Bundara - Issue 59 - Summer 2022

SUPERSTARS ON

From the Chairman

As I reflect on another industrious year, I am reminded of the strong sense of community that underpins every new facility, achievement or event at CCGS.

It is this sense of community that motivates the Board to continue its work in helping to deliver state-of-the-art learning environments that motivate, extend and support each and every student to reach their full potential.

This year, we have continued to build on the strategic priorities set out in the Striving for Excellence Strategic Plan 2021-25.

To safeguard the long-term sustainability of the School, investment towards innovative facilities has continued. Our ongoing redevelopment of classrooms to create powerful learning environments continues to support student learning and drive teaching practice. We are committed to building an environment that embodies and empowers our vision for next generation learners.

To shape a space that invites our students and community to connect with each other, the School canteen was redesigned into a modern, open café and outdoor dining area. This upgrade is part of a coordinated master plan and will assist in ensuring that we continue to provide the best facilities in all aspects of the school.

Following the retirement announcement from our Headmaster, Mr William Low, it has been a priority of the Board to ensure there will be a continuation of the strong governance and leadership currently in place within the school. As such, we have commenced the rigorous process to recruit a new Headmaster and will provide an update in due course.

Once again 2022 has shown that CCGS is a remarkable school. We have seized new opportunities and challenges to continue CCGS’s strong position and I look forward to continuing to build on this in 2023 and beyond.

On behalf of the Board, I wish you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season.

Stephen Brahams FAICD Chairman of the School Board

Central

From the Headmaster

The second half of this year has seen CCGS bursting with life and vibrancy. Programs and events, that had been on hold over the past few years, are now back at full capacity making for an action-packed and exciting school calendar.

This issue of Bundara is a celebration of diversity and school life in all its forms: from sport to performing arts, new facilities to wellbeing initiatives.

Term 3 began with the unveiling of our new canteen and café. The contemporary space has quickly become a hub for staff and students to connect while enjoying some new homemade treats. We’ve also seen the café expand and entertain visiting families, competitors on sports days and parents and children at the P&F Father’s Day breakfast. It’s wonderful to see our whole community utilising this new and exciting space.

Cocurricular opportunities are fundamental to a holistic education and provide students with the opportunity to collaborate and grow outside of the classroom. After two years of musical productions on hold due to COVID, it was a joy to see our senior production of Jesus Christ Superstar and junior production of Shrek the Musical Jnr live on stage. I never cease to be amazed by the breadth and depth of talent at CCGS, and I applaud all students and staff who worked, both behind the scenes and on stage, to create performances of such a high professional standard. International recognition received from Andrew Lloyd Webber’s company for Jesus Christ Superstar highlights the incredible work of our students and teachers.

We continue to make strides in the wellbeing space with the appointment of a Director of Wellbeing for students in senior school. This position will focus on developing programs to support and empower older students as they navigate the challenges of adolescence and prepare to become the mature, confident and caring global citizens of tomorrow.

To help build a cohesive and supportive environment, there has been renewed focus on House Families. The dedicated weekly time for students across K to 12 to come together in their family is key to embedding the School’s values while strengthening the relationships between students and teachers. We have all enjoyed listening to conversations between older and younger students as we watch strong bonds build and grow.

On a personal note, as some of you may be aware, I have made the decision to retire at the end of 2023. I am immensely grateful and proud to have led an incredible staff and student body for over 14 years and for all we have achieved together. I look forward to continuing this work until the end of my tenure next year.

As ever, I continue to be inspired by the dedication, compassion and sense of community fostered by our staff and students each day. I hope you all have the opportunity to rest and rejuvenate over the summer and look forward to seeing you in 2023.

William Low Headmaster/Chief Executive Officer

A Superstar Return to the CCGS Stage

As Mae West said, “Good theatre is not what is expected, but what surprises”. By that definition, the senior school’s fantastical adaptation of Jesus Christ Superstar was not just good, but great theatre!

