Bundara - Issue 60 - Winter 2023

BUNDARA is the biannual magazine of Central Coast Grammar School.

Contact Community Relations

Central Coast Grammar School

Arundel Road

Erina Heights NSW 2260

Australia

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Website www.ccgs.nsw.edu.au

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Editorial team

Carla Silvestri, Jacqui Raadsma

Print

Bundara is printed on Sovereign Silk. Sovereign Silk is manufactured according to ISO 14001 EMS accreditation and is FSC certified.

Central Coast Grammar School acknowledges the Darkinjung people, the Traditional Owners of the land on which the School is located. We acknowledge the continued deep spiritual attachment and relationship of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to this country.

From the Board

At our Annual General Meeting held in May we reflected on the incredible accomplishments of our staff and students over the past year. 2022 was undoubtedly a time of growth and reinvigoration, born from the courage and resilience that was forged navigating the COVID pandemic.

Now halfway into our Striving for Excellence Strategic Plan (2021 – 2025), it is an opportune time to take stock of our long-terms goals to ensure we meet the learning and infrastructure needs of our community into the future.

A review of our masterplan has identified the ARTECH building as the next priority for redevelopment, with architectural plans and building approvals the next step in the project. I will continue to provide updates as the project progresses.

Across the School, work is continuing to develop and refine a comprehensive sustainability strategy that includes curriculum, energy, waste, procurement and transport, as we seek to reduce our environmental footprint.

The Board has now completed its recruitment of Central Coast Grammar School’s next Headmaster, appointing Phillip O’Regan. An experienced, strategic and values-driven leader, Phillip’s passion and skill is set to guide the school in its next phase of development. We look forward to welcoming him into the school community in January 2024.

We hope you enjoy reflecting on Headmaster Bill Low’s time at CCGS in a special feature on pages 6 and 7. In the coming months the Board will be paying tribute and celebrating the significant contribution he has made towards growing and strengthening the School over the past 15 years. We hope you can join us in recognising the significant legacy Mr Low will leave at the School.

As we head into the second half of this year, our goal is to drive continual improvement in all areas, providing a solid framework to ensure our future goals are achieved.

Stephen Brahams FAICD Chairman of the School Board

From the Headmaster

We’ve had a sensational start to the year with sporting, performing arts and social events bringing liveliness and energy to campus. It was an honour to host my last Headmaster’s Welcome Gathering earlier in the year. Observing parents connecting and relaxing on our beautiful school grounds at this annual event is a memory I will treasure.

In this, our 60th edition of Bundara, you’ll find stories that speak to the heart of our School. We take a deep dive into our much-loved library, explore new wellbeing programs in the Junior School and hear from a Year 7 student about their camp experience.

For the ninth successive year, strong academic performance saw CCGS place in the top 100 NSW schools for HSC results. Over 20% of the cohort achieved an ATAR over 90 and 15 Major Works, from Dance, Drama, Music and Industrial Technology, were nominated for inclusion in HSC showcases of exemplary work. These achievements don’t come without exceptional teaching and operational staff working together as a team, helping students to strive for excellence in a happy, caring and supportive environment.

A holistic education that develops the whole student is a core element of a CCGS education. Maximising potential through building adaptable skills and instilling values sets a strong foundation for our graduates’ future. We recognise that there isn’t one path to success. An increasingly popular option for our senior students is undertaking additional qualifications in addition to their HSC, opening the doors to future opportunities. These alternate pathways are explored more in our Pathways to Success story.

Connections with our past student community continue to grow. Matthew Woodward and Morgan Southwick have each shown determination in steadfastly following their passions and are great examples of enterprising spirits who are living a life full of purpose.

It was a privilege to give an interview about my career and time at CCGS for this edition. I was able to reflect on the challenges, the achievements and the new beginnings during my time as Headmaster. Looking back over my 15 years at the School I am immeasurably proud of all we’ve achieved together, and I look forward to what the second half of 2023 brings.

