THE CONNECTION NOV E M B E R 2 019 ISSUE
Inside this issue P R I N C I P A L' S R E P O R T SCHOOL SERVICE AWARD REFLECTIONS RUOK DAY PSA PRESIDENT'S REPORT CLASS OF 2014 REUNION CO CK TA IL PA RT Y FOUNDATION DAY SPE A K ER REUNION DINNER TOUCH + NETBALL GAMES WHERE ARE THEY NOW? CONTEMPOR ARY MUSIC VALE OUTDOOR EDUC ATION UK TOUR PA ST STUDENTS NE WS REUNION WEEKEND 2020 PSA MAKE IT YOURS
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Reunion Dinner, Class of 1979 Johanna Richardson (Bragg), Deb Vlastaras (Elsey), Patricia Rays (Simmonds), Terri Williamson, Caren Connor (de Witte), Melinda Holborn, Alana le Mura (Jagerndorff), Cassie Beatty (Lee), Allison Cussen (Edwards).
Principal’s Report
PRINCIPAL IAN GAMACK
As the 2019 school year comes into its final month, we can look back on a very eventful year. The year began with the biggest rain event that the school has experienced this century and the school received significant damage to property and contents. This damage is still being rectified and in the end our insurance will cover at least $3 million worth of work. Old Girls and Past Students will be interested to know that the repairs on the Green Hall and Music Block are nearing completion and this very historical building will have further life as a space for Music, Drama and Chatham House meetings. In 2020 we are also planning to bring Dance into this space. I look forward to showing Old Girls and Past Students through this space in the years ahead. In a 102 year old school like ours, it is tremendously important that we have an active and vibrant Past Students’ Association (PSA). This eclectic mix of Old Girls and Past Students meet each term and spend time planning events and making decisions about matters concerning past students of the school. This year it was decided that the PSA would employ someone on a part time basis to assist with the important task of archiving photos and school memorabilia. It was proposed that recently retired, school
living treasure, Mrs Toni Lanphier, would be the perfect person to get this undertaking started. She will be based in the Past Students room in St Mary’s (International Hotel) – formerly the Staff House and more recently a boys’ boarding space. It is likely that the PSA will sponsor display cabinets for this project in the years ahead. I am delighted to announce that the PSA will continue its great work with a very similar committee in 2020. Our dynamic President, Mr Tom Porter will continue for his 10th year in this important role, which he does so well. He is also supported by a very enthusiastic committee again in 2020 and will be joined by John Frizzell, Tristan Davey, Val Carson, Claudia Power, Fiona Macdonald, Annette Nelson, Mary Gallagher and Toni Lanphier. Our great thanks go to Karen Lane, who is stepping down from the committee after many years of service. No doubt she will continue to support Past Student functions. I wish all members of the St Anne’s and Cathedral School communities a very happy end to the 2019 year and look forward to meeting up with some of you in 2020. IAN GAMACK
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PRINCIPAL
School Service
Award
A new school award was presented at the Foundation Day service this year – the Toni Lanphier School Service Award. Mrs Lanphier retired from the role of School Registrar at the end of 2018, and as a mark of respect for her outstanding work and involvement in the school, this award was created in her honour.
The award will be made annually to a member of The Cathedral School of St Anne & St James school community for exemplary service to the school over an extended period of time. The recipient is someone who has worked tirelessly to promote and improve our school and its community with generosity and good grace. They also have the characteristic of not being deterred by hardship or criticism and their focus in and around the school has been one of great insight and broad ranging possibility. The inaugural award was presented to Ms Katrina Wilshire, who established the very successful rowing program at Cathedral 20 years ago, and is an outstanding careers counsellor to our senior students. Mrs Lanphier was there to make the presentation. K ATR INA WIL SHIR E WITH TONI L A NPHIER
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Reflection by 2019 School Captain
Shona Johnson
Having the opportunity to lead a school community is something that I will always regard as one of my greatest achievements and I have been privileged enough to do so in all three sub-schools. However, it’s this year that has had the biggest impact on me. My role as School Captain has stretched much further than simple school assemblies, and it has pushed me out of my comfort zone and challenged me to do things I never thought I’d be able to do. I was given the opportunity to MC two inter-house competitions, the Dramas and the Instrumental and Musicals competition. I faced one of my biggest fears leading a group of 500+ people in our attempt of Queens “We Are the Champions”. It was an incredible and overwhelming feeling and I’m so thankful to have been able to challenge myself in such a supportive environment.
