swim. Doing a duo in bad conditions was tough as sea sickness was a problem for a few people. Although Scarlett and I were both lucky enough to not experience any sickness, stingers were the biggest issue!” said second-time swimmer, Neve Hathway, Year 10.

First-time swimmer, Alexander Clements also Year 10, enjoyed the swim as well saying, “I felt excited leading up to my first time competing. I was hyped up during

Veteran swimmer and first-time manager, Year 12 student Noah Hales, was proud of his team for completing the Swim in the day’s conditions. “After swimming in the Rottnest Channel Swim twice, I felt I could use my knowledge and experience to help a team achieve their best. Managing a team is an important part of bringing the swimmers together and preparing them for the actual day. All the teams that competed did their absolute best even with the challenging conditions.”

Mrs Natalie Clements, Alexander’s mother, also shared in the emotions of the day as Alexander’s team saw the many hours of practice come to fruition as they landed on Rottnest Island.

“The boys had swum more than the 19.7km to Rottnest Island but worked together despite the conditions and the sea sickness. I might have shed a tear when they

- Sports 43 -

all jumped in and swam together to the end. It was wonderful that we had made it and got there well before the cut off time,” said Mrs Clements.

“On behalf of the parents of the boys’ BCGS Barracudas team, we are grateful to the many volunteers that helped them get there. Thank you to BCGS Barracudas for showing me the resilience you all have through completing such a tough swim. They were amazing, well behaved, and respectful of the crew, the boat and did us all proud that day!” added Mrs Clements.

When asked if he had any advice for students who are thinking of competing in the future, Alexander said, “Definitely go for it – it is great to get involved. It is heaps of fun, so it is definitely worth grabbing some mates and forming a team. I would like to compete as a team of four again to see if we can beat the School record. I may do a solo in the future as well!”

Neve agreed and also has plans to re-enter the swim next year.

“I would love to swim again next year and am considering doing another duo or a solo hopefully!”

Mrs Denise Fry :: Media Co-ordinator

BASKETBALL

Shooting High Hoops Primary

I believe one of the legacies of the recently departed Mr Ben Duff is a very healthy participation rate in basketball. We had over 90 players from Years 1 to 6 in the 2021/22 season, representing over 50% of the eligible students in Primary!

With many others playing cricket or swimming, the high levels of enthusiasm for sports within our School is incredibly encouraging.

Remarkably, every boy in Year 2 was involved in the basketball team at the beginning of the season, reflecting a great team and community spirit for sport.

While our focus will always be on the enjoyment of the game, many players have been able to develop their skills and evolved into exceptional players; some representing regional and representative teams as well as gaining MVP recognition from the Bunbury Basketball Association.

All this is only possible with the support of our parents; this season we had 12 primary teams, with nine of them coached by parents.

They are passionate, enthusiastic and knowledgeable; interestingly, all these are exceptional traits for a great teacher, perhaps we should be encouraging some career changes?

Our students highlight what is important about playing sport:

I love basketball because we get to have fun times with our friends in a team environment. :: Annabel Reid I loved our team this season, everyone comes to have fun.

Josh is great, he will always pass to people who are in the right position; he encourages us all to play as a team. :: Alex Cunningham Mr Rob Whirledge :: Head of Primary

Secondary Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School had 26 teams play in the Bunbury Basketball Association with 14 teams from the Secondary School.

There were six Primary and eight Secondary teams that made finals which culminated in one Primary team and three Secondary teams making Grand Finals.

Congratulations to the Year 11/12 Boys Div 2 team that won the Grand Final 55-51 against Tornadoes Ballers. Luc Perkins was awarded Player of the Grand Final after scoring 38 points.

Well done to all students who represented our School this season

and to all coaches and managers, both staff and parents, for their efforts throughout the season.

Mr Jason Reid :: Sports Co-ordinator

ASSOCIATION AWARDS We congratulate the following players for their efforts:

Year 5 RU MVP William Cunningham (Boys Div 2) Year 6 MVP Alex Cunningham (Boys Div 2) Year 7 MVP Indi Buswell (Girls Div 1) Year 8/9 RU MVP Fletcher Hands (Boys Div 2) RU MVP Will Potter (Boys Div 3) RU MVP Santina Pillonel (Girls Div 2) Year 10/11 RU MVP Cameron Duff (Boys Div 3)

CRICKET

We entered five cricket teams this season as well as once again running a Master Blasters and Junior Blasters centre at School.

