Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
beyond borders
an invitation to personal and spiritual growth
Cover: Participants in the 2018 Peru Immersion with students from Fe y AlegrĂa No 26 in Canto Grande, Lima.
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 and Domenic Burgio To contact Touchstone, please email touchstone@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au.
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From the Principal Times have changed, and I daily thank God that they have. I live a blessed life, with a beautiful family and even more amazing grandchildren, and when we gather together I am astonished at the things they know that it took me more than half a lifetime to learn. Things like where Uruguay is and what guacamole tastes like – and I’m not even going to mention the techno talents of a five year old. As I ruminate and pamper my little darlings, I often ponder the collective conscious of our global community, and what Jesus would have made of the new level of sophistication that we now expect. I am reminded of the time a few years ago when my son asked his mother to include some meat on the shopping list. As she left for the supermarket, he cried out,
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“Make it fillet!” He said this as if it was a normal expectation. When I told the story to my father, he burst into tears of laughter. Good manners prevents me getting into detail, but my great-grandmother lived in our village in Sicily at a time where bartering goods took the place of monetary payment since cash was rare. Her particular services involved the provision of a wood-fired oven and the ability to turn a young rooster into a capon. The former should be an easy concept to understand; I will let the reader investigate the process for the latter. For the service of the oven, she would ask for one of the baked loaves, and for the service rendered on the former rooster, she would ask for the comb and the parts she had removed.
From the Principal
The reason for my father’s amusement, is that before he arrived in Australia in 1950, the only meat he ever tasted was in an omelette that contained those removed parts. Two generations later, fillet is apparently de rigueur for the Burgios. I tell this story because I believe that Jesus would have considered our young people to be at a disadvantage in our increasingly civilised and affluent society. One of the hot topics that is often discussed in the media is that young people are being priced out of the housing market and that their standard of living will never equal that of their parents. There are many factors for this, but in my own experience, I see that some of my progeny want what their parents have, but are reluctant to do what we have had to do to achieve it. At CBC we seek to provide our students with an appreciation of their privileged lives, and to foster a deeper understanding of the hard work, courage and sacrifice of those who have provided them with the generous opportunities they have. They are encouraged to have a look around them at those who are marginalised and living in conditions that are beyond their control, and to critically examine the politics and choices the world engages in to be able to make decisions that contribute to a better world for all.
offer a transformational education for justice and liberation. At CBC Fremantle, our engagement with EREBB provides our students, staff and parents with an opportunity to experience life in the shoes of the ‘other’ and hopefully provide perspective to first-world problems they may experience. This will in turn nourish their empathy, service, compassion and selfless DNA and provide solidarity to our sisters and brothers throughout the world who do not enjoy the privileges we sometimes take for granted. Our annual immersions to the Philippines, Kiwirrkurra and Peru are part of our commitment to promoting this understanding, and the College staff also contribute to the incredible endeavours of Lalitha, who has transformed the lives of many children in the red-light district of Delhi. These are the first of many initiatives CBC Fremantle will undertake with EREBB over the coming years. In helping to form tomorrow’s gentlemen, we believe that our active participation promotes the attributes we so proudly champion as the aspiration for our graduates and that the entitlement so many young people are tempted to embrace can be tempered with a potentially life-changing experience provided by EREBB.
“Never tire of working for a more just world marked by solidarity.”
A powerful method of doing this is through our association with Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB), which is an international network of Catholic schools educating young people from many different faiths and cultures. In more than 20 countries EREBB aims to promote global solidarity and
As Pope Francis states: “Never tire of working for a more just world marked by solidarity”. I commend this edition of Touchstone to you and hope it provides a glimpse into a world beyond borders. Mr Domenic Burgio Principal
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“...building a message of peace, hope and inclusion that goes beyond boundaries, beyond religion and beyond self-interest.�
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feature article
beyond borders AN INVITATION TO personal and SPIRITUAL GROWTH As a Catholic school in the Edmund Rice tradition, CBC Fremantle is part of a global network committed to transformational education for justice and liberation around the world. As part of this world-wide fraternity, Edmund Rice schools engage in opportunities and activities that encourage students to bring the Gospels to life, walking in Jesus’ footsteps and helping to make the world a better place. Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) is an international community that provides opportunities for students to open their hearts and minds to a deeper understanding of the privileges of their own lives, resulting in a far greater appreciation of their position in the world and of those around them. These invitations to deep personal and spiritual growth can allow the boys to see the face of God in people living in circumstances that can be challenging and confronting. By participating in the CBC Immersion programmes to Kiwirrkurra, the Philippines and Peru, students have experienced this first hand by walking in solidarity with their brothers and sisters in humanity, hearing their stories and creating an unbreakable bond of understanding and respect. In travelling to unfamiliar locations in different countries and isolated areas, students step outside their comfort zones and are removed from external influences that may prevent the full immersive experience. Accompanied by CBC teachers and mentors, often working alongside people who have devoted their lives to service in the >>
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“Collectively, we encourage tomorrow’s leaders to maintain connections with real life, real relationships and real issues; we create a profound shift in awareness so their default reaction is empathy and selflessness, and we hope to display God’s love by every deed.”
communities, the boys are inspired to be independent, accountable and resilient and to respond to the challenge to be leaders and cultural ambassadors. Guided reflections are an essential element that separates CBC Immersions from cultural tours, with group discussions examining Gospel Values and Jesus’ teachings in the light of new understandings, building hope and compassion and planting seeds of change for a better world. These Beyond Borders experiences are not isolated from life at the College; rather, Immersions complement and expand on classroom learnings, including Religion and Life studies and the Year 9 Rite Journey programme. On a daily basis at school, the young men of CBC are encouraged to consider actions that may impact on the exploitation of marginalised people, and to challenge popular beliefs about consumerism, commercialism,
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environmental and climate issues, race and cultural differences and the objectification of women, which can be understood in deeper and more meaningful ways following an Immersion. These realisations break down barriers, fostering a culture of acceptance and love for the ‘other’, building a message of peace, hope and inclusion that goes beyond boundaries, beyond religion and beyond self-interest.
Guardians of the galaxy Building world-wide social networks is a particular strength of Gen Z, the cohort who has had internet technology available from almost the moment they were born. With information constantly at their fingertips, tomorrow’s leaders are continuously engaged in political and social conversations, whether they know it or not. Their ubiquitous online interactions mean they are more likely to accept racial, sexual and religious diversity than previous generations and have a finely developed social consciousness.
feature article
Participants in the 2018 Peru Immersion with their host family at Jicamarca on the outskirts of Lima.
