Vol 5 No 2 Summer 2017
serving others
making the world a better place
Cover: Zachary Stedman (Year 11) at Kiwirrkurra community in the Pilbara as part of the College’s immersion programme.
Touchstone is a magazine for the CBC Fremantle community. Editor and designer Cherie Butcher Stories Keane Bourke and Cherie Butcher Photography Keane Bourke, Cherie Butcher and the CBC community Proofreading Michelle Ainsworth, Keane Bourke, Jenny D’Ascanio and Shaun Kenny To contact Touchstone, please email touchstone@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au.
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14 science week 12 music festival 26 grandparents’ day
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20 the abyss 30 staff
From the Principal Welcome to the latest edition of Touchstone, our widely circulated and increasingly popular College magazine. In this particular issue we feature one of the pivotal characteristics of our school – the Christian imperative to serve others. As we often express at CBC Fremantle, our true purpose in life will only be revealed when we are engaged in acts of service. Like all people of goodwill, we understand that the lasting happiness and fulfilment of a life spent serving others is as true and apparent as the superficiality of a self-absorbed existence. Such understandings have been in existence since long before the foundation of our school. An ancient Chinese proverb declares the following, “If you want happiness for an hour, take a nap. If you want happiness for a day, go fishing. If you want happiness for a year, inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime, help somebody.” This maxim draws the same conclusion as much of our rhetoric at the College; that happiness is found in helping others. One of the most valuable ways to serve others is to show them that we care. Giving our time
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and encouragement to someone will often be more valuable than even the most generous gift. Another way of expressing this is to say that when we serve other people we discover that the most important things we have to offer are not things at all. It is our time, attention and capacity to care that others crave. As Winston Churchill is credited with saying, “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” There is tremendous power in little acts of goodness and kindness. As the Principal of the College, I have been privileged to witness that power every day in the way that parents interact with their sons, the way that parents choose to interact with the staff, the way that staff interact with the students and, most importantly, the way that our young men interact with each other. I truly hope that the students of our school – including our graduates – understand that the mark of any person is never how many people answer to them, but how many people they are able to serve. Mr Shaun Kenny Principal
From the Principal
“Like all people of goodwill, we understand that the lasting happiness and fulfilment of a life spent serving others is as true and apparent as the superficiality of a self-absorbed existence.�
Year 11 students Kyle Kennedy, Alexander Faccin and Robert Hoy with Mr Kenny
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serving others making the world a better place “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17
Service is where words and thoughts become action, when each one of us can contribute to building a better world and actively work towards a more harmonious and egalitarian future. At CBC Fremantle, students are introduced to service in Year 8, and throughout their journey to graduation are guided to broaden their commitment to the wider community, to go deeper and see the greater good in living a life of compassion and caring. Jesus said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” To give to others, to be selfless in deed and action, provides an immense sense of purpose and wellbeing. Yet, in a society that often encourages self-centredness, the act of putting someone else’s needs before your own is counter-cultural to many who have been raised in our contemporary world of materialistic abundance and technological excess, and are opting out of community engagement at the physical and ‘face to face’ level. At the most recent World Youth Day, Pope Francis urged young people to get off the couch and warned that spending the majority of free time glued to a device can give the illusion of safety and desensitise today’s youth to the suffering of others. >>
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“To give to others, to be selfless in deed and action, provides an immense sense of purpose and wellbeing.�
Samuel McDonald (Year 11) at Kiwirrkurra
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“The Service Learning PRogramme at CBC focusses on sustaining and initiating a range of activities that are aimed at promoting a sense of achievement while concurrently making the world a better place.”
“Dear young people, we didn’t come into the world to vegetate ... We came for another reason: to leave a mark,” the Pontiff said in his address. CALL TO SERVICE Statistics show that more young people are swapping physical engagement for the couch, which can result in pressure on community and volunteer groups, including recreational clubs and environmental agencies. Youth are choosing to ‘buy out’ of activities that provide valuable service and support in our wider community, with young males being particularly at risk. The Service Learning programme at CBC focusses on sustaining and initiating a range of activities that are aimed at promoting a sense of achievement while concurrently making the world a better place. The programme is part of
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the College’s Mission and Identity, highlighting the intrinsic part Service plays in the CBC journey. Serving others is expected at CBC Fremantle, and the programme has provided essential volunteer support for many community events and activities that assist people in need. Students are encouraged to critically evaluate the needs of the community, to reflect and stand in solidarity with those who are marginalised and to be stewards of the Earth. From this understanding, students can provide service with the right attitude, which is to accept and respect those in need, to understand choice is often a privilege, and to see the secret to happiness lies in what can be done for others. In his 2013 papal encyclical, Pope Francis further points out the tensions that exist between ideas
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and realities. He wrote: “Not to put the word into practice, not to make it reality, is to build on sand, to remain in the realm of pure ideas and to end up in a lifeless and unfruitful selfcentredness and gnosticism.” BEING A GOOD MAN FOR OTHERS Participating in service activities provides satisfaction from working as a team, developing purpose and a sense of belonging, and getting the job done. At CBC, the fraternal connection also celebrates the positive side of masculinity. Generally, boys will approach a task with energy and physicality and this can be harnessed to help the developing young men to learn and embrace healthy and constructive aspects of masculinity. When charged with the care of children, for example, boys will almost without exception end up tossing the youngsters into the air
Left: Joshua Lacey (Year 12) with Oliviero Muletta and Archie Davis (both Year 7) participated in the Activ City to Surf, raising funds for research into Cystic Fibrosis. Above: Mr Stockton with Christian Tripi, Ryan Pittorino, Finn Hussey (all Year 9), Jake Grbavac, Hayden Symington, Kye Mitchell-Bathgate and Jonathan Kay in front (all Year 10) who created chopping boards for St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.