We had two teams make finals with the Year 10 team making the Blue Division Grand Final but unfortunately went down in a close match to Leschenault. The team was well-led by 52 retired from

Harry Burns as well as 3/14 by Floyd Donnan.

We farewell our Year 12 students that have now finished their cricketing journey with us. These players have played a number of seasons and we wish Tom Maskew, Joe Van Nierop, James Wutchak, Lachie Smith, Darcy Eagles, Tom Simmonds and Kobe Hayes all the best in their future cricketing careers.

Our School has also just finished its First XI Campaign having won two matches out of four including an excellent victory over Dalyellup College. Jonah Lincoln was the pick of the players with a First XI century (109 not out versus Our Lady of Mercy College) and another near century with 94 against Dalyellup College.

Mr Jason Reid :: Sports Co-ordinator

AWARDS Overall Club Champion Benjamin Lincoln Chloe Piparo Medal Best Female Player at BCGS Molly Lincoln Female Encouragement Award Scarlett Bell

- Sports 45 -

STAND-UP PADDLE BOARDING

Zooming Along!

Mr Kelby Murray and Mr Geoff Dunbar have been responsible for running the Stand-up Paddle Board program for about seven years. Although, Mr Dunbar proclaimed “this year seemed to be the best”, that is something he says every year!

“Students were amazing and so willing to give it a crack,” he commented.

and it is also a lot harder work, but when you are going with the wind you go really fast and the only thing you can be worried about is hitting the rocks. The funniest part was where we tried to run across four big paddle boards without falling. The best part ever!

Isabella Warnock-Smith :: I thought Stand-up Paddle Boarding was a great experience and so much fun. I liked it because it was awesome to be out at Koombana Bay on the waves at 7:00am. Although I fell off the board a few times, it was still amazing. I think that having a barbeque breakfast at the end was also really fun.

Kenna Harris :: I really enjoyed Stand-up Paddle Boarding because I learnt a few things. I loved falling off and getting up. It was my favourite day because we got breakfast and were allowed to play.

Beth Lockley :: I loved Stand-up Paddle Boarding, it was very fun and exciting. I learnt that when you go against the wind it is fairly likely that you are going to fall off

Ivy Scott :: Stand-up Paddle Boarding was really fun and I enjoyed it so much! Milla and I were also zooming on it­—it was great fun and I kept on crashing into people.

Anna Lincoln :: I think Stand-up Paddle Boarding was amazingly phenomenal. Paddle, paddle, paddle!

Wolfe Kidd :: Stand-up Paddle Boarding was really fun, especially when we had one person paddling at the front and another standing up and rowing behind.

- Sports 47 -

OGA NEWS

OGA News

01

WEDDINGS Georgina Ferreira (08) 01 married Troy Pettersson in October 2021 on his family farm in Kaloorup.

Many of the bridal party were Old Grammarians including Georgina’s sister Niki Ferreira (06), cousin Anna Sangmeister (09), Corey Rosher (08), Tessa Eckersley (08), Hamish Firth (08) and Lawrence Jenkins (07).

Laurie Seton (85) 02 married April Finn in April this year. Their ceremony was held at their home in Narrogin outside in their beautiful garden, followed by a reception at the Cuballing Tavern.

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ENGAGEMENTS

BIRTHS

Rory Herbert (08) is engaged to Amy Ingleton and will be getting married in October this year.

Alex Ynema (02) 07 and his wife Catherine welcomed Eliza Pauline on 18 February 2021, and besides from the lack of sleep, they both love her dearly and are enjoying watching her grow. Alex and his family are currently living in Leederville, and Alex is working in IT for a global cardiology and oncology company.

Kate Walton (11) 03 got engaged to Georgia Matts in February this year while holidaying in Victoria.

Wedding bells are set to ring in October this year.

Myles Evernden (13) 04 and Fiona Gillman got engaged in April this year at Old Bar, New South Wales after dating for five years.

Bonny Twigg (14) 05 got engaged to Beau Vaux in February this year. Beau planned a beautiful proposal and popped the question at the spot where the couple first met. Bonny and Beau plan to get married in February next year surrounded by their loved ones.

Christian Long (16) 06 flew to Stellenbosch, South Africa in April this year to pop the question to Santie Olivier. Santie said YES! They are now enjoying spending time with each other after COVID restrictions have separated them for some time.

