Touchstone Winter 2021 by CBC Fremantle

Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

Liberating Education Freedom to build a better world

Acknowledgement of Country CBC Fremantle would like to respectfully acknowledge the past, present and emerging Traditional Custodians of the land that is home to our CBC community, the Wadjuk people. The Wadjuk people have nurtured and developed a spiritual connection to the land for more than 45,000 years and we recognise their continuing connection to land, water and culture. It is a privilege and honour to stand on Noongar country as we acknowledge this rich culture and the unique role it plays in the life of this region.

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Touchstone is a magazine for the CBC Fremantle community. Editor and designer Cherie Butcher Stories Keane Bourke and Cherie Butcher Photography Frances Adrijich, Keane Bourke, Cherie Butcher and the CBC community Proofreading Michelle Ainsworth, Domenic Burgio and Cherie Butcher To contact Touchstone, please email touchstone@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au.

PHOTO THIS PAGE Blessed Edmund Rice sculpture in the Cloisters with Mr Dodgson and his Rite Journey class. PHOTO COVER Lucas Contera, Noah Kenworthy and Kieren Nguyen by Frances Andrijich

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28 | PALMA

From the Principal MR DOMENIC BURGIO PRINCIPAL CBC Fremantle has its origins in the Oblate St Patrick’s school for boys built in 1882 and has had many iterations, over time waxing and waning in numbers and reputation. The late 1990s saw an existential moment where there was some doubt about the ongoing future of the College. Thankfully at that time a number of planets aligned, and the success of CBC Fremantle today is built on the shoulders of all the staff, parents and students who have given their best since the College’s inception. One of the most prescient decisions at that time was the building of the gymnasium. It is my

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understanding that the sale of the CBC Tuckfield Street Primary School campus was used to fund the gym. It was a gamble at the time, and could have resulted in a white elephant. The Tuckfield Street site had been purchased from the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions in order to establish a primary school that would feed the secondary site. This dream did not end up providing the student numbers that were anticipated and it was the view of the decision-makers at the time that, if CBC Fremantle was to have any chance of survival as a boys’ school, it needed a firstclass gym. Whether this version is apocryphal or totally accurate I will leave to those of you

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

who may have a greater first-hand experience of those times than me, but as they say in the classics, the rest is history. It is a source of frustration to me that many outsiders regard CBC Fremantle as primarily a strong pastoral school without the same emphasis on academics. This opinion both disturbs and slightly offends, me. I can’t imagine a single school where the Leadership Team deprioritises academics. It is, after all, the reason for our existence. ATAR scores primarily reflect a

– things like a co-educational student population, proximity and certain specialist programmes. However, I believe some of the reasons parents choose other schools are within our control, and we have taken the first step in addressing these impressions. A narrative often given for boys who do not come here are some of our facilities, therefore it is my pleasure to announce that we have Council approval for the building of a new Arts’ precinct. Together with another land acquisition

CBC Fremantle enrols all-comers, be they outstandingly gifted, like the more than 100 boys who have achieved an ATAR above 95 in the last 10 years, or have learning difficulties requiring the kind of support that we offer through Academic Care. school’s cohort, and can also be massaged. CBC enrols all-comers, be they outstandingly gifted, like the more than 100 boys who have achieved an ATAR above 95 in the last 10 years, or have learning difficulties requiring the kind of support that we provide through Academic Care. CBC does not offer academic scholarships and, even in my short Principalship, we have lost several outstanding students to elite Colleges who do. The reasons parents enrol their sons at CBC are explicit and I believe our families are amazing in their support and understanding of what we are attempting to do in partnership with them. The reasons for not being attracted to CBC Fremantle should be out of our control

we hope to complete at the end of the year, we will have consolidated a footprint that will hold the College in good stead for the future. The Arts’ facility will have a theatre, classrooms for visual arts, media and music and a green room for performers. Retractable seating for 200 will provide us with a professional place to meet with our parents and staff, as well as cater for lecture theatre style learning opportunities for the boys in senior school. In order to complete the required work on the more tired parts of our school, we have taken up tenancy in renovated premises at 223 High Street. Our Year 12 students will move in next >>

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term and there is already a buzz of excitement among all boys who recognise this latest initiative as a rite of passage, and are looking forward to the amenity and the challenge. Back on the main campus, the western side of the Cloisters will be re-developed.The dark and narrow stairs will be totally replaced with a new, modern glass stairwell and a lift. Together with some aesthetic touch ups, this will improve both the optics and amenity of our beautiful Cloisters. On the north-west corner of our campus on Ellen Street, the Marshall Building will be extended and the building completely reconfigured and fitted out. At ground level, the uniform shop will be moved and a sit-down enclosed cafe will become an extension of the Canteen. The old 1970s eyesore will become a modern and exciting learning facility that, alongside our beautiful old Federation buildings, will provide a proud streetscape. As stated, CBC Fremantle is currently enjoying excellent enrolment trends and has healthy

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assets, and these plans will not come with exorbitant fee increases. CBC Fremantle is committed to remaining an affordable five stream boys’ school with a rite of passage context, working in partnership with our parents to help form the best possible young man. Buildings alone, without human and social capital, without deep relationships and without excellent, reflective staff, will not cut the mustard, and the quintessential CBC Fremantle spirit, culture and community will continue to be the secret ingredient that binds everything together. With the new and refurbished buildings scheduled over the next three to four years, we have not forgotten the other important things. The Honour Boards that once hung proudly in the old hall and were removed when it became Blessed Edmund Chapel, will be restored and updated so that they will be on display in the foyer of our new lecture theatre, highlighting that our heritage and tradition is at the backbone of any of our endeavours.