Worldwide student-led initiatives concerning gun control and, closer to home, demonstrations about climate change highlight the urge to go beyond screens and connect face-to-face about their concerns and political enterprises. These developing young adults are desperate for meaningful real-life interactions and are yearning to actively engage with their peers in helping their troubled planet as they take on the mantle of being stewards of the Earth. Of course, this commitment to the common good is not new. Previous generations also engaged in political and social campaigns that had radical repercussions throughout the world. However, no group has had access to such incredible networking, which has left the technologically savvy teens of today grappling with social media’s potentially destructive powers. It comes as no surprise that strong opinions and confident online conversations have
also created an environment where stress, anxiety and depression are becoming increasingly prevalent. Today’s challenge for leaders at all levels, from local football clubs to global superpowers, is to engage young people and break through the superficiality of the online age. EREBB is a gateway to this transformation. Collectively, we encourage tomorrow’s gentlemen to maintain connections with real life, real relationships and real issues; we create a profound shift in awareness so their default reaction is empathy and selflessness, and we hope to display God’s love by every deed. This transformation is supported and enhanced by every aspect of the CBC journey, which recognises justice and peace as the tools for building a better world, and that selflessness, service and recognition of each persons’ human dignity are the necessary ingredients for a happy and successful life. touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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capital insight into excellence Over the Easter break a group of CBC students ventured to the nation’s capital to explore the many opportunities it holds to achieve excellence in every field. The 2019 Academic Excellence Programme (AEP) Canberra Tour began with a visit to Old Parliament House, with students gaining a unique insight into the roots of Australia’s democracy. Budding politicians in the group even had the chance to participate in a mock debate on the floor of the House of Representatives – the very same room where thousands of decisions that shaped Australia as a nation were made. The day of democracy continued with a guided tour of the High Court by a retired Constitutional solicitor, whose vast knowledge of the legal system and the building that houses Australia’s most senior judicial minds captivated the imaginations of the boys. Students also explored Parliament House, where they saw a replica of the Magna Carta, marvelled at portraits of Prime Ministers and even had the chance to walk on the iconic grassy roof of the hub of Australia’s government. There was plenty on offer for future scientists in the group of 31 students as well, with visits to the Deep Space Communication Complex, which is part of NASA’s international network,
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college news
as well as GeoScience Australia, where boys met with seismologists who monitor tectonic movement around the globe. Designed to complement the College’s STEAM curriculum, the tour also included a visit to CSIRO to learn about current research that could change the world, and Mt Stromlo Observatory to discover the wonders of the universe, including the recently-released first image of a black hole. Of course, a school trip to Canberra wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Questacon, which immersed the boys in science and technology. Cultural experiences also formed an important part of the tour, and students viewed Jackson Pollock’s Blue Poles, and heard stories from Aboriginal artists at the National Art Gallery, before experiencing the wonder of the National Arboretum, which is home to more than 90 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around the globe. The National Museum provided a unique look into Australian history, with displays including Phar Lap’s heart, a prototype of the Australianinvented bionic ear, and articles that provided insight into the 65,000 year-old history of the first Australians.
the group enjoyed a unique behind-the-scenes look at how some of Australia’s most elite athletes train, as well as the huge amount of science that goes into ensuring they can perform at their best. Despite a jam-packed schedule, there was also plenty of time for sightseeing – both at night, overlooking the lights of the city from Telstra Tower, and during the day, enjoying the view from Mt Ainsley, which provides a picture-perfect layout of the intricately planned city that began as the brainchild of American architects Walter and Marion Griffin. Every element of the tour was designed to show boys where their excellence can take them, and open their eyes to the many opportunities to make a difference in the world that are available to them both in Australia and around the globe.
Left top: The group on the steps of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Left below: Looking at the Roll of Honour at the Australian War Memorial. Below: Viewing an artwork by Yayoi Kusama at the National Art Gallery.
A particular highlight of the tour was time spent at the Australian War Memorial less than a week before Anzac Day. Students were given the chance to reflect on the long-lasting impacts of war, and the massive toll conflict has on Australian society as a whole. For sports buffs, the Australian Institute of Sport surely provided some memorable moments, as
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cbc drama teen story a hit
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college news
A strong cast and clever use of lighting were highlights of the CBC Drama department’s production of the coming-of-age classic, The Outsiders, which was performed over three days to sell-out audiences. The hard work and commitment of the actors was obvious in their gritty performances, which followed the story of two rival gangs from different socio-economic backgrounds as seen through the eyes of 1960s’ teenager, Ponyboy. Year 10 student James Rock was exceptional as the lead character, providing a sensitivity to the part that well suited the social awakening of the troubled teen. While it is difficult to single out performers from the strong cast, Archer Larwood in Year 11 put in a particularly powerful performance as tough-guy Dallas, and handled emotional scenes with real skill. College Captain Alexander Buckland was also superb as a member of the opposite gang, ‘The Socs’, short for The Socials. The boys were joined on stage by Iona Presentation College students, Emma
Donald and Naomi Ottley, whose feminine presence and bright period costumes lent an extra layer of reality to the social drama and highlighted the divide between the classes. Director of the show, Mrs Rosalba Jeffreys brought out the best of both the cast and also the crew behind the curtain. It was obvious the play was a CBC community effort, with every aspect of the production contributing to quality entertainment. Controlled use of make-up, props and wardrobe complemented the astute application of lighting and audio-visual, with isolated sections for different locations keeping the set to a minimum and providing a seamless transition between the scenes. The Outsiders was presented in April and, with only one term to prepare the production, was a stunning showcase of the College’s passion for teamwork and excellence.
Left: James Rock and Indy Greget-O’Dea in The Outsiders. Above left: Zak Kaddour, Archer Larwood, Luca McNaughton and Indy Greget-O’Dea. Above right: James Rock and Alexander Buckland.
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THE YEAR 9 RITE JOURNEY PROGRAMME IS A WATERSHED MOMENT IN THE CBC JOURNEY, BUT IT IS ONLY A PART OF THE BIGGER PICTURE...
COMPASS ON THE JOURNEY Camping under the stars solo before embarking on an arduous hike while carrying your pack sounds like a challenge more at home at Campbell Barracks than in the golden fields of CBC’s sibling school, Edmund Rice College, but the adventure was all part of the Year 9 experience in 2018. The Rite Journey (TRJ) camp in Bindoon, known as The Abyss, included spending 18 hours alone in a tent overnight to encourage reflection on the future aspirations and dreams of the developing young men. After a year of activities designed to challenge the students and create a sense of achievement and belonging, the culmination of the TRJ
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programme also included a Retreat on the banks of the Swan River to encourage a deeper connection with the teachings of Jesus Christ. The Rite Journey is part of the College’s focus on the transition from today’s boys to tomorrow’s gentlemen, and helps Year 9 boys develop their own inner compass to be able to choose the right direction and make appropriate decisions towards becoming a positive male in society.
