Vol 4 No 2 Summer 2016
Rites of Passage Honouring transition
Cover: Marcos Da Silva at the rite of passage solo camping challenge, The Abyss. Photo by Mr Adrian Correia.
Today’s boys... tomorrow’s gentlemen
Inside From the Principal 4
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Rites of Passage 6
College News 10
Staff 34
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Palma 36
Touchstone is a magazine for the CBC Fremantle community Editor and designer Cherie Butcher Proofreading Michelle Ainsworth, Jenny D’Ascanio and Shaun Kenny To contact Touchstone, please email touchstone@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au
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From the Principal
From the Principal Welcome to this latest edition of Touchstone, the CBC Fremantle publication which seeks to keep all members of our community fully informed about the activities and planning which currently distinguish our College. Throughout this issue you will detect a focus upon rites of passage and how we support families in managing the journey of our young men from today’s boys to tomorrow’s gentlemen. The years spent in high school are extremely formative in the life of any young person. It is a time when important lessons are learned about personal identity, social dynamics and resilience. It is also true that teachers are likely to be second only to parents as the strongest influence on the establishment of these characteristics in each young person during these years. I know from my own experience how strongly I was impacted upon by some of my high school teachers and how few people have influenced my life to such an extent since. It is probably too extreme to say that we are defined by our high school experience but it is certainly a very developmental time. Given these understandings, we are committed as a College to assisting families in managing the teenage experience of each boy who attends CBC Fremantle. It is our hope that they make the transition to adulthood as smoothly as possible and with a clear understanding that their happiness as adults will depend upon their capacity to be ‘giving’ people.
Every practice and interaction at the College is designed to assist our boys to become good young men. A particular focal point for this aspiration is our highly acclaimed Year 9 programme, The Rite Journey, which has developed to be a significant signpost for each of our boys on their journey to adulthood. With an emphasis upon the importance of commitment and the value of being selfless, our boys are presented with a model of manhood which is countercultural in many regards. They learn about the importance of mutually beneficial relationships and the inner strength to be gained from a greater understanding of their own spirituality. The programme also offers the opportunity for the boys to overcome a variety of orchestrated challenges in an enjoyable and supportive environment. High school can be an exciting time of discovery and personal growth. Our young men are not the finished article upon graduation but by this time in their lives they have a clear understanding of their own identity. It is our intention that their school experience should be instrumental in assisting them to know, value and commit to the characteristics of being a gentleman. Mr Shaun Kenny Principal
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“At CBC Fremantle, with more than a century of experience in the education of young men, the College recognises that boys have a need to go through rites of passage as a matter of natural progression through life’s journey.”
A rainbow over a field of tents at Bindoon as Year 9 boys experience a rites of passage solo camping challenge as part of The Rite Journey. Photo by Adrian Correia
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Feature Article
Rites of Passage: Honouring transition Rites of passage are powerful social activities or ceremonies that mark an evolution from one stage in life to another. In addition to defining character and identity, they provide a sense of achievement and purpose. One of the most critical transitions, and one particularly pertinent to CBC Fremantle, is from adolescence to adulthood. This is a time when much hangs in the balance for each young person to ensure progress towards a positive and successful future of spiritual development, healthy relationships and positive community interaction. While traditional cultures are widely known to employ symbolism and ceremony for transitioning boys and girls into adulthood, adolescent rites of passage in industrialised countries have become increasingly inconsequential. This is no doubt due in part to the overwhelming emphasis in our media-saturated society on the individual over community, the breakdown of the larger family unit and exposure to many different belief systems and traditions. At CBC Fremantle, with more than a century of experience in the education of young men, the College recognises that boys have a need to go through rites of passage as a matter of natural progression through life’s journey. Without positive and meaningful role models guiding and honouring the transition into adulthood, young men are likely to create their own ceremonies to announce their arrival into the adult social scene that can be destructive and dangerous, including binge drinking and inappropriate internet activity that fosters a lack of respect for women. >>
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“At CBC, the process of transition from boy to adult is succinctly captured in the tagline, ‘Today’s boys … tomorrow’s gentlemen.”
As a response to the need for positive reinforcement, several years ago CBC introduced The Rite Journey programme for Year 9 students, which focusses on this pivotal year in a boy’s transition to manhood. The year-long programme has proven to be extremely successful in guiding our young men on their journey to becoming tomorrow’s gentlemen. Part of its success is the authenticity of the programme, which was developed by Australian educator and father of four, Andrew Lines, and follows a pattern initially researched early in the 20th century by French ethnographer Arnold Van Gannep, who officially coined the term ‘rites of passage’. In his 1909 paper, Van Gannep recognised three periods of transition which he classified as: 1. Separation from a previous status. 2. A period of uncertainty between two different states. 3. Integration of new attitudes, values and behaviours that result in a new status. Each of these stages is linked to the internal psychological processes of the individual, and requires guidance and acknowledgement from
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Cameron Moller at The Rite Journey Calling ceremony
College News
Mr Binet with Sebastian Everett at The Homecoming
Lincoln Turley at The Homecoming ceremony
the community in order for the person to make a healthy transition and promote a sense of accountability and recognition. In effect, the process involves letting go of the current personality, followed by a reconstruction of personality at the new level. The developmental focus is on empowerment, not behavioural change, with challenges and measured benchmarks providing the opportunity for the young man to integrate cognitive awareness and construct their own personal narrative, thereby taking responsibility for their own progress. According to Dr Arne Rubinstein, who is an expert on adolescent development and rites of passage, in traditional society there are three key aspects that a person gains in a successful transition from adolescence to adulthood. 1. A profound sense of belonging to the community. 2. A shift from child psychology (or ‘Little Boy Behaviour’ in CBC terminology) to healthy adult psychology. 3. An awareness of responsibility and the realisation of the need to form a relationship with the feminine (caring and nurturing).