07

Alicia Heslewood nee Herbert (06) and her husband Anthony welcomed their first child Sonny James on 30 December 2021.

Sonny is grandson to Beth Herbert a former staff member.

Belinda Crane nee Guelfi (08) 08 and husband Ben Crane welcomed their first child Hazel May on 29 November 2021.

SNIPPETS Angela Heffer nee Solly (83) 09 was recently interviewed by the ABC Radio about her artwork that captures the simple moments in everyday life. Angela has recently begun to share her artwork on

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her Instagram account @cqpeoplewatcher which has started to get a lot of attention.

Angela is happy that people are enjoying her artwork and hopes that it makes people have a look around and smile during these challenging times. Angela has included a sample for our readers titled “Dirty Glasses” – a moment in time many of us can relate to.

Sharon Jarvis (96) 10 was recently named Equestrian Western Australia Rider of the Year 2021. Sharon was extremely proud to win the award and acknowledged that the trophy was not just for her, but for everyone who had supported her along the way. Sharon has competed in three Paralympic Games and is already training for her fourth.

Amy Kelly nee Webster (05) 11 began her career in music at Grammar as a violinist in the School’s very first strings program.

She now teaches violin at two local schools in Bunbury along with a community strings program. Amy

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SNIPPETS

[CONTINUED]

12

plays viola with the Philharmonic South West Orchestra, and also enjoys singing and is a member of a local choir. Amy is married to husband, Samuel and enjoys living locally with their much-loved fur babies.

Trinity Edwards nee Golding (05) 12 passion for livestock and the land was inevitable having been born into a seedstock cattle enterprise. After finishing school, Trinity’s passion for livestock opened many doors including employment with WA’s leading agricultural newspaper, Farm Weekly, working alongside Australia’s single biggest independent digital trading platform in the agricultural community, AuctionsPlus and launching her own business, Graze Media. Trinity and her husband Jayden live on acreage in Trinity’s hometown of Dardanup and together raise their three boys, Finn (9), Van (7) and Lawson (5).

Andrew Fry (06) graduated with an Honours Degree in Environmental Science and has

11

extensive experience working on environmental matters in the Pilbara and Metropolitan area.

Andrew was recently part of an expansion of a Perth-based Environmental consultancy in the approvals sector in Bunbury. He is very happy to have relocated back to the South West and is expecting his first child in June this year.

Isabel Fry (13) 13 studied Urban and Regional Planning at Curtin University and is now a Town Planner for the Shire of Collie.

Isabel is busily renovating her newly acquired home in Eaton and is also looking to pursue further study in Business Administration and Management.

Courtney Eaton (13) is currently living in Los Angeles and stars as Lottie Matthews in the hit new television series Yellowjackets which streams on Paramount Plus. With the success of the first season in 2021, the second season will start screening at the end of this year. Courtney is hoping to get back to WA sometime this year to see her family.

Damon Scurria (13) 14 recently moved to Sydney and is working for international commercial law firm, King & Wood Mallesons in the Corporate and Financial Litigation team. Damon has a keen interest in the Banking and Financial sector and wishes to continue to gain further experience and exposure to this area of law as

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- Old Grammarians' Association 50 -

he progresses his career. Damon is enjoying his new role and says each day is never the same as the one before.

After graduating from Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, Julie Bettens (14) 15 moved to Sydney and completed an Advanced Diploma in Acting at Sydney Theatre School. Julie later graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) which enabled her to strengthen her skills in musical theatre, while adding stage combat, parkour and fly training to her arsenal, as well as extensive professional quality screen time and is now working as a professional actor.

Tara Anderson (21) 16 was recently awarded The George Alexander Foundation Scholarship.

Tara is currently in her first year of Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch University.

Grace Satie (21) was selected as one of a small group of students to audition for the Performing Arts Perspectives, which is a showcase of the best performance works from the year, performed at His Majesty’s Theatre in Perth.

Grace achieved 100% in the Scripted Monologue section of the 2021 ATAR Drama Practical Examination, which places her in approximately the top five Drama students in the state for the Scripted Monologue.

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OGA NEWS

ARTISTIC VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Evan Jackson (10) is a Detective Senior Constable with the WA Police Force and is kicking off a project called Creative Wellness for First Responders. Evan is looking for creative minded people willing to volunteer their time to help facilitate creative workshops in the Perth metropolitan area for emergency frontline workers.