National acclaim Appropriately then, last year TRJ at CBC came to the attention of producers of the ABC TV programme, Compass, who chose to focus on the College’s rites of passage for a whole half-hour episode.
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CBC students and their families were stars of the final show, with the young men courageously facing the camera to share their thoughts on leaving their childhood behind and becoming an adult. The Compass crew also braved the flies and heat of Bindoon to film the boys in the wild, capturing the golden beauty of the agricultural school in spring and the contrast of the dark history of what was Bindoon Boys’ Town during the 1950s. As part of the process of preparing for the camp, the Rite Journey teachers spent time with their groups talking about the tragic background of the farm school, which is now a thriving centre for trade education. The stunning stone buildings,
the simple white crosses in the graveyard and the statues in the College’s 3,300 hectare campus all provided opportunities to reiterate the messages against bullying, sexual harassment and self-interest that the Rite Journey addresses as part of its year-long syllabus. It is the detail of TRJ that creates such a powerful shift during the rites of passage that unfold throughout Year 9, ensuring students are in the best possible place to continue their journey towards their senior years at the College.
All photos: The Rite Journey at Bindoon.
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year 7 boys walk the talk More than 250 CBC dads and their sons spent a special Sunday together celebrating the bond they share with a unique walk along the Swan River.
After walking back to Point Walter, Riley spoke to the group, reflecting on what he admires about his father, as well as some tips for the men both young and old over the years ahead.
The Year 7 Share the Journey initiative is an integral part of the CBC experience, and highlights the essential role of positive masculinity in the development of boys into adulthood.
Dads then selected a quiet spot to affirm their love and support for their boys and presented them with a small pin as a memento of the walk.
The College recognises that not all students have a consistent male role model in their lives, and encouraged uncles, grandads and family friends to act as a father figure if necessary during this heart-warming event. The boys and the men spent the morning sharing important conversations that are all too easy to brush past in our busy modern world. Fathers talked about their family history and personal stories and encouraged the boys to discuss the future and the kind of man they would like to be. It was a beautiful day and the group of gentlemen rested briefly at Bicton Quarantine Park where they heard from the father of the 2016 College Captain, Riley Faulds. Duncan brought tears to more than a few eyes as he spoke candidly about his relationship with his son, and the key moments that have shaped their kinship.
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The morning concluded with a sausage sizzle prepared by Year 12 prefects and dads from the Parent Auxiliary, who remain the driving force behind the annual walk. Share the Journey lays the ground-work for fathers to spend quality time with their sons over the years ahead, where their support is crucial in their development into tomorrow’s gentlemen. The College has a strong commitment to supporting parents as primary educators of their sons, and continually seeks ways to complement and deepen the connection.
Above: Charlie, Elliott and Jamie Neesham with their dad, Matthew. Right top: Tobiasz Blaszczynski with his dad, Jakub. Below left to right: Jack and Peter Hamilton, Elliot and Jason Tither, and Jack and Alan Joyce.
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breaking barriers, forging bonds
This page: Searching for bush tucker witchetty grubs. Middle right: Zachary Coubrough and Mitchell Cattalini with local children. Far right: Pascal Rodet with a new friend.
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Deep in the Gibson Desert, where the space between the stars is barely discernible and the bush turkeys and potholes make the road disappear, lays Kiwirrkurra and the destination for 10 Year 11 students last October.
they were not there to help the community; rather, they were there to learn from people who are incredibly self-sufficient and knowledgeable, and extraordinarily rich in tradition and relationships.
The visit to one of the most remote communities in Australia is part of the College’s Immersion programme and involved a flight and two days’ travel by four wheel drive to reach the welcoming collection of buidings that are home to little more than 250 people.
The CBC boys spent their days visiting classrooms to work with the children, running sports sessions and training with the local football team. They visited the arts precinct and gained a real appreciation for the skills of the local artisans, and cooked meals for the sick and elderly in the Women’s Centre. They were also taken to culturally significant places and went hunting with the elders where they tasted witchetty grubs, kangaroo and goanna.
The travellers were based at the school, and it wasn’t long after their arrival that the locals introduced themselves, forging friendships that grew throughout their stay. During the week, they took every opportunity to immerse themselves in the culture and learn as much as possible about life in the desert. The key message for the visitors was that
When it came time to leave, there was not a dry eye amongst all of the children. By opening their hearts and minds, the CBC students had created strong bonds even in such a short period of time, and many will stay friends forever. touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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beijing here we come! This year CBC Fremantle entered the World Scholars Cup and was thrilled to qualify for the Global Round in Beijing on their first attempt in this prestigious competition. With 23 schools and more than 500 students competing, the CBC team of 15 boys from Years 8 to 10 were up against the best of the best over the two-day challenge, which consisted of debates, collaborative and individual writing, a specific challenge and the classic Scholars’ Bowl quiz-based event. With the theme of ‘A World on the Margins’ the boys spent weeks prior to the competition researching a curriculum divided into intriguing areas relating to six subjects including literature, art, science, history and social studies, with a special category of unsolved mysteries. The emphasis of the World Scholars Cup is on the love of learning and the students were amazed at the high calibre of their peers from other schools. They were also surprised at how much fun they had, with the most memorable afternoon being the Talent Show where students signed up to perform anything from musical items to solving rubric cubes in record time! Keen to capitalise on their success, the CBC junior team are now packing their bags for Beijing to join more than 5,000 students from over 50 countries for the next round of the competition at the end of June.
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college news
caleb makes a
big impression
in sport
A trip to the United States has had a lasting impact on a CBC sportsman, whose love of all things physical has helped him deal with some of life’s curveballs. Caleb Grant (Year 8) was born with achondroplasia, the most common cause of dwarfism, which results in shorter arms and legs but an average-sized torso. An avid soccer and AFL player, Caleb last year had the chance to represent his country at the Dwarf Athletic Association of America’s National Games held in Florida as part of the Little People of America Convention. After being forced to give up AFL and take to helping his Dad coach, Caleb said it was a fantastic addition to an already exciting family holiday.