Dr Rubinstein believes that we can replicate the rites of passage of traditional cultures in a manner appropriate to our own society. An effective process involves sharing our own stories to pass on wisdom and knowledge, thereby allowing open conversations about grief and loss, successes and failures and hopes for the future. It also involves creating challenges to foster confidence and providing positive affirmation. The final understanding which needs to be reached is a recognition that everyone is loved and has unique gifts and talents. At CBC, the process of transition from boy to adult is succinctly captured in the tagline, ‘Today’s boys…tomorrow’s gentlemen’, and the journey is at the core of every College activity. The Rite Journey is the watershed programme that is pivotal in the transition, but from the moment the boy enters his new school through the Year 12 guard of honour, the College delivers a consistent message that embraces the concepts of rites of passage and which is carefully planned to foster a sense of belonging and identity in each young man.
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College News
The journey to manhood The Rite Journey programme for 2016 culminated in a Homecoming ceremony at Point Walter, with the Year 9 cohort being symbolically returned to their parents after spending the year learning skills to assist them on their journey to manhood. After the students were congratulated by their Rite Journey teachers, they joined their families for a short walk along the river for some quiet reflection while the parents presented their young man with a letter of love and affirmation. At the beginning of the year, the boys are called on their journey to becoming young men at a ceremony at Fremantle’s Monument Hill, where they are urged to look back on their childhood and embrace the challenges of becoming an adult.
The Homecoming ceremony follows a cathartic solo camping adventure at Bindoon, The Abyss, where the young men spent a night alone in a tent, contemplating the man they want to be and writing a letter of commitment to their future self. The Rite Journey rites of passage ceremonies encourage a sense of identity and confidence in adolescents. Above: Year 9 Rite Journey students returning to their parents during The Homecoming Far left: Sharing a private moment Left: Mr Carter with Patrick Fox
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CBC students called to meet the Pope As part of an education initiative launched by Pope Francis, two CBC Fremantle students were selected to be part of an intercontinental youth forum presenting their ideas on solutions to global issues in an audience with the Holy Father at the Vatican. Preston Hinton in Year 10 and Toby Tomlinson in Year 11 were the only Australians amongst 12 students from five continents who participated in the three-day programme presented by the Scholas Foundation, a non-profit education entity promoting social integration and a culture of peace throughout the world. The students spent time discussing Pope Francis’s Encyclical Laudata Si, which addresses environmental degradation and climate change and calls for “swift and unified global action”. Their proposals were then presented to the Pope at an audience that included supporters of the programme, actors George Clooney, Richard Gere and Salma Hayek. Preston and Toby were stunned at the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, which came about due to a last minute cancellation from another Australian Catholic school. The boys were accompanied on the trip by Vice Principal of CBC Fremantle, Mr Domenic Burgio, who spoke of the incredible experience. “Pope Francis is a very special human being. At one stage one of the students from Argentina broke every protocol
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when he lunged at Pope Francis and hugged and kissed him. His Holiness’ reaction was as joyful as that of the boy. He is truly a man of the people. “This is a Pope who constantly talks about the poor. This is a Pope who constantly talks about inclusivity, and who challenges greed, war, hatred, Church corruption and the ways of the past that have brought us to where we are. Pope Francis has challenged many traditional Catholic views ... he is the epitome of the Holy Spirit at work and certainly the right man for the times.” CBC Principal, Mr Shaun Kenny, was thrilled at the opportunity for the students to participate in the symposium. “We encourage all our students to see themselves as stewards of our world. As Catholics, and as a school in the tradition of Edmund Rice, we are deeply aware of the need to care for our fellow beings – which also means caring for the home of our children and their children.” Right: Preston Hinton and Toby Tomlinson, pictured in the CBC chapel, were selected to meet Pope Francis at the Vatican.
College News
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Harry Golding and Nathaniel Bond-Williams with Luke de San Miguel and Erin Judd from AIME
Speaking for reconciliation As part of the National Sorry Day ceremony at Wellington Square in Perth, CBC Fremantle Year 11 students Harry Golding and Nathaniel Bond-Williams addressed more than 1,500 people on Indigenous success and what it means to them. Along with some of their CBC classmates, Harry and Nathaniel attended the celebration to commemorate the anniversary of the national inquiry into the Stolen Generation. The resulting report, Bringing Them Home, was tabled in federal parliament on 26 May 1997, and
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recommended compensation and apology be offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders affected by forced removal policies. Harry and Nathaniel captured the tone of the occasion with their inspiring words and reflections. In front of members of parliament, the public and respected members and elders of local Indigenous communities, the young men made it
College News
At Sorry Day
Samuel Preston at Sorry Day
Nathaniel and Harry speaking at Sorry Day
At Sorry Day
clear to the audience that they have the potential to achieve anything they set their minds to. They spoke of the support they have received on their journey to achieving their best, including their parents and the Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME), particularly Erin Judd and Luke de San Miguel, who also assisted in preparing the speeches.
people, not only at CBC but at other schools around Australia. The boys had their faces painted and made string braids while having powerful conversations around reconciliation, leadership, culture, family and general life issues.
