Grammarian 2023

Reaching for New Opportunities

It has been a refreshing beginning to the year, with a great start to another era as our School turned a leaf after 50 years of co-educational schooling. Last year was a celebratory year and a time to reflect on achievements. This year has been filled with reintroductions and, with restrictions being little to none, it has been an opportunity for our community to reconnect. This year’s edition of the Grammarian celebrates our lively Community. The School

has brought back many activities that were adapted or cancelled in the last three years. Student exchanges, camps, work experience, sporting events and community gatherings, have all contributed to the return of the vibrant atmosphere which our School is so well known for.

2023 is a year focused on extending our School Community and reaching for new opportunities that can lay the foundation for the coming 50 years.

Mrs Alicia Lind :: Media Co-ordinator

PROOFING Denise Fry, Clare Underdown, Alicia Lind, Heather Nicholson and Amanda McGregor

PHOTOS Staff and students

DESIGN Bronwyn Rogers Design Studio

The School in the bush, now with a farm

When I moved to Bunbury, some of the first community contacts I had was through enrolment interviews for new boarding students. In these meetings, students often spoke about their love of farm life and their desire to stay connected with the land in some way. For many, the reason they had chosen our School was because of our bushland environment. Having grown up on a dairy farm in south west Victoria, this really resonated with me.

Working with Mrs Kathy Chiera, the then Deputy Head of Secondary, we investigated how we could provide students with an authentic and relevant agribusiness offering. The financial impost of purchasing farmland resulted in the plan being shelved.

In early 2022, the new manager of Holcim Quarry invited me to visit the quarry. Part of Holcim’s lease includes farmland that does not have the basalt intrusion underneath, which backs onto the School. Again, we were excited about how this may be leveraged for an agribusiness program. However, further investigation revealed that this site was not suitable due to health and safety concerns.

Classroom to Plate

After a chance conversation between the manager of Holcim and a past School parent, Mrs Judy Morgan contacted the School in 2022 and invited us to visit her property. Judy and her husband, Edgar, bought a farm 30 years ago, and it has been used for sheep, beef, small scale cropping, seed, and hay production, and to agist horses. Edgar passed a number of years ago and, with their children busy with their careers, the farm was becoming harder to manage. For Judy, the opportunity to partner with the School to offer the next generation of students an agriculture-centred learning program, aligned with her ideals and vision.

With the generous support of the Morgan family, we have secured a site for our School farm, 2km from the main campus gate. Our broad vision is to develop an authentic agribusiness program, leveraging the farm to offer cultivation projects for our primary students, agriculture research and mentoring partnerships in Secondary, and courses with certification in sustainability, land management, agribusiness, and agriculture in Senior Secondary. We want to maintain the integrity of a working farm, producing crops and meat to supply our

School kitchens with high quality produce, bringing the philosophy of ‘paddock-to-plate’ to life.

As we shape this vision, we are working with current and past families with farming experience and expertise. We are also in talks with ECU and UWA about research partnerships and pathways and we are investigating the specific courses we will offer, including ATAR (Agriculture Science and Technology), General (Plant or Animal Production Systems), and Certificate courses (Land management, Agriculture, Production Horticulture, Aviation: Drone piloting).

It is exciting to be at this juncture for our School, working with our community as guiding partners to re-imagine just what we can do at “The School in the Bush… with a farm.”

New Beginnings

In 2022, our School celebrated its 50th anniversary, sharing a significant part of its history with Simon Jacob, who has served on our Board of Governors for 23 of these 50 years. This year, at the AGM, the Board farewelled Mr Jacob, having served the maximum number of terms under the constitution of the Board, and acknowledged his exceptional service to the School.

In 1996, Mr Jacob relocated from Perth to Bunbury and, along with his wife Marilyn Buttaccio, joined Young & Young Lawyers, where he practised until 2021, before accepting the position as CEO at Axis Hire. With an interest in education, and keen to make a contribution to the wider Bunbury community, Mr Jacob accepted an invitation from Mrs Irene Bourne to join the Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Board of Governors in 2000.

Mr Jacob was appointed to the Chair of the School’s Board on 20 May 2011, a position he held until 25 April 2023. Mr Jacob has stated that, “it has been an enormous privilege to work on the Board of the School with members from different backgrounds but with a common passion, and Heads of School and a leadership team with a commitment to excellence and wellbeing, which has given me reason and desire to continue to give time and effort to the School.”

As Mr Jacob steps down from this role, the School acknowledges his exceptional technical and leadership capabilities in guiding the Board in achieving its strategic objectives and providing a solid foundation for further development. In recognition of his significant contribution and service to the School, Mr Jacob was awarded an Honorary Life Membership of the Board.

The School is delighted to welcome Ms Maria Cavallo as the incoming Chair of the Board. The School has enjoyed a long association with Ms Cavallo, as a past student, current parent, Treasurer of the OGA, and joining the Board in 2016, Ms Cavallo held the position

of Deputy Chair from 2018 to 2022, Chair of the School Foundation Incorporated and Finance Sub-Committees from 2017 to 2022.

With deep roots in the South West, Ms Cavallo values every opportunity to contribute to her local community. Coupled with her clear interest in education, Ms Cavallo is also actively involved in the not-for-profit sector, holding the position as Director and Secretary on the Type 1 Diabetes Family Centre Board and a Council Member of the Catholic Diocese of Bunbury Diocesan Finance Council.

Leading the Board; Serving our School

What a joy and privilege it has been for me to lead our children (and staff) in school chapel services this year!

While our School has been looking for a new school chaplain, Bishop Ian Coutts and myself have been officiating at fortnightly Primary chapel services and termly Secondary services. A school chaplain is at the centre of the spiritual life of the school and during this vacancy, you can be assured the spiritual needs of students will be met.

As an Anglican School, it is our School’s aim to nurture spiritual growth. This includes commemorating the major Christian feasts and festivals such as Ash Wednesday and Easter. Nurturing spiritual growth also means marking significant secular occasions such as National Sorry Day and ANZAC day. By doing this we demonstrate how our

Developing young minds

Christian faith is all life-embracing and encompasses all we do in the world. The aim is to develop young people who have a considered and compassionate outlook on life, informed by their own thoughtful system of values.

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School employs a model of wellbeing that places value on positive emotions, engaging with schooling, developing good relationships, finding meaning and the satisfaction of attainment, alongside the development of good health. To achieve this, our School focuses on character strengths to support student wellbeing, and each chapel service incorporates the character strength of the week. The brief sermon I deliver encourages the weekly character strength and is supported by appropriately selected scripture.

One of the most rewarding features of chapel services is when it is time for the distribution of Holy Communion. Teaching staff will stand in the four corners of the Chapel and students are invited to go a staff member for a blessing. The next time you attend a chapel service, I invite you to look at the beautiful smiles on our teachers’ faces as they bend down to each student that comes forward and pronounce a blessing. By definition, a blessing is to invoke divine favour and the enjoyment of this moment on our teaching staff’s faces shows us something of what’s in their hearts – they genuinely desire the best for our children committed to their care.

The Very Reverend Darryl Cotton :: Dean, St Boniface Cathedral

Creativity through words and imagery

Visual Literacy Reading without words

Theodore the Unsure written by Pip Smith and illustrated by Beau Wylie, was the topic of our Visual Literacy Workshops with Year 1 and 2 students during Term 1.

The skills of the students as they investigated and interrogated the images in the story were wonderful. Most importantly, the joy on their faces as they enjoyed the story and their work with it, was amazing to witness.

The Young Writers’ workshops

The Young Writers’ workshops are for students who enjoy writing. It provides them with the chance to explore and practise different creative writing skills.

“Students need to have an interest in writing independently, and as a published writer, we are able to give them new skills, and insight into what a writing career might look like,” said visiting author, Ms Sally Murphy.

Ms Sally Murphy visited our School in Term 1 and taught students

about beautiful poetry; some flowed better than others, but all the poetry came from the heart. Ms Murphy spoke about developing character emotion and cutting out unnecessary words – being a minimalist, but considered.

“Get rid of the unnecessary, obsolete and be precise!” she said. She also added that “poetry does not have to rhyme or have uniformity - it just has to evoke emotion and the imagery is important!”