“It was good to find out there were more people struggling, sort of like I do, so I could talk to them,” he said. “I really enjoyed it because I got to experience something new, that I’ve never done before. It was a lot fairer for me, which was good.” Now more than a year into his CBC journey, Caleb has already left his mark on the sporting field, dominating in PE lessons, as well as joining his mates in a cricket Test match late last year with the support of Sport teacher, Mr Jason Matthews. Reflecting on his time at the College so far, Caleb said he’s loved every moment. “It’s really good, everyone looks out for each other. I like it here very much,” the keen Eagles supporter said. touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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Left to right: Callan Howe-Robinson, Stephen Jaeger, Daniel Leavy, Fletcher Kerspien, Dylan Allen, Liam Kennedy and David Contera in Lima.
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standing in solidarity Standing at the top of a hill overlooking the outskirts of Lima in Peru, 11 CBC Fremantle students were shocked at the panorama before them. As far as the eye could see spread the homes of people living in extreme poverty, born into circumstances beyond their control and marginalised by their status as part the world’s poor. Dylan Allen, Ethan Contera, Sam Garbellini, Lloyd Jacob-Keenan, Liam Kennedy, Fletcher Kerspien, Joshua Koleszko and Daniel Leavy from Year 11, and Callan Howe-Robinson, Stephen Jaeger and Jacob Shales in Year 12 signed up for the inaugural student Peru Immersion to travel beyond borders and build a home for a family in need. The students were accompanied by Spanish
born and speaking CBC parent, David Contera, and three College staff, Mr Adrian Correia, Miss Shelley Nodwell and Ms Cherie Butcher. A few days earlier, the team had arrived in a nation that was in the grip of the excitement of FIFA World Cup fever. Red and white strips were everywhere, and the boys were plunged into the midst of it, gathering with students at fellow Edmund Rice School, Fe y Alegría 26 in the impoverished district of Canto Grande to watch Australia take on Peru on their classroom TV sets. With their nation’s heroes beating the Socceroos 2-0, the locals were able to relax and the boys experienced some genuine Peruvian hospitality with dancing, singing and many games of basketball and soccer as they tried out >>
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Left to right: Lloyd Jacob-Keenan in Jicamarca; Liam Kennedy, Jacob Shales and Callan Howe-Robinson, and the group with Gladys and her family in front of their new home.
their basic Spanish. The warm welcome was overwhelming for the visitors, who were treated as if they were soccer royalty, signing autographs for the children who swamped them and delighting in the festivities of the day. The halcyon hours spent with the children kept the boys motivated for the hard work of building a home for a family in need. The hardy group carried the materials up the hills, working in teams to negotiate the rocky incline while toting the unwieldly prefabricated wall panels and roofing sheets, and then erected the house under the direction of the carpenter, Jorge. Physical exhaustion did not stop the CBC students from bonding with Gladys, Juan Franco and baby Diego as they watched their casita taking shape. Abandoned by an abusive husband and father, the family were a constant reminder of the reality of the relentless poverty, exploitation and vulnerability of the people living in the slums of Lima.
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The meagre pile of furniture that the boys assisted Gladys to arrange in her new home made the contrast of their own comfortable lives with the humble existence of the family they had become attached to even more poignant. Every evening the boys returned to the Christian Brothers’ quarters, travelling by local transport and experiencing the real Lima few tourists get to see. A visit to the National Museum taught a great deal about the volatile history of the country, and the boys also explored the Basílica y Convento de San Francisco with its spooky catacombs and took in the remarkable Circuito Magico del Agua water show to round out their Lima experience. The group was also lucky to catch up with Old Boy Bevan Grant (’16) who was in South America and suffering from an illness that prevented him from being there for the
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building of the house. Bevan spent a couple of days with the Brothers to recover and the CBC boys past and present caught up with FIFA results and news from home. The students also had the opportunity to stay with a local family further out in the hills surrounding Lima and assisted with projects in the local community, including laying a concrete pad and painting the chapel. Fletcher and Sam celebrated their birthdays partying with the locals, dancing the night away around a fire and proving that language is no barrier when having fun. The physical and emotional challenges brought out the best in the young men, who built warm relationships with their hosts and displayed immense respect to the people whose homes they were privileged to visit.
It was with some sadness that the boys left their new friends, Bevan and the Brothers and boarded their flight to Cusco, high in the Peruvian Andes and the gateway to one of the wonders of the world, Macchu Picchu. The boys were free to discover the markets and indulge in the local cuisine, as well as keep up to date with the World Cup finals on every TV in almost every shop and restaurant on their explorations. The archaeological remains of the Incas and the beauty of the Sacred Valley proved to be a fascinating end to their intrepid travels, but it was the simple casitas, the warmth of the students at Fe y Alegria and the bright smiles of Juan Franco and little Diego that stayed with the boys on the long journey home. The experience turned poverty around for the CBC students, who learned the true value of community, education and faith for people living in circumstances beyond their control.
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This page: Miss de Palma (bottom left) with the EREBB group in Buenos Aires.
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staff
being part of the
edmund rice family
On the morning of her grandfather’s passing, Miss Lana de Palma was on the other side of the world, thousands of miles from her family who were mourning the loss of their patriarch. Yet, as the CBC teacher joined in prayer with new friends in another continent, she felt remarkably at peace, reassured by the love and faith of the Edmund Rice community who provided comfort in her time of sorrow. Miss de Palma had just spent two weeks travelling through South America with the group of 21 staff from Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) schools from all over Australia who now shared her bereavement, visiting schools inspired by the teachings of Jesus and the inspiration of Edmund Rice. The trip was an initiative of Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders (EREBB) and aimed at promoting global solidarity and offering a deeper understanding of the four Touchstones that are the foundation of the EREA charter:
Liberating Education, Gospel Spirituality, Inclusive Community and Justice and Solidarity. The first stop for the group was Buenos Aires in Argentina, with a visit to the exclusive Colegio Cardenal Newman where the visitors saw manicured playing fields, excellent facilities and students committed to their education and faith. “The sense of pride and service was very prevalent. Every day the senior students host a prayer session in the chapel, singing songs and reflecting on their faith. We had the overwhelming feeling that this was a special place,” Miss de Palma said. They were about to discover first-hand one of the reasons why the Edmund Rice school felt so exceptional. From Cardenal Newman, the group left the affluent neighbourhood behind, travelling through areas of substandard housing and high crime to the Parish Institute of San Pedro Claver. >>
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In stark contrast to the impressive campus just down the highway, this school operated without salaries, heaters, blackboards or external assistance. Many of the boys and girls were involved in gang violence, and drug use, teenage pregnancy and homelessness were almost inevitable. However, with assistance from resources provided by Cardenal Newman, slowly and surely conditions have improved, enabling students to feel much more empowered to take control of their education and turn their lives around. “It’s not just about classroom academic teaching in Edmund Rice schools, it’s about a whole community approach to the idea of inclusivity,” said Miss de Palma. This wonderful commitment to justice and solidarity highlighted the power of standing in fellowship with those who are marginalised, and of building relationships to help make the world a better place.