The highlight for the CBC students was meeting up with the AIME team, whose work mentoring Indigenous students has been empowering for many young
The day proved to be an inspirational and powerful day of reflection, reconciliation and social justice learning for CBC students.
Throughout the day the students were also treated to displays of cultural dancing, didgeridoo playing and participated in the ritual of walking through a smoking ceremony together.
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An evening of excellence The CBC community was treated to a special evening showcasing the achievements of the students in the Academic Excellence Programme (AEP), with displays and exhibits from each of the seven areas in the diverse syllabus. Highlighting the calibre of the AEP students, the Master of Ceremonies for the event was Jack Bowater (Year 12), who conducted the proceedings throughout the evening. The visitors browsed the AEP exhibits before taking a break to listen to Literature & Media students, Lawson Micale, Paul Jardine-Clarke and Peter Hudson, speak about the vast array of activities and competitions they engage in. They also watched a short video on the AEP 2015 trip to the USA. Boys who participated in the 2016 tour to Canberra also spoke and a presentation from the Debating team had the audience divided as to whether killers of endangered animals should receive the same punishment as if their victims were human. Visitors enjoyed the Motorsports machines zooming around the gym floor, Dads in particular were fascinated with the Robotics display, while students of Science & Technology and Maths & Engineering had everybody intrigued with their projects. The Radio students broadcast live from their booth, playing music and interviewing guests in between the presentations. The event was well attended and particularly enjoyed by the AEP students, whose enthusiasm for their areas of interest shone throughout the evening. Top to bottom: Kye Mitchell-Bathgate, Anton La Macchia and Daniel Page at the Radio booth; Henry Rogerson, Mrs Schmidt, Samuel Sheridan and Ned Marshall; the Debating presentation with Lachlan Legge, Joshua Jackson and Lawson Micale; Mr Hortense with Archer Larwood at the Robotics demonstration.
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College News
Dancing with the stars The mums of students in three Rite Journey classes were treated to a special evening of dancing and refreshments as part of the programme’s group challenge component. The boys teamed up to create the mood in the Arts Learning Area with decorations and platters of food before teaching their mums the dances they had been learning during the Friday classes with Iona Presentation College. The boys had also created a beautiful video celebrating the special relationship between mothers and their sons which was played as the special guests enjoyed a glass of wine with cheeses and crackers. The evening was a huge success and provided a great bonding opportunity for mothers and sons. The Rite Journey programme encourages students to embrace appropriate risks to increase boys’ social, emotional and spiritual growth and nurture self-esteem.
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The world in a classroom To celebrate Humanities & Social Sciences (HASS) week, Year 8 students staged a World Fair showcasing the diverse cultures of many nations in our global community. The boys researched specific countries and set up colourful displays with fast facts and information about the nation, complemented by costumes and traditional food from the area. The exhibition was a fun way for HASS students to explore the world outside of their everyday experience and learn more about the history, traditions and lifestyle of other countries. Other activities during HASS Week included competitions with a society and environment focus, a lunchtime Debating tournament with Santa Maria College and an exhibition of students’ projects that examined the life of a person born in 1890. Clockwise from above: Indy Imbuldeniya, Eben Fourie, Lawson Hinton and Charlie Bell; Mr Silver with Patrick Hart and Sean Ivester; Matthew Henderson-Kelly, William Burfoot, Angus Rees and Ashton Muir.