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, CCGS’s relaunch back into musical theatre delighted sold out audiences with a unique interpretation of the globally famous production. Over 130 senior students were involved in the show which retold Jesus Christ’s relationship with Mary Magdalene, Judas and his disciples on his final days. But not all was as it seemed. In a novel twist, this wasn’t a story set in AD 33, but the modern day.

Abigail Gracia in Year 12, who played Judas, said, “Mr Fleming (Director of Performing Arts) adapted the story to play into our individual strengths. This is what made this interpretation of Jesus Christ Superstar so different. We had females playing traditional biblical male roles, technology woven into the storyline and we explored modern themes that are relevant to today’s audiences.”

“To ensure our students were hooked, we gave them ownership of the vision. Staff and students worked closely together to create a contemporary and modern take on the story,” said Mr Lee Fleming.

Digital visuals were a unique feature that accompanied the live performances, adding another layer and dimension to the story. Created by Year 11 students Nicholas Moroney, Ben Wilson and Liam West, audiences audibly gasped as they watched scenes like the crucifixion and Judas’ death projected onto the stage.

“When we filmed Judas’ death scene, I could tell that the visual direction of this show was going to be amazing. I had put on my costume for the very first time and we were running around Matcham filming. The creative direction was incredible,” Abigail said.

Matthew Trethewy in Year 11 who played Jesus added, “During the dress rehearsal, when the curtains drew closed, everyone backstage fell silent. You could literally hear a pin drop. I realised we had created something insane!”

The scenes, sets, props and costumes were all designed by students with help and support from staff and the stage crew were flawless in creating a stage experience comparable to a professional theatre show.

Matthew said, “Many of our costumes were our own clothes, which connected us to our characters and made them more modern. There was definitely an edgy vibe to the production.”

Choreography encapsulated power and motion and was also heavily influenced by students, creating a contemporary, abstract and electric interpretation of the original show. Adding to this, the props and stage scenes interjected students’ ideas about the world, spreading messages about climate change, poverty and humanitarianism.

Strong vocal performances showcased the range of talent at CCGS and helped to evoke the unique personalities of each individual character. Hazel Hunt, Year 11 and Ronnie Rawal, Year 8 created the perfect conniving duo as Caiaphas and Annas, and Nicholas Moroney played the egotistical and colourful King Herod, delighting the audience with his

ensemble created momentum and crescendos to keep audiences on the edge of their seats.

International recognition

Backing the vocals was live music projected into the theatre. Audiences were shocked to discover that the recognisable theatre-quality songs were performed by the broad range of talented musicians within the school.

The production has gone global after the cast and crew were recognised by none other than Andrew Lloyd Webber’s very own team all the way in London.

After following the CCGS social media accounts, they spotted the amazing show and visuals and asked to use them on the official Andrew Lloyd Webber (ALW) website and ORiGiN™ Theatrical websites and social. Students even had messages of support from the ALW production team!

It’s safe to say that after the interruptions of the last couple of years, CCGS theatre is back in a big way and audiences and performers couldn’t be more enthralled.

Performing Arts not only provides us with a creative outlet and entertainment, but it encourages connectedness and being present. Perhaps the character of Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar said it best: “Don’t try to think ahead. Save tomorrow for tomorrow. Think of today instead”.

Hello, Head Prefects 2023!

What does the position of Head Prefect mean to you?

Annabelle: When I reflect on my past six years at CCGS, I was heavily influenced by positive student leaders, especially Head Prefects. Being Head Prefect allows me to contribute to the continuum of positive student leadership and influence, strengthening the CCGS community. It is not purely a label, but a reward of responsibility; to be a voice for the student body and a source of support.

Matthew: To be the Head Prefect means I can work to give everyone a voice within the school community and develop a welcoming and positive environment. As someone who has struggled with Tourette Syndrome for most of my life and felt like I never truly fit in, to now be in a position of leadership where I can inspire people like me and show that anyone can wear the badge, is what I’m most proud of and excited for.