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Miss de Palma and her companions travelled on to Lima in Peru, visiting Fe y Alegría 26 just days after the CBC Peru Immersion students, and then continued further up the coast to the tiny community of Chimbote, which has been significantly affected by natural disaster and poverty. At Colegio Mundo Mejor middle school, Miss de Palma witnessed students committed to providing service, volunteering daily at community centres for the disadvantaged. She visited a ‘homework club’ in the slums, where students from Mundo Mejor assisted local children with their studies,sitting at long tables in a dank and dark room with very few books which formed their library. “They kept telling me they liked this activity because they know that all children deserve
STAFF staff
an education, regardless of their social status. It was inspiring,” said Miss de Palma. At the junior school, Miss de Palma found it hard to fight back tears as the excited children welcomed the group with a guard of honour and homemade Australian flags. “They were so happy to meet us. We gave each of them a gift of a juice box, apple and chocolate biscuit, which was nothing to us, but it meant the absolute world to these kids. El Arenal was a short visit but it is the school that has left the biggest impression on me. I couldn’t stop thinking how these people are so stricken with poverty but so rich in happiness.” A teacher at CBC for five years and an alumnus of Seton Catholic College, Miss de Palma had commenced the South American trip with a healthy understanding of service and Gospel Values, yet the outgoing ex-newsreader was
humbled at the incredible selfless acts of kindness and generosity that were part of the daily lives of the people she met. The network of schools around the globe continuing the mission of the founder of the Christian Brothers has left her with hope and inspiration to plant the seeds of change. “I feel rejuvenated with my teaching, and proud to be a part of the Edmund Rice family. Liberating Education isn’t just a Touchstone that applies to students and schools, but also to the wider community. It’s much more than what we read about in the EREA Charter. I strongly feel that CBC Fremantle is on the right path to making the world a better place, and the South American experience reassured me of that.”
Left: Children receive their gifts at Mundo Mejor. Right: Miss de Palma with students at Fe y Alegría 26.
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holder of the flame Trevanna Cooper has been a vital part of the CBC Fremantle community for 37 years and last year was recognised for her extraordinary service at the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) awards that honour the very best of what a Catholic education in the Edmund Rice tradition can be. The annual accolades are divided into four categories reflecting the EREA Touchstones and Ms Cooper was announced winner of the Gospel and Spirituality award at a special gala event in Melbourne. While running a tight ship in the hectic hub of the school, Ms Cooper has consistently modelled, promoted and visioned Gospel Values and spirituality for generations of students, staff and parents. The innovative teacher-librarian displays abundant compassion and patience daily with both students and work colleagues, and is constantly developing new skills to facilitate the changing needs and interests of the boys. The Ideas Shop continues evolving in order to engage students in meaningful ways as Ms Cooper commits herself and her College to excellence. As well as developing opportunities for the constant stream of boys who enjoy the dynamic and diverse space that is the Library, Ms Cooper also seeks to preserve and promote the College’s
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heritage as the unofficial archivist and ‘holder of the flame’. As a long time facilitator of Liturgies and Retreats at CBC, especially the Year 12 Kairos experience, Ms Cooper has modelled strong faith and deep love that enables students to let go and experience God in a meaningful and authentic way. She has striven so that boys might see the divine in themselves and, in doing so, has gifted many students with a closer relationship with God. As an active member of the Edmund Rice Network, Ms Cooper’s strong servant leadership has promoted links with other ministries including ER Mirrabooka, which provides invaluable services to migrants and asylum seekers, and Tuart Place, which supports people who have been abused in institutional care. For several years, under Ms Cooper’s guidance, the College has hosted clients from these organisations to join in the festivities at Edmund Rice Day, providing an experience of healing and grace for many. Now educating the sons of some of her previous students, Ms Cooper never forgets a face and is a constant in the College. She seeks to challenge students, staff and community to live Gospel Values in an authentic and relevant way, and always helps those she meets to find a path to enjoy a life with meaning.
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Old Boys’ Association
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From the President There are some benefits to growing old! One of them is that we can view long-term changes with a real appreciation to the benefits they bring. Sure, it was wonderful to be a young boy growing up in the Fremantle of my youth but we mustn’t forget the hardship along the way, and I see that the youth of today have it a lot easier because of the advances in our society. I don’t begrudge this because in fact I feel as this is exactly what all the sacrifice was for. In effect, my generation was building a better world so our children could do good things, and we see that tradition continuing. In so many ways that is why us senior Old Boys remain so connected with our school, because we see the seed that was planted and we know that the tradition of growing good young men is thriving at CBC Fremantle. It looks different – the Cloisters was not much more than rubble and weeds in my day – but the values of the school remain unaltered even after all these years. This is such a comforting fact! When I meet my old school mates (we still get together for a coffee regularly would you believe?); when I step on campus; when a young fellow serving me in the
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supermarket whose respectful demeanour gives away the fact that he is a CBC student; when I hear that an Old Boy was taken under the wing of a Christian Brother when he was in hospital in Peru, my heart swells with pride that our small school is connected to bigger and better things. We are not only a part of the Edmund Rice global network, but we are also a part of the Catholic faith and follow the teachings of the most gracious and loving person who ever existed. With this in mind, the Old Boys are proud to continue to fund the James McGowan Bursary for a student in financial need. Each year a young man graduates from CBC armed with an excellent start in life thanks to this bursary and we are grateful for the Old Boys’ subscriptions for allowing us to maintain this tradition. One of the special events that the Old Boys’ Association hosts that truly captures the essence of the goodness at the heart of the values of our school is the annual Alumni Awards. This wonderful evening celebrates the remarkable achievements of our CBC brothers and this year we congratulated Ayden Doohan (’12), Nick Jenkins (’91) and Aldo Mendolia (’80) for their
Above left: Terry Iannello presenting the 2019 Old Boys’ Association Award to Zachary Harris (‘18). Above right: At the Year 13 Breakfast.