Ms Jan Pocock :: Teacher Librarian

Visual Literacy and Young Writers’

Keeping Connected

This year the P&F is very fortunate to have a well-rounded committee of parents with children from Kindergarten through to Year 12, representing our entire school cohort.

Some parents are brand new to the School bringing fresh eyes, energy, and perspective to our endeavours while others are more battle-scarred and offer their experience and wisdom.

All members are united in the common purposes of promoting our School, encouraging a sense of community, and assisting our student groups to grow to become well-rounded young adults.

To achieve this, the P&F organises parent functions throughout the year. For many of us, core friend groups are formed between parents that we meet while we have children at school. Annually we host or support our Welcome Sundowner, Year Group Parent Get Togethers, Year 11/12 Ball Parent Meet and Mingle, Year 12 Graduation Soiree, Athletics Carnivals, Cross Country, Mothers and Fathers’ Days and Speech Nights.

We run fundraising events which encourage students, parents, and staff to come together as a unified group working towards common goals. We also provide funding

for a wide range of projects throughout the school.

The year started with our annual Welcome Sundowner which was well attended with staff and parents enjoying delicious wines donated by Barrecca Wines while listening to the musical stylings of the School’s Big Band within the beautiful surroundings of the Tony Brooker Pavilion.

When Year 7 parents got together to meet at the Parade Hotel, it was wonderful to see so many parents from out of town, especially Busselton and Dunsborough. Year 11 and 12 parents were able to relax at the Zebu Bar after the stress and excitement of preparing the students for the annual Student Executive Ball. The Mothers’ Day breakfast saw mothers enjoying breakfast cooked by volunteer dads and fresh coffee from the P&F Van.

The fourth Music Pod was delivered during the Term 1 break. The Yellow Pod completes this part of the music precinct and the P&F is proud to have supported the project. The next project commencing will be in the music department to create a new larger rehearsal space.

Keep an eye out for everything P&F on our website and www.facebook.com/ bcgspnfassociation

Mrs Stacey Harrison :: P&F President

Boarding Focus

At the start of the year, Boarding welcomed two new Boarding Supervisors; Visual Arts teacher

Ms Caroline Cooper and Science teacher

Dr Rachael Williams. Both teachers have enjoyed getting to know the students on a different level outside of school, and are excited to bring their own unique flair to the Boarding community.

New but familiar faces

Ms Caroline Cooper

I have really enjoyed it! Two sides of teaching at school, and seeing how the Boarders lived after school, and getting to know the students in a different setting. We are keen to provide more of the art and craft side of things in Boarding. I would like to do a bit more of that, working on different life skills, set up a bit of a creative nook in the Marie Palmer Common Room with art supplies and sewing machines. Some students have asked about making and upcycling clothes, so I could really help with that. We could even do a fashion show later on! Both of us are happy to bring our own flavour to Boarding.

Dr Rachael Williams

It has been good fun. I have enjoyed a bit more on the pastoral side of things. We are just really lucky having such wonderful students. Being able to help them outside of school as well, it is nice to see that they are so appreciative of it. A number of Boarders are interested in horse riding, so I would like to help them get involved in Equestrian events again this year. I previously lived in Dunsborough and I felt quite disjointed, and not part of the community. So getting the role as a supervisor has really allowed me to change that!

Emerging from the past to create the FUTURE

The past gives us the foundation for our future, and as the world emerges from the difficult years of the COVID-19 pandemic, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School stands strong on its foundation.

Last year’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations, enjoyed by so many across our wonderful community – whether online, or in person –have given a glow to us all as we step forward with hope.

Community building increases in meaning during difficult times and is best achieved with growth from firm community foundations. Through the years, Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School has celebrated and built community in many different ways.

Whole School sporting events, the School Fete and Craft Fair, Open Day, Founders’ and Fundraising Dinners and Events, Reunions, the Parents & Friends Sundowner and Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day get-togethers, Community Concerts, School Productions, Art and Technology Exhibitions, School and Staff Eucharist, and Speech Day and Night are just some of the community happenings our School has embraced.

Enjoyed by all who took part, community events have traditionally gathered together staff, students, parents and guardians, grandparents and extended family, donors to the School, members of the local community, and prospective families. Often thought of and created by our wonderful School staff, the community building that flows from School events is a labour of love.

The Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School Archives keeps a record of past School events and their creators and contributors over time, to be enjoyed and celebrated by historians of the future. What will your contribution to the future be?

Mrs Ros Malone :: Archivist

Sense of Community & Mateship

A Great Come Back!

It was great to come back into Boarding with a fresh new look as just about all of the units had been refurbished, looking nicer than ever. Term 1 was an exciting one with trips to Adventure World, a Greek and American themed dinner night, trips to Busselton and an Australian food cooking night to show our Gap Year students a little taste of Australian classics. Thanks to Harriet, who designed and ordered our Boarding Jumpers for this year. The design is a plain and simple one which everyone really liked. The 2023 Boarding Executive has already come up with a few different ideas for the year to come including; more dinner theme nights, themed socials, shopping trips to Mandurah and Perth and ideas for this year’s Quiz Night.

Sienna Guidi :: Head Boarder Year 12

What a Great Start!

It has been great to start the year with quite a few new Boarders. It is awesome to see how friendly and welcoming all the Boarders are and to see the friendship groups all expand. One of the key things

that has helped everyone get to know each other is our theme of ”CONNECT”. This has allowed all students, staff, and the Gap Year students to bond well. We have been very lucky to be able to do some great activities in Boarding, such as a day trip to Adventure World in Perth, playing a big hide-and-seek game down the back of Palmer Oval, watching the Hockeyroos play against China in Bunbury and many more. My focus for Term 1 was the Boarding Jumpers. I came up with a simple design this year and the Boarders were happy with it. They arrived at the start of Term 2, just as the cooler weather arrived! It has been a good first semester back at school for 2023 and I look forward to the rest of the year as the Boarding Executive have some great ideas planned.

Harriet Talbot :: Associate Head Boarder, Year 12

Belonging in Boarding

This year we welcomed many new Boarders into our community. As Harriet mentions, it is gratifying to see the way our Boarders have reached out to make their transition easier. We also welcome Dr Rachael Williams and Ms Caroline Cooper in Boarding as new Residential Staff members. Their fresh eyes and new and innovative approach have been very appreciated, be it having the chance to do mosaics and other craft on the weekend or working towards more equestrian opportunities and being locked in an escape room with our Year 7 students for two hours!!

Refurbishments of the Student

Units were completed at the end of Semester 1. The Units have a lovely contemporary look, with a lighter, more homely feel. On behalf of the Boarding community, I thank our Operations team for their diligent work which expedited this process. The highlight for me this semester was having Joel Whitwell come and speak with our Boarders in Term 1. “When strangers would stare at Joel Whitwell, his mother would tell him they were only staring because of how beautiful he was. Joel looked different to other kids growing up, he was born with craniofacial deficiency and had only one ear and one eye. Nevertheless, growing up in the Harvey community of Western Australia gave him the courage to go out into the world and show his true colours.” Joel spoke of the importance of love, support, equality and resilience. It was palpable just how much his story resonated with all of us.

Our Boarders enjoy a diverse and busy recreation schedule and I look forward to the Boarding Student Executive having a greater voice in the various activities we offer. I extend a sincere thank you to the Boarding staff who are always willing to work varied hours and go beyond their duty for the ultimate benefit of our Boarders. It is this sense of community and belonging that creates an intrinsic motivation for all to give, look out for each other, and provide support and mateship.

Mr Justin Forbes :: Head of Boarding

Mental Health and Sustainability

Community & Grammar Culture

this year. We feel grateful for the support we have had from Mr Andrew Lincoln, Deputy Head of Wellbeing and our peers on the Student Executive so far.

We have some very exciting ideas in the works for Sport, aiming at increasing the School’s identity to advance our support of each other.

Each year, the Student Executive decides on a theme with the aim to raise awareness of an issue and help improve an aspect of the School.

With the past two years focused on Mental Health and Sustainability, the 2023 Student Executive thought there was a third component missing that would help accomplish both. This is why we chose ‘Community’.

It is an honour and a privilege for us to be named School Captains alongside our classmates and we are very excited to represent the student body of the School. As an Executive, we have settled into our leadership positions and have well and truly started working towards the goals we have set for ourselves

We acknowledge the commitment of parents, teachers and students within the School that have established a strong sense of Community. By increasing involvement in community events by the whole Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School family, we wish to raise the sense of pride that should be felt by everyone who attends this outstanding School.