What is something not many people know about you?

Annabelle: I lived overseas in Singapore for nine years and studied at an international school.

Matthew: I started writing a diary two years ago titled ‘My journey to Everest’. I hope to one day scale to the summit and leave the diary there - a perfect log of my entire journey.

If you were a teacher, what would you teach?

Annabelle: PDHPE or Modern History.

Matthew: Probably Mathematics. I would like to actually enjoy doing maths for once!

Who do you most admire and why?

Annabelle: Jacinda Ardern has been a guiding role model for me. She represents a well-rounded leader who is making ground-breaking progress as a female in politics.

Her decisive leadership style creates a community that can operate in harmony. I’ve always viewed her leadership abilities as admirable, but specifically her equal balance of officiality and approachability.

Matthew: My father. Throughout my life my dad has acted as my ladder and supported me through each rung as I have grown up, building me into the person I am today. From my earliest memories my dad has always been a figure of passion, commitment and compassion and constantly thinks of others before himself. In fact, he was school captain in Year 12 and inspired me to go for the position. He has been my number one supporter from day one and I will love him forever.

What is your favourite CCGS memory (so far)?

Annabelle: Despite COVID putting a halt to activities such as exchange or international tours, CCGS found a way to continue to create memories. Even though bigger projects may have been delayed, I’ve come to appreciate the small memories that occur daily. Interactions within the classroom and playground have become increasingly valuable as our final year approaches.

Matthew: We were on a Drama excursion and the show was cancelled last minute. We were already in Sydney so, with a burrito in one hand and a phone up to his ear in the other, Mr Fleming made phone call after phone call to the Capitol Theatre box office. He managed to negotiate 60 plus tickets to a matinee performance of 9 to 5. ‘Mother Flem’ was the nickname we gave him after we sat comfortably in the nose bleeds at the Capitol two hours later.

Our new Head Prefects Annabelle King and Matthew Trethewy are all about inclusion, positivity and supporting every student from Kindergarten through to Year 12.

CCGS Café –The Cream of the Crop

CCGS’s school canteen has been revamped into a modern, open and inviting café area that’s proven to be a recipe for success among students and staff.

Centrally located, close to outdoor pavilions and with easy access to the Junior School and the Senior College campus, the refurbished and expanded CCGS café is a great place to relax and enjoy a healthy and delicious bite to eat.

“We wanted to create a contemporary and modern space that would encourage connections between students and reinforce the school’s sense of community. There is a modern dine-in café and an outdoor seating area which flows out onto our beautiful grounds and campus where people can come and relax,” said Mr William Low, Headmaster.

A stylish space

The contemporary design featuring timber and stone

complements other buildings and learning spaces throughout the school. Features include:

• Comfortable and stylish indoor and outdoor seating areas, for use by senior students

• State-of-the-art commercial kitchen, appliances and coffee machine

• Barista training area

• Dedicated pickup area for pre-ordered lunches

• Self-serve hot and cold food and drinks for senior students

• A large walk-in cool room and freezer room

To whet their appetite, staff and students have also been treated to a new and expanded menu of healthy food and drink options. Delish!

Out and About

Our 2023 Year 12 Head Prefects and House Captains have been prepped for success thanks to a mentoring program led by this year’s outgoing student leaders. Sharing knowledge and experience, practical leadership skills and a discussion of challenges provided strategies and confidence for our incoming leaders.

Mrs Janine Comber, Head of Senior College said,

“These workshops provided a critical opportunity to help smoothly pass the leadership baton from Year 12 down to Year 11. Thank you to all our leaders for their enthusiasm, practical thinking and deep discussion.”

We look forward to seeing what our Head Prefects and House Captains achieve in the CCGS community.

Year 2 were treated to an extra special storytime thanks to the work of some incroyables Year 8 French students.