FROM THE PRINCIPAL Pictured are architect’s impressions of the campus from above, with the Arts’ precinct at the top right; Marshall Building on Ellen Street; and the Arts’ precinct from High Street.

Which brings me to this. The original school building experienced an interior restoration about eight years ago to provide us with our beautiful sacred space and it is now the turn of the exterior to be addressed. Over the past couple of years, the Alumni Association committee, under the leadership of President Terry Iannello, has been working with a heritage builder to determine the work scope and costs of such an undertaking. I thank Terry Iannello and his committee for their support with this project, which we intend to commence toward the end of the year and complete in six months. What I am asking for now is that should you feel, as an Old Boy, or a current family, that you would like to contribute to this noble cause, we would gratefully accept donations towards the restoration costs. CBC Fremantle does not rely on its past students for fundraising as many other schools do, and I guess that is a two-way street. Giving is an emotional investment that leaves a lasting legacy – an example of the Greek proverb that suggests we grow great when we plant trees in whose shade we shall never sit. What we have tried to do in the past decade or so is

provide authentic opportunities for our alumni to be engaged with their College and each other so they can celebrate their achievements and be reminded of their youthful ambitions and adventures. Events like the annual awards, anniversary reunions and incredibly wellattended Over 60s’ Morning Tea are designed to keep the fabric of our community strong, provide support, reignite friendships and acknowledge the incredible contribution of our Old Boys to the world. The original school, in which every single CBC student has trod the old wandoo floors, is the heart and soul of our campus, and with your support will stand like a beacon of everything that has always been good about this place that we love. I hope the response is commensurate with that affection and the next time I write to you will be to extoll the beauty that currently hides behind that render. Thank you in anticipation for your generosity – there is more information on how to donate on page 31 and please, as always, you are welcome to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions. touchstone Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

Mr Binet with students in the Library.

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FEATURE ARTICLE

Liberating Education Freedom to build a better world

More than two centuries ago, urged on by a deep sense of social justice, a successful businessman-turned-educator named Edmund Rice drew up a daring curriculum for his new school that would provide an education to liberate the young men of his town from the oppression of poverty. Centuries later, Edmund Rice schools around the globe still seek to provide liberating education to their young people, and while this may look vastly different to the brilliant scheme of the founder of the Christian Brothers, the mission remains as relevant as ever in our 21st century.

When you have a child at school, you naturally want them to achieve academic success, to be socially satisfied and, above all, be happy. When you have a child at school, you naturally want them to achieve academic success, to be socially satisfied and, above all, be happy. However, at times it can seem that the fast pace and study load of high school education is designed to squeeze the joy out of learning, with assessments, daily homework schedules, and what may feel like an overload of information with little relevance to the real world. >>

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Ms Francis with Year 9 Art students.

So how do we get our children to engage in and enjoy the learning process, and come out the other end of their years of schooling prepared to live meaningful and purposeful lives? At CBC Fremantle, the Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) Touchstone of Liberating Education addresses this perpetual challenge, highlighting the College’s commitment to offer teaching and learning experiences that seek to develop students into young men capable of building a better world. A Liberating Education provides skills that allow students to distinguish between what is true and what is false. It is as much about character and citizenship as about careers and commerce. It aspires to teach our developing boys to be cultured global citizens with the capacity to understand the choices that await them throughout their adult life as employees, employers, parents, partners, consumers, leaders, voters and arbiters of

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ethical decisions. It aims to assist tomorrow’s gentlemen to comprehend the past and build a future civilisation that is concerned with human dignity and the preciousness of our environment; where humane ethics transcend technology and democratic ideals overcome exclusivity and exploitation. These values inform the entire curriculum and draw on different analytical perspectives – history, ecology, science, art, technology, mathematics and faith. At a speech in New York in 2002, Christian Brothers Congregation Leader Br Philip Pinto captured the essence of Liberating Education at an Edmund Rice school when he said: “Our schools exist to challenge popular beliefs and dominant cultural values, to ask the difficult questions, to look at life from the standpoint of the minority, the victim, the outcast and the stranger.”

FEATURE ARTICLE

RULES OF FREEDOM A Liberating Education promotes a curious and questioning culture that extends beyond the classroom and aims to develop lifelong learners who think critically and challenge assumptions. It functions differently to a ‘transmission’ style of learning, also known as the banking concept of education – where students absorb and store the information relayed to them by the teacher. A prevalence of transmission methods in the classroom is said to prevent students from having creative freedom, and can result in a ‘cookie cutter’ education with a one-size-fits-all approach. According to the Brazilian educator and philosopher Paulo Friere, “Liberating Education consists in acts of cognition, not transferrals of information .... Problem-posing education, breaking the vertical patterns characteristic of banking education, can fulfil its function of being the practice of freedom. Through dialogue,

the teacher-of-the-students and the students of the teacher cease to exist ... the teacher is no longer merely the-one-who-teaches, but one who is self-taught in dialogue with the students, who in their turn while being taught also teach. They become jointly responsible for a process in which all grow.” The challenge for contemporary teachers is to meet authorised curriculum benchmarks while still providing space to build relationships, prioritise a positive emotional climate and engage students to be responsible and interested learners. As cited in the EREA 2020 Liberating Education Research Project Report, in a single Australian classroom students’ level of learning achievement can be spread over five to eight year levels, leaving teachers with the complex task of adjusting their pedagogies and assessments to the needs of the students. There is also evidence to suggest that student >>

