2021 News from Launceston Grammar magazine Issue 65 by Launceston Church Grammar School

Our heritage, underpinning your accomplishment.

FROM LAUNCESTON GRAMMAR 2021 ISSUE 65

Magazine Copy Editor

Tamara Clark

Graphic Design Futago Contributors

Julian Burgess, Tamara Clark

Contents

Photographers John Brett, Tamara Clark, Clint and Bethanie Creative, DV Gunn Archive Collection, Outdoor Education Team

From the Headmaster 2

Space launch 32

Reports 5

Health for life 34

Publisher

A legacy for all 8

Launceston Church Grammar School Community Engagement Team

Reports on reality 12

Open balconies bread and dripping 38

36 Button Street, Mowbray Heights TAS 7248 Phone +61 3 6336 6000 lcgs.tas.edu.au *Launceston Grammar refers to ‘programme’ in this way. We have featured ‘program’ where it is used this way by other parties.

Front cover: Alumnus James Proverbs (1985) Back cover: Alumnae Jennifer Hutchinson (1972) competing for her House, in the 1971 school sports took out first prize for shot-put

A solid foundation 14 Emotional intelligence 18 Celebrating giving 22 Thank you 27 Walking warriors 28 Bird-eye view 30

Aspirational advocate 40 Space and time 42 The right note 45 Leaders reflect 46 Alumni News / In Memoriam 47 Archival anecdote 48

News from Launceston Grammar

Setting the scene for success For 175 years Launceston Church Grammar School has been at the forefront of delivering transformative education which has inspired students and alumni to make a difference, to be leaders and to be life-long learners. Within our island state, we reflect within this edition of News from Launceston Grammar on how we have flourished and remained strong, overcoming the trials and tribulations of pandemics, wars, societal change and contemporary challenges, to not only endure, but to thrive. Let us reflect on our extraordinary past, the rich history of ideas and discoveries made by our students and alumni. Let us also look to the future and be excited by the many opportunities before us. We are Australia’s oldest continually running independent school and proud of our rich history that has helped transform hearts and minds, igniting positive change these past 175 years, and beyond. We invite you to reflect, consider and celebrate with us our Demisemiseptcentennial.

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The School’s new Aviation space is a visible reminder of our ongoing evolution and commitment to excellent education

News from Launceston Grammar

Honour Celebrate Imagine Welcome to our 175th anniversary edition of News from Launceston Grammar. As the oldest continually running independent school in Australia, this is a significant milestone and opportunity for the School community to honour our past, celebrate who we are today and imagine together who we will become. I encourage you to participate in a range of activities which will be held over the weekend of 16 and 17 October. For more information, please explore www.lcgs. tas.edu.au/175th-anniversary/, which is dedicated to the 175th anniversary celebrations. There are several threads which run through the School’s history, one of which is the courage our community has demonstrated right from our earliest days. Starting a new venture in the 1840s was not easy as economic depression had struck the colony. Over that decade, there were schools in Tasmania which started and then closed. Nonetheless, in April 1845, Bishop Nixon visited Launceston and spurred into action a committee for a Grammar School in Launceston. The following May, the 23-year-old Henry Kane was appointed the School’s first Headmaster and on 15 June 1846, the School opened in temporary premises with 24 students enrolled.

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When the foundation stone was laid for the School’s first permanent building in 1847, the Reverend John Gell gave an address where he spoke of how the School would focus on not just teaching facts but instilling the moral discipline in the younger generation, on which the future character of the colony depended. Gell went on to explain that the sons of the colony are to be educated so that they can compete equally in the higher walks of mental exertion with anyone from abroad. While so much has changed in Launceston and in the world since the laying of the foundation stone, the School’s commitment to nurturing the hearts of our students and challenging their minds so they are ready and inspired to serve and shape our world continues to this day. 

The School’s new Aviation space is a visible reminder of our ongoing evolution and commitment to excellent education.  During 2021 we will be sharing with the community our next Strategic Plan which has been developed during one of the most rapidly changing and challenging periods in recent world history. This next plan builds on the achievements which have brought us to where we are today, while also calling us to set our sights on how we can further enhance, evolve, and embed the excellent education and opportunities provided. The School’s new Aviation space is a visible reminder of our ongoing evolution and commitment to excellent education. Opened during Term 1, the Aviation space, which is unique in Tasmania, saw one of the School’s oldest buildings, an original woodwork classroom, renewed to provide our community with a dedicated workshop and flight simulator room for our Aviation classes. The space will help to support the growing demand for students to see how their Science and Mathematics comes together in a real-world context. In quite a spectacular way, the contribution of School alumni to Australia’s aviation history is also spotlighted to inspire our students as they look to the future and consider how they will serve and shape our world. I am very much looking forward to seeing the Launceston Grammar community as we come together to celebrate the School’s 175th anniversary. I also hope you enjoy reading in this publication about the many ways in which the School continues to contribute to society and the world.

Richard Ford Headmaster

News from Launceston Grammar

Future-focus The Launceston Church Grammar School Board is delighted to oversee the development of the School’s Strategic Plan and Master Plan in this our 175th year.

The Strategic Plan will help set the priority areas and ensure we are working toward common goals and the Master Plan will inform the long-term built attributes and physical fabric of our School.

town with a population of about 8 000 people’. Today, it is a thriving and diverse community built upon the determination, courage, and selfless actions of those who have gone before us.

Within this edition of News from Launceston Grammar we feature an interview with the Master Plan Committee Chair, Rev James McKee about the exciting developments and initiatives to occur across our Junior and Senior Campuses. The Plan’s purpose is to ensure the School has thoroughly considered how to best use the spaces available to benefit and inspire future generations. We are seeking to engender a consistent vision which will bring our community together and deliver modern learning, teaching, and exciting play spaces.

I am encouraged to see the continuation of involvement by students in community service programs including the Breakfast Club, New Horizons Craft group for people with disabilities, and The Smith Family student2student reading program. These programs serve to highlight the community spirit and selflessness of our students. It is their genuine desire to look beyond themselves which manifests itself in positive experiences for our students, staff, parents, and the wider community.

Further to this, the purchase of over 5 000 square metres of land directly behind the existing East Launcestonbased Campus will see the expansion of our footprint by more than half of the Junior Campus’s current land size. The additional land will be incorporated into the Master Planning process and further enhance the opportunities for our students and staff to engage in active learning and recreation beyond the classroom. Our School was founded at a time when Launceston was described as ‘a small

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Our staff, parents and alumni continue to deliver and support the excellent educational outcomes of our School, embracing diversity and inclusion within our community, and on behalf of the School Board, I thank and acknowledge you for your tireless efforts. In this our 175th year, please join with us as we mark this milestone with a programme that commemorates our past, celebrates our present, and considers our future.

Nigel Bailey Chair, Launceston Church Grammar School Board

Looking forward looking back. When the founding fathers started the School in 1846 the world was a very different place.

A time when many referred to England as the mother country and we were not the nation of Australia but a series of colonies. I often wonder on that first day what the students, staff and parents thought would become of this small school located in a small island state. Fast forward to 2021 I also wonder what those students, staff and parents of 1846 would be amazed at, and what would be the similarities in comparison. In 1846 the School was looking to produce a progressive educational institution that allowed for children to be rounded citizens of the world. Those traits of curiosity in learning still underpin in 2021. The role of the School is to help prepare students for a world that is uncertain and give them skills to enable them to navigate the many pitfalls and obstacles that they will face. I often reflect on a

student from the early 1990s who went on to make a very successful online business. When they were a student there was no internet and they would have to go to a computer-lab to access technology. Today most of us carry in our pocket a computing device more powerful than a lab full of computers in the 1990s. As an educator I know that the world our students will live in tomorrow will be vastly different from today. But what schools do is give them the skills and elasticity of thinking and imagination to enable them to solve the challenges they may face. Throughout our 175-year history we have seen students create airlines, the black box, operas, become great sports stars, leaders of their communities, Rhode Scholars and Nobel Laureates. Looking forward and looking back we can say with pride that our students have a

flexible set of skills to be adaptable in their thinking and do well in any generation. I read once that Franklin Roosevelt said, ‘We cannot prepare the future for our children, but we can prepare our children for the future’. For 175 years our School has and will continue to aim at doing just that; preparing our children for the future and helping them become the best version of themselves. As we celebrate this significant milestone it is important to remember the milestones are made up of moments, and that for 175 years our students have forged a path into the world to make a better community locally, nationally, and globally. I know that the next 175 years will be equally as fruitful.

Nick Foster Head of Senior Campus

News from Launceston Grammar

Hope & joy. Joining Launceston Church Grammar School as Head of the Junior Campus has been such a positive experience. The children, parents and staff have been warm and welcoming.