William Low Headmaster/Chief Executive Officer

HSC highlights

TOP 100

For the ninth year, CCGS ranked in the Top 100 NSW schools based on HSC results, placing 78 out of approximately 800 schools.

INDIVIDUAL ACHIEVEMENTS

• Phoebe Britten was named Dux of the School with an ATAR of 99.25.

• Phoebe Britten and Isabel Fanning were honoured by inclusion in the NESA All Rounders list for achieving Band 6 in 10 or more units of study.

• In Music Extension, Jack Li ranked equal first, receiving full marks in the course.

• In Society and Culture, Phoebe Britten and Talon Woodward ranked equal third. Talon Woodward was also awarded a Distinction for his Personal Interest Project.

• In Business Studies, Amber Knight ranked third in the state.

FAST FACTS

• Almost 10% of students achieved an ATAR of 95+

• 45% of CCGS students were recognised on the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Distinguished Achievers list for achieving a Band 6 in one or more of their subjects

• 15 HSC Major Work nominations across Dance, Drama, Music and Industrial Technology.

Pathways to Success

As part of a holistic education, CCGS students take part in a wide variety of academic and cocurricular offerings. In the senior years, some students are undertaking additional courses alongside their HSC, gaining qualifications and expanding their horizons before they commence life after school.

We talked to three Year 12 students about their experience:

- Charli Pritchard Parker (CPP) - Certificate III Tourism, Travel and Events

- Harrison McGarry (HM) - Certificate III Business ServicesReal Estate

- Cameron Norman (CN) - Certificate III Electrotechnology

Why did you pursue an alternate pathway?

CPP: I didn’t know what I wanted to do after school, so I made the choice of doing a little bit of everything. I decided on a TAFE course that I could use in the future.

HM: I wanted to pursue a TAFE course along with my HSC to give me insights into what the real estate industry was like and whether it was a career path I wanted to pursue.

CN: I was originally looking into different trades, but I wasn’t confident enough to end my formal schooling. A T-Vet course in Electrotechnology meant I could experience what being an electrician was like while still achieving an ATAR.

What has been the most rewarding part?

CPP: I recently went to Glenworth Valley for work

placement. The experience and the knowledge I learnt is something that can’t be replicated in a classroom.

HM: My 40-hour work experience with a local real estate. I gained a lot of knowledge and really enjoyed seeing what a ‘day in the life’ would be like.

CN: To experience first-hand what it would be like to become an electrician. At the end of my placement, I was offered an apprenticeship from the company, which I might explore in the future.

What is something that has surprised you?

CPP: I was surprised by the level of qualification this course provides. If I want to get a Diploma in the future, the time would be reduced as I will already have a Certificate III. This qualification can also make entry to university easier and can give me some credit towards future study.

CN: How many friends I have made and how much I enjoy working as an electrician. It has also made me appreciate how well organised CCGS is for offering this opportunity.

Visit ccgs.nsw.edu.au to read the full interview.

An Unforgettable Legacy: Headmaster Bill Low

Headmaster Bill Low’s heart has always been in education. Starting his career in outback South Australia, he held positions as a teacher, curriculum consultant, deputy principal and principal in Adelaide before moving to a senior leadership position with the NSW Department of Education in 1990. Following leadership positions in the Hunter, Central Coast and head office of the Department, Mr Low moved to CCGS in 2008.

We sat down with him ahead of his retirement to find out more about his illustrious career.

What inspired your career in education?

I was taught the value of education from a very young age.

I’m grateful that my family - who didn’t all have the privilege of finishing school – encouraged my schooling and instilled in me the importance of learning. This, combined with a desire to make a difference, led me down the path of education.

You’ve had a remarkable 15-year tenure as Headmaster at CCGS. Can you share your most memorable moments?

The sense of community and atmosphere on our large competitive sports days are hard to beat. Often there are

hundreds of people gathered together, enjoying our outdoor environment while cheering on their favourite CCGS team. The sense of community and camaraderie is palpable.

Junior and senior productions in the Performing Arts Centre are also particularly memorable. I never cease to be amazed by the quality of the performances from our talented and passionate performing arts students as they take to the stage in our state-of-the-art facility.