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engagement is reduced if learning opportunities are narrow and traditional. At CBC, Deputy Principal of Teaching and Learning, Mr Scott McDonnell, along with the College Academic Board, support an academic behaviours programme that develops strong study strategies for students that results in an increase in learning confidence. With this strong foundation of effective techniques,

on individual interests and passions. CBC teachers offer workshops on creative thinking and resilience on the path to success, but marks are notably absent during the five-week project. Rather, the groups are mentored by education students from Notre Dame University as ‘guides on the side’, and the final outcome is evaluated by the community, including the students’ families. A presentation to parents, staff and other interested students allows a celebration

The students’ effective exercise of freedom in their learning calls for qualities such as honesty, self-discipline, courage, determination and responsibility. students feel encouraged to go out of their comfort zone in the classroom, asking questions, seeking feedback and tackling challenging topics. The Academic Board then further developed a learning programme that is unrolled from Year 8, commencing with an inquiry-based project in collaboration with Notre Dame University. The students are invited to research and present a solution to a real-world problem of their own choice, with groups gravitating together depending

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of achievement in which the boys’ engagement in their accomplishments can be visibly gauged as the young men unveil their projects. Such a programme must be intentionally designed. The students’ effective exercise of freedom in their learning calls for qualities such as honesty, self-discipline, courage, determination and responsibility. The freedom is not unprincipled and without regard for the >>

FEATURE ARTICLE

Mrs Richmond with Kabir Bajwa.

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consequences. There are ‘commitments’ rather than ‘rules’ . In this, the notion of responsibility is central – both to oneself and to others. There are two sides to responsibility. Firstly, behaving responsibly is when you are acting with regard for the consequences of your actions – whether they affect you or others. Secondly, you have responsibility for something if you are in charge of and make decisions that affect it, which therefore relates to the freedom of choice. The first influences the second, calling for awareness of social responsibility, which is a key factor that distinguishes freedom from unconstraint. Socially responsible behaviour develops awareness of other people’s needs and feelings, and calls for these rights to be equitable with our own. Decision-making then takes this into account, resulting in the celebration and acceptance of a diverse range of talents. It promotes mutual respect and tolerance for all ways of life and thought, and may require that we be prepared to see people make choices that we disagree with. EMBRACING GROWTH A significant part of the learning experience in the Year 8 inquiry-based project is coming to know first-hand the power of resilience. Making a mistake, hitting a wall and being unable to come up with a solution are all a part of the journey, and compassion and imagination become an intrinsic part of the process of recovering from the set-back. Students rally together to commiserate as they scrap their approach and go back to the drawing board. They become fully engaged in listening,

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comprehending and analysing, drawing on higher thinking skills of logic, reasoning, problem-solving, examining patterns and forecasting direction. Their creative thinking is sharpened, their communication skills increase and they rise to the challenge. Further inquiry-based and creative thinking approaches are explored in a subsequent Year 9 programme, in which boys collaborate with students from Iona Presentation College. The ability to communicate in an academic capacity with their peers from CBC’s sister school provides an added dimension to the boys’ learning, with all students being able to benefit from the diverse approaches general to their gender. The projects are defined by real-life situations provided by alumni from both Colleges, and so the students’ learning is exposed to relevant professional critique that elevates both their endeavour and understanding . Following on from their Year 8 experience, the Year 9 project is subject to a more widespread community exposure on a custom website, which further highlights the use of technology and digital platforms in the collaborative process. Building on this with a global focus in Year 10 aligns with the boys’ growing awareness of their future aspirations and goals, and stands them in good stead for responsible study as they transition into their senior College years. Edmund Rice Education Beyond Borders provides a gateway for the maturing students to be able to communicate with their peers around the world, examine how other nations and communities are addressing issues and

FEATURE ARTICLE

Year 8 Inquiry-Based evening.

deepen their understandings of cultural diversity as they explore common concerns including climate change, pollution, resource consumption, education and healthcare. It is not a method of learning that comes naturally to everybody. Some students are overwhelmed with the freedom of choice, and elect to take a back seat in the team. Part of the peer-assessment procedure at the end of the Year 8 project is to reflect on the engagement within the group and provides opportunities for honest evaluation, which can result in deeper self-awareness. In a student’s own personal journey, with support to fully exploit this selfdiscovery in the following years, it can be pure gold and authentically add to his own character development as a servant leader. Taking responsibility for their own learning journey is also part of the impetus for a

restructure of the elective programme in Years 7 and 8 at CBC, with future plans to incorporate a far broader and diverse choice of topics due to be adopted in 2022. Breaking out of the ‘cookie cutter’ education, new electives will provide a far more inclusive approach to appeal to students with more diverse interests, and develop a deeper accountability for their study choices that will continue through to their senior years. In his 2002 speech, Br Pinto went on to share his vision of the future, reflecting the teachings of Jesus and what could be seen as the profits of a Liberating Education: “We show wisdom by trusting people; we handle leadership by serving, we tackle offenders by forgiving, we deal with money by sharing, we relate to strangers and enemies by loving, we handle violence by suffering, we live life by choosing. And we repent for any sins of the past not by feeling bad, but by thinking differently.”

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Year 12 centre launches CBC building plan In the first step to renovate and improve sections of the CBC Fremantle campus and continue on the quest to provide excellence in education, an exciting new Year 12 centre was opened at the end of the second term of 2021. The bright and modern facility across the road from the main campus on High Street contains classrooms and learning spaces for the senior students, plus a large meeting room for the community. Year 12 boys will still spend time with their Mentor buddies on the main campus in the morning but the majority of their instruction will take place in the refurbished facility. The interior of the building, which has been vacant for a few years, was designed to the College’s specific requirements, bringing another dimension to the rites of passage of the senior students as they reach the final stage of their CBC journey and step into adulthood.