or piggy-backing a little one – boys are willing to develop relationships through having fun and being active. Patterns of positive masculinity can help boys to learn alternatives to sexist attitudes that create >>
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“Goodness tends to spread. Every act and experience of service given and experienced takes root and develops.” gender role conflicts. These patterns emphasise behaviours like courage, responsibility,altruism, resiliency, service, social justice, positive fathering, protection of others and non-violent problem solving. Positive masculinity identifies the qualities that empower men to provide service to other people and make decisions with compassion rather than selfishness. PALMA VIRTUTI Goodness tends to spread. Every act and experience of service given and experienced takes root and develops. The servant becomes liberated through selflessness and grace for others, and the served becomes enlightened and empowered from receiving authentic acts of love and kindness. The world becomes a better place and, as intimated by CBC’s traditional Latin motto, Palma Virtuti (‘goodness is its own reward’), the act of service takes on a mutually beneficial significance that leads to a much more fulfilling life and better world.
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This photo: Year 7 Retreat
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Benjamin Parker, Angus Grant and Ari Brierley Figueiredo helping out at the Fremantle Long Table event to raise funds for St Patrick’s Community Support Centre.
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music festival hits the right note
The Vocal Ensemble in form at the CBC Music Festival. Next page, left to right: Brayden Pounder (Year 8) , Jason Quintiliani (Year 10) and Guitar Ensemble 1.
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college news College News
The annual College Music Festival was a toetapping, fun-loving event with particularly powerful performances from students in the vocal ensembles. Singing stalwarts of the Music department, Timothy McClelland (Year 10) and Andrew Armstrong (Year 12) opened the evening with the Jazz Orchestra, setting the pace and the standard for an evening to remember. Andrew’s superb performance carried the added poignancy of being his last concert at the College. However, the graduand will leave behind a thriving legacy of choristers, with the younger members of the Vocal Ensemble contributing to outstanding performances. A quirky rendition of Rubber Ducky, particularly showcased the young talent, with bubbles blowing through the crowd adding more fun to the contagious Sesame Street tune. The College Choir added to the dazzling vocal showcase, with rich versions of the jazz standard
Sweet Georgia Brown, and History Has Its Eyes on You from the hit musical, Hamilton. The Guitar Ensembles were on fire, performing original pieces composed by their tutors, Mr Kim Anning and Mr Alex Borthwick, and the Brass Ensemble also played an original tune under the direction of Ms Gemma Farrell. The Big Band and Junior Band delighted the audience with their renditions of Breezin’, and Somethin’ Different, along with other classics. To top off the evening, the Fremantle Jazz Orchestra played some very tight tunes. The group is largely made up of CBC Old Boys, and is a great opportunity for graduates to continue their musical journey after they leave the College. The Music Festival is one of many ways the College develops boys’ aspirations for personal excellence, a key characteristic of the CBC gentleman.
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an explosive science week! National Science Week literally went off with a bang at CBC Fremantle with a range of activities designed to inspire interest and spark questions about the wonders of science. Science teacher, Dr Aidan Holohan, launched the celebrations with explosions in the Cloisters. Under his direction, students demonstrated the combustion of hydrogen, similar to the energy used to launch space shuttles, by holding a flame to a balloon filled with the gas. ‘The Doc’ looked every bit the scientist in his lab coat as he produced a classic redox reaction
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involving the rapid production of oxygen gas by adding detergent and hydrogen peroxide to toothpaste, resulting in an expanding mass of minty-smelling goo. Dr Holohan also showed the boys a thermite reaction which is used for welding railway tracks together. For the biology enthusiasts and animal lovers, the Birds of Prey Centre visited the College, along with an entertaining and educational flock of raptors and other carnivorous feathered creatures. The birds were a relevant reminder of the benefits of environmental conservation and provided
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a fascinating close up view of their physical adaptations for survival. Science Week would not be complete without fascinating lunchtime displays, including liquid nitrogen in the Chemistry Lab, where Mrs Petrina Richmond concocted ice cream to the delight of the students. There were creative presentations on the environment and ‘tech-mech’ and more engaging activities to highlight the diverse aspects of the intellectual, practical and creative discipline of Science.