What initiatives or programs have you implemented that you feel particularly proud of?

Extending growth opportunities for our students, especially in cocurricular offerings, is something that I’m particularly proud of. Performing arts has grown exponentially and is now home to a broad range of music, dance and drama programs. Sport has also evolved with boys and girls represented across a huge variety of sports.

From a cultural perspective, we’ve done a lot of work to embed our values so that they permeate everything we do. The climate of mutual trust and respect that we’ve collectively built between students, staff and parents has been a key to our success.

Bill Low.

New Performing Arts Centre with 750-seat auditorium opens.

State-of-the-art science facilities are built.

New library and lecture theatre opens.

The full-sized, floodlit, all weather multipurpose sports field is opened.

The continued focus on ensuring that every student reaches their potential has led to sustained academic performance. At the same time, we have focused on the other important aspects of wellbeing and character development.

I am also proud of the work we’ve done to ingrain the School in the broader Central Coast community; from our community service work, to our involvement in events and partnerships with local business and other not-for-profit organisations.

How have you seen education evolve during your career, and what changes do you anticipate in the future?

There are continued changes in education, but the essential element is that schools are human organisations. They have and always will be about the students. Technology will evolve and teaching methodology will change, but what remains constant is the importance of developing a student’s character. We want our students to reach their potential, lead rich and meaningful lives and to contribute to their wider community. The key to quality education will always be the relationship between the teacher and the learner.

What will you miss most about being a Headmaster?

The people – from the students, to the staff, parents and the wider CCGS community. We have wonderful students and committed, caring staff along with very supportive parents. It has been a joy and privilege to come to work every day.

I am so proud of all we’ve all achieved together during my time as Headmaster. The School is in a great position and the timing is now right for me to hand over the reins for a new Headmaster to continue the journey.

As an avid gardener with qualifications in horticulture, you’ve played a pivotal role in shaping CCGS’s beautiful grounds. What has driven your approach to the development of the grounds and what is your favourite space?

I have an eclectic approach to colour and texture and love experimenting on the campus grounds. There is a strong connection between student and staff wellbeing and the natural surrounds, which is why the gardens are so important to me.

I’d have to say among my favourite spaces are the gardens in the new Senior College precinct and in the Junior School, both of which will only get better as the trees mature.

Next generation senior humanities classrooms open.

New Junior School and grandstand facility opens.

New Senior College precinct is created. New canteen and café opens.

Kindergarten rooms refurbished to reflect flexible learning centres.

Out and About

AN EXCITING EXCHANGE

In Term 1 we excitedly welcomed 11 students from our partner school, Ueda Nishi, in Nagano, Japan. During their stay, our visitors were treated to a taste of unique Australian culture and school life. A beach visit, getting up close and personal with flora and fauna at the Australian Reptile Park and even trying their hand at cooking a BBQ were all part of the itinerary. As part of learning about celebrations of the world, Year 2 enjoyed a special visit from two of the Japanese students, Ayana and Ena, who dressed in traditional dress and spoke about all the different festivals in Japan.

SWEET SCIENCE

What better way to learn about the thing that makes up all living organisms and tissues – a cell – than with sweets!

A+ FOR CLEAN UP

CCGS got top marks for the first whole-school Clean Up Australia Day action which resulted in over 4,000 pieces of rubbish being collected! Students worked in House Family groups to pick up litter across the School’s 18-hectares as well as from surrounding areas.

Single-use plastic was identified as the main culprit, with much of the debris coming onto the roadside from car traffic and passers-by. The CCGS Environmental Action Group is now looking at practical solutions we can implement to further reduce, reuse and recycle.

DRAGON DANCE DELIGHTS

Year 7 Science students combined imagination with science for a lesson never to be forgotten. Using round sweets to represent the nucleus which contains the cell’s genetic material, jelly to represent the cytoplasm and small sweets to represent the mitochondria which are responsible for producing energy within the cell, students tapped into their creativity and food technology skills to create some amazing

cellular representations. Add a sweet layer of competition and the results were outstanding! Congratulations to the winning team - Ellen Bowen, Hope Owen, Eva Duerden and Annabelle Wilton.