Ref lecting back, it’s this overwhelming sense of support that has made my year the best it could be. With every daunting task that I have faced this year, whether it be big or small, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders with every smile or laugh I receive. The support of our school community is something we should all be proud of. Our strength carried us through the devastation of the February f loods and encourages us through each sports carnival when it feels like every step, stroke or stride will end us before the race is over. My year has relied on the nature of the beautiful people that surround me every day. This sense of community is what I believe sets us apart from other schools and to feel completely safe in my school environment is something I will always appreciate. I’d like to thank everyone who makes this community the welcoming association it is.
RUOK Day As part of the Certificate III in Business course, Year 11 students must plan and deliver a service to customers. As part of meeting the requirements for mental health training in the workplace, we combined the skill of customer service with raising awareness for the RUOK? Foundation. Started by Gavin Larkin who lost his father to suicide, the RUOK? Foundation aims to equip people with the skills to ask a friend they are worried about if they are ok, and then know what to do if their friend (or co-worker) is not ok. Youth mental health is a factor that cannot be ignored. This project is a great way of bringing attention to an important issue in a fun way. This year, the students wanted to work on building connection across all three schools. We brainstormed how we could make sure students from Junior, Middle and Senior school felt included and involved with the activities. Across the two Cert III Business class, we had nine groups. Two of the groups specifically focussed on the Junior School, with the others planning activities which would involve everyone. Through week 9 of Term 3, a small group went to the Junior School to run lunchtime activities. On the first day they played games on the oval with Year 4-6 students, the second day involved games with
Years 1-3, followed by face painting in Kindy and Prep on the final day. The younger students loved being a part of what the big kids were doing (and the teachers loved that the students were kept busy all break!). Each break ended with a chat about what it means to look after your friends, and what you can do if you feel worried about someone. Finally, on Friday 13 September, all schools came together on the main oval for a gala day hosted by the Year 11 Certificate III Business class, helped by the year 10 Economics and Business class. There were free games and activities, BBQ, icy cups, sundae bar, pizza, nachos, lolly bags, Krispy Kreme donuts, music and a poster competition. By holding the activities on the main oval – neutral ground – we found that more students came to be involved. It was great to see the Junior School Year 4-6’s join us also. Not to leave the little ones out, one group had a bake sale specifically for the Junior school Year 1-3 and set up in their lunch space to sell their sweet treats. It will be great to see this initiative continue with subsequent Year 11 Cert. III Business students. It certainly was a lovely way to finish Term 3, with the final fundraising tally just over $1000!!
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Past Students’ Association
President's Report
L AGO ON DA SH - VA L I A N T S TA FF T E A M
I can’t believe it’s almost the end of the year and we are approaching 2020. The PSA has been busy meeting, organising reunions and events and keeping you connected 2019. Next year will see a change to this Connection magazine with more frequent news updates the year posted on Facebook, the school’s website and social media channels. If you received a printed edition, I will be still happy to post you a copy. We will let you know more about this in 2020. We are working on keeping the Facebook page more active in this year and we need your help to make this happen. If you have any great stories, photos or information please send me an email and I will get it up on our Facebook page.