Science Week at CBC is part of a national celebration, with more than 1,000 events across Australia raising awareness and providing an opportunity to encourage students to become fascinated by the world in which we live.
Left: Dr Holohan having fun in the Cloisters. Above left: Dylan Parker (Year 9) with Ms Lawlor at the ‘Impact on the Environment’ incursion. Above right: Aidan Lavin (Year 7) with an eagle from Birds of Prey Centre.
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campaigning for the future
“Today’s world demands that you be a protagonist of history.” Those were the words of Pope Francis that inspired six Year 10 and 11 students to initiate the CBC Get Out of the Car campaign, to raise awareness of the need to be stewards of the Earth. Returning from the Catholic School Youth Summit earlier this year, the young men were challenged by Head of Religious Education, Mrs Sarah Quin, to put into action the messages they had heard over the day. With the Pontiff’s words ringing in their ears, the group set about planning their campaign, using social media to encourage the College community
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to get out of the car and walk, cycle, or catch public transport to school. Participants were also encouraged to post a ‘selfie’ using the hashtag #getoutofthecar to encourage others to follow in their footsteps, with the added incentive of earning House points! Reflecting on this year’s event, Year 10 student Jack Prigg said it was only just the beginning. “I hope that as the event grows, so too does the number of people we inspire to make a difference in the world.” Above: Jack Prigg, Peter Hudson (both Year 10) and Jason Jakovcevic (Year 11).
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Committed to community CBC Fremantle Year 12 student, Stephen Simpson, displayed ultimate service in his capacity as a volunteer surf lifesaver when he answered an emergency radio call one Sunday afternoon at Coogee Beach. When Stephen received the information that there was a diver in distress at Woodman’s Point jetty, he was one of the first on the scene. Having spent hours patrolling the beaches, and only recently completing his Advanced Resuscitation qualification, the trained surf lifesaver put his skills into action as the woman was in total cardiac arrest. Stephen assisted the diver for 10 minutes until the ambulance arrived, then helped with support operations. Unfortunately, despite Stephen and other rescuers greatest efforts, the diver later passed away in hospital. The young man was praised for his courage and level headedness by the paramedics who witnessed his work. Stephen was congratulated for his extraordinary leadership and commitment to the community at an assembly in front of the College.
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Joe Elliott-Tideman, Malachi McCracken, Andrew Elliott, Edward Astill, James Nelson, Dylan Tracey, Piers Motherway, Dante Heinzle, Samuel Yau, Dylan McHugh, Cooper Martin, Fenn Perrin, Thomas Wilson, Hugo Pollard, Jamie Bailey and Joseph Bunn.
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national writing success story Year 8 Creative Literature students had significant success in the national 2017 Write4Fun school writing competition, with 19 CBC boys invited to publish their original narratives. More than 10,000 students across Australia submitted entries to the prestigious competition, with the best pieces to be included in a published collection of 200 short stories. Edward Astill, Jamie Bailey, Joseph Bunn, BJ Cunningham, Andrew Elliot, Joe Elliott-Tideman, Dante Heinzle, Lachlan Klingberg, Thomas Knight, Cooper Martin,
Malachi McCrackan, Dylan McHugh, Piers Motherway, James Nelson, Fenn Perrin, Hugo Pollard, Dylan Tracey, Thomas Wilson and Samuel Yau all feature in the collection, which is produced as a quality hardcover publication and read by thousands of school children and their teachers. Samuel’s writing was particularly well received, placing amongst the top 15 stories in the competition. The budding authors are excited about their success and praised their teacher, Mrs Nicole Christie, for challenging them to achieve their best.
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crossing the abyss
“Taking place on the vast property of Edmund Rice College in Bindoon, ‘The Abyss’ camping and hiking retreat was a watershed moment in the CBC journey.”
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Camping alone under the stars in the bush in a tent with nothing but a journal and your own thoughts sounds like a tale of adventure fit for a man, which perfectly describes the culmination of The Rite Journey (TRJ). Taking place on the vast property of Edmund Rice College in Bindoon, ‘The Abyss’ camping and hiking retreat was a watershed moment in the CBC journey. The powerful rite of passage prompted Year 9 boys to contemplate letting go of their childhood and look forward to living a life of positive masculinity and service. The young men were encouraged to journal their reflections and write a letter to their future selves outlining the kind of man they wish to be. Their Rite Journey teachers offered support and moral guidance during the bushland sojourn,
camping out with their students and reiterating the year-long programme’s focus on developing resilience, accountability and acquiring the emotional tools for manhood. Traditionally, rites of passage have three phases: separation, transition and reincorporation. The Abyss is the ‘test’ of the transition into manhood, and passing the challenge prepares the young man for the return to his parents as symbolised by ‘The Homecoming’ ceremony just a few weeks later.
Left: Kayaking on the river at Bindoon. Above: Hiking and camping at Bindoon.