The recurring theme of conversations is the importance of ‘family’ and the very special nature of the ‘Launceston Grammar family’. In a very short time, I have seen evidence of the Launceston Grammar family firsthand. The students show kindness and compassion through fundraising efforts, assemblies showcase how engaged they are in learning, a healthy spirit of competition and support can be seen at sporting events and concert performances give our young musicians a chance to showcase their talent, courage, and perseverance. Family and friends are supportive of the efforts of the children, and the staff have the children at the heart of all they do. There is a great sense of hope and joy on campus.

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In June, the School was authorised as an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Programme (PYP). This is wonderful news and I congratulate the Junior Campus staff, Leadership Team and Claire Calvert, our PYP Coordinator for their diligent and collective work in enabling the authorisation to become a reality. In relation to the IB PYP, our current and prospective families will be interested in our philosophy, our resources, as well as the written, taught and assessed curriculum. Our students are engaged and happy learners, curious and challenged and increasingly aware of global issues. Our educators too, are committed to continuous learning and improvement.

best environment for our young people, to equip them with the skills they need to adapt to our rapidly changing world and to strengthen the sense of belonging and involvement of the whole Launceston Grammar family. In this, our 175th year, we deserve to be proud of our history, to enjoy the present and embrace the future with great optimism.

Sheona Carter Head of Junior Campus

By continuing to work together , we will be able to fulfil our goal to provide the

A legacy for all A cohesive Master Plan for both the Junior Campus and Senior Campus will enable students and staff to continue to access and engage in excellent educational opportunities over the decades to come. The Master Plan Committee has begun and will continue through this year to consult with key stakeholders including parents, students, alumni, and staff prior to the release of the Master Plan towards the end of 2021. Chaired by the Rev James McKee, the Master Plan will focus on the built and natural environments of both campuses and ensure the spaces used by our community are informed by a consistent vision and benefit future generations of students. “The Master Plan aims to enable the realisation of the new Strategic Plan,” says James. “It’s all well and good to have your programmes delivered and potentially redesigned and renewed, you also have to have a built environment that enables the delivery of these programmes to occur within contemporary learning spaces.

“While we have some fantastic facilities with good purpose, there is opportunity to review what we currently have and future-proof the School for generations to come. “The Master Plan also creates an opportunity for our community to be involved in fundraising ventures for specific projects across both campuses.” Studies have shown that more green space within an education setting can create greater social cohesion, increase physical activity levels, and improve children’s cognitive development. At the Junior Campus, the Master Plan will focus not only on the built environment and natural flow of buildings and classrooms, while also increasing play spaces. 

News from Launceston Grammar

Deliver a consistent vision to benefit future generations.

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Master Plan Concept Interior and exterior space design and re-configuration that supports school pedagogy. Morrison & Breytenbach Architects

News from Launceston Grammar

 “Green space is critical at the Junior Campus,” says James. “As part of the architectural consideration, natural spines will be created so that movement is logical for students and staff.” The purchase of 5,000 square metres of land, the majority of which is green space directly behind the Junior Campus will see its footprint increase by more than half of its current land size. Headmaster Richard Ford says the additional land will further enhance the opportunities for our students and staff to engage in active learning and recreation beyond the classroom. “A need to improve the outdoor spaces and playgrounds at the Junior Campus has been identified through the Master Plan process,” says Richard. “A current shortage of available green and outdoor space can be restrictive, and our vision is to create an Early Learning Precinct, as well as others, which incorporate purposely-designed zones. We will also look to feature undercover areas and increase accessibility for students and staff. “Our Junior Campus classrooms will have the ability to connect to the outside, with provision for outdoor learning spaces, and more breakout areas to allow groups of classrooms the ability to connect and collaborate.” For the Senior Campus, James says they will look to create an academic spine which will position more classrooms in the middle and create more space on the perimeter. “The entrance to the Senior Campus will also be reinvigorated to enhance the arrival and drop off experience,” says James. “We have beautiful heritage facades upon arrival, and we will look to enhance them as people enter and move through

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the campus. We wish to honour the history and legacy of the School all within a contemporary built environment.” When asked what he is most excited about in respect of the Master Plan, James says it is the overall experience our community will have on our campuses. “We have spent a lot of time considering what it is that we want people to feel when they visit or become a part of our School community,” says James. “Whether it is a current student navigating the spaces as they move from class to class, an alumni re-visiting for a reunion or school tour – proud of their School and what it has helped them to achieve in their later life, or a family considering our School for their child’s education both in the classroom and beyond. “We are excited about this opportunity to create generational infrastructure and facilities that will make a difference and instil a real sense of pride. “Facilities are about building community. A new family joining us becomes part of that community and our Master Plan has been designed to enable people to feel a sense of welcome while also ensuring the spaces allow the delivery of excellent opportunities through spaces which facilitate sporting, arts, and theatre programmes, to name a few. “In this our 175th year, we reflect upon our rich history and take the opportunity to turn our focus toward an exciting future, inspiring life-long learners. “We have magnificent, iconic buildings which have served us well for generations and we are looking forward to providing exceptional, contemporary learning spaces to complement these iconic buildings for this generation and future generations.”

Reports on reality Words: Julian Burgess, Author - Historian

The establishment 175 years ago of Launceston Church Grammar School was warmly welcomed in the local press.

News from Launceston Grammar

On 1 July 1846 the Cornwall Chronicle reported that the School, first located on the corner of George and Elizabeth Streets, was now in active operation as could be seen by the prospectus in their advertising columns. “It must be pleasing to the friends of education (on a sound basis) to know that the claims of this portion of the Island have been so vigorously and satisfactorily met by a suitable provision for instructing youth in classical and mathematical knowledge of the highest order.” The establishment of a ‘superior’ boys’ school in Launceston was first discussed during a visit to the town in May 1838 by the Bishop of Australia, WG Broughton, and Archdeacon William Hutchins, of Hobart. It was proposed that the Launceston school [and one in Hobart] would be run on the principles of the Church of England under the auspices of an Anglican minister as Headmaster. It took the appointment of the energetic and forthright Russell Francis Nixon as the first Bishop of Van Diemen’s Land in 1842 to bring the schools to fruition, with the young Henry Plow Kane, as first Headmaster for the Launceston-based institution. Henry had arrived in Van Diemen’s Land in 1842 as tutor for the son of Launceston brewer, landowner and businessman William Barnes and his wife Anne.

sound English education’. French and the study of Drawing and Perspective were optional. A course of instruction specially adapted for students intending to enter commercial life was offered. Fees were 13 guineas per annum for senior students and 10 guineas for juniors. At the beginning of 1847, as the School was preparing to move into a new building in Elizabeth Street behind St John’s Church, it was announced that a sum of money had been donated for a scholarship in honour of the late Archdeacon William Hutchins. When the School celebrated its tenth anniversary in July 1856, The Examiner reported that the annual assembly was attended by 200 parents and friends of the School. The Rev F Hales of Holy Trinity told the assembly that those who had received their education at Launceston Grammar were receiving a superior system of learning.

By the rules of the school, each scholar must join the Latin classes, the study of Greek is optional.

In early 1846 advertisements started appearing in newspapers for the new Launceston school, with a list of the subjects to be offered: The Greek and Latin languages are taught on the Eton system. By the rules of the school, each scholar must join the Latin classes, the study of Greek is optional. The Mathematical course comprises the usual routine of Arithmetic, Algebra, Practical Geometry, Euclid, Mensuration, Trigonometry, and Navigation if required. The study of the English Language included composition and elocution and there was to be tuition in geography, astronomy ‘and the usual branches of a

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The Cornwall Chronicle of Wednesday 14 June 1865 noted that the school had ‘long flourished and was recognised amongst the Scholastic Establishments for which the Country is so celebrated’.

Launceston Church Grammar School continued to flourish on its Elizabeth Street site and when the School celebrated its 50th anniversary in November 1896 around 50 students were enrolled. A series of special events to mark the School’s jubilee included a service at St John’s Church and grand masked ball in the Albert Hall. The Daily Telegraph of Friday 20 November 1896 described the ball as a great success. The need for more space became evident as it entered the 20th century and in the early 1920s a 10-hectare section of Stephenson’s Farm on Mowbray Hill was bought for £2,000 pounds. In April 1923 the Weekly Courier published drawings of the new school buildings and reported on the School’s plans for their new home. An exciting chapter lay before them.

A solid foundation Intentional and wonder-filled with students ‘learning how to learn’ is how Primary Years Programme Coordinator, Claire Calvert describes the experiences delivered by highly qualified and experienced educators for students aged 3 to 5 years at Launceston Grammar.