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College News
Riley wins national award CBC Fremantle College Captain Riley Faulds has won the National Lions Youth of the Year out of more than 2,000 contenders. The Year 12 student was one of six state finalists from schools throughout Australia who made their way through to the final leg of the competition, speaking on issues affecting young people now and in the future. Open to 15 to 19 year olds, the National Lions Youth of the Year award is judged on academic, leadership, sporting and public speaking skills. Entrants are required to answer a rigorous combination of impromptu and prepared questions designed to determine general knowledge and community mindedness. Riley, who excels at a broad range of activities at the College, is no stranger to expressing his opinion. In 2015 he won a trip with the Premier’s Anzac Student Tour to the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing for his essay addressing the Anzac legacy and what it meant to him. The College Captain shared his award-winning presentation at a school assembly, when he was also congratulated by the Lions National Coordinator for Youth of the Year, Mr Brian Williams, and members of the Fremantle chapter. CBC Fremantle has produced two winners of the Lions’ National award in three years, with Jordan Green winning the title in 2014. Above: Riley speaking at the College assembly Below: Riley with Mr Williams and Mr Kenny
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The Abyss Brilliant on brass
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College News
CBC Music student and jazz prodigy Lachlan Glover has accepted a scholarship to study at the James Morrison Academy for talented musicians two years earlier than most candidates. Lachie will be studying for a Bachelor of Music alongside 19 year olds at the institution, which is part of the University of South Australia, and was accepted ahead of schedule on the recommendation of the Australian trumpeter after whom the academy is named. The Year 10 student was named the youngest ever finalist in the scholarship programme and his aim is to complete his degree before applying to attend the prestigious Julliard School in New York. Lachie started playing trumpet in Year 5 and within weeks was busking at Fremantle markets to fund a saxophone. He plays alto and tenor sax as well as trumpet and at 12 years of age was granted special entry to the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, playing alongside 18 to 25 year olds. With an impressive performance track record, Lachie has already received rave reviews from music industry professionals, including David Cusworth from The West Australian , Perth international jazz sensation, Troy Roberts, and Ross Irwin from the Cat Empire, who described Lachie as “a remarkable musician … an artist to watch.” Left: Lachlan Glover (far left) with Emmanuel Terzoudis-Lumsden (Year 12) and Connor Whitt performing at The Ellington Above: Lachie on stage with James Morrison and the Western Australian Symphony Orchestra
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History makers As part of their History studies on World War I, Year 9 Humanities & Social Sciences students hosted an afternoon exhibition depicting the life and experience of a fictional Australian born in 1890. Mr Joel Moss and Mrs Carol Denny’s History Extension students invited members of the community to attend the presentation, with an array of diverse displays in the Arts Learning Area paying homage to a particularly tumultuous time in Australian history. The students provided their fictional Australians with a name, place of birth, education and profession, delving into detail of the era in order to be able to breathe life into their character. During their research, the boys discovered a person born in 1890 experienced Federation, World War I, the Great Depression and, if they survived, World War II in 1939. The budding historians learned of the plight of returned servicemen, who were often wounded and suffering from
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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. They realised that many men would never work again, and then the Great Depression struck, which created even further hardship for Australian families. Working in groups, the boys presented their research in all manner of ways, with some students making models and propaganda posters, and some exhibiting World War weaponry and paraphernalia. The ‘1890 Project’ was designed to encourage independent learning and teamwork and was a great success. Below: Ross Collier, Joshua Harris-Walker, Blake Hughes and Benjamin Fitzpatrick with their display.
College News
Cycling for charity The Rite Journey (TRJ) took to the cycle paths along the Canning River for a two hour bike-a-thon to raise money for Beyond Blue. Mr Craig Carter and Mr James Silver’s Year 9 TRJ classes joined forces to ride laps from the Mount Henry Bridge to the Canning Bridge and raised more than $1,200 for the charity. After the work was done, the boys provided a barbecue dinner for their parents and basked in the satisfaction of sore legs and a successful endeavour. The bike-a-thon was part of the programme’s group challenge component and promoted further awareness of the importance of improving mental health in the community.
Above: Zachary Dixon, Daniel Page and Matthew Mocerino Right above: Cooking dinner after the bike-a-thon
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In the surfing zone...
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College News
For the first time ever, CBC Fremantle won the Metro Zone Surfing Championship in August with a spectacular performance from all of the squad in near perfect conditions at Trigg Beach. Year 11 surfing legends, Tom Corrie and Alex McGuffin, claimed first place in the Senior Boys’ Surfing division, and Finn Hussey and Noah Masters from Year 8 were a formidable force in the Junior Boys’ Surfing, coming in top position after a tremendous session on the waves. William Green and Jack Owen came third in the Junior Boys’ Surfing, which bodes well for the future of surfing at CBC. Junior Boys’ Bodyboarding first position went to Nicholas Dart and Jonathan Kay, and Jake Anderson and Liam Kennedy were close behind them in second place. The top performers went on to represent CBC at the State championships later the same month where traditional surfing powerhouse school Margaret River High School took out the first position in Junior and Senior Boys’ Surfing. Clockwise from left: Alexander McGuffin at Trigg Breach; Joseph Eardley, Jake Anderson and Liam Kennedy, Finn Hussey, Tom Corrie and Alex McGuffin.
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TRJ serves up a challenge CBC mums, grandmothers, aunts, sisters and College staff were treated to a delicious three course meal served by the young men in their lives as part of the Year 9 The Rite Journey (TRJ) programme.
Teamwork, decision-making and focus were evident as the boys delivered plates and topped up drinks for their guests, who took the opportunity to relax and enjoy their evening off and relish the attention.
Over four nights, students in Mr Burgio and Mr Binet’s classes donned aprons and rolled up their waiter-white sleeves to get down to the business of artfully arranging platters and preparing side dishes to accompany the delicious grain-fed beef and whiting main course options that were cooked to perfection.
The repast was topped off with Mrs Burgio’s famous tiramisu ai frutti di bosco and coffee while the boys cleaned up the kitchen.
The boys also transformed the College Boardroom into a picturesque dining room, setting the tables with exquisite attention to detail under the direction of CBC Events Coordinator, Mrs Ainsworth.