The program aims to enhance the wellbeing of emergency frontline workers through creative expression. Participants are made up of police, fire and ambulance workers, along with veterans – a group who are vastly overrepresented in mental health injury within the workplace. If you have artistic abilities in painting, sketching, ceramics, sculpture, or woodwork and would like to volunteer your time to facilitate these workshops please contact Evan on 0436 837 617 or email evan.jackson@police.wa.gov.au

IN MEMORIAM

Since our last Grammarian,

we have been saddened by the

loss of the following people from our School community. Our

thoughts and prayers are with these families.

Stanley Jacob, father of Gavan (84).

Linda Young, wife of Campbell and mother of Matthew (80).

David Shales, husband of Gladys (former staff).

Aaron Mattner (03), son of Lynnette and sister of Courtney (05).

Luella Lindberg, mother of Steven (86) and Susan Wright nee Lindberg (80).

Eamon McInerney (15), son of John and brother of Lizzi (13).

Frank Cavallo, husband of Rosa Cavallo, father of Maria Cavallo (98) and grandfather of Victoria Bridger (Year 3).

Fred Oostryck, father of Robert (75) and Philip (82) and grandfather of Joshua (04) and Hannah (07).

Judith Wood, mother of Susan Wood (00).

Fr Gary Priest, husband of Robyn and father to Kirrily (99).

Dinah Brocksopp, wife of David and mother of Michael (87) and Josephine (89).

Elizabeth Anne Middlemas, mother of Ian (77), David (79), Sam (81), Sally Barrett nee Middlemas (83), and grandmother of Caitlin (16) and Emma Barrett (19).

Catherine Thorne, mother of William Maxwell (97) and Alexander Maxwell (92).

Paul Ferguson, husband of Rita and father to Kelvin (84), Bradley (87) and Jarrod (89) (dec).

Rev Graeme Weaver, husband of Sara and father of William (05) and Katherine (07).

Margaret Blackmore, mother to Mark (83).

Leonard Kirkpatrick, husband of Judith and father of Glenn (93), Peter (91) and Fiona (97).

Michael Kikeros (99), son of Jenny and brother of Andrew (09).

Jim Taylor, father of Andrew (89) and Merrylee Legros nee Taylor (91).

Koolmatrie (16), granddaughter of Joyleen Koolmatrie.

John Valli, husband of Rae, father of Brett (76), Donna Kitchen nee Valli (78) and Darlene (79) and father-in-law to Ray Kitchen (78).

Valerie Brown, mother of Todd (79) and Chris (82) grandmother of Romelly Brown (21).

Gillam (Gill) Thomas, father to Belinda Peterson nee Thomas (86), Joanna Stoddart nee Thomas (87), grandfather to Hannah Peterson (Year 10) and Oscar Peterson (Year 2), father in-law to Ian Peterson.

Dr Daniel Hugo, wife to Heather and father to Sally (77), Daniel (78), Nicky Latham nee Hugo (79) and Susan Earle nee Hugo (82), grandfather to Georgia Latham (18).

Rev Michael Harford, father to Alison Grygorcewicz nee Harford (77) and Catherine (78).

GRAND GRAMMARIANS

a Dream Come True Former student, Morgan Halket (15) is still pinching herself every day to make sure she is not dreaming.

Morgan is a professional opera singer with the West Australian Opera Company chorus and often cannot believe that this is her job.

Morgan was accepted into the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) in 2016 and studied a Bachelor of Classical Music majoring in Classical Voice and Opera Studies. In her final year of WAAPA, Morgan auditioned for the West Australian Opera Company chorus. This became her first contract, and she has not looked back since. She has been part of many productions including Cosi Fan Tutte, Cavalleria Rusticana and Pagliacci, The Barber of Seville and The Marriage of Figaro.

Morgan’s love of singing and performing started at a young age.

“My love of music and opera came from my mum, who always encouraged me to work hard and strive for greatness.”

Morgan also believes that her education at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School has contributed to her success and many of her teachers including Mrs Fahie, Mrs Holmes, Mrs Brittain, Mr Molewyk and Mr Bancroft are still huge inspirations of hers, and she will be forever grateful for the belief they had in her. “I can still remember the day that Mrs Holmes told me that I could make a living as a performer. I will never forget that moment because she was the first person that had said that to me.”

Morgan fondly remembers several performances at School – from her first ever role in Grease to playing in the orchestra with War of the Worlds as definite highlights. But for Morgan, it was not always the biggest performances that meant the most, sometimes it was the little ones.