commitment to making the world a better place. You can read more about the night on page 36. At the beginning of the year the Old Boys’ Association presented their annual award to the young man with the highest ATAR in 2018. Zachary Harris received this honour and it was my pleasure to attend the College assembly to present him with his certificate and a small token to acknowledge his commitment to excellence. We also welcomed our newest Old Boys at the Year 13 breakfast hosted by the College prior to the assembly. It was a wonderful opportunity to have an informal chat with the young men and be a part of the excitement and enthusiasm of their return to the school they only recently left. We wish them well and look forward to seeing them again at our future events. Terry Iannello OAM (’59) Old Boys’ Association President touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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still fighting the good fight Father Brian Gore (‘60) has celebrated 50 years of outstanding service to humanity in the Philippines, including 14 months spent in a Filipino jail on trumped up charges of multiple murder and illegal possession of ammunition. The Columban priest shared his incredible story on a recent visit to his old school, blaming his passion for adventure on the St Columban Mission magazines distributed by Brother Hodgson when he was a young student. Freshly ordained and ready to take on the world, in 1970 Fr Gore arrived at the island of Negros in the Philippines. The country was struggling under President Ferdinand Marcos’ regime, and the rookie priest was plunged into a very different world to what he had left behind. “We learned nothing in the seminary about how to work in a revolution where there was fighting
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going on, murders, people disappearing – it was a very steep learning curve,” Fr Gore said. In 1972 Marcos was unable to run for president for the third time, and declared martial law. All institutions, including the church, were ruled by decree, and the grassroots humanitarian organisation that Fr Gore and his fellow community workers were providing was viewed as a threat by the dictatorship. Looking for a way to be rid of the foreigners, which included Fr Niall O’Brien from Ireland, in 1983 the regime arrested Fr Gore for the murder of the local mayor and also for inciting a rebellion with apparent possession of subversive documents, a hand grenade and five bullets. Above: Fr Gore (left) in the College staffroom with his brother, Darryl (‘59).
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“As one journalist put it: ‘If Father Gore had wanted to start a revolution, he had a lot to learn,” the passionate priest said. Along with Fr O’Brien and six church workers, the CBC Old Boy was thrown in jail and spent some 14 months in custody while attempting to clear their names. The group became known as the ‘Negros Nine’ in the international press and the case even came to the attention of the Prime Minister of Australia at the time, Bob Hawke. Eventually, after 14 months in jail, the Philippines government offered a pardon, but Fr Gore continued to fight to be completely exonerated from the charges. On 3 July, 1984, Fr Gore was released, returning to Australia as part of the agreement to have all charges exonerated. After three years, when Marcos was no longer in power, the persistent priest returned to Negros where he continues to work with the local people to this day.
In fact, Fr Gore has no intention of leaving the people he has spent so much time amongst. Despite being semi-retired, he is still an active Missionary and remains a driving force behind the Negros Nine Human Development Foundation. The organisation seeks to empower the poor and alleviate poverty with projects to provide a sustainable future for the locals, including education and training, environmental issues and, a particular passion of Fr Gore’s, the abolishment of human trafficking. Half a century after commencing his mission, the boy from Fremantle is still seeking recognition and reparation for the human rights violations of thousands of people who suffered during the violent Marcos regime. With a conviction of values that distinguishes a CBC gentleman, Fr Gore continues to fight the good fight. “Human rights are human rights and we don’t discriminate on race, nationality, sex, whatever.” he said.
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shining examples of excellence
Three outstanding CBC graduates were acknowledged for their service to the community at the All Ages Reunion in March. Nicholas Jenkins (’91), Aldo Mendolia (’80) and Ayden Doohan (’12) were joined by more than 120 family, friends, CBC staff and fellow Old Boys to celebrate their remarkable achievements. It was fitting that the Brother Patrick Kelly Leadership Award for 2019 was presented to Nick Jenkins, whose skill as a leader was obvious in 1991 when he led his cohort as College Captain in Brother Kelly’s final year as Principal. His passion for sport and service directed Nick towards pursuing a career in education,
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and only 10 years after graduating from CBC he was appointed Director of Sports at Mandurah Catholic College. In 2016 Nick’s leadership skills were put to the ultimate test when he was involved in the dramatic rescue of a surfer who was attacked by a shark just south of Mandurah. Nick was in the water when he saw a commotion at his local beach following the fatal attack, and he immediately surfed into shore and took control of the situation. Keeping a cool head during a desperate time, he managed resuscitation attempts and coordinated the rescue effort for almost half-an-hour until the paramedics arrived. Nick received a gold medallion at the 2017 Surf Life Saving Coastal Bravery Awards in recognition of his valiant efforts that day.
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It’s not the first time Nick has been recognised for bravery at the beach. In 2001, he was awarded a Commendation for Brave Conduct from the Governor General in recognition of his rescue of a surfer caught in a serious rip at Secret Harbour the previous year. Never one to just sit back, Nick is now the director of partnerships at Champion Life, an online initiative that helps students from Years 4 to 6 improve their physical and mental health. His service to the community, strength in the face of overwhelming challenges, and initiatives in the fields of health and sport education continue to be an inspiration for many people, young and old. He is an incredible role model, a true CBC gentleman, and Brother Kelly would be very proud of him.
Left: Alumni Award winners Nick Jenkins, Ayden Doohan and Aldo Mendolia. Above: Old Boys’ Association President Terry Iannello with Aldo Mendolia and Master of Ceremonies Paul Jardine-Clarke.
Another man of the ocean, Aldo Mendolia (’80), was presented with the Community Award, which acknowledges alumni who have demonstrated commitment to service in the community and made a significant positive impact through humanitarian and charitable endeavours. A stalwart of the Fremantle seafaring clan, Aldo played a vital role in establishing and running the annual Fremantle Sardine Festival, which became an iconic event on the port city’s calendar for more than a decade. In 1999, Aldo and his family diversified their business, which today boasts one of Australia’s >> touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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most modern salmon and sardine canning factories and is committed to only using locally sourced fish. For all his life, Aldo has never strayed far from the water, working as a skipper on tourist boats along the North West Coast before returning to Perth to captain a different kind of charter. Aldo now volunteers his skills to captain for Fishabilities – a group that brings the relaxation of fishing to those living with disabilities. For nine years now Aldo has supported the organisation’s incredible work, taking people with disabilities out on the water to throw a line in while enjoying the benefits of fresh ocean air, the thrill of the catch, and the honour of taking home their cleaned and scaled fish. Aldo is a shining example of a CBC gentleman, particularly by showing the next generation what it means to provide service to the community while remaining true to your heritage and passions. The Rising Star Alumni Recognition Award was presented to Ayden Doohan (’12) who is already making a huge difference in the world. After completing a Bachelor of Commerce at University of Notre Dame, Ayden began volunteering with On My Feet, which is a running programme that seeks to improve the lives of people experiencing homelessness. The 2012 College Captain dedicates more than 20 hours of his free time each week to the volunteer organisation as its Executive Director, managing three unique programmes across seven locations in two countries. Participants’ first introduction to the organisation is through running and exercise groups, where
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they are provided with running gear and discover friends, fitness and a consistent routine. Once runners achieve 90% attendance, On My Feet volunteers help connect them with potential employers and education programmes designed to help them find their feet again. In his Captain’s address to the College ACC Athletics team in 2012, Ayden said, “The successes which we are striving for will be more easily achieved if we are there for each other throughout the day.” Ayden has clearly taken this same approach to life after graduation, helping both himself and those around him find success through tightknit and passionate teams in both a volunteer capacity and at his day job as an executive analyst at KordaMentha, an Australian advisory and investment firm. Nick, Aldo and Ayden are inspirational examples of CBC graduates, striving to do their best and overcoming challenges with attitudes and actions based on Gospel Values. Choosing a life of service and respect for the unique dignity of each person they meet, these remarkable Old Boys highlight the diverse achievements of the graduates of CBC Fremantle.