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The leasing of the property frees up some classrooms on campus, which will be pivotal in the next step of the strategic plan for the College. The proposal outlines building a new Arts precinct a few steps away from the College, and the future refurbishment of the Marshall Wing on Ellen Street, plus the building that houses the Library and Year 7 classrooms. CBC Principal, Mr Domenic Burgio, assures that there will not be any extra increase in building levies or fees to pay for the extensive upgrade. “I’ve always said you can’t have a relationship with a building – that our people are our greatest asset – but our parents have told us they think some of our buildings are a little tired, and we have heard them.

COLLEGE NEWS

The refurbished building on High Street; Year 12 students in the foyer of their new facility; one of the light and bright classrooms.

“We are in a sound financial position to undertake these exciting plans and the first step was to prepare the Year 12 centre and move them into their new space. “The next three stages – the Arts centre with a great performance space and an auditorium with seating for 200 plus people and the refurb of the Marshall Wing and the ‘white building’ – will take place over the next three years.” With three heritage listed buildings on site, the new aesthetics of the College will blend the old with the new and pay tribute to the legacy of Blessed Edmund Rice, whose vision of a liberating education was courageous and enduring. touchstone Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

Outstanding award for CBC Drama CBC Fremantle’s dramatic rendition of the Roald Dahl classic, The Witches, received rave reviews after a sold-old weekend of performances in first term. After months of dedication to the production, the story of a boy and his grandfather battling to defeat the grand high witch and her followers was brought to life with incredible costumes, makeup and set design captivating the audience from start to finish. But it was the cast and crew who shone, with perfect timing for lighting and special effects complementing the bold acting of the thespians on stage. The actors appeared completely immersed in the experience, keeping in character with gestures and movement, and providing some moments of genuine hilarity with slapstick comedy and excellent timing. In addition, in preparation for their role, seven gentlemen joined Drama teacher Ms Rosalba Jeffreys in facing the clippers and shaving their heads prior to the production. The reveal of bare heads under witches’ wigs during the play sealed their complete commitment to their craft, and reflected the attention to detail given to the characters.

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The group’s decision to lose their locks also raised funds for The World’s Greatest Shave in honour of Ms Jeffreys’ husband of 50 years, Robert, who lost his battle with Leukaemia on Christmas Eve in 2019. Ms Jeffreys was called on at the last minute to step into the main character’s role after Harrison Ricci (Year 10) fell ill and was hospitalised just days before opening night. The experienced stage actor occasionally referred to the script in her hand, which was barely noticeable as she scampered around the set as ‘the boy’ complete with large mouse ears and tail. Directed by CBC Drama teacher, Mr Kim Delury, the delightful production was unanimously approved by the Catholic Arts judges, who gave a huge thumbs up with an Outstanding Award in the full-length category and paying particular tribute to the excellent teamwork, focus and energy of every person involved. The incredible performance was a credit to the commitment of the students involved and an entertaining example of the quest for personal excellence on the CBC journey.

COLLEGE NEWS

Photos clockwise from top left: Ms Jeffreys and Mr Delury at rehearsals; Ayden Blair as Witch Beatrice; Charlie Cronin, Cian Bushe-Jones, Jacob Carrello, Jye Mingay, Jackson Mithen, Ayden Blair and Charlie Del Casale; Harrison Ricci and James Rock; Luke Farinola and Luka Bleus; Cooper McManus as Mrs Jenkins; Jake Walsh as Bruno.

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Ms Booth, Alexander Chapman, Caleb Tandy, Mr Sellings and Ms Boyhan.

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COLLEGE NEWS

Think locally, act globally As stewards of the Earth, the CBC Ecology group has formalised its commitment to conserving the planet’s limited resources with several fantastic initiatives, including a native plant garden and recycling bins. The boys have embraced the opportunity to make their mark and audited the College’s waste in order to engage the best possible recycling practise for the campus population. Towards the end of 2020 the group prepared a native plant garden in a corner of the campus with a view to creating a place of beauty and education. Headed by Ms Rosemarie Boyhan, a trained horticulturalist, and Mr Chris Sellings, a passionate environmentalist, the students planned, dug and planted the thriving plot outside the Uniform Shop which is already attracting the attention of bees and birds. The ecology activist’s catchcry, ‘think locally, act globally’ has been well and truly in evidence as the group has also been advocating for urban composting and alternative transport to school, as well as engaging in coastal conservation in their own backyard. The boys’ understanding of the impact of environmental strategies prompted Mr Sellings to facilitate a Zoom link-up with Edmund Rice schools around the world and the students were able to discuss ecological issues on a global scale with their peers from many different cultures. CBC’s ecology warriors continue on their mission to make the world a better place, with plans to build nesting boxes for birds, tighten the College’s recycling processes and assist local environmental groups.

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Conversations about Reconciliation CBC Fremantle marked National Reconciliation Week with a series of events that called the community to action under this year’s theme: ‘More than a word.’ To start the important week the College gathered in the Cloisters on Sorry Day for a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony led by Elders Betty and Gary Garlett. With students gathered around on the balconies, the moving rite was a powerful way of connecting to country and provided an opportunity for the young men to reflect on the enduring bond the Whadjuk people share with the Walyalup (Fremantle) area. Other activities during the week sought to continue conversations about reconciliation and the practical ways students can work towards it every day. Noongar storyteller Troy Bennell continued these conversations with a lunchtime digeridoo performance in the Cloisters, before chatting to boys about what reconciliation means to him. He was joined by former Fremantle Dockers Troy Cook and Brady Grey, who facilitated similar conversations over a game of ‘king of the pack’. The week concluded with an early-morning Solidarity Walk through Fremantle led by Aboriginal and Torees Strait Islander students holding a banner on which was written messages of support.