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Riley Lawrence
Matthew Winner with Ms Tognolini and Mrs Giancaspro
dinner delights for two nights Showing appreciation and respect for women is an integral message of The Rite Journey programme, and the students in Mr Burgio’s TRJ class went one step further to celebrate the special ladies in their lives. The Year 9 students wowed their mums, grandmothers, sisters and the female staff of CBC with two nights of long-table dining experiences to rival a top notch restaurant.
about tableware and dining etiquette, preparing and serving food for a large group, kitchen preparation and cooking.
The young men assisted to create an enchanted table in the College Boardroom, with massed flowers, sparkling crystal glassware and perfectly laid cutlery. The theme extended to the forest backdrop and fairy lights, setting the mood for a magical evening.
Mums were very proud of their boys, hugging them in delight at the end of the special evening as the young men received a round of applause for their incredible effort.
The Rite Journey programme offers challenges for the students to gain confidence with experiences outside of their comfort zone. The boys learned
The menu had something for everyone, with a choice of freshly caught grilled whiting or melt-in-the-mouth beef fillet as mains, and all topped off with Mrs Burgio’s famous recipe for tiramisu ai frutti di bosco.
It was also a special moment for the CBC staff, who appreciated the chance for a relaxed chat with their colleagues while soaking up the service of their attentive hosts.
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teamwork challenges for trj This year The Rite Journey classes engaged in a huge variety of group challenges that encouraged teamwork and confidence in the young men as they transition into manhood. Mr Moss’s team cycled a distance of 28km around the river, raising money for the Kai Eardley Fund, while Mr Alweyn and Mr Binet’s groups held a movie night for their parents, complete with gold class comfort. Mr Stockton’s boys made chopping boards with their dads and Mr Correia and Mr Butcher’s classes had a special evening with their mums sharing what they had learned at their dancing lessons. The boys in Mr Leech’s class spoiled their mums with a High Tea, and Mr Silver’s team did the
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environment a favour by cleaning up rubbish along the foreshore at Point Walter. Mr Burgio’s class took on the challenge of preparing and serving dinner over two nights while Mr Winnan’s group had a relaxed and fun evening playing lawn bowls with their dads. The challenges pushed the Year 9 students out of their comfort zones and provided the boys with opportunities to think of others and show appreciation to their families. Clockwise from above: The cycling fundraiser; High Tea for mums; making chopping boards; bowling with dads, and dancing with mums.
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celebrating grandparents
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college news
Year 7 students proudly showed off their College to some very special people at the College’s inaugural Grandparents’ Day. The events were split into House groups for morning and afternoon teas and commenced with a Liturgy in Blessed Edmund Chapel, where the visitors sat with their grandsons and enjoyed being part of the College faith community. The Liturgy was even more poignant for several granddads who attended CBC back in their day. The Old Boys fondly recalled having their classes right where they were sitting with their grandsons in the hall which was renovated and converted into the College chapel in 2013. A short tour followed, with the boys guiding their grandparents around the campus and taking in the College Visual Art Exhibition in the Arts Learning Area along the way.
Guitar Ensemble 1 entertained the visitors in the ALA foyer during the tours, and Art teacher Mrs Stephanie Hantzis was on hand at the exhibition to explain the skills and techniques that the Year 7 students have been learning in the studios. Music talent was also on display while the grandparents enjoyed refreshments with their young hosts, with the Vocal Ensemble performing some outstanding pieces featuring the voices of Year 10 students, Jason Quintiliani and Timothy McClelland. More than 160 Year 7 grandparents enjoyed their visit, which highlighted the College’s commitment to fostering positive relationships in the community. Left: Ziggy Hwight showing his grandparents around campus. Above left: Luke Kenny with his grandparents. Above right: Samuel Letizia in the Chapel.
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service in the philippines Living amongst the locals in the Philippines was an eye-opening experience for CBC students who travelled to south-east Asia during the October holidays to walk in solidarity with people in need. Ten CBC boys were accompanied by Mr Garry Hart and Ms Marriann O’Neill to Maasin where they assisted Edmund Rice Ministries with health and life skill programmes to improve circumstances for Filipinos in Maasin. The 12 days proved to be an intense learning curve for the boys, who described the adventure as life-changing and were inspired by the service provided by Edmund Rice Ministeries. The Brothers’ consistent use of the mantra, “Look, judge and act” captured the act of service in three words for the boys: Notice the need, ascertain what needs to be done, and do it.
Seth Lawson, Brady Santaromita, Marcus Lomma, Jack Clark, and Lachlan Allen-Moore.
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The travellers performed ear and eye checks on children and visited a school for the deaf where they were amazed at the delighted reaction their basic language skills provoked from the locals. When not in service to the community, the boys took in the sights of Maasin, climbing 230 steps to visit Mama Mary, a massive statue overlooking the sprawling city. A trip on a traditional Filipino outrigger to a small island provided a chance to cool down from the humidity and heat, and the boys didn’t miss any opportunity to play games with the locals. The Immersion programme at CBC Fremantle provides a unique way for students to live and work with people in poverty and to actively engage in making the world a better place around the globe.