“We value play and the development of relationships skills, combined with symbolic expression for our young learners,” says Claire. “Our teachers are responsive, providing both explicit and inquiry-based activities designed to promote questioning, problem-solving and independent thinking. “All within an environment that is small enough to ensure each child is truly known and able to develop their own interests and passions. We help guide students through moments of joy, wondering, frustration and challenge too, as and when they arise. “We have had children starting in our School for the first time this year who have had separation issues in the past. Each child has responded beautifully with our teachers and teacher assistants who have successfully put strategies in place to help them assimilate into the learning spaces.” An Early Learning education is a partnership between family and School underpinned by the delivery of the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (IB PYP) at the School’s Junior Campus.

“The IB PYP started in the 1990s, however the Learner Profile was introduced in the 1970s. The aim of the Learner Profile is to encourage our students to respect themselves, others and the world around them,” says Claire. “Through the PYP we use the same language about learning across the entire campus. The learning is sequential and developed through a process of sustained collaboration with groups of our staff working together. This allows us, as educators to connect the learning and experiences of our Early Years students with staff and students right through to Grade 6. “We take students to many and varied places and introduce them to experts in the field so that they can experience things first-hand with authentic learning opportunities. This is a strength of our School. “Meeting each child at their point of need is essential. Students at this developmental stage really do live in the present. Our job is to understand exactly where each child is at on their journey and what they need in each moment in time, to ensure that each experience is

meaningful for them. We believe that meeting a child’s needs in the present moment will give them the foundations for the future. “We value wholeheartedly that each student is an individual who may learn differently, interact differently and respond differently. “Within Early Learning we focus on early intervention, making sure students receive the support they may need prior to Prep. “I see Early Learning as the base of the pyramid, the foundation from which seeds are planted, grow and mature.” Compassion, understanding, and listening are three key strengths of our Early Learning staff, as well as a thirst to be as good as they can be. “Within the Early Learning team, we have a varied and highly experienced group of people who have worked within other education settings and across different countries including New Zealand, United Kingdom and Hong Kong,” says Claire. 

News from Launceston Grammar

The Early Learning team complement each other with their passions and strengths. Back row L-R are Claire Calvert, Georgia Greig, Karen Rowland, Georgina Hodgetts and Karen Hine. Front row L-R are Kim Sloane, Ally Colbeck, Emily Malinowski and Kristy Walton. Absent are Lauren Bunker, Catherine Savage, Trish Clayton and Josie Watson

I see Early Learning as the base of the pyramid. 175 Years - 2021 - Issue sixty five

 “In addition to our teachers, our teacher assistants are extremely important in the lives of our students. We are proud of their levels of qualifications and strengths in making important connections with our students. “The Early Learning team complement each other with their passions and strengths. As a relatively new team, it is exciting to see the way that the existing and new staff members are working together to ensure that the experience that our School provides for our youngest students is the best that it can be. “As an IB candidate school, our teachers have access to 4 000 educational institutions from across the globe, as well as the local PYP chapter based in Victoria. “If you have developed a new learning programme for example, the Victorian PYP Community network is a sound source for feedback as well as the Teach Meets and professional Facebook Groups.

“Setting up our young learners with the joys of reading and the ability to comprehend and understand what they are reading, is a gift which we love to give, daily to our students. “Evident in our freshly reconsidered learning spaces, artful learning experiences are in abundance throughout the Early Learning classrooms, including the newly introduced Atelier afternoon sessions with teacher, Martine Cook. “Children from within and outside of our School, work with her in the Atelier to explore, play and create. “Martine has valuable experience as a specialist art teacher in Melbourne. She enacts her belief that children are important and capable learners in every learning experience she designs.

“It is wonderful to be a part of a network of engaged like-minded educators from all parts of the world.”

“She is highly skilled in documenting student thinking, and in empowering children of all ages to recognise their strengths. Her sessions in the Atelier instil confidence in our youngest learners, often surprising their parents of the true abilities of their children.

A focus for staff this year has been to further increase the exposure of students to concepts of print and phonological awareness through a variety of texts and books. Through playful experiences our students are discovering the wonders of reading and communication in different ways.

“The developments in the Early Learning area of our School of late have been inspiring. The results that we are seeing are providing us with all the motivation we need to continue to dream big together with the wonderful students and families that continue to join our community each year.”

“We believe it is important to support parents to know the best ways to foster a love of reading in their children,” says Claire.

News from Launceston Grammar

Teaching children life skills & ethical decision making.

Outside the square News from Launceston Grammar caught up with Early Learning Teacher and alumnae (1994) Georgia Greig about her role within the Early Learning team and what she sees are the key strengths of Launceston Grammar.

Q. What has drawn you back to Launceston Grammar?

Q. What do you love most about your role?

A. The simple answer is I loved school and all it had to offer. When the opportunity arose to be part of the expert and dynamic Early Learning team, I jumped at it! I think there is such a wonderfully warm and welcoming community at Launceston Grammar and having been lucky enough to be part of that community as a student and parent I can now help to foster that special sense of belonging as a teacher. The possibility of further developing my teaching pedagogy and venturing into the Primary Years Programme was a major drawcard too.

A. Building relationships is one of the things I love most about teaching. Relationships are key to a flourishing, supportive and safe environment for children. By creating an atmosphere of trust and respect it is my hope that the children I teach will feel comfortable when discussing feelings, values and personal experiences and there will be a sense of connection and wonder.

Q. What do you believe are the strengths of our School? A. Research around the world over the past 20-years emphasises the overwhelmingly positive benefits of families, schools and communities working together with a shared understanding and focus on the needs of young people and the future of our world. Exemplary pastoral care and community involvement programmes are huge strengths for our students and their families, and this is evident in what is a happy, healthy, and welcoming school environment. Learners are unique and they determine their own learning – one size does not fit all. Launceston Grammar has the reputation of a school who recognises individual differences and who strives to maximize the participation of learners from different abilities and backgrounds.

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The early childhood classroom should be a fun, exciting, safe, and stimulating home for young children. A place for children to take risks with their learning and to challenge themselves. My aim is to instil a love of learning in the children I teach and most of all to make learning fun. Q. What are you excited about as far as the School’s future directions? A. I am most excited about the journey along the path of the Primary Years Programme. There is no better way to learn than through play and inquiry. Encouraging children to be open-minded and tolerant of diversity, and to aspire to creating a better world, it so important. It goes far beyond academic subjects, acknowledging the long-term benefits of teaching children life skills and ethical decision making. It encourages children to think outside the square, to be curious and to wonder. The possibilities are endless!

News from Launceston Grammar

Emotional intelligence Dineth Vithanarachchi says Retreat was a once in a lifetime experience. “Focusing on the School’s virtues of gratitude, perseverance, forgiveness, compassion and courage, I began to be more aware of each virtue during the entire experience,” says the Grade 10 student.  175 Years - 2021 - Issue sixty five

 “I loved the environment in which I could open up about my own thoughts and not be judged.”

“We also expect them to demonstrate altruistic values considering the needs of others and the natural environment.

The School offers many outstanding opportunities for Grade 10s as part of the Enrichment Weeks Programme. All students participate in all three Enrichment Weeks: one week on Retreat, one in the Futures Programme and one on an Outdoor Education camp, with students selecting from numerous expedition camps with a range of locations and activities as the mode of transport.

“Students are required to be independent with planning, packing and preparing meals, and need to be self-sufficient for the week, including managing and maintaining their personal equipment. It is an exceptional opportunity for them to grow and develop as young people.”

Head of Outdoor Education, Jennifer Tait says the Grade 10 Outdoor Education programme focuses predominantly on independence within the context of an outdoor journey-based expedition. “Our students are required to think for themselves and be responsible for their decisions and actions along the way,” says Jennifer. “The programme is a culmination of the students’ Outdoor Education learning to this point in their time at Launceston Grammar.

For Grade 10 student, Asha Pohan the Gordon River Camp allowed her to be significantly more independent than any other camp before. “We did all our own menu planning which was a challenge as we had to consider food that did not require refrigeration and with not too much packaging,” says Asha. “We also solved our own problems and learned to work as a team. “For any future Grade 10 student considering which camp to go on, I recommend the Gordon River one where you can appreciate the river, the trees and the water reflection on a clear day, it is stunning.”

Ella McArthur chose the Huon Valley White Water Rafting trip and said the camp helped her appreciate the Tasmanian outdoors and her fellow students. “The camp brought me closer to people I would not necessarily hang out with at school, and I learnt about their qualities and what they like doing. “The best way to enjoy camp is to appreciate each day for what it is, take everything in your stride and participate in each activity to get the most out of all that you do.” As to Futures Week, Careers Advisor, Fiona Symons says the Week has been designed to begin or continue the conversation about each student’s future, post-school. “The week is designed to address this really important stage of student transition and decision making,” says Fiona. “Our programme is based on four key themes: work readiness; transitioning to senior secondary year; career exploration; and transitioning to life after school.