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The Rite Journey programme encourages students to step outside their comfort zone and engage in group and individual challenges to foster growth and confidence. Left to right: Mr Binet with some of his TRJ class, Mr Burgio’s Tuesday TRJ students preparing the antipasto platters, Angus McDonald and Adam Pittorini in the kitchen
College News
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St Jerome’s prefects St Jerome’s eleven Of the 40 Prefects inaugurated for the 2017 student leadership, 11 of the young men attended one of CBC Fremantle’s feeder schools, St Jerome’s Primary School in Munster. The junior school’s high quotient in the Prefect cohort is potentially a record, and is a testament to the strong faith and friendship of the group, who began their journey at CBC in 2012. The Prefects were chosen through a process of trial and assessment and their selection is the result of a genuine commitment to the life of the College.
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Above: (Front row) Leon Viti, Jayden Goncalves, Ryan De Gennaro and Jason De Gennaro; (Back row) Joshua Lacey, Andrew Armstrong, Brodie Clark, Toby Tomlinson, Nathaniel Bond-Williams, Julian Nardi and Christian Edwards Below: Year 6 St Jerome’s students at CBC Orientation Day in 2012
College News
Building bronze at nationals College Vice Captain Kennedy Sorrell achieved a bronze medal in Construction at the national VETiS (Vocational Education Training in Schools) Worldskills competition which took place in Melbourne during the October school break. Worldskills is a prestigious biennial event attracting more than 500 competitors representing 60 trades and showcasing the nation’s top skills-based young Australians. The talented woodworker earned a spot in the national competition after placing at the regional level, and spent three days completing a project from drawing design to finished construction, that was judged by industry professionals. Kennedy hopes to pursue a career in landscaping, if his talent on the field with East Fremantle Football Club don’t get in the way. Below left to right: Kennedy Sorrell with the garden arbour he constructed at the national competition; Kennedy with his bronze medal.
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College News
Celebrating achievement More than 400 certificates, medals and trophies were awarded at the annual celebration of achievement early in Term 4, the CBC Fremantle Awards Evening.
Hosking. Dux for Year 12 University Pathway was presented to Conor Hars and Proxime Accessit was received by Riley Faulds.
With 329 students crossing the stage to receive a certificate, medallion or trophy, the College gymnasium was full of family and friends to witness the special event. Award medallions were presented to 130 students who were the top performers in a particular subject, indicating outstanding ability and commitment to excellence.
Riley handed over his College Captaincy to 2017 head boy, Nicholas Watson, and Kennedy Sorrell presented his Vice Captain’s badge to his successor, Henry Scurry.
There were 296 Certificates of Merit and Excellence awarded, 16 Dux and Proxime Accessit trophies presented and 25 special community and leadership accolades.
Performances from the College Choir, Voice Ensemble and Jazz Orchestra wowed the audience, which included Mayor of Fremantle, Mr Brad Pettitt.
The pinnacle of achievement at the College, the Edmund Rice Awards, were presented to Year 12 students who best modelled the teachings of Christ and the charism of the founder of the Christian Brothers, Blessed Edmund Rice. This year, seven students received the highest honour: Keane Bourke, Alec Da Silva, Riley Faulds, Bevan Grant, Yusef Hourani, Emmanuel TerzoudisLumsden and Tony Ziegelaar. Dux of Year 12 for Vocational Pathway was awarded to Nicholas Page and Proxime Accessit went to Michael
Left above: The College Choir directed by Mrs Tandy Below left: Ms Seman-Bourke presenting to Harry O’Neill (Year 10) Below right: Presenting the Captain and Vice Captain badges Above: Edmund Rice Award recipients left to right, Tony Ziegelaar, Emmanuel Terzoudis-Lumsden, Yusef Hourani, Bevan Grant, Riley Faulds, Alec Da Silva and Keane Bourke
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The graduating Class of 2016
Year 12 final assembly
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College News
Farewell Year 12 The Class of 2016 were farewelled with the traditional guard of honour at their final assembly at the end of Term 3, followed by a special Graduation Mass and ceremony before they headed off to prepare for their final exams in Term 4. This year’s cohort was characterised by a strong sense of community, camaraderie and connection with their College, with quite a few tears shed at the traditional farewell assembly and later at the graduation ceremony.
Around the altar at the Graduation Mass
The cohort will be welcomed back in 2017 for a Year 13 breakfast where they will be given the opportunity to catch up with their Mentor buddies and share their plans for the near future.