“It might sound strange, but Community Choir every week was a highlight for me. Nothing sets you up for an academic week like singing in the Chapel on a Monday morning!”

- Old Grammarians' Association 52 -

Knowing how much joy singing and performing gave her as a child, Morgan is inspiring young audiences with the work she is doing with a children’s entertainment company in her spare time. Morgan is part of a management team of women who write, direct, costume, musically direct and perform productions of much-loved fairy tales including The Wizard of Oz and Cinderella to children all over Western Australia. She hopes that many of the children who watch their performances consider getting involved in The Arts themselves.

Although Morgan’s dreams have already come true, she is still focused on becoming the best performer she can be while she is learning from her peers and principal artists coming through the WA Opera Company. In the future she hopes to work with Opera Australia, and take her stage shows for children on larger tours throughout regional Australia.

Mrs Kym Ashby :: School Community Co-ordinator

Romeo & Juliet While Natalie and Derek Peterson are known by some as the Romeo and Juliet of Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, there is far more to their story.

Their tale is one of perseverance, weathering the storms of the recent pandemic and ultimately, succeeding in more ways than one.

In 1983, Natalie Peterson nee Norrish began her life as a Bunbury Grammar boarder. While at School, Natalie and Derek became childhood sweethearts and after graduating in 1985, the romance continued.

The couple moved to Perth for university studies with Natalie completing her nursing degree and Derek commenced an engineering degree. But Derek was quickly lured to the audio visual industry and the appeal of working. His aptitude for audio was central in his role at Purvisonic Sound while Natalie worked as a nurse at St John of God. After working in Perth for four years, they both yearned for the country lifestyle. Taking a job at GWN7 as a Sound Technician

provided the perfect opportunity for the couple to return. In only a week of returning, Natalie was working at St John of God’s Bunbury hospital in a nursing role.

“I was using more generic nursing skills and enjoyed the change. It provided a greater variety of work, and it was a nice way to reconnect with the community,” she said.

This connection and being part of the local community has been one of the keys to their business success. After years of working in the audio visual industry, scribbling down ideas on scraps of paper, Derek launched his company Totally Sound with his first gig the Bunbury Christmas Carols in 1997.

Since then, the business has burgeoned from an owner-operator model to a company which at its peak, employed nine staff. In 2004, Totally Sound won the Telstra Small Business Award (Micro Category) for Western Australia. Behind the story of success though, lies years of sacrifice and long hours.

“Starting our own business was a gamble but we threw everything at it: We lived and breathed it,” Natalie said.

Initially, Natalie had a peripheral role in the operations of Totally Sound but this reached a turning point. It was a moment of epiphany, juggling a nursing job while also being a mum of three young children. “I realised that it was too much, and I moved into a full-time role in the business in 2011,” she said.

Since the transition, Natalie and Derek have passionately managed their business together.

Like many small businesses, Totally Sound faced a challenging year in 2020 and their company is still feeling the impact of COVID-19. Natalie said, “Diversification over the last ten years provided means for pivoting the business during the pandemic. This diversification into audio-visual, lighting, staging and importantly commercial installation ultimately saved the business.”

A flexible and responsive approach, is part of working in the entertainment industry. “We see all walks of life and experience so much, from chefs to film and rock stars, through to wonderful community events, including working closely with a lot of the local schools. We meet a broad range of people from different industries, and it is an amazing space to work in,” she said.

Derek and Natalie are the proud parents of three children - Shenae, Holly and Shaun - who all attended the School. In their own way, each child has built careers and lives, adding to the success story of the Peterson family and providing the fairy tale end to the Romeo and Juliet of Bunbury Grammar.

Ms Ruth Walker :: School Community Co-ordinator

Where are they now?

The OGA Art Acquisition Award is a prestigious monetary prize which has been awarded since 1990.

This Award allows an outstanding piece of student artwork to be acquired for the School Art Collection each year. Much of the artwork displayed within our School today has been acquired through this award. We recently caught up with some of our previous Award Winners to find out what they are doing now.

Renee Parnell Renee Parnell (98) considers herself a plate spinner (keeping lots of things spinning simultaneously), and there is no doubt that is exactly what she is. After finishing school, Renee completed a degree in Interior Architecture and worked on projects such as the Fiona Stanley Hospital. She was then recruited by Curtin University and was involved in rewriting curriculums, teaching and then moved into research.