It was great to see the Community participate in the School’s 50th Anniversary celebrations last year, and building on the very strong foundation set up over this time. As Student Executives this year, we hope to create changes that impact the next 50 years of Grammar culture.

Jonah Lincoln and Dani Botha ::

School Captains

Reaching Beyond Borders

Head of School Mr Matthew O’Brien and I had the recent pleasure of attending a Round Square conference hosted by the Daly College in Indore, India.

We also took the opportunity to visit two other Round Square schools, the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai and The Sagar School in Delhi. We experienced the most amazing hospitality from all school from both staff and students alike.

Pre-COVID-19, we have had many successful exchanges with Daly College, Dhirubhai Ambani International School and Vivek High School in Chandigarh and we are excited to once again establish our strong exchange program and relationship with these schools and provide our students the chance to experience the amazing culture and sites of India.

The below is an extract of a report from Jessica, who participated in

an international exchange to Vivek High School in 2017 with the hope this encourages students to take up the amazing opportunities to experience India while attending Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School;

“The culture in India is so different to that at home. The clothing is more modest, but just as beautiful and more colourful than anything you could find in Australia. The festivals and weddings are so extravagant to a point that it could almost be considered insanity and the temples and religious architecture is without a doubt the most beautiful in the world. Now that I’m back at home, I miss so many things that I took for granted while in India. I miss the traffic and the hustle. I find it hard to sleep at night without the incessant honking of car horns in the distance. I miss the smell of frying aloo tikki from a nearby

street vendor and my sticky fingers after pigging out on Jalebi. I miss the insane colours and patterns that make up Indian wear. I miss the upbeat Punjabi music. Most of all I will miss the friends that I have made, which I never did get to thank enough for making my experience an amazing one.

But sadly, like any great love story, my time in India had to come to an end. I came to India naïve, shy, terrified and longing for home. Two months later I boarded the plane self-confident, independent and not wanting to go back”.

Excerpt from 2017 Winter Grammarian In love with India, by Jessica Clarke

Ms Cathy Elliot :: Round Square Co-ordinator

Strive on Challenges

Have Sum Fun

Have Sum Fun is a competition run by the Mathematical Association of WA (MAWA) where teams of six students race against the clock to solve four rounds of eight challenging mathematical problems. Two BCGS Primary teams, the Blue Comets and Gold Stars, competed against a number of local schools in this challenge, working together to tackle some very difficult problems. It was wonderful to see their hard work reflected in the Blue Comets being awarded third place and the Gold Stars team placed fourth overall. “The problems we were given at Have Sum Fun were quite hard. To solve them we needed to use lots of different methods and strategies and work together as a team.”

Discovery Day

The South West Science and Engineering Discovery Day is a national outreach program aimed at supporting students to engage with science and engineering concepts through interactive, hands-on learning experiences. During this year’s challenge, the students enjoyed activities including designing and constructing a model bridge, building an earthquake-proof tower, creating functional codes to send messages using

pulses of light, and constructing a Mars buggy using basic suspension systems.

“It was a fun day because you got to learn new stuff about things you would not think about doing. I got to make a plane and test it out which was awesome fun, and working with my team I also did the technology challenge where you had to connect a town with electricity using electrical circuits.”

da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of school students. This

year’s Junior da Vinci Decathlon took place in May at the University of Western Australia. Competing against schools from across WA, two teams of Year 5 and 6 students completed a variety of challenges across 10 disciplines: Engineering, Mathematics, Code-breaking, Art and Poetry, Science, English, Ideation, Creative Producers, Cartography, and Legacy.

“I found da Vinci to be inspiring because it challenged me to new extents that I would not have attempted before.”

Mrs Rachel Cook :: Primary Academic Talent Development Co-ordinator

da Vinci Decathlon

The da Vinci Decathlon is an academic competition designed to challenge and stimulate the minds of students. Secondary students compete in teams of eight across 10 disciplines the same as the Junior competition. The Decathlon is designed to celebrate the academic gifts of Australian youth by providing a stimulating and challenging competition run in the spirit of an Olympic Decathlon.

We had two teams representing Years 7 and 8 and they won three

categories on the day. Not only do students compete academically, but they also get to experience the beautiful Winthrop Hall at UWA and the surrounding grounds.

Have Sum Fun

Secondary students from Years 7 to 10 competed in the Annual Have Sum Fun Mathematics competition in Term 1. “There were some incredible feats of brainpower and problem-solving all around,” said Mr Tomlinson, Head of Mathematics Faculty.

Mrs Naomi Smith :: Academic Talent Development Co-ordinator

Have Sum Fun

Congratulations to the following students who received awards

YEAR 9/10 DIVISION

2nd Place

Conor, Oliver, Chris, Henry and James

YEAR 7/8 DIVISION

2nd Place

Jensen, Alex, Harrison, Joseph, Declan and Rosie

4th Place

Ian, Mitch, Liam, Max, Dean and Leighton

The VET office continues to be a hive of activity! The opportunities for all students are becoming endless, from Alternate Entry Pathways to University, Try a Trade Days and Work Experience, to Traineeships and Workplace Learning, there is always something happening.

Lachlan Smith

CLASS OF 2022

Lachy, or otherwise known to others as “Choc”, started on the VET pathway in Year 11 and completed two Certificate Courses; one in Auto Electrics and one in Automotive Servicing. He completed many workplace learning hours at several business and gained a wide range of skills, the most valuable being work-ready skills. With our Memorandum of Understanding with Piacentini & Son, Lachy was able to gain full-time employment at their business upon graduation and continues to learn new skills every day. We are very grateful for the support from Piacentini & Son and we have loved seeing the success Lachy has found transitioning into full-time work.

Josh Cussons

YEAR 12

Josh has successfully completed his School-Based Traineeship in Certificate II in Engineering. He started his journey in Year 10 where his Workplace Learning sparked an interest in this area. His practical background made him a great fit for this industry and after 18 months, he completed his Certificate. If you ask Josh, he will probably say he loved earning money whilst still being at school, but deep down he is grateful for the experience and skills he has gained juggling work and school.

Sophie Burns

CLASS OF 2021

Sophie was our VET Award winner in 2021, and a very welldeserved winner she was! Sophie completed several certificates while at school. After a gap year working locally and completing her university preparation course, she used her certificates, along with a hard work ethic to enrol into a Bachelor of Early Childhood Education at Edith Cowan University in Bunbury. The skills Sophie gained during her time at school enabled her to become work and university ready. It has been lovely to see to see Sophie succeed in her chosen pathway.

Year 10

Several students have had the opportunity to be involved in the Try a Trade excursions in 2023. These opportunities give students real-life, hands-on exposure to different roles and careers within several industries. The students love these opportunities, and they are invaluable in assisting them with future career decisions and opportunities.

Mrs Jenelle Commisso :: VET Co-ordinator

Phoebe Harris

Here are a few comments from the students who attended:

Campbell Leeson :: Good experience to learn about what options are out there. Being hands-on made it so much better and easier to learn. Kane was such a great teacher!

Lachlan Scott :: It was a fun experience. I learned a lot of new things that will help me when I am older. I would highly recommend it to people who are not sure what they want to do in the future.

Reuben Duyvestein :: It was a fun experience and I have learnt skills that I would not have learnt otherwise. The instructor was so good! Have a go if you get the chance.

Harry Burns :: It was a good experience. I learnt heaps of new skills.

For my work experience, I went to the Bunbury Forum Pharmacy and thoroughly enjoyed it. For me, wanting to be a nurse and working at a pharmacy really helped me understand the different medicines, how they can help people, and which types can affect other underlying problems, which was very interesting to me. I really enjoyed the working environment and the people I worked with were so amazing, helping me to understand the process of working in a pharmacy.

Daniel Bolto

Work experience is truly an insightful opportunity for people who may be a little hesitant about what to do in the future. It allowed me to experience and work in environments

I was not really interested in initially, but learnt to appreciate and consider as a pathway in the future.

Work Experience is offered to Year 10 students each semester. They are given the opportunity to attend a workplace in an industry of their choice to gain skills, knowledge, and an awareness of what different types of careers can offer them. It not only exposes the students to workplaces, but can spark an interest and assist in career and pathway planning. The feedback we receive from businesses and students is always positive. We are extremely grateful to all the businesses who host our students.