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Something old, something new
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Staff
The first wedding in Blessed Edmund Chapel in its 134 year history was worth the long wait. On the sixth anniversary of their first date, Mr Adrian Correia and his beautiful bride, Miss Kate Thomson, joined hands in Holy Matrimony under the soaring beams of CBC Fremantle’s original school hall and one of the oldest buildings in Fremantle. The Chapel’s pews and altar, gifted to CBC from the Old Boys of Tardun Agricultural College, were adorned with flowers and ribbons, and glorious spring sunshine streamed through the stained glass windows as the couple exchanged vows in front of 200 family and friends. The CBC Sport teacher and Head of Rice House looked every inch a gentleman in his navy blue suit and bowtie, showing a touch of the Burgio style with quirky striped socks that his groomsmen also sported. However, it was all about the bride, as the new Mrs Correia was stunning in a strapless gown shimmering with a diamante encrusted bodice, and an elegant train almost as long as the Chapel’s aisle. With Portuguese heritage on the groom’s side and the bride’s mother being Italian, the joining of the Correia and Thomson families was a celebration of everything ‘Freo’. After the ceremony, the guests enjoyed refreshments in the Cloisters from a caravan style bar and stalls of food including paella and pizza, before Volkswagon Kombis transported the bridal party to a formal reception at Bathers Beach House. Left: The happy bride and groom during the wedding ceremony. Above left to right: Mr and Mrs Adrian Correia leaving the Chapel; lighting candles during the ceremony. All photos by wedding photographer, Emma Pointon. touchstone | Vol 4 No 2 Summer 2016
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CBC Old Boys’ Association
Palma From the President As President of the Old Boys’ Association it is my great privilege to once again congratulate another group of fine young men who have joined the brotherhood of generations of CBC Fremantle alumni. The Class of 2016 was characterised by a strong community spirit and a true connection to the College, which was evident in the emotional Year 12 Graduation ceremony. Observing these young men cross the stage on their Graduation night, I was struck with how CBC Fremantle has assisted so many families to transition their sons from boys to gentlemen, providing not just an education, but a rite of passage to adulthood. The reunions the Old Boys’ Association hosted this year also brought home this message, with more than 120 alumni from the Classes of 1965, 1966, 1996, 2006 and 2011, plus 100 of our Over 60s, coming back to their College for some very pleasant conversations with their old school mates. Times have changed, and I think the history of Western Australian education could almost be covered at those get-togethers, from enduring the strap from Brother Marshall back in my day to the enlightened Pastoral Care under the eye of Mr O’Neill in the case of the Class of 2011, but we are all a part of the story of our College.
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Every one of us, from Perth business legend John Hughes (1952), who thoughtfully sponsors our Over 60s’ Morning Tea, to music sensation Jordi Davieson (2011), guitarist and singer in the hugely successful band San Cisco, CBC Old Boys authentically belong to this place, this school, this brotherhood. We have all transitioned through the rocky road of adolescence, from boy to man, at the same location on Ellen Street, and have contributed to its rich history, as it has inevitably shaped and defined our own. As this year draws to a close, I thank my fellow Old Boy committee members, Des Baccini, Terry Iannello, Frank Lo Presti, Kevin O’Brien, John Parker and Graham Taylor, for their support and friendship. God bless the gentlemen of CBC. Mr George Ayres Old Boys’ Association President
Palma
Alumni Recognition Awards 18 March 2017 Our graduates are the essence of what our College represents andshining examples of achievement. The annual Old Boys’ Association Alumni Recognition Awards aim to showcase the highest accomplishments of our graduates. Alumni, staff, students and the wider community are all invited to nominate Old Boys of the College who are making a real difference in the world. Visit the Old Boys at www.cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au for more information.
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Making the world a better place
Mark and George Antonio with members of the South Coogee Junior Football Club
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Palma
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club on the interchange bench
Three non-profit groups received a welcome financial boost thanks to the CBC Fremantle Old Boys’ Association Community Gift Programme. The philanthropic initiative was launched in March 2016, with the Old Boys’ Association keen to be able to give back to grassroots local activities that provide so many opportunities for so many people. Mark Antonio (1994), Matthew Azzollini (2006) and Michael Auriemma (1987) were successful in their applications for the Community Gift, and received $1,000 each to distribute to their respective clubs.
South Coogee Football Club Mark Antonio’s passion for the role that sport plays in shaping positive character traits in children resulted in a simple yet powerful programme that focuses on fair and respectful behaviour on and off the field. Along with his brother George (2004), Mark crafted a package called ‘Kids Skills for Life’ with educational journals and merchandise highlighting their values of fun, respect, courage and team spirit. With the help of the $1,000 Old Boys’ Community Gift, the brothers plan to unroll the programme in 2017.
Secretary Ted Mercer in the Fremantle Men’s Shed
Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club Another sporting group also received $1,000, which went towards offsetting the substantial costs of a portable interchange bench for the Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club. Matthew Azzollini (2006) filled in the application on behalf of the club, which is not associated with the College except for the high number of Old Boys who play in the eight teams.
Fremantle Men’s Shed Michael Auriemma (1987) was glad to be able to help Fremantle Men’s Shed, who recently moved to new premises and were in need of a large screen TV for educational courses and workshop training. Now located in a large blue shed behind Hilton Park Bowling Club in Beaconsfield, the organisation provides a valuable service of social support and interaction for men in the community. Applications for the 2017 Community Gift Programme will be open on 18 March at the Old Boys’ Alumni Recognition Awards.
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Class of 2011 reunion
Martti Siitonen, Will Bockman, Mrs Emslie and Jamie Briggs
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Matt Petruzzo, Jesse Maguire and Byron Hudson
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Reunion special Class of 2011 Thirty-four Old Boys from the Class of 2011 gathered in the College Staffroom to celebrate the five year anniversary of their graduation. The young Old Boys were joined by teachers Domenic Burgio, Joel Moss, Samantha Emslie, Garry Hart, Sarah Quin, Zoe Francis, Trevanna Cooper, Vanessa Bacich (was Burtenshaw) and Marriann O’Neill. Jordi Davieson and Mr Moss
The lunch was provided by the Old Boys’ Association.