News from Launceston Grammar

I felt like a new person when I came back from Retreat with an idea of who I am and want to be. Nina Gibson, Grade 10

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Celebrating

News from Launceston Grammar

giving 1846 – 2021 1838

1846

A committee petitioned for a grant of land behind St John’s Church on which to build the School and fundraising commenced for its construction.

On June 15 1846, Launceston Church Grammar School commenced in a rented house on the South East corner of George and Elizabeth Streets.

The School buildings were completed in January 1848 thanks to fundraising efforts.

1878

1866 Sir Richard Dry sent a ‘munificent donation’ to buy prizes.

Richard Green, the trustees’ secretary and treasurer bequeathed a scholarship which was established in his name. It was the first scholarship to be awarded annually.

1920

1889 William Hawkes left £1,000 to the School. Hawkes House is named after William Hawkes.

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1848

A major appeal by Headmaster Rev. JW Bethune to raise the £10,000 needed to purchase a new site at Mowbray.

1924 Launceston Grammar School opened the doors to its brand-new buildings.

1932

1947

Building of the Chapel commenced. Almost every item both in and outside the chapel has been donated.

At Launceston Grammar Food for Britain was organised by the Chaplain and continued long after the war had finished.

1950 Mrs Harold Brock donated £5,000 for a new library which was planned as part of the Assembly Hall complex.

1972 In 1972 the long-term secretary of the Board, Tom Room, donated money to replace the old gymnasium with a new building.

1960 A donation from Warren McDonald allowed for the construction of the Warren McDonald Science Block and the Vernon Jones Junior Boarding House.

1973

1988

The 10th anniversary Walkathon was the first time it was utilised as a fundraiser.

A generous donation from Stannard Clark led to the Stannard Clark Technology Centre.

1992

1996

Further donations from Stannard Clark led to a range of new buildings, including the East Quad and the Sinclaire Trust Auditorium and Tower Building.

Launceston Grammar celebrated its 150th anniversary. The Sesquicentenary Challenge Campaign exceeded $1.2 million, raising funds for the completion of the Chapel and the Sports and PE Centre.

2009

2008

The Launcestonian Foundation contributed $550,000 towards the Junior Campus Library Development.

The new swimming pool was opened after a successful fundraising campaign.

2012 In 2012 the tax-deductible Scholarship Fund was created. The Christopher ‘Gus’ Green OAM Scholarship, the Gordon Hughes Scholarship and Rooney Jones Scholarship were established.

2017

2019

Broadland House Old Girls raised funds for the Broadland House Chapel Window.

Café 1846 was officially opened. The project would not have been possible without the support of donors.

News from Launceston Grammar

A history of giving

1961 Prime Minister Robert Menzies opened the Gordon Rolph Pavilion which had been constructed from funds donated by his widow Lady Rolph. An extension in the 1980s was funded by the family of one of his daughters.

I would like to make a gift of:  $100  $500  2500  $5,000  $10,000 $

Frequency  Monthly  Quarterly  Annually Once  One Off

Please direct my gift to:  Scholarships and Bursaries  Building Fund  The School’s most pressing need All gifts to these projects over $2 are tax deductible. For more information on these projects visit: www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/community/giving Gifts can also be made online

Your Details  Mr  Mrs  Ms  Miss  Dr

2006 Thanks to a major gift the Andrew Gordon Music School at the Junior Campus was completed.

First Name Surname Address

Postcode

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2011 The development of the playing fields and Stage 1 of Stephenson’s Bend commenced.

In publications and donor honour rolls please list my/our name/s as:  I would like my gift to remain anonymous

Leaving a gift in my will  I would like to receive information about including Launceston Church Grammar School in my will

2013 The pavilion at Stephenson’s Bend was opened and the renaming of the grounds to Faulkner Park. The support of the Faulkner Family has been invaluable for students and the local Launceston community.

 I have already included a gift to Launceston Church Grammar School in my Will  I am planning to include a gift to Launceston Church Grammar School in my Will

How to make a gift  Please find enclosed my cheque or money order, made payable to Launceston Church Grammar School

2020

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Despite COVID-19, a record amount was raised through the Annual Fund. Grade 12s raised a record amount or the Walkathon, $75,000 for Fight MND.

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175 Years - 2021 - Issue sixty five

News from Launceston Grammar

Thank you The Honour Roll recognises our donors who have partnered with us to generously support our students and the School. Miss F J Cox Adkins Family Mr T A and Mrs I Dowling Mrs M M Dowling Mr A L Dowling Mr M F and Mrs C M Harris Mrs J A Coleman The Hon Dr C J Carr Mr M Jackson Mr R C Youngman Mr V Holyman Mr A S Wall Mr T G Bryden Mrs F Douglas Professor P J Edwards Mr P L Frith Mrs S Strong Broadland House Old Girls Association Broadland House Old Girls Association (Melbourne) Mrs B Selth

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Mr O R and Mrs S J M Diprose Mr T Diprose Mr W Diprose Mr D N and Mrs K Stedman Ms R Hawkins Mrs X Ye Mr B D and Mrs W Faulkner Mr B Orchard Mr P G Mercer OAM The Late Mr D Ritchie Mr A and Mrs P Kerrison Mr J and Mrs M Hosford Mr D V Fisher Mrs M Cornwell OAM Mr E L Hudson TPT Wealth Equity Fund Mr P K and Mrs L Scott Mr D Kay AM Mrs A Fysh Mr J H Roberts Mr P J Newson

Mr P E L Rapley Mr I J N Routley Mayfield Farms Mr G and Mrs M Atkinson Ms T Redman Mr R A Stark Mrs E Williams Mr R J B Hay Dr E M Cannon Mr W H Craig Mrs D Bradley GRADCO Pty Ltd Mr B Smith Mr D Willing Mr L G C Toyne Mr J M M Youl Mr T and Mrs M Heggaton Mrs J A Coleman Mr P Herbert Mr P and Mrs T Miles Our many anonymous donors

Walking warriors News from Launceston Grammar caught up with alumnae (1977) and former Head Girl, Linda Quatermass about her Walkathon recollections from years past.

Linda, who was the biggest fundraiser for their chosen charity, Royal Guide Dogs For the Blind Association, says for those who braved the walk from Elizabeth Town to the Launceston Town Hall it had a bonding effect on each participating student whose experience was unlike today’s Grade 12 walkers in respect to creature comforts. “Spare a thought for the walkers back in those days, when ‘hi tech’ had no meaning,” says Linda. “Warm meant flannelette shirts, greasy wool socks,

army greatcoats or jumpers in lurid colours knitted by your gran. “Decked out for a night on the road, our group of walkers were fed dinner at my parents’ farm in Sassafras and then driven in the school bus to our starting point. “Eagerly jumping off the bus keen to get started, I remember the first XV111 heading off together at a trot into the void; the rest of us following in their wake.

“We walked through the night aiming for Westbury where breakfast was promised. It seemed like a great adventure; an all-nighter camouflaged in school colours.” For Linda most of the night was a blur with trucks pelting past their horns blasting, coins being flung at them and after the whoosh of the passing vehicle, the enveloping darkness. “I remember the joy of trudging into Westbury where breakfast and a seat, was promised.

News from Launceston Grammar

The Walkathon grew from a challenge by the late United States President, John F Kennedy, that a fit man should be able to walk 50 miles in 20 hours. Recent research has established that the challenge actually predates Kennedy and can be traced back to Theodore ‘Teddy’ Roosevelt, 26th US President (1901–1909). The walk was widely reported in the world press and appeared in the Launceston Examiner where it was read by Headmaster Don Selth. He put the challenge to the prefects over a breakfast meeting. The year was 1963 and nine boys plus teacher Bruce Dowse set off claiming the title of inaugural Walkathon warriors.

“It was very early in the morning and the mist was rising off the river. Sheep lifted their heads and followed us as we plodded along the road to the town hall. “Parents and teachers were on hand to help us ease into chairs, remove our boots, pop our blisters, apply Band-aids, and feed us. “When I arrived, there was already a large contingent of walkers, seated huddled over cups of tea or lying around the hall. It was strangely comforting to see that everyone looked as exhausted as I felt.” Linda says the final leg into Launceston was slow. “Those who had met us at Westbury now joined with us, urging us on. My focus was now on just walking placing one foot in front of the other and finishing.