Renee is currently working in Missions Connect’s research team, which is developing virtual reality models of former Aboriginal Mission sites in partnership with Stolen Generation Survivors. Renee also has her own creative business that runs workshops for adults and children in printmaking and various creative techniques, alongside her own bespoke printmaking product range stocked at several locations across Western Australia.

“I am happiest when I am creating and I am lucky enough to have multiple jobs that allow me to exercise my creativity in different ways and to help others flex their creative muscle and develop their skills, which brings me a lot of joy,” explains Renee.

Renee recalls the Art Centre at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School as her second home. “Being a boarding student, I remember spending a lot of time at the Art Centre on the weekends working on my TEE projects. It was like having my own private art studio, a quiet place to retreat, turn up some Triple J and lose track of time.”

“I remember walking into the art studio one day to find a giant windsurfing board suspended from the rafters in the middle of the room. This was to be our first observational drawing subject using oil pastels, and to my surprise it was my drawing that won the Acquisition Award.”

It was the first piece of art that Renee had ever sold, but it was not her last. Renee had four exhibitions last year, the last of which at Moores Gallery in Fremantle sold well beyond her wildest expectations.

Renee Parnell :: OGA Art Acquisition Award Recipient 1997

OGA ART ACQUISITION

Brittany Cherry Lawyer by day and artist by night, Brittany Cherry (09) still has a passion for art and has done a range of private commissions for friends over the years. Since leaving school, Brittany completed a Bachelor of Law and English Literature, has worked for three judicial officers at the Department of Justice, and now works in Perth for a national private law firm.

Brittany can remember her winning artwork well.“I remember my piece of art that won the Art Acquisition Award which was influenced by Cubism, a style of art I was studying in Art & Design at the time. It was very different to the usual art I created, as it used paint as the

medium, and was full of colour.

I still to this day prefer creating black and white art,” said Brittany.

Brittany encourages those with a love for art to make a career out of it. “There is no better time for creatives to make a career out of their passion. There are not many people in the world that can truly say they love what they do, so if you can turn your passion into a living, you should.”

Brittany still enjoys making art, although admits it takes her a lot longer now than it used to. She also enjoys spending time in the outdoors, and recently competed in the Busselton Ironman, Busselton Jetty Swim and hopes to add the Rottnest Channel Swim to her list of achievements next year.

Brittany Cherry :: OGA Art Acquisition Award Recipient 2009

50TH ANNIVERSARY

e Save the DatER

BL A C K TI E D IN N

er 2022 Saturday, 17 Septemb use, Bunbury Quality Hotel Lightho Monday, 25 July 2022.

Tickets go on sale on rest , or to register your inte For further information ) 9722 6017.

(08 on by Ash Kym s please contact Mr

50th Year Anniversary Mementos!

These items are available for purchase from the School’s Clothing Shop or by contacting the School.

Lapel Pin $4 25mm x 20mm butterfly clutch lapel pin featuring School crest and 50 Year Anniversary dates (1972-2022).

Coffee Cup $15 350ml stainless steel egg-shaped wine and coffee cup, with a BPA free push-seal lid, decorated with 50 Year Anniversary School logo.

Reunions

202 1

2022

JOIN US AT THE COMBINED 10, 20 AND 30 YEAR REUNION ON

SATURDAY, 29 OCTOBER 2022

30

30 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 1992

20

20 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 2002

10

10 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 2012

2023

JOIN US AT THE COMBINED 10, 20, 30 AND 40 YEAR REUNION ON

SATURDAY, 25 MARCH 2023

40

40 YEAR REUNION

CLASS OF 1982 & 1983

30

CHECK YOUR MAIL BOX! The Grammarian is now available electronically! To get it delivered to your inbox, email the OGA Secretary at oga@bcgs.wa.edu.au

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MOVED? Email your change of address to oga@bcgs.wa.edu.au

30 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 1993

20

20 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 2003

10

10 YEAR REUNION CLASS OF 2013

STAY CONNECTED AND UP TO DATE! We love to hear from our past students: let us know about any exciting adventures, births, marriages, and when you have moved. We will keep you up to date with our twice-yearly e-newsletter. Email oga@bcgs.wa.edu.au with your news and to ensure we have your most recent email address so that you can stay in touch.

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

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BUNBURY CATHEDRAL GRAMMAR SCHOOL