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Old Boys return to CBC Class of 2006 It has only been 10 years since the Class of 2006 hung up their green blazers, but there have been a lot of changes at their old school. Twenty-four Old Boys from the Class of 2006 gathered in the College Staffroom to share memories and catch up on current news. The Old Boys were joined by teachers Samantha Emslie, Brent Butcher, Domenic Burgio and Garry Hart.
Jon Weekes and Toby Prunty
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Josh Mott, Brenton Noga, James Walsh and Tom Paten
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Adam Gandossi and James Jobey
James Delides, Jonathon Woolfrey and Grant Watton
Class of 1996 reunion
Class of 1996 Celebrating 20 years since graduation, 16 Old Boys gathered in the College Staffroom for an evening of renewing friendships and sharing memories. Joining the Old Boys were some of their teachers from those days in 1996, Samantha Emslie (nee Fowler), Trevanna Cooper and Rachel Shotch (nee Dutton). During 1996 there were only 66 in the Year 12 cohort, less than half the number of students in 2016. In that year, with Principal Br Alan Wedd at the helm, the Tuckfield Street campus was closed and the Library was refurbished and extended.
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Classes of 1965 and 1966 reunion
Classes of 1965 and 1966 Time has flown for the Classes of 1965 and 1966, who returned to their old school for a weekend lunch time catch-up in the College Staffroom. More than 30 Old Boys were treated to a tour of the campus and were immersed in memories as they stood in their old Year 8 classroom, which is now Room 003. Br Marshall in 1965 and Br St John in 1966 were Headmasters back in that era, and needless to say the grounds looked vastly different, with tennis courts where the Cloisters now stand. Apart from the three heritage buildings; the old hall, the Brothers’ residence and the original classrooms, there were two other buildings that have since been removed. One of these was located where the Science block now stands and the other situated on the site of Student Services. The Old Boys had fond memories of the Brothers’ teaching skills and disciplinary tactics, with more than one recounting the time that a desk was thrown over the second balcony of the old classrooms as an example of how easy it was to toss objects of a similar size to a disobedient boy. The reunion was organised by Phillip Taranto (1966) and Frank Legena (1965).
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Phillip Taranto, John Fiocco and Tony Salerno
Allan Deane and Peter Treasure
Classes of 1965 and 1966 reunion
Robert Lahiff, Fred Rodriguez and Anthony Beard
Michael Tunnecliffe and David Trenberth
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Four decades of Old Boys reunite John Parker (‘48) and William Sheehy (‘50)
Old Boys who left CBC Fremantle prior to 1973 were welcomed back to their old College for a special Over 60s’ morning tea in the College Staffroom. More than 100 Old Boys and their partners attended the reunion, with Mick Andrews (‘39) being the oldest alumni present, and Class of 1972 Frank Ferrero being the youngest. CBC’s Christian Service Learning Coordinator, Miss Emily Bowran, spoke to the guests about the impressive range of service activities students are involved in at the College, including Red Cross soup patrol, Good Start Breakfast and St Vincent de Paul Christmas donations. Year 11 students waited on the seniors, serving food and drinks during the morning, which was sponsored by John Hughes, who graduated in 1952.
Donald Hughes (‘49) and Alan Townsend (‘54)
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The Over 60s’ Morning Tea is an annual event and a highlight of the Old Boys’ calendar.
Anthony Cammarano (Year 11) serving at the morning tea
Jack Katnic (‘50) amd John Miller (‘48)
Final farewell for friends A group of Old Boys from the Class of 1959 were saddened to learn of the death of one of their dear friends, Peter Huljich, in July this year. Daniel Brown, Peter Duncan, Richard Finucane and Terry Iannello regularly caught up with classmate Peter since graduating 57 years ago, with their final coffee date only weeks before his passing. Peter Huljich and Richard Finucane commenced their teaching careers together at Bunbury Senior High School in 1964. Peter went on to become Deputy Principal at Canning College and was there for many years during its growth period. Richard meanwhile became Principal of Mercy College in Koondoola and was also foundation Principal of Mandurah Catholic College. Dan Brown also became a teacher, spending 18 years at John Curtin College of the Arts, while Terry Iannello and Peter Duncan were ground-breakers in the fields of oil
and gas facilities maintenance and Main Roads respectively. The retired Old Boys’ regular gatherings were eagerly anticipated and the absence of their friend has strengthened the bond of the remaining lifelong mates. Peter Huljich will also be sadly missed by his wife Lidia, son Piero, two daughters, Danielle and Sasha, and six grandchildren. Above left: Terry Iannello, Peter Huljich, Peter Duncan, Richard Finucane and Daniel Brown in June 2016 Above right: Back is Ray Polglaze, Tony Brbich, Peter Huljich and John Andrich; Front is Peter Guidera, Tom O’Brien and Terry Iannello, with Rudy Brozicevich seated.
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What are they up to now? Dan Murphy (2008)
Greg Donnelly (1978)
Dan Murphy is a News Presenter and Reporter for CNBC International, based in Singapore. After graduating from CBC in 2008, Dan followed his passion for media and studied Broadcast Journalism at Curtin University. He joined CNBC after almost five years with Sky News, where he covered major news stories, including the Lindt Café Siege in Sydney and the disappearance of Flight MH370. Dan’s news reports have also featured on some of the world’s biggest television news networks, such as CNN, Fox News, Bloomberg and Sky News UK.