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1963, the first 50 mile Walkathon

“The last 200 metres to the Town Hall was agony. Our muscles had ceased to respond, blisters were plump, and ankles swollen. But we made it and all in under 20 hours!” And when asked what makes Walkathon so special, Linda reflects that for the Class of ’77 it certainly had a bonding effect. “Whether we walked all of it or some of it, the walk was something we had done together. We learned about ourselves and about each other, what we could achieve, what we could put up with, the true grit in each of us, and what a difference it made sharing the experience with classmates and teachers. “It didn’t really matter whether you arrived first or last, whether you walked all or part of the way, everyone’s contribution counted. We had become a team.”

Birds-eye view For Launceston Grammar parent Lucinda Booth, the 2021 Walkathon will always hold a special place in her heart. “This year, the youngest of our three boys, Harry, completed his ‘rite of passage’ walking 80 km in 24 hours,” says Lucinda. “For us this was a bit nostalgic, but it also filled us with immense pride for our son’s efforts and those of his grade. “Senior Science Teacher, Darren Chilcott, said before they started, ‘To do the walk alone is a huge achievement but to do it as a group is so much more’. I totally agree on one line. Lucinda also says the visible camaraderie amongst the grade was obvious, especially when they walked through the School gates at the conclusion of the walk. “It just shows that goals can seem insurmountable, but if we dig deep, who knows what we can achieve,” she reflects. As part of the Walkathon fundraising efforts for this year’s chosen charity, Cancer Council Tasmania, the Booths hosted a ‘fly-in’ on their property, Rostella, north of Launceston.

“The original idea came from alumnus James Nation, a young pilot, who, when in Grade 11 asked to use our airstrip and the river edge of our property for a breast cancer fundraiser,” says Lucinda. “It was attended by pilots flying in from all over Tasmania and heralded a success. James held another the following year for prostate cancer. “Launceston Grammar Aviation programme coordinator, Dr Cameron Rogers suggested a fly-in Walkathon fundraiser for this year’s Grade 12s, and we thought it would be a wonderful idea.” The fundraiser was hosted by the Booths in March, with over 180 people in attendance. “The day was perfect weather-wise, with 29 planes and one helicopter dropping in for lunch,” says Lucinda. “The wonderful team of parents and students helped setup, prepare, cook and serve a fantastic meal, looking after everything from parking, COVID safety, and manning the finance table. “It was a memorable with $5,000 raised for this year’s charity - an admirable team effort.”

News from Launceston Grammar

Walkathon charities 1973 Handicapped Infants Group 1975 Save the Children 1976 Launceston Benevolent Society 1977 Royal Guide Dogs For the Blind Association 1978 Rheumatism and Arthritis Foundation of Tasmania 1979 The Asthma Foundation 1980 The Spina Bifida Association of Tasmania 1981 Toy Town Lending Library 1982 Royal Tasmanian Society For the Blind and Deaf 1983 The Epilepsy Society of Australia / The Muscular Dystrophy Association of Tasmania 1984 SIDS Research (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) 1985 The Asthma Foundation / Royal Guide Dogs Association 1986 Huntington’s Disease Association / Caring Parents for Disabled 1987 Roland Boys’ Home / School for Visually Impaired 1988 Camp Quality / PolioPlus 1989 Cancer Council Tasmania / Asthma Foundation 1990 SIDS Research (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) / Diabetes Australia

Launceston Grammar’s first Headmaster, the Rev Henry Plow Kane was married in 1847 to the daughter of Captain William Neilly, a retired Waterloo veteran of the 63rd British regiment who built ‘Rostella’ c1834, the Booth’s family home

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1991 Canteen / Royal Flying Doctor Service 1992 World Wide Fund for Nature / New Horizons Club 1993 The Fred Hollows Foundation / Royal Guide Dogs Association 1994 World Wide Fund for Nature / Canteen 1995 W P Holman Clinic / AIDS Research 1996 Good Samaritans / City Mission

1997 Huntington’s Disease Association / Toy Town Lending Library 1998 Philip Oakden House / Wattle Group 1999 The Asthma Foundation of Tasmania / Giant Steps Tasmania 2000 Cystic Fibrosis / Parkinson’s Foundation 2001 Muscular Dystrophy Association / Mersey Community Hospital 2002 Epilepsy Foundation 2003 Time Out / National Heart Foundation of Australia 2004 TEAR Australia 2005 Tasmanian Acquired Brain Injury Services 2006 Giant Steps Tasmania / Tarime Goodwill Foundation 2007 Launceston Women’s Shelter / Rotary Club of Deloraine 2008 The Fred Hollows Foundation / Menzies Research Institute Tasmania 2009 The WP Holman Clinic / Care for Africa 2010 KIDS Foundation 2011 Fight Cancer Foundation 2012 Life Without Barriers 2013 Give Me 5 for Kids 2014 Variety Tasmania 2015 Cystic Fibrosis Tasmania 2016 National Breast Cancer Foundation 2017 Epilepsy Tasmania 2018 SPEAK UP! Stay ChatTY 2019 StGiles 2020 FightMND 2021 Cancer Council Tasmania *Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the above listing which does not include the first 10 years.

SPACE L A new Aviation space was officially opened earlier this year at the Senior Campus. With notable alumni including Sir Wilmot Hudson Fysh, co-founder of Qantas, David Warren, creator of the black box flight recorder, and Victor and Ivan Holyman, co-founders of Holyman’s Airlines (later to become part of Australian National Airlines and AnsettANA), aviation is very much a part of the School’s heritage, and now its future. The purpose-built fit-out is now the epicentre for students enrolled in the School’s unique Aviation programme – the only one of its kind in the state. The programme provides a practical pathway to acquire highly specialised skills for Grade 8 to 10 students who have a passion for aeronautics and engineering. Aviation programme coordinator, Dr Cameron Rogers says students choose to study aviation for a variety of reasons.

“When combined, Science, Mathematics and Engineering can empower a student to understand both theoretical and practical components of aeronautical engineering.” Cameron says the Aviation space features functional flight simulators, a relaxed space for drone flying instruction, and the RV-12 plane, currently under construction. “The plane is being built as part of two electives offered by the School for students across Grades 9 and 10. “Building a plane is not only about the engineering side of the project it will also teach students a variety of important skills. “The creation of a plane is easier, engineering-wise, than building a car, as there are less parts, so this makes for a much better school project. “I am very excited about the new Aviation space and the opportunity for students to be involved in this largescale aviation project.”

“I would suggest a quarter of the students plan on becoming pilots in any sort of professional capacity,” says Cameron. “With the remainder interested in seeing how subjects complement each other in a learning environment.

Grade 9 Aviation Studies student, Reiley Hind building a model aircraft to be displayed in the new Aviation space

News from Launceston Grammar

LAUNCH Alumnus (1943) John Seaton MBE (1927–2020) held a distinguished career within aviation which spanned over 50 years. He began his flight training in January 1952 at Archerfield Queensland (a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) station at the time) graduating the same year with a posting to the Williamtown RAAF Base, north of Newcastle, followed by Japan, Korea, Australia, and Antarctica. Whilst on an exploratory photographic flight he had the good fortune to find the largest glacier in the world – the Lambert Glacier.

In 1958 John took up a role at Qantas Empire Airways in the Territory of Papua and New Guinea and is credited as flying Qantas’s first B707-138 A and Bs to routes including Hong Kong, Karachi, Cairo, Rome, San Francisco, Hawaii, and New York. John was to become Chief Pilot of Solair, the Solomon Islands national airline and later Managing Director. During this period, he undertook considerable aerial exploration and discovery of WWII sites and was involved in flying Japanese officials to airdrop leaflets to remote islands where it was thought Japanese soldiers may still be hiding. In recognition of his contribution to tourism and aviation, John was awarded an MBE in 1975, with an investiture conducted by HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace.