REALWORLD EXPERIENCE

Finn Marshall

I spent my work experience week at the Department of Sport, Bunbury. Going to schools and educating students on new football skills was a highlight. The staff that I spent time with during my work experience week were excellent and able to communicate with me the requirements and pathways needed to work in these types of roles.

Fostering Teamwork

Harper Foster :: Robotics is a fun afternoon activity that runs on Mondays with Ms Cusack. Robotics has helped me with problem-solving and perseverance because when the robot is malfunctioning, I need to problem-solve and find out what I have done wrong.

When faced with a problem it is very easy to give up or ask someone else to fix it for you - but not when you are part of the Robotics Club! The students who join the Club thrive on the challenges working with robotics creates. They have learned that when things do not work as expected, you need to work together as a team and use logical problem-solving steps to find a solution to get the robot back up and running. Throughout the year, the students design and build robots for various purposes; battle bots that seek and destroy before moving onto robots that can conquer the technical challenge of the ‘Line Rescue’ at the RoboCup Junior WA competition.

Ms Kelly Cusack :: Year 5 Teacher

Jake Ognenis :: Robotics helps me problem-solve when the robot starts to not work, and when the design fails. For example, one time our robot was working perfectly, and then suddenly, it would not drive forward. So, we had to delete all our codes and start again!

Wolfe Kidd :: I think it helps with problems because it helps you think in different ways and always keep on trying. I love robotics because it is always fun and exiting, while also difficult. It is always good.

Kenna Harris :: Robotics is a wonderful opportunity, and it really helps me with problemsolving because when I come across a problem, I have to use my brain to work around it. I love robotics because I get to meet with my friends and have fun.

Advaiti Atikam :: Robotics helps me problem-solve because we do a lot of coding for our robots, it takes a lot of concentration. I love robotics because we all have so much fun! I never thought it would be this fun. I look forward to robotics at the start of each week.

Fostering teamwork and logical problem-solving through Robotics.

Music that gives you the CREEPS...

Students in Year 3 commenced their strings journey in Term 1. Choices were made between violin, viola and cello before lessons began. The students receive weekly small group lessons to learn technique and note reading, and during their timetabled Music class, they rehearse as a large ensemble, putting to use the skills and pieces they learn during the week. We have had great fun experimenting with all the sounds to compose our own ‘Spooky Strings’ music as well.

Mrs Rachel Holmes :: Primary Music Specialist

Bay Ognenis :: I enjoy playing the cello and getting to make creepy sounds.

Sylvie Delich :: I love everything, especially Manhattan Blues Nathan Tan :: It is fun and you learn a lot.

Maria Leonor de Barros Fernandes :: I like playing the violin because it sounds nice.

Maggie Piacentini :: I like learning new songs.

Community Heart Beat

The School’s Music department gives students the opportunity to explore and nurture their music abilities. School bands represent the School at events and bring joy to these communities.

Our Music department has a huge impact on our school experience, in ways we never imagined when we started playing music.

It is amazing to see students from Years 6 to 12 coming together with a common interest. Music camp is the perfect way to start the year. It involves lots of fun like team games and a Slip ‘N Slide, playing music, and mentoring younger students. Being surrounded by the music produced by the variety of ensembles and bands over camp days, all students have the opportunity to see where their music can take them.

Students start in the Intermediate Concert Band and are then encouraged to join other ensembles as their skills grow. There are many benefits for being involved in ensembles and bands. Having the opportunity to perform regularly helped us both achieve our AMEB Gold Awards. Involvement can also assist students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award program.

As Music Captains this year, we want to continue to create a fun environment where students can come together to play music and enjoy the company of the music family. This year is sure to be very exciting with a Music Tour to Katanning, the annual Music Gala Concert, and many other performances to look forward to.

Holly Harrison and Erin Rennie :: Music Captains

Year 11 and 12 SCHOOL

- Around the School 24 -

Revelry & Glamour A Night of

The 2023 Student Executive Ball was held in the final week of Term 1.

In the weeks leading up to it, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the Year 11 and 12 Common Rooms. Everyone was looking forward to the event, and the outfits did not disappoint! All the students (and teachers) looked incredible, and enjoyed a wonderful night.

The Ball committee, and Mrs Smith, worked tirelessly to transform the function room at the Bunbury Lighthouse Hotel to suit the theme ‘Vintage’, with elegant black and gold seat covers, gold framed menus and soft yellow lighting. A few of the students dressed in theme too, with Ryan Horley winning ‘best suited’ with his Peaky Blinders inspired attire. Best dressed was won by Meeka Giancono. Archer Southwell presented both winners with beautiful blue sashes.

After a delicious dinner, that included either lasagne or chicken parmigiana, high heels were kicked off and jackets abandoned

as the dance floor flooded with students. Everyone enjoyed dancing and singing along to various song requests, particularly Tom King who won ‘best dancer’ at the end of the night.

Dessert was brought out halfway through the night, and the dance floor cleared as a long line formed near the buffet. Other than dancing and dessert eating, students spent time taking pictures in the photobooth, or on the balcony for a breath of fresh air. More prizes were awarded at the end of the evening including ‘MVP’ won by Isabella Warren, and ‘best couple’ presented to School Captains, Danielle Botha and Jonah Lincoln.

A big thank you to the Ball committee led by Mrs Smith, and the other teachers who attended, helped ensure the night ran smoothly and made it an enjoyable experience for everyone. It was a beautiful evening, and I am sure Year 11 students are looking forward to putting their own spin on it next year.

Matilda Coulson :: Chairperson

Pourquoi étudier le français? Why study French?

Studying French in Year 9 is an optional class for students. The Year 9 students report on why they have continued with the subject.

Annie Coulson :: I am taking French after Year 8, because I love to travel. I have many goals for where I want to travel once I leave school, and the majority of these countries speak French or some variation of it. Learning another language really boosts my cognitive ability and ability to remember information, which in turn helps me improve on all of my other subjects. I am really interested in this language and culture surrounding it and am passionate about it. Since it is something I enjoy, and is great for my brain as well as giving me a 10% ATAR bonus, why wouldn’t I do it?

Claudia Dale :: I chose to continue French after Year 8 as it is proven to improve your cognitive skills, such as memory skills and problem solving. I find French interesting, and I would love one day to travel to France and be able to communicate with people that live there.

Lilli Warren :: I think people should choose French after Year 8 because it helps to strengthen your brain and learn more about the world. You can communicate with more people and learn things you wouldn’t get to without knowing the language. It’s also just a fun party trick to be able to speak to someone with fully-formed sentences in a foreign language they may not understand.

Conor Barbour :: I chose French after Year 8 because there are numerous benefits to learning a second language. These include improving memory and brain function as well as granting an ATAR bonus!

Ruby Bolto :: I chose to do French in Year 9 so I could speak to my goddaughter who is fluent in French and be able to understand what she is saying to me. I would also love to go on exchange to a French-speaking country one day and I love the French culture!

Finn Harrison :: Speaking a second language allows for more job opportunities not available to non-bilingual people, such as international jobs. Being proficient in another language, especially one as widespread as French, is also attractive to most employers with the aim to increase the quality of customer relations.

Smooth Transition

Year 7 is a significant year for students, as many start at a new school, with new routines, new teachers and new friendships. Our Year 7 Transition Program helps to make this process easier for students and our 2023 Year 7 students provide some tips on how to make the transition smoother.

Emma Rechichi :: Putting yourself out there and making new friends helps you to build confidence.

Harrison Keech :: To have my parents’ support has helped me deal with the workload and stress.

Amelia Ellis :: Being aware that plagiarism is not permitted is a good tip for transitioning into Year 7.

Ridhay Singh :: Transitioning into Year 7 is nice because you have access to more opportunities and you have the chance to go on camp right at the start of the year!

Tom Blunden :: Asking questions when I am unsure has really helped me transition into Year 7.

Henry Geldermann :: Being organised is a key step to transitioning smoothly into Secondary School.

Jessie Major :: Simply just being friendly and inclusive of everyone around you, whether you know them or not, is a helpful tip to transition into Year 7.

Andrei Henchie :: Finding new people to hang out with and making new friends, along with being organised has helped me settle into Year 7.