The Honorable Gregory John Donnelly MLC lived in Mandurah during his time at CBC Fremantle, travelling on the large, dark-green, rattling MTT bus at 6.45am every morning during term and returning home at 5.30pm. Going to high school in Fremantle was an eye-opener for young Greg; more than half of the class had non-Anglo backgrounds, and the food the other boys brought to school for their lunches made Vegemite sandwiches look very plain. However, Greg fondly remembers that most students had similar blue collar and working class families, with fathers who were mainly tradies, truck drivers, fishermen, labourers and some who had family businesses.
Harry O’Brien (2011) After graduating from CBC, Harry studied for a Bachelor of Commerce at Notre Dame University. After completing an internship with Ernst & Young, the aspiring accountant was selected by the company to undertake a graduate programme, which commences in 2017. During his studies, the rising star balanced his accounting career with a passion for soccer, training full time while completing his undergraduate degree.
Greg recalls his teachers – Br Drake, Mr Rose’Meyer, Br Faulkner, Mr Leembrugen, Br Wedd, Fr Mercovich, Br Paull, Miss Cummings, Br Andinach and Br Leek, just to name a few – challenging students to be their best, and to think about and do things for others. After graduating from CBC in 1978, Greg attended UWA and completed a Bachelor of Economics and Master of Industrial Relations. In 1986, he commenced working for a trade union, the SDA (the Shop Assistants’ Union) in Sydney. He progressed through various roles, becoming the New South Wales Branch Secretary in 1996. In 2005 Greg entered the New South Wales Legislative Council (upper house) to fill a casual vacancy and was elected in his own right at the 2011 state election. Greg is married to Gaynor and they have three adult children, Matthew, Lucy and Joe.
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Greg Donnelly
Dan Murphy
Harry O’Brien
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CBC Old Boy profile
TV superstar looks back Almost every Australian household welcomed Old Boy Tony Barber (1957) into their homes during the heady early years of colour TV, and the popular gameshow host went on to chalk up a sensational career spanning more than four decades. Here the Gold Logie winner reflects on his years at CBC Fremantle.
We three, Mum, Dad and me, arrived in Australia in October 1947 under Arthur Calwell’s ‘free’ scheme, boarding with our sponsors for a few months before summer really set in and we moved to South Beach in a little caravan that dad bought. Literally, on the beach, with the tent people and other holiday makers. The nearest Mass was St Patrick’s and from there, as far as education for little Anthony was concerned, we were directed to St Joseph’s in Parry Street, and I was placed in the care of Sr Mary Rose, who was kind and gentle, and Sr Matthew, who wasn’t. This is what happens when you take a tax inspector’s name. Meanwhile my mother, Peggy, was terribly homesick. Although Dad wasn’t, he did what he thought was the right thing and took us back to Lancashire, and as bad luck or maybe good would have it, one of the worst winters in Britain’s recorded history. We arrived back in Fremantle in the spring of 1949, and I landed in Third Grade with most of the boys
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from Parry Street, and Br Moore. I especially remember an interview with Br Quilligan, who was Principal at the time. My parents thought he was wonderful; he was too. There we were; huge classes. A figure of 70-something springs to mind; that can’t be right, but there sure were big classes. Names I can recall: Arvid Pitman whose uncle played for South Fremantle and who later became a butcher; John Baguley, who was eventually in the Olympics; John Gabbedy; Jimmy Hansen, who had an older brother at the school; and Italians by the dozen, Terry Camardie, Jerry Canatore, Leo Tuta, the wicked Robert Fellini (I can’t remember why but he was always getting strapped) and Frank Mastaglia, who was clever. In Third Grade we were taught by Br Moore; if he was more than 25, my memory’s playing up. In Fourth Grade we had Br Harrison, and he must have been a heck of a teacher as I
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was Dux that year; Fifth Grade, Br Denton for Sport; Sixth Grade, ‘Nullabor’ Smith, (odd, very odd), and Seventh Grade, Br Hodgkinson. My great successes through these years occurred in the interschool Eisteddfods. I won the under 11 solo (Sing Sing Little Bird), the under 12 duet with Gerald Fielder (Brahms Lullaby), the under 13 solo (The Lark in the Clear Air) and the under 12 elocution solo (The White Cross). The vocal training I had at the school assisted by Miss Olga Benbow’s extra tuition was to stand me in very good stead in the years ahead. I am also indebted to Sr Assumpta back at St Joseph’s for the elocution lessons. My parents paid privately for these to ease the heavy burden of my Lancashire accent.
I have only good memories from CBC, especially if we discount the tuckshop scandal of 1953 (some of us boys were giving the drinks away free), and Nullabor’s oddness. Certainly the corporal punishment regime helped when I was exposed to an even more vigorous form dispensed at naval college. I get a nostalgic twinge remembering a time and place that exists still, albeit in a much more altered, dare I say enlightened form. However, I’m a great believer in context and that is how I choose to look back pleasurably on my time in Ellen Street. Above: Tony Barber now (left) and as Snow White in a school production
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51 Ellen Street Fremantle Western Australia 6160 PO Box 1345 Fremantle Western Australia 6959 T 08 9336 2700 www.cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au
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