Alumnus, John Seaton MBE with wife Barbara

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Health for life Central to a child’s health, development and psychosocial wellbeing is the ongoing participation in physical activity.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) participation in sufficient levels of physical activity is important for cardiovascular, metabolic, and musculoskeletal health. It also plays a critical role in the prevention and treatment of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Regular activity supports brain development, bone strength, and coordination, and helps to achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Launceston Grammar Director of Sport, Adrian Finch says that being active can also have a positive effect on sleep, mental health, concentration, and selfesteem and for 2021 the focus for the School’s Health and Physical Education (HPE) staff is to provide opportunities for students to take ownership of their fitness, general health, and wellbeing for long-term gain. “When I reflect on my time as a student at Launceston Grammar, I have a great appreciation for the opportunities and experiences that the staff and coaches provided throughout my journey.” “I am very excited about where the Sport and HPE programmes are heading and the support and resources that the school is investing to provide the best opportunities for our students. “I believe that the sport and co-curricular programme must offer a wide range of sports and activities for students of all levels of ability and interest to participate in and that’s why our Sports programme alone has over 25 sports to choose from throughout the year.” “One of my goals for 2021 is for the Sports programme and the HPE curriculum to complement each other to achieve greater learning outcomes for our students and to enhance the performance of our senior sport teams.” “This year we have introduced a fitness unit for all Grade 7-10 HPE classes

News from Launceston Grammar

with a focus on cardiovascular fitness and movement patterns for resistance training,” says Adrian. “By introducing more opportunities for students to take ownership of their life-long fitness and giving them the skills to do it safely and effectively, we are not only meeting the expectations as set by the Australian Curriculum but transcending it.” For Adrian and his team, there is also a focus on ensuring students have the tools to take ownership of their fitness. “The ability to use health and fitness facilities into the future is very important, so it is essential for us to teach correct technique to reduce the likelihood of injury and to maximise life-long health and fitness,” says Adrian. “We have also included an aquatic unit for each Grade to provide more opportunities for students to refine swimming stroke technique, participate in aquatic games, aquatic fitness for cross training and recovery methods. We have an excellent aquatic facility with a 6-lane, 25-metre swimming pool which has been recently renovated. “We have introduced a Strength and Conditioning programme which is available to all Senior Campus students in that they are able to undertake fitness circuits each lunch time with our Strength and Conditioning Coach, Theunis (TJ) Pieters in our Fitness and High-performance Centre.” As part of his PhD, TJ is collecting training and competition information, testing fatigue levels, and monitoring the overall wellbeing of students. “Information collected will help us better understand how much training and competition our students are doing and assist us to better manage their workloads to improve their overall physical performance, as well as to reduce fatigue, and improve general wellbeing,” says Adrian. 

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 “Over 50 students at School are now wearing GPS movement tracking units while playing AFL, soccer, and hockey as part of TJ’s PhD research project.

internal workloads will hopefully help TJ to determine optimal workloads that our students need to train at to maximise their performance.”

“These units will allow us to measure and quantify exactly how much physical workloads our students experience during a normal training week, which assists us in prescribing more accurate and safer training programmes to enhance performance and reduce fatigue.

Even though Launceston Grammar is a smaller school, the success of its sporting journey can be accredited not only to its athletes but also the staff who work with them. When asked about the calibre of the coaching staff, Adrian says Launceston Grammar is dedicated to providing students with access to the highest quality coaching available in Tasmania.

“We have also invested in TeamBuildr software which allows our Senior Campus students to receive an individualised training programme from TJ or one of the other HPE staff. “It’s essentially a platform to be able to write training programmes and access athlete performance data. “Students also record their daily physical activities and rate each activity’s intensity level, which allows us to calculate their internal workloads through their perceived exertional levels. “The combination of using the GPS units to track movement demands and using TeamBuildr software to measure

“Including ex-AFL Richmond and Port Adelaide Footballer Jay Schulz as Head Football Coach for 2021,” says Adrian. “It is great to have Jay coaching our students and playing with the Old Launcestonians Football Club this year and hopefully into the future. “We have a young team of footballers this year with a lot of talent, so it will be great to have Jay work with this group to set them up to compete against some of the bigger schools in the SATIS (Sports Association of Tasmanian Independent Schools) competition over the next 2 to 3 years.

“Jay is an exceptional addition to our top-level coaching staff which includes Jade Selby as head cricket coach, Mitch Billing for soccer, Barry Townsend for rowing and James Bolzonello and Matt Carswell for tennis. “This coupled with the investment the School makes in providing outstanding sporting facilities, as well as attracting expert coaches like Jay ensures our students are provided with the very best opportunities.” The School also offers an Athlete Pathways programme and an introduction to Athlete Development programmes for Grade 11 and 12 students who are wishing to participate at a higher level in their chosen sport. “We are creating pathways for athletes who wish to pursue a career in sport, and it is important to have support systems in place to be able to deliver these programmes with qualified coaches and our dedicated Health and Physical Exercise staff,” says Adrian.

TJ and Adrian in the School’s Fitness and High-performance Centre

News from Launceston Grammar

Providing students with the knowledge and tools to take ownership of their fitness.

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Open balconies bread and dripping Launceston Grammar’s boarding history through the decades features an array of notable moments and memories. Of foul food, hypochondriacs and splinters, weakly boarders, merry maintenance men, coveted hampers, and the demand for girls to pursue an education with career choices slowly expanding. News from Launceston Grammar takes a look at some of these experiences for both boarding boys and girls. Broadland Boarding House, rear view

News from Launceston Grammar

Boys The year was 1848 and an imposing Elizabethan structure greeted Launceston Grammar boarders; their new ‘home away from home’. Now the site of the Colonial Launceston hotel, the building initially housed the Headmaster’s family as well as 24 boarding students. Memories for boarders of both the verandah and extension being bitterly cold in winter, are still vivid. A boarder recollects that the verandah was left open, with only a canvas blind to ‘protect’ the boys and their beds from the weather. Fast forward 55 years to 1903 and the outbreak of a smallpox epidemic. The boarders were moved to the empty Horton College at Ross with Headmaster Wilkinson. During the four-month period they were at the college, food was in short supply and an appeal for donations went out to the local community. The boarders also received coveted hampers

from home. Notations talk of playing football in the dormitory and wandering in the bush collecting flora and fauna. With the relocation in 1924 to the Mowbray site, new boarding facilities were built. By the 1930s the boys were very much connected to the Tamar River with the School now overlooking Stephenson’s Bend. Many went down the bank and out of bounds to watch the Bass Strait ferry Taroona as she sailed past. The food, described as a ‘disgrace for growing boys’, included bread and dripping, and not much porridge and toast for breakfast. The year was 1960 and The Launcestonian magazine reports ‘The Boarding House had an excellent year. Let all modern scientists take note – a miracle has happened – Boarding House meals have greatly improved’. In the 70s the magazine’s Boarding House Notes of House Master Sorell warmly invites new Matron Jacobs into the role

with a stern warning that ‘the fun starts in second term with a barrage of dirty sports-gear and outbreaks of anything from the common cold to Asian flu’. Four-years on with reports in The Launcestonian announcing delightedly that ‘The standard of meals in the Boarding House has been exceptionally high due to the concentrated efforts of the domestic staff. Our thanks go to the Bursar, Mr Cooper, and his merry maintenance men for their efforts in updating the Boarding House and to Matron who has learnt to pick the hypochondriacs from the genuinely ill’. And finally in 1975, ‘this year the upstairs corridors have been varnished and now fewer boys pay a visit to the Matron with splinters in their feet. As usual, this year, Mr and Mrs Ayers and the kitchen staff have maintained a very high standard of meals. Our thanks [also] go to Matron for comforting us through colds and other ailments during this year’.

Girls Boarders were always a part of the fabric of Broadland House with Speech Night reports from the 1880s mentioning a Boarders Prize. The original Elizabeth Street house was not spacious and, as a result, boarding numbers were kept low. The move to Lyttleton Street in 1915 resulted in far more space for boarding students, who were also blessed with a tennis court and croquet lawn. By 1940

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the School was home to 29 boarders ranging from 7 to 17 years.

came to be regarded as ‘weakly boarders’.

Following World War II there was an increase in demand for girls to pursue an education with career choices slowly expanding. Increased enrolments saw boarding numbers rise to 75 in 1957. Full term boarders became the norm rather than the exception and while day girls remained ‘day rats’, weekly boarders

Conditions for the girls gradually improved. The Broadland House magazine, Latifundia in 1964 reported that some boarders were ‘now lucky enough to have foam rubber pillows, although hot water bottles were not allowed in winter’.