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fantastic football win for firsts CBC footballers didn’t waver in their determination to win the ultimate prize against Emmanuel College in the prestigious WA School Boys’ championships Grand Final. The boys ran hard and played with skill, with a number of standout performances complementing the work rate of the whole team, which resulted in bringing the cup back to Fremantle. The College’s last Grand Final win in the competition was in 2011, with some extremely close final games against traditionally strong football schools making this year’s victory so much sweeter. Man of the match, Matthew Geaney, appeared to effortlessly pluck the ball from the heavens several times, while his Year 12 peers, Tim Bockman, Brodee Knight, Tom Monaghan,
Dillon O’Reilly, Ben Elsbury, Darcy Sunter and Nic Watson, showed their experience in their last game in the Barry Cable A divison of the competition. Joshua Goodwin, Sean Henley, Mason Zindani, all from Year 11, and Adam Correia from Year 10 were also recognised for their outstanding efforts, providing confidence that the future of CBC football looks bright. At the final siren, the score was CBC 8.6.54 defeating Emmanuel 4.3.27. Goal scorers were Tim Bockman (3), Dillon O’Reilly, Riley Rees-Turner, Ben Parker, Joshua Goodwin and Brodee Knight. Congratulations to Dylan O’Reilly for winning the Competition’s Best and Fairest. Above left: Kyle Mirco, Jaidyn Atkinson, Joe Eardley, Mason Zindani and Riley Burton. Above right: Tom Monaghan.
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CBC volunteers for a better world
Ms Andrew feeding a joey at the Native Animal Rescue Centre.
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staff
Mr Woodcock, Mr Preston and Mr Schubert
CBC staff spent the mid-term break in a day of service, affirming their ongoing commitment to the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstones. While students relaxed and enjoyed the day off, staff stepped outside their comfort zones to volunteer at 12 organisations around the metropolitan area, providing welcome ‘peoplepower’ and making a difference in the world. Activities included spending the day exploring Perth with clients from the Activ Foundation, repairing bikes to be sent to remote Aboriginal communities and rural Africa with Bicycles for Humanity, and painting a house with Habitat for Humanity’s ‘Brush with Kindness’ programme. Music teacher, Ms Emma Tandy, spent the day with Design & Technology teacher, Mr Geoff Buss, singing some old favourites at Mercy Health’s Residential Aged Care Home, while others in their group chatted and bonded with the residents. Another team of staff cooked 250 meals in the College’s Food Technology
Ms Calanni and Ms Howard
classroom for volunteer organisation, The Shopfront, to distribute to people in need. A hardy team mulched and mucked out animal enclosures at the local Native Animal Rescue Centre in Bibra Lake, and new friends were made at St Bartholomew’s House as another group spent quality time with the residents of the East Perth facility. Staff finished the day at CBC, knitting squares to be turned into blankets for people experiencing homelessness, while sharing stories, and even a few tears, of the day’s memorable experiences. The biennial day of service was organised by Service Learning Coordinator, Ms Emily Bowran, who arranged more than 90 placements for all of the College’s staff. The experience provides an opportunity to develop a greater connection to the EREA Touchstones of Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community, and Justice and Solidarity, and deepens the community bond at the College.
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“... Mr Bonney was inspired by powerful and dynamic workshops to bring his gift of story-telling into the classroom, weaving contemporary and historical tales as a way of strengthening identity and capturing students’ attention and interest.”
international celebration of indigenous inspiration A passion for educating through story-telling inspired CBC HASS teacher, Mr Gary Bonney, to participate in the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education held in Canada in July this year. The international event attracted more than 3,000 education practitioners and scholars with an interest in teaching and learning grounded in Indigenous culture, in and out of the classroom. With an overriding theme of celebrating resilience, the conference also focussed on truth and reconciliation, historical and contemporary issues regarding Indigenous education and future strategies to revitalise traditional cultures and knowledge. Hailing from the Esperance region in the Goldfields area of Western Australia, Mr Bonney found the four-day conference in Toronto incredibly motivating. He met people from around the globe and learned that Indigenous cultures from more than six nations are tackling
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very similar issues in education. In particular, Mr Bonney was inspired by powerful and dynamic workshops to bring his gift of story-telling into the classroom, weaving contemporary and historical tales as a way of strengthening identity and capturing students’ attention and interest. Mr Bonney discovered his love of helping young people and teaching them about his own Wongai culture as a youth service worker prior to completing his Bachelor of Education at Notre Dame University. Film production and scriptwriting was a major focus of his tertiary studies, and the keen story-teller has been working on a script for a movie which is scheduled to be filmed in the Goldfields next year, when he will also appear in front of the camera.
Right: Mr Bonney in class (above) and teaching didgeridoo as part of NAIDOC Week (below).