WINNING TEAMS IN THE STUDENT R ACES IN THE LAGOON DASH – L A NG TON GIR L S A ND CHATHA M BOYS
Our annual reunion weekend was held on 26-28 July. At the Foundation Day service. guest speaker Iain Simpson (Class of 2012) spoke to the whole school about his time at The Cathedral School. The Lagoon Dash was held after the service where we the past students' team consisting of Jeff Pearce, Josh Fletcher, Siana Board and Jennifer Board teamed up to take out the Bragging Rights Trophy from the staff and past students. This was our second win in two years. The Friday evening consisted of reunion drinks by the lagoon for the Class of 2014, followed by the Foundation Day Cocktail Party hosted by the P&F and the PSA on the banks of the lagoon. All who attended had a very enjoyable night. We held the school tour, afternoon tea and reunion dinner on Saturday. About 40 people attended the dinner in the intimate setting of the Rock Centre foyer. Iain Simpson shared his school memories with other past students at the dinner and PSA scholarship holder Jahrah Pearce spoke about her time and how Cathedral has helped her become the young woman she is today. The Sunday church service was well attended by many past students and current Cathedral students who played in the band at St James’ Cathedral. In August we held the Annual General Meeting of the PSA and the elected members for this year are: President: Tom Porter Vice- President: John Frizzell Secretary: Tristan Davey Treasurer: Val Carson Committee members: Toni Lanphier, Mary Gallagher, Claudia Power, Annette Nelson, Fiona Macdonald The Past vs Current Students Touch and Netball competition was held in October in the newly-opened sports precinct. The afternoon was
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PA ST STUDENT TE AM WITH THE ‘BR AGGING RIGHTS’ TROPHY
full of great school spirit with the Current Students taking out the Touch Trophy and Past Students winning the Netball. The last event on our calendar is the Valedictory Week where we farewell the current Year 12s and welcome the Class of 2019 as the newest past students. I will be fortunate to speak at the final assembly and hand out a PSA badge to each graduate. In September we farewelled our marketing coordinator Amanda Peake who was very supportive and helpful in organising all our PSA events and marketing. She will be missed by the PSA and the school. On a personal note I would like to thank my wonderful and passionate committee for a fantastic year and Mr Ian Gamack, Jane Passmore, Karen Lane and Jo Richardson for supporting our wonderful organisation. I am very privileged to hold the position as President of the PSA and proud to say that I work for The Cathedral school. If you’re interested in joining our committee, want any more information, or just have some good news to share, please don’t hesitate to email me on thomas.porter@cathedral.qld.edu.au THOMAS PORTER
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P S A PR E S ID EN T, CL A S S O F 20 07
CLASS OF 2014 REUNION
T E ACHER S MS K R IS T EN A R MI TAG E A ND MS J ACQUI VOL LU G I W I T H PA S T S TUDENT S LUK E THOM A S , KIR A M ATISON, A DR IENNE FLEMING , S A R A H CUR R IE
CO CK TA IL PA RT Y
STEPHANIE BAILLS,
FIONA MACDONALD, ANNETTE NELSON,
REBECCA & TIM KLINGER, TROY POPHAM
Y VONNE & DAMIAN COX
ANDREW & ANNA JOHNSON, SUZANNE & PHILIP
G EOFF & M A RGOT S TA N TON , D I A N A &
HORLOCK, MARTINA & GORDON WILLOCKS
IAN GAMACK, DI AND TROY POPHAM
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FO U N DAT I O N DAY S P E A K E R
Iain Simpson
Iain Simpson graduated from Cathedral in 2012 as a School Captain with strong involvement in extra-curricular activities. These included a lead role as Brett in the School Production ‘13 – a new musical’, rowing in the Boys’ Open Eight and Member of the Year in the Toastmasters Gavel Club. As one of two Duxes in 2012, Iain accepted the University of Melbourne’s highest undergraduate scholarship, but enjoyed a year off before moving south. Having completed a Bachelor of Biomedicine, Iain is now studying the Doctor of Medicine, a Masters-level course. He will graduate as a doctor next year after a six-month research placement in both Melbourne and Alice Springs, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, where he will investigate prevention strategies for an important virus in remote Central Australia called HTLV-1. Although only a fairly recent graduate, Iain has had time to reflect on his school experiences and realise how lucky he was to be in such a special place during his formative years. He shared three important messages with the current students, urging them to take advantage of the opportunities available to them while they are still at school, as he did.