Aspirational advocate Multi-media artist and Launceston Grammar alumnae (2000) Ange Leech has been awarded one of the most prestigious scholarships available to Australian postgraduate students, the Fulbright Scholarship. As a Fulbright Scholar, Ange is focusing on the role the arts can play in advocating for social justice and finding solutions to address the high incarceration rates amongst Indigenous and marginalised populations in both America and Australia. She is currently undertaking a Master of Arts in Peace and Justice at the University of San Diego’s Kroc School of Peace Studies in California. News from Launceston Grammar caught on new line with Ange about the opportunity to study under human rights lawyers and international leaders in innovative education, socially engaged art and justice reform, and her journey since leaving school. Q. What led you to receiving a prestigious Fulbright Scholarship? A. After completing Grade 12 I moved to Melbourne having developed a passion for visual arts and was accepted into the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), majoring in sculpture. While there I performed in bands, exhibited with a private gallery, and participated in national art shows and competitions. Around 2010, I started feeling a sense of urgency to travel to remote Australia,

Ange Leech moved to Western Australia’s Eastern Goldfields to connect with likeminded people

News from Launceston Grammar

To build more humane and just systems to serve populations disadvantaged by poverty.

having read so much about the rich First Nations cultures and art that is created in the Western Desert. I aspired to play a role in this country’s long overdue journey to reconciliation. Profoundly naive but with good intention, I moved to the Eastern Goldfields in Western Australia where I connected with communities and likeminded people who shared a similar vision. Here I started working in remote communities collaborating with artists and local organisations to create art projects and creative responses to social needs. In 2014 I started working on a contract basis in a regional prison, designing and facilitating artistic programs built upon the strengths of the students within the prison. This work led me to aspire to apply for the Fulbright in the pursuit of looking to our international peers to share and exchange knowledge and skills. My ultimate goal? To obtain the knowledge to return home to build more humane and just systems to serve populations disadvantaged by poverty. Q. Tom Dougherty, Executive Director of the Australian-American Fulbright Commission is quoted as saying that you were chosen because of your ‘dedication to causes that uplift those at the margins of society’. What drives your passion for social justice? A. It is hard to say. I draw my ethics and morals from my family and positive upbringing. I believe everybody is great at something or has a longing to achieve something. I am inspired by people who use their artistic ability to pursue social justice. Growing up I listened to a lot of music that expressed political activism; Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, Midnight Oil and MC5. I also listened to a lot of

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music generated by people who were oppressed, such as the blues music generated in the deep south of the USA during the early 19th century. I believe that no one is better than anyone else and everyone should have equal opportunity to follow their own aspirations and prosper. Q. How did your time at Launceston Grammar help influence who you are today? A. My heart is filled with gratitude when I reflect on the lengths that our Music and Art teachers invested in our development. What I found most impressive was how they maintained their commitment and were so successful in their own practice. I was one of the students who learned under Barry Dungeon and was able to learn the ins and outs of a recording studio. We were also the seniors who made the transition from the Joffre Street art rooms to the Poimena Gallery. I can still remember standing with resident artist Rob Ikin who said to me I was good enough to go to RMIT. This was reaffirmed and with support of the Art teachers I achieved this. The camaraderie amongst friends and opportunities like school camps, concerts, music trips, sporting events are memories I will never forget.

Fulbright offers scholarships to students who are passionate about research that will improve the lives of Australians. If you have a project you would like to explore, find out about how you might apply here: www.fulbright.org.au

Space and time Launceston Grammar alumnus (1974) Professor Bill Spence is the founding Director of the Centre for Research in String Theory at Queen Mary University of London. He has recently published a book Everything is Now: Revolutionary Ideas from String Theory.

Professor David Tong, Department of Applied Mathematics and Theoretical Physics, University of Cambridge is quoted as saying that, ‘String theory is often paraded as a theory of everything, but there are a large number of untold stories in which string theory gives us insight into other areas of physics. Bill Spence does an excellent job of explaining the deep connections between string theory, particle physics, and the novel way of viewing space and time.’ News from Launceston Grammar caught up with Professor Spence recently. Q. Tell us about the journey which led you to the Queen Mary University of London? A. I knew early on that I wanted to go and study the theories about the universe – relativity and quantum mechanics. There was only one university in Australia that had a specialised department for this – the Australian National University (ANU). After studying at ANU I came to the UK; the universities have excellent people from all around the world. I did a PhD at King’s College London with an up-and-coming researcher who wasn’t

much older than I was. I subsequently went to Queen Mary when the inventor of string theory, Prof Michael Green, recruited me. A little later I founded a new research centre at Queen Mary and with colleagues recruited a wonderful group of bright young people. It has been a real pleasure working there for most of my career. Q. With three decades researching string theory, what does it mean for you to have Everything is Now: Revolutionary Ideas from String Theory published? A. For the third decade you mention (age creeps up on you!) I had been in leadership positions in my university – lastly as a Deputy Vice-Chancellor. After that I took a sabbatical to get back into research, and during this decided to write about the latest results that were coming out. I aimed the book at a general audience and kept it short so people could hopefully get some of the basic ideas more easily. It is always a pleasure to write about something that you find interesting, and I was fortunate to have that opportunity. 

nceston Grammar News from Launceston

I am sure most of us wonder at times about the extraordinary facts of existence.

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 Q. Professor Lionel Mason, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford is quoted as saying ‘This engaging and beautifully written book gives an authoritative but accessible account of some of the most exciting and unexpected recent developments in theoretical physics’. Can you please expand on this for our readers and in particular the ‘unexpected recent developments’ and what this means for us and future generations? A. I am sure most of us wonder at times about the extraordinary facts of existence – are we really just rotating about on a huge rock on an outer arm of a gigantic spinning galaxy of stars, in the middle of billions of other galaxies unimaginable distances away? What is matter made from? Where did this all come from? I was always attracted to understand the answers people were attempting to give to these questions.

We now know a lot, although what we do know raises more questions. One of the most basic questions is the nature of space and time. Einstein showed that the force of gravity arises from space and time having ‘dynamical’ features rather than just being ‘there’. But his theory is incomplete and not consistent with quantum theory. This is where string theory comes in. In the most recent work, the way that some physics happens in space and time is described by mysterious and beautiful crystal-like structures invented by mathematicians. I don’t think anyone could have predicted this and it shows that there is so much for us to learn. Q. How did your education at Launceston Grammar shape who you are today? A. Teachers should never underestimate the impact they can have on students,

fostering their abilities and broadening their outlook on life. On the academic side, I still remember my Maths teacher, Dr Jirku, who I believe came to Australia from Eastern Europe for a better life after WWII. He didn’t just plough through a textbook he would throw out questions for us to think about and discuss. The School more generally seemed to me a rather authoritarian place when I was a student there. The world was changing fast at that time and the School seemed unable to engage with this at all. The world is still throwing up new challenges and we need to adapt and foster critical thinking in students. It is important that older generations remain open to ideas which don’t just conform to their habits of thinking. Young people are usually the source of these new ideas, so we need to listen to them. I hope that this is the case now.

News from Launceston Grammar

Breaking News We are pleased to announce the 2021 Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award recipient is Tasmanian-born journalist and television presenter, Pip Courtney. Look for the full story within the News from Launceston Grammar 2022 edition.

2020 Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award recipient, Don Kay AM with his daughter, Sally at the Senior Campus

The right note The first musician to receive the School’s annual Peter Sculthorpe Alumnus Award is Australian classical composer, Don Kay AM. Originally from Smithton, he attended Launceston Grammar as a boarder from 1944. His journey since leaving school has been shaped by his love of music and composition. At the University of Melbourne, he studied a Bachelor of Music and continued his study of composition in London. Since his return to Tasmania in 1964, Don has composed over 250 works including operas, symphonies, choral and chamber music which have been performed across Australia and internationally. In 1990 he was appointed a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his service to the Arts, particularly in the field of composition. In the same year he began serving as Head of the Tasmanian Conservatorium

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of Music. At the age of 86, he can still be found composing and mentoring the next generation of Tasmanian composers. At a School assembly Don challenged Grade 11 and 12 students to find their creative language whether it be through music, film, photography, textiles, or art. He also shared how he is still very much a work in progress. "This award was really a great surprise and a great delight, and it was so generous of the School, they gave my daughter and myself such a wonderful time,” says Don. Named after eminent Australian composer and Old Launcestonian Peter

Sculthorpe, the award was created in 2015 to honour a member of the Launceston Grammar community who has made a significant achievement within their field of endeavour. The award is also intended to inspire the next generation, providing opportunities for current students to meet, interact with and learn from the award recipient. Previous recipients include former Australian diplomat Peter FitzGerald, leading scientists Professor Derek Denton and Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, journalist Indira Naidoo and former politician and prominent business leader, the Hon Warwick Smith AO LLB.

Leaders Reflect News from Launceston Grammar asked our Junior and Senior Campus House Leaders to reflect on our 175-year journey and what our history and future means to them.

As it is the 175th of Launceston Grammar, our House is reflecting on ourselves as we are now and what we will strive for over the coming year and beyond. Gillett House has been known as a family for quite some time. We show compassion and support for one another. This year, we are striving to strengthen our connections within our House with peers, tutors, and our House head. We believe that supporting and encouraging our House members will prepare them for the future.

Charlotte Savva and Matthew Lee, Gillett House Named after Mr Hugh Fraser in 1961, Fraser House’s motto Summum Bonum translates to ‘The Highest Good’. Over the decades that Fraser House has been active, students of the House have continually strived to achieve the highest good out of every situation. This year, Fraser as a House have come together to achieve this same goal through helping one another, celebrating each other’s achievements, and bettering the community through supporting the 2021 Grade 12 Walkathon charity, Cancer Council Tasmania.