Challenged to write a children’s book using the vocabulary they have learned so far this year, the Year 8 students turned their works of French fiction into books to read to younger students. ‘La méchante sorcière’ (The Wicked Witch) and Sam est Triste’ (Sam is Sad) were just some of the storylines that delighted the junior students, who are also learning French as part of their languages program.

La fin!

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT

Year 12 Earth and Environmental Sciences students unearthed an opportunity to enhance CCGS’s sustainability practices. After conducting a school-wide waste audit, an underground organic bin has been installed on campus to help divert food waste from landfill. We dig that!

An outstanding result for Year 9’s Market Day with over $3,000 raised for charity. Market Day is an annual event that challenges students to innovate, develop and implement a business idea. This year, there were 21 stalls offering Mexican, dumplings, 3D printing and more. Congratulations to ‘Sugar on Top’ (Cici Zeng, Rose Holmes, Indigo Fenson and Samantha Auld) who

made the most profit on the day with their sweet treats and milkshakes. They chose to donate the proceeds to Houses for Cambodia, Zonta and BlaQ Aboriginal Corporation.

CLASSROOMS WELCOME BACK FAMILIES

The Junior School has been abuzz with families visiting Years 1 to 4 open classrooms to see first-hand the incredible work and learning students have been undertaking this year.

Mrs Rita Boys-Smith, Head of Junior School said, “It’s been wonderful connecting with our families in the classroom and watching students proudly share their work or participate in an activity with mum, dad, nana or grandpa!”

MUSICAL MASTERCLASS

Internationally recognised flautist, Bridget Bolliger ran a masterclass with CCGS woodwind students providing her invaluable expert tips and advice to help our musicians further develop their skills.

Four students were selected for a once-in-a-lifetime experience to perform a piece and workshop their musical item with Bridget in front of a live audience of other students. Bravo!

KINDY KIDS REACH THEIR FIRST 100 DAYS OF SCHOOL

Reaching 100 is a huge milestone for anyone, but it is especially momentous when you’ve just started Kindergarten.

Our youngest learners reached their first 100 days of school, passing the milestone with a fun-filled day of activities and (most importantly) a visit from their Year 6 buddies who have helped them settle into life at CCGS.

We can’t believe our youngest students have already reached their first century!

Thank you to the CCGS Drone team for the fantastic drone footage of students and their teachers making 100.

To see more visit:

COLLOQUIUM VISITED BY QC!

The annual Year 12 Colloquium is a unique CCGS program designed to inspire and motivate students by connecting them with influential members of the broader community.

This year we were honoured to host Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC, Governor of New South Wales, who shared her incredible story and passion for youth leadership, human rights and social justice.

STUDENTS ADDING TO THEIR SUCCESS

Lohith Pathala received the equal third-highest score of all Year 6 students. The competition is the largest and longest running of its kind in Australia. Students are given 45 minutes to complete 35 questions without help from calculators, rulers or other mathematical instruments.

A DAZZLING DISPLAY

One of our amazing librarians, Ms Leah Rose has won the inaugural Children’s Book Council of Australia Book Week Display.

Ms Rose’s displays are well known among staff and students for their creative and inspiring flair. The fantastical display she created for Book Week was one of her best yet. As a prize, Ms Rose won $500 which she donated to Lismore Primary School who lost their collection of books to the floods earlier this year.

CCGS also donated five boxes of books from the Great Book Swap to the Department of Education which is coordinating efforts to provide support to schools impacted by flood damage.

RUNNING INTO NATIONALS

Congratulations to Lilly Hofer (Year 11) who set a new ISA (Independent Sporting Association) record of 26.53sec in the 16 years girls 200m at the ISA Athletics Carnival. Lilly went on to compete in the NSW All Schools Athletics Championships, running a personal best time in the 200m and qualifying for the Nationals next April.

TOO POOL FOR SCHOOL!

Year 6 and Year 10 students exercised their leadership (and buoyancy) skills helping out younger students at the K to 2 Infants Swimming Carnival. This was the first swimming carnival for many of our students. The additional support from the senior students added to the fun on the day.