IN S U M M A RY, HE RECOMMENDED STUDENTS TO:
1. Be Present – immerse yourself in what is happening here and now, and make the most of every moment of every day; 2. Be Kind – community is created when people treat each other with kindness and respect – this makes your school community a happy place for everyone; 3. Be Curious – keep your mind open to new ideas and wait for your ‘passion’ to find you. We wish Iain all the best with his continuing studies and future career and have no doubt he will have a fulfilling life.
REUNION DINNER
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A NNA ATKINSON SERVE S HOR S D’OEU VR E S
CLASS OF 1999: KRISTINA & BEN PYE, DANIELLE
TO GUE S T S AT THE DINNER
UND ERWO OD, CHR IS T IE TA M A S (K RO G DA HL )
FROM THE L ATE 1950’S: THE SE L A DIE S LOVE T H EI R A N N UA L G E T-TO G E T H ER AT T H E S CH O O L REUNION – MARY GALL AGHER (CR AWSHAW), ROSEMARY SAVAGE (SMITH), MARGARET CUMNER (CA SE Y ), ROBYN GILCHRIST (CROF T), JAN GR AHAM (R O B I N S O N), E N I D WA R D R O P (LYO N S)
ALL AN & ANNET TE NELSON (MUGUIR A), JEFF & PIE TA PE A RCE A ND T HEIR Y E A R 12 DAUG H T ER JAHR AH (PSA SCHOL ARSHIP RECIPIENT
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Past vs Current Students
Past Student’s News
The annual Touch & Netball Challenge between Past and Current Students was held on 13 October in the newly opened Sports Precinct. The Current Students took the upper hand in the Touch game, but the Past Students showed their prowess in Netball. After the game, all the players enjoyed a BBQ and cold drink, providing an opportunity for past and current students to connect.
BRONSON SE ADEN (CL ASS OF 2011)
Touch & Netball Games
CURRENT STUDENTS WON THE TOUCH TROPHY
Where are they now? After graduating I focused on a trade to be become an Electrician and worked on major projects around Townsville and far north Queensland like the Townsville Hospital upgrade and the zinc refinery out past Mt Stuart. During those years as an apprentice, I was named Queensland Apprentice of the Year in 2013 and 2015. Biggest trade highlights so far have been working in Weipa for Rio Tinto, working in Port Kembla, in Wollongong. working for BMA in Emerald in the coal mines, then returning to Townsville to work on the biggest solar farm in the northern area. I met my beautiful future wife in 2015 and proposed in 2017. Two months later we found out she was pregnant, Three months following that we bought our first house and five and a bit months later she gave birth to a beautiful little girl named Allesandra. Three months later we got married at the St James' Cathedral while having two of my best mates from school stand beside me on that amazing day. Now we are expecting baby girl number two to be here just before Christmas. Eight small years after school and time really did fly!
PA ST STUDENT TE AM WON NETBALL AGAIN!
SAR AH STEEL (CL ASS OF 2010)
NETBALL GAME ON THE NEW UNDERCOVER COURTS
My name is Sarah Steel and I am a former graduate from The Cathedral School’s Class of 2010 and I have recently started running my own business, Paragon Hair. It had always been my dream to pursue a career invested in my passion that also provided the opportunity to touch the lives of people in more ways than one. In my nine years of experience being a qualified hairdresser, the most rewarding element in the industry is at the end of every service - witnessing the clients in awe of themselves with their confidence and smile radiating the salon. I am so grateful to have attended The Cathedral School, as if it hadn’t been for Mr Cliffe’s art classes, I would not be where I am today as it was the foundation of my career inspiration.