Cash Giacci :: Being aware of the people and space around me, and using my time effectively has made it so much easier.

Jack Gordon :: Having my friends by my side has made it easier to get used to the routines and expectations of Year 7.

Tim Schuijling :: Having a routine is helpful, and the teachers have definitely helped.

Ciráin O’Malley :: Making new friends helped me start Year 7.

Henry Denton :: I made a lot of friends on the Year 7 Camp which helped my transition into Year 7.

Pearl Kopp :: The Year 7 Camp really helped me make friends and get along with others before starting classes.

Sophia Machado :: The Year 7 Camp helped me in the transition because I were able to meet new friends. I changed schools from primary school, and without camp I would not have known anybody before our classes started.

James Taylor :: Make sure to breathe if you are nervous, it calms you down and helps you settle in.

Jensen Barbour :: It is good that the Year 7 Camp is right at the start because it helps you make new friends. We stayed in dorms with people that we met for the first time, who have now become my great friends.

Miah Adams :: Being able to talk to my parents if something is worrying me has helped me settle into Secondary School.

A Weekend of New Music

For musicians, the ultimate goal of all the hours of lessons and practice, is performance. And because there were many performances planned for 2023, our musicians started their ensemble rehearsals early with the return of Music Camp.

Our last Music Camp was in 2020 so there was much anticipation and excitement ahead of a two-night sleepover at school. For Big Band members, Music Camp started a day early with a performance at

the Pavilion for the P&F Welcome Sundowner, followed by a visit to Bunbury Community Radio and some time at Koolambidi Woola –Bunbury Youth Precinct.

Big Band members were joined by the Intermediate and Senior Concert Band members and singers from the Secondary Choir, for a day of rehearsals and fun. After school, musicians headed to Palmer Oval for some fun on the slip ‘n slide and free time before dinner was cooked and served in the Food Tech rooms. Special thanks to Mr Cabala and the senior

boys for the delicious tacos and banana splits!

In the evening, the fun and bonding continued with a music themed quiz (thanks to the senior girls for organising this in record time!) followed by supper and a movie in the Green Room before camping overnight in O block. After a BBQ pancake breakfast on Saturday morning and more rehearsals, we were ready to perform a short concert for parents and enjoyed a sausage sizzle before heading home.

Music Camp was terrific; everyone had lots of fun and it was wonderful to dig deep into some new music that we have showcased in Semester 1. We are all looking forward to a busy but fun Semester 2!

Mrs Lynette Fahie :: Director of Music

Awesome FUN!

As part of the Year 7 Transition Program, Week 1 and 2 of Term 1 are dedicated to helping students meet each other and develop friendships, learn how to use their laptops, get organised and become familiar with lockers and timetables.

Year 7 Camp took place in Week 1, with the main aim of helping the students get to know each other, while having fun. Students and parents may have

been a bit nervous about having a camp so early in the year, however, students thoroughly enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to meet their new peers and develop friendships before classes started.

Mr Jeremy Potter :: Year 7 Co-ordinator

Oliver Williams :: I knew a couple of people who came from my primary school. I was nervous about doing activities I had not tried before, but also really excited. Once I arrived at camp, my nerves just faded away. I also loved dinner time, as we were able to talk about the day and all the fun we had and eat delicious food. It was a really good time to connect and make new friendships. The lasagne was my favourite meal!

Mila Devereux :: I was able to meet so many new people. I really loved surfing, as it was fun to splash in the water, catch the waves and cheer everyone on, as we all had a go. I met so many new people on camp, it was awesome. Xavier Armstrong :: My favourite activity on camp was surfing. It was really fun to get dumped by the waves! I also liked dinner time, where you got to talk to other kids. I was more excited than nervous about Year 7, and I was able to make new friends.

Atticus Jones :: I was a bit nervous about camp, but more nervous about starting Year 7 in general. My favourite part of camp of was the raft building. Our raft sank but that was the fun part! Year 7 is amazing! It is way more fun than primary school, which is not what I expected!

Travelling as a cohort is fun when you are in Year 5. Tour de Freo, rock wall and zip lining were some of the activities on offer at Year 5 Camp.

In Week 2 of Term 1, the Year 5 students were very lucky to go on their School Camp to Woodman Point in Perth. Woodman Point is an historic old quarantine station that was built over 100 years ago, during the last pandemic – the Spanish Flu. The campsite was very comfortable and very close to Fremantle where, on day two, we enjoyed exploring many of the

Tour de Freo

historic sights of Fremantle on our Tour de Freo

We visited the Round House, the oldest building in Western Australia, the Maritime Museum, the Fremantle Prison and the Shipwrecks Museum, swam at Bathers Beach and finished our fabulous day with a fish and chips dinner at Cicerello’s. On day three, we spent the day challenging ourselves, by choice, with many of the activities that were on offer at Woodman Point. We all had a go at archery, climbing the 15-metre-high rock wall and some zip lining, which was exhilarating and fun. Our final day of the Year

5 Camp was spent travelling home, stopping at Penguin Island on the way, which is a very scenic island off the coast of Rockingham. We all loved our Year 5 camp and really enjoyed the opportunity to see each other again after the long summer holiday break, and also welcomed new students to our cohort. Thank you to Mr Dunbar, Ms Van Rhyn and the Gap Year student, Mr Govender for looking after us. All in all, Year 5 Camp was the best!

Mrs Kate Holdman :: Year 5H Teacher and Mr Keith Kavanagh :: Year 5K Teacher

COMFORT ZONE

Year 10 students spend 10 days in the bush on Outward Bound. They reflect on their experience and provide encouragement to next year’s participants.

Molly Lincoln :: I would say definitely do this camp! You will find things hard and challenging, but you will also get through them. Once you are on the other side, the rewards are worthwhile. It is a great experience and good to be able to say you have survived 10 days in the bush. I think it is also important to experience something different from day-to-day life.

Maddy Foot :: Outward Bound will not be easy; there will be things that push you outside

your comfort zone, physically and mentally. However, if you embrace the opportunity and make the most of it you will enjoy yourself. You form amazing bonds with other people and get to know each other really well. So, good luck and have fun, just remember it does get easier and you will feel so proud of yourself when you are done.

Hudson Avery :: It is an amazing experience that will challenge you every step of the way. I found it very enjoyable, and it made me realise what I was thankful for.

Mia Ivey :: Outward Bound is an amazing experience. It teaches you so many skills, including survival skills, being independent, learning to be a leader and it will help you make lifelong friendships.

A ‘hole’ lot of Inspiration

Camps are one of the main activities enjoyed by students at Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School, and our Year Group was lucky enough to experience the first ever Year 11 Camp.

While we had all enjoyed many school camps, this camp was a little bit different. We started the camp at Saint Catherine’s College at the University of Western Australia (UWA) - our home for the night.

Our first event was a tour of the UWA campus and an introduction to the many learning areas and pathway options available to us as rural students.

Once finished at UWA, we spent the evening at Holey Moley in Karryinup Shopping Centre, playing many rounds of mini golf and enjoyed some late-night shopping. This was a wonderful opportunity for us to socialise and just have a fun evening together, not worrying about the assignments waiting for us.

On our second day, we ventured to Curtin University where we were welcomed with a scavenger hunt around the campus. We learnt some interesting facts about the place, and it was great to see all the groups working together competitively. Once done with our scavenger hunt, we learnt all about

the different application processes for rural students and what courses Curtin University offered. While at Curtin University, we also had the opportunity to explore the on-campus accommodation which including a tour of the new Saint Catherine’s campus at Curtin, and tour of the Twin Dolphins residential hall and the varied room options and communal

areas. This really gave us an idea of what life could be like for us as future university students. Overall, the camp really benefited us, and gave us the opportunity to understand what our futures could look like. I hope to see this camp continue and benefit future Year 11 students.

Hannah Peterson :: Year 11

Hang Ten on

When we look at all the opportunities that Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School provides for our students, you would be forgiven for thinking that there is no way they could possibly fit anything else in. Well, we are happy to say that fitting another thing in, we have, and not just anything! Stand-up Paddle Boarding has become a tradition in modern Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School times. Originally founded by Mr Geoff Dunbar, the Year 5 students were given the opportunity to Hang Ten on SUPs down at Koombana Beach. They learnt valuable lessons about beach conditions, using a surf craft, engaging core balance, and of course, having serious fun! The sessions are held in the perfect and calm waters of Koombana Bay, with the icing on the cake being the cooked breakfast at the final session to set them up for a great day back at school. What a life!