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Old Boys’ Association
Palma
From the President It was my absolute pleasure to welcome the Class of 2017 into the Old Boys’ Association at their graduation ceremony in October. As the fine young men crossed the stage that evening, I was struck with a feeling of awe that the history and tradition of the school that I attended all those years ago is still going strong, in fact it is going stronger than ever. What impressed me with these young men, today’s gentlemen, was not only their comparative elevated stature, but their politeness and genuine acts of service. In fact, it is a trait in CBC students that I have noticed over the years, be it on the bus when a boy in a green blazer will stand back for an elderly passenger, or in the supermarket when a young man will politely engage in eye-to-eye conversation while he processes my groceries through the checkout and offers to help, I can usually tell that he is, like me, a ‘CBC boy’. I am inspired by the values of these young men, and it gives me and my fellow committee members great pride that so many of the alumni of the College continue to provide service long after their graduation. Included in this edition of Palma are three stories of Old Boys who keep
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striving towards a better world. Thank God for their compassion, their energy and their humanity, for without people like Matthew Azzolini (‘06), Cam (‘10) and Joey Eardley (‘17), Alessandro Alberti (‘09), Massimo Iustini (‘09) and many, many more of our brothers who support them, the world would be much poorer for it. In the second half of this year, we brought more than 200 CBC Old Boys back to their school to be reunited with their classmates and share some fond memories. The Over 60s’ Morning Tea is a highlight on the calendar and we thank Old Boy John Hughes (‘52) for sponsoring the event. In addition, the Classes of 1997, 2007
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CBC OBA dates 2018 and 2012 held their 20, 10 and five year reunions respectively, which were extremely well attended and a lot of fun. As well as the annual James McGowan Bursary for a student in financial need, the Old Boys provided a $1,000 donation to three clubs with our Community Gift initiative. Ivo Da Silva (‘96) applied on behalf of the Boulder City Soccer Club, Willetton Cricket Club is grateful to James O’Neill (’06) for filling in the application, and Solomon Holliday (’14) has provided some welcome funds for equipment for the Fremantle Rowing Club. We appreciate the hard work that so many of our Old Boys and their families put into community clubs and organisations and this is our way of saying thank you on behalf of the alumni of the College. This year we say farewell to a good friend of the Old Boys’ Association, Mr Shaun Kenny. Shaun has been a huge supporter of our events and activities and his good humour and wise words have always made him a pleasure to have on the committee. We all wish him well on his next adventure in the world of administration at Edmund Rice Education Australia and thank him very much for his contribution to our community.
all ages reunion and alumni awards 17 MARCH
CLASS OF 1998 REUNION 5 OCTOBER
CLASS OF 2008 REUNION 5 OCTOBER
God bless you all and see you next year at our reunions! Mr Terry Iannello (‘59) Old Boys’ Association President
CLASS OF 2013 REUNION 6 OCTOBER
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old boys cuppa catch up
Look for more photos of the Over 60s’ Morning Tea on the College website in the Old Boys’ gallery.
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palma
Spring sunshine flooded the Cloisters as CBC Old Boys who graduated before 1975 gathered in the College staffroom for their annual Over 60s’ Morning Tea. More than 100 Old Boys and their partners attended the function, which was sponsored by CBC graduate from the Class of 1952, John Hughes. The informal gathering attracted representatives from the Class of 1971 back to 1942, with Clive Snowden being the youngest Old Boy and Mick Andrews holding the honour of being the oldest. Many of the alumni recalled their classes in the old hall, which is now Blessed Edmund Chapel, and marvelled at the changes as they looked out
over the campus and beyond to the Port from the top floor of the Student Services building. Stories of riding to school from their homes on the Cappuccino Strip, playing sport on Fremantle Oval and enjoying their school formal dance in the Town Hall highlighted the huge role CBC’s alumni has played in the history of the Port City. Year 11 students assisted with the event, serving cakes and sandwiches to the visitors and assisting in cleaning up operations when the last Old Boy reluctantly left. The Over 60s’ Morning Tea is an annual event, and a highlight on the Old Boys’ calendar.
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the community gift that keeps on giving Providing grass roots community groups with a helping hand is the aim of the Old Boys’ Association Community Gift initiative, with three clubs receiving $1,000 to go towards purchasing gear or funding activities. Boulder City Soccer Club, Willetton District Cricket Club and Fremantle Rowing Club will use their donation towards upgrading equipment, which takes a hammering from the enthusiasm and passion of their sporting heroes, and purchasing items that make coaching and playing sport so much more efficient and effective. Community is very important to the Old Boys’ Association and, as graduates of a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, CBC alumni continue to work towards a better world. As part of this ongoing commitment, the CBC Community Gift initiative seeks to give back to grassroots local activities that provide so many opportunities for so many people, including many, many Old Boys during their childhood and beyond! The process simply requires an Old Boy to make an online application on behalf of a non-profit club he feels passionately about, or that he sees is contributing positively to the community. Ivo da Silva (’96) applied on behalf of the Boulder City Soccer Club. Ivo is a huge supporter of the sport in the Goldfields, and the club plans to purchase more balls and first aid kits. Willetton District Cricket Club was grateful to James O’Neill (’06) for their Community Gift, and plan on spending the funds on bats, balls, stumps, catching mitts and other essentials for the game. Thanks to Solomon Holliday (’14) Fremantle Rowing Club was over the moon with their $1,000 as they plan to purchase a dinghy for coaching purposes. Applications for the 2018 Community Gift programme open on 17 March at the Old Boys’ All Ages Reunion and Awards Evening.