TOUCH AC TION ON THE OVAL
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Contemporary Music
at Cathedral
At Cathedral we have a large and diverse Instrumental Music Program that includes Concert Bands, String Orchestras, Guitar Ensembles, Marching Drums, over a dozen Chamber Music Ensembles and a very talented Big Band. In January 2018 we recognised the need to expand our Contemporary Ensemble Program and created a Contemporary Band under the direction of Dylan Russell. This group focused on performing modern pop, rock and jazz music led by vocalists. This ensemble shone straight away and started performing in and out of the school including at Burdekin Eisteddfod where they have won the Contemporary Section 2 years in a row. Their success led us to start a feeder ensemble which we aptly named The Rock Band directed by Paul Nielson at the start of this year.
We pride ourselves at Cathedral that we can offer ensembles which perform music of all idioms to cater for all our students’ interests and needs. Big Band, Rock Band and Contemporary Band entertained the crowds in Term 2 at Cotter’s Market. In fact, it was such a success that Contemporary Band returned in Term 3. Both groups have also been able to bring music to the ears of their peers and have hosted lunchtime concerts at the school. Contemporary Music is now an integral part of our program and complements our traditional bands, orchestras and ensembles. It will be exciting to see how the program grows and develops in the future.
VA LE
Ruth Duncan
The PSA is sad to advise of the passing of Ruth Duncan (nee Stayte) on Friday 26 July, just a few days after her 95th birthday. Ruth was a boarding student at St Anne’s from 1935 until she completed her Senior year in Ravenswood in 1942. She then became a Music Teacher at St Anne’s until the end of the war. While she has spent most of her adult life in Melbourne, she has reconnected with the school in recent years and shared her very fond memories of that time in our centenary series of videos. We are very appreciative of the written memoirs, photographs and prize books which she donated to the school’s archives. We extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends. May she rest in peace.
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RU T H D U N C A N W I T H M OT H E R EU N I C E AT R AV E N S WO O D 70T H A N N I V E R S A RY C E L E B R AT I O N S I N 2 0 12
Year 9
O U T D O O R ED U C AT I O N
Yr 9 camp has been one of my best experiences at Cathedral so far. From being in the gorge jumping off cliffs to mountain biking across some amazing land and rivers. The scenery throughout the whole camp was incredible but a highlight was at camp Surprise where we took part in a 100metre wet walk where the view was unbelievable. It challenged us in many ways not just individually but also as a team. Survival night was another that will never be forgotten. We understood and learnt more about each other in that one night than I had ever thought was possible. Together we felt as though we could conquer anything, like overcoming the freezing waters and endless walks. Through completing the many challenges, including cooking for everyone, we grew closer not only as a group but as friends. The memories, experiences and friends I made are priceless and irreplaceable. G R A C E A B D Y // Y E A R 9
Year 10
Once again, Year 10 students were privileged to go on the ‘ultimate’ Outdoor Education experience in the region of the beautiful Hinchinbrook Passage. Their trip included sailing on the ‘South Passage’ sail training vessel, hiking across Orpheus Island, swimming off Yanks jetty plus snorkelling and rogaining on Pelorus Island. For the first time on Year 10 camp, students also circumnavigated Pelorus Island in sea kayaks. They also ventured on to Dunk Island and walked to the top of Mount Kootaloo. It is truly a ‘once in a lifetime’ experience.