Harmony Day celebrated and appreciated our ever-growing cultural diversity while also promoting the School’s values of respect and inclusivity. A highlight of the day was the Chinese Dragon performances. Junior students learned why dragons are important in Chinese culture, how to manoeuvre the dragon and the meaning behind the dance, ‘Facing Your Fears’. A few lucky students even had the chance to try on the large dragon head!

A PICTURE TELLS A THOUSAND WORDS

One of Australia’s most soughtafter children’s literature illustrators, Indigenous artist Dub Leffler visited Year 6 to talk about linking language to images and his process for illustrating a book.

Students have been studying a book Mr Leffler illustrated, ‘Bindi’, which

YOUTH WEEK AWARDS

Four civic-minded senior students were recognised at the 2023 Central Coast Youth Week awards for their contribution to the local community and for being positive role models for other young people within the region.

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

• Youth Week Finalist: Matthew Trethewy

• Sportsperson of the Year: Highly Commended - Logan Radford

Finalist - Lilly Hofer

• Youth Leadership Finalist: Annabelle King

explores climate, bushfires and healing and is written from the point of view of an 11-year-old girl, Bindi. There was also an opportunity to explore some of the other books he has illustrated and learn first-hand the process of creating illustrations for print.

The first drama production of the year set the bar high with the captivating performance of Picnic at Hanging Rock.

Performed by Senior College students, the play follows the mysterious disappearance of a group of Australian schoolgirls and their Mathematics teacher who disappear on the jagged peaks of Hanging Rock in rural Victoria.

The play not only showcased stellar acting performances, but students were also responsible for all backstage and audio-visual roles.

JAMMING FOR A CAUSE

Jamnesty is a highly anticipated event on the CCGS calendar, with the school community once again unifying in support of Amnesty International.

The entertaining night was filled with incredible student performances ranging from improvised guitar battles to original compositions. Funds raised were donated to two causes: helping stop the systemic discrimination against Afghan women and the prevention of Indigenous deaths in custody.

PICNIC AT HANGING ROCK

ANCIENT CIVILISATION ROADSHOW

As part of their study of ancient Egypt, Year 7 took a breathtaking journey into the treasures of ancient civilisation when the Tut Roadshow came to visit.

The roadshow is a mobile world-class museum, archaeology exhibition and workshop that brings the wonders of ancient Egypt to life.

With their workbook in hand, students made their way around history stations filled with authentic artefacts. They then worked on tomb paintings and hieroglyphs and even made their own cartouche to take home!

HARVESTING A GREENER FUTURE

Year 3 students put their design-thinking skills into action to design a sustainable farm.

Using the design thinking framework, students researched and analysed existing sustainable farming practices like soil health, crop rotation, water management, renewable energy sources and animal welfare.

RIDING HIGH

There was no horseplay at the Interschools State Championships as the CCGS Equestrian Team showed unbridled spirit to achieve amazing results.

• Kai Wilkinson (Year 8)6th Overall Intermediate Show Hunter

• Mila Caska (Year 3)5th in the Primary Show Horse

• Elken Caska (Year 3)8th in the Primary Show Hunter

• Cody McPherson (Year 12)2nd in the 90cm* Senior

• Amy Thomson (Year 7) - 1st in the 90cm* and 2nd in the Grand Prix 1m*, Reserve Champion in 90cm and 4th overall in the 80cm*

*indicates the height of the show jumps

Students then developed a farm plan that outlined the specific components of a sustainable farm and started work designing their farm using drawings, Minecraft and Lego.

Year 10 Geography students reviewed the prototype designs and provided important feedback and ideas around sustainable energy production and how to manage farms in drought times.

YEAR 12 PARENT BREAKFAST

A wonderful morning of connection between families and Year 12 students helped cement the power of a strong support network during the final year of school.

The Year 12 Parent Breakfast is a much-loved annual tradition where families come together in a casual setting to bond and share stories ahead of what can be a stressful exam period for students. The yummy treats helped too!