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“We all have a part to play when it comes to reconciliation,” CBC’s Indigenous Reconciliation Coordinator, Ms Sharon Hookway, said. “I really hope that after this week the gentlemen of CBC feel confident to take action and support reconciliation by doing more than just saying ‘I’m sorry’. “They can do this in any number of ways, ranging from calling out casual racism, to taking an interest in our ever-growing garden of native plants at the front of the College.” CBC Fremantle recognises the important role educators have to play in developing a shared understanding and commitment to work for a more just Australia for all. While the Edmund Rice Education Australia Touchstones, guide the College’s work every day, the Touchstone of Liberating Education takes on particular significance. In this context, it calls the entire College community to work towards providing opportunities that enable students to ask difficult questions, reflect critically and confront injustice.

COLLEGE NEWS

All photos: National Reconciliation Week celebrations at the College.

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This page photos clockwise from top left Finn Newcombe, Braydon Pounder, Rorie Butt and Clancy Hay at the College Ball; James Nelson dancing with his partner; Griffin Williams on the dance floor; Mr Silveira singing with Year 12 students; Willem Di Prinzio and his guest at the Ball; Sebastian Vogler and his guest arriving at the Ball. Next page: Mr Burgio welcomes Bryce Dundas with a 2021 greeting.

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COLLEGE NEWS

A night to remember on the journey Amidst all the glitz and glam of the CBC Fremantle College Ball, there was an opportunity for tomorrow’s gentlemen to celebrate a very special milestone. The elegant event is more that just an opportunity to get dressed up; it is also an important rite of passage for Year 12 students as they begin to prepare for life after CBC as an adult.

dancing. With Ms Keely Laing and Ms Emily Bowran prompting them, the couples showed off the moves they had been perfecting at lessons in the gym as they danced the cha cha, square rumba, and the very tricky jive.

Held in the iconic Fremantle Esplanade Hotel Sirius Room, the Gatsby-themed tables, sweeping ceiling lighting and one of Western Australia’s largest ballroom dancefloors was a fitting tribute to the occasion.

While also a lot of fun, the ballroom dancing lessons develop skills that will last a lifetime for the young men and women.

College Captain Dylan McHugh set the right message for the evening with his welcome address to his friends and their special guests. “Tonight earmarks a significant rite of passage where we gather as one, celebrating with adult behaviours like maturity and respect. It’s a night that we can enjoy with each other as a whole year group for one of the last times before we graduate. Cherish it,” he said. A buffet dinner was served during the evening – always a favourite with the young men – and was followed by the CBC tradition of formal

After dessert and a final dancing bracket, the young men and women partied the night away as the DJ played their favourite tunes, taking breaks and resting their feet in between while reminiscing about their now years-long friendships. The evening celebrates the attributes of the CBC gentleman, but particularly gives students an opportunity to demonstrate positive relationships with women and their peers. It is hoped the evening will live on in the young men and women’s memories for decades to come, and provide a fitting tribute to their final years at CBC.

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STAFF

Retirement beckons for CBC legend On the final day of Term 1, CBC Fremantle gathered to provide a very special send-off to a stalwart of the College. Ms Trevanna Cooper began working at CBC Fremantle more than 40 years ago and has well and truly made her mark since. Over the decades that have passed, Ms Cooper has earned a reputation as a living legend, known for her tough love approach that has helped develop thousands of students into CBC gentlemen. Under her watch, the College Library has become a space for all students to flourish, in no small part thanks to Ms Cooper’s dedication to helping students pursue whatever they are passionate about. In her effort to constantly develop new skills and facilitate the changing needs and interests of the generations of boys she has mentored, it was not unusual to find the innovative teacher-librarian tinkering at her desk or furiously taking notes while trying to work out a new technology to help a student. After leading a major redevelopment of the College’s Library in 2008 in preparation for the the inaugural intake of Year 7 students, Ms Cooper has continued to foster a space that feels more like a community hub, complete with a café, radio studio and green screen.

Ms Cooper will be remembered by many as the backbone behind the life-changing Kairos Retreat for senior students – one of many lasting and profound impacts from her role as a key facilitator of Liturgies and Retreats. Throughout that time, Ms Cooper has continued to model strong faith and deep love that has connected students to their life mission in meaningful and authentic ways. In 2019, Ms Cooper’s work was officially recognised by Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA) as part of their Touchstone awards by being presented with the Gospel Spirituality Award, honouring the effect she has on everyone she meets. Ms Cooper’s final day at the College began with a standing ovation at the College’s Easter Liturgy, before the passionate foodie spent some time baking with her Mentor Group. The special day concluded with a celebration in the Staffroom, where former and current colleagues and family gathered to reflect on her massive achievements over the last 40 years. Now enjoying a very well-earned retirement, Ms Cooper’s legacy lives on at the College in countless ways, including through ‘Trevanna’s Tree’ outside the Chapel, where members of the community are encouraged to tie ribbons when they are in need of people’s prayers.