As well as the traditional swimming races, our little fish also played novelty games and pool noodle races. A splashing good time was had by all!

Jaydon Miao (Year 6), Brian Zhang and Kathy Li (Year 5) outwit ted over 16,000 students from across NSW to top this year’s Newcastle Permanent Primary School Mathematics Competition in their respective year groups.

MAKING THE MOVE TO MIDDLE SCHOOL

The transition into Year 7 can be a daunting time for many students. To make the process less overwhelming, Year 6 students took part in our transition to high school program, joining the Middle School House Coordinators and Year 9 students to tour the senior school facilities and familiarise themselves with the all the exciting things on offer to them next year.

It was great to see Year 9 students sharing sage advice and supporting the younger students on this new chapter.

‘HEADING’ TO THE TOP

Imagine representing your country when you are only in Year 11! That’s exactly the goal Campbell Dovison kicked over the school holidays when he represented Australia in the AFC Asian Cup 2023 Qualifiers. A skilled player, Campbell joined the U17 Joeys Socceroos squad as an attacker. Outstanding performances saw the squad secure a spot in the Asian Cup next year!

HSC MAJOR WORKS NOMINATED

Stellar work has seen a number of Year 12 students nominated for possible inclusion in the NSW HSC showcases.

DANCE

CALLBACK nominations for exceptional compositions and performances across the following areas:

Major Study Performance:

• Isabel Fanning

• Tallulah Richmond

Major Study Dance Film:

• Ruby Ko

Core Composition:

• Ruby Ko

Core Performance:

• Isabel Fanning

• Ruby Ko

• Mia Pine

• Tallulah Richmond

DRAMA

OnSTAGE nominations for excellence in Individual Drama performances include:

• Emma Parmeter

• Rina Amami

INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

InTech nomination for Industrial Technology major work:

• Oscar Lindsay (Read page 17 for more information.)

MUSIC

ENCORE nominations for Music 1 and Music 2 students include:

• Rina Amami (Music 1)

• Abigail Gracia (Music 1) (pictured)

• Jack Li (Music 2)

Spotlight On: Wellbeing

Mrs Jodi Clements brings over twenty years of teaching experience to the role, with expertise in special education, learning support and student wellbeing. We sat down with her to learn more about her experience and ask what she sees for the future of student wellbeing.

What made you want to become a teacher?

Having the privilege of building strong connections and empowering students to have an authentic voice is a huge motivator for me. When you see a child have that ‘Aha!’ moment, it fills your heart!

Your smiling face and happy, positive approach to teaching is well known and loved across the school. What is your most memorable teaching moment at CCGS?

I always find these questions difficult, as students make me laugh most days! However, one moment that stands out was on a Year 10 outdoor expedition. A group of girls and I paddled for seven hours the wrong way in the Galston Gorge, only to end up on a small island, in the dark, eating noodles. We sang ABBA songs and survived on the false hope that there would be burritos on the island. A teaching moment in resilience which the girls and I will never forget.

How has the idea of student wellbeing changed since you began your career?

Significantly! In my early days of teaching, ‘student welfare’ was a reactive approach to student behaviour and discipline. Thankfully, student wellbeing has evolved exponentially since then. Wellbeing is crucial to academic achievement and school communities play a significant role in supporting and developing student wellbeing. The challenge is to ensure any initiative is meaningful and sustainable. Student voice is key.

At CCGS we are continually engaging in a variety of innovative wellbeing practices that are underpinned by our core values. A great example is the K to 12 House Family structure which is unique to our school and gives students the opportunity to broaden their connections in a safe and structured format, with a focus on leadership, student wellbeing and caring for others.

A SENSE OF BELONGING, SAFETY AND CONNECTEDNESS ARE KEY ELEMENTS OF A CCGS EDUCATION. TO SUPPORT THE SCHOOL’S STRATEGIC FOCUS ON WELLBEING AND ENSURE PROGRAMS CATER FOR STUDENTS AT EVERY STAGE, A DIRECTOR OF WELLBEING FOR YEARS 7 TO 12 WAS RECENTLY APPOINTED.