A SPECIAL CELEBRATION

KOINOBORI FOR KIDS

Colourful carp streamers (koinobori) flew high on the CCGS flagpole on 5 May in honour of Children’s Day (kodomo no hi) in Japan.

In Japanese culture, carp are known for their ability to swim upstream; they represent courage, determination, and the hope that children will grow up healthily.

Junior School classrooms were opened for the special women in our students’ lives ahead of Mother’s Day. Students proudly showcased their latest work, performed an action-packed dance and showed their learning spaces to their parents, grandparents and carers.

The Mother’s Day stall, organised by our wonderful volunteers, saw students select a special gift to take home. Each student also made a card for their guests as a special memento of their time together.

ACTING ON YOUR DREAMS

These days, the koinobori are commonly flown above the roofs of houses, with the biggest (black) koinobori for the father, the next biggest (red or pink) for the mother and an additional, smaller carp of a different colour for each child in decreasing order by age.

West End and International Theatre Producer, Jason Haigh-Ellery visited CCGS to share his knowledge and expertise with Performing Arts staff and students. Director of Performing Arts, Mr Lee Fleming, said, “This was an extremely rare and unique opportunity.

It is the first school in Australia that Jason has visited in which he gave a theatre industry lecture on possible future career pathways, the realities of the profession and expectations of a student if they wish to pursue a career in performing arts.”

Beyond the Books A Look Inside Our Library

Our love of the library extends beyond books. Once you pass the entrance, you’re transported into a world of possibility where critical thinking combines with creativity to spark imagination and ignite a love of learning.

Reading between the lines

Whether you’re in the Junior School or the Senior College, the CCGS library is known as an open, inviting and inclusive space, offering something for everyone.

In the Middle School, Years 7 – 9 have had a specific focus on literacy. The library surveyed students on their reading styles, habits and preferences enabling them to tailor their approach and promote deep learning.

Head of Library and Information Services, Mrs Nadia Merchant said, “An interesting finding was that, for some students, one of the only times they read is in the library. We saw this as a unique opportunity to ignite and extend their love of reading.”

“We restructured our teaching to allow for dedicated reading times and have combined this with suggestions of books for each student based on their previous reading.

“This process has allowed us to connect with students individually and helped foster their thirst for knowledge. If I get new books now, I know who to earmark them for or who to suggest them to. These personal connections make all the difference!”

Thinking outside the book

Recent enhancements to the online digital library have opened a doorway to thousands more books than could never be housed physically.

“Our extended online digital library, with two additional eBook platforms, means we can curate texts for extended learning opportunities.

“Sources can be collated for our students in a range of broad subject areas. In Religion of the World for example, we have curated a centralised page with links to online resources for each different religion, as well as video and

other multimedia content for a comprehensive learning opportunity.

“As they get older, students are taught information skills so that they can easily navigate our digital library and critically select their own sources for use across the curriculum.

“It has also meant that students who have dyslexia or other learning needs have greater access to information in different formats, whether that be physical, audio or visual – enhancing and extending their learning.”

A novel idea

Masters of creativity, the library team are always dreaming up unique initiatives to keep students involved in literature.

Valentine’s Day was also Library Lovers Day where students were invited to go on a blind date with a book, giving a new meaning to the saying ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’.

In Book Bingo students picked a number tile which corresponded to an extract of a book. Each tile represented

a different opportunity to discover new authors and genres, with the mission to mark off an entire row for a prize.

The Creative Book Challenge used intriguing prompts such as ‘A book that was written by someone under 30’ or ‘A book becoming a TV series’ to get students reading.

‘Shhh’-aring space

More than a source of storytelling or information gathering, the library is a haven for students to connect, even after the school day is done.

On average 100 students from the Junior School to the Senior College venture through the doors each afternoon.

“It’s a safe, quiet space where our students can read, do homework and study. During break times, children from different peer groups interact, help each other and engage in games, all overseen by our dedicated teacher librarians,” Mrs Merchant said.