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Alumni Association

palma From the President MR TERRY IANNELLO OAM PRESIDENT ALUMNI ASSOCIATION It was will great sadness that we bid a final farewell to our fellow committee member and CBC brother John ‘Polly’ Parker in November, 2020. Polly was a stalwart supporter of the Alumni Association and devoted many years of service to the Old Boys of CBC. His friendship, commitment and good humour have been sadly missed at our meetings. He would be so pleased to know that the College has named a sport award after him, and I know it will give all of us on the committee a bit of a thrill when it is presented at the annual Awards Evening. It has been a tumultuous 12 months for everyone. However, we continue to gather as a community when we can and in November we held the highly-anticipated All Ages Reunion and Alumni Awards. This year, with the uncertainty of social restrictions, we combined all of our decade

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PALMA

reunions into the one event, and it does look like we will have to continue with that contingency for 2021 as well. The event was, as always, a lot of fun and such a wonderful example of the broad cross-section of our graduates. As I say, it is not very often that a 20 year old spends quality time having a chat with an octogenarian except at a family event – and that’s exactly what the All Ages Reunion feels like. We celebrated the incredible achievements of alumni John Nolan (‘76) and Dr Jamie Beros (‘08), and this year the inaugural staff award was presented to Ms Trevanna Cooper. You can read more about the awards on pages 34 and 35. The Year 13 Breakfast was also delayed just for a few weeks and it was a pleasure to welcome the Class of 2020 back to the College as Old Boys. Every year we acknowledge the student with the highest ATAR in his cohort, and this year I met with Ben Leavy (’20) and presented him with a small token of his hard work in attaining 99.4. Well done, Ben.

the exterior of the beautiful old hall that has been part of CBC even before the arrival of the Christian Brothers in 1901. In 2013 the College renovated the hall internally with some external work performed on the entrance portico, and Blessed Edmund Chapel is a stunning addition to the campus. We would like to continue the upgrade to the exterior of the whole building, and with this in mind have engaged engineers to commence an examination so we can ascertain what will be required for us to achieve this. With the College’s planned building upgrades that are outlined on pages 14 and 15, the Alumni Association committee believes the restored old hall will provide a wonderful reflection of the heritage and history of CBC Fremantle combined with the new facilities. It will be a lasting legacy from the Old Boys. The Alumni Association committee is seeking your assistance to raise funds for the project. Financial donations to the building campaign are tax deductable and any amount, large or small, will all help. We are all in this together, and the restoration will be our gift to our community.

Every year your Alumni Association pays the College tuition fees for a student in need and this decision is at the discretion of the Principal. The young man who benefits from the James McGowan Bursary remains unknown to us but we do hear that he is making the most of the opportunities presented to him.

Traditionally, CBC alumni have been reluctant fundraisers. It’s just not in our culture to ask for money, but it has the powerful ability to bring together a community and to unite in a common goal. We hope you will join us with our dream and celebrate when we achieve. You can read more about how you can help on page 31.

This year we are looking at another project for the alumni and that is the renovation of

If you have any enquiries or suggestions about the project, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Be part of our

living history Your Alumni Association invites you to help us to restore our old hall to reflect the beautiful interior of Blessed Edmund Chapel. All financial donations to the Building Campaign are tax deductible and will be used to upgrade the exterior facade and foundations. If these walls could talk! Built in 1882 out of local limestone, the original school building has been used by generations of the CBC community. Plans to address structural and aesthetic issues will bring the heritagelisted icon back to its original vision and grace the campus with a wonderful example of Fremantle pre-Federation architecture. You can help! Every gift will be vital to the campaign and will result in a lasting legacy for our community – a sacred space for the ceremonies and blessings for both current and past students. We welcome all donations – big or small. For those donating $1,000 or more towards the project, we will extend our appreciation with their name on a special plaque that will forever be a part of the College. For more information and to donate, visit the Alumni page on the College website, or please contact CBC Finance department to arrange other forms of payment. The beautiful Blessed Edmund Rice Chapel belongs to our community and you are welcome to book the Chapel for weddings, baptisms, funerals or other services. Contact events@cbcfremantle.wa.edu.au.

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Clockwise from top left: Joseph Ranallo (‘86) with Frank La Macchia (‘86) foreground at the All Ages Reunion; Noelene Cooney with Trevanna Cooper; John Nolan (‘76) and Jamie Beros (‘08); James O’Neill (‘06) at the Reunion; Matt Tinley (‘86) and Brett Vinci (‘86).

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Celebrating our Alumni The annual All Ages Reunion and Alumni Awards was a highlight on the calendar for many of CBC’s former students and staff, who relished the opportunity to relive the good old days at their old stomping ground.

After COVID-19 restrictions resulted in postponing all reunion events until November, more than 150 Alumni young and old gathered in the College Cloisters to celebrate a combined reunion and honour two exceptional Old Boys. Guests at this year’s event spanned more than seven decades of CBC history, stretching from the Classes of 1949 to the Class of 2020, but all connected by the shared experiences of attending one of the oldest schools in WA. Former and current teachers were wellrepresented at the event too, and were delighted to catch up with the adventures their past pupils have had since graduating. The Old Boys also had the opportunity to tour the College campus and to feel the rush of memories flooding back as they returned to the rooms they once sat in every day. The evening also celebrated the achievements of two outstanding young men and a brilliant teacher, who capture exactly what it means to be part of the CBC community. John Nolan (‘76) was awarded the Brother Patrick Kelly Leadership Award in recognition

for his decades of service to both the public and private sector, as well as his contributions to a range of community organisations. Dr Jamie Beros (‘08) was presented with the Rising Star Award, in honour of his groundbreaking research into brain development and the therapeutic applications of novel methods to treat neurological disorders and brain injury. Ms Trevanna Cooper was presented with the inaugural Make a Difference Staff Award in recognition of her decades of service to the CBC community and the profound impact she has on everyone she meets. The guests made the most of the evening, lingering under the stars as the event came to a close and enjoying the reminisces and reconnections surrounded by the buildings they once knew so well. Ordinarily, the College holds the All Ages Reunion and Alumni Recognition Awards, as well as five, 10 and 20 year reunions each year. Visit the College website in the Alumni section to find out about upcoming events, or follow us on Facebook at @CBCFremantleAlumni. touchstone Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

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Clockwise from top left: Br Kelly; Br Kelly aged 14; Br Kelly’s funeral.