Mr Keith Kavanagh :: Year 5 Teacher

A Triumphant RETURN!

As the 2023 Swimming Carnival returned to its usual location at the South West Sports Centre, a sense of anticipation filled the air.

Students filled stands and lanes, for what proved to be a day full of excitement and teamwork. Continuing from last year, Goldsmith and Redding were hot out of the gates, Goldsmith looking at a first victory since 2011. Mr Dawson and Mrs Smith were vocal as ever, pushing Goldsmith swimmers to fill the lanes.

Even with the loss of a few swimmers to sickness and injury, scores remained tight throughout the day, with Goldsmith in the lead by just 12 points at the beginning of the relays. It was great to see younger students filling lanes in older years’ races, showing initiative, which Mr Dawson much appreciated. Another element of fun on the day was the return of the novelty races,

the Year 12 inflatable race and clothing relay, with a boogie board relay for younger years. All of which were thoroughly enjoyed and well participated in by all eligible swimmers.

Tension was high, as the nail-biting finish meant all were on the edge of their seats. A disqualification in the relay meant Goldsmith felt they were out of it, but as Mr Dale announced Redding House as second place finishers, Goldsmith erupted. A great day finished with an even better result.

As always, the Carnival was a smooth success due to the work of Mr Dale, Mrs Ferrier and the sports crew, as well as all the teachers who gave their time to complete various tasks. It could not have been done without them. Well done to all participants, and congratulations to Goldsmith House, for returning to glory!

Will Darlow :: Goldsmith House Captain

RACE A golden

The Primary Swimming Carnival this year, was filled with loud cheering, laughter, students conquering their fears, and of course, exceptional swimming. The day was comprised of multiple individual events, a medley relay, and finally a variety of team relays to finish.

Students’ drive to participate, regardless of their skill level, came from the overall motivation to earn points towards their House’s final tally. The kickboard and supported races for each event allowed students to encourage their peers to try new skills, assisted them in putting their nerves aside, whilst finding enjoyment in participating. Teachers and peers’ cheers really pushed them through! You could see the sense of accomplishment on all their faces. The individual medley after lunch provided determined swimmers with the chance to demonstrate their talents and the House Spirit roared through the pool. The relays had swimmers of all abilities forming teams to represent their House, showcasing their amazing teamwork skills. This was a truly inspiring and joyful sight.

Once the teachers, parents and Year 6 relay had finished, and the chatter died down, students nervously waited for the results to come in. The champion boy and girl from Years 4 to 6 were announced and congratulated first. Then the moment everyone was waiting for. Which House was going to be victorious?

Although the scores were close, Goldsmith pushed ahead with a 44-point victory over Knight House, with Wilson and Redding not far behind! Well done to everyone involved, and once again, thank you to all the incredible staff for your help on the day. Your students could not have finished without you! I have already heard that students are buzzing for next year’s Swimming Carnival!

Ms Anna Fischer :: Primary Health and Physical Education Specialist

Reclaiming the

The weather was perfect for the 2023 Interhouse Cross Country. After last year’s light showers, the sun provided some encouragement for runners from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The course was altered this year due to the addition of the music pod, but that did not stop the runners in Redding from taking the win, albeit

narrowly in front of Knight, who won the Participation Award.

As Year 12 students, it was our seventh time running the cross country course and there was something very motivating about knowing that it was our last time running this race. Whilst we and all runners were encouraged and cheered on along the course, other last-time participants walked and reminisced on past cross country

races and how the class of 2023 has changed over the years.

Congratulations to everyone who got involved, even if it was only just for the icy pole at the end! Hopefully next year more students will take on the challenge of running the course and Redding can reclaim victory.

Neisha Mason and Ryan Horley :: Secondary Redding House Captains

Primary

2022/2023 was another very successful season for Grammar Basketball. With 11 teams representing the Primary School, several teams competed in the A Division, and two of our Year 5 girls teams won their respective Grand Finals in the B and C Divisions. However, the win/lose ratio is irrelevant when compared to the enjoyment and fun our children get from the game. The matches I managed to watch were full of laughs, hugs, excitement, and commitment; always played in the best spirit of the game and a joy to watch.

The attitude the players bring to their training and the matches is highlighted by their comments about what they enjoyed about the season.

Manuel Bouzada Olgiati :: I loved that we got to play with Ryker after he had left.

Seth Palmer :: I get to meet my friends and help them.

Tamika Warren :: Being with my friends.

William Cunningham :: The finals were fun, the whole team was always involved and tried hard. Ethan Spagnolo :: I love that we all get an equal time on court. Finally, a huge thank you to the parents who assisted with coaching and managing the teams, we could not run them without you. Thank you for supporting your children and our School.

Mr Rob Whirledge :: Primary Basketball Co-ordinator

Secondary

The School was once again well represented in the Bunbury Basketball Association during the 2022/23 season, with a total 23 teams – 11 from Primary and 12 from Secondary School.

By the conclusion of the regular fixtures, nine premiership teams

made finals with five making it to the Grand Final for their division. The Grand Finals were hotly contested games, with several teams winning by 5 points or less! The Year 8/9 Boys D Division team played a great game, but were just beaten by the buzzer, going down by six points.

Congratulations to Year 8 Nathan Hughes, Year 9 Digby Clements and Year 7 Carter Giacci who were named Best Player in their respective Grand Finals.

Mr Jason Reid :: Sports Co-ordinator

ASSOCIATION AWARDS

Year 5/6 B Grade (Girls)

MVP Jessie Major

MVP Ivy Scott

Year 7 A Grade (Boys)

RU MVP Leighton Stafford

GO TEAMS!

Year 5/6 Girls B Division

Girls C Division

Year 7 Boys A Division

Year 8/9 Boys C Division

SOUTH32 ROTTNEST CHANNEL SWIM

A Sense of Accomplishment

minutes! We did however place an outstanding 29th out of 400 in the race.

Ready, set go!

Twelve students represented our School at this year’s South32 Rottnest Channel Swim. The internationally renowned swim from Cottesloe Beach to Rottnest Island is 19.7 kilometres and this year our students raced against Olympians such as Mack Horton and Cody Simpson. Year 12 student, Eamon Noonan reflects on his third crossing this year.

We had three teams of four competing in the event this year, with one of them, the BCGS Seadogs, being the youngest team to compete in the whole event! The conditions were record-breaking and saw a number of records broken. Congratulations to BCGS Snappers; Ariane Diggins, Ruby Eastaugh, Taneisha Scott and Thomas Bouzada Olgiati, who broke a long-standing school record for the 56+ Mixed Category in a time of five hours and 10 minutes! Competing in the South32 Rottnest Channel Swim was a different but great experience this year. The last two times I competed were much easier going and for fun, but this year the Grammar Gators; Luke Lea, Darryl Hazelden, Alexander Clements, and I were out to break the Schools Male Squad record. Unfortunately, we missed the sub-five-hour mark by only five

The lead up to the swim was hard work with most of us putting in three or more training sessions a week. The day of the Swim started off freezing as we sped out from the inlet to the starting point by the STS Leeuwin II, where we waited for our first swimmer over a stressful half an hour. We eventually spotted our kayaker, Ryan Hazelden, and we were off! What proceeded in the next few hours is an experience that is hard to forget - a boat full of boys cheering each other on with a kayaker yelling ‘PUSH’ over and over in a channel full of other competitors, all whilst being kept hydrated and well fed by our fantastic manager, Laura Hazelden.

The energy was unmatched, each of us jumping into the water for five-minutes when we would sprint our hearts out, whilst on the boat encouraging words were shared and we watched as we overtook dozens of other swimmers.

The final stretch of the Swim was brutal - a 700 metre sprint after a 19 kilometre swim with no boat or kayak. The sensation of sand beneath our feet was like no other! With jelly legs, we jogged up to the finish line where grins split our faces from ear to ear! We hobbled over to the photo podium to receive our medals with a sense of accomplishment like no other.

Eamon Noonan :: Year 12

9-Wicket Victory!

9

CRICKET

What a Season!

Bunbury Grammar entered five cricket teams in the Bunbury & Districts Cricket Association competition for the 2022/23 season. We were represented by two Year 6 teams, one Year 8, Year 10 and Year 12 team and also ran a Master Blasters and Junior Blasters centre at School.