I love talking and listening to students and celebrating their diversity. A sense of humour, laughter and lightness goes a long way towards building trust.

What is your first goal as the new Director for Wellbeing, 7-12?

My first project last term was a full week focused on R U OK? Day where the whole school community stayed engaged and connected while learning the skills necessary to have conversations that could change lives.

A short-term goal is to establish a senior school SRC (Student Representive Council) that has authentic voice and can lead initiatives to create positive actions that will benefit the whole school community.

In the long-term we’d like to explore creating a wellbeing hub or chill out space where senior students can readily access staff and resources to assist them. The hub will be the venue for the delivery of structured programs which support the development of healthy, successful and productive individuals. It would include a sensory area for students who may need some time out from the hustle and bustle of the school day or just to regulate their emotions. Engaging allied health staff and specialists would also allow us to deliver a variety of supportive programs to students and their families.

JODI’S TOP 3 TIPS TO HELP CHILDREN THRIVE DURING THE TEENAGE YEARS

Raising teenagers is fun and frustrating, amazing and agonizing, exciting and exhausting – it has many highs and lows! Here’s Jodi’s top tips to help families everywhere.

1. Open communication is key. Maintain open lines of communication - listen more and speak less. Don’t be afraid to have difficult conversations but try not to be overly judgemental, and - where you canset aside special one-on-one time.

2. Let your teen experience the consequences of their actions. We all make mistakes, but when we continue to make the same mistakes, it becomes a habit. All parents want to protect their kids, but sometimes the best way to teach a life lesson is to let them experience the repercussions of their actions.

3. Encourage self-care, be a positive role model and support their interests and passions. It’s important that our teens lead a balanced life. Teach them that sleep, nutrition, and exercise will improve their quality of life. If they don’t feel good mentally and physically, you’ll have a hard time motivating them to do anything productive! Help them to learn positive ways to cope with stress and anxiety and eat meals together regularly. Openly recognise good behaviour and habits, as they still crave your approval. Keep teens busy by being engaged in their interests and role model respectful relationships.

WELLBEING – A WHOLE SCHOOL APPROACH

The Director of Wellbeing, 7-12 works closely with Mr Craig Morrison, Director of Wellbeing, K-6 (pictured) to develop a cohesive wellbeing journey for students throughout the whole school.

Together they provide effective leadership in the planning, development, delivery and evaluation of wellbeing programs for students at every age and stage.

The additional support of two on-campus psychologists, along with our Wellbeing ambassador, Sunny the dog, contribute to creating a happy, healthy learning community for every student.

What is the key to connecting with older students?

“A sense of humour, laughter and lightness goes a long way towards building trust!”

SHREK

Think typical fairytale characters turned upside down; a scary ogre as our hero, a not so princess-y princess and a motor-mouth donkey with attitude. Combine this with outstanding costumes, a stellar cast and throw in some potty humour for good measure, and you have yourself a fabulous time!

The high energy show was not only entertaining but a wonderful celebration of difference and diversity.

Mrs Rita Boys-Smith, Head of Junior School said, “I am sure everyone who had the privilege of seeing Shrek The Musical Jnr would agree that it was high energy, oozing with positivity and if you weren’t up and dancing by the end of it, you definitely had a huge smile on your face as you left the theatre.”

Musical productions at CCGS - like many of the programs and cocurricular opportunities on offer - provide students with so much more than the thrill of the performance on the night. It is the change in confidence and support for one another that is wonderful for everyone behind the scenes to witness.

Added Mrs Boys-Smith, “The change and growth in the student’s confidence, relationships, and care for each other from the start to closing night grew immensely.”

What was the verdict from the show’s toughest critics, our visiting preschool audience?

One preschooler said, “I loved the costumes and the songs. But I really enjoyed all the dance moves and dancing at the end!”