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Vale Br Tony Kelly An inspirational educator with a passion for music and sport, Brother James Joseph (Tony) Kelly passed away on 12 June 2020 at the age of 99.

Born in Sydney in 1920, the former CBC Headmaster was one of seven children of Irish immigrant James Kelly and first generation Irish-Australian Rose Lynch, and his happy childhood was full of his two loves, singing and cricket. He attended the local parish primary school run by the Sisters of Mercy and in 1931 took the first step towards his future vocation when he was awarded a choir scholarship to attend the Christian Brothers’ school, St Mary’s Cathedral College.

of religious training when he was given the name of Antoninus. He then taught in Launceston, before returning to the mainland to instruct at Christian Brothers’ schools in Middle Park and Parade College in Melbourne. During this time the hardworking young Brother studied part time for a Bachelor of Arts degree, focussing on Latin, Australian History, Chemistry and Applied and Pure Mathematics. In 1954, Br Kelly travelled west to take up the position as Headmaster of CBC Fremantle where he stayed for five years before being appointed to CBC Perth on St George’s Terrace in 1960.

Br Kelly knew God had other plans for him...

Br Kelly was a dedicated scholar and at the age of 14 he entered the Brothers’ Training College in Strathfield where he graduated with distinction in English, Latin, Maths 1 and 2, Physics and Chemistry. Perhaps he could very well have become a doctor or another lay profession, but Br Kelly knew God had other plans for him. After his Leaving Certificate, he completed two years

Founded in 1894, the physical limitations of the beautiful old Federation style school on the corner of the Terrace and Victoria Avenue >> touchstone Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

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was becoming apparent when Br Kelly arrived, and in 1959 Perth City Council purchased the land to make way for an international hotel and widening of the street pending the 1962 Commonwealth Games. Br Kelly astutely negotiated a far more salubrious location adjacent to the WACA, and in 1962 the canny administrator moved his team and students to the extensive new buildings on the 15-acre riverside site that became Trinity College, the lasting legacy of a man for others. Br Kelly’s mission then took him to Rostrevor College in South Australia and two years later he returned to Perth when he was appointed a member of the Brother’s governing body of the newly formed WA Province. In the early years of the Council, he was involved in setting up Nulungu College for Indigenous students in Broome, and was also the Education Department’s Mathematics Moderator, travelling throughout the state to promote the new examination system and the Year 10 Achievement Certificate. In recognition of his service, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia for his commitment to education. In 1978 Br Kelly returned to Trinity College, where he completed another six years as Headmaster. During this period, he initiated an extensive strategic plan which included building the PL Duffy Library and an administration centre with rooms for the performing arts, as well as installing a pipe organ in the chapel and purchasing land in Dwellingup for an outdoor

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education centre. But for all these visionary additions, the lifelong lover of music was most proud of the establishment of Trinity’s Pipes and Drums band. Retirement beckoned Br Kelly, but God had not finished with his faithful servant yet. In 1980 fellow Christian Brother and Principal of Aranmore Catholic College in Leederville, Br Kevin Paull, was left without a Maths teacher due to a swift resignation, and asked Br Kelly if he could help out for a short period of time. Co-ed was a new endeavour for the experienced educator but it must have agreed with him because 14 years later, Br Kelly finally resigned from Aranmore and entered into a productive retirement. Br Kelly was much loved at the schools in which he taught, and his passing prompted an outpouring of devotion and respect towards the man whose joy in his profession and service to God remained tangible to the end. At the final celebration of his life, his friend and colleague Br Paull quoted from Br Kelly’s own writing about his time as a Christian Brother: ‘After my long span of time as a Christian Brother I’m full of gratitude to God for the blessings He has given me along the way. I have much to be thankful for too: the friendliness, help, inspiration and guidance I have received from my religious Brothers over the past 80 years.’ Farewell, Br Tony Kelly, and thank you.

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Above: CBC Perth on St George’s Terrace. Right: Br Kelly in his youth.

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Farewell to a true gentleman A talented sportsman in his day, 89 year old John (Polly) Parker (’48) passed away peacefully on 5 November 2020 after struggling with ill health for several months. A true gentleman, Polly graduated from CBC Fremantle in 1948 with a score of track and field records to his name. He remained a lover of the sport, being involved with the local athletics club throughout his life. In fact, the fleet-footed superstar of the broad jump met the love of his life on the field and seven years later the young couple were finally wed in St Luke’s Church in Mosman Park.

at Curtin University as a purchasing officer. He retired in 1996 and spent his leisure years enjoying his grandchildren, watching the AFL, keeping in touch with his old classmates and being a long-time member of the Alumni Association committee. He continued to be a competitive sportsman while he was still active, and was a member of the East Fremantle Bowling Club for many years.

Shirley and Polly went on to have four children, Alan (deceased), Jennifer, Rodney (deceased) and Karen (deceased), and were the proud grandparents of five grandchildren, including Keenan (’13) who followed in his grandad’s footsteps as a CBC boy.

It says much for the gentle and giving nature of Polly that he transferred his allegiance from the Fremantle Dockers to West Coast in order to maintain domestic bliss as Shirley was a keen supporter of the Eagles.