The Year 10 team, combined with Hay Park, formed Grammar Redbacks and under the guidance of Mr Kelvin Green claimed the Premiership for this Grade! The team managed to get into the top four after winning their last two games, and then defeated the previously undefeated Hay Park team to book their place in the Grand Final. They took on Colts and won with a 9-wicket victory. Well done to Matthew Allen who was voted Player of The Match.

We farewell all the Year 12 players that have finished their cricketing careers with the School. Thank you to Jonah Lincoln, Ryan Horley, Will Darlow, Archer Southwell and Fraser Milner. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.

In addition, well done to all players who represented the School as part of the First XI in Cricket. While the scoreboard only showed one win, it was a great season. There were many memorable moments in each game and it was great to have five new students join the First XI.

Mr Jason Reid :: Head of Sport and Activities

Club Champion

Matthew Allen

Chloe Piparo Medal

Best BCGS Female Player

Molly Lincoln

Female Encouragement Award

Beth Lockley

Going for Gold

Bunbury Cathedral Grammar School offers students the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award Scheme. The School has been offering this opportunity since 1973 as it aligns with the School’s philosophy of providing a wide variety of opportunities that enhance studies in the classroom.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award was founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 by H.R.H. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh at the time. The Award helps students to develop their passions, creates opportunities for them to develop skills, get physically active, give service and experience adventure.

In the last 10 years, the School has had four students complete their Gold Award. These students completed their Bronze and Silver Awards at School and achieved their final Gold Award either in Year 12 or in the first year of Graduation.

Emily Graham, from the Class of 2018 was presented her Gold Award in 2019. She got involved in the Award Scheme in Year 9.

“You need to choose an activity in each category and complete a certain number of hours, which has to be spread out over

12 months and be continuous,” she said. “The Gold Award really helps you get out of your comfort zone. You do things you never would have considered, and you find hobbies and interests which stay with you for life,” Emily stated.

Miranda Fahie, from the Class of 2020, completed her award at the end of her final year of School.

“I completed my Bronze in Year 9 and my Silver in Year 10. It took me over a year to complete the requirements for my Gold AwardI did 52 hours of music as my skill, 52 hours of running and soccer as my physical activity and 52 hours of service, which included working in the School Before and After School Care service and completing projects like Operation Christmas Child,” she said.

Miranda was fortunate to be selected to participate in a Youth Explorer Voyage on the Leeuwin

sailing ship, which completed her Adventurous Journey component.

“I recommend the Duke of Edinburgh program to everyone, because it is a really great way of building your skills and achieving an award that is recognised nationally,” she stated.

Alex Wildy, who achieved his Gold Award in 2022 agrees.

“Thanks to Award, I have gained new skills and made new friends. Being presented to the Governor of Western Australia to receive my award was a memorable experience. I encourage other students to have a go. It is more achievable than you think and certainly very rewarding!”

Mrs Roxanne Wilson :: Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme Co-ordinator

Hope Award

During his 12 years as a Police Officer, Det. Senior Constable Evan Jackson from the Class of 2010 has experienced the unprecedented hardships that First Responders in the WA community face.

“I have served at country policy stations, in suburban detective offices, with the Child Abuse and Homicide squads, and experienced first-hand the horrors that first responders face on a daily basis,” he said.

For Evan, his attendance at the suicide of an 18-year-old boy, found by his mother on her 50th Birthday, in 2012, stuck with him.“For some reason, despite the many other desperately tragic scenes I attended since, this one really stuck with me,” he commented.

He decided to take a creative approach to his trauma and purchased a pack of pencils. “I sat down and drew my memory of the event,” Evan said. “I got it off my chest and onto the canvas, and as I did so, I felt the tension melt away. When I researched what ‘it’ was that I had just discovered, I found ‘it’ was called Creative Wellness.”

“Our first responders often find themselves in highly stressful situations which can lead to them being at high risk of mental health problems,” Evan commented. “Recent research has shown they experience rates of PTSD at twice the rate of the general adult population.”

“For many, finding ways of decompressing and relieving stress

Creative Wellness

can be difficult, as many of us are time poor, juggle shift work and just simply don’t know where or how to access the right outlets. Many first responders can resort to coping mechanisms that can be harmful, which in the end, is not good for them or the community they are trying to serve,” he continued.

“The concept of using creative forms of expression such as drawing, painting, sculpting or other creative art forms to help with mental health has been around since the 1940s,” he reported. “Having benefitted from attending an art activity myself, I wanted to offer something similar for my colleagues.”

He met with Dr Janelle Hawes, Chief Psychologist of WA Police, who was supportive of a pilot project, which would test the merits of a non-clinical, peerdriven creative wellness project. The Creative Wellness Program for First Responders was born, and the pilot program ran in late 2022. Evan spent 12 months sourcing funds, researchers, volunteer instructors, donations of material, equipment, food, and venues to bring his project to life. He liaised with many stakeholders and in the end, was humbled by the amount of support there is for the First Responder community.

The OGA Hope Program was one of the organisations which provided the seed funding to help Evan get his pilot project off the ground.

“We had 94 participants attend 14 workshops run by 10 artists,” Evan reported. “The evaluation of the program conducted by academic researchers indicated the program was very successful in achieving its aim of supporting the mental health and wellbeing of those who participated - all first responders from the WA Community.”

So what is the future for the First Responders Creative Wellness project?

“The evaluation report clearly indicated a successful outcome. I am hoping that it is the start of something very positive for the First Responder community and have recommended that it should be developed and continue. I think it is a simple and effective way to build a positive culture toward mental wellbeing, and create a sustainable and healthy workforce, to ensure we can provide the best possible service to our communities for years to come,” Evan concluded.

Mrs Clare Underdown :: Director of Marketing and Community Relations

Rekindling Connections

The Class of 82 and 83 gathered for their reunions on what was formerly a basketball court when we were students, now the Year 7 Centre. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with old friends and classmates, catch up on what everyone has been up to and reminisce about the good times we shared together. For some this was the first time they had returned to BCGS since finishing school while others have returned more recently as a parent or staff member.

A tour of the grounds with Mr Brad Goerling gave us an opportunity to see first-hand the additional buildings and opportunities created for students and staff over the years. The obvious changes were in classrooms, technology, the library, and the replacement of the old tin shed at the top of the hill, where we had all sat in through assemblies, Eucharists or performed in school plays, with a D&T Centre we would never have imagined.

The food and laughter flowed into the night while we mingled and reminisced through photographs of discos in the boarders dining room, sports carnivals, and Year 12 “mug shots”. A photo booth was an opportunity to create new history and memorabilia to be shared at reunions in the years to come. This was a great opportunity to share stories and updates about our personal and professional lives, and to hear about each other’s experiences and achievements. Thank you to the OGA and School staff for organising the event and continuing to support reunions between old friends and classmates, rekindling connections and maintaining a sense of continuity with the past.

Louise de Boer :: Class of 1982

Reconnecting & Swapping Tales

A small yet elite representative group of the Class of ‘93 met for our 30-year reunion. Many squeals of delight were emitted as we all met in the queue at the entrance to the Year 7 Centre.

Old neurons fired as we strained to recognise our classmates –luckily name tags were there to assist and most of us had to take a surreptitious glance to confirm if the memory cogs had correctly identified the person – and then it was gleeful hugs all around.

The dulcet tones of Mr Goerling (most struggling with calling him “Brad”) had us forming a disorderly group to go on a tour of the school. Although there was a lot that had changed – fancy new buildings had appeared, and the dingy old ones had been replaced – the tall trees were the same ones that we had all walked under as bewildered teenagers 30 years earlier.

We gathered back in the venue to look at old school photos with much hilarity. There was a genuine feeling of warmth in the room that seemed to come from us

sharing a chunk of our formative years together. Many of us were reconnecting after 30 years apart. There was much to catch up on. We all shared anecdotes of our offspring production, career moves and major life events. Lots of stories were told – some inspirational, some poignantly sad. We swapped tales of achievement and loss and made each other laugh.

Rachel Van Nierop nee Inwood :: Class of 1993

Class of 2013

Where are they now?!