Ashleigh Hutt and Gerald Murphy, Fraser House Hawkes House is a unique House in its family atmosphere and long history of providing a home away from home for many students. The House was named after former school benefactor, Mr William Hawkes. Previously the House was combined with Savigny as Hawkes-Savigny from 1924 to 1996. The House has been separated from Savigny since 1997 and we hope that the small boarding community will continue to grow and nurture students.

175 years of learning, growing, and forming connections. In Roff House, our motto, Seek Better Things has evolved to influence the way in which we carry ourselves and how we look to the future. As those who have gone before us, we strive to challenge one another in building strong connections between individuals, tutors, and the wider community, working together to seek better things.

Billie Hall and Samuel McKendrick, Roff House Savigny has a rich history with the School named after Mr William Savigny a former Headmaster. In the past Savigny was the combined Boarding House with Hawkes. The words Nil Desperadum or ‘Never Give Up’ summarises how we think Savigny will progress into the future, with optimism to improve the House and School. A real contender in the fields of sport and academia, Savigny will continue to grow and improve as a House and as a family.

Sarah Curtis and Harry Booth, Savigny House Wilkinson has been competitive and compassionate since its founding in 1924, when it was named in honour of former Headmaster Rev Christopher Wilkinson who served from 1895 to 1918. Our House motto ‘Without Fear and Without Reproach’ has been a driving force behind Wilkinson’s courage and positive moral; evident in our success and victories over recent years. We strive to uplift the spirited culture and continue to honour Wilkinson’s powerful legacy for many years.

Maxey-Middleton is a House of spirit and connection. Our aims are to compete with all our effort and for everyone to participate. Every Maxey-Middleton member should strive to be the best they can be! We look for opportunities to shine and work together. We are strong and we wear yellow and brown with pride. We are Maxey-Middleton!

Max Duffy and Gracie Hirst, MaxeyMiddleton House Buesnell-Rooney House has been a significant part of Launceston Grammar’s history. From our encouraging nature to our great sportsmanship, our goal is to create the opportunity for students to represent their House with a broader range of talents. We give everything a go and when things get tough, we continue to persist taking pride in all we do. We are the house of purple and blue!

Lydia Hayes and Marcus Waddingham, Buesnell-Rooney House Lyttleton-Hewton has been a successful sporting House at Launceston Grammar for many years. We have great spirit and compete with enthusiasm. Our last carnival we won was the cross country and before that we won the swimming. Our House has been a big part of the School’s 175-year history. We have been evolving for many years, with new captains and members.

Ollie Cannon and Saskia Grodski, Lyttleton-Hewton House

Poppy Eastaugh and William Bennett, Wilkinson House

Sarah Curtis and Abraham Okarafa, Hawkes House

News from Launceston Grammar

Alumni News As we progress through this celebratory year it is impossible not to take some time and reflect on all the elements that combine to bring us to this point. We have so much to be proud of and celebrate. It is, however, prudent for us as a school community to consider our future needs; academically, geographically, and fiscally, we have so much to consider. With this in mind, I take this opportunity to commend headmasters and boards, past and present, for their strategic planning which has resulted in successful projects coming to fruition over many years. For instance, one can only imagine the enormity of the decision to relocate the School from Elizabeth Street to Mowbray! More recent projects, such as the construction of the pool, Faulkner Park, access to and landscaping of the boat sheds, numerous upgrades at the

Junior Campus and, more recently, the purchase of the adjacent land to Broadland. I name only a few projects here, but these culminate in the futureproofing of our School for at least the next 100 years. All these projects would never have been possible without the pride our broad School community has. The volunteer hours and products and produce donated to support over the years is incalculable. The dedication and commitment of our teachers and staff is exceptional and the generosity of benefactors is remarkable.

As a School we have so much to be proud of which nothing drives this sentiment home for me more than when I see current students, including my own children, proudly wearing the Blue, Black and White. I look forward to celebrating this huge milestone with you!

Simon Wood Old Launcestonians’ Association President

How fortunate is Launceston Grammar to celebrate this year as the oldest independent school in Australia with a continuous history of 175 years. With its origins dating back to 1845, Broadland House could once claim to be the oldest continuously operating girls’ school in the southern hemisphere, that is until the amalgamation with Launceston Grammar. 1983 saw the union of the two independent schools, which has now resulted in one great school richly steeped in tradition, values, and honour, fully equipped to face the future with confidence.

Broadland, now the Junior Campus, continues to grow with the exciting news regarding the purchase of land at the back of the top tennis court, once part of the old QV Hospital. Many an old Broadland girl climbed through the hole in the fence to investigate what was beyond. As we laid in the long grass, we tried not to think about returning to our afternoon classes and hoped we would not be caught and earn another detention.

The generations of students who have excelled at the two schools and later in life have had the wonderful opportunity of attending our great School.

Rosemary Stobart Broadland House Old Girls Association President

In Memoriam Mrs Margery H Sheldrick Mr John A Marsden Mr Keith Ritchie Mr Henry C Haines Mrs Mary R Irby Mrs Lucy F Lancaster Mr Simon Voet Mrs M C Chandler Mrs M J Mcleod Major James H Welch Mrs Angela Kalnoky Mrs Margaret Parish Mr Geoffrey E Kay Mrs M A Trethewie Mr Stewart C Ferguson Mrs M S Bohdal Mr Denis A Frith Mr Peter R Jones Mr Geoffrey Lean Mr Ramsay A Palfreyman

175 Years - 2021 - Issue sixty five

1935 1937 1939 1940 1940 1940 1940 1942 1942 1944 1945 1946 1947 1947 1948 1949 1949 1949 1949 1950

Mr Leicester B Walker 1950 Mr Thomas M Busby 1952 Mrs Dorothy Laycock 1952 Mr Neville F Hyland 1952 Mr Gerald Mayhead 1953 Mrs Zerlina J White 1953 Mrs Margaret H Allum 1955 Mr Bruce Cutts 1955 Mr Ian L Millen 1955 Mr Kevin Miller 1955 Dr Rodney D Morice 1956 Mrs A Arthur 1957 Mrs Althea Arthur 1957 Mr John H Sale 1957 Mr Roderick G Banham 1958 Mr Peter A C Scholes 1958 Mrs Gwendolyn Adams AM 1959 Mrs Geraldine Buck 1959 Mr David B Jones 1959 Mrs Leonie Springer 1959

Mr Peter A Newman Mr Kelvin D Cooper Mr Richard B Gilchrist Mr Desmond A Boxhall Mr J H Baily Mr Alastair J Piercey Mr Bruce C Taylor Mrs Helen P Wills Mr Joanne Kenny Mr Philip Green Mrs Diana Jane Griffin Mr Gregory S Buckley Mr Thomas Field Mrs Louise M Garwood Miss Ottalyne M Hood Mrs Patricia Kershaw Mr John P Madden

1960 1961 1961 1962 1963 1964 1966 1966 1968 1969 1969 1971 1971 1971 1980 1973 1971

Year listed refers to alumni year

Archival Anecdote A rare find Worn by 1954 Captain of Athletics, Robin Holyman is this featured tracksuit, with only three of its kind ever owned by a Launceston Grammar student. The photograph, which depicts Robin in the middle, was taken as part of an ANZAC Day Sports event at York Park in Invermay. The tracksuit was purchased by Robin’s father, Keith who provided the remaining two to Arnold Gunther, the 1953 Captain of Athletics and a champion sprinter, and Brian Smith, Captain of Athletics from 1955 to 1957. The tracksuit, which received a special treatment with the acronym LCGS sewn on by his mother, Jean can be viewed within the Senior Campus Café 1846 archive display as part of the 175-year celebrations. The display features many of the uniforms worn by Broadland House and Launceston Grammar students.

Jan Haswell, Robin Holyman wearing the rare tracksuit, and Brian Smith

News from Launceston Grammar

You are invited To help celebrate 175 years of Launceston Church Grammar School, please join us for a Black Tie Gala Evening at the Albert Hall. }{ When Saturday 16 October 2021 from 6.30pm }{ Where 47 Tamar Street Launceston }{ Dress Black tie }{ }{ Tickets $150 per person, or $1400 for a table of 10 for a 3-course dinner and drinks }{

Tickets www.lcgs.tas.edu.au/175th-anniversary/ Inquiries community@lcgs.tas.edu.au

Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. MALCOLM X

Tasmania, Australia | lcgs.tas.edu.au CRICOS NUMBER 00650K

2021 News from Launceston Grammar magazine Issue 65

Articles inside

Archival anecdote

Alumni News / In Memoriam

Open balconies bread and dripping

The right note

Aspirational advocate

Health for life

Leaders reflect

Space and time

Space launch

Walking warriors

Emotional intelligence

A legacy for all

Reports on reality

Celebrating giving

From the Headmaster

A solid foundation

Reports