After completing his schooling, Polly gained an apprenticeship in carpentry and ran his own business before working in the oil refinery business for several years. He then went back to carpentry, doing odd jobs and maintenance work for a while before finding deep joy working

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As his health deteriorated, Polly retired from the Alumni Association committee and was thrilled to be presented with a watch by his peers just days before his passing. His pride in his old College and the love he had for his family was always evident, and the sparkle in his eye and happy smile will never be forgotten.

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Above: John Parker with William Sheehy (‘50) at CBC in 2016. Below: The CBC Old Boys Cricket team in 1955 with Polly seated second from left in the front row.

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What are they up to now?

Adam Hall (Class of 1997) After graduating from CBC, Adam studied at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston before returning to Perth to complete his degree at WAAPA. In 2003 he started a band that toured with American saxophonist Big Jay McNeely, vocalist Betty Harris and Blues musician Syl Johnson. On his very first tour to Europe, Adam’s talent was recognised by a small record label and he released a rhythm and blues album with a collection of Big Jay McNeely alumni. From there, he went on to record seven albums, touring Europe every year, and was booked to play at the famous New Orleans Jazz Festival before the pandemic interrupted his plans.

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However, being stuck in WA has meant local music lovers have more opportunities to catch Adam’s world-class act, and the Rottnest Island Jazz Festival is keen to include him in the line-up in July. Musica Viva Australia was also fortunate to have Adam at home as one of the only touring bands from WA holding workshops and masterclasses for students. Adam’s passion and talent for music has provided him with incredible opportunities and memories, and he thanks his mentors and CBC Music teachers, Uwe Stengel and Rex Innes-Mills, for helping him achieve what he didn’t even think was possible.

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Gino Auriemma (Class of 1990) After graduating in 1990, Gino Auriemma completed a degree in Applied Sciences followed by working for several years in the construction industry in the southwest. The chance to move back to Fremantle to be closer to family was irresistible and Gino commenced at Boral Concrete while he continued his learning journey by studying for a Diploma in Building and Construction. Over the next 10 years he worked, studied and raised a family with his wife Dilaila, remaining focussed on his goals despite the challenges. Perseverance paid off and in 2013 he won the TAFE Award in the category of Vocational Student, scooping the WA Training Awards and representing WA at the National competition in Adelaide the following year. Now with his own building company, Castello Homes, Gino is a proud family man with a son in Year 11 at CBC and another commencing his journey in 2022. He has fond memories of his old school, including convincing Mr John Hortense to bring Soccer back and in 1990 he captained the first team to enter the schoolboys’ competition in several years. Gino’s passion for the sport remains and he plays in the veterans’ league for Spearwood Dalmatinac. A long-lasting love of music was also ignited at CBC. Music lessons with Mr Uwe Stengel in the basement of the old hall resulted in Gino playing guitar and saxophone with church bands for more than 30 years. A true CBC gentleman, Gino is happy and content with his life and future plans include making it better every day.

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Making music for everyone It’s been a whirlwind four years since Jack Meakins (’17) walked out of his final class at CBC, but the performer, advocater and disability support worker hopes his biggest impact is still ahead of him.

Earlier this year Jack’s band, Alter Boy, was named alongside a star-studded line up of nominees for WA’s Best Pop Act. It also placed the group shoulder-to-shoulder with acts like last year’s Triple J Hottest 100 runners up, Spacey Jane, Fremantle indie pop favourites, San Cisco, and singer-songwriter, Stella Donnelly. “Alter Boy is weird, it’s too weird not to pay attention,” Jack said. With three of the band’s members hearing impaired, making music accessible to all is a big focus. Jack performs the band’s songs in Auslan (Australian Sign Language), bringing them to life for Deaf or Hard of Hearing fans. “I try to notice the attitude of the song and let that inform the translation as much as possible,” he said. “It might be sexy, holy, angry or a party, and the translation needs to show that.”

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The group’s queerlectro-pop style is already making waves in the Australian music scene, with Alter Boy receiving a hotly-contested grant to produce an accessible music video from Triple J last year. Reflecting on the band’s meteoric rise, which has included rave-review performances at the Nannup and Fairbridge festivals, as well as at the WAM Awards, Jack says his highlight has been the impact the group has already had . “I think it’s people like us, who see us on stage doing our Deaf, Disabled, queer, fat thing and feel like this space belongs to them as well,” he said. “There aren’t a lot of spaces that welcome people like us with open arms, so getting on stage and making it about us is a really cool feeling.” As well as performing with Alter Boy, Jack also works with the Youth Disability Advocacy Network and the Youth Pride Network to support other young people and champion their causes.

COLLEGEPALMA NEWS

ABOVE Jack performing in Alter Boy. RIGHT Jack Meakins back at CBC.

He has worked on Legal Aid resources, a Queer History podcast and a Disability Empowerment Project that will provide training and professional development opportunities for people with disabilities. But despite his growing list of achievements, Jack says there’s still a lot of work ahead of him. He’s passionate about improving access at all kinds of events, and increasing the representation of marginalised groups at events like music festivals. “I hope that people who come after me can benefit from systems that work for them,” he said. Even with such a bright future ahead, Jack says there’s at least one part of CBC that will stick with him for a long time to come. “It still feels weird wearing a shirt without the top button done up,” he said. touchstone Vol 9 No 1 Winter 2021

Alumni from the

Touchstone Winter 2021

Articles inside

We will remember them

Making music for everyone

Remember when...

JJ’s winning style

Alumni from the archives

What are they up to now?

Farewell to a true gentleman

Vale Br Tony Kelly

Celebrating our Alumni

Be part of our living history

From the President

Retirement beckons for CBC legend

From the Principal

Outstanding award for CBC Drama

Think locally, act globally

Year 12 centre launches CBC building plan