Connection to Country

JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS HAVE BEEN WORKING TO DEVELOP A GREATER UNDERSTANDING AND APPRECIATION OF ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER CULTURE THROUGH A VARIETY OF INITIATIVES.

As part of their learning, students wrote their own Acknowledgement of Country to show respect and awareness for the Traditional Custodians of the land we are on.

Kindergarten’s focus was their space, Year 1 and 2 focused on concepts of Country, Year 3 and 4 centered on connection and Year 5 and 6 demonstrated their understanding of custodianship. Each unique acknowledgement has an accompanying artwork that is displayed in the grade’s neighborhood area and classes incorporate their Acknowledgements of Country into daily routines.

Elken in Year 3 described the creation process:

“We learned about Country by reading a book written by Adam Goodes. We then went out onto Country and collected things from the sea, sky and land to weave into a web...our teacher weaved the collection together

into a spider web. Our artwork shows that all things are connected. An important word we learned was custodian. The Darkinjung were the first custodians of this Country. Now we are too.”

Year 6 have been involved in creating two Acknowledgements of Country – one in their own classes and one with their Kindergarten buddies. Tahmeika in Year 6 explained:

“Custodianship was a really important concept we discussed. It was rewarding to help teach our Kindy buddies about this idea as we walked around the School collecting things from Country to display in their classrooms. It was exciting too, to see how enthusiastic they were about all their nature discoveries.”

Reconciliation Week

As part of Reconciliation Week, Torres Strait Island, Aboriginal and Australian Flags were presented for display in each neighbourhood area to welcome, acknowledge and value our First Nations peoples, histories, cultures and futures.

Kindergarten students and their Year 6 buddies joined together to make reconciliation bracelets. They soon learned that while they could make their own bracelet, they needed help to tie it on. They learned what reconciliation means as an individual, with their friends, in their wider community and across our nation.

Gamilaroi Elder Visits

Each Wednesday, Gamilaroi elder Tammy Wright has been leading a group of Junior School Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through learning, talking and sharing ideas about language, identity and culture.

Students have investigated their personal totems, crafted emu feather headdresses and explored ideas relating to Reconciliation.

URSTRONG-er Together

A ‘DAY OF FRIENDSHIP’ KICKED OFF A NEW WELLBEING PROGRAM FOR JUNIOR SCHOOL STUDENTS.

CCGS has joined a global community of schools working with URSTRONG, an organisation designed to help students, parents and teachers connect with a common language of friendship.

Students from Kindergarten to Year 4 learnt the difference between healthy and unhealthy friendships and how to stand up for themselves with kid-friendly concepts.

With help from a soft toy from home, our little learners took part in role-playing activities, while URSTRONG

ambassador - Oscar the Monkey - demonstrated how to ‘talk it out’ through hilarious fun and games.

Mr Craig Morrison, Director of Wellbeing K - 6 said, “Wellbeing is a key focus area in our strategic plan. We want our students to learn how to use their social and emotional skills to be respectful, resilient and safe.”

The URSTRONG program also connects with the Junior School 2023 theme of ‘Be Who You Are’, recognising that everyone has unique strengths and qualities.

A Memorable Adventure

A 300-acre camp, located at Webbs Creek in the beautiful Hawkesbury Valley, was the setting for Year 7’s outdoor education program this year. Students bonded with one another and their teachers as they took the momentous leap into Middle School. Below is an extract from Year 7 student, Hope Owen’s journal about her time on camp.

Day one

I have just had my first day at camp and it was the best… this camp is unlike any other camp I’ve been to.

Our first activity was laser tag. It was so fun and exciting. After that, we did a raft building competition. We had 40 minutes to build our raft then put it in the lake. It was a race to see who could get over to the other side the quickest and deconstruct it. We came third because ours fell apart in the water.

Day two

I am pumped because today we did heaps of fun activities. We started the day with zip lining. We were over a pond with a stunning view. After we all had a turn, we could do it in pairs and race each other.

We then went to our next activity, abseiling. I was scared at first, but it got easier as I went down.