Students on their Game

Students dusted off their sports bags and re-laced their runners at the start of the sporting season, eager to return to the fields after the disruptions of recent years. This enthusiasm translated to incredible results with CCGS named Champion School across several sporting codes.

Sport offers a wide range of physical, social and emotional benefits to students and helps to instill important skills such as teamwork and accountability. Strong bonds are formed with teammates and self-confidence grows just by taking part – whether you win, lose or draw.

Acing Athletics

CCGS was crowned Champion School at the HICES (Heads of Independent Co-educational Schools) Athletics Championships held at Sydney Olympic Park.

Students from Years 3 to 6 represented the school in field and track events, with outstanding performances resulting in first place across short and long-distance running, shot put and long jump.

Winter Season Winners

Our Rugby, Football and Hockey teams played exceptionally well during the ISA winter season. CCGS was named Champion School in several divisions:

• Senior Boys Rugby – ISA Division 2

• Senior Boys Football – ISA Division 2

• Senior Girls Hockey – ISA Division 1

Mrs Mel Amoroso, Acting Director of Sport said, “To achieve these wins with limited fields for training due to the wet weather is great testament to the resilience and determination of the players and coaches.”

“Perhaps more than ever, school sport isn’t just for the thrill of competing (or winning). It plays a crucial role in a balanced education for students of all ages. Regardless of the sport you play, or your ability, engaging in sport provides a unique opportunity to connect, learn and grow. It’s been wonderful to see our students back in action on the field, doing what they love.”

CCGS students took to the sporting fields stronger than ever this season, kicking, shot-putting and running into stellar performances.

This year, Visual Arts and Industrial Technology students put on an exhibition like CCGS had never seen before. The ARTECH exhibition - visited by over 300 people - quickly became a meeting point for art lovers everywhere.

The classrooms and corridors in the ARTECH building were transformed into a colourful gallery space with artworks and digital displays featuring works from K to 12. The show included sophisticated pieces of furniture, a surfboard, acoustic guitar and a rocking horse, all lovingly made by hand.

“The quality of the Year 12’s Body of Work is a testament to the hard work and dedication they have displayed over

the course of the year. We are very proud of their work and achievements,” said Mrs Linda Tebbs, Head of Visual Arts. Miss Kate Sonter, Head of Technology added, “We wanted to celebrate our Year 12 students, give them an opportunity to showcase their skills and creativity and talk to members of the public about their pieces of work. It’s a chance to recognise their commitment to our subjects and appreciate all their efforts.”

The exhibition was officially opened to the public by Dr Andrew Frost, writer, art critic and documentary maker who spoke passionately about the importance of creativity and its place in future life.

STRUMMING SUCCESS!

Congratulations to Oscar Lindsay whose outstanding major project work - a handcrafted acoustic guitar made from Queensland maple and includes an inlay of his name - was been nominated for possible inclusion at InTech.

“This is a real honour for Oscar and a tribute to all his hard work,” said Miss Sonter.

Central Coast Grammar School

Tom Caska: Alumni profile

Life for CCGS alumnus Tom Caska (2001) has certainly had its twists and turns. After studying to be a pilot and flying for Qantas, he had a life-threatening kite surfing accident and lost his license to fly. Resilient and driven, he turned to study. Determined to succeed, he has built the ‘Uber for Drones’.

What has been your path since graduating from CCGS in 2001?

After school, I went straight to Sydney University and studied science as I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. After this first year, I went to the University of NSW to study aviation. I gained my Bachelor of Aviation and my commercial pilot license.

In 2010, I joined Qantas Link flying the Dash 8 Q400 in Cairns which fuelled a desire to kite surf. I loved it so much, I’d be out almost every day.

In 2015 I had a massive kite surfing accident and broke my neck. There was a long stint in rehab after this and I ended up losing my medical certificate to fly – so basically, I lost my entire career overnight.

I decided I’d do the next best thing and I started to fly drones, mainly doing aerial photography and research and development projects with universities and industry. Drones were just starting to become a thing.