Top left: Murray Petrone and David Nolan from the Class of 1984. Top right: Peter Ricci (‘85), Sean Cosgriff (‘86) and Shane Mancuso (‘88). Middle left: Aldo Mendolia (‘80), Mauro Mucciacciaro (‘84) and Robert Palmiero (‘85). Middle right: Robert Grdjan (‘79), Bernard Underwood (‘79) and Gino Paolino (‘79). Below: Class of 1989 with former staff member Mrs Sharon Brooke.
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seniors’ moment at cbc The elder members of CBC’s community returned to their College for a special morning tea in honour of their long-lasting connection with the College. The morning tea was attended by alumni from the Classes of 1942 to 1975 and their partners, with Mick Andrews once again being the oldest present, and Clive Snowden attending his first Over 60s’ event as the youngest of the group. Year 12 student, Cooper Hagan, was perhaps preaching to the converted when he presented a speech to the gathered alumni on the virtues of Catholic education that he had originally
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delivered for the Catholic Education WA Speaking for Faith competition. Students in Year 11 assisted at the event, making sure the guests had refreshments and having a chat as they did the rounds. The event is sponsored by Old Boy John Hughes (’52) and is a highlight of the Old Boys’ very busy schedule. Clockwise from above: Peter Guidera (‘58), Eric Balzan (‘59), Paul Gabbedi (‘61) and Peter Catallini (‘61); Nick Bienkowski (‘66) with Ahmad Fallah (Year 10); catching up with the news; Cooper Hagan addressing the group; Terry Iannello speaking to his fellow Old Boys.
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Tim’s living the dream
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Tim Arnott (‘13) looks as if he just stepped outside of the classroom for a breath of fresh air, but the 21 year old musician has lived through a lifetime of experiences in the few short years since he graduated from CBC. Taking a break from his world travels, Tim was spending time at his mum’s South Fremantle home when he popped into his old school to catch up with classmates for their five year reunion following the release of his hugely successful EP album, Fantasy. Listing Will Smith and Pharrell Williams among his millions of admirers worldwide, Tim’s electronic compositions are released under the name Ukiyo, which is a Japanese word that means living in the moment and escaping the everyday. Tim’s success was literally overnight, with his online audience jumping from a mere 30 to 3,000 after popular vlogger Casey Neistat posted a video featuring his music. However, behind the 24-hour rise to international fame was a solid foundation of theory with years of learning music at school and playing in the CBC ensembles. “My first song was in Mrs Tandy’s music class, it was a terrible song, but then we had an assignment to make a pop song and I did it with Shae Davies (’13). We had to show it in class and I knew there was something there so I just kept working on it.
“So my first electronic song was produced in class – it was still pretty bad but it opened my eyes to the possibilities of creating a song out of nothing.” Tim has always been interested in music, teaching himself keyboards and playing saxophone during his time at CBC, but originally wanted to be a film director. “I wanted to be Steven Spielberg and started making my own videos at home when I realised I needed soundtracks. So then I started making music for them and that was it.” The future is bright for Ukiyo, with Tim planning on touring America in January and continuing to complement his phenomenal online success with local live performances. He has recently appeared at Groovin’ the Moo, Murdoch Festival, Art Ball at the Art Gallery of WA, 2018 Perth Fashion Festival and “pretty much every bar in Perth”. “Being a live show helps; not just doing the DJ thing. I have a couple of keyboards and drum pads, and using the instrumental skills I picked up from school and stuff, I play it live and make it look good.” Movies are still on the cards, and Tim hopes to be able to combine his two great loves and compose for feature films at some stage. Meanwhile the talented multi-instrumentalist and producer is happy to be home working in the studio and catching up with old friends. touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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Drawing on the influence
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Toby Tomlinson (’17) might have only just finished school, but he’s already making a splash in Fremantle’s lively arts scene.
Western Australia, featuring familiar seabirds and two of his CBC mates – Ben Small and Ryan Thuys – enjoying a day on Rottnest.
The talented painter can now add two public art pieces to his growing portfolio, after being commissioned by local business lobby group Freo Now (formerly Fremantle BID) to produce two shopfront murals for his hometown.
Now studying Fine Art at Curtin University, Toby was the recipient of the College’s Arts Service Award in Year 12 and said his bright murals were heavily influenced by his time as a student in the port city.
The eye-catching designs on Market Street and in the High Street Mall capture snapshots of life in
“I would come into Freo pretty much every day while I was at CBC. It’s probably my main
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inspiration – living around Freo and in Western Australia,” he said. Reflecting on those formative years, Toby said since graduating he has noticed the significant role CBC played in the development of not only himself, but also his peers. “Whenever you run into a CBC kid, they’re always pushing themselves or doing something they want to be doing, rather than just going along,” he said.
“At CBC they teach you to do what you want and to try to achieve as much as you can in whatever you’re doing, rather than just seeing where life takes you. “Going to CBC gave me the confidence to put myself out there a bit more, because at CBC it was about doing what you wanted, and knowing the teachers would encourage you and support you in that.”