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UK Tour
“It doesn’t matter where you’re going, it’s who you have beside you” My name is Alana Clark and I was the netball umpire for the recent rugby and netball tour to the United Kingdom. I was incredibly privileged to be able to travel with an amazing group of rugby and netball players and our six remarkable staff. Over the tour some incredible netball and rugby was played, sights were seen, and good times were had. One of the best parts of the tour was being billeted with a variety of families at each of our different host schools. The families were very welcoming and allowed us to be immersed in the culture and lifestyle of another country. The tour has taught us all that winning is not the most important thing but embracing these experiences and the opportunities that come with it is something you will never regret. Ultimately the experiences of the tour were amazing but what made these so memorable was the people I shared them with. I would just like to say a massive thank you to the staff who gave up their holidays and valuable time with their families to look after us. The countless laughs, memories and experiences over the two weeks will never be forgotten. ALANA CLARK
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NETBALL UMPIRE
NOVEMBER 2019
Past Students News
Marriages & Births MARRIAGES
Anna Bethel (Christensen) from the Class of 2013 married Jake Bethel (Class of 2011) at Undara Lava Tubes recently. Past students Logan Bethel, Georgia Manthey and Tye Ryan were in their bridal party. Rachelle McNamara (Class of 2006) and Luke Willetts married in Fiji on 29 September and stayed on to celebrate her 30th birthday there with family and friends a few days later. Casey Anning (Class of 2006) married Dylan Bowie on 13 July 2019 at Earlando. The photo includes Casey and Dylan with her parents, her brother Jake (Class of 2014), sister Sara (Class of 2008) and brother Luke (Class of 2012) who is newly engaged to Bree Morrison (Class of 2014). BIRTHS
Lauren Van Homrigh (Class of 2007) and her partner Anthony Griggs welcomed a baby girl, Lucy Juliet, on 23 April 2019. Sophie Seaden (Class of 2010) and her partner Ryan Campbell have also welcomed a baby girl into their lives. Lillie Joyce Campbell was born on 23 September.
W EDD ING PA RT Y OF C A SE Y A NNING
R A C H E L L E M C N A M A R A A N D L U K E W I L L E T T S C E L E B R AT E
L AUR EN VA N HOMR IG H W IT H B A BY LUC Y
LILLIE JOYCE C AMPBELL
A N N A C H R I S T E N S E N A N D J A K E B E T H E L' S W E D D I N G
Indigenous graduates
re-connect
The school’s Indigenous support officer Valma Gara attended the AIEF scholarship graduation for our current year 12 students in Sydney. Valma was delighted to meet up with past students Dennis Nona Ahmat and Elijah Heron-Jia who were previous recipients of the scholarship and graduated in 2013.
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Class of 1970
50 years
(including Year 10 class of 1968)
2020 Reunion SAVE THE DATE
Weekend Friday 24 July, 2020
Class of 2015 - 5 Year Reunion Drinks at the Bird Cage 5.30pm to 6.30pm - Free event
Foundation Day Cocktail Party 6.30pm to 9pm - Price TBC.
This is a combined function for past and present members of the school community. Canapés will be served at The Cathedral School's Connection Place. A cash bar will also be available.
Saturday 25 July, 2020 School Tour & Afternoon Tea 1.30pm - Free event Reunion Dinner 6.30pm to 9pm - Price TBC.
The plan is to have our own group lunch at the Seaview Hotel on Saturday 25 July, then you may choose to join the school’s reunion dinner, tour and church service. For more information, contact: Roberta Warnock (Michna) – robertamichna@gmail.com or 07 4096 8065 Toni Lanphier (Parsons) – toni.lanphier@bigpond.com or 0427 794 342 Deanne DeLacey (Hecht) – deanne.delacey@gmail.com or friend her on Facebook
Past Students' Association
make it yours
PSA Meetings are held at 5pm in the Board Room of Heatley House. 3 February, 2020 11 May, 2020 3 August, 2020 (AGM) 12 October, 2020
This is a function for past students and their partners/friends to re-connect and enjoy good food and good company in a relaxed atmosphere. Canapes and a two course meal will be served and a cash bar will be available.
Any past student is welcome to attend meetings, and we are always keen to hear your news. Please email paststudents@cathedral.qld.edu.au or tom.porter@cathedral.qld.edu.au with your stories and photos.
Sunday 26 July, 2020
Staying 'connected'
Church Service at St James' Cathedral Bookings for the 2020 Reunion Weekend will open early in 2020 12
We are reaching out to everyone who was at school during these years to come together for a 50 year reunion in July next year. We have already made some great connections through a closed Facebook group (search for SAGS and join up), and we hope this will continue to grow in the lead up to the reunion.
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We would like the Past Students Facebook page to be more active. Please like our page and feel free to contribute your own news and stories. You can find it here: https://www.facebook.com/ TheCathedralSchoolPastStudentsAssociation/