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CGS STAFF NEWS
FAREWELL PHIL CHAPPEL
James Cameron farewelled Phil Chappell after 20 years and 6 months. Here are a few extracts from his speech...
‘He was appointed to CGS in 2002 as teacher of RaVE/ Software Design and Development/History/Economics/ Business studies/Theory of Knowledge, also having taught RaVE in the Primary school. Phil led the RaVE department for 10 years and has been a Tutor in Burgmann House over the past 20 years, serving under Brian Heaney, Carol Javes and most recently Vivienne Sheridan.’
‘He was instrumental in designing, tweaking, and implementing the new RaVE curriculum assisted in setting up Year 7 teams to specifically target curriculum in the transition from primary to secondary schooling. In Co-curricular he coached cricket for many years and was the Master in Charge of Hockey. He assisted in formation of The Alternate Reality Club and was an active member from its inception.’ ‘Phil will always be remembered for his care, guidance, support, and patience with students. In particular for his pastoral care of some very difficult and high needs students with whom he would invest countless hours and never give up on this was despite a lack of gratitude from the student and numerous frustrating behaviours. I know that some of these students have looked back on Phil years later with gratitude and respect knowing that they always had his support regardless of the situation.’
‘He would always encourage students to question the norm and was perfectly suited to his teaching of RaVE. As a very deep thinker and he used his life experiences to relate to others and his is classrooms were often hotbeds of debates and intellectual growth, where personal opinion was respected and listened to.’
‘A true gentleman in the true meaning of the word, and his service to Canberra Grammar School has been remarkable. We wish him every success for a well-earned, long, and relaxing retirement.’
– James Cameron, Senior School Geography Teacher
Our Business Director, Kent Peters was recently awarded The Commonwealth Bank School Business Manager Award 2022. Since joining the School, Mr Peters has overseen the School’s largest ever construction programme, including the new boarding houses, the new Maths building, the new Rowing Centre, the new Admin building, the new Auditorium and Music Department, the new Primary classrooms currently in planning, and much more in renovations as well.
He is a passionate advocate of Reconciliation and he’s facilitated the work of the Foundation that underpins our Indigenous and other scholarship programmes. He also led the budgeting that made it possible not only to support families hard hit by the lockdowns and the bushfires, but to increase investment in staff, despite the challenges of this time. For his efforts and contributions , Kent is recognised nationally with the highest honour that goes to those in his role in schools right across the country. Congratulations!