Our third activity was damper making, then archery. To make damper we got heaps of flour and a little bit of water and put it altogether and wrapped it up in foil. After we cooked it, mine was close to perfection!

Our final activity of the day was the mud run. The course was crawling through tyres, climbing up a muddy hill, shuffling across a beam above a muddy ditch and much more. It was so much fun.

Day three

Today is the big day. The pack and paddle, where you walk for 10km then paddle back.

I hurt my ankle so got to do the paddle both ways. On the way there we were terrible at it. On the way back, because I already had experience, I went up the front to help. This time we were very fast because we knew what we were doing.

Reflection

I think that we have grown stronger as a year group as it was a different camp experience than primary school. Camp has given me the skills to relate and recover. It’s important that we have these experiences to build long lasting friendships and just for pure enjoyment.

Alumni Profile: Matthew Woodward

Award-winning architect Matthew Woodward is known for masterfully combining the functional with the aesthetic, bringing to the forefront the beauty of the natural environment and being ecologically sensitive in his designs.

What has your path been since graduating in 2004?

I studied at Newcastle University completing a Bachelor of Design (Architecture) in 2007.

In 2007, I started working at Jorge Hrdina Architects before enrolling in a Master of Architecture. I continued to work part-time while completing the Master of Architecture degree in which I graduated with Honours in 2010.

I then joined the team at BVN Architecture, before establishing Matthew Woodward Architecture (MWA) in 2013. It has now grown from a solo practice of one, to a team of seven full-time employees with different cultural backgrounds and skill sets.

What do you love most about your job?

Working with people to bring creative design ideas into reality. Whether it’s our visionary clients, specialist consultants or talented craftsmen, architecture is fundamentally the result of human interaction and collaboration. We endeavour on this journey together to create something that is truly special.

MWA has built a reputation for designing high-end homes connected to their natural surrounds. Of your projects, what has been the highlight to date?

I would have to say working on a rural project in the Megalong Valley which would become a country retreat for a family of four generations. The project is called ‘Stonelea’ and was complete in 2020.

It was a great project and each time I return to the house it feels more and more like it belongs as it settles into the surrounding landscape.

Where do you see the next 10 years taking you?

I’m looking forward to seeing our practice grow and evolve as new projects are complete and opportunities arise. We are currently working on alternative project typologies such as a boutique public Wellness facility in the post-industrial precinct of Balgowlah.

I am also looking forward to ways that I can start to give back to the profession of Architecture. Whether this is through participating in the Australian Institute of Architects award jury panels or by teaching and mentoring students at University.

Highlight On: Morgan Southwick

Following her love of history has taken Morgan to some of the best learning institutions in the world - the Universities of Oxford and Harvard – and opened the door to a unique, culturally rich and meaningful career working with holocaust survivors and Anti-Slavery Australia.

What has been your path since graduating in 2009?

After graduating I took a year to travel before returning home to start university. I started with a communications degree but quickly realised that it was not for me and transferred to an advanced arts degree to study history and philosophy.

I moved to the UK to complete a Masters in British and European history at the University of Oxford before returning home to embark on my PhD at the University of Sydney. My research allowed me ample opportunity to work in the archives, meet remarkable individuals and travel, including a six-month stint as a visiting fellow at Harvard in 2018.

Where are they now?

In 2019, I was offered a position at the Sydney Jewish Museum to teach Holocaust and Human Rights History. When I finished my doctorate in 2020, I moved to full-time work at the museum coordinating a project to create threedimensional, interactive biographies. This opportunity afforded me the unique privilege of working closely with Holocaust survivors who I interviewed over the course of a week, posing close to a thousand questions.

Read the full interview at ccgs.nsw.edu.au

Phoebe Britten (Dux, 2022) has been selected as the youngest official member of the Youthwise International Advisory Board 2023 at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

She will be working with a team of 22 people across all member nations. As part of her role she’ll learn from leading policy experts, create public policy recommendations and advise the OECD on key issues relating to climate change, inclusive growth, gender equality and sustainable development.

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 news.

PHOEBE BRITTEN (2022)