I went back to university to do my MBA. It was here I met a like-minded entrepreneur and we decided to do something together. We brainstormed ideas and decided to build the ‘Uber for Drones’. Aerologix was founded in 2019.

10 years ago, most of us would never have heard of drones. Since then there has been a significant increase in innovation and uptake. What do you love most about the industry?

My favourite thing about the drone industry is you can solve some big industry problems. For example, the delivery of medical goods to remote areas - something we are working on right now. We can carry blood, vaccines

and other important medical equipment on board the drone using our 12000-drone pilot and purpose-built software.

What is the proudest moment from your post-school life?

Well, I don’t have any kids (yet) so I’d have to say it was receiving a letter of offer from Qantas to be an airline pilot. This was my childhood dream, but it seemed out of reach when I left school. I flew my parents on one of my flights and gave them a shout-out on the PA system which was a very special moment for me. They were the reason I was able to become a pilot in the first place. Thanks mum and dad!

What does the future hold for you?

I’d like to have a family and scale the business around the globe. We will be expanding in Europe and North America soon. I consider myself a global citizen, probably because I love to travel. If I can do this while growing my company, then it aligns well with my life goals and passions.

What CCGS experience or achievement most prepared you for where you are today?

I’d have to say the friends I made in school. We have a group of about 10 of us who catch up all the time. We go on surf trips together, hang out when we can and support each other when times get tough. CCGS helped foster a great environment for making lifelong friends – House Family, the teachers, sports and school camps were awesome! Surrounding myself with a great peer group has helped so much.

Abbey Burns (2016) has built a life for herself in the construction industry. She graduated from the University of Technology Sydney with Honours in Bachelor of Construction Project Management and International Studies. She has since helped pave the way for women working in the construction industry.

You work in what could be described as a typically male-dominated industry. What has your experience been like as a woman in this field?

My experience as a young female in the construction industry has been incredibly rewarding, fulfilling and eye opening - there is certainly no hiding the lack of diversity.

When you put a female in a male dominated team, the ideas, skillsets and opportunities are highly valued and embraced. While it can be intimidating being the only female in a room, the response - most of the time - is encouraging and welcoming. Like many industries you

Highlight On: Abbey Burns A Fond HistoryFoundation Day

do need a thick skin to work in this field, but through challenging stereotypes I have learned you do not need to be the loudest, most outspoken person in the room to achieve the same result.

The best advice I ever received is always be yourself and not to succumb to any masculine pressures to fit in.

I am excited to see the future of women in construction and proud to be part of an evolving industry.

Read Abbey’s full story at ccgs.nsw.edu.au.

ALUMNI NEWS

Want to be in the know with the latest alumni news? Visit the news page at ccgs.nsw.edu.au for more alumni stories. If you’re a CCGS alumni contact alumni@ccgs.nsw.edu.au to share your alumni news.

It’s one of the most significant days on the school calendar – CCGS’s birthday, otherwise known as Foundation Day. A day to celebrate what the school represents to the whole CCGS community, past, present and future. Perhaps everyone’s most favourite part of Foundation Day is the coin line. This much-loved tradition still takes place to this day, with coins now snaking their way from the top of the school stairs towards the Junior School not stopping until all the coins have been laid. This year we raised $1,982.55 for Save the Children in a line that spanned 147 metres.

IN MEMORIAM - PETER FOLEY (1949 TO 2022)

Peter Foley, CCGS staff member from 1988 to 2008, sadly passed away in November.

Peter will be remembered as a passionate and popular teacher who was Head of Social Sciences. He was both heavily involved and influential in developing Rugby at the school. We extend our deepest condolences to Peter’s family.

Arundel Road, Erina Heights NSW 2260, Australia

T +61 2 4367 6766 F +61 2 4365 1860

W www.ccgs.nsw.edu.au E info@ccgs.nsw.edu.au

ABN 85 002 839 607 CRICOS Provider Code: 02261G