Bringing us back together

We had such a wonderful evening catching up and having a laugh about memories from our years at school. Some people don’t seem to have changed at all, H was, and still is the life of the party - it was a delight seeing him with his gorgeous fiancé (congratulations again!), while for others it took me a while to recognise (thanks to those people who put names to faces).

The photobooth provided a fun opportunity to dress-up and create some more tangible memories to take home. KP was a gun at convincing the more reluctant of the crowd to join in the fun - her enthusiasm was contagious (who knew that oversized glasses could look so attractive?).

As always, the finger food provided a delicious yet comical challenge as we tried to eat daintily while laughing at the photos on the screen reminding us of how cool we were in high school. I’m amazed at how many nurses and teachers have

emerged from a budding bunch of thespians and competitive hockey players.

The night reminded me of how our years at school play such an integral role in shaping the adults we become. From those who only spent a few short years at school to those of us who clocked up a decade or more, we all had such fond memories of our time at BCGS and I hope at the next reunion we see even more familiar faces.

To those students and teachers that we have lost along the way, we reminisced about their lasting effect on us and how their memory will be carried with us forever.

A huge thank you to the OGA for organising this special event and the school for hosting at their impressive Year 7 Centre.

I hope to see you all again in 2033.

Rowie Jones :: Class of 2003

Receiving the invitation to your 10-year reunion can evoke mixed feelings –nostalgia, excitement, anxiety, or even shock that 10 years has dared to pass so quickly. Former students of BCGS are incredibly fortunate that the school is committed to providing these events, for students to come together and reconnect. The reunion was held in the Year 7 centre, sharing the stage with 20, 30 and 40 year reunions, which was lucky, as we certainly needed help filling the room with a not-so-large turnout from the 2013 class! I know for a couple of us, it added to the fun having one or more family members attending their reunions with us.

It was fantastic to see some of our past teachers and catch up with those who came. The evening was spent enjoying the food, wine, photobooth and watching a slideshow of our school pictures and snaps from our time at school. We laughed, shared stories from school and share what we knew about where the rest of our class is now. Closing out the night, you would not be mistaken in saying that there was more than a couple of former students, from all Year Groups, on a Bunbury dance floor until the early hours. I am looking forward to the next one and hope to see more of the class of 2013 in another 10 years!

Isabel Fry :: Class of 2013

OGA news

OLD GRAMMARIANS’ ASSOCIATION

Engagements

Benjamin Lister (11) 03 got engaged to Ellie Verkerk on the cliffs of Nusa in Bali last March. They will be getting married in Cowaramup next February.

Ben Snow (06) 04 got engaged to Gabrielle Fitzgerald on Cape Tribulation Beach in the Daintree rainforest in North Queensland last year. They plan on doing more travelling together before planning their wedding.

Jayben Lister (06) got engaged to Kristen Lloyd on New Year’s Day, just weeks before moving overseas for work. They plan on returning to Australia to get married in April 2024.

Weddings

Courtney Laporte (11) 01 married Chris Zanetta in March this year. It was a beautiful ceremony at Evedon Lakeside Resort where her father, Dean Richard (77) walked her down the aisle.

Carrie Green (04) 02 married Alan Nanini in October 2022 in an intimate ceremony at Kings Park followed by a wedding party at Bib & Tucker, North Fremantle. There were several Old Grammarians in attendance including Merinda Levitzke nee Blakiston (04) who was a bridesmaid. The couple are expecting their first baby this June.

Births

Andrew Fry (06) 05 and his wife Denise welcomed their first child Oliver Gurney on 3 June 2022. Oliver is grandson to former students Jane Fry nee Mardon (80) and Wayne Fry (77) and great grandson to Margaret Mardon a former staff member.

Bram Huisman (04) 06 and his wife Anna welcomed their son James Elliot on 20 January 2022. The new family are excited to be expanding as they are expecting a new sibling in September.

Chris Terren (07) 07 and his wife, Jaime welcomed their first child, Jeremy Charles on 13 December 2021. It was a big year for Chris as he also joined the

Independent Bar as a barrister on 1 August 2022 after working as a lawyer for the previous seven years.

Snippets

Michael Lishman (76) along with his wife Deidre celebrated a belated 60th birthday at St Boniface Cathedral in May. Sadly, Deidre was still unable to join the celebrations as COVID continued to thwart her attendance. Michael revealed the reasons for this venue one of which was the connection between BCGS and St Boniface Cathedral. Several former staff members and classmates were honoured to have been invited to this gathering of Michael’s and Deidre’s friends.

Jeremy Threlfall (78) is a senior public servant for the WA State Government, who supervises private company’s use of public rail networks.

Dr Lisa Sherry (82) is the Director of Rehabilitation Medicine at the Austin Hospital, Victoria. Since graduating from UWA, Lisa has worked in Disability Medicine and Rehabilitation for many years with patients with long term disability from neurological conditions.

Susan Hugo (82) is enjoying her role as Chaplain at Balga Senior High School and Wanneroo Senior High School where she ministers to some 2,000 students.

Denise Blazek (84) is again a resident of WA after years in Sydney as a television producer and media consultant. Her first foray into television was at Channel M in the tin shed studio at BCGS.

Clare Alderson (84) is a Learning Designer at UWA. In this role she assists teaching staff to deliver their programs.

Eric Nankivell (84) is a Farm Management Consultant based in NSW but with extensive travel to WA, sometimes piloting himself. He graduated from Curtin University with degrees in Business in Agriculture and Property.

Rachel Green (07) 08 started working in the hospitality sector while she was finishing up her Bachelor of Arts of Sustainable Development. Through the years she stayed in the industry wearing a variety of hats including waitress, bar and restaurant manager and event and wedding co-ordinator. Rachel met her partner (now fiancé), a chef, Ricky Mandozi while working together at a restaurant in Fremantle and have since moved to Donnybrook. They now run a small pickle business, Rickles Pickles, and with the business now five years old, it has been a successful and fun journey as they learn how to run a business, be their own bosses and take advantages of new opportunities. Ricky makes all the products and Rachel designs the labels and packaging.

Selina Metternick-Jones (08) started in a new role as the Director of Science and Technology Planning at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation where she will be leading the development of a state-wide 10-year-plan for Science and Technology. The Plan will span all relevant government agencies as well as universities and industry engaged in the space. After a decade in the public

sector, she is excited to take on this new challenge which allows her to harness her life-long passion for science and have a long-term impact on WA.

Robert Puttman (09) 09 has been working in the maritime industry as a Navigational Officer on ships working throughout the Asia Pacific region. He was recently promoted to Captain of the Australian Defence Vessel Ocean Protector. In this role he leads a multi-agency team made up of civilian personnel and members of the Australian Defence Force and Australian Border Force in enforcing Australia’s maritime laws.

Tan Farquhar (10) was selected as a finalist for The Chamber of Minerals and Energy of WA Outstanding Young Woman in Resources Award. Tan is highly regarded for the interest she takes in team members and is a role model for other women in the business and a voice for women

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.

new to leadership roles. Tan is also an active mentor and advocate for female career opportunities and progression, through Women In Mining WA, the WA Mining Club Young Professionals and UWA Career Mentoring.

Jonathan Kirke (12) 10 was recently admitted as a lawyer at the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Jonathan studied the Juris Doctor at the UWA, after completing a Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons). He is currently working at the State Solicitor’s Office and is looking to specialise in advocacy and constitutional law. He really enjoys how tight knit the legal community is in Perth, and how his work has supported him to take on matters and appear in court from very early on in his career. He is looking forward to getting involved in all the weird and wonderful legal areas that public law touches on.

Geoffrey Peter Threlfall (81), brother of Jeremy (78), Ean (83), and Stephanie (86)

John Lewis, father of Ian (77).

Isobel Sprivulis, mother of Kate Leaversuch nee Sprivulis (82).

Rachael Hosking nee Offer (84), sister of Jane Rowley (81) daughter of past Board member Richard Offer and Margaret, past committee member of the Ladies Auxiliary.

June Dempster (Cryer), mother of Edward (05), Jonathan (05), Rachel (07) and Eleanor (09)

Cecilie Clarke, mother of Christine (77), Melanie (79), Diedre (82) and grandmother of Samuel Green (04) and Rachel Green (07).

June Home, mother to Andrew (79), Jillian (80) and Gregory (82).

Ian Birch (02), brother of Neal (04) and Wayne (01)

Check

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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Stay

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.