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breakfast for
champions
The College welcomed back its newest Old Boys to the traditional Year 13 breakfast at the beginning of the year to celebrate their ongoing connection with their school. Although no longer on the roll, the Class of 2018 remains a valued part of the College community and around 100 gentlemen enjoyed catching up with their CBC friends over a bacon and egg burger prepared by Year 12 prefects. With coffee in hand, the young men reminisced with teachers and their classmates, reflecting
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college news
on their experiences since graduation, including achieving the second highest median ATAR as a cohort since 2011. In his address to the gathering, Principal Domenic Burgio spoke of the College’s pride in its most recent graduates, and reminded every Old Boy they are always welcome at CBC Fremantle. Old Boys’ Association President, Terry Iannello, also addressed the crowd, reflecting on the special brotherhood they are now part of as Old Boys.
Today’s gentlemen also spent some time in their Mentor groups, speaking to today’s boys about life after high school and the importance of maintaining their commitment to the College and its values. The Class of 2018 was also invited to attend the morning’s College assembly, where seven of their peers were welcomed into the prestigious 95 Academic Club with an ATAR of 95 or more. Both pages: The traditional Year 13 Breakfast was held at the College in February.
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What are they
up to now? Floyd Sullivan (1980) In 1972 when Floyd Sullivan’s family migrated from India, the young boy commenced Year 4 at St Patrick’s Primary School and from there it was a natural progression down the road to CBC for high school. He was fascinated with all things agricultural, and playing in the wool bales at the Elders store while waiting for the Spearwood bus was perhaps a sign of things to come as in 1980 Floyd left to obtain his wool-classing ticket at Fremantle TAFE. Travelling all around Australia from one shearing shed to another provided a great insight into rural life and in 1987 he enrolled in the Muresk Institute of Agriculture to study for a diploma in Farm Management, graduating with an Associate Degree in Agribusiness in 1988. Floyd promptly moved to Canada as a trainee exchange agronomist, where he also set up the Australian Canadian Aussie Rules Association in Toronto. When he returned to Western Australia, he became a stock inspector for the Department of Agriculture, based in Katanning, Narrogin and Norseman before working as a sales agronomist for various rural companies in WA and Queensland. When Curtin University pulled out of Muresk, Floyd became President of the Old Collegians and played a major advocacy role in saving the facility as a tertiary agribusiness institute. He is well known in agricultural business circles,
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and discovered quite a few fellow CBC Old Boys working in the field of agribusiness during the course of his working life, including Professor John Pluske (’81) who is Director of Animal Research Institute at Murdoch University; his brother Wayne (’84), a consultant on soil nutrition and fertiliser; agronomist and researcher, Dr Peter Newman (‘87), and Dr Steve Loss (’81) who is senior scientist and manager at Grain Research Development Coorporation. Floyd now works for a small innovative WA agribusiness company as a development manager, leading the world in rhizobia carriers for mediterranean climate and agriculture. He has three children and is a keen South Fremantle and Dockers supporter. His two younger brothers also attended CBC and his nephew Kye in Year 11 continues the Sullivan name at CBC Fremantle.
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Shaun Street (1989) When he graduated from CBC, Shaun Street took with him a healthy knowledge of classical and jazz guitar thanks to the tuition and mentoring of Greg Culver, Kim Anning and Uwe Stengel, and he had no idea that he would turn into one of Perth’s most sought-after professional musicians. Initially Shaun studied Occupational Therapy while playing bass in many bands and teaching music but in 1997 he followed his passion by commencing Jazz Education at WAAPA. Around this time he joined popular Perth band Murphy’s Lore and 21 years later he is still bassist and manager for this group and a few others to boot. He formed Street Artist Management and quit teaching altogether after a long stint at Trinity College. Shaun’s career is diverse and ranges from helping first timers appear on stage in Perth Open Mic, to performing in front of hundreds and thousands of people. More recently Shaun started Giglist.com.au, a project of passion which means he can now also call himself an entrepreneur.
Bevan Grant (2016) Bevan Grant took a gap year from his tertiary studies in 2018 to explore South America and learn more about the diverse continent. The intrepid geography student explored from the Amazon to the Andes, learning Spanish during his adventures, as well as picking up a couple of travel illnesses that landed him in hospital more than once. The lanky Old Boy was thrilled to score a stint volunteering at an 11th century archeological dig at Loma Rica de Shiquimil, south of Buenos Aires, where the team excavated arrow heads, necklace beads, plenty of ceramics and abundant amounts of coal and food remains. Bevan was fascinated by the signs of daily life in the extensive ancient community, which included some 200 stone enclosures divided by a roadway. During his travels, Bevan also hiked in Bolivia and Peru, taking in magnificent views of the Andes before returning home to continue his university studies with the wander-lust ready to be released again in the future. touchstone | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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Steffan Nero (2016) Less than three years after graduating from CBC, Steffan Nero (’16) has been racking up frequent flyer miles as he travels the globe, representing Australia on the sporting field. Steffan’s trips have taken him on adventures around the world, including India, Dubai and Malaysia, to compete alongside other vision impaired athletes. ‘Steffo’ to his mates, the 20-year-old was born with congenital nystagmus, a condition which causes involuntary rhythmic eye movements that make seeing a clear image difficult. Always an avid sportsman, he was forced to give up his first love of cricket as a youngster because of his deteriorating vision. After initial trepidation, Steffan has become a superstar in the world of blind sports, regularly representing his state and country in goalball, cricket and futsal. Alongside competitions, training camps and a demanding fitness regime, Steffan is also studying Above left: Steffan is vice-captain of the WA blind cricket team. Above right: Stefan in action playing goalball.
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a Law and Behavioural Science double degree at Notre Dame, with ambitions to pursue either corporate or criminal law. Reflecting on his time at the College, he said he is the man he is today because of his teachers at CBC. “They would always assist you in any way they could, and I think that’s definitely stuck with me over the last few years,” he said. “The lessons they taught us about what it means to be a gentleman, being respectful and compassionate, and the importance of hard work have all shaped who I am today.” Once reluctant to be in the limelight, Steffan has now accepted his position as a mentor in the world of vision impaired sport. This year he was selected as the vice-captain of WA’s first blind cricket team, despite being one of its youngest members, as well as taking up coaching responsibilities for the state’s youth goalball team. “CBC really helped me develop as a leader, and someone who’s a role model for other vision impaired kids,” he said.
CBC OBA dates 2019
INTRODUCING THE yOB EVENT of the year! young old boys class of 2015 to 2018 cocktail party at the moores building, Freo tuesday 13 august 6.30pm tickets available on the college website partners welcome
OVER 60S’ MORNING TEA THURSDAY 20 SEPTEMBER
CLASS OF 1999 REUNION friday 15 november
CLASS OF 2014 REUNION saturdaytouchstone 16 november | Vol 7 No 1 Winter 2019
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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