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“Community is very important to the Old Boys’ Association and, as graduates of a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, CBC alumni continue to work towards a better world.”
This page: James O’Neill (‘06) with members of the Willetton Cricket Club, Oliver Arkinstall, Stuart Biss, Sean Brennan, Brett Bayley, David Cameron and Iszak Milentis.
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Back to school special
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This page: Class of 2007 reunion. Look for more photos of the reunions on the College website in the Old Boys’ gallery. touchstone | Vol 5 No 2 Summer 2017
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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS The Classes of 1997, 2007 and 2012 celebrated graduation anniversary milestones by returning to their old school and enjoying a few hours in the company of their school friends.
The alumni enjoyed refreshments compliments of the Old Boys’ Association as they caught up with class mates, some of whom they had not seen since graduation. Teachers Vanessa Bacich, Trevanna Cooper, Samantha Emslie, Garry Hart, Craig Jones, Shane Mancuso, Joel Moss and Marilyn Schmidt took the opportunity to see how their past students were faring, with ‘Mossy’ leading the groups on campus tours so the Old Boys could see the many changes that have taken place even in the past five years. Principal Shaun Kenny, who commenced at CBC the year prior to the Class of 2012, greeted the Old Boys and reminded them that they are always welcome back to their old school.
Class of 2007 reunion
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Class of 2007 reunion
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Class of 1997 reunion Class of 2007 reunion
Class of 2012 reunion
Class of 2012 reunion
Class of 2012 reunion
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What are they up to now? Brian Ciccotosto (1965) Brian Ciccotosto is a legend in West Australian Football, playing 211 league games with South Fremantle Football Club. Described as a fast and elusive rover, Brian made his debut in 1967, receiving the Simpson and Doig Medals in 1970 after scoring four goals in the Bulldogs’ Grand Final defeat of Perth. He played for WA five times and was named an all Australian player in 1972. In 1998 ‘Cicco’ was inducted into the South Fremantle Football Club Hall of Fame, 20 years after his retirement from football. Brian continued to be involved in football with his beloved South Fremantle for a total of 46 years, and was the Chief Executive Officer during the introduction of the West Australian AFL clubs into the national competition.
James McGinty (1966) James McGinty attended CBC for two years in Years 4 and 5 in 1958 and ‘59. His dad worked at South Fremantle power station and the family were transferred to Bunbury, where Jim continued his education with the Marist Brothers. After school, Jim obtained degrees in Arts and Law at UWA and, after 18 years in the union movement, was elected to be the Member for Fremantle in the State Parliament. During 19 years in Parliament, Jim held the positions of Leader of the Labor Party, Attorney General, Health Minister and numerous other ministerial portfolios. Since retiring in 2009, he has served on the boards of numerous not-for-profit organisations.
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Jim has fond memories of CBC and attributes his hard work ethos to his education with the Brothers. He continues to provide service to his community, as a skipper with Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue and occasionally as a Justice of the Peace in the Fremantle Town Hall.
Martin Cattalini (1990) After graduating from CBC in 1990, Martin Cattalini played basketball for the Cockburn Cougars, winning the state league competition final in 1992. He played with the Perth Wildcats in London for the World Club championships in 1995 before commencing with Adelaide 36ers and winning the national competition in ’98 and ’99. He competed again in the World competition in Milan and also in the Sydney Olympics before being signed with Spanish club, Seville, for 2000 to 2003. He participated in the 2004 Athens Olympics and played with Barcelona in 2004 and 2005 before moving to Cairns in Queensland from 2005 to 2009. In 2010, Martin returned to the Wildcats, winning the Grand Final the same year. After 452 NBL games, 96 for Australia, four seasons in Spanish and Euro league, winning four NBFL championships and participating in two Olympics, the basketball superstar retired and now works for his family company, Challenge Chemicals Australia. Martin married his high school girlfriend, Trina, in 1999, and the couple have two children, Zoe (14) and Noah (12). Like his dad, and grandad, Noah will be a CBC Fremantle boy when he commences high school in 2018.
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James McGinty
Brian Ciccotosto
Martin Cattalini
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leading by example
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A few years ago Massimo Iustini (’09) knew something was amiss when he didn’t want to move from the couch, but the stigma of suffering from depression kept him there until his mum urged him to seek help. Massimo did seek professional help, and since then has sought to help many others with an initiative he launched with CBC classmate, Alessandro Alberti, to raise awareness of mental health conditions. Black Dog on a Lead is an annual community event that encourages people to get off the couch and join together to walk around the beautiful Bibra Lake while raising funds for organisations that offer help for people in need. This year, profits of the event went to Sirens of Silence, a charity that supports front-line emergency crews who often cope with trauma and distress on a daily basis. Presenters included a police officer who spoke of the severe tension he was under as part of his job which affected his home life and health, and a triple zero telephone response operator who described sometimes not being able to move from bed for days due to emotional overload from being repeatedly exposed to intense situations. Mental health conditions do not just affect people who experience trauma; one in two Australians are likely to be affected in their life. Through Black Dog on a Lead, Massimo advocates for open communication and loving support, and urges people to talk to their family and friends and seek professional help if necessary. Left: Massimo Iustini (centre with blue lanyard) with Mr Correia, Mr Burgio and Mrs Emslie and Year 11 CBC Fremantle helpers at Black Dog on a Lead.
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old boys bouncedown for Brad The home of the Bulldogs was buzzing with excitement as CBC Old Boys and members of the community gathered to celebrate Bradley Richards’ 28th birthday. The event at the old oval was a charity football match, a day for families and friends, and yet the fun-loving birthday boy was absent and very much missed. In 2016 Brad, a valued member of the team at Rivervale Physiotherapy and seeming to have been in perfect health, collapsed unexpectedly and passed away as the result of an undiagnosed heart condition.
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His friends at CBC were devastated at the loss of their good mate, and organised the fundraiser fun day to celebrate Brad’s birthday and commemorate a life that was far too short. One of the organisers of the event and Brad’s classmate from 2006, Matthew Azzollini, said doctors now believe Brad was suffering from Long QT, a rare heart condition. With assistance from Dr Arieh Keren and Dr Nik Stoyanove, all profits from the football charity match will go directly towards further research into the syndrome.
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“Everyone who knew Brad loved him. He lived life to the fullest, Matthew said. “He was hilarious, and the master of impersonations.” Brad was a keen sportsman, playing with Melville Junior Football Club as a young one. He went on to play Colts football for East Fremantle before pulling on the guernsey for Fremantle CBC Amateur Football Club. The large attendance at the football match was a reflection of how popular Brad was in the community, with more than 500 people attending the fundraiser to celebrate
the life of a much-loved mate. With more than $20,000 raised, the day was such a success that plans are already underway for another massive celebration for Brad’s 29th birthday in 2018.
Above left: Mark Rinaldi (‘06), Matthew Azzollini (‘06), Daniel D’Ascanio (‘05), Anthony Vinci (‘06), Andrew Ambrogio (‘06), Nicholas D’Andrea (‘11), Matthew Pereira (‘05), Richard Onoforo (‘06) and Adrian Ricciardi (‘07) kneeling in front. Above right: Bradley Richards (back row, fifth from the left) with Patrick 3 Mentor Group in 2006.
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agents of change Kai Eardley (’12) was just 20 years of age when he took his own life. The young university student had everything to live for but in his darkest hour the CBC Old Boy could not see a way out of his pain. Kai left behind a loving family, his mum and dad, Claire and Martin, older brother Cam (’10), and younger sibling Joey (’17). The family embraced outdoor pursuits, regularly travelling to surf, ski and explore, and the three sons were the centre of a community of like-minded adventurers. Devastated by the loss of their golden-haired boy, the Eardley family confronted the epidemic of male suicide in Australia, which takes 12 lives a day, and launched an initiative aimed at creating a positive change for mental health and to honour the life of Kai. The Kai Eardley Fund seeks to provide peer-based programmes which are aimed at providing skills to assist young men in navigating mental health issues.
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“Having lost Kai, I will always wonder what I could have done differently and my only conclusion is that there is little else I could have done when Kai reached crisis point. I wish there had been some early intervention available before he reached that point of no return,” Kai’s mum, Claire, said. The Kai Eardley Fund produces quality merchandise available online and holds regular fundraising activities. Joey and Claire also added their support to CBC’s Mental Health Week initiative, helping current students to appreciate the impact of anxiety and depression on real people in the College community.
Above left: Cam, Claire and Joey Eardley. Above right: Joey and Kai at Cam’s 21st in 2014.
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Alumni
ALESSANDRO ALBERTI Co-winner Community Award 2017
Recognition Awards
CELEBRATION OF EXCELLENCE
DANIEL FATOVICH Leadership Award 2017
MASSIMO IUSTINI Co-winner Community Award 2017
TYRONE THWAITES Rising Star Award 2017
Our graduates are the essence of what our College represents and shining 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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A CATHOLIC SCHOOL IN THE EDMUND RICE TRADITION
51 Ellen Street Fremantle Western Australia 6160 PO Box 134 Fremantle Western Australia 6959 T 08 9336 2700 www.cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au